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The Cowboy and the Dom #1
First Rodeo
alternate cover edition of ASIN B07YM1QNK4
When a killer strikes, Texan and former rodeo cowboy, Sam O’Reilly, loses his older brother. Unbeknownst to Sam, James was also the lover and sub of a sophisticated New York City Dom named Thomas Ward. Sam comes to the city determined to stay until he can bring the murderer to his own brand of justice, while Thomas’ more ordered mind is hoping for a legal solution. Neither man expects their connection to the other, but having each lost someone irreplaceable, their hearts are crying out for comfort almost as loudly as their bodies are screaming for each other.
Some yearnings refuse to be ignored, but transcending their differences to explore the fragile connection between them will prove to be a steep a hill to climb--the first of many. As Sam and Thomas take the first tentative steps on the rocky path that might lead to a relationship, the killer steps out of the shadows...And this time, his sights are set on Sam.
Note to our readers: Each of the three books in The Cowboy and the Dom Series has a fully realized, romantic ending. However, the overarching suspense element will leave readers on a cliffhanger after books one and two, to be fully resolved in book three.
When a killer strikes, Texan and former rodeo cowboy, Sam O’Reilly, loses his older brother. Unbeknownst to Sam, James was also the lover and sub of a sophisticated New York City Dom named Thomas Ward. Sam comes to the city determined to stay until he can bring the murderer to his own brand of justice, while Thomas’ more ordered mind is hoping for a legal solution. Neither man expects their connection to the other, but having each lost someone irreplaceable, their hearts are crying out for comfort almost as loudly as their bodies are screaming for each other.
Some yearnings refuse to be ignored, but transcending their differences to explore the fragile connection between them will prove to be a steep a hill to climb--the first of many. As Sam and Thomas take the first tentative steps on the rocky path that might lead to a relationship, the killer steps out of the shadows...And this time, his sights are set on Sam.
Note to our readers: Each of the three books in The Cowboy and the Dom Series has a fully realized, romantic ending. However, the overarching suspense element will leave readers on a cliffhanger after books one and two, to be fully resolved in book three.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 15, 2019
About the author
Jodi Payne
82 books394 followersJODI spent too many years in New York and San Francisco stage managing classical plays, edgy fringe work, and the occasional musical. She, therefore, is overdramatic, takes herself way too seriously, and has been known to randomly break out in song. Her men are imperfect but genuine, stubborn but likable, often kinky, and frequently their own worst enemies. They are characters you can’t help but fall in love with while they stumble along the path to their happily ever after.
For those looking to get on her good side, Jodi’s addictions include nonfat lattes, Malbec and tequila however you pour it. She’s also obsessed with Shakespeare and Broadway musicals. She can be found wearing sock monkey gloves while typing when it’s cold, and on the beach enjoying the sun and the ocean when it’s hot. When she’s not writing and/or vacuuming sand out of her laptop, Jodi mentors queer youth and will drop everything for live music. Jodi lives near New York City with her beautiful wife, and together they are mothers of dragons (cleverly disguised as children) and slaves to an enormous polydactyl cat.
For those looking to get on her good side, Jodi’s addictions include nonfat lattes, Malbec and tequila however you pour it. She’s also obsessed with Shakespeare and Broadway musicals. She can be found wearing sock monkey gloves while typing when it’s cold, and on the beach enjoying the sun and the ocean when it’s hot. When she’s not writing and/or vacuuming sand out of her laptop, Jodi mentors queer youth and will drop everything for live music. Jodi lives near New York City with her beautiful wife, and together they are mothers of dragons (cleverly disguised as children) and slaves to an enormous polydactyl cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 65 reviews
July 16, 2023
The first couple of chapters are a bit sad, as it opens at a gravesite in Texas as the family of James O'Reilly...Thomas Ward's sub... lay their son, brother, and Thomas's lover, to rest after James is murdered in New York City, where he and Thomas resided, and he taught school. The killer has never been caught and the police have little to go on. Before James's grave is even cold, Sam's family sends him to New York City to find the killer and eliminate him. Sam goes to New York...but he knows that he is in an alien universe the moment he arrives. The police don't want his "help" and Sam knew before he left Texas that this was an impossible task that he had been sent on...but he does contact the detective in charge of the case, and he visits and speaks to the staff at the school where James taught. Nothing comes to light. Almost from his first step on the apartment building where James lived, he meets Thomas Ward...James Dom and lover...and in spite of their shared grief, they find that they also share an undeniable attraction. Jodi Payne and B.A. Tortuga simply CAN NOT write a book that won't grab the reader by the heart and the imagination and pull them in and firmly hold then there until the very last page...and then send them looking for the next one. Good thing I have the next two:) The slow burn romance here between a dead man’s brother and his former lover is an intriguing ride. Now throw in a healthy dash of BDSM, with one character that knows very little about the "lifestyle", and there you have the hook! We also have a touch of mystery here because no one knows who murdered James; but the focus is solidly on the connection that quickly grows between Sam and Thomas. I was glad that the authors saw fit to have Sam ditch his unrealistic family with their unrealistic expectations for him...and let him take a chance with Thomas to build a relationship and find a degree of happiness in spite of the remaining tragedy that still needs to be settled. Tears, laughter, love, angst and a murder mystery all wrapped up in a love story.... what more could you ask for?
December 26, 2022
Sam es un vaquero Tejano siempre ha vivido segun las espectativas de su familia, siendo el menor de 3 hermanos y el unico que no ha dedicado su vida a nada "provechoso", sabe que esta destinado a quedarse en el rancho y dedicarse al negocio de la familia. Pero ahora que su hermano James fue asesinado, es su deber averiguar quien lo hizo y hacerle pagar, aunque tenga que mudarse a New York e instigar a los policias encargados del caso e intentar entender por si mismo porque y quien pudo haber hecho eso.
Pero no es tan facil averiguar que paso en una ciudad tan grande, y mucho menos cuando no conoce a nadie mas que al novio de su hermano fallecido, y a unas pocas personas de la zona que no hacen mas que hacerles ver lo maravilloso que era su hermano. Asi que cuando su investigacion comienza a estancarse y su familia comienza a presionarlo para que regrese, debe tomar una decision, volver a la vida que conoce y a hacer lo que se espera de el, o aprende a vivir en un mundo nuevo donde puede ser realmente quien quiere ser y estar con quien quiere estar.
Este libro es bastante sencillo de leer y sus personajes estan bien manejados, nos presenta un sub novato pero dispuesto a cualquier cosa, y a un Dom que ha perdido lo que penso que era su pareja perfecta. Tambien vemos un grupo de personajes secundarios de los que quieres saber mas, y con los que sientes que hay verdadera amistad. Los protas tienen una quimica verdadera, pero se siente que dejaron pasar sus "limites" demasiado rapido, y para ser una trilogia hubiera esperado que se tardaran un poquito mas en llegar a una relacion "estable".
En fin, el libro es entretenido, tiene unas escenas eroticas muy bien trabajadas, y unos secundarios que ayudan en la trama. Y aunque la trama original "La busqueda del asesino de su hermano" pasa a un segundo plano muy rapido, se siente como si ambos protas todavia viven y sienten la presencia de ese problema y espero que en los proximos libros se solucione bien.
Asi que voy a seguir con la trilogia esperando ver como el autor logra manejar esta trama y como logra el desenlace de la captura del asesino.
Pero no es tan facil averiguar que paso en una ciudad tan grande, y mucho menos cuando no conoce a nadie mas que al novio de su hermano fallecido, y a unas pocas personas de la zona que no hacen mas que hacerles ver lo maravilloso que era su hermano. Asi que cuando su investigacion comienza a estancarse y su familia comienza a presionarlo para que regrese, debe tomar una decision, volver a la vida que conoce y a hacer lo que se espera de el, o aprende a vivir en un mundo nuevo donde puede ser realmente quien quiere ser y estar con quien quiere estar.
Este libro es bastante sencillo de leer y sus personajes estan bien manejados, nos presenta un sub novato pero dispuesto a cualquier cosa, y a un Dom que ha perdido lo que penso que era su pareja perfecta. Tambien vemos un grupo de personajes secundarios de los que quieres saber mas, y con los que sientes que hay verdadera amistad. Los protas tienen una quimica verdadera, pero se siente que dejaron pasar sus "limites" demasiado rapido, y para ser una trilogia hubiera esperado que se tardaran un poquito mas en llegar a una relacion "estable".
En fin, el libro es entretenido, tiene unas escenas eroticas muy bien trabajadas, y unos secundarios que ayudan en la trama. Y aunque la trama original "La busqueda del asesino de su hermano" pasa a un segundo plano muy rapido, se siente como si ambos protas todavia viven y sienten la presencia de ese problema y espero que en los proximos libros se solucione bien.
Asi que voy a seguir con la trilogia esperando ver como el autor logra manejar esta trama y como logra el desenlace de la captura del asesino.
Read
February 1, 2020Dnf @ 50%
December 26, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.25 stars
First Rodeo is the first book of a planned trilogy with a murder mystery that spans the whole series. It was a delicately written story—how does one handle attraction to a sibling’s former lover? Or a murdered lover’s sibling? Sam is afraid to tell his folks about the connection between Thomas and James, because he feels like he is poaching. Thomas is nervous that Sam won’t be willing to engage in the D/s lifestyle that James relished. It’s a whole new experience for both of them, as Thomas learns when he starts to share those aspects of his life with Sam. It seems like he’s still hung up on James, doing the things James had liked without necessarily listening for cues from Sam. With a couple resets, it seems that Sam is a natural at submission–once Thomas makes it clear what submission is all about. It’s a little awkward because of the specter of James, and both Sam and Thomas appreciate that. They have conflict as a result, with Thomas not being as attentive a partner as Sam needs, due to his own hang-ups.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
4.25 stars
First Rodeo is the first book of a planned trilogy with a murder mystery that spans the whole series. It was a delicately written story—how does one handle attraction to a sibling’s former lover? Or a murdered lover’s sibling? Sam is afraid to tell his folks about the connection between Thomas and James, because he feels like he is poaching. Thomas is nervous that Sam won’t be willing to engage in the D/s lifestyle that James relished. It’s a whole new experience for both of them, as Thomas learns when he starts to share those aspects of his life with Sam. It seems like he’s still hung up on James, doing the things James had liked without necessarily listening for cues from Sam. With a couple resets, it seems that Sam is a natural at submission–once Thomas makes it clear what submission is all about. It’s a little awkward because of the specter of James, and both Sam and Thomas appreciate that. They have conflict as a result, with Thomas not being as attentive a partner as Sam needs, due to his own hang-ups.
Read Veronica’s review in its entirety here.
November 25, 2019
Gah! More.
October 5, 2019
So I picked up this book thinking it had several things I like in it, cowboys, D/s, murder mystery, NYC. I figured it would probably be a decent book, but I didn't have high hopes. No, I really just wanted something to be a fun bit of distraction.
Instead, I wound up with First Rodeo.
This book captivated me, drew me in, held me tight.
Thomas is a character that made my heart bleed, made me want to know him, understand him, help heal his pain. Sam, I at first wasn't sure about but quickly grew to wanting to comfort him, too, and really figure out what makes him tick.
I didn't have any clue how these men were going to get together, but then they did, and it made sense. It all made sense.
And the story, the book, I couldn't put it down. A book I expected to just be a decent story, something to keep me occupied, it became my focus. I was completely pulled in, wanting answers to questions that aren't there yet (the mystery runs over all three books in the series, per the authors,) finding bits and pieces I think might be related to the murder. That's the only bit that left me wanting in this story, there isn't enough on the murder, but at the same time, this just leaves me aching for the next book.
Instead, I wound up with First Rodeo.
This book captivated me, drew me in, held me tight.
Thomas is a character that made my heart bleed, made me want to know him, understand him, help heal his pain. Sam, I at first wasn't sure about but quickly grew to wanting to comfort him, too, and really figure out what makes him tick.
I didn't have any clue how these men were going to get together, but then they did, and it made sense. It all made sense.
And the story, the book, I couldn't put it down. A book I expected to just be a decent story, something to keep me occupied, it became my focus. I was completely pulled in, wanting answers to questions that aren't there yet (the mystery runs over all three books in the series, per the authors,) finding bits and pieces I think might be related to the murder. That's the only bit that left me wanting in this story, there isn't enough on the murder, but at the same time, this just leaves me aching for the next book.
February 15, 2020
2.5 stars
Good start then so slow! Full of "for the first time in his life" "never" (96 nevers?!) & inner monologue; Can't the 2 MC's understand that when you've been kissing & holding hands for weeks, it's more than friendship?!
Good start then so slow! Full of "for the first time in his life" "never" (96 nevers?!) & inner monologue; Can't the 2 MC's understand that when you've been kissing & holding hands for weeks, it's more than friendship?!
October 14, 2019
**3.5**
This was a so nearly there story for me but just missed the mark in a few things. I enjoyed the story overall and the characters involved but didn't really feel a connection between the two MC's until near the end. Thomas has lost his partner and sub, not really sure what to do with himself but he has a chance meeting with Sam, James' brother, who has come from Texas to sort his brother's things and attempt to deal some justice Texan style if the chance arises. Whilst they are both still dealing with the loss of James, a surprising friendship emerges and they learn that they can lean on each other when in need.
So I read and enjoyed the story, even understanding what the authors were trying to achieve in regards to the relationship between Thomas and Sam and what they wanted to happen between them but things were slightly off for me. In regards to Sam and his submission that came out of nowhere and got Thomas excited for possibilities, it seemed obvious to Thomas but I was scrabbling to see what he was. I thought a little more could have happened or at least interacted with Sam and James' family as Sam has a lot of self worth/esteem issues with how he should be and what he should be doing. I did love Thomas' care and attention towards Sam, even whilst struggling with his own grief, he recognised what Sam was going through and offered him support and then an outlet. As we come to the last 20% of the story, the MC's really came together and the relationship made sense, clicked and was, of course, hot to read.
As this is the first in a series, I am looking forward to seeing how the authors plan to take this relationship and also the outcome of what actually happened to James as we are given very little detail into the investigation. There are some wonderful additional characters, many from the bdsm community Thomas belongs to. They make it very welcoming to Sam and give a lot of support to Thomas.
Definitely give this story a try, especially those new to kink/bdsm as I could see this as a kind of intro at the same time as Sam learns under Thomas' teachings.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review
This was a so nearly there story for me but just missed the mark in a few things. I enjoyed the story overall and the characters involved but didn't really feel a connection between the two MC's until near the end. Thomas has lost his partner and sub, not really sure what to do with himself but he has a chance meeting with Sam, James' brother, who has come from Texas to sort his brother's things and attempt to deal some justice Texan style if the chance arises. Whilst they are both still dealing with the loss of James, a surprising friendship emerges and they learn that they can lean on each other when in need.
So I read and enjoyed the story, even understanding what the authors were trying to achieve in regards to the relationship between Thomas and Sam and what they wanted to happen between them but things were slightly off for me. In regards to Sam and his submission that came out of nowhere and got Thomas excited for possibilities, it seemed obvious to Thomas but I was scrabbling to see what he was. I thought a little more could have happened or at least interacted with Sam and James' family as Sam has a lot of self worth/esteem issues with how he should be and what he should be doing. I did love Thomas' care and attention towards Sam, even whilst struggling with his own grief, he recognised what Sam was going through and offered him support and then an outlet. As we come to the last 20% of the story, the MC's really came together and the relationship made sense, clicked and was, of course, hot to read.
As this is the first in a series, I am looking forward to seeing how the authors plan to take this relationship and also the outcome of what actually happened to James as we are given very little detail into the investigation. There are some wonderful additional characters, many from the bdsm community Thomas belongs to. They make it very welcoming to Sam and give a lot of support to Thomas.
Definitely give this story a try, especially those new to kink/bdsm as I could see this as a kind of intro at the same time as Sam learns under Thomas' teachings.
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review
October 8, 2019
I’m not sure I liked this. I have an issue with the person that is related to the dead person fall for the person that was with the person that died. I wish that part was not part of the story, or at the very least they were an ex.
Arc provided by LesCourt Services in exchange for an honest review.
Arc provided by LesCourt Services in exchange for an honest review.
October 22, 2019
Great story!
October 12, 2020
3.75 stars
February 2, 2020
What a wonderful suprise! Such a well-written pure-romance with great characters and just... the pace, the whole organization of events and milestones... genius.
The whole book has that inescapable, charming and sweet but also wild feeling of coaxing a wild and hurt animal to trust and eventually relly on you, for it to call you theirs... except, mutual, both men having hurts that needed soothing and assurances being made and, of course, love being freely given and joyfully received.
It's the best metaphor for the whole process, the whole plot and their relationship. You get this slow-burn romance of discovery, you get to really meet the characters and see them stumble and walk to something neither expected to find - finding problems, having some wrenches are thrown at them and neither one is just some tame doe, you get spicy with your sweet to make the best symphony - complex but so flowy. And still not a least bit predictable. Which is a major plus when you have a cowboy from Texas that basically came to town to hunt and kill the murderer of his brother (as his family readily reminds him) and this almost posh history, museum gentleman. That liked to dress in leather pants.
Because the world and especially those two are so much more than they seem. Like, I am not sure people can be this complex and intriguing in real life =D but it creates the best chemistry and relationship that is not overwhelmed at all by any tension or differences... when, at the core, they are like mirror reflections, with the same needs and desires.
It might not be the first pages - hedge, maybe not the first chapters, but this book really reeled me in.
The BDSM element was, for the most part, very tame and very focused on the "overall" tone or the end game and just some basic fulfilment - comfort, company, help... basically becoming friends. The community is made to be very welcoming and understanding, which is a plus. When it got more heated... well, I sometimes wonder how every I (or anyone) can read books like this. From my very much narrow and silly point of view, this stuff is like a tailored shirt - very few people can use it and out of those that can, maybe one or two will feel comfortable wearing that. So I don't consider this in any way to be a fault of the book, that some parts were not "my cup of tea". Not in a negative way, more in a "that was supposed to get a certain kind of reaction and it didn't".
So I would definitely recommend this. Occasion? When you crave some romantic but complex soothe-hurt with very well made style.
The whole book has that inescapable, charming and sweet but also wild feeling of coaxing a wild and hurt animal to trust and eventually relly on you, for it to call you theirs... except, mutual, both men having hurts that needed soothing and assurances being made and, of course, love being freely given and joyfully received.
It's the best metaphor for the whole process, the whole plot and their relationship. You get this slow-burn romance of discovery, you get to really meet the characters and see them stumble and walk to something neither expected to find - finding problems, having some wrenches are thrown at them and neither one is just some tame doe, you get spicy with your sweet to make the best symphony - complex but so flowy. And still not a least bit predictable. Which is a major plus when you have a cowboy from Texas that basically came to town to hunt and kill the murderer of his brother (as his family readily reminds him) and this almost posh history, museum gentleman. That liked to dress in leather pants.
Because the world and especially those two are so much more than they seem. Like, I am not sure people can be this complex and intriguing in real life =D but it creates the best chemistry and relationship that is not overwhelmed at all by any tension or differences... when, at the core, they are like mirror reflections, with the same needs and desires.
It might not be the first pages - hedge, maybe not the first chapters, but this book really reeled me in.
The BDSM element was, for the most part, very tame and very focused on the "overall" tone or the end game and just some basic fulfilment - comfort, company, help... basically becoming friends. The community is made to be very welcoming and understanding, which is a plus. When it got more heated... well, I sometimes wonder how every I (or anyone) can read books like this. From my very much narrow and silly point of view, this stuff is like a tailored shirt - very few people can use it and out of those that can, maybe one or two will feel comfortable wearing that. So I don't consider this in any way to be a fault of the book, that some parts were not "my cup of tea". Not in a negative way, more in a "that was supposed to get a certain kind of reaction and it didn't".
So I would definitely recommend this. Occasion? When you crave some romantic but complex soothe-hurt with very well made style.
October 19, 2019
this was good.. action packed.. fast paced.. good writing.. awesome characters.. so many emotions that will tug you everywhere. i enjoyed it and its a hfn so i cant wait to see what happens next.
July 16, 2020
Exactly the kind of complex M/M I keep asking the universe for even if this had issues. At 303 pages I absolutely can't complain that this is too short as I so often do. And it immediately shows in the depth of characterization. Thomas and Sam both are fleshed out people and I definitely knew all about how they tick and where their fault lines are after reading this. The biggest and obvious one is of course James and their shared grief about his loss. I did not enjoy that part of the story but that's on me, the authors definitely dealt with it wonderfully - maybe too wonderfully for me since I simply don't enjoy reading about grief.
So where are the issues?
The writing is a big problem for me in this one. Everything that is not dialogue flows well and is the reason I kept at it. But when people start speaking? I don't know what happened but it's like the authors never heard people have a conversation before. I think they were going for something specific and missed the mark. Instead of poetic it felt stilted and forced. It's a stylistic affectation that routinely took me out of the story.
The relationship development is measured and rushed at the same time. I don't know how you can stumble into a full on BDSM relationship while negotiating every step along the way but that's exactly how it felt to me reading it. Suddenly, Thomas and Sam were a couple, Sam was Thomas' sub and they were negotiating scenes and having sex. It just never meshed with Sam's status as a gay virgin. Why not just not let him have had some experience? The added gay virgin trope was just unnecessary.
Still, the BDSM aspects were pretty much the reason I picked this up and ended up being what I enjoyed about this story the most. Now that I think about if you cut the whole dead brother and the laughable crime plot this would be a really fun book. Thomas' domination is different from the usual fare we get in these books. It's not all spanking, flogging and humiliation but really grounded in the Dom's need to take care of a sub. He's almost a service Dom who uses the act of Domination to really get at his subs issues and help them through them. It's like therapy with a flogger :)
I can see myself picking up the next for the characters and I just hope that an editor has a frank talk with the authors about how dialogue is not the place to get experimental in an M/M romance.
So where are the issues?
The writing is a big problem for me in this one. Everything that is not dialogue flows well and is the reason I kept at it. But when people start speaking? I don't know what happened but it's like the authors never heard people have a conversation before. I think they were going for something specific and missed the mark. Instead of poetic it felt stilted and forced. It's a stylistic affectation that routinely took me out of the story.
The relationship development is measured and rushed at the same time. I don't know how you can stumble into a full on BDSM relationship while negotiating every step along the way but that's exactly how it felt to me reading it. Suddenly, Thomas and Sam were a couple, Sam was Thomas' sub and they were negotiating scenes and having sex. It just never meshed with Sam's status as a gay virgin. Why not just not let him have had some experience? The added gay virgin trope was just unnecessary.
Still, the BDSM aspects were pretty much the reason I picked this up and ended up being what I enjoyed about this story the most. Now that I think about if you cut the whole dead brother and the laughable crime plot this would be a really fun book. Thomas' domination is different from the usual fare we get in these books. It's not all spanking, flogging and humiliation but really grounded in the Dom's need to take care of a sub. He's almost a service Dom who uses the act of Domination to really get at his subs issues and help them through them. It's like therapy with a flogger :)
I can see myself picking up the next for the characters and I just hope that an editor has a frank talk with the authors about how dialogue is not the place to get experimental in an M/M romance.
September 29, 2021
Cowboy Sam meets Dom Thomas on the stoop of his murdered brother's apartment in NYC. From the beginning, they are drawn to each other in mutual grief, but also an attraction to each other. Sam is unfamiliar to the BDSM scene, but glimpses of it make him want for more. As Thomas deals with his own loss, he realizes that Sam has some characteristics like his brother, but he is also very unique, open, and delightful. Can these two men who have experienced so much pain find their own different pathway to happiness? As the brother's murder remains unsolved and several suspicious things occur, is there a danger to Sam?
This is a well-written story with depth, raw emotion, awakenings for both Dom and sub, psychological foundations, and healing.
This is a well-written story with depth, raw emotion, awakenings for both Dom and sub, psychological foundations, and healing.
February 21, 2024
I read this whole series one after the other so I’m posting the broader dates and the same review for all three. First, please start with book one. If you don’t like it don’t bother with the rest, this author is probably not for you. On the other hand, if, like me, you really like it and can’t wait to see where Sam & Thomas go next, you are in the right place. The relationship building arc is wonderful, the MCs are so relatable, the kink is hot and the mystery is a minor player but interesting.
March 15, 2020
This was a good book, and I enjoyed the characters and watching the cautious development of their Dom/sub relationship. However, I would have liked to have seen more about James and what happened to him (more of the mystery). This is a three-book series, so I assume we will learn more about that in the future books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
May 26, 2020
Sam and Thomas have a long and sometimes difficult road ahead. They learn to care deeply for each other but guilt and a crazy person cause many dangerous situations. I loved how this author took their time and had the men slowly work toward something they both wanted. Things happen, feelings are tested.
An all around great story.
I don't ant to give away much. The reader needs to experience it all for themselves.
An all around great story.
I don't ant to give away much. The reader needs to experience it all for themselves.
December 19, 2020
I like the first book in this series. I enjoy following a couple's story through a few books. This book introduces us to Sam and Thomas and lays a good foundation for the next books. I am a very empathetic reader so it was a little difficult for me at the beginning, but it definitely is worth reading. Looking forward to where their relationship goes.
January 25, 2021
Terrific new mm series
WOW. The feels in this book are amazing. Bringing a Texas cowboy and a kinky New York museum fundraiser together in what at first seems like an opposites attract story, add in the fact that the New Yorker was the lover of the cowboy’s brother, who has been murdered and you get WOW. I loved this book and can’t wait to read more.
WOW. The feels in this book are amazing. Bringing a Texas cowboy and a kinky New York museum fundraiser together in what at first seems like an opposites attract story, add in the fact that the New Yorker was the lover of the cowboy’s brother, who has been murdered and you get WOW. I loved this book and can’t wait to read more.
March 18, 2024
loved it
I don’t know why I haven’t read this series before now. I am disappointed in myself. This was so good. These ladies have a way of writing these relationships and these men in such a beautiful way. Amazing book and I can’t wait to read the next one as Thomas and Sam’s relationship grows.
I don’t know why I haven’t read this series before now. I am disappointed in myself. This was so good. These ladies have a way of writing these relationships and these men in such a beautiful way. Amazing book and I can’t wait to read the next one as Thomas and Sam’s relationship grows.
May 28, 2021
Happy to have found new authors
I really enjoyed this book. I have not read anything from either of these authors and I picked this series because of the power exchange and Hello Cowboys!!
I'm excited to read what happens next.
I really enjoyed this book. I have not read anything from either of these authors and I picked this series because of the power exchange and Hello Cowboys!!
I'm excited to read what happens next.
Read
December 2, 2021what i really liked about this trilogy was that the D/S relationship had to be invented by them to suit them, rather than what either expected from previous relationships. didn't fall into well-worn standards.
April 4, 2023
couldn’t get into it
This book and series had good ratings but I just couldn’t get into it. It started too slow with weird awkward dialogue and descriptions. Not my cup of tea I guess.
This book and series had good ratings but I just couldn’t get into it. It started too slow with weird awkward dialogue and descriptions. Not my cup of tea I guess.
April 27, 2023
This book was not what I expected. I've already downloaded the next book in the series. I need to follow the love story between Sam and Thomas. Of course we also need to find the killer. I already have my suspensions. Am I right, we shall see.
March 15, 2020
A bit of a sad storyline... both characters are in mourning. Sam and Thomas needed each other but are still figuring things out. Looking forward to Book2.
April 6, 2020
This is the first book that I’ve read by these two authors. I found the writing well done and...comfortable. Not sure how to describe what that means, but it was something I could get into and relax. The story itself was just okay. I felt like I got to know the character of Sam, for the most part, but Thomas is still just not real to me yet. I will go on the to next book to find out more. I’m hoping there is lore to the mystery of James’ death. It seems like that element of the plot was abandoned for the most part in this book which is unfortunate.
May 23, 2020
4.5 stars
February 6, 2023
When Sam comes to New York looking for his brother's murderer, he meets Thomas, his brother's Dom. Where will this relationship go?
Shelved as 'did-not-finish'
September 1, 2023DNF @ 47%
The blurb seemed really interesting, but I just couldn't get into the writing style; it was very weird to me.
The blurb seemed really interesting, but I just couldn't get into the writing style; it was very weird to me.
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