S.E.X Review~ Shield by RJ Scott & V.L. Locey

Can Jackson ensure the safety of his loved ones when the darkest elements of LA's underbelly seek retribution?

Oliver knows the clock is ticking on his dream of winning the Stanley Cup. After fourteen years playing for New York, he’s beyond frustrated to leave friends behind when traded to the LA Storm. As a widower and father of two girls, he’s facing the twilight of his career, and, worst of all, he’s lonely. Making friends is easy enough, but he craves someone to hold him at night. When Jackson, equal parts grumpy chaos and charm, lands in his life, friendship turns to lust, and love isn’t far behind. He finds himself drawn to Jackson, and as their relationship deepens, they become each other’s haven amidst the chaos of their lives. However, danger from Jackson's work threatens their peaceful world, challenging their relationship and forcing love to take a backseat to survival.

After bringing down a notable money launderer, Jackson's small team receives orders to delve deeper into the world of organized crime in Hollywood. His early success quickly spirals into an overwhelming web of criminal intrigue. In this new, uncharted territory, he feels increasingly isolated, both personally and professionally. The more issues he uncovers, the less he seems to close. Meeting Oliver shakes his world even more, especially when he accidentally falls for the widower and father of two little girls. A few nights of fun is one thing, but deeper feelings and kids are something he is not at all prepared for. Yet, despite his reluctance, he becomes deeply attached to the little family who has embraced him with so much love. Now, he just has to shield them from the dangers that have followed him to their doorstep.

This opposites attract romance features a single dad hockey player grappling with personal loss, a grumpy detective entangled in the complexities of organized crime, and a love story that happens despite the odds.

Shield, L.A. Storm #3 by RJ Scott & VL Lovey was a nice addition to the series. While I loved the previous two books, I found Shield a little slow to start and did not completely like all the characters. At first. We met Jackson in the previous book and I am not sure how memorable he was. I was glad to see him get his own book, but for this reader (only IMO), he was not completely likeable. He reminded me of a stereotyped gumshoe; sloppy, cigarette smoking oof.

Having said that, the story unfolded nicely, as Oliver struggled to find his place with his new team, as well as a new city with his daughters. The chemistry between Oliver and Jackson was slow burn and the romance was well developed.

I loved Jamie (the nanny) and cannot wait for the next installment in the series and to read his story.

Overall, a quick romance.

A four handcuff review

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2024 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ How Much for a Broken Heart by RJ Scott

When the game turns deadly for a SEAL and his Ranger, they navigate a labyrinth of danger and betrayal. But as bullets fly and alliances shift, it’s not just the mission that’s at stake—it’s their hearts.

In a single devastating morning, August’s life crumbles. His covert assignment derails disastrously as the family he’s meant to safeguard falls prey to the ruthless Cooper River Cartel. The tragedy deepens when a little girl vanishes without a trace, leaving behind nothing but her favorite teddy bear—a silent witness to a kidnapping that makes no sense. As a former SEAL, August grapples with his failure and imagines killing those who broke everything he was supposed to protect. Each clue and every whisper in the criminal underworld could lead him to Annie. But with each step into darkness, August risks losing himself to the same violence that claimed her father.

Enter Shadow Team, and Ryder, a former Army Ranger tasked with rescuing Annie from a compound in the middle of the forest. He’s supposed to leave, but when he finds August tied up and bleeding, he risks everything to bring the broken SEAL home.

An undercover operation left August bereft and broken in RJ Scott’s Sanctuary spinoff, How Much for a Broken Heart, Shadow Team (book 2). When a mission failed, August’s main focus was to rescue the child left behind. Enter Ryder, the man supposed to rescue Annie, but also found August. What occurred was compassion and passion as the two men balanced mission, duty, and maybe falling for each other.

Like all Ms Scott’s books, the past storylines and characters resurfaced in ways that added to the nuances of this new read.

Passion and intrigue surrounded Ryder and August as well as the need to rescue the little girl left behind and eliminate the cartel. The two men meshed, and the synergy was palpable on and off the field of battle. I love a good ‘take down the bad guys’ book and Ms Scott hit the mark.

A great addition to the series and spinoff.

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

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2024 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ Spring Rains by RJ Scott

When love is on the line, the only way to move forward is to challenge ghosts of the past and find a place to belong.

High School Teacher Chris, an amputee since his teens, has wrestled with darkness and emerged victorious. He’s a pillar of strength in the classroom, deflecting his overbearing family by day and yearning for love by night. Yet a recent reminder of his fragility at the Lennox ranch has stirred spectres of his past. Enter Noah and his son, Fox, who bring a glimmer of hope into Chris’s life, igniting a fire that dares him to fight for love once more.

After big-city pastry chef Noah inherits his great aunt Lilly’s diner in the small Wyoming town of Whisper Ridge, he can finally escape the painful memories and media fallout of an abusive marriage. He wants to rebuild their lives in a safe place, but starting over isn’t easy when money is running out, the rainbow flag in his window draws the attention of the local fire-and-brimstone pastor, and the past rears its ugly head. Through it all, Noah must decide if he’s ready to open his heart again, especially to his son’s teacher.

Noah and Chris fall in love, stand up for what is right, fight their demons, and find a happy ever after despite the odds.

Oh holy he.., Did I love Spring Rains by RJ Scott. The third installment in the Whisper Ridge, Wyoming  series, the book was not only well-written , but contained enough angst to load a ton truck.

Chris and Noah were the darlings of the show. Both with enough baggage to fill a plane, but together they muscled through and came out better on the other side. I loved Chris’ fighting attitude, making him fiercely independent.

I would recommend reading the series from the start, as recurring characters pop up and it will give the reader o better understanding of Chris.

Spring Rains was a definite keeper.

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

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2024 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ Second by RJ Scott & V.L. Locey

When he’s lost everything, can Michael rebuild his broken life and find a love worth fighting for?

In the high-stakes world of professional hockey, Michael "Zeetoo" Zhang once had the potential to shine even brighter than his older brother, captain of the LA Storm. But one wrong turn and a growing gambling habit have led him down a treacherous path. After a run of bad luck, he's left with nothing but debts, and after an arrest, he's slammed with a non-custodial sentence of work in the community. Fate takes an unexpected turn when he is placed in an inner-city garden project, where he encounters Bryce, the enigmatic and surly manager of the project, who harbors a deep resentment toward him. Despite Bryce's cold demeanor, Michael wants to prove himself worthy of being loved, if only the scars of past failures and the constant shadow of his brother's success didn't haunt him and leave him feeling lost and alone.

Bryce Kincaid is chased by his own brand of demons, and years out from his mistakes, he's determined to stick to one path and never waver, just in case he once again loses control. Michael Zhang is everything Bryce doesn't want in his life; temptation wrapped in sex, the hockey player is a man on the edge, and to fall for him would mean Bryce opening his heart to hurt.

As they work side by side, the walls around Bryce's heart begin to crack, revealing a vulnerability that even Michael can't resist. Drawn to each other they discover a passion that goes beyond the ice and the earth, and find a love that defies the odds. Only, just as Michael starts to believe in second chances, his past catches up with him, threatening to derail his life completely, and destroy Bryce right along with him. If he wants a life with Bryce then Michael must confront the demons of his past and fight for the future he never thought he deserved.

The dynamics between Bryce and Michael in Second slowly burned to sizzle as the storyline unfolded and progressed. Authors Scott and Locey gave us insight into the world of hockey, but additionally the world of addiction. Both Bryce and Michael battled their different addictions and everyday fought to keep the demons at bay. As they progressed through life, forgave themselves and others, their world came together in synergy and companionship.

I appreciated that the authors did not make the storyline unbelievable in the life of addiction, but allowed the characters to experience true trials and prejudices that those afflicted face every day. More than a hockey book, Second was inspiring and made my heart happy.

Bryce’s son and the wonderfully charismatic landlord added appeal and a nuance that gave more depth to the storyline. I appreciated the book is more than hockey genre, but that of life, and all that can interfere.

A great series, Second was a sure-fire hit.

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

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2024 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ Zenith by RJ Scott & Eli Easton

A killer haunts Prophet, and this time it’s personal The discovery of a body at the Thompson Cabins sets off a chain of events that hits too close to home for Sheriff Gabriel Thompson. When his brother Sam becomes a prime suspect in the murder investigation, Gabriel is forced to keep secrets from Tiber and call in outside help as he fights to prove Sam’s innocence. It’s a nightmare that becomes all consuming. Tiber Russo, animal whisperer, is dealing with problems of his own. A stalker threatens him and his entire menagerie of pets. With Gabriel wrapped up in the new case, Tiber tries to solve the mystery on his own. Who in the sleepy town of Prophet wants to do him harm? But when the threats turn lethal, Tiber finds himself in over his head. Tiber and Gabriel have solved two murders together and started a deep relationship. But this time the forces ranged against them are personal and the target is on them, and the backs of everyone they love. With each of them isolated trying to protect the other, their strength is diminished. Even with the love they share, can they make it out of this alive?

There is no secret that this reader loves a great mystery, police action and a dose of romance. Yet again, authors Scott & Easton regaled us with a suspenseful read in Zenith, the final book in A Lake Prophet Mystery. The bonus of soulful M/M characters was the cherry on top of the sundae.

Gabriel and Tiber once again are thrusted into the limelight of another murder in their otherwise quiet town, but this time it’s personal. The gentle giant sheriff was the perfect partner to the quiet animal behaviorist who would rather snuggle with his four-legged friends and Gabriel than other humans. Good thing Gabriel had his number and together each complimented the other’s personality and demeanor.

The final book in the trilogy, Zenith was everything I wanted and sad to see it end. I may have said this before, but I don’t always read a book simply because it is labeled M/M. I want a book with substance, mystery, well-written characters; if there happen to be M/M characters, then all the better- it’s just not the first on the list. Having said that, authors Scott and Easton delivered everything I wanted in a good read. Prolific writers, they knew just how to draw the reader into the fold and kept me sitting on the edge of my seat; wondering who dun it and why, attempting to connect the pieces. My only drawback, I wish the books were longer. Some of my favorite authors, Daniel Silva, Lisa Jewell, known for devouring mystery or thriller books; now Scott & Easton moved over in the column to said category.

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

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2024 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ Miracle by RJ Scott

An abandoned baby, a poignant note from his long-lost twin, and unexpectedly, Jax’s world is turned upside down.

Despite being adopted by a loving family when he was a child, Jax feels part of his life is missing, and driven by dreams of his brother being in danger, Jax is consumed by his search for his biological twin. Shocked to find a surprise delivery on his doorstep, Jax discovers that not only is he an uncle, but apparently, he’s a legal guardian to baby Charlie. He calls on the unwavering support of his friends and family to solve the mystery surrounding the new arrival, but also finds help from an unexpected source—Arlo, the enigmatic bear of a man who works for him.

Arlo is no stranger to caring. When his parents passed, he dropped out of college to care for his siblings, working construction to pay the bills. With his brothers grown and having left home, it’s Arlo’s turn to live, but when the next stage of his life means owning up to his love for Jax, he can’t find the words to be honest about how he feels. The problem for Arlo is that he’s been in unrequited love with his boss for three years and can’t bear to not be part of his life. Is it too much to wish for a miracle to make Jax fall for him too?

eBook

Paperback

It is no secret that I love an RJ Scott book, and the Single Dads series is a series that makes me laugh and cry, but always with an easy heart. Miracle was nothing like the other books, and I almost forgot that it was part of the series. The heaviness of the book weighed on me and I cried more than I laughed. I loved this book!

Jax and Arlo were beautiful souls, dealt with a hand that neither saw coming- an abandoned baby who was Jax’s long lost twin brother’s child. Together, Jax and Arlo not only navigate a friends to lovers atmosphere, but keeping Charlie safe.

Don’t get me wrong, even though I found the book heavy at times, I laughed a lot as well, in true Ms Scott fashion, she always makes the reader feel immersed in the storyline and characters lives.

Men from the other books emerge to enhance Miracle at the appropriate times and I love Jax’s crazy family.

Single Dads is a series that you surely do not want to miss.

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

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2024 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.

S.E.X. Review~ Family First by RJ Scott & V.L. Locey

An injury threatens to end Stan’s career. Will he choose to fight for his beloved hockey, or put his family first? 

Few goalies are as dedicated as Stan Lyamin, known for his resilience on the ice, talking to his pipes, and his love of Elvis. Add in his adoration of his family and his life has been filled with all the things that bring him joy.  However, after a heart-wrenching game ends with a disastrous hip injury, Stan faces the most challenging obstacle of his career: surgery, an extensive recovery, and the looming threat of retirement. It’s now that he has to decide which path to take: the one that will lead him back to the game he adores or the one that will see his jersey lifted to the rafters.

Erik and Stan, once invincible with the Railers, have always skated through life's challenges hand in hand. Their love story, cemented by a shared passion for hockey and the joy of raising their children, has been their shield against the world. But when their son Noah’s life is changed forever by a medical diagnosis, this forever love is put to the test. Erik turns to his husband for support, but Stan is consumed with guilt, overwhelmed by decisions, and retreats into himself when his family needs him the most.

There are so many couples that I adore in the Harrisburg Railers series by authors Scott & Locey, but Erik and Stan might be one of my favorites; mostly in part because of Stan but more importantly due to the love the men have for each other and family.
Scott and Locey are prolific writers and I never tire of seeing where they will take the series. Injuries, sickness, careers, the two authors allowed the characters to write themselves- a testament to their talent as solo authors, but also as authors who can meld and produce.

I laughed and cried through many of the books in the series, but grab your tissues as Family First may be the tearjerker of them all. Not a stand-alone, the books should be read in order, to appreciate the nuances and over arching themes. Characters made appearances, that if you have not read the other books you would not be able to appreciate Family First to its fullest.

Sexy and sensual, Family First hit it out of the park.

Definite S.E.X.

A five handcuff review

Changing Lines

First Season

Deep Edge

Poke Check

Last Defense

Goal Line

Neutral Zone

Hat Trick

Save the Date

Baby Makes Three

Rivals

Perfect Gifts

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2023 ©Evelise Archer All rights reserved. This is a work of fiction. All names, characters, locations, and incidents are products of the author’s imagination, or have been used fictionally. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead, locales, or events is entirely coincidental. No portion of this work may be transmitted or reproduced in any form, or by any means, without permission in writing from the author.