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A Matter of Necessity

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FBI Special Agent Alex Ware was only supposed to expose a terrorist arms dealer. He never expected an undercover assignment to unleash emotional chaos and destroy life as he knew it.

But that's before he discovers that teammate and friend Shawn Matthews nurses a secret love for him, before he embarks on a sexual relationship with the other man. Their "love affair," after all, is nothing but a matter of necessity, an elaborate and daring ruse to save their lives during a dangerous undercover sting operation, right?

Except Alex's heart doesn't believe that for an instant. So how can he return to his old life as if Shawn doesn't matter?

Nook

First published January 1, 2007

6 people are currently reading
343 people want to read

About the author

T.D. McKinney

18 books65 followers
T. D. McKinney was born with eclectic tastes. Author, artist, web designer - those tastes show in the careers she's chosen.

Growing up on the American Gulf Coast, she gained a great appreciation for all things Southern and a fascination with what the community around her termed the War of Northern Aggression. Frequent trips to New Orleans to visit relatives instilled an early love for that city and for the Cajun culture. One of her earliest memories is viewing Mardi Gras parades when she was three years old. She freely admits that at the tender age of six she fell in love with both Barnabas Collins of Dark Shadows’ fame and Jonny Quest’s scientist-father, Benton. Sherlock Holmes followed soon after as one of the great abiding interests of her life. A long time fan of science fiction and horror, she met her husband while selling art at a science fiction convention.

These early influences doubtless explain a great deal about the author and her writings. There is very little she doesn’t find interesting whether it’s art, music, history, vampires, web design, or forensic science. Everything is there to be explored, investigated, and attempted at least once. This trait often carries over into her writing. She loves exploring characters that are not afraid to take a risk or step outside the constraints of society or family. And if the character doesn’t want to take that chance, she likes creating situations that require they do so.

T. D. lives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of north Texas with her husband and young daughter. With so many careers, she keeps quite busy. In her spare time, she shares her husband’s interest in vampires, the internet, science fiction, collecting swords, and all things Japanese.

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5 stars
68 (18%)
4 stars
142 (38%)
3 stars
117 (31%)
2 stars
31 (8%)
1 star
14 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
138 reviews
February 8, 2009
Two FBI agents undercover. To maintain their cover they have to demonstrate they are lovers in public, and it develops into a private relationship as well. This is all filmed on the FBI cameras. Story develops from there with threats to, and failed attempts on, their lives from the head guy they have arrested, finishing up in a great HEA. Characters are all quite believable and a thoroughly good read.
Profile Image for Seregil.
740 reviews4 followers
July 1, 2010
The summary sounded very interesting and I had hoped for more sexual tension and some angst over sexual identity.
The story was just nice. A lot of things happen, but the pace is very fast, skipping forward a lot. Actually, the feeling it left me with is that I saw a police movie (with heavy gay romance) on fast forward.
The fact that aparently the two men assume the opposite roles (as top/bottom) compared to how they act and look is a plus. Also the way their coworkers deal with their relationship is entertaining. I'd have loved to read more about these interactions.
Profile Image for Elisa Rolle.
Author 107 books237 followers
Read
April 17, 2009
This is a little discovery. I have this book since a bit, but for one reason or the other, I wait to a lot before reading it. And I immediately discovered my mistake cause since the first pages you can understand that this is a great romance, that the fans of the genre will love.

Alex is a wasp FBI Special Agent who has fought all his life to avoid the innuendo from friends or colleague about him being gay. Actually he has never desired men, he loves women and finds very attractive all the women are. Only he is also a very uptight middle-classe man, who loves to grew roses, write poems and paint. And since he is also an handsome, but not bulky man, he is always mistaken for a gay man.

So when he is undercover with Shawn, a big Australian Special Agent, very manly and handsome, he is totally unprepared when the big guy hits on him, and openly declares his attraction for him and the desire to be his lover... in the submissive position! True, they are undercover as gay lovers, but it's not necessary to play the role when they are alone in their house, but Shawn has no restrain and in the end he manages to involve Alex in an hot relationship. But when their mission ends, what will remain to them? They are teammate and the Agency maybe will be not so happy to have two agents involved in an open gay relationship.

I like very much as T.D. McKinney manages to mix romance with reality. True, some scenes are really stretched to the limit of reality (Shawn's woo of Alex), but hey, this is a romance, and I like to read those things, they appeal to the ultimate romantic who is in me. But Alex is also a character who thinks and before throws himself in a relationship with Shawn, he works very hard trying to drive him back. Shawn instead is the dream of every woman, and man maybe: attentive and loving, the right dose of push and comprehensive attitude.

It's really interesting to read the dichotomy between Shawn, with his bulky body, who is instead the more feely touching and exuberant in the couple, and Alex, who I envision like the classical prim and proper character, who seems cold and aloof, but when they threaten his lover, he reacts like a poisonous snake: silent but deadly.

Only one remarks, very minimal indeed: T.D: McKinney is very good in writing the sex scenes, build them with a growing pathos, but she shut the doors in the apex... why does she not let peep in a little more?

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00189ZCY6/?...
Profile Image for Candice.
932 reviews
December 17, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. It is a very fast paced book and I just loved Alex and Shawn. You have to use your own imagination because most of the intimate scenes are not detailed in the books, but are implied. But after getting to know these two it is easy for your imagination. I really liked how their whole team came together, accepted them and then helped to make sure they both were safe and happy.
Profile Image for T.L. Lawrence.
Author 3 books3 followers
February 19, 2009
I really enjoyed this story. Alex and Shawn are such vivid characters, full of credible emotion and humor. The story moves at a very good pace, never too slow or too frantic for the action taking place. The author doesn't always show us all the bedroom antics, but it's enough that my imagination has no trouble filling in the blanks. Excellent read!
Profile Image for Buda.
320 reviews41 followers
September 30, 2010
More 3.5 than 4, this book had tremendous potential but fast forwarded through entirely too much. It was almost as if the writer couldn't quite figure out how to pull off the story, so s/he skipped those parts and moved on to other things. Or perhaps there was a word limit? Still, I truly enjoyed the cast.
Profile Image for ke-sha.
329 reviews169 followers
August 25, 2018
My Babies NEED a sequel! Or at the very least mentioned in another book....A book in which David and Terri get together 😇 Hint Hint Nudge Nudge 😊
Profile Image for Krummi í klettagjá.
278 reviews14 followers
Want to read
December 21, 2017
DNF @ ~50%

This was so unrealistic I didn't know whether to cry, laugh or punch something.
First off, what the fuck?! After years of partnership he just casually goes down on him and then says 'oh, by the way - I'm into you.' and then proceeds to seduce the guy. It was all very lame and unrealistic to say the least.
Secondly, that assignment was such utter crap. I don't even like those undercover books where the MCs have to pretend to be gay/in a relationship to begin with.
I was also just really annoyed that the info on the case was nearly nonexistent. The book was solely focused on the MCs and their relationship and there's not even a glimpse into the real undercover work that I hope they were doing.

At last, the insta-love was more insta than instant coffee. Come on
One more thing that annoyed me - the coworkers' reactions. Not even a homophobic slur? Really? This is law enforcement. There are bound to be some homophobes.
Also - why were there so few characters introduced? There should have been way more coworkers than the three that were introduced.

What I did like - that a character was bi and the top/bottom dynamic in the relationship.


*tried reading it again, gave up at ~50%*

This is the most unrealistic crap I have ever read.
The old review (above) pretty much states everything that is wrong with it.

The most illogical part of the book was the whole f***ing plot.

The book starts in the middle of things and doesn't introduce any of the characters so the reader has to figure out who the characters are and how they relate to each other by their interactions and the thoughts of the main character. It's very hectic and doesn't leave a lot of space for the reader to form a solid opinion regarding characters because it takes too much time to figure out who they are.

It all rolls down in a giant snowball of literary delusion from there.


Since I haven't finished the book, I'm not going to attest to my theory that it is shitty and far-fetched because in theory it might get better. I doubt it though.

Recommended for: Vizzini and those of the same disposition.
Profile Image for Love Bytes Reviews.
2,529 reviews38 followers
April 13, 2015
5 heart review by Kimberley

Two FBI special agents and best friends work undercover as lovers in order to catch an arms dealer. Unbeknown to Alex, Shawn has been in love with him for years but to preserve the friendship, Shawn decides to keep his true feelings for Alex to himself. A tense moment in the assignment requires Shawn to think on his feet and take things a lot farther in order to maintain their cover and save their lives.

It was difficult for Alex to adjust after the operation was over. His feelings were all over the place. You see, poor Alex has always thought of himself as straight often times telling himself that his body coming alive or his pulse quickening every time he was near Shawn or when his friend touched him was because he was lonely or because they are close friends. It never occurred to the poor man that he was gay and in love with his best friend.

I love this story because instead of facing what he feels for Shawn, Alex runs and Shawn pursues him. And that’s what makes this story so dang funny. Shawn is pushy and bold and outspoken and unapologetic about his love for Alex and he makes sure Alex–as well as the rest of their team members know it. The team’s reaction to Shawn’s antics gave me life. They were a close knit unit–family close–and they just accept it. When the lowlife arms dealer plots to do Alex in and frame Shawn, the team all spring into action to save their team member.

This book is filled with suspense, a bit of drama, a whole lot of funny (Shawn gives one team member a fit and it’s funny as all get out) and action. I read this book when it was first released in ’08 and I’ve read it dozens of times. The journey these men take together is hilarious and absolutely wonderful. If you’re looking for a great little retro read, I would definitely advise giving this little novella a shot. You won’t be disappointed you did.

A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
Profile Image for Kudrat Kaur.
216 reviews5 followers
October 20, 2015
I was debating between two stars and three stars, constantly.
One chapter in I already knew this book wasn't going to be more than three stars. Not a fan of the writing style, and the "love" story moved too quick for my taste. It was also short, and it's very hard to give more points for something I can finish in a few hours (not even that). By the end the stars had gone from three to two. There was just not a lot going on that made me go "Yes! Now that's what I'm talking about"

My scoring system:
One star - WTF? No, just NO! Ugh, never EVER - why the fuck did I waste my life (has not happened yet, thank God!)
Two stars - close, but the book had some redeeming features making it okay, sure, not a complete waste of my time but I would have been just as good not having come across the book and decided that why not?
Three stars - a category most books fall into - meaning I liked it, didn't love it because there were some points that were just no *smh* but other that redeemed it. Not a waste of time, even if the time I spent reading it was just going :) and it didn't really add any ground breaking moments to my life
Higher Stars - Love it.

Reason for me explaining my star system?
To make you understand that for me this book actually falls within the 2 star range, but the ending epilogue was so disgustingly sweet - so teeth rottingly sugary for me that I couldn't give it any less than three stars. What can I say, I'm a sucker for stuff like that.

Read if you're looking for something that falls within the following parameters - otherwise you're better of going off elsewhere and reading something more meaningful and substantial (trust me):

- Short
- Cute
- Quick
- Skipping a lot of the Angst / Relationship Drama
- Below par plot (nothing too difficult you don't see coming a mile away)
-> SO - No need for you to be mentally engaged in the plot
- No mind fudging obstacles
- Entertaining (sort of)
1,258 reviews6 followers
April 22, 2014
I feel like I just read an except from a larger book. This novella sets up an interesting scenario of two male FBI agents having to pretend to be lovers while working undercover, and that just fast forwards six months. Apparently this was so the author could get to the "good stuff" without actually having to do the hard work of showing how the relationship developed.

Everything about the story was ludicrous. One of the FBI agents was Australian, but hello, FBI agents have to be American citizens. The arms dealer they were after was a militant gay man who would only deal with gay people, except who the heck was he supposed to be selling weapons to since there isn't exactly a large pool of openly gay terrorist? The dialogue was dreadful, especially the hooky attempt at Australian colloquialisms. Nobody's behavior made much sense, and the plot was preposterous. There wasn't even any decent sex scenes, as aside from the brief blowjob in the opening scene, everything else happened off stage. Honestly, this seems like someone's first attempt at self-publishing. I can't believe this actually got published under an imprint.
Profile Image for Wendy❤Ann.
1,757 reviews48 followers
February 1, 2011
What a way to start a book! The opening scene was pretty hot and set the tone for the rest of the story - I had the electric tingles while reading this one!! I have a soft spot for a guy who really knows what he wants in his man and goes after it with gusto, and that was Shawn. He pretty much used every tactic under the sun to win over Alex and not let him think too much, because otherwise Alex would freak (he couldn't possibly be gay - right?). I loved how open and honest Shawn was with his feelings, and kept rooting for him/them to get past all the obstacles and get their HEA!

I really enjoyed this book and wish there had been more depth to the story. There were many areas where the story jumps ahead and we don't get to experience the detail of what transpired. Despite this shortcoming, I enjoyed the characters so much that it made up for some of the missing pieces.

A very enjoyable (warm and fuzzy) read!
Profile Image for Jenna ✨DNF Queen✨Here, Sometimes....
435 reviews49 followers
dnf
November 26, 2014
Not rating this one. Made it about 1/3rd of the way in and deleted it. This might be very enjoyable for some people and it SHOULD have been one I loved - the blurb was awesome! - but I was totally thrown off and annoyed by the fact that the book STARTS in the middle of the undercover operation - they've already gotten used to kissing, making out, groping, etc

But wait, theres more!

They get home, Shawn confesses all his emotions and long-held feelings for Alex, then

W. T. F.

**tosses book**


Nope. Skipped ALL my favorite parts, not even half way through. A total waste of money for me.
Profile Image for Lauren.
314 reviews18 followers
November 16, 2011
How hard could it be to convience your best friend and partner on the force that you are in love with him? Especially since you are both undercover as a couple trying to bring down an arms dealer. I guess the blow job you give him in front of everyone at the club and the hidden cameras would be a good way to start.

After confessing his secret attraction to Alex, Shawn decides he likes "playing house" while they are undercover and wants to continue when they get back to normal life. Alex is not so sure and thinks everyone would treat them differently. He doesn't know if he can face it. But when Shawn is shot, Alex realizes how much Shawn means to him and how much he can't live without him.

There is a little bit of action in this story as well as humor. I love these "straight" guys taking the plunge story.

4 stars
Profile Image for Kendra T.
3,076 reviews39 followers
December 17, 2014
I really loved the stubborness and openness of Shawn.  He was such a great character.  I admired his ability to not care what anyone else thought and just go for what he wants and thinks is important (which is Alex).  Alex is an overall quiet, nervous, and unsure guy.  He's always been straight and fears for what could happen to his career if people find out he is in a relationship with Shawn.  There is some relationship drama (of course...they are Alpha male FBI agents) but not too much drama where I end up yelling at them throughout the whole book to wake up.  I loved the twist that came about halfway into the book and it kept me engaged throughout.
12 reviews
July 15, 2011
I recently reread this. The re read gave me a whole different experience of the novel than I remembered. The author is clearly British and her characters, while entertaining, are not American. They don't act, speak or react like Americans. I don't understand why she didn't just base the novel in England.
Besides that I found the characters likeable, if a little effiminate. I forgave the weird language, the British jokes and I just enjoyed the novel.
Profile Image for Julie.
79 reviews1 follower
March 23, 2012
Such a soap opera I couldn't stop grimacing. The whole plot takes about 3 pages, rest is rubbish consisting of seduction/poor attempts at resisting it and cliché episodes set to prolong this nonsense. And this chapiteau can't seriously call itself FBI! What's with everyone being completely unprofessional. MCs are more like office clerks or something.

/bored and annoyed as hell; Don't read it, pals.
Profile Image for Lee.
620 reviews
September 24, 2010
This is such an oddball/cute story that I'm going to have to read it again. I loved the two main characters. They were funny, loving, and full of charm. Especially Shawn. He knew what he wanted, damned everything else he was going to get it. That it was Alex. And in spite of Alex's resistance, Shawn got what he wanted. He always did. This is a recommended read. I think you'll like it.
Profile Image for Kelly (Maybedog).
3,513 reviews239 followers
October 3, 2015
Different take on the old standard of straight cops go undercover as gay men and fall in love. This mostly takes place after said adventure. In fact, I felt like I'd missed half the book when I started it. But I liked the new direction this took, even though I don't think it was handled too realistically. It was sweet and I love the protagonists. I would definitely read more about these two.

Profile Image for Erin-Jayne Lloyd.
251 reviews15 followers
June 9, 2014
Alex's life changes when he goes undercover with friend and colleague Shawn Matthews and the kicker they go undercover as a gay couple. I love the fact that the undercover case brings them closer then they'd ever could and after they take down the bad guy it breaks my heart he tries to tear them apart and I do love how open they are at the end of the book... AMAZING story and HOT AS HELL!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Betryal.
720 reviews3 followers
December 9, 2009
This book took me to characters of a crime scene sitcom on TV I like to watch and I've drawn a blank but damn it it will come to me. Love, action romaance and laughs, this book contained some of each.

Very good!
Profile Image for Fairy / Anna.
385 reviews9 followers
October 11, 2011
Kinda weird book. It wasn't a romance in classical meaning, it wasn't a mystery book, either. It was a story about two FBI agents with a hint of romance and investigation in the background. Quick, light read, but nothing memorable. I like it, but I won't reccomend it ;)
456 reviews3 followers
November 18, 2009
I liked the first 75% of this book a lot, which was mostly the romance/relationship-heavy part. The last 25% lost my interest, but that was the crime drama part of the story.
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