Ex-cop Isaac Rhodes is a tough and intimidating private investigator with a talent for kicking in doors and knocking bail jumpers’ heads together. His only soft spot is for his partner, Nate Washington—though Wash makes him anything but soft. He’s silently lusted after Wash for a year, until his desire drives him to finally come out to his partner.
This confession leads to Wash admitting a few secrets of his own, unleashing needs that result in hot, sweaty, sexy, man-on-man intimacy. Rhodes is elated…until Wash admits he’s unsure if he’s willing to endure the often prejudice-filled life of an outed gay man. Crushed, Rhodes backs off. But one missing child case—and a gun to Wash’s head—convinces Rhodes to do whatever it takes to get his man.
I was talked conned pushed suckered told to read this book by Chris before I read Hide Out which I have for review. I did ask her if it was a necessary evil or just a suggestion and she said it was a necessary evil. After reading PD’s I can see what she means. I haven’t actually started reading Hide Out yet so I’m not sure how lost I would have been, if at all, without having read PD’s first, so I’ll have to get back to you on that.
So Rhodes comes out to his PI partner, Washington. Washington has a very loud reaction to the announcement and stalks off. But really the reaction ends up being personal for Wash. He’s not upset that Rhodes is gay – just that he never trusted Wash enough to tell him after being his partner for a year. But Rhodes had been outed by his fellow police officers after a raid on a gay bar he was at and eventually he was outed from the police department for completely lame-ass reasons. Rhodes is hurt by Wash’s reaction, thinking that Wash now wants nothing to do with him, but that’s not it at all. You see Wash has been confused about his sexuality as well. He never really considered himself gay but more bi. Wash and Rhodes have a few wonderful nights together after Wash’s revelation but Wash isn’t sure that being a couple is exactly what he wants. He certainly doesn’t want to ruin his friendship with Rhodes but he feels something more with Rhodes than he’s ever felt before.
While all of the turmoil of Rhodes and Wash’s relationship is going on they take a pro bono case from a teenager, Carlos, whose 14 year old brother is missing. The police believe that Miguel has run away and aren’t looking for him at all but Carlos knows his brother and running away isn’t something that Miguel would do. Rhodes and Wash begin looking into Miguel’s disappearance only to find that they might have stumbled on a series of kidnappings that then turn into the kids being sold. Rhodes and Wash end up at a gay club where they meet Trevor, a bouncer, who has the hots for Rhodes. The men befriend the bouncer and tell him about their case. Trevor helps Rhodes and Wash with information about the club and the club owner who they believe is the villain behind the missing children.
I have to tell you I’m very glad that Chris had me read this book because I just would have missed out on a darned good read. I’d read two other stories by Allen before but neither were m/m stories. However it doesn’t matter whether it’s two men or a woman and a man, Allen knows how to create great stories with likable characters. Rhodes and Wash’s relationship was so good just being friends but it was just that much more magnified when they became lovers. The sexual tension was present, but yet it was very comfortable for the two men because of their past together. What Allen also does very well is she lets her characters see the humor in things. It’s not slapstick funny but just average everyday events where you can find something to laugh about. I love that in life so I truly love seeing in books.
I look forward to reading the next story in this series – which I believe is about Trevor. If you haven’t read Allen yet I’d definitely recommend you do.
Rating: 4.25 out of 5
I must have this one! I've been downloading Josh Lanyon books like a crazy person, I need more m/m variety 😉
Trevor's story is VERY hot. Like really. LOL I think you'll enjoy it. Tell me, did you not want to see a threesome here? Just once? (I keep bringing this up just to drive Chris insane. LOL)
It was definitely a great read.
SHB – Well they do say variety is the spice of life! lol I think you'll like this one.
Tam – I SO expected the threesome! Even though I'm not too into menages lately I would have loved to have seen it.
*smacks Tam* Hmph.
I wouldn't have liked the book half as much if there'd been a threesome.
Glad you didn't find it too painful after all, Tracy! Or that you're just afraid to admit it. ^_^
Chris – Nope, not painful in the least – very enjoyable.
I really can't wait to read more about Trevor. And you'd have to admit that Wash, Rhodes and Trevor would have made a fine threesome.
Nonononononono.
I really liked this one. And yes, a threesome would have been hot but I'm glad it wasn't done.
Great review! 🙂
Thanks for the great review, Tracy! I actually do find most things in life to be funny (I often laugh at the most inappropriate moments), so that's good that it comes through in the books. 🙂
Tam, I have to admit that I actually did write a threesome scene in PD, but I had to take it out because it made me sad. It felt too much like cheating. I should have added a chapter of deleted scenes, just for you. 🙂
Chris, I really like your enforcement tactics. Nothing like the threat of a baseball bat to the kneecaps to get people reading. 😉 Your check's in the mail.
Chris – yesyesyesyes! lol
Lily – thank you! Yes it would have have been hot.
KA – Hey! Thanks for stopping by. OMG you should have put up deleted scenes- maybe you need to put them on your site. I agree though – as hot as it would have been I would have kind of looked at it as cheating as well. It just would have changed the whole tone of Wash and Rhodes relationship. (but still hot, did I say that already?)
I love laughter in books as well as life so I'm with you.
Oh, I do like the sound of this. Thank you Tracy! I'm guessing I should read them in order (as in PD first 🙂
Don't make me come after you, orannia… 😉
Ummm…there was once a threesome scene in PD? Katie, would you ever consider posting it on your site as a downloadable thingy? *bats eyelashes*
Tracy, isn't Katie's writing fun? She writes hilarious dialogue and hot chemistry like nobody's business. 🙂
*covers eyes and ears*
lalalalalalalalalala
Orannia – Yes, absolutely. Shhh you know Chris WILL come after you, right?
Jen – Word! I was thinking the same thing. In the book it wouldn't have worked but just as a random scene? I'm there.
Chris – deal, chick! lol
how do u do?
Sorry to disappoint, but I can't post the threesome scene–when my laptop (and back-up flash drive!) were stolen in November, I lost all my earlier drafts. My editor had to send me the final manuscript just so I would have a copy.
The scary threesome scene is gone–you can open your eyes now, Chris! 😉
I have this one waiting for me! I'm really looking forward to reading it, especially now, after your wonderful review! Thanks 🙂
Chris brought this author to my attention too.
KA – Oh well, we tried. lol Sorry to hear about the theft.
Chris – simmer down, missy.
Janna – KA is great. I think you'd like Breaking the Silence as well (an m/f).
Thanks for the m/f title. I'll check it out 🙂
I did like this one as well… I did like Wash alot…
He had a great sense of fun about him…
You are going to love Trevor's story… One hot scene in particular makes it worth it all… Think Vouyeur..
E.H>
Janna – My pleasure. 🙂
EH – I'll be reading Hide Out this week so I'll look for that scene – sounds great!