The romance aspect finally started amounting to something, which was fun. And the story held my interest. ( )

2.5 stars ( )

4.75 stars: I liked the mystery in this episode better than the first book's. However, I adored the progress these two guys manage, between dangers, so the combination makes a very good story. There are a couple of transitions that could have used another paragraph for clarity.

On to book 3! ( )

I finally found Jake's theme (or rather one of his themes for my head): Breathe by Erasure ...


"Breathe"

Twenty-seven times I paint the city in lights
Now I changed my mind
I was living fast now I'm running on empty
And I feel yeh I feel
You're gonna go, let me go

Breathe, and I breathe
It's bitter without you I can't live without you
And I'm in love with you

Stood the test of time
Though I treated you rough you were always kind
I let my head rule my heart now I'm feeling so lonely
And I feel it's the deal
You're letting me go gonna go

Breathe and I breathe
Hollow without you I can't live without you
And I'm in love with you

Breathe I believe
Empty without you I can't live without you
And I'm in love with you

Breathe, and I breathe
It's bitter without you I can't live without you
And I'm in love with you

Breathe I believe
Empty without you I can't live without you
And I'm in love with you

Breathe I believe
I can't live without you I can't live with you
And I'm in love with you ( )

Poor Ardien is getting a little fed up with his on again off again relationship with Jake Riordan the cop. I share his frustration. If this man was any further in the closet he’d completely disappear. To complicate Ardien’s problems, he’s not doing very well writing the sequel to his first sold manuscript. He's getting nowhere in either situation...so he decides to take a break and go to the ranch that his grandmother left him. Who but Ardien would find a dead body in the road the night he arrives? Ardien is the heart and soul of this series even though we are only two books into it. He has no illusions about who or what he is. And he can laugh at himself and find humor in the situations that he finds himself in. He is completely aware of the ridiculousness of his situations. After so long reading Josh Lanyon’s books, I know she always rescues her characters and that there will be a happily after...eventually. Perhaps a good kick in the seat of his pants would help Jake out of his closet...but it does seem that he is making some progress on his closet exit on his own. ( )