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~ 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.