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Chasing Smoke

3.75 of 5 stars 3.75 · rating details · 968 ratings · 84 reviews

An old mystery brought them together. Solving it could tear them apart.

In the best of times, Daniel Gardner hates visiting his family. With his boyfriend pressuring him for a mortgage-serious commitment, Christmas in Easton, PA sounds, for once, like a welcome escape. His old house holds more than memories of a miserable adolescence, though. It has Trey Eriksson.

At sevente...more

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Published June 9th 2009 by Samhain Publishing

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Jul 12, 2009 Sandy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Okay, here it is.

I really like K.A. Mitchell but I had some issues with this one.

Daniel, to me anyway, was a bit hard to like. He was cold and had too much of a chip on his shoulder throughout most of the book.

Basically, Daniel and Trey were teenagers together. A somewhat geeky Daniel had a big crush on Trey. Daniel grew up in a rich home with cool conservative parents. Trey grew up in a more modest home. Their fathers had been in Vietnam together and were friends.

One night Trey's mother was br...more

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Jun 06, 2010 A.B. Gayle rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: glbt-romance

Loved this, as I have all of K.A.Mitchell's books. She writes great characters and great sex scenes, Makes me want to throw my laptop against the wall and give up as an author, then I say, nah. Look at what she has done and learn.
Great characters, great conflict and great emotional arcs. Good one.

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Aug 24, 2010 Tj rated it 3 of 5 stars

I did enjoy this book. The characters were believable and the plot was good. Even with the danger points in the book it was a lite fun read. Unfortunately the ending felt flat, there were holes that weren't closed and left me feeling the story was incomplete. The main conflict came to an abrupt end with an easy out that did not seem very realistic to me. Though there is room for a sequel, and possibly that is were this is going, the characters' relationship was too simplistically wrapped up.

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Feb 21, 2013 Lisazj1 rated it 3 of 5 stars

3.5 stars. I came across this one day browsing for something to read. I had not too long ago finished Collision Course and really liked it, so I thought I'd give this one a try.

I did like it but I just didn't love it. Danny and Trey grew up together, Danny from a rich, privileged background (though not necessarily happy) and Trey from a more modest working class family. The only thing they had in common were their fathers, who served in Vietnam together and were still friends themselves.

As youn...more 3.5 stars. I came across this one day browsing for something to read. I had not too long ago finished Collision Course and really liked it, so I thought I'd give this one a try.

I did like it but I just didn't love it. Danny and Trey grew up together, Danny from a rich, privileged background (though not necessarily happy) and Trey from a more modest working class family. The only thing they had in common were their fathers, who served in Vietnam together and were still friends themselves.

As young teens, Danny always had a painful crush on Trey, who was determinedly straight. Then Trey's mother was murdered, his father (who was a cop) charged with it, and Trey ends up living with Danny's family. Now Trey has up walls with everyone...except for sometimes with Danny, which leads to even more hurt and confusion between them. They end up going their separate ways, Danny leaving town for college, Trey joining the Army.

Danny Gardner comes back home to close up his mother's house when she decides to move after the death of his step-father. After a break-in, the police are called, and who shows up? Detective Trey Eriksson.

I really liked the storyline aside of Danny & Trey, searching for proof that Trey's father was innocent of the murder of his mom. It was pretty interesting and got intense as the web become more tangled, reaching to places they never dreamed of. I liked Trey and sympathized with his struggle as a boy with his feelings for Danny and the painful tragedy with his parents. But Danny was a little too inconsistent for me to fully care about him as a character. One minute he was bitter and cold to Trey (sort of understandable) and the next he was all warm and easygoing. He was hard for me to believe sometimes.

All that aside, the story was still an enjoyable read, til the end. The big conspiracy they were unraveling was wrapped up in just a few sentences and I was left all "WTF? Wait...but..." O.O That was a bit too neat and easy even for me. Still, I'll be checking out a couple other stories by the author.
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Jan 06, 2011 Sammy rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m

After reading four other books by K.A. Mitchell, I felt extremely excited to read this novel. I had absolutely loved her Florida series and Hot Ticket: A Serving Love Story was probably my favorite short story I've read in a while. I don't feel like my expectations were meet for this book though.
Fist off I'll start by saying I felt every character I read about deserved to be slapped, with the exception of the children briefly mentioned in the beginning. They were all full of them selves and worr...more After reading four other books by K.A. Mitchell, I felt extremely excited to read this novel. I had absolutely loved her Florida series and Hot Ticket: A Serving Love Story was probably my favorite short story I've read in a while. I don't feel like my expectations were meet for this book though.
Fist off I'll start by saying I felt every character I read about deserved to be slapped, with the exception of the children briefly mentioned in the beginning. They were all full of them selves and worried about mainly themselves. They weren't true to anyone else and the main characters hardly ever seemed to think about what the other would actually do or how they would respond. Their so certain of things that we as a reader know are wrong. They all have their problems, and rightfully so. But the problems are over simplified and over exaggerated.
Second, The word choices. At times I felt like the phrasing of a sentence was just wrong or that what a character was saying was awkward. Some parts seemed lacking of emotion or action when they were needed and others needed to calm down a bit.
Third, The 'case'. As much as I loved the idea, I hated it at the same time. Between all their emotions it got covered and wasn't as big a part of the novel as it needed to be. After spending so much time looking over one piece of evidence, the rest of the investigation felt extremely rushed.
Besides that there was the length. This book was just simply too long and drawn out for what I felt I got out of it.

This book wasn't all horrible though. The characters are emotional and there's some good tension going on between them springing from deep routed issues from each of their pasts. Mitchell is great at writing their intimate moments, though I do feel some from her other book would easily surpass.

One last thing, I felt kind of disappointed that handcuffs were not used inappropriately at any point in this novel. There was the set up and hint that it was going to be there, but never actually happens. I would have loved to read how Mitchell would portray a scene like that.(less)

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Oct 21, 2012 Cindi rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, m-m

I have a love/hate relationship with this author's work yet I keep going back to her books. This one started out well. Daniel Gardner returns to his hometown to help his mother move. That is the excuse he gave anyway. The main reason for the trip was to escape his boyfriend of two years for awhile because said boyfriend (Scott) was pressuring him to to finally make a commitment. Daniel is a federal agent working for the Department of Homeland Security. Not long after returning to his mother's ho...more I have a love/hate relationship with this author's work yet I keep going back to her books. This one started out well. Daniel Gardner returns to his hometown to help his mother move. That is the excuse he gave anyway. The main reason for the trip was to escape his boyfriend of two years for awhile because said boyfriend (Scott) was pressuring him to to finally make a commitment. Daniel is a federal agent working for the Department of Homeland Security. Not long after returning to his mother's home, there are break-ins at the home. The detective in charge of the investigation just happens to be Daniel's former crush (and kind of lover) from high school, Trey. Trey had moved in with Daniel's family when he was a teenager because his mother was murdered and his father was accused of the crime. He had nowhere else to go and his father and Daniel's were former military buddies having both served in Vietnam.

First off, I liked Trey. A lot. While I didn't understand a lot of what happened when he was a teenager (in regards to Daniel) I could almost see where he was coming from. Daniel wanted more than he was willing (able) to give at the time. They separated under bad circumstances and did not have any contact at all for 15 years... until Daniel came home to help his mother. Trey has spent the past 15 years trying to find proof that his now deceased father did not kill his mother. It has been his obsession since the murder occurred.

I was not sure about Daniel. At times he was okay but then he would turn around and I would be thinking he was a big jerk. The Scott thing bugged me right off. Scott is not described as a bad guy in any way. He just wanted Daniel to commit to him or to move on. Two years they were in a relationship and when Scott has finally had enough, he ends the relationship. Daniel couldn't care less. It did not take long before Daniel was in Trey's bed and it was like Scott never existed. That made me dislike Daniel almost immediately.

There is a lot of going back and forth between Trey and Daniel. They are both put in danger as a result of the investigation that they are both continuing in regards to Trey's father. It is soon made obvious that the break-ins at Daniel's mother's home are connected to the old murder case. As far as that is concerned, I felt that there could have been more added to it to make the story more interesting. There are quite a few break-ins and even a murder attempt but the way all of it came together at the end did not do it for me. It felt too rushed and I was not satisfied with the resolution in any way. (view spoiler)

The sex is hot in this book and there is quite a bit of it between Daniel and Trey. Daniel is bad about opening up and comes across as an ass quite a bit. I never really felt the relationship between the two and when the book ended I did not see an HEA or really even an HFN. Too many things left unresolved between the two even if plans are somewhat made for the future.

Overall, an okay story. Not bad, not good. I wish I could have been more invested in the characters and the story as a whole... and I tried, really... but none of it really worked for me. I felt that I was being told a story. I never actually felt it. In the one or two moments that I actually did feel something it was mainly anger over the lack of communication between Trey and Daniel and the way everything ended.

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Jun 11, 2009 JenMcJ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: e-books, mm-mmm-a-few-mmf-too

(see end of review for prequel info)

KA Mitchell writes very compelling characters that have realistic baggage and issues that must be overcome. That is pretty standard for her books that I have read. This one is no different. She also writes very well with fantastic imagery and some great lines of thought.

The relationship is complicated and realistic but is the dreaded (to me) long lost love plot among other things.

The interaction between the men (and the boys they were) is interesting...but s...more

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Jun 12, 2009 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: glbt-fiction

It is no secret I am a bit of a fan girl for K.A. Mitchell and this new book was a gem.

The novel had a great hook with a return home, first love and a tightly scripted mystery that in no way detracted from the central theme of two men falling in love again. The novel has a slow, sexy burn to it and the tension between Daniel and Trey made my toes curl. The flashes back to when they’re younger feels a little illicit as you read about their burgeoning love, but it’s sensual and beautifully written...more

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Aug 30, 2009 Nichole (Dirty H) rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, 2009

3.5 stars

This book just never really clicked for me. I'm not really sure why - the writing was good and the story was really interesting. I guess the characters just never gelled. Usually when that happens it's because they weren't well drawn, but that's not the case here - Mitchell did a good job with the story and characters as always. I just never felt connected to them. They were both hard and cold and I never felt any kind of warmth for or from them. And I felt like their motivations were a...more

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Jan 12, 2010 Jimmy Hanson rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, m-m

K.A. Mitchell is a writer that both intrigues me and repels me. She's a very good author with very detailed and intricate stories to tell, but sometimes leaves her characters with rather questionable morals.

Thankfully that aspect of her novels is kept on a relatively low scale. Daniel *does* have a boyfriend when he returns home and finds a mutual attraction still burning with his first lover Trey, but the relationship with the boyfriend is already on the outs. When the boyfriend shows up on th...more

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Jul 14, 2009 Elizabeth rated it 4 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I'm an avid K.A. Mitchell fan and did overall enjoy this solid effort from one of the most talented writers we have in this genre. It certainly kept my attention and I would definitely recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a little mystery and intrigue with their intense m/m romance. **WARNING – Possible slight spoilers; nothing severe**

The subplot of the mystery surrounding Trey’s mother’s death (I always consider the romantic plot the main one!) was complex and interesting enough, making f...more I'm an avid K.A. Mitchell fan and did overall enjoy this solid effort from one of the most talented writers we have in this genre. It certainly kept my attention and I would definitely recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a little mystery and intrigue with their intense m/m romance. **WARNING – Possible slight spoilers; nothing severe**

The subplot of the mystery surrounding Trey’s mother’s death (I always consider the romantic plot the main one!) was complex and interesting enough, making for some exciting sequences with lots of opportunity for our two heroes to be thrown together. Never any disappointment with KAM in that regard; she manages to write a lot of character depth into her physical love scenes as well as making them sexy as hell.

Having said that, I find myself in agreement with several other readers in that Chasing Smoke left me feeling vaguely dissatisfied. It may be that my expectations were exceeding high ...

For me, the characters wereless well defined then those in my KAM favorites: Collision Course and Regularly Scheduled Life. I found it a bit difficult to get a handle on exactly who Trey and Daniel were, as individuals or as a couple. Part of that was because I couldn’t totally buy into what was supposed to be their central, emotional conflict with each other.

We have two guys who were in lust with each other as teenagers, one with a solid crush, the other denying his sexuality. To all intents and purposes there is no mention of them having acknowledged between them a true romantic relationship; they shared a number of clandestine sexual encounters while befriending each other under difficult circumstances. That being the case I really had to work hard at suspending my disbelief in order to accept the feelings of hurt and betrayal the author would have us believe was driving the tension between the men years later. There just didn’t feel to be enough weight in their history, not in specifics, for all the pent up hostility they were holding onto - especially from Daniel.

Trey and Daniel's moods and motivations felt just a little unfinished and perhaps waffled a tad, in my opinion, which was slightly distracting. I also was surprised by how quickly the romantic resolution came about - they went from clashing to clinging without really clearing the air between them, I thought. It may be that KAM was under constraint for the length of the novel. Perhaps if it could have been expanded by even another chapter or two, she would have used that extra space to flesh out some of the past and or extended the resolution to flow more seamlessly out of the novel’s conclusion.

The views expressed above are simply the ramblings of an avid reader and in no way reflect the opinions of anyone with real editorial experience! Despite the minor quibbles mentioned, I still give Chasing Smoke a very strong 4 out of 5 stars.
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Mar 21, 2013 Sas rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm

Fave Quote: '"Busy chasing bad guys. No time for underwear."'

- Storyline - 8/10
- Hero (Danny) - 8/10
- Hero (Trey) - 8/10
- Chemistry - 9/10
- Steaminess - 9/10
- Sweetness - 8/10
- Secondary Characters - 6/10
- Setting - 5/10
- Details/Quirks - 6/10
- Banter/Humor - 6/10
- Ending - 9/10
- Ridiculousness - 2/10
- Annoying the shit out of me factor - 3/10
- This book described in one word/phrase - Steamy

I loved the build-up and sexual tension in this book, as it led to some seriously hot sex scenes. The chem...more

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Jul 14, 2010 Amy rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, glbtq

I want to go shopping for everything else K.A. Mitchell has ever written.

I've been in a bit of a funk lately, trying to find a good m/m book to read. Abandoned quite a few after just several chapters because the characters lusting after each other was just so tiresome. I'll admit that is an odd comment for a book that is almost 50% erotica (or it seemed that way), but the rest of the book was made up of an awesome plot mystery that was exciting and nerve-wracking.

I loved the characters. They see...more

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Nov 04, 2010 Trix rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm-novels, cops

I started reading this book partly due to the comments I read on the site. But together with the summary... I'm glad I picked up this book.
One of the replies here described Danny as too clingy to the past and winning about unchangeable things. I sort of agree. But it wasn't that annoying to me. I felt that both characters were pushed in opposite direction by teenage emotions and a troubled past. And that time spent apart defined their personalities. But even different and separated for so long,...more

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Jul 24, 2009 Lily rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, m-m, what-i-read-in-2009

When Daniel Gardner returns to his hometown to help his Mother prepare her home for sale he does so gladly in order to escape a boyfriend pushing for a formal commitment. What he never expects is to meet up with his old high school friend/crush, Trey Eriksson, again. But when his Mother's house is broken into, it's Trey, now a Police Detective, who is assigned to investigate.

Daniel and Trey are interesting and well developed characters and the writing style is solid and enjoyable, especially dur...more When Daniel Gardner returns to his hometown to help his Mother prepare her home for sale he does so gladly in order to escape a boyfriend pushing for a formal commitment. What he never expects is to meet up with his old high school friend/crush, Trey Eriksson, again. But when his Mother's house is broken into, it's Trey, now a Police Detective, who is assigned to investigate.

Daniel and Trey are interesting and well developed characters and the writing style is solid and enjoyable, especially during the sex scenes. These two men have both in their own ways been avoiding committed relationships and it will be a struggle for them as they try to find their way to each other.

As I mentioned at the beginning, Daniel does have a boyfriend but that relationship ends before anything happens between him and Trey so there is no real issue with infidelity. The stumbling blocks to a real relationship for them is themselves. They are emotionally withdrawn from each other and aside from the numerous times they are having sex they seem to have huge problems communicating with each other. They are mature men yet at times seem to almost revert back to teens with their alternating hot/cold attitude and their inability to express themselves.

I've loved all of K.A. Mitchell's prior books but unfortunately, I felt this book didn't match up to her others. I was disappointed with the mystery/suspense aspect of the book. In fact I found the mystery to not be a mystery at all. It seemed as if after 15 years all of the clues just miraculously fell into Daniel and Trey's hands. Break-ins, arson, a letter found in an empty desk, a picture falling out of a book, all of these occurring out of the blue just because Daniel's Mother was moving. If these things had been so incriminating and important why didn't anyone look for them during all this time?

Was the book worth reading? Yes, it definitely was. As disappointed as I was with the mystery plot I was equally taken with Daniel and Trey and their journey on the road to love. It was a bumpy ride for them but Ms Mitchell's solid writing and descriptive prose hooked me from the beginning of their story and didn't let go until the end. (less)

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Dec 25, 2011 Jess rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: cop, shmexy, pornish

The first half of the story is fantastic and worthy of a 5 star rating. The sex is freaking hot, I am talking about some of the hottest m/m sex I have ever read (and I've read thousands).

As much as I would love to rate this higher. I can't because of two reasons.

1. The Ending - I felt that it ended abruptly and left issues unfinished. They have both been thru a lot to solve the case and then they didn't see things to the end.

2. The Romance - the first half of the book I could understand and fo...more

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Jun 01, 2010 Ami rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mm-romance-or-erotica

Daniel "Danny" Gardner goes back to Easton, PA, visiting his family and ends up welcoming 'ghost from the past', Trey Eriksson. Danny hold a crush over Trey during his adolescence years and well, fifteen years later, it doesn't seem to change. I'm a sucker for "the one who got away" theme. So when my friend rec'd this to me and told me that this also involves a mystery, I'm pretty much intrigued.

The story is really good. I can feel the tension and buried attraction between Danny and Trey. Somet...more

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Dec 18, 2009 Ralph rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: mm-romance, 2009-december

When he was 17, Trey Eriksson's father was accused of murdering his mother and then attempting suicide. When he had no where to go, the rich Gardner family took him in. That's where his relationship with Daniel Gardner began. Fifteen years later, Trey is still seeking the truth about what happened to his parents and he crosses paths with Daniel once again.

Once again, K.A. Mitchell has done an excellent job of characterization. Her characters a fleshed out and realistic. They have flaws and aren'...more

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Oct 05, 2011 K.C. Beaumont rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: lgbt, samhain, highly-recommended

I would have given this a solid 5 stars because, like everything else I've read by K.A. Mitchell, the story was compelling, the characters believable, and the chemistry between the two main characters was incredible. My only problem was (view spoiler)...more

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Jun 21, 2011 Molli B. rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, read-in-2011

Maybe I haven't read enough of KA's books, but a lot of the previous reviews for this surprised me. I agree that Danny was pretty cold at some point, and he was ran pretty hot/cold with what he wanted, and maybe I should have had a problem with that, but I really didn't. I liked the chips on their shoulders. I'm also a big fan of the angsty sorta drama--as long as it doesn't get silly, which I don't think this ever did--and I actually liked the mystery plot that ran through it. Maybe I'm more to...more

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Nov 18, 2011 Tony S. rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m-mystery-romance, kindle-lend

I read the reviews before reading this book. I know how some folks can be overly negative - but for the most part - reviewers hit the nail on the head on this story.

I found myself being so annoyed with both characters. The YoYo back and forth interaction was well written, but my gosh it was annoying after a while. I know at one point I said aloud, "Shut the f&*k up already!" in regards to Daniel CONSTANTLY bringing on the past.

Would i suggest others read it? Of course! It was a good story....more

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Jun 16, 2009 Montana rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: glbt, romance, mystery, i-own

I knew I shouldn't have started this at bedtime; it kept me up half the night because I just couldn't put it down.

Mitchell writes great characters and great, realistic conflict; Trey and Daniel are flawed but still likeable, and the obstacles that stand between them feel believable rather than contrived. I periodically wanted to smack one or both of them for stupidity in dealing with the other, but it was the real kind of stupid that happens when people are in emotionally charged situations. In...more

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Feb 07, 2011 Katie rated it 4 of 5 stars

Okay, three and a half stars

Both good and "bad". I wish she had at least put an epilogue. I felt like it cut off rather abruptly, and everything kind of wrapped up fast for an ending we were working towards for 260 pages; but that could just be me. I enjoyed the fire scene when the picture got saved.... I loved the thinking back warm-fuzzies thing they had going on. I liked the mother, lol. The random glances between the brother and his wife after the break-ins. The kids; nothing to ease a traum...more

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Oct 12, 2011 Wade rated it 4 of 5 stars

I liked the premise of friends become lovers. I am a fan of that theme. I also appreciate the struggle Trey has an I think that KA does a great job allowing the ready to feel it. I also love the fact that he is so into Danny that it is easier for him when he's asleep. (you will have to read it, but there is a line about Danny being overwhelming awake, or something) His attraction to Danny hits him hard and he has a lot to internally deal with. I also like how Danny doesn't give up and seems to k...more

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Apr 10, 2010 Luvflix rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: m-m, contemporary

Wasn’t as absorbed by this book as I was of the others. The heat in the love making scenes was, as always, incredible, drawing you in to the undeniable attraction between Trey and Daniel, who knew each other as teenagers. Both men have pasts they are trying to come to terms with, but I found the reasons for Danny’s denial of the future of their relationship vague, and the humour which I adore from this author’s other stories was missing, largely due to the more serious nature of the background s...more

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Dec 22, 2012 Rebecca rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: hot-gay-men, for-teens-and-ya, lgbt-fiction

I bought this book from amazon.com and I must say, it's with absolutely no regrets! Steamy, explicitly erotic and filled with suspense, this m/m gay novel is for anyone who loves hot gay sex scenes between gorgeous males. As Trey and Danny try to solve an old murder mystery, their attraction to each other begins to heat up again after many years of not seeing each other. Honestly, I don't even remember a lot about the murder plot, just the sex scenes. Alone, they are worth it if you like gay ero...more

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May 09, 2012 Bee rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: action, crime-mystery, kindle, law-enforcement, likes-it-rough, m-m, military, passion-erotica, romance, stuck-in-the-closet, survival

I think I just click with K.A. Mitchell for the most part. This wasn’t particularly new or original, but it was fun and enjoyable to read. Like (almost) always.

Trey Eriksson’s father went to jail for the murder of Trey’s mother when Trey was in high school. Trey then moved in with friends of his family, the Gardners, a family that happened to include their youngest son, and his sometimes-secret-lover, Daniel. Daniel and Trey were both convinced that Trey’s father was innocent, and spent a lot o...more I think I just click with K.A. Mitchell for the most part. This wasn’t particularly new or original, but it was fun and enjoyable to read. Like (almost) always.

Trey Eriksson’s father went to jail for the murder of Trey’s mother when Trey was in high school. Trey then moved in with friends of his family, the Gardners, a family that happened to include their youngest son, and his sometimes-secret-lover, Daniel. Daniel and Trey were both convinced that Trey’s father was innocent, and spent a lot of time going over the murder case. Trey also spent a lot of time fighting his sexuality, and ended up hurting his friend and lover a lot. When they graduated they went their separate ways, Trey into the military and Daniel into training for the FBI. Fifteen years later Daniel is back in town, visiting his family when a break in occurs at his mother’s house. The detective in charge of the case? A certain Trey Eriksson. As they work together their once buried feelings resurface, and the old murder case is dug up too…and maybe this time both can be resolved? Or maybe that will be taking water over their heads.

Chemistry, yes they have it. And that’s really what sells this story for me. There’s a lot of sex, but we’re left hanging a long time before the boys reveal their true feelings, so there’s never a lack of tension. The ending is…good, with a few questions about what will actually happen to their lives after the story ends…kind of an open HFN, but I liked it.

Other than that there are some very ‘fortunate’ snowstorms, some dramatic accidents and some seemingly meaningless side characters…but that’s okay because this is sort of a crime/mystery story and that kind of thing is expected. The crime part itself is a bit…meh. The ‘murdering people to hide evidence’ part really wasn’t believable when they left so many open tracks uncovered. Why start to dig years upon years later in a totally irrelevant place when the biggest tracks were left wide open? Sheesus. The resolution was not that satisfying either, but who cares because the boys end up together and that’s all that counts. Well yeah. Sort of. I don’t fully believe in the crime story, but I was sufficiently distracted during the course of the novel not to care too much about it. I’m glad K.A. doesn’t normally write crime because it takes a little more attention to detail if you want to make it work. Whatever, I was still entertained.
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Mar 25, 2012 Raji rated it 4 of 5 stars

Originally reviewed on my blog

Daniel Gardner has just returned to his parents' home for Christmas. He could have done without this visit though. He had sworn when he was a teenager that he would leave "this shit hole of a town and never come back". What makes his visit a bit more "interesting" and panicky is that a) his parents' house is broken into b) his boyfriend is pushing him to think about buying a house together and c) the detective who shows up for the break-in report is Trey Eriksson -...more Originally reviewed on my blog

Daniel Gardner has just returned to his parents' home for Christmas. He could have done without this visit though. He had sworn when he was a teenager that he would leave "this shit hole of a town and never come back". What makes his visit a bit more "interesting" and panicky is that a) his parents' house is broken into b) his boyfriend is pushing him to think about buying a house together and c) the detective who shows up for the break-in report is Trey Eriksson - the guy who was the reason that Danny had run away from that town fifteen years ago.

Trey was taken in by Danny's family after his father shot and killed his mom and then turned the gun on himself. Pitying looks and silence was a part of when he met people. But what confused him even more, in that time, was the crazy, unstoppable attraction that he felt towards Danny. Now after fifteen years, Special Agent Daniel Gardner has returned from DC. All he can see is that arc of attraction that was there fifteen years, flare even more brightly.

The story was gripping, the suspense believable and wonderful. What I liked the most in the story was the two main characters of Trey and Danny. I was amazed by the sheer bulled headed stubbornness in both of them. It made a helluva story. Daniel didn't come across as a lost boy anymore than Trey came across as a needy person. What moved the story forward was their unresolved feelings.

We are never told why did Danny move away or why did Trey pack up and leave to join the army. I had thought it to be something of a big problem which would be revealed at the end of the book. But it wasn't so. Basically, it was what I call the "Me Tarzan" syndrome. "Me Guy. Me No Talk". Omg the communication issues that were lurking drove me crazy! But then again that was a beauty of the story. The MCs were angsty enough to keep me interested in the story and the character development but they were solid enough that they didn't veer away from their natures.

I really don't have any complaints in the story other than the fact that the end was a bit abrupt? I am not saying I didn't like it. But I would have liked a bit more follow up or a bit more of what happened later. May be I just didn't like to let go of the characters? :)(less)

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Aug 15, 2009 Kassa rated it 2 of 5 stars

This story is about childhood friends who were brief lovers but are thrown together fifteen years later to solve the mystery that has haunted both men and may revive their jilted romance. Unfortunately the mystery aspect is obvious, trite, and poorly conceived on every level. Even the relationship between the two men is distant, cold, and unappealing. Although the writing shines in the sex scenes, which are numerous and lengthy, the plot was weak and riddled with holes that even hot sex can’t fi...more This story is about childhood friends who were brief lovers but are thrown together fifteen years later to solve the mystery that has haunted both men and may revive their jilted romance. Unfortunately the mystery aspect is obvious, trite, and poorly conceived on every level. Even the relationship between the two men is distant, cold, and unappealing. Although the writing shines in the sex scenes, which are numerous and lengthy, the plot was weak and riddled with holes that even hot sex can’t fill. I personally was bored with the predictable and disjointed plot that even two hot men having sex couldn’t pull my attention back in unfortunately.

The premise of the story revolves around the shooting of Trey’s parents fifteen years ago. Since then Trey has been on a mission to prove that his father wasn’t responsible for the alleged murder/attempted suicide and now that Danny is back in town, together they can solve the long standing mystery. At the same time Trey and Danny must examine their feelings for each other and whether they want more than just sexual chemistry as they work to find the answer to the question of Trey’s parents’ deaths.

The actual mystery is anything but as there are several plot holes, dangling information, leaps of knowledge, and everything hinges on the finding of ridiculous clues in very classic “ah ha” moments. These include the infamous and essential picture leaping out of a randomly dropped book, the single letter as the only thing left in an emptied drawer, and numerous attempted break-ins, assaults, and arsons which are never solved but blamed on the most influential and obvious suspect. Of course Danny and Trey have no evidence for any of this and never accumulate any either, with no reason to leap to the wild accusations they do. Nor is there any evidence offered in any coherent, intelligent discussion. Instead everything is based off a picture in very confusing and disjointed assumptions. This entire storyline was distracting and detrimental to the story as it was not the book’s strength. The resolution at the end was over the top ridiculous–almost eye rolling—and predictable from extremely early on in the book.

So while the mystery portion was surprisingly bad from a previously solid author, the relationship between Danny and Trey is shockingly not much better. Danny and Trey were teenage friends who fooled around some but due to inexperience, immaturity, and sexual confusion, nothing came of their fooling around. Danny alternatively holds a grudge about this non-starter relationship with Trey which leads him to be cold and standoffish at times. Other times Danny seems to get over the grudge and ignores their past history, correctly excusing the behavior of two immature and confused teenagers. This back and forth continues for most of the book where the main tension is from both men thinking all they are doing is having great sex without much more depth or context to their relationship. Considering these two already knew each other as teenagers, the story and writing offers no new insight into their personality and nothing to create added depth to these men as adults.

Both Danny and Trey are sketched outlines of men without the color, texture, and weight to bring them to live and give believable tension to their relationship. The alternatively hot/cold emotional battle the men go through was distracting because there was no reason for it. Both men early on decide they want more but they are afraid to ask for a real relationship, thus leaving this as two men who are willing to have sex frequently and in every conceivable way but won’t talk about the dreaded feelings. This trope didn’t feel especially fresh or unique in this story but felt staid and predictable. Furthermore, there was so much sex that didn’t lead to deepening the relationship but instead filled at least a third, if not more, of the book with hot, fluff sex. The final resolution to both the relationship and mystery happened in the same weird, dramatic scene with both men storming out of the room at different points. The tension and provocation for this emotional and dramatic scene was missing and left these men looking like children having a temper tantrum by storming out.

So if the mystery didn’t work and the relationship wasn’t much better – what did work? Well this actually isn’t a lost cause because the author is clearly talented and a strong writer. The mystery theme here overwhelmed and destroyed the book in my opinion but otherwise the relationship and complexity of the men could have rightfully starred. While the relationship wasn’t successful, this was due to the blending of the action plot with hot sex, leaving the men unexplored. The few scenes where the men did actually interact with some tension and emotions were wonderful scenes that stood out and snapped the attention and focus back to the main characters. The secondary character of Ginny was strong and colorful but again, given no purpose. Even the reason she was introduced at the awkward dinner at Trey’s was never explained and she steals the attention in scenes without a reason. But the character was vivid and interesting.

This story has high points that show the author’s real strength in creating dynamic characters and the premise of the story was great. Unfortunately the ill-conceived and poorly executed mystery overwhelmed and overshadowed the entire book, ruining the potential between the leading men. This is not a slam dunk for the talented author and I hope mystery themes will be markedly absent in future stories. The real strength and positive aspects of the story are the characters themselves and no doubt the next story will rightfully focus back on these elements to readers’ delight.(less)

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Apr 20, 2010 Elisa Ramblings added it

Chasing Smoke is about how you never forget your first love and about a little spoiled teenager.

Daniel and Trey were friends as teenager. They were not exactly best friends, their parents were and the kids went along when the parents did. Daniel was the son of a wealthy doctor, living in the best neighborhood of the town; Trey was the son of a police officer, with an comfortable house in an average neighborhood. But it was Daniel who envied Trey; he envied his house, his parents, his life, and...more Chasing Smoke is about how you never forget your first love and about a little spoiled teenager.

Daniel and Trey were friends as teenager. They were not exactly best friends, their parents were and the kids went along when the parents did. Daniel was the son of a wealthy doctor, living in the best neighborhood of the town; Trey was the son of a police officer, with an comfortable house in an average neighborhood. But it was Daniel who envied Trey; he envied his house, his parents, his life, and desiring all of that, he desires also the boy. Daniel was young and skinny, a bit of a nerd, where Trey was the next door good boy, with a cheerleaders as a girlfriend... even more than one. It's obvious than in a situation like that, when both Daniel than Trey realized that they preferred men on women, they started a secret relationship; Daniel, with all the certainty given by money and youth, was careless and full of hope in the future, and instead Trey was still in the closet, trying to be the perfect good boy that everyone thought he was.

I don't know if the relationship would have lasted, I have the feeling that Daniel was too immature, and Trey too scared. But a tragic fate gave a sudden break: Trey's mother was killed and Trey's father was framed; he went in prison while Trey was welcomed inside Daniel's home as a second son. But Daniel was not able to see Trey as a brother, and Trey was too scared to let his feeling transpire; as soon as it was possible, Trey enrolled in the Army. Daniel saw it as a betrayal, an abandonment, and also him took the first chance he had to let the city.

Years later, Daniel is an agent for Homeland Security, and he is also a playboy on the side. He has openly gay sexual relationship, also long-term relationship, but always without strings attached: as soon as one of his boyfriends try to tight the knot, Daniel runs away. I believe he still has the feeling that his story with Trey is not ended; as I said, if it was given the time to the boys to grew on their relationship, probably they would have realized it was only a teenager crush on the only other gay boy around, but like that, Trey's dreaming image became the forbidden fruit for Daniel, something he couldn't have despite all his money. Any man after him was only a means to forget Trey and didn't work. Now that Daniel is coming back home for Christmas, and Trey is there, working as a police officer in the same department as his father, even if Daniel is feigning indifference, I think he is on the prowl to capture that dream of long ago.

I like Daniel, but I said, I think he is a little spoiled. He always does what he wants, and he is very demanding, in and out the bedroom. Even when he is the submissive partner, I always have the idea that he is the one in command. On the other hand Trey is a more gentle character; it's true, he had not the courage to come out years ago, but I believe it was in his character. Trey is a man that has to ponder every move, to weight the pros and cons, but if you give him time, he always arrives to the right decision. Even years ago, if Daniel had the patience to wait for him, he would have taken the right decision.

The story is pretty sexy, there are a lot of erotic sex scene, where, as I said, Daniel is always in command, even when he is the bottom. He is demanding and eager, while Trey is caring and gentle... it's really interesting how the author was able to mingle so well the characters in and out the bedroom, maintaining their characteristics in both place.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1605045985/?...(less)

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About K.A. Mitchell

K.A. Mitchell discovered the magic of writing at an early age when she learned that a carefully crayoned note of apology sent to the kitchen in a toy truck would earn her a reprieve from banishment to her room. Her career as a spin-control artist was cut short when her family moved to a two-story house, and her trucks would not roll safely down the stairs. Around the same time, she decided that Ch...more

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