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Nick Fallon Investigations #1
A Deadly Game
Nick Fallon, private investigator, living the good life in Laguna Beach, gets a rude awakening when his past life unexpectedly catches up with him. Four years earlier, Nick, then a member of the Pittsburgh Police Department, was instrumental in arresting Fransisco Garcia, a drug dealer and cold-blooded murderer.
Now, Garcia has escaped from prison and is intent on making good his threat of reprisal for the death of his son in the shoot out that brought down his notorious empire - a confrontation that also claimed the lives of two of Nick's associates.
Nick, well aware of Garcia's ruthless and cunning tactics, fears for the safety of his lover, Eric Jamieson. Despite Nick's best efforts to protect Eric, Garcia succeeds in taking him hostage and holds him as bait in the trap he has prepared for Nick. Only their combined strength and resilience save them from the messy deaths Garcia had planned for them. Even then, they are not safe and soon discover that they cannot, for one moment afford to let down their guards, until Garcia is either apprehended-or dead.
A Deadly Game is an erotic thrill ride, filled with danger, excitement and suspense.
Now, Garcia has escaped from prison and is intent on making good his threat of reprisal for the death of his son in the shoot out that brought down his notorious empire - a confrontation that also claimed the lives of two of Nick's associates.
Nick, well aware of Garcia's ruthless and cunning tactics, fears for the safety of his lover, Eric Jamieson. Despite Nick's best efforts to protect Eric, Garcia succeeds in taking him hostage and holds him as bait in the trap he has prepared for Nick. Only their combined strength and resilience save them from the messy deaths Garcia had planned for them. Even then, they are not safe and soon discover that they cannot, for one moment afford to let down their guards, until Garcia is either apprehended-or dead.
A Deadly Game is an erotic thrill ride, filled with danger, excitement and suspense.
226 pages, Paperback
First published July 20, 2006
15 people are currently reading
422 people want to read
About the author
J.P. Bowie
136 books232 followersJ.P. Bowie was born and raised in Aberdeen, Scotland. He wrote his first (unpublished) novel – a science fiction tale of brawny men and brawnier women that made him a little suspect in the eyes of his family for a while.
Leaving home at age eighteen for the bright lights of London, he found himself in the midst of a “diverse and creative crowd” that eventually led him to the performing arts. For the next twelve years he sang, danced and acted his way around the theatres of London and the provinces, appearing in shows with many famous British singers, actors and comedians.
After immigrating to the US and living for many years in Las Vegas where he worked for that incomparable duo, Siegfried and Roy, J.P. found himself entranced by the fair city of San Diego where he currently lives with his partner, Phil.
J.P. loves to hear from his readers and can be contacted at jpbowie@cox.net
Leaving home at age eighteen for the bright lights of London, he found himself in the midst of a “diverse and creative crowd” that eventually led him to the performing arts. For the next twelve years he sang, danced and acted his way around the theatres of London and the provinces, appearing in shows with many famous British singers, actors and comedians.
After immigrating to the US and living for many years in Las Vegas where he worked for that incomparable duo, Siegfried and Roy, J.P. found himself entranced by the fair city of San Diego where he currently lives with his partner, Phil.
J.P. loves to hear from his readers and can be contacted at jpbowie@cox.net
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
July 1, 2016
I'm frustrated with you, Mr. Bowie! This novel (the first I've read from you) was both exciting and thrilling - not a mystery as much as a suspensful, edge-of-your seat read. My beef? I spent an afternoon reading the last 100 pages every chance I got because I couldn't put this (e)book down! Congrats on a fine suspenseful novel - I'm looking forward to reading more in this series...
October 30, 2013
I understand the reason for flashbacks - we need to get to know the character a bit first before we care about their backstory - but it was kind of cheesily done. He sat down and let himself remember? Ooookay...
It's almost, but not quite, completely PWP. Porn with plot? Even though it's got quite inexplicit sex scenes, relatively speaking...
It's probably because of the "sex as the answer to everything" thing they kind of have going on.
Garcia as a villain was so cliche as to be laughable. He was a Vizzini, basically, except he was probably intended to seriously be a villain, unlike Vizzini.
"You are naive in the ways of drugging your opponent" *snortgiggles*
This is like a callback to the days of the uber-flamboyant villains...
Head wounds bleed like heck. I have no quibbles with the skull grazing business since that does happen (it's why people double-tap), but receiving a head wound and NOT bleeding much? Preposterous. How do you get grazed by a bullet and only get a bruise? It's a bullet, not a blunt instrument. Unless the stupid farce of a "villain" had his gun loaded with rubber bullets, which makes no sense. I call bullshit.
It's almost, but not quite, completely PWP. Porn with plot? Even though it's got quite inexplicit sex scenes, relatively speaking...
It's probably because of the "sex as the answer to everything" thing they kind of have going on.
Garcia as a villain was so cliche as to be laughable. He was a Vizzini, basically, except he was probably intended to seriously be a villain, unlike Vizzini.
"You are naive in the ways of drugging your opponent" *snortgiggles*
This is like a callback to the days of the uber-flamboyant villains...
Head wounds bleed like heck. I have no quibbles with the skull grazing business since that does happen (it's why people double-tap), but receiving a head wound and NOT bleeding much? Preposterous. How do you get grazed by a bullet and only get a bruise? It's a bullet, not a blunt instrument. Unless the stupid farce of a "villain" had his gun loaded with rubber bullets, which makes no sense. I call bullshit.
October 6, 2010
First (due to the title), I put this on my mm-mystery shelf. BUT, after I'm finished, I must put it on my mm-romance instead. Why? Because I don't think there is a mystery here. The readers will know from upfront, who the bad guy is, what he is planning to do, and actually, I think almost half of the story (or is it 2/3rd) actually talks about how Nick feels about Eric (or the other way around) or flashback over his life and relationship prior to Eric. AND, since the writing also tells from the bad guy's point of view, there is no surprise anymore. In fact, I have to say that this story is pretty formulaic -- no real suspense and even the ending is predictable.
BUT, I still enjoy it because the writing flows nicely -- and I kinda like Nick and Eric ... and I still want to check out the next book. So there, it's not a complete failure *grin*
BUT, I still enjoy it because the writing flows nicely -- and I kinda like Nick and Eric ... and I still want to check out the next book. So there, it's not a complete failure *grin*
October 17, 2012
Loved this book!!!
It's a pity there's not more stories about established relationships - and happy ones too! Not about the couples in need of consulting or with big problems, but just happy and loving, like Nick and Eric. I loved these two guys a great deal and I'm happy there's two more books about them and then I'm off to the Portrait series :)
Since I'm a romance girl first and foremost, I liked, that the story focused on relationships stuff more, than an average thriller would, but I loved the detective part too. Oh and I loved Nick's dreams about Sam and Joseph - being together and happy. I felt so sorry for them and their tragic story, it was really comforting to know that somewhere in the other life they've got the happiness they deserved!
It's a pity there's not more stories about established relationships - and happy ones too! Not about the couples in need of consulting or with big problems, but just happy and loving, like Nick and Eric. I loved these two guys a great deal and I'm happy there's two more books about them and then I'm off to the Portrait series :)
Since I'm a romance girl first and foremost, I liked, that the story focused on relationships stuff more, than an average thriller would, but I loved the detective part too. Oh and I loved Nick's dreams about Sam and Joseph - being together and happy. I felt so sorry for them and their tragic story, it was really comforting to know that somewhere in the other life they've got the happiness they deserved!
May 25, 2015
This one seemed phoned-in to me. Granted, I am picky about my romance-thrillers and want them to work as thrillers and not just as romances. This one didn't for me. The perilous situations were repetitive and required the hero to be both very dumb and amazingly lucky.
The subplot with the psychiatrist didn't work for me either. He didn't behave believably to me. Same with the villain - he changed his whole MO for no reason I could see except plot requirements.
The subplot with the psychiatrist didn't work for me either. He didn't behave believably to me. Same with the villain - he changed his whole MO for no reason I could see except plot requirements.
October 28, 2022
Kindle-Sort-ReRead
I only got to 10% the writing is all over the place with flashbacks, pov changes, info-dumps. Then meladrama on melodrama. No thanks.
I only got to 10% the writing is all over the place with flashbacks, pov changes, info-dumps. Then meladrama on melodrama. No thanks.
March 19, 2016
This is the first in the Nick Fallon mysteries. Nick is a partner in the Jeff Stevens PI business. Jeff & Peter are on a month long vacation leaving Nick to handle the business. Unfortunately, a criminal who Nick helped put on death row while a cop in Philly has picked this time to escape hell- bent on revenge . Francisco Garcia is claimed to be "clever" though his actions seem more violent and psychotic then clever. Francisco blames Nick and others in law enforcement for the death of his youngest son who was killed in a hail of bullets when law enforcement busted in to arrest his drug cartel father. Joseph Garcia was a wonderful young man who wasn't a part of his father treacherous business, and unbeknownst to his father was gay and in love with one of the police officers who died that tragic day. The love story of Sam ( the cop) & Joseph is beautiful and sad, you keep hoping that they will be able to have a life together. I loved this book, although I could have done without everyone who has met the vicious sociopathic psycho Francisco making claims of what a "clever" fellow he is....he ain't and Nick & Eric escaping his clutches several times showing that this man is just a weak stooge. I love the relationship of Nick & Eric, there's isn't an easy relationship. They have arguments, they have disagreements, but they love each other and plan to go to the distance. Read & enjoy, it's a series worth delving into!**** Re-read book and whole series and enjoyed it just as much as I did the first time I read it.I love the relationship between Nick & Eric ! 3/18/16.
May 17, 2012
I finished the Portrait Series this morning and loved it so much I jumped right into the Nick Fallon Series and in one day finished the entire book. Once again I am hooked. The same elements that kept me reading the prior books stayed true - although there was less mystery of "who is it?" and more of "what's going to happen next?", which was actually a nice break. You know quickly who the bad guy is and once the plot starts it really doesn't stop. Not so much unraveling a mystery that I have grown accustomed to but more of a what's he going to do next. I couldn't out it down because every time I thought about taking a break I would find myself ensnared it yet another situation that I just had to know what happened. I have already purchased the next book in this series and if its nearly as good as this I am sure it will be done in no time at all.
I am very glad I stumbled and started with the Portrait Series first. I got the chance to get to know Nick and Eric and fall in love with them as secondary characters and also many of the situations and conversations spoken of in this book made sense. I am also glad I get more of my fix of all the wonderful couples introduced in the Portrait Series. I would recommend starting with that series first if you can!
I am very glad I stumbled and started with the Portrait Series first. I got the chance to get to know Nick and Eric and fall in love with them as secondary characters and also many of the situations and conversations spoken of in this book made sense. I am also glad I get more of my fix of all the wonderful couples introduced in the Portrait Series. I would recommend starting with that series first if you can!
October 4, 2011
Tough, gritty, strong plot, vibrant characters. I just wish I had started with Portrait of Phillip. This is a series well worth reading.
September 21, 2012
2.5 stars. I liked the characters and the story but the constant point of view changes got confusing and the story just drug on too long!
September 25, 2011
I think I've said before that I'm not all that into romantic suspense, but I have read a few either by accident or via a reading challenge. This was read because of the later.
You are introduced right away to Nick Fallon and the tragic circumstances in his background that still haunts him. He has a new life-partner, Eric, and a new career as a P.I. But a drug lord he captured and put away from his past life as a police detective, one who has sworn to kill Nick, has escaped prison and is after Nick.
I was quickly sucked into the story. I loved Nick, who is smart and funny. There is a good balance of smex and action to keep me happy. This keep me on the edge almost the whole time. The killer was a smooth operator, able to thwart the police and FBI countless times. The final confrontation had me holding my breath because it catches you off guard until the very end.
I would definitely recommend checking this out. I've already added the next book to my tbr pile and a new author to my list.
You are introduced right away to Nick Fallon and the tragic circumstances in his background that still haunts him. He has a new life-partner, Eric, and a new career as a P.I. But a drug lord he captured and put away from his past life as a police detective, one who has sworn to kill Nick, has escaped prison and is after Nick.
I was quickly sucked into the story. I loved Nick, who is smart and funny. There is a good balance of smex and action to keep me happy. This keep me on the edge almost the whole time. The killer was a smooth operator, able to thwart the police and FBI countless times. The final confrontation had me holding my breath because it catches you off guard until the very end.
I would definitely recommend checking this out. I've already added the next book to my tbr pile and a new author to my list.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 28, 2012
Nick Fallon - his name even sounds like he's a Private Investigator. In A Deadly Game Nick does his best to save the world from the evil drug lord Garcia, protect his boyfriend Eric, and his business partner Jeff. He does this all with attitude, sarcasm, witty banter, and a heart as big as Laguna Beach its self. I really liked this book. It's not perfect, but nothing is so off that it threw up a red flag.
On to the next book, A Deadly Deception. I give A Deadly Game four stars.
On to the next book, A Deadly Deception. I give A Deadly Game four stars.
October 27, 2011
I wish this book had at least one strong line - either investigation or romance, but it had none.
The interaction between characters seemed staged and stereotyped. They were saying things not because they felt them, but because they/the author thought it might be appropriate and expected in that particular situation. A lot of high sounding phrases with nothing behind them.
And I also disliked being constantly reminded that Garcia was so, so smart. What exactly made him smart?
Aren't readers supposed to draw such conclusions themselves?
The interaction between characters seemed staged and stereotyped. They were saying things not because they felt them, but because they/the author thought it might be appropriate and expected in that particular situation. A lot of high sounding phrases with nothing behind them.
And I also disliked being constantly reminded that Garcia was so, so smart. What exactly made him smart?
Aren't readers supposed to draw such conclusions themselves?
January 17, 2012
4.25 out of 5. A fine M/M novel that brings in some very destructive stuff and which puts good people into serious danger. This book is a part of a detective series and while it reads much like the old detective books of the past decades (Mike Hammer, Ian Fleming, et al) it has as its main characters gay men who have found deep and satisfying love and stability with one another. They are at risk, not only personally, but their relationship is under attack by people from Nick's past. It is a tense and suspense-filled story but woven in its strands is the love and caring of the main characters. Just a really terrific read.
September 15, 2012
A Deadly Game is a good investigation/suspense book. That the main characters are already in a relationship leaves room for development of the search for the escaped prisoner. Through flashbacks, the history of Nick and Eric's relationship is told, as is Nick's career as a detective who had investigated and arrested the escapee. Nick's character definitely received more attention than Eric's, but readers do get to see Eric's love for Nick and his determination to be an equal partner.
December 16, 2021
What a great book - the first in a great series! I highly recommend reading the Portrait series by J.P. Bowie first. It is not necessary but these MC's are in that series and are seen throughout. The MC's in the Portrait series, along with many of the secondary characters, are seen throughout this series too. It was a very entertaining and intriguing series - well worth it!
I'm glad Nick and Eric have their own series - they are both extremely sexy, interesting and charismatic.
I'm glad Nick and Eric have their own series - they are both extremely sexy, interesting and charismatic.
April 24, 2011
A solid story, a little heavy in the planning department which was a bit annoying, I usually like speedier reads. The character's were likable and well drawn, Nick and Eric are a great pair. I do kind of wish there was a bit more mystery here, but good.
The next in the series isn't an autobuy for me but since I do like the characters it's one of those I might buy in the future.
The next in the series isn't an autobuy for me but since I do like the characters it's one of those I might buy in the future.
August 15, 2012
Lots of backstory revealed and more than once, I doubted this was the first book in the series. There were references to events that weren't in the huge flashback and, now I see this is the first in the series, I'm a little annoyed by its inclusion, particularly as it served no purpose other than to confuse me. A star off a 4 star read for that.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 17, 2012
If you like Tom Clancy type thrillers, this book is for you. It's cut exactly from the cookie-cutter paperback thrillers you find in airports, with the exception of the protagonist. I have to admit it's nice having the hot sex in a standard thriller be of the guy-on-guy variety rather than the usual dry heterosexual variety. But barring that, this is a regular vanilla thriller.
January 27, 2011
I would actually rate this a 3.5. It was a solid read. Not great, but it kept me interested. The plot moved along nicely, and I enjoyed the characters. I did feel badly for Norman, but luckily it seems like things are looking better for him.
November 12, 2013
This series goes hand-in-hand with the author's Portrait series and features many of the same characters. If you like series, romance, and a bit of suspense, you'll probably enjoy this one. However, I suggest reading the Portrait series first.
December 9, 2012
Enjoyable story but found the subplot with the psychiatrist a bit strange. I liked both Eric and Nick and that they were in a happy and established relationship, it's something I enjoy reading but you don't see too many of those out there.
July 26, 2015
My opinion only. Others seemed to have enjoyed this book.
This was sailing along nicely until the convicted murderer escaped and it went downhill from there. By the time he died it seemed like all the other characters were immature, inept idiots. It never got better.
This was sailing along nicely until the convicted murderer escaped and it went downhill from there. By the time he died it seemed like all the other characters were immature, inept idiots. It never got better.
May 16, 2011
3.5 stars
September 28, 2012
3.5 stars
This was an enjoyable read overall with nice characters and an interesting plot.
This was an enjoyable read overall with nice characters and an interesting plot.
October 14, 2012
Love this series. Very well written. The greatest thing about this series is these could be any guys, they just happen to be gay.
August 14, 2016
There wasn't much of an investigation going on anywhere in this book, unless you count the villain's search for Nick. Hopefully, the second book might have more of a mystery.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews