Swiftly Dusted: Mini-review of Breaking Logan's Laws by Cameron Dane

Author:Cameron Dane
Title: Breaking Logan's Laws
Series: Quinn Security, book #4 - but it can easily be read as a standalone
Publisher: Loose Id
Date: February 22, 2011
Length: Novel plus: 247 pdf pages

Backblurb/Goodreads link | author's website | buy link

Genre & keywords:

M/M, Romance, Contemporary, Suspense, Investigation, Abuse, Violence

Synopsis in short:

Nate recently joined Quinn Security and for his first case he’s partnered with Logan, the man he met three years ago. Since then his crush has only grown. Logan has his own secret desires, but he also has rules when it comes to relationships. However, sweet Nate threatens to break down all his defenses.

Setting: Logan and Nate’s story is set in the world of Quinn Security and the characters of the previous books in the series are making small appearances. Both Logan and Nate are investigators at Quinn Security and their first joint case is to find a missing young socialite. This brings some suspense and mystery to the plot, which is not too complicated but nicely done.

POV: Third person narration, from both heroes' perspectives. That’s how I like it best with most stories. It gives equal insight in both characters’ thoughts and feelings, but with well timed switches to the other perspective, so that we as a reader don’t know everything at all times (because that would be boring).

H/H & characterization: Logan is the tall, dark and brooding type and Nate is the sweet, cute and happy one compared with Logan. Yet, Nate also has some darkness from his past to deal with. However, Logan is the one who has to come to terms with his cheating former lover, the reason why he has all those laws. Both Nate and Logan are very likeable and sexy characters, with more layers than one. Their pairing is one of opposites attract, but they match, not only in bed and in daily life but also as investigating partners.
I also enjoyed the presence of their friends, old and new ones. The interaction with this supporting cast showed a lot about our main heroes and made them three-dimensional as well.

Empathy level: These heroes moved me. Their conflict (mainly Logan’s set of laws) wasn’t too big but it was executed well, probably because the author succeeded in making me feel invested in them by the time things started to blow up.

Heat level: This couple certainly does steam up the pages, mainly in the second half of the book. There’s first quite some build-up with excellent sexual tension and once they finally give in to their attraction there’s no stopping them! Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining per se, but these hot scenes were a bit out of proportion with the rest of the plot at that time. They could’ve been shorter and much better dosed. Still, 3 out of 3 flames

Angst level: Both heroes tugged at my heart strings in the same measure and I think I’ve probably used 1 or 2 out of 3 hankies

Overall entertainment level: Both the love story and the ongoing investigation held my undivided attention until the last page. Although the pacing felt a bit off once the hot smexing took place, this story kept being entertaining on more than one level. For me, the outcome of both the suspense plot and the romantic arc were satisfying. The extended cast with ‘real’ characters was a nice bonus. And thinking about Nate (and Logan) still makes me smile even now, almost a month after I read their story.

Final judgment:

Sexy & sweet hero thaws sexy & brooding hero. They make the pages sizzle while working on an interesting investigation.
4.5 out of 5 stars
~

A Few Quickies

I wish I had time to write long(er) reviews of all the books I read, but that just isn’t the case, unless someone insists on offering me a job doing so. ;) As I don’t see that happening soon… uhm ever… I settle for a few quick thoughts on some of the m/m books I read lately. All were novellas except the one by Shelley Munro and M.L. Rhodes which were a little over 100 pages, and the yaoi novel.
Clicking the title will bring you to the synopsis at Goodreads, clicking the author’s name will lead to the publisher’s or bookseller’s site. I’ve read all books as an ebook, except the first.


Yuki Shimizu, Love Mode Vol. 1 (192p)

I actually don't know how to rate this, being it my first yaoi novel, but I liked it. And some parts I really liked. So, I go for 3.5 stars atm. Let's see how the other yaoi novels I have on the shelves will compare to it... Next is either I Want To Be Naughty or Barefoot Waltz.

M. L. Rhodes, Bring the Heat (121p)

I like M.L. Rhodes' writing a lot and she's really good at making me feel the emotions of her characters, which was done well in this story. But it felt also a bit too rushed and I'm not a big fan of the insta-love theme. Still an enjoyable read with likeable heroes. 3.5 stars

Sara Bell, Pool Hall Green (66p)

This was a fun, light read about some heavy topics (homophobia, blackmail, addiction, violence). Luckily, it never became dramatic and the problems were dealt with in an unexpectant way. But I just didn't feel the attraction between Drew and Evan. I didn't believe they were meant for each other. The story was more focused on Drew and Evan dealing with their family and their problems than on them falling in love. The family story lines were interesting though. 3 stars

Devon Rhodes, A Detour Home (43p)

A Detour Home was the first book I've read by Devon Rhodes, but definitely not the last. It was a great read. The heroes are cute and hot and perfect for each other, only they need a few years to find that out. I loved the careful exploration of their attraction, and their first love scene was beautiful and exciting - and not only because of the risk of discovery by their roommate. Maybe the break was a bit long, but luckily their love survived all those years. ;) Cam and Jon's love story is cute, sexy and entertaining! 4 stars

Stephani Hecht, Double Shot Cappuccino (60p)

I really enjoyed Double Shot Cappuccino which was the first book I've read from this author. It’s a sweet love story between a cute coffee shop owner and his deceased brother’s hot best friend. The shared history of friendship and loss is in the end the glue that makes their relationship more than just a bunch of steamy, sexy encounters. I loved the heroes and I loved the setting of the coffee shop and the secondary characters coming with that setting. I also loved the old video operating as the catalyst for Tyler’s eye-opening moment. It’s not a long read but it certainly feels like a full-fledged story. 4 stars

Kim Dare, Gay Friendly (47p)

This was a really cute D/s story about a young novice and an older Dom who feels the urge to protect the other man from groping hands during their stay in a ‘gay-friendly’ hotel. Ellis is adorably innocent and a natural sub. Mitchell can’t help himself to feel attracted and protective. Their relationship is a D/s one but very light and mild. I loved both the inexperienced, cute Ellis and the gentle, patient Mitchell. They were a great match. 3.75 stars

Shelley Munro, Seeking Kokopelli (149p)

Musician Adam and roadie Nate feel attracted to each other. But Nate is still mourning the loss of his wife. This story had the potential of a sweet Gay For You romance, but somehow I didn’t feel Adam and Nate’s chemistry and love. I had some trouble getting past the continuity problems regarding Adam’s tattoo (which seems to be there in the beginning while it shouldn’t be there) and Nate’s sexuality (did he like men before he met his wife, is he straight, has he wanted to be with a man before, is he not gay, or is he bi? Does he himself remember what sex he likes?). Aside from this, I felt their romance and feelings for each other drifted to the background when Adam’s history and family issues became more prominent. Plus I didn’t buy Adam’s brother’s change in behavior after his marriage nor that the assassin freaked out and ended things the way he ended them. This story just asked a bit too much suspension of disbelief for my taste. For those who don’t mind a few over the top secondary characters and some discontinuities, this might be a sexy read about a rock band and two hot guys, mixed with a light paranormal ingredient. 2.75 stars

Cameron Dane, Finding Home (97p.)

Finding Home is a cute Gay For You story and Adam and Rhone are such a sexy couple. What I liked best about this book is that the heroes spent the first ten years of this story just as friends, gradually becoming closer and closer, although Rhone stays clueless about Adam’s crush on him. It’s so sweet that Adam never considers telling Rhone about his feelings but chooses for the friendship. Until one day Rhone finds out and recognizes his own feelings as love. I must admit that this ‘discovery’ felt a bit rushed in the end, maybe because I was yet trying to grasp the over the top scene in the office with Adam and his female colleague! I’m reading the sequel Saying I Do now and am still enjoying Adam and Rhone’s hot chemistry. 3.5 stars

That was it! Back to reading Saying I Do. :)
What are you reading at the moment?