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Busted
Pulled over on a rainy night, Joe's bad day starts to look up when he realizes the cop pulling him over is none other than his lover, Alex.
Until Alex pretends not to know him, and finally drags him into the station for driving under the influence—and getting too personal with a Detective. Furious, Joe demands to know what the hell is wrong with his lover. Only to discover that the Detective he kissed is actually named Chris, and claims no knowledge of Alex, despite the fact they could be twins.
But before Joe can begin to sort out the mystery of Chris and Alex, the murders begin...
Until Alex pretends not to know him, and finally drags him into the station for driving under the influence—and getting too personal with a Detective. Furious, Joe demands to know what the hell is wrong with his lover. Only to discover that the Detective he kissed is actually named Chris, and claims no knowledge of Alex, despite the fact they could be twins.
But before Joe can begin to sort out the mystery of Chris and Alex, the murders begin...
221 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 7, 2010
2 people are currently reading
168 people want to read
About the author
Zachary O'Toole
1 book9 followersThe only son of a combat mathematician and a quantum mechanic, Zach was orphaned at a young age when freak tensor contraction occurred. Unable to follow in their footsteps, he instead prowls the skies above darkest Lemuria in his steam powered zeppelin researching the mysterious Gruesomicius ravenousi. When he’s not writing daft bios or snogging his boyfriend, Zach is fond of egregiously inappropriate use of british slang.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
December 27, 2010
I really, really liked this book. The plot is quite fascinating which involves a little paranormal twist and a great mystery. I was captivated throughout the whole story to the point where I had to force myself to put the book down and get some sleep.
Joe was an interesting character, reminding me slightly of Jory from Change of Heart. He's charming, but easily tempered, and you'll love him right from the start. The mystery of Alex, and how he could exist, stumped me throughout the book until you finally learn how and why. I made it a point not to cheat and look so it was definitely a pleasant surprise when I got the answer to that question. Chris, while a bastard in the beginning, was actually kind of sweet and you'll grow to love him. Especially when you meet his kid, Toby, and how he acts around Toby and treats him. Toby, while only four, was such a delight to read about, definitely a cute character. Steve. Aw, lovely Steve. He was my favorite. Always meddling and trying to get Chris' head out of his ass and get him to make things right with Joe. He was definitely entertaining with his sometimes crude behavior.
However, while I loved this book, there were a few things I didn't like or couldn't get passed. For one, the editing has a lot to be desired. A few times, names would be switched to the point where it was noticeable. At one point, Chris said something when he wasn't even in that particular scene. Misspelled words and sentences that weren't finished added to the editing misses. Now, the unfinished sentences could have been from me converting the book but at times, the sentences just stopped. No periods or commas and almost always ending in 'and, or, to'. But, like I said, that could have been from my converting.
Another thing was the ending. While it was sweet and satisfied me with the romance part, I still felt that it was left a little unfinished and I have some unanswered questions about the story. Some revolving around the mystery and killer and some revolving around Chris and Joe's small 'psychic powers'. Hopefully, there will be a sequel because I would love to know more about Chris' family, where he used to live, and Joe's family as well and also how a teddy bear was able to break the killer's spell, or whatever it was he put his victims under.
All in all, though, it was a great book. Definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a good mystery with a paranormal twist, some lovable characters and a book with minimal sex. [image error]
Joe was an interesting character, reminding me slightly of Jory from Change of Heart. He's charming, but easily tempered, and you'll love him right from the start. The mystery of Alex, and how he could exist, stumped me throughout the book until you finally learn how and why. I made it a point not to cheat and look so it was definitely a pleasant surprise when I got the answer to that question. Chris, while a bastard in the beginning, was actually kind of sweet and you'll grow to love him. Especially when you meet his kid, Toby, and how he acts around Toby and treats him. Toby, while only four, was such a delight to read about, definitely a cute character. Steve. Aw, lovely Steve. He was my favorite. Always meddling and trying to get Chris' head out of his ass and get him to make things right with Joe. He was definitely entertaining with his sometimes crude behavior.
However, while I loved this book, there were a few things I didn't like or couldn't get passed. For one, the editing has a lot to be desired. A few times, names would be switched to the point where it was noticeable. At one point, Chris said something when he wasn't even in that particular scene. Misspelled words and sentences that weren't finished added to the editing misses. Now, the unfinished sentences could have been from me converting the book but at times, the sentences just stopped. No periods or commas and almost always ending in 'and, or, to'. But, like I said, that could have been from my converting.
Another thing was the ending. While it was sweet and satisfied me with the romance part, I still felt that it was left a little unfinished and I have some unanswered questions about the story. Some revolving around the mystery and killer and some revolving around Chris and Joe's small 'psychic powers'. Hopefully, there will be a sequel because I would love to know more about Chris' family, where he used to live, and Joe's family as well and also how a teddy bear was able to break the killer's spell, or whatever it was he put his victims under.
All in all, though, it was a great book. Definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a good mystery with a paranormal twist, some lovable characters and a book with minimal sex. [image error]
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 26, 2012
3.75 stars. This novel could have been a 5 star read for me but the promise shown in the beginning is not quite carried off in the finale.
It's a great paranormal detective story which starts off with a puzzling encounter. The very likeable Joe is pulled over by a cop who turns out to be Alex, his boyfriend of 4 months. The trouble is that the cop doesn't recognise him and swears his name is Chris. He's taken back to the precinct for questioning and sparks of anger and lust fly. Chris's partner, Detective Russell is not convinced that Chris doesn't know what's going on and does some more investigating into the situation. In the meantime there is a very scary serial killer on the loose who also seems to be tied to Joe and Chris.
I was totally engrossed in this story but instead of slowly leading us to an understanding and resolution, the mystery felt unnaturally prolonged by Chris's refusal to discuss or reflect on what was happening. Even though there's a HEA, the how and why of the paranormal element remains somewhat unclear. Despite my reservations I still really enjoyed it and would recommend it to fans of m/m mystery.
I see this book was published in Sept 09 and is the only offering by this author. Such a shame because he's a really good storyteller and was able to build a create feeling of suspense and apprehension. I hope he writes more in 2012.
It's a great paranormal detective story which starts off with a puzzling encounter. The very likeable Joe is pulled over by a cop who turns out to be Alex, his boyfriend of 4 months. The trouble is that the cop doesn't recognise him and swears his name is Chris. He's taken back to the precinct for questioning and sparks of anger and lust fly. Chris's partner, Detective Russell is not convinced that Chris doesn't know what's going on and does some more investigating into the situation. In the meantime there is a very scary serial killer on the loose who also seems to be tied to Joe and Chris.
I was totally engrossed in this story but instead of slowly leading us to an understanding and resolution, the mystery felt unnaturally prolonged by Chris's refusal to discuss or reflect on what was happening. Even though there's a HEA, the how and why of the paranormal element remains somewhat unclear. Despite my reservations I still really enjoyed it and would recommend it to fans of m/m mystery.
I see this book was published in Sept 09 and is the only offering by this author. Such a shame because he's a really good storyteller and was able to build a create feeling of suspense and apprehension. I hope he writes more in 2012.
September 29, 2024
This was fascinating and the plot went in a completely different direction than I predicted in the beginning. I got an idea what was happening after a while but it wasn't quite right. It wasn't until probably 2/3rds to 3/4ths of the way through that I figured it out and even then, some details weren't clear until the end.
The characters were awesome. The misunderstandings frustrating but completely believable. My only problem was with Chris and his lack of being willing to reveal anything he knew, even when it was imperative.
The finale was good even without the near-fatal injury stuff I usually like. The ending felt a little abrupt and the information the reader is given throughout was never shared between the protagonists. There was important stuff they should have told one another. There is also no resolution of which I was really looking for.
I liked that children were involved and that both men were good with them. So many books I've read lately have gay characters "accepting" that being gay meant never being able to have kids. Hello, adoption? Foster parenting?
One of my favorite parts was where a woman sees two men kissing and it turns her on majorly. Now that was very real. :)
It wasn't perfect but it was really clever so I'm rounding my 4.5 stars up to 5.
The characters were awesome. The misunderstandings frustrating but completely believable. My only problem was with Chris and his lack of being willing to reveal anything he knew, even when it was imperative.
The finale was good even without the near-fatal injury stuff I usually like. The ending felt a little abrupt and the information the reader is given throughout was never shared between the protagonists. There was important stuff they should have told one another. There is also no resolution of which I was really looking for.
I liked that children were involved and that both men were good with them. So many books I've read lately have gay characters "accepting" that being gay meant never being able to have kids. Hello, adoption? Foster parenting?
One of my favorite parts was where a woman sees two men kissing and it turns her on majorly. Now that was very real. :)
It wasn't perfect but it was really clever so I'm rounding my 4.5 stars up to 5.
November 2, 2010
The only problem with this story was that it was missing some points to it. So many questions left unanswered.
Otherwise, a promising plot with a side of romance. Would not mind a sequel with improve editing. I gave it a 4 star rating because it was hard to put down once I started reading. Good paranormal, just needed more info.
Otherwise, a promising plot with a side of romance. Would not mind a sequel with improve editing. I gave it a 4 star rating because it was hard to put down once I started reading. Good paranormal, just needed more info.
November 19, 2014
Oh my god. For the last half of the book I kept asking 'will this never end?' and 'how much more till it ends?'.
Bad writing. Stupid, unrealistic characters. Stupid, unrealistic plot. Nothing really explained. A bunch of paranormal and gay elements meshed together.
Enough said. I wasted too much time on this as it is.
Bad writing. Stupid, unrealistic characters. Stupid, unrealistic plot. Nothing really explained. A bunch of paranormal and gay elements meshed together.
Enough said. I wasted too much time on this as it is.
September 15, 2010
tiny bit of a possible spoiler ahead:
Finished this last night. I still love the book but... I do hope there is a second book because there were a few important story lines that were not finished.. I would like to know how everyone continues to evolve but also, what the heck happened to poor Stephanie? Also, what the hell happened? lol I know the danger was taken care of but what the hell WAS the danger? Seriously? Why was the bad guy fuzzy? A few things just needed explaination and i hope to get that in another book since this one was seriously terrific! The only thing that saves it from 5 stars is the fact that it needs a sequel. consider it 4.6 stars! lol
Finished this last night. I still love the book but... I do hope there is a second book because there were a few important story lines that were not finished.. I would like to know how everyone continues to evolve but also, what the heck happened to poor Stephanie? Also, what the hell happened? lol I know the danger was taken care of but what the hell WAS the danger? Seriously? Why was the bad guy fuzzy? A few things just needed explaination and i hope to get that in another book since this one was seriously terrific! The only thing that saves it from 5 stars is the fact that it needs a sequel. consider it 4.6 stars! lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2011
Very disappointing ... Both the story and the characters really grabbed my interest, and based on the way the book started, I'd have given it a much higher rating, but the finish is such a let down ... If you're going to have a story that relies on supernatural or fantasy elements, you really have to tie things together with some sort of internal logic. That was lacking here. At the end of the story, I still don't know enough about what was going on, and I'm left the frustrated feeling of having wasted my time.
It's a shame, because this really had promise.
It's a shame, because this really had promise.
September 13, 2010
This book started off funny and warm and just a little starnge. I mean can you imagine getting pulled over by your lover and he not knowing who you are.
There is just enough paranormal to pull you in. But I felt it was never really complete.
The charcters are a bit odd, but I like that.
But by the end I was dissapointed when not everything was resolved. We never went back to some of the issues that still have me wondering what happand.
There is just enough paranormal to pull you in. But I felt it was never really complete.
The charcters are a bit odd, but I like that.
But by the end I was dissapointed when not everything was resolved. We never went back to some of the issues that still have me wondering what happand.
May 20, 2011
I absolutely loved this story! It was edge-of-your-seat suspenseful, and this was even with me knowing about Chris/Alex since I had already read some GR reviews. This could have easily been a five star read, but the author failed to tie up some major loose ends.
I also want to mention the editing errors in this one. I normally don't mention grammatical/editing errors because most m/m books have them, but the cut-off sentences really bothered me. Unlike a lot of books, it wasn't just a missing word or two - almost entire sentences would be left off. This didn't happen a lot, but it was enough for it to bug me and to affect the story.
Despite the issues I had with the story, I still really liked this one and would recommend it to others. I really enjoyed the first 3/4 of this story; it just fell apart in places at the end when it came to explanations and loose threads.
I also want to mention the editing errors in this one. I normally don't mention grammatical/editing errors because most m/m books have them, but the cut-off sentences really bothered me. Unlike a lot of books, it wasn't just a missing word or two - almost entire sentences would be left off. This didn't happen a lot, but it was enough for it to bug me and to affect the story.
Despite the issues I had with the story, I still really liked this one and would recommend it to others. I really enjoyed the first 3/4 of this story; it just fell apart in places at the end when it came to explanations and loose threads.
February 20, 2018
This book is a freaking mess. I am so very disappointed because the story had so much promise, but it did not deliver at all. It started with a case of mistaken identity, that would have been resolved in two pages if Joe and Alex had just talked to each other. Then there was a set-up for an interested paranormal mystery plot, that just fizzled out. People appear, just to be never ever mentioned again. Huge plotholes, unfinished storylines, adult men that threw hissy fits like a hormonal teenager.... This book needs a very good editor to make it even remotely passable. Because at the moment it is not.
July 24, 2014
This one was an unexpected surprise. It's a totally awesome book. From the very start unexpected and mysterious things happen and keep happening. There is a supernatural thread behind the ritualistic serial killings, but up till the last moment there is still some measure of doubt - is it all just in their heads? The point is that whether you call it psychosis, a weird belief system or simply crazy, it is still happening, either as a result of people's minds and desires. It's also quite clear that if the supernatural exists it is also does so at the expense of their life force/mind/soul (or whatever).
I liked the hints into the power behind the Irish and Amerindian inheritance and the fact that all the safety and good luck charms were powerful, no matter what tradition they came from. The teddy bear seemed to be the strongest charm in the end. This all played into the fact that they gain their power from the belief and love invested in them.
I liked the hints into the power behind the Irish and Amerindian inheritance and the fact that all the safety and good luck charms were powerful, no matter what tradition they came from. The teddy bear seemed to be the strongest charm in the end. This all played into the fact that they gain their power from the belief and love invested in them.
September 1, 2011
You know, a lot of people are complaining about how the ending wasn't fulfilling, but honestly, I just remember how amazing the overall story was. So there were a few loose ends? I also noticed them, but the happy ending made up for it. I really enjoyed this book. Couldn't put it down. Every second was exciting. Glad I read it, and I'd recommend it for others without a second thought. Also, I'll be looking forward to more books by this author. Someone who can come up with this kind of premise has great potential. Hopefully, next time, someone will point out to him that perhaps the ending could use a little more fleshing out. Other than that small detail, loved the book. Definite re-read for me. =)
September 10, 2011
4.5 stars
What happen when something like an imaginary friend is not that imaginary any longer, since many people seem to see the said friend? Basically, that's what happens to Chris, a policeman in Connecticut. A divorcee with a 4-yr old son, Chris has been haunted by Alex, his imaginary friend that keeps popping up now and then since Chris was a little boy. Things get weird when one day Chris stopped a guy who claimed to be his boyfriend! Joe vowed that Chris was his boyfriend for several months. However, instead of calling him Chris, Joe called him Alex!
This is a supernatural romance that is smart, moving, and sometimes funny. The characters are engaging, especially Toby, Chris' son.
As other reviewers have pointed out, there are some loose ends but overall it's great book.
What happen when something like an imaginary friend is not that imaginary any longer, since many people seem to see the said friend? Basically, that's what happens to Chris, a policeman in Connecticut. A divorcee with a 4-yr old son, Chris has been haunted by Alex, his imaginary friend that keeps popping up now and then since Chris was a little boy. Things get weird when one day Chris stopped a guy who claimed to be his boyfriend! Joe vowed that Chris was his boyfriend for several months. However, instead of calling him Chris, Joe called him Alex!
This is a supernatural romance that is smart, moving, and sometimes funny. The characters are engaging, especially Toby, Chris' son.
As other reviewers have pointed out, there are some loose ends but overall it's great book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2014
I liked the novel, the chemistry between the MC really worked for me. I like it when there is a bit of animosity between them showing their passion.
Their was a few loose ends concerning Joe's family. And we barely get to see them together for a page. I wanted to know if they move in together, what happens to Alex now?
Their a few confusing moments , and you read the mystery but it doesn't hold your focus. It's more like fillers between the Joe and Chris scenes.
2.5 Stars for the Mystery
4 Stars for the Romance
Their was a few loose ends concerning Joe's family. And we barely get to see them together for a page. I wanted to know if they move in together, what happens to Alex now?
Their a few confusing moments , and you read the mystery but it doesn't hold your focus. It's more like fillers between the Joe and Chris scenes.
2.5 Stars for the Mystery
4 Stars for the Romance
January 18, 2012
2.5 stars
After very, very promising beginning, things went downhill and never recovered. I'll try to write a more coherent review later, but for now: half-explained paranormal mystery, many coincidences, inconsistencies, police force with no capability whatsoever and open-minded to the point of unbelievability and many, many other things made Busted a very unsatisfactory read. All the great reviews made me think that I read a completely different book. Too bad, the idea behind the book was very interesting. It was, however, poorly executed.
After very, very promising beginning, things went downhill and never recovered. I'll try to write a more coherent review later, but for now: half-explained paranormal mystery, many coincidences, inconsistencies, police force with no capability whatsoever and open-minded to the point of unbelievability and many, many other things made Busted a very unsatisfactory read. All the great reviews made me think that I read a completely different book. Too bad, the idea behind the book was very interesting. It was, however, poorly executed.
February 1, 2011
Really enjoyed this book. The plot was interesting and I loved the characters.
My only issue was the editing. I bought the Kindle edition and there were a few sentences cut off or the wrong character was named.
Will be looking forward to more of this author's work!
My only issue was the editing. I bought the Kindle edition and there were a few sentences cut off or the wrong character was named.
Will be looking forward to more of this author's work!
October 5, 2014
3.50 reread 10/24/2014
This story had so much promise, but the potential was never fully realized, plus there were plot holes that were never fully explained.
YET, I loved the characters.
I loved the chemistry between them.
And I loved the plot, though it needed more.
This story had so much promise, but the potential was never fully realized, plus there were plot holes that were never fully explained.
YET, I loved the characters.
I loved the chemistry between them.
And I loved the plot, though it needed more.
November 2, 2012
I really enjoyed this book but I felt there were a lot of things left unexplained at the end.
October 2, 2014
I thought Busted was a really interesting story, I do like paranormal romance, although in this story the element weren't exactly in your face, more hinted to, to begin with, even then they were quite vague. As the story/quandary of Alex/Chris progresses, Joe begins to develop some conflicting feelings about who he likes/lusts/loves after more.
Towards the end things become clearer, or clearish - and like most m/m romances the hea is there after some very short angst between Chris and Joe.
I'd recommend this title to those that like a bit of a paranormal element in their MM romances.
Towards the end things become clearer, or clearish - and like most m/m romances the hea is there after some very short angst between Chris and Joe.
I'd recommend this title to those that like a bit of a paranormal element in their MM romances.
September 14, 2012
This is one of those books where I'm really torn in the ratings. Yes, I really liked it, but on the other hand, there were enough bits that worried me as well. In the end, it's actually more a 3.5, but I'm rounding up.
This was a well written story...to a point. The characters were also well rounded and fleshed out. But, (and yes, there is a but) there were editing issues that should have been picked up along the way. And there were sections that felt like they were dragged out beyond what was necessary.
And to top it all off...there were issues left unexplained and to me unresolved. That in all honesty is what I have the biggest problem with. I was left with a WTF moment and wondered if my book was corrupted and had lost the last chapter or so...but no. Unfortunately that was it. That was my biggest disappointment, and considering this is the only story released by this author and it was written in 2010, I don't know if there ever will be more.
And funnily enough you might think, that is a real pity. Because even with my whinge, it was a book I really enjoyed. And I would have loved to have had more about these guys.
This was a well written story...to a point. The characters were also well rounded and fleshed out. But, (and yes, there is a but) there were editing issues that should have been picked up along the way. And there were sections that felt like they were dragged out beyond what was necessary.
And to top it all off...there were issues left unexplained and to me unresolved. That in all honesty is what I have the biggest problem with. I was left with a WTF moment and wondered if my book was corrupted and had lost the last chapter or so...but no. Unfortunately that was it. That was my biggest disappointment, and considering this is the only story released by this author and it was written in 2010, I don't know if there ever will be more.
And funnily enough you might think, that is a real pity. Because even with my whinge, it was a book I really enjoyed. And I would have loved to have had more about these guys.
August 11, 2013
3.5
This story kept me completely captivated that I couldn't stop reading. I really enjoyed this authors voice and this could have been rated higher if not for a few things:
1) Why didn't Joe think to question Alex when he was first arrested, the plot relied heavily on this non-communication
2) Editing, I usually overlook editing and don't comment, but this really did detract from the story numerous times (sentences dropped, characters names switched, words that didn't belong)
3) Stephanie
That being said, I so look forward to more of this authors books, for a debut story, he managed to keep me intrigued and wanting more. I absolutely love the depth of characterization for the main characters and really felt the chemisty and appreciated the mystery.
This story kept me completely captivated that I couldn't stop reading. I really enjoyed this authors voice and this could have been rated higher if not for a few things:
1) Why didn't Joe think to question Alex when he was first arrested, the plot relied heavily on this non-communication
2) Editing, I usually overlook editing and don't comment, but this really did detract from the story numerous times (sentences dropped, characters names switched, words that didn't belong)
3) Stephanie
That being said, I so look forward to more of this authors books, for a debut story, he managed to keep me intrigued and wanting more. I absolutely love the depth of characterization for the main characters and really felt the chemisty and appreciated the mystery.
June 3, 2012
I guess that my 4 stars are too much for this story, but I liked this, even if there was many wtf moments... Yeah, it needs editing, seriously! English is not my native language, but I've noticed so many mistakes, that it has to mean something. And it's not a good thing. The paranormal elements were interesting, but author didn't bother to explain them properly. At least it could be resolved, cause the investigation definitely was NOT. They caught the guy, but the questions who? and why? hang in the air like a bad smell. I wish that the author tried harder, cause it could be great. Such a shame it wasn't.
May 3, 2013
I'm kind of at a loss as to how to rate this one, much less shelve it. The book suffers from some bad editing as there were many times I found myself re-reading a section trying to figure out what was happening. It was easy to skip past the areas, though.
I also still don't know what the murderer was. Spirit? Fae? Argh.
But it kept my attention for the most part and it might be a book I would read again.
I also still don't know what the murderer was. Spirit? Fae? Argh.
But it kept my attention for the most part and it might be a book I would read again.
June 25, 2017
I would normally have given this a three-star but the author kept me guessing enough that the end wasn't quite what I thought it would be so that earned a four-star. There were a few too many things that were glossed over or not resolved. I don't need everything wrapped up in a neat little bow but I found myself stopping through the story thinking "hey, what about xxx??".
March 30, 2012
The book is worth of reading even if it got strange feeling while reading it. Main character are Chris who has split personality and Joe. Writer left the part about Joe brother Billy and his niece unexplained what I did not like but we got happy ending.
March 4, 2011
3.5
Large plot holes and still, I liked it.
Large plot holes and still, I liked it.
September 4, 2012
Very good book but some resolution was missing at the book ending.
October 30, 2011
a very good mystery/paranormal cop story.
the native american myths added a strong point to the paranormal.
i just regret that there isn't a real explanation to the murders.
the native american myths added a strong point to the paranormal.
i just regret that there isn't a real explanation to the murders.
April 28, 2012
I think a WTF? Is my best review of this
Very confusing, it didn't help that names were switched around in the middle of conversations but interesting plot
Very confusing, it didn't help that names were switched around in the middle of conversations but interesting plot
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews