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Hell or High Water #1
Catch a Ghost
Everyone knows that Prophet—former Navy SEAL, former CIA spook, full-time pain in the ass—works alone and thinks only about the trouble he can cause. But his boss, Phil Butler of Extreme Escapes, LTD., has just assigned Proph not only a new partner but also a case haunted by ghosts from Proph’s past. Suddenly, he’s got to confront them both head on.
Tom Boudreaux—failed FBI agent, failed sheriff, full time believer in bad luck—is wondering why the head of a private contracting firm has hunted him down to offer him a job. Still he's determined to succeed this time, despite being partnered with Prophet, EE, LTD’s most successful, lethal, and annoying operative, and even though the case is also resurrecting his own painful past.
Together, Prophet and Tom must find a way to take down killers in the dangerous world of underground cage matches, while fighting their own dangerous attraction. And when they find themselves caught in the crossfire, these two loners are forced to trust each other and work together to escape their ghosts . . . or pay the price.
Tom Boudreaux—failed FBI agent, failed sheriff, full time believer in bad luck—is wondering why the head of a private contracting firm has hunted him down to offer him a job. Still he's determined to succeed this time, despite being partnered with Prophet, EE, LTD’s most successful, lethal, and annoying operative, and even though the case is also resurrecting his own painful past.
Together, Prophet and Tom must find a way to take down killers in the dangerous world of underground cage matches, while fighting their own dangerous attraction. And when they find themselves caught in the crossfire, these two loners are forced to trust each other and work together to escape their ghosts . . . or pay the price.
300 pages, Paperback
First published September 7, 2013
About the author
S.E. Jakes
38 books1,744 followersSE Jakes writes m/m romance. She believes in happy endings and fighting for what you want.
You can contact her the following ways:
You can email her at [email protected]
You can post to her Facebook page: Facebook.com/SEJakes
You can Twitter her: Twitter.com/authorsejakes
You can post on her Goodreads Group: Ask SE Jakes
You can follow her on Tumblr: http://sejakes.tumblr.com
You can ask her a question as part of the Ask The Author program on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/4595...
Truth be told, the best way to contact her is by email or in blog comments. She spends most of her time writing but she loves to hear from readers.
***
SE Jakes is the pen-name of New York Times Bestselling Author Stephanie Tyler (and half of Sydney Croft!)
You can contact her the following ways:
You can email her at [email protected]
You can post to her Facebook page: Facebook.com/SEJakes
You can Twitter her: Twitter.com/authorsejakes
You can post on her Goodreads Group: Ask SE Jakes
You can follow her on Tumblr: http://sejakes.tumblr.com
You can ask her a question as part of the Ask The Author program on Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/author/4595...
Truth be told, the best way to contact her is by email or in blog comments. She spends most of her time writing but she loves to hear from readers.
***
SE Jakes is the pen-name of New York Times Bestselling Author Stephanie Tyler (and half of Sydney Croft!)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 763 reviews
October 20, 2015
this book, in a single, comprehensive infographic:
this book, in a single, superficial paragraph:
there's a sense of humor here, and i appreciated it. but overall i didn't appreciate the wildly caricatured expression of gay masculinity, and felt really quite extraordinarily othered by yet another pair of White Dudes Punching Each Other Bcuz Mutual Attraction, Obvs.
bonus paragraph of further thoughts on the matter:
there's nothing wrong with a bit of fun, and certainly nothing especially wrong with this bit of fun in particular. but i was doomed to hate this, because the best i can say of this book is that it's a superior version of Cut & Run only with more punching.
...may your mileage infinitely vary, friends.
this book, in a single, superficial paragraph:
there's a sense of humor here, and i appreciated it. but overall i didn't appreciate the wildly caricatured expression of gay masculinity, and felt really quite extraordinarily othered by yet another pair of White Dudes Punching Each Other Bcuz Mutual Attraction, Obvs.
bonus paragraph of further thoughts on the matter:
there's nothing wrong with a bit of fun, and certainly nothing especially wrong with this bit of fun in particular. but i was doomed to hate this, because the best i can say of this book is that it's a superior version of Cut & Run only with more punching.
...may your mileage infinitely vary, friends.
October 20, 2014
Price drop to $0.99 at Amazon US until B&N until 10/23/14!
*3.5 stars*
This was a very interesting read for me and I had trouble deciding upon a rating in the end. Was it well written? Yes, for sure. Did it sit well with me? Not completely.
Let me try to break my feelings down for y'all.
- The beginning. I really loved how this book started out. Very, very strong similarities to Cut & Run: Alpha males being paired together for a dangerous mission, more or less against their will. Neither wants a partner, both are stubborn, both have dark secrets and physical and mental traumas from their past. Both had either military or government backgrounds, both highly trained and lethal men. Sounds familiar? It should. However, unlike in "Cut and Run", the intensity isn't broken up by humor and lightness. But that isn't necessarily a bad thing. It was that high energy that led to scorching hot sex scenes (SO HOT) and a story that was hard to tear my eyes from.
- The middle. Here is where the story became a little more complex for me. Many names of different characters were thrown in all of the sudden with very little introduction, and I found it hard to follow at times. Maybe some of these characters were introduced in the "Men of Honor" series or in Free Falling? I don't know, but I found it to be a bit too jumbled for me beginning at about 60%. I still was really liking it but the references to these new side characters all of the sudden changed the direction of the story.
- The end. Hmm. This is my greatest sticking point. I also think that the twists and turns became a bit too much.
So what is my lasting impression? I'm pretty excited to read more by this author because I think she did an excellent job developing the characters of Tommy and Prophet. I got a true sense of how thoroughly damaged each of these guys are. However, I would have liked to see more romance, more tenderness. Maybe those things have to be hard fought and hard won and we'll see more in the upcoming books in the series? However, I feel a bit disappointed that I'm have to wait for the next book to get some resolutions.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
*3.5 stars*
This was a very interesting read for me and I had trouble deciding upon a rating in the end. Was it well written? Yes, for sure. Did it sit well with me? Not completely.
Let me try to break my feelings down for y'all.
- The beginning. I really loved how this book started out. Very, very strong similarities to Cut & Run: Alpha males being paired together for a dangerous mission, more or less against their will. Neither wants a partner, both are stubborn, both have dark secrets and physical and mental traumas from their past. Both had either military or government backgrounds, both highly trained and lethal men. Sounds familiar? It should. However, unlike in "Cut and Run", the intensity isn't broken up by humor and lightness. But that isn't necessarily a bad thing. It was that high energy that led to scorching hot sex scenes (SO HOT) and a story that was hard to tear my eyes from.
- The middle. Here is where the story became a little more complex for me. Many names of different characters were thrown in all of the sudden with very little introduction, and I found it hard to follow at times. Maybe some of these characters were introduced in the "Men of Honor" series or in Free Falling? I don't know, but I found it to be a bit too jumbled for me beginning at about 60%. I still was really liking it but the references to these new side characters all of the sudden changed the direction of the story.
- The end. Hmm. This is my greatest sticking point. I also think that the twists and turns became a bit too much.
So what is my lasting impression? I'm pretty excited to read more by this author because I think she did an excellent job developing the characters of Tommy and Prophet. I got a true sense of how thoroughly damaged each of these guys are. However, I would have liked to see more romance, more tenderness. Maybe those things have to be hard fought and hard won and we'll see more in the upcoming books in the series? However, I feel a bit disappointed that I'm have to wait for the next book to get some resolutions.
**Copy provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review**
February 22, 2021
I have read this whole series many times already, but with book 4 finally coming out...I just had to do another re-read. It has been a long wait but it seems like it's really gonna happen this time !! I can't wait for more Prophet and Tommy.
I fell in love with both men, the moment I met them in this awesome first book. Now before you start...these books are no stand alone and they should be read in order ;)
I am a huge sucker for the hot as hell alpha man, and what's even better than 1 delicious hot alpha dude....that's right, two delicious hot alpha dudes, fighting for dominance ...sigh...
![[crop output image]](https://images.gr-assets.com/hostedimages/1547990384ra/26946281.gif)
This series definitely has some similarities to the "Cut & Run" series, like the fact that they are both being newly partnered and that Prophet is ex-military. That said, there are also a lot of differences. This series plays with a hint of paranormal. Tommy and Prophet work for Extreme Escapes, not the FBI or whatever. The background storylines are completely different as well, so for me, it wasn't the same...but I did love it the same.
I do think Prophet and Ty are a bit alike...considering they are both a bit insane. They also both seem partial to wairing a cast :P The fact that they are so much alike is a good thing...well for me it is, because I loved the shit out of Ty, and I also love the shit out of Prophet :P
I loved the action, the suspense, the steam, and even the bit of sweetness... It was a perfect start to a series for me. I just know it will only get better and better from here on out.
Highly recommended !!
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July 2, 2015
~ ~ ~
::RE-READ 2015::
You can join in here - OPERATION RE-READ
When I picked this book up I really had no idea what it was all about. Turns out this is like sexy G.I. Joe play, espionage and he-man hero stuff all rolled in to one very, very sexy package. At first I felt like I came into this from the side. It was clear there was history (see Bound By Honor) with one of the main characters, but I kept on and it all laid out clearly.
What you need to know:
EE – Extreme Escapes, LTD is a merc for hire firm. They help people.
Tom and Prophet are mercs. They help people.
Prophet shows up in some of the Men of Honor series books. Book 5, I believe.
THE CHARACTERS
Prophet - Deadly. Hyper. Honest. Fucks like a bunny. He will do whatever (and whoever) it takes to get the job done. Partners are for pussies. Besides he’s already got a former partner haunting him.
Tom Boudreaux - Temper, temper Tommy. Given what may be his last chance by his boss Phil, Tommy has to keep it together even when his past is chasing him.
THE STORY
Apparently getting a new partner in the realm of law enforcement is always a bad thing. Particularly in M/M romance. Prophet and Tom are thrust together by their boss Phil (who must be building a Merc agency of gay studs – I’m okay with that). Their planned training mission is changed when a close friend from Prophet’s past is killed. Prophet and Tommy are off to investigate this potential murder and end up investigating each other… mentally and physically.
The sex is freaking hot! It could carry the book all on its own, but luckily it doesn’t have to. What seems to be a pretty straightforward crime syndicate penetration and investigation turns out to be something entirely different. It is much more involved and it’s going to take several books to get this all resolved. I’m completely invested at this point and I’m not going anywhere, I’m happy to be along for the ride. Which is good, ‘cus I’d like to spend a lot more time with Prophet and Tommy. Book one will leave you hanging on, clawing for more, but it’s done the right way. Not in that frustrating way that makes you wish it was already all wrapped up. Oh no, I want more, lots more.
THE WRITING
For a good bit of the story I felt off balance and not terribly grounded, but I think it was intentional. Without having read this author before I don’t know if it is her style or just the feel she wanted for this book. The lack of solid ground served the story and these two characters well. At this point of their relationship there is no stability. Through multiple flashbacks a nice depth to the characters is revealed and they are truly messed up boys. This falls under the category of; Can’t put it down.
A caveat, sort of: The beginning of the book had me really scratching my head. I started out thinking I’ve read this all before, in a very, very popular M/M series (also at Riptide). Nearly too many similarities had me almost set the book aside, BUT hold on, wait it out. It’s worth it. This truly does become its own world and these two guys have me all wrapped up to the point that I’m trying to figure out a way to bribe the author for the next book… NOW! Until then though, I think I’ll be reading the Men of Honor series.
~ ~ ~
I would like to thank Netgalley and Riptide Publishing for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
::RE-READ 2015::
You can join in here - OPERATION RE-READ
When I picked this book up I really had no idea what it was all about. Turns out this is like sexy G.I. Joe play, espionage and he-man hero stuff all rolled in to one very, very sexy package. At first I felt like I came into this from the side. It was clear there was history (see Bound By Honor) with one of the main characters, but I kept on and it all laid out clearly.
What you need to know:
EE – Extreme Escapes, LTD is a merc for hire firm. They help people.
Tom and Prophet are mercs. They help people.
Prophet shows up in some of the Men of Honor series books. Book 5, I believe.
THE CHARACTERS
Prophet was impulsive. Reckless. Lethal.
Prophet - Deadly. Hyper. Honest. Fucks like a bunny. He will do whatever (and whoever) it takes to get the job done. Partners are for pussies. Besides he’s already got a former partner haunting him.
Prophet wanted to throw a chair at him, mainly because it had always been an accent he’d found irresistible. On anyone else but this guy. Okay, a little on this guy. Fucking bayou asshole.
Tom Boudreaux - Temper, temper Tommy. Given what may be his last chance by his boss Phil, Tommy has to keep it together even when his past is chasing him.
THE STORY
This whole thing was messy and complicated and fraught with a myriad of issues, apart from the fact that Prophet didn’t know if he actually liked Tommy, and he was sure Tommy didn’t really like him either.
Apparently getting a new partner in the realm of law enforcement is always a bad thing. Particularly in M/M romance. Prophet and Tom are thrust together by their boss Phil (who must be building a Merc agency of gay studs – I’m okay with that). Their planned training mission is changed when a close friend from Prophet’s past is killed. Prophet and Tommy are off to investigate this potential murder and end up investigating each other… mentally and physically.
The sex is freaking hot! It could carry the book all on its own, but luckily it doesn’t have to. What seems to be a pretty straightforward crime syndicate penetration and investigation turns out to be something entirely different. It is much more involved and it’s going to take several books to get this all resolved. I’m completely invested at this point and I’m not going anywhere, I’m happy to be along for the ride. Which is good, ‘cus I’d like to spend a lot more time with Prophet and Tommy. Book one will leave you hanging on, clawing for more, but it’s done the right way. Not in that frustrating way that makes you wish it was already all wrapped up. Oh no, I want more, lots more.
THE WRITING
It was like trying to balance in quicksand – in the end, it was easier to give up and let yourself get pulled under.
For a good bit of the story I felt off balance and not terribly grounded, but I think it was intentional. Without having read this author before I don’t know if it is her style or just the feel she wanted for this book. The lack of solid ground served the story and these two characters well. At this point of their relationship there is no stability. Through multiple flashbacks a nice depth to the characters is revealed and they are truly messed up boys. This falls under the category of; Can’t put it down.
A caveat, sort of: The beginning of the book had me really scratching my head. I started out thinking I’ve read this all before, in a very, very popular M/M series (also at Riptide). Nearly too many similarities had me almost set the book aside, BUT hold on, wait it out. It’s worth it. This truly does become its own world and these two guys have me all wrapped up to the point that I’m trying to figure out a way to bribe the author for the next book… NOW! Until then though, I think I’ll be reading the Men of Honor series.
~ ~ ~
I would like to thank Netgalley and Riptide Publishing for providing me with an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
~ ~ ~
Take a look at my Male/Male Romance Book Blog:
http://www.attentionisarbitrary.blogspot.com
March 20, 2019
I loved this book so much I immediately purchased the second book of the series. Tom was a field operative for the FBI and a deputy sheriff in his native Louisiana. He joins a merc outfit to be paired with another operative, Prophet, who was former Seals and CIA. Prophet was as stubborn and annoying as Tom and neither man liked to work with partners. They were assigned to a mission that had them looking into the death of the brother of Prophet's dead childhood friend.
The book is a thrill ride if you like this kind of book. I read a one star review that really slammed the book because they did not understand the acronyms. I thought while reading it that maybe the author did too good a job researching her characters because I have met this guy. The case keeps going sideways on them and the possibility that it all ties into his friend's death as well looms over them. This is not a one book HEA because these characters are a little too complex and damaged for instant love. The action and characters are vivid and move quickly. It is a great premise for a series and is well written and makes you want to see what happens to Tom and Prophet next.
The book is a thrill ride if you like this kind of book. I read a one star review that really slammed the book because they did not understand the acronyms. I thought while reading it that maybe the author did too good a job researching her characters because I have met this guy. The case keeps going sideways on them and the possibility that it all ties into his friend's death as well looms over them. This is not a one book HEA because these characters are a little too complex and damaged for instant love. The action and characters are vivid and move quickly. It is a great premise for a series and is well written and makes you want to see what happens to Tom and Prophet next.
December 2, 2014
Written October 18, 2013
5 Huge Stars - OMG this is so G.O.O.D. - it's amazing smart, hot and so very intense - I'm hooked
Anything less than five stars would be a joke. This is so good and these guys have an intensity and an incredible raw attraction to each other. Big thanks to Monique who recommended this one.
I'm speechless .... it's raw, sexy, dirty, anguished and heavenly hot. Here are two big, tough, touchy, violent, "kick my butt" alpha guys. They have scars, old injuries, are both rough and thick-skinned and have also really injured souls. They need hugs, body contact, touch, warmth, friendship and to be cherished, but none of them would admit that...
How will this go? Could it be love? My god, this is actually comparable to the very best "Ty & Zane" class, so amazingly awesome good. My romantic M/M heart overflows with all the emotions. OMG (#2) I love guys like this in my books.
I love you already Tom and Prophet. Want and must have the opportunity and privilege to read the sequel now immediately... and luckily Long Time Gone will be here next week (I hope). All you girls and ladies who love steamy "guys who love guys" books, and even more when there are tough cops, agents, soldiers, or the like; READ this book NOW - don't wait another day.
A more complete review, will perhaps be written later when old good GR on the internet works again. Or, perhaps it is simply enough with these words...
I LIKE - YES I DOOOOO !!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
...and the next part, Long Time Gone, was amazing good (my review)
5 Huge Stars - OMG this is so G.O.O.D. - it's amazing smart, hot and so very intense - I'm hooked
Anything less than five stars would be a joke. This is so good and these guys have an intensity and an incredible raw attraction to each other. Big thanks to Monique who recommended this one.
‘He'd known it from the second he'd heard Tom's drawl and had forced himself to act the opposite way, figuring if he pretending he couldn't stand the guy that his body would decide to agree with his brain.
As usual, his dick had other ideas.
Screwing a partner is never a good idea.
Having a partner wasn't either, though.
I'm speechless .... it's raw, sexy, dirty, anguished and heavenly hot. Here are two big, tough, touchy, violent, "kick my butt" alpha guys. They have scars, old injuries, are both rough and thick-skinned and have also really injured souls. They need hugs, body contact, touch, warmth, friendship and to be cherished, but none of them would admit that...
How will this go? Could it be love? My god, this is actually comparable to the very best "Ty & Zane" class, so amazingly awesome good. My romantic M/M heart overflows with all the emotions. OMG (#2) I love guys like this in my books.
‘Fuck, he loved kissing. Fucking was obviously great, but kissing was really how you could figure out how to take someone down in the best way possible.’
I love you already Tom and Prophet. Want and must have the opportunity and privilege to read the sequel now immediately... and luckily Long Time Gone will be here next week (I hope). All you girls and ladies who love steamy "guys who love guys" books, and even more when there are tough cops, agents, soldiers, or the like; READ this book NOW - don't wait another day.
“Why? You think fucking the future boss will ensure you a job?”
“Just when I think you weren't raised by wolves...”
“But I was.”
I LIKE - YES I DOOOOO !!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
...and the next part, Long Time Gone, was amazing good (my review)
November 14, 2013
Sometimes spoilers are a given...
"I liked you better when you were an asshole."
What the FUCK did I just read?! I’m blown away by this book...BRAIN fried, from the intensity and rush I just experienced from this AMAZING story!
"What are you looking for? My attention? because you've got it. You had it when you walked into EE."
I’m finished with the book, but I’m still living the story. My heart is racing; my mind is scrambling to link everything together. From the heart racing thrills, of the dangers they experience; to the anxiety of their survival. I feel like I’m high on an adrenaline rush, from all the excitement and suspense I felt all the way to the end.
Especially the end! ...but mate, was that an awesome ending. It left me desperate to start the next book, with the feeling of a thousand questions still unanswered.
Prophet...oh Proph baby, what have you done to me? How can I ever read another book without your sarcastic, fucked up self being in it?
Prophet tasted sweet, as if the donuts and candy he ate ran through his blood.
_________________________
A former Navy SEAL and CIA spook, Prophet works at Extreme Escapes Ltd. He’s a major pain in the ass for his boss Phil, always fucking things up and following his own rules. If it feels right, then he goes with it. Whether it gets him in trouble or badly hurt, Prophet makes his own choices...and works ALONE! That’s until Phil assigns him a partner to watch over him, Tom Boudreaux, and to keep him out of trouble. With the parting words of- “Assholes, everyone here works with a partner. Don’t fuck this up or I will fuck you up. Both of you.” What other choices do they have but to work together?
"Are you going to be a dick the entire time we're working together?"
Prophet smirked. I'm what they label 'not good with authority', Tommy."
Tom aka Tommy, just wants to get the job done and not get anyone killed. With an ability to feel trouble coming, Tom always follows his gut feeling, even when others went against him. Which to his surprise, Prophet accepts without a second thought. Attracted to Prophet, Tom begins to trust him. He lets his guard down and grows more attached to his secretive and damaged partner. That’s until reality sinks in and Tom remembers all his bad luck with past partners and why he should distance himself from Prophet.
He won't need protection if you're not around.
A relationship that’s extremely messed up, but yet so right. Two men with difficult and hard pasts, that still haunts them...literally. Prophet’s ghosts are a reminder of why he can’t keep anyone close. Why he will always fail and disappoint those around him. He pushes Tom away, building unbreakable walls, that Tom doesn't have a chance of breaching. Tom tires to get under the surface, to the real Prophet. To make Prophet see the present and also pull him from the past. But how can he fix something that’s damaged beyond repair? Fix something he truly doesn't yet understand?
Tom had only just began to realize how deeply Prophets wounds ran.
And will he try to stay, or give up by protecting Prophet from his own curse?
Well people you’ll have to read this spectacular book to find out! *evil laugh*
________________________
For those of you who aren't big on suspense, danger and violence...well the sex will win you over! When I say this book is fucktastic, its an understatement baby! Just prepare yourself for plenty of sexy Prophet and Tommy moments LOL
"Come on- let's go back to bed."
"What do think will happen then?"
"I'm going to fuck you."
"Suppose I want to fuck you?"
My obsession with this book is all thanks to S.E Jakes. Hon where have you been all my life?
Catch a Ghost is an outstanding read, that kept me guessing all the way and does not disappoint. Mates this is a MUST READ!! So off you go...get reading xx
_________________________
Listened to this as I wrote the review and it seemed fitting.
Savior-30 Seconds to Mars
ARC provided by NetGalley and Riptide in exchange for an honest review.
September 18, 2013
BRAVO Ms. Jakes!!! Excellent… an exciting plot full of action with two gun wielding, knife carrying deliciously HOT Alpha males, both damaged souls finding passion and solace in the arms of each other... no love yet, but this is a fabulous start and I am incredibly excited about this series!
There are two authors that are responsible for my addiction, obsession and all consuming passion for M/M Romance, the first being Abigail Roux with the Cut & Run series and the second S.E. Jakes with the Men of Honor series! Can you see the pattern here? Yes… I LOVE me some HOT ALPHA MALES and Ms Jakes can write about those men till the cows come home and I will be chomping at the bit for every single word!
If you have read the Men of Honor series, you will already be familiar with Prophet, who has always been an enigma, the “go to” man in the background that gets things done. He is one of those characters that you are desperate to know more about, a powerful, controlled presence lurking in the shadows but never quite getting a glimpse of, so when I found out there would be a series based around his character, well, I think you probably heard me squee over on the other side of the pond I was that excited!
Catch a ghost is the first book in the Hell or High Water series, there is no HEA and at the end of this there is also no big love affair… in fact the end is one of those that will have you kicking and screaming and banging on the authors door for the next book NOW!
It starts off with Tom anonymously receiving a video and watching as a young man, battered and bruised is being questioned. This scene sets the tone of the book and is a clue as to which path the story will take… as the man in the video is Prophet, nineteen years old, undergoing a hostile interrogation from one of his own, and now his past is about to come back and haunt him in more ways than one.
Prophet… be still my beating heart… he is a bad boy but I love him! He is former CIA and Special Forces, a fighting machine, fierce and fearless with no consideration for his own safety, the mission, his focus and objective are paramount to achieving his goal. He is confident in his abilities, arrogant, cocky, annoying and impatient, intimidating those around him and unapologetic for each and every annoying trait. In fact he goes out of his way to totally piss everyone off, as if it’s his life’s mission to distance himself from any personal or work relationships, preferring his own company. So when Phil, his boss pairs him up with a partner, well… lets just say he was none too pleased with the decision and was not discrete in verbalising his objection to both his boss and the new boy Tom Boudreaux.
Tom Boudreaux… the poor man doesn’t stand a chance! Having said that he is no pushover and gives as good as he gets. Taking the job as a mercenary at Extreme Escapes is his opportunity at a last ditch attempt to get his life back on track… he see’s himself as a failed FBI Agent and more recently a Sherriff, believing that he himself is the reason for all his bad luck. He is desperate to get back to a life that gave him a purpose and to do this he needs to make a good impression, which is not an easy task when partnered with Prophet!
Both these men are damaged and broken souls, each dealing with their own demons, internalising their fear and pain but on the outside they are the tough hard men they demand of themselves taking on the world head first. The case they are both assigned is personal to Prophet and brings back painful memories from the past he has tried to supress, whilst Tom is learning to deal with all the anger and frustration he has been holding back on that needs it’s own outlet.
Although they are attracted to each other… as yet there is no romance, the sexual chemistry between them however is sizzling and the pure lust and animal attraction is SO HOT! But this is only the first book in the series and although we get some insight into the make up of the men we are still no nearer to really understanding them, especially Prophet. Somehow I feel S.E. Jakes has barely scratched the surface with what makes that man tick, he is so full of anger and rage spurned on by guilt… pushing away those that get too close to him. Fear of being hurt? Fear of bringing harm to the doorstep of anyone he might become involved with? I feel this book has been an introduction to just how fucked up they both are …which means we have the healing to look forward to!
So you are probably wondering why I love this book so much… well that is where SE Jakes has excelled because we had glimpses of the boys behind the facade of the big macho men, where despite the action and uncertainty of their assignment we saw the child within Prophet, where his vulnerability was laid bare for the briefest of moments and with Tom we saw his compassion and genuine kindness, all little teasers for us to hope for more. Plus Prophet is the epitome of a bad boy, damn that man is hot, as in tummy tingling, I want to have your babies hot and that is what SE Jakes does so well and she didn’t just give us one smouldering male, oh no, she gave us two… because oh. my. friggin. God! Tom is a 6ft 5inch tattooed, pierced and Harley riding hottie and between the two of them I was in a complete and utter mess!
I was like an excited school girl reading this book… SE Jakes gave me everything I loved and more. The Men of Honor series is one of my favourites but this book and the promise of more has moved her up another level. Fabulous plot… a real action thriller with cage fighting, guns, torture, bombs… yes, I get excited about torture and bombs! with the mystery and intrigue keeping me guessing right to the end. Hot hard and dirty sex between two alpha males that left me in a puddle of lust… I am salivating at the promise of more! Oh, and not forgetting the humour, I do love some snarky banter and Prophet and Tom certainly went at it and had me laughing out loud… just LOVE IT! Also, not forgetting a secret spy that I have a feeling will be making another appearance… just hoping it doesn’t go in the direction it could.
Was there anything about this book I didn’t like? Yes! The End!!!
Thank God it’s not long till the next one.
There are two authors that are responsible for my addiction, obsession and all consuming passion for M/M Romance, the first being Abigail Roux with the Cut & Run series and the second S.E. Jakes with the Men of Honor series! Can you see the pattern here? Yes… I LOVE me some HOT ALPHA MALES and Ms Jakes can write about those men till the cows come home and I will be chomping at the bit for every single word!
If you have read the Men of Honor series, you will already be familiar with Prophet, who has always been an enigma, the “go to” man in the background that gets things done. He is one of those characters that you are desperate to know more about, a powerful, controlled presence lurking in the shadows but never quite getting a glimpse of, so when I found out there would be a series based around his character, well, I think you probably heard me squee over on the other side of the pond I was that excited!
Catch a ghost is the first book in the Hell or High Water series, there is no HEA and at the end of this there is also no big love affair… in fact the end is one of those that will have you kicking and screaming and banging on the authors door for the next book NOW!
It starts off with Tom anonymously receiving a video and watching as a young man, battered and bruised is being questioned. This scene sets the tone of the book and is a clue as to which path the story will take… as the man in the video is Prophet, nineteen years old, undergoing a hostile interrogation from one of his own, and now his past is about to come back and haunt him in more ways than one.
Prophet… be still my beating heart… he is a bad boy but I love him! He is former CIA and Special Forces, a fighting machine, fierce and fearless with no consideration for his own safety, the mission, his focus and objective are paramount to achieving his goal. He is confident in his abilities, arrogant, cocky, annoying and impatient, intimidating those around him and unapologetic for each and every annoying trait. In fact he goes out of his way to totally piss everyone off, as if it’s his life’s mission to distance himself from any personal or work relationships, preferring his own company. So when Phil, his boss pairs him up with a partner, well… lets just say he was none too pleased with the decision and was not discrete in verbalising his objection to both his boss and the new boy Tom Boudreaux.
Tom Boudreaux… the poor man doesn’t stand a chance! Having said that he is no pushover and gives as good as he gets. Taking the job as a mercenary at Extreme Escapes is his opportunity at a last ditch attempt to get his life back on track… he see’s himself as a failed FBI Agent and more recently a Sherriff, believing that he himself is the reason for all his bad luck. He is desperate to get back to a life that gave him a purpose and to do this he needs to make a good impression, which is not an easy task when partnered with Prophet!
“Seriously, I’m going to kill you,” Tom told him, then muttered, “If I can’t hide the body well enough, it will be so worth going to jail.” “I heard that,” Prophet called over his shoulder as he left the room with donuts. “I meant you to”
Both these men are damaged and broken souls, each dealing with their own demons, internalising their fear and pain but on the outside they are the tough hard men they demand of themselves taking on the world head first. The case they are both assigned is personal to Prophet and brings back painful memories from the past he has tried to supress, whilst Tom is learning to deal with all the anger and frustration he has been holding back on that needs it’s own outlet.
Although they are attracted to each other… as yet there is no romance, the sexual chemistry between them however is sizzling and the pure lust and animal attraction is SO HOT! But this is only the first book in the series and although we get some insight into the make up of the men we are still no nearer to really understanding them, especially Prophet. Somehow I feel S.E. Jakes has barely scratched the surface with what makes that man tick, he is so full of anger and rage spurned on by guilt… pushing away those that get too close to him. Fear of being hurt? Fear of bringing harm to the doorstep of anyone he might become involved with? I feel this book has been an introduction to just how fucked up they both are …which means we have the healing to look forward to!
“This isn’t a good idea, Tommy. You’ll get hurt.” “I’d think you’d like to see me get the shit beat out of me.” “No, I’d like to be the one doing it.”
So you are probably wondering why I love this book so much… well that is where SE Jakes has excelled because we had glimpses of the boys behind the facade of the big macho men, where despite the action and uncertainty of their assignment we saw the child within Prophet, where his vulnerability was laid bare for the briefest of moments and with Tom we saw his compassion and genuine kindness, all little teasers for us to hope for more. Plus Prophet is the epitome of a bad boy, damn that man is hot, as in tummy tingling, I want to have your babies hot and that is what SE Jakes does so well and she didn’t just give us one smouldering male, oh no, she gave us two… because oh. my. friggin. God! Tom is a 6ft 5inch tattooed, pierced and Harley riding hottie and between the two of them I was in a complete and utter mess!
I was like an excited school girl reading this book… SE Jakes gave me everything I loved and more. The Men of Honor series is one of my favourites but this book and the promise of more has moved her up another level. Fabulous plot… a real action thriller with cage fighting, guns, torture, bombs… yes, I get excited about torture and bombs! with the mystery and intrigue keeping me guessing right to the end. Hot hard and dirty sex between two alpha males that left me in a puddle of lust… I am salivating at the promise of more! Oh, and not forgetting the humour, I do love some snarky banter and Prophet and Tom certainly went at it and had me laughing out loud… just LOVE IT! Also, not forgetting a secret spy that I have a feeling will be making another appearance… just hoping it doesn’t go in the direction it could.
Was there anything about this book I didn’t like? Yes! The End!!!
Thank God it’s not long till the next one.
September 23, 2013
No HEA?!?! You've gotta be kidding me. All that, and no HEA?
Lack of HEA aside, this book gets a reluctant (and I mean reluctant!) three stars from me. The plot was overly convoluted, so much so that it rang nonsensical. It was never explained why exactly Prophet and Tom were investigating the death of a kid from the streets (yes, Prophet knew him, but so what?).
I liked the chemistry between Prophet and Tom, although the POV jumped too much, sometimes every other paragraph, and because the two men sounded similar (strong, stubborn, withdrawn), it was difficult to tell who was talking when.
I also did not like the dreaded love triangle between Tom, Prophet, and Prophet's mysterious neighbor. There were enough complications without throwing that in there too.
Jakes included some steamy scenes, and I love the idea of two alpha males and hatred to love turned, but the second half of the book was jumbled and the ending incredibly unsatisfying. I prefer some kind of resolution in my books, especially my romances.
Lack of HEA aside, this book gets a reluctant (and I mean reluctant!) three stars from me. The plot was overly convoluted, so much so that it rang nonsensical. It was never explained why exactly Prophet and Tom were investigating the death of a kid from the streets (yes, Prophet knew him, but so what?).
I liked the chemistry between Prophet and Tom, although the POV jumped too much, sometimes every other paragraph, and because the two men sounded similar (strong, stubborn, withdrawn), it was difficult to tell who was talking when.
I also did not like the dreaded love triangle between Tom, Prophet, and Prophet's mysterious neighbor. There were enough complications without throwing that in there too.
Jakes included some steamy scenes, and I love the idea of two alpha males and hatred to love turned, but the second half of the book was jumbled and the ending incredibly unsatisfying. I prefer some kind of resolution in my books, especially my romances.
September 11, 2013
A Hearts On Fire Review
FOUR & A HALF STARS--Confession: On the paranormal totem pole, psychic...well psychic anything are pretty much at the bottom for me. When others go wild over psychic law enforcement reads, I stare blankly and try to tiptoe very softly away. And you know what else I'm not a fan of? Ghosts in my romance. In fact, the psychic P.I./detective hybrids are right there with ghosts. I've read them but they're not really my go-to type of read. I can count on one hand how many of those reads that I really loved.
And...I'm also not a fan of series that follow the same couple for the entire series. I like variety. I'll read them but it's just not what I gravitate to. Those kinds of reads typically collect dust on my TBR.
So imagine my surprise as I'm reading S.E. Jakes' "Catch a Ghost", book #1 of the new Hell or High Water series that:
1) the entire series will be following same two alpha male characters (this I knew)
2) one of them gets premonitions! (*raises eyebrow*)
3) the other one sees a ghost (*other eyebrow raises as well*)
With all of these elements (I hesitate to call this read paranormal and if I had to, it's in the loosest sense), how did I find "Catch a Ghost"?
IT WAS GREAT!!!
There was action, damaged men, an interesting case, Prophet, Prophet's snarkiness, Tom Boudreaux (He's a 6'5", deep voiced Cajun! nom nom nom), intrigue, some mystery, a sexy spook (or could be more), hot sex, nipple piercings, a Jacob's Ladder! (excuse me as I salivate) and strong start to what seems to be excellent mercenary series.
We meet Prophet in S.E. Jakes' earlier work, "Free Falling" (we get a couple of Mick and Blue mentions but alas they did not show up in this book). There was something about Prophet then but now? Now, he's full force smart ass, damaged operative with a major chip on his shoulder with a past he does not like to delve in. And unfortunately, someone does not like to let Prophet's past stay in the past. With a family friend's murder, his skeletons are being pulled out his closet, whether Prophet wants it or not.
On top of the Prophet mess pile, the mercenary is being forced to take a partner. This is just not something Prophet does. He tries so hard to be a loner. Enter Tom. There's something about Mr. Tom Boudreaux. He seems like he was the buttoned up, play by the book kind of character at he and Prophet's first meeting. But there's so many layers to Tom - a deep, dark, mysterious, wounded, kinky side. And I enjoy the slow progress of learning both men's secrets.
This book is slightly sharper than this author's previous works. I"m liking this side of S.E. Jakes. It's not filled with a plethora of sex scenes, we read both men slowly unravel. The sex scenes? They are achingly signature S.E. Jakes. Big manly men rutting, controlling dirty talk, sweat, heart pumping orgasms. Yum.
Don't worry everything is not revealed in book #1. There are so many questions that need answers. Prophet and Tom are not done yet.
And I am anxious for the next book.
I need.
The ending? Oh boy, it ends with a cliffhanger but luckily the next book in the Hell or High Water series will be out later this year, "Long Time Gone". I will be awaiting the release.
Why? More Prophet! More snark! More Tom! More multifaceted, heady characters and action! And smut! And mild paranormal-ishness(?)
And this story actually made me want to know more. Even with the areas that are not my fave, I'm still invested in this series.
Plus, great cliffhangers make me anxious.
A copy was provided for an honest review.
FOUR & A HALF STARS--Confession: On the paranormal totem pole, psychic...well psychic anything are pretty much at the bottom for me. When others go wild over psychic law enforcement reads, I stare blankly and try to tiptoe very softly away. And you know what else I'm not a fan of? Ghosts in my romance. In fact, the psychic P.I./detective hybrids are right there with ghosts. I've read them but they're not really my go-to type of read. I can count on one hand how many of those reads that I really loved.
And...I'm also not a fan of series that follow the same couple for the entire series. I like variety. I'll read them but it's just not what I gravitate to. Those kinds of reads typically collect dust on my TBR.
So imagine my surprise as I'm reading S.E. Jakes' "Catch a Ghost", book #1 of the new Hell or High Water series that:
1) the entire series will be following same two alpha male characters (this I knew)
2) one of them gets premonitions! (*raises eyebrow*)
3) the other one sees a ghost (*other eyebrow raises as well*)
With all of these elements (I hesitate to call this read paranormal and if I had to, it's in the loosest sense), how did I find "Catch a Ghost"?
IT WAS GREAT!!!
There was action, damaged men, an interesting case, Prophet, Prophet's snarkiness, Tom Boudreaux (He's a 6'5", deep voiced Cajun! nom nom nom), intrigue, some mystery, a sexy spook (or could be more), hot sex, nipple piercings, a Jacob's Ladder! (excuse me as I salivate) and strong start to what seems to be excellent mercenary series.
We meet Prophet in S.E. Jakes' earlier work, "Free Falling" (we get a couple of Mick and Blue mentions but alas they did not show up in this book). There was something about Prophet then but now? Now, he's full force smart ass, damaged operative with a major chip on his shoulder with a past he does not like to delve in. And unfortunately, someone does not like to let Prophet's past stay in the past. With a family friend's murder, his skeletons are being pulled out his closet, whether Prophet wants it or not.
On top of the Prophet mess pile, the mercenary is being forced to take a partner. This is just not something Prophet does. He tries so hard to be a loner. Enter Tom. There's something about Mr. Tom Boudreaux. He seems like he was the buttoned up, play by the book kind of character at he and Prophet's first meeting. But there's so many layers to Tom - a deep, dark, mysterious, wounded, kinky side. And I enjoy the slow progress of learning both men's secrets.
This book is slightly sharper than this author's previous works. I"m liking this side of S.E. Jakes. It's not filled with a plethora of sex scenes, we read both men slowly unravel. The sex scenes? They are achingly signature S.E. Jakes. Big manly men rutting, controlling dirty talk, sweat, heart pumping orgasms. Yum.
Don't worry everything is not revealed in book #1. There are so many questions that need answers. Prophet and Tom are not done yet.
And I am anxious for the next book.
I need.
The ending? Oh boy, it ends with a cliffhanger but luckily the next book in the Hell or High Water series will be out later this year, "Long Time Gone". I will be awaiting the release.
Why? More Prophet! More snark! More Tom! More multifaceted, heady characters and action! And smut! And mild paranormal-ishness(?)
And this story actually made me want to know more. Even with the areas that are not my fave, I'm still invested in this series.
Plus, great cliffhangers make me anxious.
A copy was provided for an honest review.
March 26, 2014
Let’s pow wow about Catch a Ghost, shall we?
The main gripe most have is it’s similar to Cut & Run. Agreed. The characterizations of Tommy and Prophet and even some of their relationship development too, but I’m not going to belabor this point. Either you’ve read one or the other or both and if you’ve read both, you know. So, for me that knocked it down to 1 star for filching ideas from another writer. Let’s see if she can gain some back.
I was told to start with Free Falling before reading this. I did. Really liked it despite it being sort of unpolished mostly because of all the international “Bond-y-ness”. Needless to say, I was stoked to get some more international intrigue in my life. Things were looking up, the guys get assigned to Eritrea. Woot!
Camels! Highly underrated, they are. Good things are coming!
And then they get reassigned to Texas.
Now before somebody gets all butt hurt I live here. We’re a lot of things but exotic ain’t one of ‘em. Unless you count…
And if you do then we're the fucking Disneyland of exotic. COME ON DOWN!
Things are still in the 1 star range until we get to the airport and Tommy sets off the metal detectors because of his nipple piercings and Jacob’s Ladder.
STAR! Jacob’s ladder = a star. Period. The end. No discussion. So we’re up to 2 stars.
We get to Texas and there’s some underground cage fighting which reminds me of Fight Club and how hot Brad Pitt, Jared Leto and Edward Norton are/were. Things are moving in the right direction here. Well done, Ms. Jakes. I’m still thinking to myself, ‘this is A LOT like Cut & Run’ but the rest of that sentence starts becoming ‘but with more fleshed out characters’.
Prophet is a lot like Ty-smart ass, loner, devil may care attitude, likes to push people’s buttons, lethal and he plays the game of life fast and loose. The reasons for Prophet being this way is where the difference lies for me. We’re given much more background information than I’ve gotten thus far in the Cut & Run series about Ty and I’m up to book 6. What’s more is this is probably top 10 best depictions of PTSD in this genre that I’ve read to date. Actually, I think Ms. Jakes fleshes out both characters in a more precise manner than Roux and Urban, so then we’re just down to a matter of taste. Plus, Prophet I have picture in my head thusly:
STAR. The end. That makes 3 stars.
Tommy is the Zane in this scenario. I find him more dangerous than Zane, maybe more of a wild card and I’m thinking he might turn out to be a better at mindfuckery than Prophet. Plus, he’s got the weird voodoo child thing happening.
*whispers* Why's he got it in for Conan? Baby's gonna be pissed!
Word.
Plus he's *eyebrow wiggle* pierced AND has tribal tattoos and you know what that means = *quelting galore*!!!!!!
YUMMERS!
This case they’ve been assigned is leaps and bounds better than the Cut & Run case which I figured out within the first few chapters. It’s convoluted with multiple leads and dead ends, explosions, doughnuts, cage fighting, broken bones as well as numerous characters. Cillian, Mal and WTF is the deal with John? More importantly, I haven’t figured it out yet. STAR for stumping. That’s 4.
There are mos def more sexy times in Catch a Ghost than Cut & Run and they were sweaty and dirty and messy. Mmmmm mmmm gooooooooooddddddd. I've got a feeling that this series *could* take a turn into D/s land. Meow. Then again, Zane did fuck Ty so savagely in the first one that they knocked the pillows off the bed. Tough to beat. I am just saying.
A quibble is these guys aren’t law enforcement. Extreme Escapes Ltd. is a private company and these two seem to have access to information that I would question whether or not they actually could have access to in real life.
For me Tommy and Prophet distinguished themselves from Ty and Zane as the book progressed. Essentially, I like them both as separate entities. I admit I'm hooked and I give credit to Ms. Jakes for improved writing skills from Free Falling. The framework is the same but Ms. Jakes colored it in differently and what’s that they say about imitation being the sincerest form of flattery?
The main gripe most have is it’s similar to Cut & Run. Agreed. The characterizations of Tommy and Prophet and even some of their relationship development too, but I’m not going to belabor this point. Either you’ve read one or the other or both and if you’ve read both, you know. So, for me that knocked it down to 1 star for filching ideas from another writer. Let’s see if she can gain some back.
I was told to start with Free Falling before reading this. I did. Really liked it despite it being sort of unpolished mostly because of all the international “Bond-y-ness”. Needless to say, I was stoked to get some more international intrigue in my life. Things were looking up, the guys get assigned to Eritrea. Woot!
Camels! Highly underrated, they are. Good things are coming!
And then they get reassigned to Texas.
Now before somebody gets all butt hurt I live here. We’re a lot of things but exotic ain’t one of ‘em. Unless you count…
And if you do then we're the fucking Disneyland of exotic. COME ON DOWN!
Things are still in the 1 star range until we get to the airport and Tommy sets off the metal detectors because of his nipple piercings and Jacob’s Ladder.
STAR! Jacob’s ladder = a star. Period. The end. No discussion. So we’re up to 2 stars.
We get to Texas and there’s some underground cage fighting which reminds me of Fight Club and how hot Brad Pitt, Jared Leto and Edward Norton are/were. Things are moving in the right direction here. Well done, Ms. Jakes. I’m still thinking to myself, ‘this is A LOT like Cut & Run’ but the rest of that sentence starts becoming ‘but with more fleshed out characters’.
Prophet is a lot like Ty-smart ass, loner, devil may care attitude, likes to push people’s buttons, lethal and he plays the game of life fast and loose. The reasons for Prophet being this way is where the difference lies for me. We’re given much more background information than I’ve gotten thus far in the Cut & Run series about Ty and I’m up to book 6. What’s more is this is probably top 10 best depictions of PTSD in this genre that I’ve read to date. Actually, I think Ms. Jakes fleshes out both characters in a more precise manner than Roux and Urban, so then we’re just down to a matter of taste. Plus, Prophet I have picture in my head thusly:
STAR. The end. That makes 3 stars.
Tommy is the Zane in this scenario. I find him more dangerous than Zane, maybe more of a wild card and I’m thinking he might turn out to be a better at mindfuckery than Prophet. Plus, he’s got the weird voodoo child thing happening.
*whispers* Why's he got it in for Conan? Baby's gonna be pissed!
Word.
Plus he's *eyebrow wiggle* pierced AND has tribal tattoos and you know what that means = *quelting galore*!!!!!!
YUMMERS!
This case they’ve been assigned is leaps and bounds better than the Cut & Run case which I figured out within the first few chapters. It’s convoluted with multiple leads and dead ends, explosions, doughnuts, cage fighting, broken bones as well as numerous characters. Cillian, Mal and WTF is the deal with John? More importantly, I haven’t figured it out yet. STAR for stumping. That’s 4.
There are mos def more sexy times in Catch a Ghost than Cut & Run and they were sweaty and dirty and messy. Mmmmm mmmm gooooooooooddddddd. I've got a feeling that this series *could* take a turn into D/s land. Meow. Then again, Zane did fuck Ty so savagely in the first one that they knocked the pillows off the bed. Tough to beat. I am just saying.
A quibble is these guys aren’t law enforcement. Extreme Escapes Ltd. is a private company and these two seem to have access to information that I would question whether or not they actually could have access to in real life.
For me Tommy and Prophet distinguished themselves from Ty and Zane as the book progressed. Essentially, I like them both as separate entities. I admit I'm hooked and I give credit to Ms. Jakes for improved writing skills from Free Falling. The framework is the same but Ms. Jakes colored it in differently and what’s that they say about imitation being the sincerest form of flattery?
August 23, 2016
***4.5 Stars***
There wasn't anger in Prophet, rather an inherent wildness that Tom had no desire to tame. No, he wanted to ride it, imbibe it, fuck it senseless, and watch it grow wilder.
First off, can I just address that ending?!?!?
This book was so much more than I expected!
Two Alpha males fighting for dominance, fighting to solve a mystery, fighting their pasts and fighting every ounce of emotion they feel when they're together.
Prophet is a man with a horrific past. Told to you in bits and pieces from flashbacks, from revelations and from enemies looking to make him pay.
Tom is a man we know little about, but with a past that very much still has its grips on him.
The two are partnered together for reasons both obvious and unknown, and that's how the dance begins.
Trying to piece together a mystery from Prophet's past, the two men must rely on each other. Both are reluctant, but they find they have common ground...they have secrets, they have skills...they have a deep understanding of anger and pain. And between snarky and sarcastic banter, cryptic revelations and crazy sexual chemistry, the two forge a bond neither saw coming.
"Did I fuck the fight out of you?"
"Never. That doesn't mean you should stop trying."
"You're in so much goddamned trouble, Tommy."
"Tell me something I don't know."
The subtle shift in their dynamic was evident to both men, however nothing was voiced out loud. Nor would either man show that weakness. No matter how much it was wanted, needed....yearned for.
In the dark, Tom could see the flash of Prophet's blond hair, felt Prophet's tongue on his skin as the man conquered every inch of him and planted his flag.
It would never be like this with anyone else. It never had been before. Tonight, Prophet was ruining him for anyone else, and Tom wondered if Prophet knew it too.
But danger is always lurking, and Prophet's past is catching up to him. The ghosts may hide, but they never go away.
"Tonight, there's only room for two of us in this bed - and you're going to know who's fucking you."
It was a threat, a promise, all rolled together, enough to make Prophet ache at the realness of it.
I was glued to my kindle any chance I got! I wanted to know it all! I wanted to understand the clues, piece things together, smack some sense into these men and watch their aggressive passion explode. I'm pretty sure I was holding my breath for the last 20%.
Some questions were answered and fires were put out, but from those ashes new questions appear and I can't wait to find out where this goes.
And that ending....that ending....my grabby hands can't get to book two fast enough!
September 4, 2016
"You don't know what you're alive for until you know what you would die for."
--Martin Luther King, Jr.
So fantastically excited that I finally read this. I'm already in the middle of book two but forced myself to stop reading and write this review, just so I don't get the books mixed up in my head.
I loved the opening scene of this book...the interrogation room, and the intense moment that Tom gets his first glimpse of Prophet...the real Prophet, in all his glory and madness.
Tom is the new recruit to a top secret special ops group...he and Proph are both seemingly FBI/CIA/military rejects for one reason or another. But Proph is a loner...standoffish and angry, he immediately tries to throw off his new partner, Tom. When the two are paired up and sent on a mission right off, it's apparent that there is some chemistry there...or some voodoo magic, or maybe both.
Oddly enough, Tom is the one who's tatted and tempting, Proph smooth and undecorated. I love that Tom is the big ole bruiser of the two and Proph is the shorter, but quicker and deadlier guy.
"You don't seem like the tattoo type, Tommy."
"What type do I seem like?"
"At first, the really annoying kind."
I felt like we get to delve more into Tom than we did Prophet. Prophet hides behind his sarcasm and wit just a little too much. Tom is more of an open book, although he does keep some secrets. Funny though, we get to know more of Prophet's jacked up past than Tom due to the circumstances of their first assignment. Prophet is literally haunted by the ghost of his dead best friend and lover John. And when John's brother is killed, Prophet's guilt is readily apparent.
I felt like there were two different parts to this book...the part where Tom and Proph go to check out the fighting ring that John's brother was killed, and the part after. I was a bit confused as to how it all fit together. Who was Hal, and why is he so important? That part shocked me, it really did. If what I think happened was actually the case, then Proph is even more hard core than I originally assumed. Enough for the CIA, even.
The thing that strikes me about Tom and Proph is that they are both pitting strength against strength, albeit in different areas. Both of them are alpha types, both are incredibly intelligent. Both are somewhat closed off and not quite mentally stable. They seem to help ground each other, and despite the small cliffie at the end of this book, I have good feelings for their future.
The sex between these two is a constant battle of wills...it's those alpha personalities coming out in both of them and it made for some seriously rough and dirty, completely raw sex.
"Way I figure it, if I'm forced to have a partner, might as well have one with benefits. If you're annoying me, fucking you will be more satisfying than punching you." Prophet grinned, then added slyly,
And I could always punch you afterward."
One of my absolute favorite things about this book was how Prophet's snarky nickname of "Tommy" for Tom was a huge annoyance at first, and then an intense turn on for the sexy times...and then it became this tender endearment for them both, a way of connecting, a bond of familiarity that totally gave away each of their feelings each time he used the name. Beautiful.
ETA: I keep thinking about the ending to this book, the big badass way that Prophet shows just how awesome he is. I felt like for a lot of this book, he and Tom were showing their strengths to each other, not to one up one another, but to impress the guy that they were interested in, albeit subconsciously. But I've got to give Prophet props because wow! It was like some wartime movie in which the hero overcomes his fears by reliving them.
Copy provided by Riptide Publishing via Net Galley
March 5, 2017
4 Mar 2017: Reread numero cinco, a continuation in prep to the newness coming next month.
There are a number of small moments, single phrases, and beginnings in this story that come to mean so much as these characters move forward. Just as strongly, they grow in emotional significance every time I enter their world.
Proph's grey eyes.
When he calls Tommy "Cajun"... or "T".
Just as the phrase "daylight again" appears in Free Falling, the phrase "if I ever" stakes its claim here. Gah.
And here's my new pondering upon this reading: So... the video of Proph, the one anonymously sent to Tommy... have we ever learned who sent it? My memory could def be failing here lol, but
if we haven't, my money's on Cillian for this, too. He's wayyyyyyyyy more connected to these guys than we've been previously shown. And Mal was the one thing that was never in his/the bigger plans.
These two get each other, even when they think it's impossible they ever could or would.
Tom reached over and squeezed his thigh. Looked over again, and Prophet was looking back at him.
“You’ll . . . get me there. S’why I can close my eyes.”
Because he trusts me. Fuck.
These two, I swear.
Oh and thanks to one of our buddy rereaders, it was Cill who sent the video to Tommy. I'm telling you, Cillian is entangled like a sumbitch and we don't yet know the half of it.
His last thought was that their hands were still clasped tight together.
* ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ *
ETA: July 2015, just finished reading this for the fourth time and it still causes all of the strong reactions it did the first time, and every time since. Having the first reading experience, and then going back and rereading after having read the subsequent books in the series, more and more things reveal themselves and connections are made. Continuing on with the series reread!
I’m finding it difficult to arrive at a starting point for this review. Having just finished this book, it feels like I was dropped right into the middle of Tommy and Prophet’s chaos - quiet, violent, understanding, sexual chaos – and I can no longer even see where it all began. I’m diving right in, sinking like a wad of soaked shirts, being dragged out by the undertow, which is exactly how I felt, even when I could no longer breathe. I fucking love it.
This story is filled with Jakes’ most fluid, honest, real, heart pounding and finger twining gentle writing to date. The humor is a constant fellow roller coaster rider from the beginning. This tells a lot about these two men, especially when looking back on it now after having learned more about them so many pages later.
What also says a lot about them is the first time they have sex. Yes, it’s early in the time line, but it would have felt incongruous, dishonest, if they hadn’t. A highly adrenalized situ, one wounded but not gravely, pain meds working like admitted truth serum. Add in some comingled sparks and there it is. No control, even if you wanted it. Questions, is this smart, you know it’s not but there it is. Ignore that precarious grip of that control. Fuck it, do it, you do, both. These two men, it’s not that they don’t have defenses up, that fences aren’t there, but they recognize each other through them, through the slats. It does make for easier, if not frustrating, communication, reactions, to feel each other. They just can’t help themselves. Not just with the attraction but the agitation, curiosity, respect, anger, everything.
All of the supporting characters are very important, there is not a single throw away in the bunch. The part they each play is revealed at varying levels, names are revealed when appropriate, even if not until very late in the game. I found myself having many questions and I love that. A few are answered, some won’t be answered until later books to come. Some, even, are nearly imperceptible when presented. Questions and honesty and humor and action and sex. C’mon, what a freaking combination.
Back to Tommy and Prophet for a bit. I’m not one to usually include a lot of spoilers (I know it’s tempting and maybe even a bit annoying if you’re reading a review before reading the book, at least that’s how I feel sometimes) but I feel I must here. There are four reasons, well four of, why Tommy and Prophet will never be done with each other, never, no matter what this universe throws at them, no matter the harrowing, sexy, blind, mystery filled journeys they take.
Reason one: they DO know each other. Remember the fence slats.
Reason two: They both feel responsible, protective, even if they don’t admit it. At least not in ‘loving’ terms.
Reason three: And this bleeds into how he feels about Tommy.
Reason four: Tom feels this, Prophet feels this, hence his decision, and they each know the other feels it, as well.
Final spoiler, this in regards to the title: THIS. It's really all I can say.
Just so I don’t leave you completely exasperated at this point. Here is one quote I feel I can safely share that won’t give any specifics away but says a lot:
Tommy: “Are you going to leave me standing here or invite me in?”
Prophet: “You were never not invited.”
The fucking is hot, never repetitive and there are always reveals, always story that gets catapulted forward when it happens. These are two GUYS having a big time go at each other. With humor, anger, honesty, insults, caring and distance.
I could not find fault with this story, the characters, the writing, the questions and demands. I hesitate to say that, as nothing is perfect. Everything fit, it worked, even when I felt the gaps in the corners of the square hole trying to accommodate a round peg. Something these two feel they both are, except for maybe when they’re with each other. Though, even then, it’s almost like they can’t quite believe or trust that it may be the case. Then again, they do trust each other – one realizing it about the other, even if they don’t see it themselves. And around and around they go, in the square hole.
The subtlety of the discoveries between these two men, it’s a contradiction – no, a contrast – to the ‘in your face’ nature that is a part of both of them. Texture. I want that in a story, texture I can feel beneath my fingertips as I rub them across the words, the actions, the emotions. Tactile. Maybe that’s it. This is a very tactile story. I want more, and apparently, we’re going to get it.
Given this mini tome I’ve blubbled (yes, new word alert: babbled, bubbled, blurted, take your pick), I have no choice but to give five stars, and I happily, languidly, do so. This one clearly hit all of the sweet spots for me and I can't avoid that.
FREAKING. BRAVO.
Thanks to anyone who actually read this entire thing. I hope I served the story well and made you bump into furniture and gain a bruise or two in your rush to get it and read this book. ;)
There are a number of small moments, single phrases, and beginnings in this story that come to mean so much as these characters move forward. Just as strongly, they grow in emotional significance every time I enter their world.
Proph's grey eyes.
When he calls Tommy "Cajun"... or "T".
Just as the phrase "daylight again" appears in Free Falling, the phrase "if I ever" stakes its claim here. Gah.
And here's my new pondering upon this reading: So... the video of Proph, the one anonymously sent to Tommy... have we ever learned who sent it? My memory could def be failing here lol, but
if we haven't, my money's on Cillian for this, too. He's wayyyyyyyyy more connected to these guys than we've been previously shown. And Mal was the one thing that was never in his/the bigger plans.
These two get each other, even when they think it's impossible they ever could or would.
Tom reached over and squeezed his thigh. Looked over again, and Prophet was looking back at him.
“You’ll . . . get me there. S’why I can close my eyes.”
Because he trusts me. Fuck.
These two, I swear.
Oh and thanks to one of our buddy rereaders, it was Cill who sent the video to Tommy. I'm telling you, Cillian is entangled like a sumbitch and we don't yet know the half of it.
His last thought was that their hands were still clasped tight together.
* ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ * ~~ *
ETA: July 2015, just finished reading this for the fourth time and it still causes all of the strong reactions it did the first time, and every time since. Having the first reading experience, and then going back and rereading after having read the subsequent books in the series, more and more things reveal themselves and connections are made. Continuing on with the series reread!
I’m finding it difficult to arrive at a starting point for this review. Having just finished this book, it feels like I was dropped right into the middle of Tommy and Prophet’s chaos - quiet, violent, understanding, sexual chaos – and I can no longer even see where it all began. I’m diving right in, sinking like a wad of soaked shirts, being dragged out by the undertow, which is exactly how I felt, even when I could no longer breathe. I fucking love it.
This story is filled with Jakes’ most fluid, honest, real, heart pounding and finger twining gentle writing to date. The humor is a constant fellow roller coaster rider from the beginning. This tells a lot about these two men, especially when looking back on it now after having learned more about them so many pages later.
What also says a lot about them is the first time they have sex. Yes, it’s early in the time line, but it would have felt incongruous, dishonest, if they hadn’t. A highly adrenalized situ, one wounded but not gravely, pain meds working like admitted truth serum. Add in some comingled sparks and there it is. No control, even if you wanted it. Questions, is this smart, you know it’s not but there it is. Ignore that precarious grip of that control. Fuck it, do it, you do, both. These two men, it’s not that they don’t have defenses up, that fences aren’t there, but they recognize each other through them, through the slats. It does make for easier, if not frustrating, communication, reactions, to feel each other. They just can’t help themselves. Not just with the attraction but the agitation, curiosity, respect, anger, everything.
All of the supporting characters are very important, there is not a single throw away in the bunch. The part they each play is revealed at varying levels, names are revealed when appropriate, even if not until very late in the game. I found myself having many questions and I love that. A few are answered, some won’t be answered until later books to come. Some, even, are nearly imperceptible when presented. Questions and honesty and humor and action and sex. C’mon, what a freaking combination.
Back to Tommy and Prophet for a bit. I’m not one to usually include a lot of spoilers (I know it’s tempting and maybe even a bit annoying if you’re reading a review before reading the book, at least that’s how I feel sometimes) but I feel I must here. There are four reasons, well four of, why Tommy and Prophet will never be done with each other, never, no matter what this universe throws at them, no matter the harrowing, sexy, blind, mystery filled journeys they take.
Reason one: they DO know each other. Remember the fence slats.
Reason two: They both feel responsible, protective, even if they don’t admit it. At least not in ‘loving’ terms.
Reason three: And this bleeds into how he feels about Tommy.
Reason four: Tom feels this, Prophet feels this, hence his decision, and they each know the other feels it, as well.
Final spoiler, this in regards to the title: THIS. It's really all I can say.
Just so I don’t leave you completely exasperated at this point. Here is one quote I feel I can safely share that won’t give any specifics away but says a lot:
Tommy: “Are you going to leave me standing here or invite me in?”
Prophet: “You were never not invited.”
The fucking is hot, never repetitive and there are always reveals, always story that gets catapulted forward when it happens. These are two GUYS having a big time go at each other. With humor, anger, honesty, insults, caring and distance.
I could not find fault with this story, the characters, the writing, the questions and demands. I hesitate to say that, as nothing is perfect. Everything fit, it worked, even when I felt the gaps in the corners of the square hole trying to accommodate a round peg. Something these two feel they both are, except for maybe when they’re with each other. Though, even then, it’s almost like they can’t quite believe or trust that it may be the case. Then again, they do trust each other – one realizing it about the other, even if they don’t see it themselves. And around and around they go, in the square hole.
The subtlety of the discoveries between these two men, it’s a contradiction – no, a contrast – to the ‘in your face’ nature that is a part of both of them. Texture. I want that in a story, texture I can feel beneath my fingertips as I rub them across the words, the actions, the emotions. Tactile. Maybe that’s it. This is a very tactile story. I want more, and apparently, we’re going to get it.
Given this mini tome I’ve blubbled (yes, new word alert: babbled, bubbled, blurted, take your pick), I have no choice but to give five stars, and I happily, languidly, do so. This one clearly hit all of the sweet spots for me and I can't avoid that.
FREAKING. BRAVO.
Thanks to anyone who actually read this entire thing. I hope I served the story well and made you bump into furniture and gain a bruise or two in your rush to get it and read this book. ;)
November 27, 2013
4.5--Fucktastic--Stars!!!!
SQQQQUUUUUUEEEEE!!! Oh how I loved Prophet and Tom. HARD!!! They are both such tortured, damaged, dangerous souls.
Their banter between each other...
Prophet and Tom are forced to be partners...unwillingly.
“Way I figure it, if I'm forced to have a partner, might as well have one with benefits. If you're annoying me, fucking you will be more satisfying than punching you." Prophet grinned, then added slyly, "And I could punch you afterwards.”
Prophet—former Navy SEAL, former CIA spook, full-time pain in the ass
Tom—failed FBI agent, failed sheriff, full time believer in bad luck
The plot was exciting....dangerous....action packed....nail biting.
Somewhere along the way, feelings slowly beging to change for Prophet and Tom. Intimate touches here, looks there....they eventually give in to their base sexual desire for each other....
But can Prophet survive having Tom as his partner? Has he finally met his match? Can they both overcome their pasts and work together?
When Prophet and Tom are forced apart....it will change everything.
I really, really loved this one. It's been compared to the Cut & Run series, which I have not read. What I loved was that the plot and story really carried the book....the great banter and hot sex were just an added bonus.
Both Prophet and Tom are complicated characters that you can't help but love. Snarky and sarcastic but yet loyal and committed. This is book 1 of the series which will include 4 books total plus a novella thrown in...so the relationship between Prophet and Tom is really just developing. I can't wait to see where things go in the next book.
The ending....
Damn cliffhanger endings....
SQQQQUUUUUUEEEEE!!! Oh how I loved Prophet and Tom. HARD!!! They are both such tortured, damaged, dangerous souls.
Their banter between each other...
Prophet and Tom are forced to be partners...unwillingly.
“Way I figure it, if I'm forced to have a partner, might as well have one with benefits. If you're annoying me, fucking you will be more satisfying than punching you." Prophet grinned, then added slyly, "And I could punch you afterwards.”
Prophet—former Navy SEAL, former CIA spook, full-time pain in the ass
Tom—failed FBI agent, failed sheriff, full time believer in bad luck
The plot was exciting....dangerous....action packed....nail biting.
Somewhere along the way, feelings slowly beging to change for Prophet and Tom. Intimate touches here, looks there....they eventually give in to their base sexual desire for each other....
But can Prophet survive having Tom as his partner? Has he finally met his match? Can they both overcome their pasts and work together?
When Prophet and Tom are forced apart....it will change everything.
I really, really loved this one. It's been compared to the Cut & Run series, which I have not read. What I loved was that the plot and story really carried the book....the great banter and hot sex were just an added bonus.
Both Prophet and Tom are complicated characters that you can't help but love. Snarky and sarcastic but yet loyal and committed. This is book 1 of the series which will include 4 books total plus a novella thrown in...so the relationship between Prophet and Tom is really just developing. I can't wait to see where things go in the next book.
The ending....
Damn cliffhanger endings....
July 13, 2014
Loved... Review to come
Hope it will be amazing smart
hot
and very intense
Following by more books from "Hell or High Water" series
Long Time Gone and
Daylight Again
Something to look forward to...
Very exciting
Hope it will be amazing smart
hot
and very intense
Following by more books from "Hell or High Water" series
Long Time Gone and
Daylight Again
Something to look forward to...
Very exciting
April 9, 2016
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I was prepared for a pair of bad guys.
But prejudice was there first.
It was VERY similar to the Cut & Run series. Two special agents being partened together against their wishes. Biting at each other’s necks. Quarreling at every chance. Insta-chemistry (the one out of the bed). Permanent snark.
Prophet is a veteran in Extreme Escapes.
Tommy is new in the game.
Prophet sees ghosts.
Tommy has premonitions.
Prophet doesn’t want to be recognized more than necessary. Tommy has tattoos and piercings on his body. Both have a hard past. Both have secrets. And neither wants to share them.
They are two alpha males trying to have the upper hand over the another in every aspect of their lives. The “I’m best” crap can be funny if well done, but here the rivalry was exaggerated, cartoonish even.
It’s ridiculous the way the author tried to portray their expertise in every fact. I don’t buy it, at least, I don’t buy it if written in this way. I kept the first third of the book rolling my eyes. They were the most in everything, the best at this and that. It unnerved me.
So, in my eyes, this book was not going to succeed.
Fortunately, I’m happy to say I could forget the reminiscence of Ty and Zane once I was able to immerse into the story. The comic feeling didn’t fade but it got comfortable to read, so in the end I enjoyed it a lot.
But then Prophet and he has to and that’s too Ty-and-Zane-ish I was back to Earth in seconds. Also, Cillian reminded me of X from Zero at the Bone.
I couldn’t shake the feeling this book was made from parts of other books.
I’m not fond of mystery and suspense, so I usually overlook that part in a book. The case is curious because it involves Prophet’s past, but apart from that I didn’t care much about it. Well, it was an excuse to boast Tommy’s skill in fighting and Prophet’s skill in attracting males without snapping his fingers.
So if I’m being so judgmental, why did I even like this book? It’s easy to answer: because of the MC. Yes, I said a lot of things against them, but I can’t deny I feel attracted to them, even in my supposedly blind state my critizism gives me.
And please, the sex was hot.
I loved the chemistry between them. I loved the sex scenes. I loved the touches, the brushes, the kisses, the “You mean nothing-to-me-but-sex” lies. I loved the dynamics of their relationship. I even loved their secrets. I’m hooked and I want to know more about them.
So, to summarize it all.
Did I like it? Yes.
Did it blow my mind? No.
Was it good? Yes.
Did I feel this one was original? No.
Would I read the second part? Yes!!!
I was prepared for a pair of bad guys.
But prejudice was there first.
It was VERY similar to the Cut & Run series. Two special agents being partened together against their wishes. Biting at each other’s necks. Quarreling at every chance. Insta-chemistry (the one out of the bed). Permanent snark.
Prophet is a veteran in Extreme Escapes.
Tommy is new in the game.
Prophet sees ghosts.
Tommy has premonitions.
Prophet doesn’t want to be recognized more than necessary. Tommy has tattoos and piercings on his body. Both have a hard past. Both have secrets. And neither wants to share them.
They are two alpha males trying to have the upper hand over the another in every aspect of their lives. The “I’m best” crap can be funny if well done, but here the rivalry was exaggerated, cartoonish even.
It’s ridiculous the way the author tried to portray their expertise in every fact. I don’t buy it, at least, I don’t buy it if written in this way. I kept the first third of the book rolling my eyes. They were the most in everything, the best at this and that. It unnerved me.
So, in my eyes, this book was not going to succeed.
Fortunately, I’m happy to say I could forget the reminiscence of Ty and Zane once I was able to immerse into the story. The comic feeling didn’t fade but it got comfortable to read, so in the end I enjoyed it a lot.
But then Prophet and he has to and that’s too Ty-and-Zane-ish I was back to Earth in seconds. Also, Cillian reminded me of X from Zero at the Bone.
I couldn’t shake the feeling this book was made from parts of other books.
I’m not fond of mystery and suspense, so I usually overlook that part in a book. The case is curious because it involves Prophet’s past, but apart from that I didn’t care much about it. Well, it was an excuse to boast Tommy’s skill in fighting and Prophet’s skill in attracting males without snapping his fingers.
So if I’m being so judgmental, why did I even like this book? It’s easy to answer: because of the MC. Yes, I said a lot of things against them, but I can’t deny I feel attracted to them, even in my supposedly blind state my critizism gives me.
And please, the sex was hot.
I loved the chemistry between them. I loved the sex scenes. I loved the touches, the brushes, the kisses, the “You mean nothing-to-me-but-sex” lies. I loved the dynamics of their relationship. I even loved their secrets. I’m hooked and I want to know more about them.
So, to summarize it all.
Did I like it? Yes.
Did it blow my mind? No.
Was it good? Yes.
Did I feel this one was original? No.
Would I read the second part? Yes!!!
![Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].](https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/users/1645500038i/37448930._UX200_CR0,0,200,200_.jpg)
October 17, 2022
“In or out of the bed?” Prophet shot back.
“Sweetheart, I understand you just fine in bed.”
“I am not your sweetheart,” Prophet muttered. Was he? Or was Tom being sarcastic. Jesus H. Christ. Sweetheart. And just when he was recovering from that, Tom shot out, “Are you really going to take over EE when Phil retires?”
~ Prophet sharing the same brain cell as me when it comes to the nickname, sweetheart. it’s probably my favorite one.
okay so ngl, i originally picked this up bc i’ve heard comparisons about how the mcs here have a similar dynamic as Ty and Zane from Cut & Run (one of my favorite couples so of course i had to check this out) and, although i can see some parallels, the mcs, Prophet and Tom, are easily distinguishable and have their own charms to me.
from the very beginning, Prophet already stole my heart. give me a mc who jokes around to hide his pain, but will fuck you up if you hurt his loved ones? i’m fucking sold. Prophet is someone who is haunted by his past, the guilt of what happened and wishing he had done more. my heart honestly broke for him. :( i’m curious to see how he’s going to overcome the demons that has been haunting him every waking day, even ‘til now. Tom, on the other hand, was someone more reserved and stoic but his past isn’t any less heartbreaking. the fact that he’s been told he is bad luck towards people around him and what he did by the end of this book to keep Prophet safe, i- let’s just say, i’m fully on board with these two and interested to see how things will develop between them romantically, but also as individuals. 😌
just a fun observation i’ve noticed while reading these mystery/crime mm series, but i love how there’s always a torture (chamber) scene. 😭 it makes sense for the genres, but it’s always interesting to see the different torture scenes. i hate reading about the mcs being tortured, but i guess it just means i’ve grown attached to them real quick so it’s still fascinating to me lol
‼️ SPOILERS ‼️
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
so, i will say, another thing i loved about Tom was how he won’t settle for being the ‘second choice’. the reason i’m not a fan of (dead) ex lover tropes is if the mc is grieving for their dead lover and the love interest feels more of a rebound or second choice and the mc is just settling rather than genuinely taking an interest in the other mc. i loved how, whenever they would fuck, Tom was able to tell when Prophet was pulling himself to the past, to John, rather than being in the present with Tom. i do believe Prophet when he stated that he was mainly thinking of the past bc he doesn’t want to feel anything for Tom bc he’s lost enough people in his life that he’s scared of letting anyone else in, but i’m still glad Tom was that character who wouldn’t settle for being second choice and he straight up said it to Prophet too. 🥺
these scenes had me feeling something:
Before he could roll away, Tom put his full weight on him. Grabbed his arms and yanked them over his head. Held them there. Stared at him until Prophet wanted to look away, but fuck it all, he didn’t. Not even when Tommy told him, “Tonight, there’s only room for two of us in this bed—and you’re going to know who’s fucking you.”
The jokes had stopped. Prophet’s breaths came in harsh pants, unable to do anything but react as his body responded unmistakably beneath Tom’s. Prophet’s resistance had faded, but that wasn’t the issue. Tom needed to make sure that Prophet stayed with him. “Say my name, dammit.”
“Tom.”
“Say my goddamned name.”
Prophet moved his head from side to side. Then, brokenly, he ground out, “Please…Tommy…don’t stop. Okay?”
“You’re with me?”
“Yes.”
“I like you obedient.”
“Don’t get used to it.”
For a long moment, the two men stared at one another. He was pretty sure Prophet would buck him off, break the hold. But he didn’t. Instead, he moved one hand off the metal rail and put it down near Tom’s. Tom put his palm against Prophet’s, and they wound their fingers together.
you know i ate that shit up. 😭😭
there was lowkey a point in the story when i had a theory what if Cillian was John? but then Cillian showed up on page and that theory was useless lol, but for some reason… i still feel like John might be (somehow) alive?? after all, Cillian stated he was dead, sure, but he didn’t really give more info aside from that to Prophet. i’m also curious about Cillian and his own backstory, but i really hope nothing will happen (romantically) between Prophet and Cillian. i kinda like their flirty dynamic, as long as that’s all it is and nothing more.
“Sweetheart, I understand you just fine in bed.”
“I am not your sweetheart,” Prophet muttered. Was he? Or was Tom being sarcastic. Jesus H. Christ. Sweetheart. And just when he was recovering from that, Tom shot out, “Are you really going to take over EE when Phil retires?”
~ Prophet sharing the same brain cell as me when it comes to the nickname, sweetheart. it’s probably my favorite one.
okay so ngl, i originally picked this up bc i’ve heard comparisons about how the mcs here have a similar dynamic as Ty and Zane from Cut & Run (one of my favorite couples so of course i had to check this out) and, although i can see some parallels, the mcs, Prophet and Tom, are easily distinguishable and have their own charms to me.
from the very beginning, Prophet already stole my heart. give me a mc who jokes around to hide his pain, but will fuck you up if you hurt his loved ones? i’m fucking sold. Prophet is someone who is haunted by his past, the guilt of what happened and wishing he had done more. my heart honestly broke for him. :( i’m curious to see how he’s going to overcome the demons that has been haunting him every waking day, even ‘til now. Tom, on the other hand, was someone more reserved and stoic but his past isn’t any less heartbreaking. the fact that he’s been told he is bad luck towards people around him and what he did by the end of this book to keep Prophet safe, i- let’s just say, i’m fully on board with these two and interested to see how things will develop between them romantically, but also as individuals. 😌
just a fun observation i’ve noticed while reading these mystery/crime mm series, but i love how there’s always a torture (chamber) scene. 😭 it makes sense for the genres, but it’s always interesting to see the different torture scenes. i hate reading about the mcs being tortured, but i guess it just means i’ve grown attached to them real quick so it’s still fascinating to me lol
‼️ SPOILERS ‼️
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
so, i will say, another thing i loved about Tom was how he won’t settle for being the ‘second choice’. the reason i’m not a fan of (dead) ex lover tropes is if the mc is grieving for their dead lover and the love interest feels more of a rebound or second choice and the mc is just settling rather than genuinely taking an interest in the other mc. i loved how, whenever they would fuck, Tom was able to tell when Prophet was pulling himself to the past, to John, rather than being in the present with Tom. i do believe Prophet when he stated that he was mainly thinking of the past bc he doesn’t want to feel anything for Tom bc he’s lost enough people in his life that he’s scared of letting anyone else in, but i’m still glad Tom was that character who wouldn’t settle for being second choice and he straight up said it to Prophet too. 🥺
these scenes had me feeling something:
Before he could roll away, Tom put his full weight on him. Grabbed his arms and yanked them over his head. Held them there. Stared at him until Prophet wanted to look away, but fuck it all, he didn’t. Not even when Tommy told him, “Tonight, there’s only room for two of us in this bed—and you’re going to know who’s fucking you.”
The jokes had stopped. Prophet’s breaths came in harsh pants, unable to do anything but react as his body responded unmistakably beneath Tom’s. Prophet’s resistance had faded, but that wasn’t the issue. Tom needed to make sure that Prophet stayed with him. “Say my name, dammit.”
“Tom.”
“Say my goddamned name.”
Prophet moved his head from side to side. Then, brokenly, he ground out, “Please…Tommy…don’t stop. Okay?”
“You’re with me?”
“Yes.”
“I like you obedient.”
“Don’t get used to it.”
For a long moment, the two men stared at one another. He was pretty sure Prophet would buck him off, break the hold. But he didn’t. Instead, he moved one hand off the metal rail and put it down near Tom’s. Tom put his palm against Prophet’s, and they wound their fingers together.
you know i ate that shit up. 😭😭
there was lowkey a point in the story when i had a theory what if Cillian was John? but then Cillian showed up on page and that theory was useless lol, but for some reason… i still feel like John might be (somehow) alive?? after all, Cillian stated he was dead, sure, but he didn’t really give more info aside from that to Prophet. i’m also curious about Cillian and his own backstory, but i really hope nothing will happen (romantically) between Prophet and Cillian. i kinda like their flirty dynamic, as long as that’s all it is and nothing more.
September 13, 2013
This was an awesome book! This was an intense, riveting, steamy, heartbreaking story. And i am going to parrot what my good friend Tina said in one of her status updates of this book, this couple is at the top of my fav couple list, right up there with Ty and Zane! I may like Tom and Prophet a little bit more right now. OMG I am in love!!
This book has everything I love and crave in a story, suspense, steam, broken tortured characters my heart melts for. Very quickly into this story I was immediately emotionally invested. I had to know what happened to these guys. So I knew very quickly I would not be putting this book down till I reached the last page, and it only took me a day!
Prophet was an intense, oh so tortured man, who desperately needs someone looking out for him and yet he won’t let anyone in. And while I desperately wanted him to find love with Tom, I am not entirely sure he is in the right place in his head to be capable of it (at least right now). And Tom, OMG do I love this man! Here I see someone just like Prophet in so many ways, intense, tortured, hot alpha man. The difference between them is Tom was not so dark and in need of healing.
Overall, a winer of a book, I would read this again and again! I want more more more!!!
I will be impatiently waiting for book 2!
This book has everything I love and crave in a story, suspense, steam, broken tortured characters my heart melts for. Very quickly into this story I was immediately emotionally invested. I had to know what happened to these guys. So I knew very quickly I would not be putting this book down till I reached the last page, and it only took me a day!
Prophet was an intense, oh so tortured man, who desperately needs someone looking out for him and yet he won’t let anyone in. And while I desperately wanted him to find love with Tom, I am not entirely sure he is in the right place in his head to be capable of it (at least right now). And Tom, OMG do I love this man! Here I see someone just like Prophet in so many ways, intense, tortured, hot alpha man. The difference between them is Tom was not so dark and in need of healing.
Overall, a winer of a book, I would read this again and again! I want more more more!!!
I will be impatiently waiting for book 2!
September 6, 2013
Ebetta: Oh, chère Ilhem, we come to this one with heavier hearts than our last joint review… These guys let us down in a big way. What’s the problem? I think we were just bored!
Ilhem: Oh my God! I was bored out of my mind!
Ebetta: LOL!! Okay, okay, calm down… Let’s put in a few good words and then we’ll let ‘er rip, ‘kay?
Let’s see… what did I like... I liked Tom, not so much Prophet, but more about that later… Tommy just seemed easier to get to know, I like that he is Cajun and needs to prove himself. I liked the fight scenes… but there weren’t enough! Fight Club! Now, that would have been awesome. I liked…
Ilhem: I liked the dreamcatcher tattoo.
Ebetta: Tom’s tatoos! I think it was the cover that lured me in… Did you like his piercings?
Ilhem: I would have liked them if they had made good use of them.
Ebetta: Ha! Boring sex too, yeah. The piercings seemed like a contrivance to get Prophet into Tommy’s junk. It made me laugh, it was such an obvious plot device. Really, they didn’t work for me. Ultimate fighting and cock piercings just don’t go together! Well, I think this is the key to our lukewarm response, so much contrivance. The author seemed to have a laundry list...
Ilhem: Exactly! There is no characterization. Tom and Prophet are a patchwork of personality traits that are supposed to make us swoon. I mean, they’re so caricatural that it’s laughable!
Ebetta: Did we swoon? There was a lot of eye-rolling. I couldn’t say that I really liked Prophet at all. He was the stereotypical bad-ass but I didn’t know why. He was closed-off, damaged… but why? I didn’t understand what Tom saw in him. It was only about the physical and even that wasn’t enough for me.
Ilhem: I found them both flat and I grew more and more annoyed with the allusions and unfinished sentences hinting not very subtly at supposedly tortured personalities and mysterious pasts…
Ebetta: And all the ‘fuck you’s’ and the flipping offs! Sorry, go on...
Ilhem: Don’t forget “lethal”!
Ebetta: Remind me…? Ilhem…? Are you there, Ilhem…??
*Scene fades*
For Part II of this cliffhanger review, please visit chez Ilhem, Part II
August 22, 2022
Woohoo!! At last Prophet's story, and what a story it was. 5 stars, a huge 
and let's have a little visit from those wonderful dancing girls 
All I can say is I love this series (so far) just as much as Men of Honour AND Free Falling, Proph has definitely met his match in Tom and I can't wait for book 2 next month...bring it on!!
and let's have a little visit from those wonderful dancing girls All I can say is I love this series (so far) just as much as Men of Honour AND Free Falling, Proph has definitely met his match in Tom and I can't wait for book 2 next month...bring it on!!
January 17, 2014
The beginning of this book reminded me of another one, same kind of characters, same plot... however, as the story went by, this book became different and very interesting! I had some difficulties catching up with the writing, but after some time I got it and I enjoyed it very, very much!
Prophet and Tom are partners in a private agency, and they developed a "thing"... I don't want to call it a relationship, cause I guess that even them don't know what they are doing! But they like each other very much and are very protective.
What they have is very intense, raw, and so exciting...
There are secrets, mysteries, ghosts of the past... and bad dreams...
Anxious to go to Long Time Gone
Prophet and Tom are partners in a private agency, and they developed a "thing"... I don't want to call it a relationship, cause I guess that even them don't know what they are doing! But they like each other very much and are very protective.
What they have is very intense, raw, and so exciting...
There are secrets, mysteries, ghosts of the past... and bad dreams...
Anxious to go to Long Time Gone
Read
April 29, 2014DNF at 40%
I tried, I really did. As much as I wanted to like this, I just couldn't. I kind of had to force myself to keep reading which sucks. I think the problem was that this reminded me TOO much of another book from a series that I absolutely love. I tried not to compare, but it was just WAY simliar to it. And things were moving way too fast. Oh, well, can't love them all. But on the bright side, Tommy and his piercings...YUMMY!! ;)
*Buddy Read with Pervy & Lili*
I tried, I really did. As much as I wanted to like this, I just couldn't. I kind of had to force myself to keep reading which sucks. I think the problem was that this reminded me TOO much of another book from a series that I absolutely love. I tried not to compare, but it was just WAY simliar to it. And things were moving way too fast. Oh, well, can't love them all. But on the bright side, Tommy and his piercings...YUMMY!! ;)
*Buddy Read with Pervy & Lili*
November 4, 2013
A more detailed review can be found at the sequel's page Long Time Gone but I did want to mention that this book is meant to be read as a companion piece with the sequel Long Time Gone. There is no resolution to the MC's relationship in this edition of the series. Catch a Ghost tells us Prophet's story, a character from Free Falling, and introduces us to MC Tom.
This was a fun read for me because it was a favorites book showdown with my GoodReads friend JustJen! She read Point of No Return and the sequel Breaking Point and I read Free Falling and the Hell or High Water series. We dreamed it up as a good way to kick each other in the ass to get us to finally read these great books that have been sitting on our shelves for so long! Thanks Jen! I loved mine!
September 6, 2013
please read part I chez Elizabetta
* Scene fades *
Ilhem/Prophet: ...duh, go fuck yourself Tommy. I’m fucking lethal and I don’t need you and your bleedin’ help!
Ebetta/Tom : But Proph, we’re partners. We gotta work together! Lethally!
Ilhem/Prophet : Partner-shmartner, let’s fuck. Oh wait, I feel a PTSD flashback coming on… Done. Kiss me, you fucker!
Ebetta/Tom : Fuck you! *flips the bird as he storms out of the room*
****
Ebetta: Yeah… that’s just about it, Ilhem. There, in a nutshell, the whole shebang. Amen.
Dang, is there a moral here? Something we can take away from our toil?
Ilhem : I need more than a romance pot-pourri to feel like I’ve been told a story. There is nothing wrong in being entertained, I can like smut-only stories, but Prophet and Tom’s relationship is fake, any progress between them came out of the blue, there was zero sexual tension, and the sex was bland.
Ebetta : We’re demanding more as this genre grows and we see what really great writing can give us. Inspiration! No more cookie-cutter characters! Real men! Who act and talk like Real Men! And, I hear you, the sex… that had better be damned good. ‘Cause we’ve seen it all before.
So, I guess, there we have it, thumbs up, thumbs down?
Ilhem : Thumbs down. When I read a book, I like being told a story and I like meeting characters that inspire me.
* Scene fades *
Ilhem/Prophet: ...duh, go fuck yourself Tommy. I’m fucking lethal and I don’t need you and your bleedin’ help!
Ebetta/Tom : But Proph, we’re partners. We gotta work together! Lethally!
Ilhem/Prophet : Partner-shmartner, let’s fuck. Oh wait, I feel a PTSD flashback coming on… Done. Kiss me, you fucker!
Ebetta/Tom : Fuck you! *flips the bird as he storms out of the room*
****
Ebetta: Yeah… that’s just about it, Ilhem. There, in a nutshell, the whole shebang. Amen.
Dang, is there a moral here? Something we can take away from our toil?
Ilhem : I need more than a romance pot-pourri to feel like I’ve been told a story. There is nothing wrong in being entertained, I can like smut-only stories, but Prophet and Tom’s relationship is fake, any progress between them came out of the blue, there was zero sexual tension, and the sex was bland.
Ebetta : We’re demanding more as this genre grows and we see what really great writing can give us. Inspiration! No more cookie-cutter characters! Real men! Who act and talk like Real Men! And, I hear you, the sex… that had better be damned good. ‘Cause we’ve seen it all before.
So, I guess, there we have it, thumbs up, thumbs down?
Ilhem : Thumbs down. When I read a book, I like being told a story and I like meeting characters that inspire me.
January 18, 2019
I am so glad I have the next two books in this series all ready to read, because if I didn't I'd be wondering what the fucking fuck fuck fuck that ending was about!??! Seriously, what the hell? I just know that I'm going to wish I would have waited until after If I Ever was out to read this series, but I'm sucked in now, so here we go!
Both Prophet and Tom are very damaged guys. Tom feels responsible for the deaths of 3 partners from his FBI days (though he isn't responsible at all) and he feels that partnering with anyone will be dangerous for his partner. That's a lot to live with. Prophet has a past, too, that keeps him up at night and he's haunted by the ghosts of his past.
This case is personal for Prophet. The younger brother of Prophet's (likely) dead best friend was just found dead, and EE is sending him down to Texas with Tom to look into it. While there, they discover just how good they are together -- both personally and professionally. The only real problem is that neither wants to let the other in. Especially Prophet. But they read each other so well it's scary.
I'm a little in love with both Prophet and Tommy (especially Tommy) and I think they are so so so good together. My heart breaks a little when Prophet pushes Tommy away.
The story took a few twists that I did not see coming at all -- especially that one right at the end. Even after sleeping on it, I'm still reeling from it.
Both Prophet and Tom are very damaged guys. Tom feels responsible for the deaths of 3 partners from his FBI days (though he isn't responsible at all) and he feels that partnering with anyone will be dangerous for his partner. That's a lot to live with. Prophet has a past, too, that keeps him up at night and he's haunted by the ghosts of his past.
This case is personal for Prophet. The younger brother of Prophet's (likely) dead best friend was just found dead, and EE is sending him down to Texas with Tom to look into it. While there, they discover just how good they are together -- both personally and professionally. The only real problem is that neither wants to let the other in. Especially Prophet. But they read each other so well it's scary.
I'm a little in love with both Prophet and Tommy (especially Tommy) and I think they are so so so good together. My heart breaks a little when Prophet pushes Tommy away.
The story took a few twists that I did not see coming at all -- especially that one right at the end. Even after sleeping on it, I'm still reeling from it.
July 21, 2015
$0.99 on Amazon-->Catch a Ghost (Hell or High Water Book 1)
This is very similar to Cut & Run, and I was just as confused and befuddled here as the first time I read Ty and Zane.
The difference is that Ty and Zane spent 3 books at "My ass hurts" and these boys skyrocketd to Touch & Geaux "I'm here to protect you and I'm the answer to all your fucked up issues."
Since the situations were essentially the same as Ty and Zane, and I've no idea what a Cajun man looks like, I decided to use my mental image of Ty and Zane. It's something like this;
That looks like a Cajun ass to me.
I didnt find these guys very likable and had to use lots of imagination to find them hot.
The good news is Cut & Run got better as the series progressed so maybe the next book will be easier to get into and comprehend.
Typos; His name is Tom, Tommy, T, Cajun, Voodoo, but what his name is not is TIM!
This is very similar to Cut & Run, and I was just as confused and befuddled here as the first time I read Ty and Zane.
The difference is that Ty and Zane spent 3 books at "My ass hurts" and these boys skyrocketd to Touch & Geaux "I'm here to protect you and I'm the answer to all your fucked up issues."
Since the situations were essentially the same as Ty and Zane, and I've no idea what a Cajun man looks like, I decided to use my mental image of Ty and Zane. It's something like this;
That looks like a Cajun ass to me.
I didnt find these guys very likable and had to use lots of imagination to find them hot.
The good news is Cut & Run got better as the series progressed so maybe the next book will be easier to get into and comprehend.
Typos; His name is Tom, Tommy, T, Cajun, Voodoo, but what his name is not is TIM!
January 24, 2014
Okay… Prophet had already made an impression in Free Falling, and also I just love MM romance with tough guys and the cover captured me, and this was just what I needed to satisfy my action adventure apetite!!!
The chemistry between these two kept me flying through the book !!
Mission, fights, love, sex, secrets and voodoo….I loved it all and can’t wait to read more!
Catch a Ghost was a mystery and a hot sexy ride.
My Prophet...
My Tom ...
January 19, 2014
I may or may not review this properly when I decide how I really feel about it.
For now, I'm at sixes and sevens and this is my knee-jerk reaction to it:
There were plot holes the size of volcanic craters, names were thrown in topsy-turvy, and more than once I caught myself wondering what in the bloody hell was going on.
The paranormal element was clumsy.
Cillian's character felt redundant and by the time he did get involved in the actual story at around 90%—in a Deus-ex-machina, eye-roll-inducing way—I had exactly zero fucks to spare about him.
The ending sucked ass.
BUT
I liked the MCs (I ended up liking Tom a bit more than Prophet) and I'm curious enough about them to want to read the next installment.
For now, I'm at sixes and sevens and this is my knee-jerk reaction to it:
There were plot holes the size of volcanic craters, names were thrown in topsy-turvy, and more than once I caught myself wondering what in the bloody hell was going on.
The paranormal element was clumsy.
Cillian's character felt redundant and by the time he did get involved in the actual story at around 90%—in a Deus-ex-machina, eye-roll-inducing way—I had exactly zero fucks to spare about him.
The ending sucked ass.
BUT
I liked the MCs (I ended up liking Tom a bit more than Prophet) and I'm curious enough about them to want to read the next installment.
October 20, 2014
Review written for The Blog of Sid Love - 4.5 stars
I will start by saying that I have loved Prophet from his very first appearance in the Men of Honor series. He was mysterious but could always be counted on to get the job done and provide whatever support was necessary. We never actually got very much detail about him; just enough to give a slow build up to this story. Needless to say, I’ve been looking forward to it for a long time.
This book could easily be read as a stand-alone and start to a hot new series. However, I am a fan of the slow burn, and even though I have zero patience for waiting. That’s exactly how it felt up to this point. I’m glad I had the background of the Men of Honor series behind me before reading this. That’s also why I didn’t feel lost or confused when this story began with a mysterious video.
When we see Prophet this time, he is on forced recovery with two broken wrists. He is also suffering from a degenerative something or other with his eyes that can only negatively affect his current career in a matter of time. In addition, he is being forced to take on a new partner, as well as his continual grooming to take over as head of EE, Ltd. (Extreme Escapes).
Prophet has many issues, not the least of which was his time as a POW. This man can handle torture like nobody’s business, although his body seems to be taking a more permanent dislike to the treatment. He is a bit unstable because of that, coupled with the other duties he has had to carry out over the years, which is, of course, why I love him so. He works best alone, has resigned himself to the fact he will always be alone, personally and professionally, and makes no excuses. He is also haunted by dreams and the ghost of his good friend/lover.
Tom has a few issues of his own. He’s a bit of a hot mess with his temper issues and the bad mojo that has followed his hot, tattooed, pierced self from his previous jobs. The current job appears to be a last chance for him, and though the deck seems to be stacked against him from the start, there always seems to be a bigger plan in effect.
Prophet and Tom – talk about hot stuff. Both fighters, strong and dominant, yet both damaged and vulnerable. As they investigate their first case, they spend as much time trying to figure each other out. They fight, joke, take care of one another and tear up the sheets, all while keeping secrets from each other.
The story starts out with the anonymously sent video, but as the story progresses, it becomes about the current investigation, one that is a bit personal for Prophet. Things come full circle though, and eventually ties all together in one way or another. As things unfold, Tom and Prophet continue to jockey around having some kind of relationship. Prophet never makes things easy though, and Tom quickly realizes he is also competing with a ghost.
There is a lot of action in this story, and I was on the edge of my seat through most of it. While some may disagree, I loved that there was no HEA yet for Prophet or Tom. Even though I was cursing the Kindle, I was happy there wasn’t even a HFN. Prophet still has so many issues, and Tom has a few as well. I never expected things to be easy for them and believe it will be all the more better for it in the end when it does happen, so I’m very thankful the author has taken this route. The characters are written with so much room for growth, even though they seem to have come such a long way already.
There is a bit of a love triangle here. While there isn’t any cheating, per se (they aren’t actually in a committed relationship after all), there is other flirting between Prophet and Cillian. Speaking of the super sexy and mysterious downstairs spook neighbor, Cillian, he and Prophet text and IM, and even flirt quite a bit, but have never actually met until later on in the story. There seems there could be a whole other story for Cillian, and I’m keeping my fingers crossed (and will gladly beg) that we get it.
A lot of choices are made at the end of this book, leaving me on the edge, dangling with questions and begging for more. The next book cannot come out fast enough for me, and I’m glad it won’t be too long a wait. I believe this was the best story yet in this series (I’m including Men of Honor) and certainly am not ready to see the last of any of these characters.
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