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L.A. Heat (L.A. #1)

by P.A. Brown (Goodreads Author)

3.93 of 5 stars 3.93 · rating details · 554 ratings · 48 reviews

In L.A. Heat, a serial killer is on the loose in Los Angeles and he's targeting gay men. LAPD Detective David Laine--himself gay but deeply closeted--is assigned to the case with his homophobic partner, Martinez Diego. The nature of the crimes and the brutalization of the victims bring disturbing emotions to the surface for David. Laine and his partner have a suspect: Chri...more

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Published July 2008 by Bristlecone Pine Press (first published July 1st 2006)

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Mar 04, 2009 Kati rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2009, in-english, gay, mystery, look-for-more

Wow, what a page-turner. I was on the edge of my seat most of the time! I really liked both David and Chris, their personalities, the fact that even though Chris was your usual cute Californian boy, David was anything but. And the mystery was quite intriguing too. I mean, I thought that I had the baddie pegged right away but boy, was I wrong or what? Also, it was a gay mystery without detailed sex scenes that would take pages and pages of text, the author didn't shirk the plot and that was quite...more

6 likes · like · see review

May 17, 2011 Miz Love rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

The big focus lately in my writing journey has been on my characters. A lot of thought has gone into whether they’re real, whether a reader will embrace them. Naturally, my mind motored to other writers’ characters, particularly the ones who impressed me the most, the ones who still linger in my mind.

I zeroed in on one specific writer, a specific character. And that is the hero from LA Heat by P.A. Brown. The character? David Eric Laine. Oh, I even love his name. Not just David Laine. But David...more

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Apr 17, 2010 Top 2 Bottom Reviews Interviews and More rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. L.A. Heat

by P.A. Brown
Alyson Books
325 Pages
5 Kisses

Blurb:

In-the-closet detective, David Eric Laine has kept his desires secret. Until he meets Christopher Bellamere, proud and openly gay. When a series of horrific torture/murders of gay men leads the police to Chris David is torn between his attraction for the most beautiful man he's ever met and his fears that he's a vicious killer.

"In the dark world of leather bars and the frenetic coupling of the West Hollywood club scene, a killer stalks his...more

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Mar 26, 2013 Karel rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: nomance

I swear I'll keep it short I swear I swear I swear:

Things I like:

o Chris is a total bum and David is not really cute, because love should be an eye-of-the-beholder thing and once in a while it's great to read about people who can't stop traffic (unless David flashes his badge, in which case he can) getting laid.

o The mystery actually kept me guessing - there being multiple suspicious individuals - and the red herring also worked, so it's all good.

Thinks I did not like:

o David is a closet case wh...more

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Jan 09, 2009 Sarah rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: glbt-fiction

Synopsis from here at Alyson Bookstore.
When LAPD detective David Laine first encounters hunky party boy Chris Bellamere, it is to interrogate him about the murder of one of Chris's many sexual conquests. When Chris's efforts to prove his own innocence mark him as a victim, David steps in to save him, and finds himself falling in love with a man who might be a brutal murderer. P.A. Brown's debut is a gritty mystery set in LA's edgy, less glamorous East Side, where gangs co-mingle with gays, gunfi...more Synopsis from here at Alyson Bookstore.
When LAPD detective David Laine first encounters hunky party boy Chris Bellamere, it is to interrogate him about the murder of one of Chris's many sexual conquests. When Chris's efforts to prove his own innocence mark him as a victim, David steps in to save him, and finds himself falling in love with a man who might be a brutal murderer. P.A. Brown's debut is a gritty mystery set in LA's edgy, less glamorous East Side, where gangs co-mingle with gays, gunfire is heard after dark, and where a gay cop like David Laine could live undetected. At least until now.
First of all, I throughly enjoyed this book. Being a total mystery and thriller geek this appealed to me immediately. And in paperback? The inner bibliophile is quietly content.

Chris appealed to me on many different levels. He is the kind of hero who does seem just a little morally ambivalent. But you forgive him because he has just not met the *one*... (god, I'm channeling the Matrix.ha!) He is just a boy, out having a good time and it's all about the nookie. He does have the odd moment when he wants something more but I felt there was a hesitance to commit as no one had really touched him emotionally. So, he's out looking, alot. Chis is also beautiful which got me thinking about this post here and the beauty of men.

David is a cop and firmly in the closet at work. He makes a trip every now and then to Palm Springs to indulge the smexin, and is out to his family but his colleagues are still in the dark. This made him seem very alone and he has walls to keep people, like Chris, out. He is older, darker and more of a strong silent type. A perfect foil for our other hero, who is more of the shiney, bright variety.

The mystery was well paced and had surprising twists and turns that kept me going till the end. Which was cool, because I am a shocker for deciding who did it and wrapping the crime up by page 10. It does not pull any punches in the violence department and some of the material about the crime and the killer was pretty graphic but it did not interfere with my enjoyment of the book.

The sex is very brief and not at all explicit. Kind of a kiss at the door and fade to black affair. But I was so wrapped up in the story I did not care. A shock, I know! I do love the sex in my books! But what you did read was enough and you just know it was hot (over active imagination).

I seriously have my toes, eyes and fingers crossed AGAIN, that this wonderful author has some more books coming soon. This was a perfect rainy night thriller and kept me up waaaay past my bedtime.
Check out my live and in color version on my blog here
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2008/07/...(less)

1 like · like · see review

May 15, 2013 Tricia rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was an intriguing mystery-action-romance story. Through several recent reads, I tried to identify what particular aspect of a story makes the reader identify with characters and their relationships more so than other stories. For me, this book had the ability to capture and maintain my attention. Both protagonists are easy to like, you appreciate their personalities, conflicts, and interactions. The novel has that "something special" through which the reader cares about the people and outco...more

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May 31, 2011 Nikki rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mystery-thriller, m-m, on-my-kindle-fire-ipad-samsung

Fantastic book that kept me reading into the wee hours of the morning. Sounds funny, but I really could have gone without David and C hooking up even though it rounded out the book. Highly recommended for those who like mystery suspense!

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Jul 11, 2009 ElaineY rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mm, mystery-suspense-with-some-romance, cops-sherrifs-p-i-and-firemen

I loved this one! And it was such a treat to get to read it in print format.

Of the two protagonists, I have to say I liked David over Chris. I found Chris too emotionally immature even at the end of the book whereas I felt David had come a long way from his tightly closed closet. It was as if the guy had locked himself in and thrown away the key!

I liked how their romance developed, not in a rush, but rather well-paced and in keeping with L A Heat being a murder mystery. The relationship developm...more

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Dec 06, 2009 Caryn rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Bought this book because Josh Lanyon said it was good. He was right it was good. Very good. The storyline is great and the relationship between the two main characters is interesting. It all came together perfectly and kept my interest all the way through. I gave it to a co-worker to read and he loved it just as much as I did. However her other books that have come out including the sequel with the same characters just hasn't been as good to me. I will still buy them but none of them have lived...more

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Jan 19, 2013 Kelly Maybedog Hawkins rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: what-male-protagonist, what-glbtq, how-ebook, what-thriller-suspense, what-thank-you-officer, where-own, what-m-m-read

This was a refreshing change from typical detective mysteries in that there was actual detecting. The officers were smart and asked good questions and interviewed the right witnesses. There were real consequences for inappropriate actions. But like regular police work, sometimes it was a little dull.

I really liked the main detective. He was really a great guy and his motivations were clear cut and made sense. I didn't like Chris at all at first but he grew on me. He changed quite a bit but ther...more

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Oct 07, 2012 leigh rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Excellent plot-driven thriller in which a serial killer is targeting gay men, and the deeply closeted lead detective finds himself terrifyingly attracted to the pretty blond playboy who is either the prime suspect--or next victim. Not an original premise, but very well handled here.

The mystery aspect of this one takes precedence over the romance. There are numerous characters among whom to search for the killer, and the ultimate reveal came as a surprise at least to this reader. The danger plot...more

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Aug 18, 2009 Kassa rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A classic by-the-book cop falling for the chief suspect theme story that shines in the practical aspects but falls a little flat in the emotion. Coming in at almost 400 pages, this may seem a bit of a daunting book but don’t let that turn you away as the dialogue is quick and the book reads surprisingly fast. The mystery is absorbing and while not especially complex with the clues are easily laid out, the story is well written and enthralling, keeping you reading long after the outcome may be ob...more A classic by-the-book cop falling for the chief suspect theme story that shines in the practical aspects but falls a little flat in the emotion. Coming in at almost 400 pages, this may seem a bit of a daunting book but don’t let that turn you away as the dialogue is quick and the book reads surprisingly fast. The mystery is absorbing and while not especially complex with the clues are easily laid out, the story is well written and enthralling, keeping you reading long after the outcome may be obvious. Although the writing tends to be dry and flat with a marked lack of vitality to the characters and actions, the story is nonetheless entertaining. The mystery was well crafted from the gruesome murders to the suspected killers and enough clues to guess the outcome but a few twists thrown in to keep you wondering.

David as a “straight laced” cop and not so straight as he’s deeply in the closet is a classic stereotype but he is well crafted and fully three-dimensional. His dogged pursuit of Chris first as a suspect and then as an object of desire highlights his steadfast and directed personality. His hints of personality come from his love of restoring old objects from cars to phonographs. He is the classic blue collar, no frills man afraid of living openly as a gay man under the scorn of his blue brethren. His unwilling desire for Chris cause him quite a few problems from his own internal struggles to potential problems with his career, but each of these is presented as part of a complex but realistic setting.

Polar opposite to David is Chris, the almost flamboyantly gay, wealthy younger man that parties entirely too much and sleeps around with little care. He’s openly gay and has a good job that allows him to work hard and play hard. The character of Chris is also a stereotype as the author goes too far in depicting the opposite personalities of David and Chris. Chris’ partying behavior and sleeping around is shown as typical of the bar scene, which may be true, but ran a little long and empty. As conscientious as Chris is shown at his job, his nightly partying, excessive drinking and random sex are at odds with the initial observations of a workaholic. Later actions are also contradictory as if the author can’t quite decide exactly how she wants Chris to be portrayed. However, he was still a likable character and very interesting to read.

The main romance between David and Chris was nice to read but definitely a backseat to the mystery. Part of this is due to the dry telling which lacks raw emotion and urgency within the relationship, more so giving a languid and easy feel to what can only be a partnership potentially fraught with problems. However, there is very little angst between the men and considering the opposite standpoints, they are accepting and easy going of their circumstances. This lack of drama blends well with the procedural aspects of the mystery, focusing on the day-to-day details of an investigation without getting too dull or monotonous.

The actual mystery was the strength of the book with solid writing, clever crafting and a clear outcome that could be guessed or could be a surprise. The resolution is neither over the top or outlandish, satisfying with its connection through diligent police work and a realistic aspect that shows the less exciting elements of an investigation but never getting dull. The mystery is the majority of the story, with the romance not really even heating up until almost 200 pages into the book, so be sure to want to absorb yourself in the mystery aspect first and foremost.

Overall this was an enjoyable story to read with some interesting characters and a good mystery. Although the story wasn’t heart pounding with racing action and drama filled pairing, you will likely enjoy the well-constructed world and characters that Brown has developed and be easily brought along for the ride. Don’t let the length turn you away as the story reads fast and the interactions gripping from the beginning to the end. If you enjoy a well-written take on a classic mystery/cop theme, I easily recommend this book. You won’t be disappointed.(less)

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Jun 05, 2009 Elisa Ramblings added it · review of another edition

First of all, how can you write a post on a mystery without giving up the mystery? Telling nothing about the story of course! So I will try to focus on the main characters, and for the mystery part of the story, sufficient to say that the author got me fooled and led me to the wrong path as she probably wanted since the beginning.

David is an average LAPD detective; he is not an hero, nor in his work or in his private life. He is a cop by the book, he does his work with commitment, and he is sti...more First of all, how can you write a post on a mystery without giving up the mystery? Telling nothing about the story of course! So I will try to focus on the main characters, and for the mystery part of the story, sufficient to say that the author got me fooled and led me to the wrong path as she probably wanted since the beginning.

David is an average LAPD detective; he is not an hero, nor in his work or in his private life. He is a cop by the book, he does his work with commitment, and he is still human enough to feel pain when faced with some of the worst aspect of his job. Like now, while he is investigating a serial killer who targets very young gay men in West Hollywood. It's not only the poor bodies they find that make David sick, it's also the knowledge that he is facing something he has always tried to hide or maybe forget, the fact that David is gay. Everyday he listens the nasty comments that his coworkers direct to the gay community, and now maybe he has also the feeling that those poor young boys get less attention and respect from the Police Department since they are gay. So David has a very personal interest in the case, an interest that becomes even more personal when they start to find a path that leads directly to Chris.

Chris is exactly at the opposite from David. Gay and out, Chris is leading an almost perfect life: beautiful home, expansive car and money-making job. There are only some trouble: Chris doesn't like his work as IT in a firm where he is constantly mobbed since he is gay, he is tired of the endless string of one night stands and his beautiful home is empty. So Chris' perfect life is not so perfect as it seems, and he is maybe nearer to David than expected.

Apparently David and Chris are not a good match. David is nothing special, he is not the hunky cop that could star in Chris' wet dream, but Chris sees something in the quite and reassuring man; even when the police starts to suspect Chris, Chris' anger is never directed to David. On the other hand, David is clearly attracted by Chris, but more than a physical thing, it's a repressed desire, Chris is exactly who David would like to be, someone comfortable with his sexuality, someone who has a job where he can be whoever he wants (even if he has to suffer nasty colleague). As always when two heroes don't match, they end to be the perfect match instead. Chris is probably drawn to David since the man is not asking or denying, David is not struggling to hide him being gay, he simply doesn't live it, and Chris wants so badly to be the man who will ignite that fire. David is drawn to Chris not since he is the "first" gay at hand, but since Chris is someone who could be an equal partner for David; even if in danger, I have never had the feeling that Chris was an helpless man, and that is probably the same impression David had. I don't know, probably David needed to have a proof that being gay doesn't mean being weak.

The style is dry and direct, but it's not without romance. The intimacy between Chris and David is sweet, light and not full of angst, and above all, it's a nice thing that there is intimacy, more often than not a mystery tend to be "cold" since it seems like that allowing to the heroes to be in love and prove that love, is like de-valuing the mystery in the story.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/1934531855/?...(less)

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Mar 22, 2012 Marika rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: crime-solving, mm-romance

I have 50 pages left and this is getting ridiculous. I'm not sure I can make myself read the last pages. The characters are not good. They feel two dimensional and I don't like them at all. I can not understand how this has gotten such high ratings.

oh, and also (view spoiler)...more

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Apr 23, 2010 Matthew Vandrew rated it 3 of 5 stars

I was a bit reluctant at first because deeply-closeted-cop-falls-for-an-openly-gay-suspect-who-turns-out-to-be-a-victim - just how many times we've read that? Together with the final scenes of gay-boy in distress and the knight in his shining armor coming to rescue, all by himself? Fortunately, this book is written well, with some cleverly placed red herrings and is more thriller than m/m romance. Some way too convenient clues towards the end but otherwise it's a decent book.

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Jun 28, 2009 Ami rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mm-mystery-suspense-thriller

Another winner of this genre. The murder/mystery part is good -- Ms. Brown reveals the culprit in an effective way that keeps my toes till the end. It's more serious than few other books of this genre that I have read. More vicious and messy -- kinda reminded me of Karen Rose's novels. The romance part is also wonderful. The sex is fairly light (I like it that way) and the emotion between the main characters, David and Chris is just right without being pushed to your face.

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Feb 23, 2012 J.D. Ruskin rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mm-fiction, mm-mystery

Chris and David's relationship is really interesting to watch, but they both have serious issues. David isn’t the traditional dashing hero and Chris is kind of a pretty boy flake. I didn't like the explaining of the police terms, but I admired that the author didn’t shy away from gritty details.

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Jul 20, 2012 Plainbrownwrapper rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: mm

It's been a while now since I read this, so the details blur.....but I seem to remember that this book was interesting, but very angry. That is, the *author* seemed angry and even somewhat hateful towards the characters and situations. I chose to not read further books in the series because of this.

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Jun 04, 2010 Betryal rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This has some real rip, shit-eating, heart stopping, erratic pulse humping action, suspense and drama all rolled into one hellova book.

I'm usually good at guessing, so I keep saying, on the who done it, but dayum I was so stumped and when I thought to say 'I fawking knew it' I'll be a monkey's uncle in saying I was soooo wrong!

It was a relief to see one character made it through what was clearly traumatizing at the hands of a sick sack-of-shit and for a sec I thought for Chris he was done in, bu...more

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Oct 20, 2011 BookLover62 rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebooks

Fast paced who-dun-it, kept me up til 3am reading. Going for second in series next. Totally enjoyable read. Dialogue between characters was not stilted, which, unfortunately I have found far too often in many of the books I read.

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Aug 13, 2012 Tilda rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance-erotica, crime-mystery, pretty-men, read-2012

I'm not a big fan of cop books but I liked this one just fine. It was irritating how set Davids partner was on bringing Chris down but I guess it cn be a problem to be gay in the police force. Serial killers are always scary.

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Oct 22, 2010 SA rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010

I enjoyed this--murder mystery and a dash of romance. A little fast paced in the emotional development, but a pleasant read with characters you can easily see. Light read, which is what I've been in the mood for.

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Dec 25, 2012 Shannon rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: borrowed, not-lendable, challenge-finished

This was a good mystery/detective book but if you're looking for a strong romantic aspect then forget it. I would have given a higher rating if I loved crime suspense books because it was well written and the story line was very good but just not my thing. I like waaay more love and sex in my books. :D

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Jul 05, 2009 FloJ rated it 3 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: gay-fiction

I think this is probably a 5 star for people who don't mind a few murders and horrible happenings. The quality of the writing is good, and there is an HEA but I just found it a bit too gruesome in parts.

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Aug 13, 2012 Tami rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A very well written crime story with interesting characters. It is a serial killer story, not exactly original, but with the gay story line also not too cliched. I liked both MCs, I liked how things developed between them.
The "heat" in the title is a little misleading - it only describes the weather in this case. I didn't miss the step by step accounts here, but just for managing expectations: no explicit descriptions, just hinting. The book was good and entertaining, so I didn't miss this part...more

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Dec 27, 2010 Chris Smith rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: 2010, mm

Loved the story - enough that I read all the LA books while on honeymoon. Found this the most appealing of the three, but I'm a sucker for "will they, won't they"

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Feb 23, 2013 Helen Shaw rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

I keep waffling back and forth between 3 and 4 stars. The story telling was good, murder mystery satisfying, just never felt the chemistry between two MC's.

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Mar 21, 2012 Diana rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It's a very good story with some great twists and some pretty good suspenseful action. It was an enjoyable read. Now on to LA Mischief.

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Jul 23, 2010 Donna Tancsa Crider rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

A little slow at the beginning but it picked up and I enjoyed it. The characters are interesting and I look forward to reading more of this storyline..

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Jan 17, 2010 Nsvillion rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Great book if not a bit gruesome. I enjoyed the main characters with their flaws and there not so perfect lives.

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About P.A. Brown

Pat Brown, writing as P.A. Brown, is the author of the Chris and David police procedural novels featuring LAPD homicide detective David Eric Laine and his lover, computer network engineer Christopher Bellamere. In L. A. Heat the first in the series, David is an uptight, in the closet cop living a life of denial and dark secrets he will protect at all costs. Then his life becomes entwined with Chri...more

More about P.A. Brown...

Books by P.A. Brown

The Geography Of Murder (Geography of Murder, #1)

A Forest of Corpses (Geography of Murder, #2)

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L.A. Heat (L.A. #1)

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