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Scandal Fever
Flamboyant reality TV star Gavin Cox has a reputation for partying, dirty dancing, and taking hot men into his bed. But his inability to remember what happened the night his cast mate was murdered, combined with a terrifying home invasion, yanks him off the party circuit and brings him firmly under the protective custody of detective Rob Turner.
Keeping Gavin under police protection may be nothing but a ruse cooked up by Rob's sergeant to placate the media and the Chief of Police, but Rob takes his duties seriously. He needs to learn whether Gavin is a suspect, a victim, or a witness. Yet the only way to get those answers is to get extremely close to a man who tests every one of Rob's boundaries, and makes him want to give in to the desires he's been hiding his whole life.
As their forced proximity brings the passion simmering between them to a boiling point, the risk of scandal threatens Rob's job, his family, and his way of life. But it's Gavin's life who might end too soon...because to keep Gavin from remembering what he saw, a murderer is determined to silence him forever.
Publisher's book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find male/male sexual practices, violence.
Keeping Gavin under police protection may be nothing but a ruse cooked up by Rob's sergeant to placate the media and the Chief of Police, but Rob takes his duties seriously. He needs to learn whether Gavin is a suspect, a victim, or a witness. Yet the only way to get those answers is to get extremely close to a man who tests every one of Rob's boundaries, and makes him want to give in to the desires he's been hiding his whole life.
As their forced proximity brings the passion simmering between them to a boiling point, the risk of scandal threatens Rob's job, his family, and his way of life. But it's Gavin's life who might end too soon...because to keep Gavin from remembering what he saw, a murderer is determined to silence him forever.
Publisher's book contains explicit sexual situations, graphic language, and material that some readers may find male/male sexual practices, violence.
142 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 18, 2012
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
September 29, 2012
If you like extreme characters, coming out stories and a murder mystery, then Scandal Fever will be your type of book. If none of those tropes appeal to you, then you can skip this review. But if like me, you’ve put a big check in those boxes for YES, then please read on. *g*
The book starts with a murder. Openly gay reality TV star Gavin Cox is a party animal and when he witnesses the murder of one of his cast-mates, he’s on the radar of the police and especially detective Rob Turner. One problem? Gavin was trashed the night of the murder, had a black-out and cannot remember the murder or who did it. But since Gavin is a high profile suspect/witness, the police assign Rob to watch over the man. Now Rob is instantly attracted to Gavin, but he’s so deep in the closet, I wonder if Rob could find R. Kelly in there. In between trying to find a murderer, falling in love and keeping Gavin safe, Rob Turner’s life is about to drastically change.
As I said in my opening statement, if you like GFY/OFY plots, then you will love this novel. I think Scandal Fever captures the trope perfectly. Plus, Gavin Cox is a breath of fresh air. He’s brash, flamboyant, yet a tortured soul who deep down doesn’t believe he deserves love. Add in the fact he’s a bit of an attention whore on his Jersey Shore-like TV show and you have an interesting main character. But if it’s angst you crave Scandal Fever has that in spades too. So in reality, it covers a lot of bases.
I know some readers will see murder mystery and pick it up for that reason, but I was into this novel for the love story. The murder mystery took a back seat for me as it wasn’t as fully developed as the rest of the plot, which caused me to drop the rating. I just wasn’t buying the big reveal of the bad guy at the end.
While I have a few minor niggles about the mystery aspect, the overall characterizations, interesting plot and hot sex scenes push this into the to-buy category for me.
Reviews by Jessewave
The book starts with a murder. Openly gay reality TV star Gavin Cox is a party animal and when he witnesses the murder of one of his cast-mates, he’s on the radar of the police and especially detective Rob Turner. One problem? Gavin was trashed the night of the murder, had a black-out and cannot remember the murder or who did it. But since Gavin is a high profile suspect/witness, the police assign Rob to watch over the man. Now Rob is instantly attracted to Gavin, but he’s so deep in the closet, I wonder if Rob could find R. Kelly in there. In between trying to find a murderer, falling in love and keeping Gavin safe, Rob Turner’s life is about to drastically change.
As I said in my opening statement, if you like GFY/OFY plots, then you will love this novel. I think Scandal Fever captures the trope perfectly. Plus, Gavin Cox is a breath of fresh air. He’s brash, flamboyant, yet a tortured soul who deep down doesn’t believe he deserves love. Add in the fact he’s a bit of an attention whore on his Jersey Shore-like TV show and you have an interesting main character. But if it’s angst you crave Scandal Fever has that in spades too. So in reality, it covers a lot of bases.
I know some readers will see murder mystery and pick it up for that reason, but I was into this novel for the love story. The murder mystery took a back seat for me as it wasn’t as fully developed as the rest of the plot, which caused me to drop the rating. I just wasn’t buying the big reveal of the bad guy at the end.
While I have a few minor niggles about the mystery aspect, the overall characterizations, interesting plot and hot sex scenes push this into the to-buy category for me.
Reviews by Jessewave
November 23, 2012
This wasn't bad necessarily, just not that good either. A very formulaic plot that I've read quite a few times before, with a "straight" policeman who can't keep his dick in his pants when he gets around a flirty badboy suspect in his murder investigation. With the requisite homophobic jerk for a partner and the angst associated with this partner and his maybe disapproving family finding out. Throw in a clunky murder investigation that had me going "wait who?" when the culprit was revealed and I really can't give this more than two stars.
A word of warning to those Goodreaders out there with delicate sensibilities. I'm gonna talk about penis. A recurring theme is the instant erection each main character gets at the slightest provocation. Just a word, a look, a smell....instant hardon. And then twice (once for each MC) we're told that they could feel precum at the tip of their dick and then feel it drip down their shaft. While they had clothes on. This isn't my first time at the rodeo but I have never...just never...felt the presence of precum, let alone felt it drip down my shaft. I mean, sure, I've been making out and getting hot and heavy and then when the clothes are shucked off, I've made a mess in my boxers. But to be so hyper-aware that you can feel that little smear on your boxers-and=pants-clad dick is just crazy. When I read it the first time I was all "Bah! That's dumb." The second time it was more "This totally had to be written by a woman." Sure enough........
Others loved it. Meh. For me a definite once and done. Maybe I'm just cranky because it's Thanksgiving and earlier I ate a pile of mashed potatoes the size of a baby.
A word of warning to those Goodreaders out there with delicate sensibilities. I'm gonna talk about penis. A recurring theme is the instant erection each main character gets at the slightest provocation. Just a word, a look, a smell....instant hardon. And then twice (once for each MC) we're told that they could feel precum at the tip of their dick and then feel it drip down their shaft. While they had clothes on. This isn't my first time at the rodeo but I have never...just never...felt the presence of precum, let alone felt it drip down my shaft. I mean, sure, I've been making out and getting hot and heavy and then when the clothes are shucked off, I've made a mess in my boxers. But to be so hyper-aware that you can feel that little smear on your boxers-and=pants-clad dick is just crazy. When I read it the first time I was all "Bah! That's dumb." The second time it was more "This totally had to be written by a woman." Sure enough........
Others loved it. Meh. For me a definite once and done. Maybe I'm just cranky because it's Thanksgiving and earlier I ate a pile of mashed potatoes the size of a baby.
September 21, 2012
A fun read.
If...
...one likes over the top characters
...over the top emotions
...an over the top mystery
...superlatives galore
More like an exhausting fun read - lots of eye-rolling included...;-)
If...
...one likes over the top characters
...over the top emotions
...an over the top mystery
...superlatives galore
More like an exhausting fun read - lots of eye-rolling included...;-)
October 4, 2012
Very good book!
I usually have a hard time with too flamboyant characters, but thankfully Gavin wasn't one, other than his sometimes outrageous outfits he's rather an ordinary guy, who just likes to party hard. Again I'm not a big fun of GFY, but that's not the case with Rob, imo. He always knew he's attracted to men, he just didn't have a courage to act on it before Gavin. I really enjoyed theit dynamic, sexual tension was done just right - very hot and not too drawn out, and there weren't any big misunderstandings, which I appreciate. The HEA was very satisfying and I liked the way Rob's whole family reacted.
I usually have a hard time with too flamboyant characters, but thankfully Gavin wasn't one, other than his sometimes outrageous outfits he's rather an ordinary guy, who just likes to party hard. Again I'm not a big fun of GFY, but that's not the case with Rob, imo. He always knew he's attracted to men, he just didn't have a courage to act on it before Gavin. I really enjoyed theit dynamic, sexual tension was done just right - very hot and not too drawn out, and there weren't any big misunderstandings, which I appreciate. The HEA was very satisfying and I liked the way Rob's whole family reacted.
September 20, 2012
3.5 stars
The mood is fun and light, Gavin was a treat much like a peacock with his get up, very over the top. Mystery? Umm not much, I still liked the story and who wouldn't want to be protected by the hunky detective Rob, he's still in closet though, its pretty predictable. Not a lot of angst, no surprises a nice happy conclusion.
The mood is fun and light, Gavin was a treat much like a peacock with his get up, very over the top. Mystery? Umm not much, I still liked the story and who wouldn't want to be protected by the hunky detective Rob, he's still in closet though, its pretty predictable. Not a lot of angst, no surprises a nice happy conclusion.
January 20, 2013
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3.75 Kisses!
This is the first book I’ve read by Hunter Raines and it definitely won’t be my last. Scandal Fever is a romp of danger, sex and intrigue that kept this reader entertained throughout the novel.
The blurb does an excellent job at describing the story, so I won’t rehash a lot of it. Rob Turner is police officer who is assigned to protect the very sexy and flamboyant reality television star Gavin. While out partying, one of Gavin’s cast mates was murdered. Gavin was either in the wrong place in the wrong time, or he’s witnessed a murder that he can’t remember. Gavin is a bit of a party boy and apparently drank too much to recall what happened, so Rob and his partner are suspicious of Gavin and Gavin’s involvement in the murder. But there is something about Gavin that really calls to Rob’s heart, and he finds himself not only attracted to him, he becomes truly conflicted when it comes to believing whether Gavin is innocent or guilty. As the two men are continuously thrown together, the attraction builds strongly between them and Rob knows he must find out the truth behind the murder if there is ever going to be something special between them.
I really liked this story a lot. Rob is an honorable man who is conflicted by his duty as a police officer and for his feelings for Gavin. He’s in a difficult situation and has to make some hard decisions when it comes to both his professional and his personal life. I liked the inner conflict Rob had throughout the novel and enjoyed watching Rob come to terms with several things in his life; especially over his sudden attraction and feelings for Gavin.
As much as I liked Rob, I loved Gavin! He’s got a zest for life and a spunky personality really jumped off of the written page. But being a reality star has made him somewhat of a caricature of who he really is versus who the man the public believes him to be. I enjoyed watching these two men really dance around their feelings and attraction toward each other and I really came to believe that they were meant to be together.
Some of the action and the mystery of who killed Gavin’s fellow cast member was a little over the top, but I still liked it. There were a few times I wanted to roll my eyes over the negative attitude of Rob’s partner in particular. But, all in all I really liked this book and I loved the romance between Rob and Gavin.
Scandal Fever is a sexy romance with two seductively interesting characters that I really loved. Between the fast-paced storyline and the hot chemistry between Gavin and Rob, I ended up really enjoying this book from start to finish! If you are looking for a who-done-it murder mystery with some hot romance, then Scandal Fever is definitely a book for you to consider.
3.75 Kisses!
This is the first book I’ve read by Hunter Raines and it definitely won’t be my last. Scandal Fever is a romp of danger, sex and intrigue that kept this reader entertained throughout the novel.
The blurb does an excellent job at describing the story, so I won’t rehash a lot of it. Rob Turner is police officer who is assigned to protect the very sexy and flamboyant reality television star Gavin. While out partying, one of Gavin’s cast mates was murdered. Gavin was either in the wrong place in the wrong time, or he’s witnessed a murder that he can’t remember. Gavin is a bit of a party boy and apparently drank too much to recall what happened, so Rob and his partner are suspicious of Gavin and Gavin’s involvement in the murder. But there is something about Gavin that really calls to Rob’s heart, and he finds himself not only attracted to him, he becomes truly conflicted when it comes to believing whether Gavin is innocent or guilty. As the two men are continuously thrown together, the attraction builds strongly between them and Rob knows he must find out the truth behind the murder if there is ever going to be something special between them.
I really liked this story a lot. Rob is an honorable man who is conflicted by his duty as a police officer and for his feelings for Gavin. He’s in a difficult situation and has to make some hard decisions when it comes to both his professional and his personal life. I liked the inner conflict Rob had throughout the novel and enjoyed watching Rob come to terms with several things in his life; especially over his sudden attraction and feelings for Gavin.
As much as I liked Rob, I loved Gavin! He’s got a zest for life and a spunky personality really jumped off of the written page. But being a reality star has made him somewhat of a caricature of who he really is versus who the man the public believes him to be. I enjoyed watching these two men really dance around their feelings and attraction toward each other and I really came to believe that they were meant to be together.
Some of the action and the mystery of who killed Gavin’s fellow cast member was a little over the top, but I still liked it. There were a few times I wanted to roll my eyes over the negative attitude of Rob’s partner in particular. But, all in all I really liked this book and I loved the romance between Rob and Gavin.
Scandal Fever is a sexy romance with two seductively interesting characters that I really loved. Between the fast-paced storyline and the hot chemistry between Gavin and Rob, I ended up really enjoying this book from start to finish! If you are looking for a who-done-it murder mystery with some hot romance, then Scandal Fever is definitely a book for you to consider.
September 26, 2012
3 Hearts
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Gavin loves to be the centre of attention and loves being a star on a reality TV show, but now he’s got the attention of a killer after one of his cast mates are murdered. Just his luck that he was too drunk to remember that night though, now he’s stuck in a safe house with a delectable detective who is in the closet. Rob has to spend time with a sexy celebrity who strains his control, but he has more important things to do like find a killer, keep Gavin safe and most importantly not get on his mother’s bad side.
This is an interesting story that is at times amusing, a bit silly and exciting. Gavin had a hard up-bringing and now he is a celebrity living the high life with everything that it entails, all night partying, dancing and hot men. When one of his cast mates is murdered Gavin ends up in a police safe house and it is Rob’s job to find out what Gavin knows about that night. But, Gavin has no idea as he was too drunk to remember. Gavin and Rob become close and Rob falls for the sexy Gavin, but Rob has a job to do and that includes finding the killer. But, his attraction to Gavin is too strong to fight.
Gavin is such a colorful character that he blazes through the pages. Rob is the exact opposite very dependable and more of a people pleaser, putting them together was brilliant and they manage to balance each other out a bit. The mystery surrounding the murder is interesting and it simmers in the background as Gavin and Rob get together. We find out quite a bit about both our MC’s backgrounds so you understand why both men are the way they are. The action is quite exciting and affects both Gavin and Rob, while the sex between them is very hot and erotic.
I will recommend this to those who love a bit of angst and danger, a man who trips out of the closet, a flamboyant man who lives his life to the fullest, a murder, hot sex and a very happy ending.
First published at MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.co...
Gavin loves to be the centre of attention and loves being a star on a reality TV show, but now he’s got the attention of a killer after one of his cast mates are murdered. Just his luck that he was too drunk to remember that night though, now he’s stuck in a safe house with a delectable detective who is in the closet. Rob has to spend time with a sexy celebrity who strains his control, but he has more important things to do like find a killer, keep Gavin safe and most importantly not get on his mother’s bad side.
This is an interesting story that is at times amusing, a bit silly and exciting. Gavin had a hard up-bringing and now he is a celebrity living the high life with everything that it entails, all night partying, dancing and hot men. When one of his cast mates is murdered Gavin ends up in a police safe house and it is Rob’s job to find out what Gavin knows about that night. But, Gavin has no idea as he was too drunk to remember. Gavin and Rob become close and Rob falls for the sexy Gavin, but Rob has a job to do and that includes finding the killer. But, his attraction to Gavin is too strong to fight.
Gavin is such a colorful character that he blazes through the pages. Rob is the exact opposite very dependable and more of a people pleaser, putting them together was brilliant and they manage to balance each other out a bit. The mystery surrounding the murder is interesting and it simmers in the background as Gavin and Rob get together. We find out quite a bit about both our MC’s backgrounds so you understand why both men are the way they are. The action is quite exciting and affects both Gavin and Rob, while the sex between them is very hot and erotic.
I will recommend this to those who love a bit of angst and danger, a man who trips out of the closet, a flamboyant man who lives his life to the fullest, a murder, hot sex and a very happy ending.
October 28, 2012
I must have been in the mood for some over-the-top-ness, 'cause I LOVED this book!
Yes, the characters were fairly stereotypical (the mc's only to a certain degree, but all of the secondary characters were like cookie cut-outs), and the romance was predictable. But the mc's were also very likable and sympathetic and the romance was very sweet and delightfully paced.
The things that keep this from getting more stars are the treatment of the supporting characters and the way everything is always resolved so simply and in the best possible way.
Rob's mother and his partner were, for me, the most disappointing. The mother is spoken of almost with outright disdain, and is forced to fit several stereotypes, none of which are likable. The partner was a cliche right from the start, and his abrupt about-face at the end was ridiculous and unbelievable.
Apart from those things, though, this was a lot of fun to read. So much so that it'll probably make my guilty pleasures shelf. I really did like Gavin and Rob--each on their own and also together as a couple. I was rooting for them, and hoping things would work out for them (perhaps not quite as simplistically as it happened... but I'll not look a HEA in the mouth :P).
Recommended as a light, fun, read sometime when you're prepared to suspend all disbelief.
Yes, the characters were fairly stereotypical (the mc's only to a certain degree, but all of the secondary characters were like cookie cut-outs), and the romance was predictable. But the mc's were also very likable and sympathetic and the romance was very sweet and delightfully paced.
The things that keep this from getting more stars are the treatment of the supporting characters and the way everything is always resolved so simply and in the best possible way.
Rob's mother and his partner were, for me, the most disappointing. The mother is spoken of almost with outright disdain, and is forced to fit several stereotypes, none of which are likable. The partner was a cliche right from the start, and his abrupt about-face at the end was ridiculous and unbelievable.
Apart from those things, though, this was a lot of fun to read. So much so that it'll probably make my guilty pleasures shelf. I really did like Gavin and Rob--each on their own and also together as a couple. I was rooting for them, and hoping things would work out for them (perhaps not quite as simplistically as it happened... but I'll not look a HEA in the mouth :P).
Recommended as a light, fun, read sometime when you're prepared to suspend all disbelief.
December 16, 2012
3.5 stars I was in the mood for a light, sexy book with a little murder mystery thrown in and this one fit the bill. Gavin Cox is a reality star who's a little flashy & flamboyant. He accidentally witnesses a murder but blackouts all the details. That plot sounds a lot more interesting than what it turns out to be as the mystery portion is a little thin and seems to serve more as a catalyst for Gavin to be under the protective custody of hot closeted detective Rob Turner. This is more of an out for you plot rather than a GFY.
All the basics are covered from homophobic work partner and mother to first time gay virgin scene. It's a quick and light read with a minimal of angst and a happy ending.
All the basics are covered from homophobic work partner and mother to first time gay virgin scene. It's a quick and light read with a minimal of angst and a happy ending.
September 5, 2014
Honestly much more of a romance story than a mystery, this story delivered. A reality show star is murdered and the main suspect is the dead man's co-star Gavin Cox. Flamboyant, hot and only into one night stands, Gavin is taken into custody and kept at a police safe house. The task of keeping an eye on Gavin is Detective Rob Turner who is a deeply closeted virgin. Gavin makes it his mission to seduce Rob but doesn't count on remembering his co-star's murder.
Wild sex, unrelenting paparazzi and a homophobic police force all combine to make this story a fun and quirky read. Great for a day at the beach or a rainy afternoon at home.
Wild sex, unrelenting paparazzi and a homophobic police force all combine to make this story a fun and quirky read. Great for a day at the beach or a rainy afternoon at home.
January 4, 2013
This was a light, fun read. Gavin Cox is a party boy. He loves the spotlight and revels in its glow. Detective Rob Turner is in the closet, but he’s seriously attracted to the bad boy. When a murder takes place and Gavin is the only witness who, unfortunately, doesn’t remember anything, they put him in protective custody with…wait for it…Rob!
Please see Mr. P's complete review on January 22, 2013 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Please see Mr. P's complete review on January 22, 2013 at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
July 13, 2017
Maybe a little higher than 3 stars but it was a pretty short read and not all that exciting. The writing was done well and I did like the MCs, it just felt underdeveloped somehow. Not bad for an afternoon spent reading about lovely smexing and little investigation.
November 4, 2012
This was a good short m/m suspense. The characters were very likable and a good fit for each other. I liked how by the end of the book Gavin had dropped his mask and everything had worked out with Rob's coming out.
September 18, 2012
2.5 stars
February 3, 2016
Tropes.
Flirty twink. Check.
Closeted cop. Check.
Enforced living together. Check.
Okay so the mystery was pretty flimsy but I wasn't reading for that.
All in all an enjoyable read for me.
Flirty twink. Check.
Closeted cop. Check.
Enforced living together. Check.
Okay so the mystery was pretty flimsy but I wasn't reading for that.
All in all an enjoyable read for me.
November 13, 2012
Absolutely loved this book! The sexual tension was perfect and I loved the ending. I'm all about the dessert now! Great job Hunter.
May 5, 2013
3.5 stars.
September 9, 2016
2.75 stars.
August 12, 2016
Nah this one was just not for me.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews