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Vásquez & James #3
Finding Jackie
Luki Vasquez and Sonny Bly James finally have their Hawaiian wedding, and it's perfect, almost. But their three-phase honeymoon is riddled with strife. Luki's status as a working badass spells discord for the newlyweds. A former informant from Luki’s days with ATFE brings a troubling message (or is it a warning?) from a Mob hit man. When Luki’s sixteen-year-old nephew, Jackie, is lured into capture and torture by a sadistic killer, the honeymoon is well and truly over.
The couple put aside their differences and focus on the grueling hunt, which takes them from leather bars to dusty desert back roads, and calls on Sonny’s deep compassion as well as Luki’s sharpest skills. Their world threatens to fall apart if they fail, but their love may grow stronger than ever if they succeed in finding Jackie—before it’s too late.
The couple put aside their differences and focus on the grueling hunt, which takes them from leather bars to dusty desert back roads, and calls on Sonny’s deep compassion as well as Luki’s sharpest skills. Their world threatens to fall apart if they fail, but their love may grow stronger than ever if they succeed in finding Jackie—before it’s too late.
270 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 16, 2013
5 people are currently reading
226 people want to read
About the author
Lou Sylvre
29 books130 followersLou Sylvre loves stories and likes to conjure them into books. When the stories are about love, the sweethearts on her pages are most often men who end up loving each other and likely saving each other from unspeakable danger. As if you’d want to know more, she’ll happily tell you that she is a proudly bisexual woman—a mother, grandmother, and cat-herder (with a dog). Her love of languages is no doubt a result of her interestingly mixed up heritage. Her over-the-top love of her rainbow-colored demi-tasse set cannot be adequately explained. She also loves music coffee, chocolate, and wild roses. As a writer, she works closely with lead cat assistant Boudreau St. Clair. Lou grew up in the Los Angeles area, where barefoot was always best for a kid. She now lives in the lush, rainy part of the Pacific Northwest, and hearing from a reader unfailingly brightens the dismal weather. Her email is louwrites@rainbowgate.com.
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(and she’s pretty sure she still has a tumblr account…)
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
amazon.com/author/lousylvre
http://www.sylvre.rainbow-gate.com
https://www.facebook.com/AuthorLouSyl...
https://www.facebook.com/sylvrebarwel...
https://twitter.com/Sylvre
https://mewe.com/i/lousylvre
https://www.instagram.com/sylvre/
(and she’s pretty sure she still has a tumblr account…)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
May 25, 2013
4.5 stars for another fabulous journey of love, passion, murder, suspense, kidnapping, Oh... and Luki gets to blow things up! I LOVE THIS SERIES!!!
Once again I am totally in awe of Lou Sylvre and her writing, she has such a way with words that I become totally enchanted and enthralled for the duration of the book from beginning to end I did not put Finding Jackie down and the pages just kept turning. But not only is this series beautifully written, with the prose at times almost poetic, the characters are so fully formed and fleshed out that they have found a place in my heart and I don’t ever want this series to finish… I want to know about them when they are old and gray sitting out on the porch and reminiscing about the good old days. I think I need a personal Christmas newsletter each year on how they are doing and what calamities have befallen them… I can guarantee this series will remain one of my favourites, Lou Sylvre is one of those authors that can get into your head, building vivid images with words that make everything clear, where the characters emotions become yours and she is most definitely up there with my favourite authors, and you can be sure that I will buy anything she writes… I actually think she could make a shopping list exciting!
This book for me is a tale of two halves both of them woven together seamlessly with the pace starting off slow, and even though we have an ominous prologue from the Stepfather of three of the villains killed in Delsyn’s Blues... Dante Alessandro otherwise known as the Death Angel an assassin in his own right, plus we also know that he is going to make it his mission to kill those responsible for the death of his children, yet we are still lulled into a false sense of security, slowly building to an action packed second half that was full of some real heart in your mouth moments, and yes, I did have the whole tears and tantrums with these two and they wouldn’t be Sonny and Luki if they didn’t have me also laughing out loud.
The first half we see these two men finally tie the knot and it was just beautiful… a real aww bless moment that had me reaching for the tissues and Luki finally gives Sonny the most precious wedding gift of all!?!
So… I am laughing writing this as these two just make me smile as I think about some of their antics, their Honeymoon starts off like all good Honeymoons should, full of romance and lots of loving, but this is Luki and Sonny and it isn’t long before they find themselves involved in a murder which of course escalates and they are then in a mad dash to get back to Nebraska to find Luki’s missing Nephew Jackie. Originally thought to be a runaway before they realise there is something amiss and Jackie’s life is in danger, and once again Luki needs to call in the troops to help out.
What I like most about these two characters are their flaws, they are both fallible and make mistakes, there is no hiding them and no apology made for them… because that is who they are. They have misunderstandings that can be infuriating for those of us watching on, but like all relationships they need to grow and learn. Throughout their lives they have not had an emotional attachment where the other person becomes more than themselves and a part of their whole being, their true soul mate, the one person that leaves them vulnerable. Lou Sylvre gives us a peek into their minds and enables us as readers to see what others around them don’t, their insecurities, fears and passions, all laid bare to give us a better understanding, and also to frustrate the hell out of us at times! But through all of it there is one constant, and that is the love they have for each other… it is undeniable and the passion, love and tenderness these two men share just leaves me breathless and melting in a puddle of lust, it is both poignant and beautiful, Lou Sylvre certainly knows how to write an emotional love scene.
The title of this book is Finding Jackie and not only do we get the POV’s of our two MC’s, but we also see inside the mind of Luki’s Nephew Jackie, which was sad and harrowing and left my heart breaking, a sixteen year old boy who had suffered abuse at the hands of his own Father and then was forced to perform on the streets to enable both him and his brother to survive, situations traumatic enough for an adult but Jackie had been a boy. Despite help and support from the family and his Brother Josh, he feels lost and alone but most of all guilty, for desiring something that he wasn’t even sure of himself, but he was desperate enough to run away in search of it... only he was running into the wrong hands.
So in this third instalment of Vasquez and James, more secrets are divulged and with each book we learn more about these two very complex characters, we also get to see some of the secondary characters we have come to love and a little more of Brian, Kate’s protégée, who turns out to be very helpful in more ways than one and I am hoping for a spin off series with two love interests which I would definitely like to see more from. The end of this book was just perfect and beautiful and fingers crossed that the lovely Lou Sylvre will still bring us more from Luki and Sonny as I really do not want to say goodbye just yet!
1 ~ Loving Luki (Vasquez and James #1)
2 ~ Delsyn’s Blues (Vasquez and James #2)
3 ~ Finding Jackie (Vasquez and James #3)
Once again I am totally in awe of Lou Sylvre and her writing, she has such a way with words that I become totally enchanted and enthralled for the duration of the book from beginning to end I did not put Finding Jackie down and the pages just kept turning. But not only is this series beautifully written, with the prose at times almost poetic, the characters are so fully formed and fleshed out that they have found a place in my heart and I don’t ever want this series to finish… I want to know about them when they are old and gray sitting out on the porch and reminiscing about the good old days. I think I need a personal Christmas newsletter each year on how they are doing and what calamities have befallen them… I can guarantee this series will remain one of my favourites, Lou Sylvre is one of those authors that can get into your head, building vivid images with words that make everything clear, where the characters emotions become yours and she is most definitely up there with my favourite authors, and you can be sure that I will buy anything she writes… I actually think she could make a shopping list exciting!
This book for me is a tale of two halves both of them woven together seamlessly with the pace starting off slow, and even though we have an ominous prologue from the Stepfather of three of the villains killed in Delsyn’s Blues... Dante Alessandro otherwise known as the Death Angel an assassin in his own right, plus we also know that he is going to make it his mission to kill those responsible for the death of his children, yet we are still lulled into a false sense of security, slowly building to an action packed second half that was full of some real heart in your mouth moments, and yes, I did have the whole tears and tantrums with these two and they wouldn’t be Sonny and Luki if they didn’t have me also laughing out loud.
The first half we see these two men finally tie the knot and it was just beautiful… a real aww bless moment that had me reaching for the tissues and Luki finally gives Sonny the most precious wedding gift of all!?!
“We’ll be saying our vows in just minutes, baby.” His voice held an edge of excitement that Sonny would have bottled if he could. Miracles like that thrill in Luki’s words, like that flush over his dusky skin, were not things that happened every day—even now, even after Luki had learned how to love. Sonny breathed deep in an effort to slow his thoughts enough to savor that and everything beautiful about the day. And Sonny was honest enough, and artist enough, to admit that he was part of the beauty—he and Luki both.
“Sonny, I promise to love you, never to try to change you, to trust you with my heart and with everything I have, and always to remember how precious, how fine, how beautiful you are to me. And I’ll keep you safe, Sonny. I’ll always keep you safe.”
I have to say things. I have to tell you that I… will love you and no other, body and soul… will honor your strength and cherish it. And, Luki, I promise to give you what I am. Every day I want to show you beauty—the beauty I see in the world. That vision is the best I have to give, the best of what I am. And….” His voice trailed to a whisper. “Thank you, Luki, for loving me so much.”
So… I am laughing writing this as these two just make me smile as I think about some of their antics, their Honeymoon starts off like all good Honeymoons should, full of romance and lots of loving, but this is Luki and Sonny and it isn’t long before they find themselves involved in a murder which of course escalates and they are then in a mad dash to get back to Nebraska to find Luki’s missing Nephew Jackie. Originally thought to be a runaway before they realise there is something amiss and Jackie’s life is in danger, and once again Luki needs to call in the troops to help out.
What I like most about these two characters are their flaws, they are both fallible and make mistakes, there is no hiding them and no apology made for them… because that is who they are. They have misunderstandings that can be infuriating for those of us watching on, but like all relationships they need to grow and learn. Throughout their lives they have not had an emotional attachment where the other person becomes more than themselves and a part of their whole being, their true soul mate, the one person that leaves them vulnerable. Lou Sylvre gives us a peek into their minds and enables us as readers to see what others around them don’t, their insecurities, fears and passions, all laid bare to give us a better understanding, and also to frustrate the hell out of us at times! But through all of it there is one constant, and that is the love they have for each other… it is undeniable and the passion, love and tenderness these two men share just leaves me breathless and melting in a puddle of lust, it is both poignant and beautiful, Lou Sylvre certainly knows how to write an emotional love scene.
The title of this book is Finding Jackie and not only do we get the POV’s of our two MC’s, but we also see inside the mind of Luki’s Nephew Jackie, which was sad and harrowing and left my heart breaking, a sixteen year old boy who had suffered abuse at the hands of his own Father and then was forced to perform on the streets to enable both him and his brother to survive, situations traumatic enough for an adult but Jackie had been a boy. Despite help and support from the family and his Brother Josh, he feels lost and alone but most of all guilty, for desiring something that he wasn’t even sure of himself, but he was desperate enough to run away in search of it... only he was running into the wrong hands.
So in this third instalment of Vasquez and James, more secrets are divulged and with each book we learn more about these two very complex characters, we also get to see some of the secondary characters we have come to love and a little more of Brian, Kate’s protégée, who turns out to be very helpful in more ways than one and I am hoping for a spin off series with two love interests which I would definitely like to see more from. The end of this book was just perfect and beautiful and fingers crossed that the lovely Lou Sylvre will still bring us more from Luki and Sonny as I really do not want to say goodbye just yet!
1 ~ Loving Luki (Vasquez and James #1)
2 ~ Delsyn’s Blues (Vasquez and James #2)
3 ~ Finding Jackie (Vasquez and James #3)
May 30, 2013
Ok I LOVE Luki and Sonny! I want more and then after that I want even more, Yes I am greedy like that. Their love and playfulness is amazing. The shit these beautiful men go through tears me up. The whole family is just that a family that sticks by one another and gets through good and bad together. Their wedding was amazing “ Yeah I cried” But I loved it all. The mystery the suspense and poor Jackie my god what this boy has gone through. I so want a Brian / Jackie story. 5 amazing action packed love filled stars! Lou you are perfect! Thank you for these men.
June 16, 2013
Update 6/16/2013
Good god this was so freaking wonderful! AUGH! SO SAD!! so heartbreaking at some points....but omg so wonderful overall.
I really hope there will be another after this! <3 totally going to re-read Yes again now! Aha!
This simply MUST be read if you've started this series.
-------------
OMFG!! YES YES!! THEY'RE BACK!! OMFG!! THEY'RE BACK!!!!
I SIMPLY MUST, MUST, MUST GET THIS!! ugh!! why?!?! WHY MUST I BE SUPER BROKE NOW?!?!!?! ;A;///
DON'T WORRY LUKI! Even if I starve for a few days.... YOU. WILL. BE. MINE!!!!! ~♥♥♥
Good god this was so freaking wonderful! AUGH! SO SAD!! so heartbreaking at some points....but omg so wonderful overall.
I really hope there will be another after this! <3 totally going to re-read Yes again now! Aha!
This simply MUST be read if you've started this series.
-------------
I SIMPLY MUST, MUST, MUST GET THIS!! ugh!! why?!?! WHY MUST I BE SUPER BROKE NOW?!?!!?! ;A;///
DON'T WORRY LUKI! Even if I starve for a few days.... YOU. WILL. BE. MINE!!!!! ~♥♥♥
October 3, 2015
3.5 stars rounded up because the book improved as it progressed and because of the sensitive way the book handles the subject of abuse vs. BDSM.
I was very disappointed with this story. I love this series, I love this couple, and I was so looking forward to this book. But after the beginning wedding scene, the story became rough with poor writing which set a tone for me that was hard to get out of. The novel improved a lot and the second half was very good, but this was not up to the author's usual standards.
The first part of the story was primarily info dumping, even when it didn't have to be. Instead of taking the reader through a scene, the author would start the next section after the scene had happened and then tell us what happened in that scene we didn't see. In addition, there was way too much description of stuff that didn't need to be described. Showing doesn't mean describing every detail.
Once the story eventually got going, there was plenty of action, drama, danger, thrills and chills. The plot was good and although kind of predictable, aspects were a surprise. The pacing improved but it was never that great. The characters were wonderful and the women were strong and capable (although for once I'd like to actually see a woman in on the action rather than just on the phone).
There's no doubt that these two men loved each other very much. Even when they had to confront a very real issue between them, they were angry and cold for less than a day even though they hadn't resolved the problem. Even when they hadn't officially made up yet, their love for each other resulted in them being there for each other when it was important. As a result of their passionate love, the sex scenes were really hot. For me, sex scenes written about people in love are almost always hotter.
The wedding was incredibly beautiful of course, almost as good as the one in Home Work by Kaje Harper, which is so far my favorite storybook wedding scene.
Luki's vows set the tone:
I don't want to tell you Sonny's vows because it might ruin a beautiful and emotional scene. But if you want to hear something he says here it is:
Gulp.
Here are some more good things:
The dog was wonderful, even if he was a little too smart.
I didn't mark this as BDSM because it isn't BDSM--it's abuse. The book makes this clear and I really like how they handled the subject, how they differentiated between abuse and what BDSM is supposed to be about:
and
While I personally don't get how giving up control and doing something that scares you will make you feel safe, I understand that for many people, that's what BDSM is about. It's what my friends who practice it say. This a respectful view of BDSM and clearly distinguishes it from excessive pain, torture, and abuse. Even if I don't completely understand something, I believe that what happens between consenting adults that isn't really harming anyone (temporary bruising, minor burns that are gone quickly, etc., don't count to me), is between them only. When books portray BDSM as being something tortuous and abusive, where people give up any and all control and all rights permanently, is disturbing and disrespectful to those perfectly healthy people who enjoy it. I really like how the book shows that a boy confused about who he is because of past abuse can enjoy kink but not want abuse disguised as BDSM.
It was very cool that Brian knits (although it's weird that he does so the first night he's with his new boss to work on the disappearance. He should be trying to impress Luki, not make it seem like he's just hanging out).
Here are some not so good things:
Why didn't Luki use nicotine gum or patches to stop smoking? It was an extremely tense time.
They never explained why (minor spoiler) .
Jackie was often TSTL.
The author has a character acknowledge that a tourniquet is bad but uses one anyway. You can use a belt to hold a pressure bandage in place instead of making it a tourniquet by strapping it up-limb from the wound. What you do is pad the wound heavily then strap the belt across the injury. This lets some of the skin free between the padding and where the belt comes back to the skin which allows arteries inside to shift enough to allow some blood to flow freely. You accomplish the same thing without risking losing the leg due to oxygen starvation.
The improper use of first aid in books leads to ignorance which in real life situations can cause additional, often severe, injury or even death. (Another biggy is that you never pound on the back of someone who's choking. If you can't do the Heimlich Maneuver, do CPR chest compressions which will attempt to expel air, which will hopefully dislodge whatever is blocking the airway.) I seriously wish everyone would take CPR/First Aid for the sake of their loved ones.
(minor spoiler)
It was never explained who was (minor spoiler)
I wanted to see the aftermath of the ordeal. I felt robbed that we didn't see get to see (major spoiler) . I hope that in the future we'll see a book with (major spoiler) .
The timeline was off. (medium spoiler) Actually there was stuff that the book tried to explain but that never made much sense. It felt like much was inserted in order to make the story more suspenseful instead of figuring out how to really make the things work with the story. (several big spoilers that are revealed by 3/5ths of the way throughout the book) See? None of that makes sense--much of it is contradictory--nor is the complicated sequence of events necessary to the plot.
I'm left leaving a potentially five star book being a 3.5 for me. As I said, I'm rounding up, though, because there was a lot I loved about it.
I was very disappointed with this story. I love this series, I love this couple, and I was so looking forward to this book. But after the beginning wedding scene, the story became rough with poor writing which set a tone for me that was hard to get out of. The novel improved a lot and the second half was very good, but this was not up to the author's usual standards.
The first part of the story was primarily info dumping, even when it didn't have to be. Instead of taking the reader through a scene, the author would start the next section after the scene had happened and then tell us what happened in that scene we didn't see. In addition, there was way too much description of stuff that didn't need to be described. Showing doesn't mean describing every detail.
Once the story eventually got going, there was plenty of action, drama, danger, thrills and chills. The plot was good and although kind of predictable, aspects were a surprise. The pacing improved but it was never that great. The characters were wonderful and the women were strong and capable (although for once I'd like to actually see a woman in on the action rather than just on the phone).
There's no doubt that these two men loved each other very much. Even when they had to confront a very real issue between them, they were angry and cold for less than a day even though they hadn't resolved the problem. Even when they hadn't officially made up yet, their love for each other resulted in them being there for each other when it was important. As a result of their passionate love, the sex scenes were really hot. For me, sex scenes written about people in love are almost always hotter.
The wedding was incredibly beautiful of course, almost as good as the one in Home Work by Kaje Harper, which is so far my favorite storybook wedding scene.
Luki's vows set the tone:
I don't want to tell you Sonny's vows because it might ruin a beautiful and emotional scene. But if you want to hear something he says here it is:
Gulp.
Here are some more good things:
The dog was wonderful, even if he was a little too smart.
I didn't mark this as BDSM because it isn't BDSM--it's abuse. The book makes this clear and I really like how they handled the subject, how they differentiated between abuse and what BDSM is supposed to be about:
...He understood immediately what Brian meant by "kink", and why that might make Jackie--who was small, anxious, and used to being accepting abuse, likely not experienced enough to know where decent players drew the line...
and
...[He] never really thought he wanted a shit-ton of pain. What he wanted was the feeling it gave him to give up control to someone who knew how to cultivate his bondage; who cared to take him past the place he was afraid, where he couldn't trust, where he couldn't feel, to a new place where he was safe. But...safe and sane, that's what it was supposed to be.
While I personally don't get how giving up control and doing something that scares you will make you feel safe, I understand that for many people, that's what BDSM is about. It's what my friends who practice it say. This a respectful view of BDSM and clearly distinguishes it from excessive pain, torture, and abuse. Even if I don't completely understand something, I believe that what happens between consenting adults that isn't really harming anyone (temporary bruising, minor burns that are gone quickly, etc., don't count to me), is between them only. When books portray BDSM as being something tortuous and abusive, where people give up any and all control and all rights permanently, is disturbing and disrespectful to those perfectly healthy people who enjoy it. I really like how the book shows that a boy confused about who he is because of past abuse can enjoy kink but not want abuse disguised as BDSM.
It was very cool that Brian knits (although it's weird that he does so the first night he's with his new boss to work on the disappearance. He should be trying to impress Luki, not make it seem like he's just hanging out).
Here are some not so good things:
Why didn't Luki use nicotine gum or patches to stop smoking? It was an extremely tense time.
They never explained why (minor spoiler) .
Jackie was often TSTL.
The author has a character acknowledge that a tourniquet is bad but uses one anyway. You can use a belt to hold a pressure bandage in place instead of making it a tourniquet by strapping it up-limb from the wound. What you do is pad the wound heavily then strap the belt across the injury. This lets some of the skin free between the padding and where the belt comes back to the skin which allows arteries inside to shift enough to allow some blood to flow freely. You accomplish the same thing without risking losing the leg due to oxygen starvation.
The improper use of first aid in books leads to ignorance which in real life situations can cause additional, often severe, injury or even death. (Another biggy is that you never pound on the back of someone who's choking. If you can't do the Heimlich Maneuver, do CPR chest compressions which will attempt to expel air, which will hopefully dislodge whatever is blocking the airway.) I seriously wish everyone would take CPR/First Aid for the sake of their loved ones.
(minor spoiler)
It was never explained who was (minor spoiler)
I wanted to see the aftermath of the ordeal. I felt robbed that we didn't see get to see (major spoiler) . I hope that in the future we'll see a book with (major spoiler) .
The timeline was off. (medium spoiler) Actually there was stuff that the book tried to explain but that never made much sense. It felt like much was inserted in order to make the story more suspenseful instead of figuring out how to really make the things work with the story. (several big spoilers that are revealed by 3/5ths of the way throughout the book) See? None of that makes sense--much of it is contradictory--nor is the complicated sequence of events necessary to the plot.
I'm left leaving a potentially five star book being a 3.5 for me. As I said, I'm rounding up, though, because there was a lot I loved about it.
May 15, 2013
4 1/2 Hearts
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Luki and Sonny are having their Hawaiian wedding before they embark on their RV honeymoon, but they don’t get to enjoy it like they should when Luki receives a job offer, that could come in handy, and the past rears its ugly head determined to enact revenge. Sonny and Luki have to put their differences aside as they embark on a cross country hunt, it needs the skills of both men as they search for Jackie who has been lured into a trap and whose life is now in danger.
Okay, first on a light note: if I was related to Luki or Sonny I would be heading for an unmarked small Island to live out my life in peace. Luki and Sonny think that the past is the past and are looking forward to their honeymoon, little do they know that someone is smarting because of their actions in Delsyn's Blues. Luki’s nephews are still recovering from their fathers’ actions with Jackie struggling, Jackie gets lured into a trap by a sadistic killer who is determined to make Luki pay for his actions. Sonny struggles with Luki’s decision with work and Luki is a little resentful about Sonny’s weaving.
Lou Sylvre drags up back into the world of Sonny and Luki with another devastating adventure. Sonny still has moments of grief about Delsyn, Luki feels that he needs the advantage of a badge and they are both completely happy with their marriage. Things go really bad for them though when Rita (an old snitch of Luki’s) comes to them with a message and then Jackie goes missing from home. From then on there is a cross country hunt with Luki initiating new recruit Brian in the ways of Luki. With a daring rescue to pull off Luki and Sonny have to face their fears.
This is a brilliant book that just won’t let you out of its grip. Jackie is such a sweet kid who is just looking to find himself but through a twist of fate he finds himself the victim of a sadistic killer, the scenes with Jackie will have your eyes filling as he realises his chance of rescue is slim. Luki and Sonny are as we remember them with Luki having relaxed just a bit so his edges are a touch smoother. The action and danger is excellent, the storyline is brilliant and the characters are wonderful, there are steamy sex scenes and touching moments, heart to hearts and facing fears, this book has it all.
I recommend this story to all those who love suspense, action, romance, love, hot sex, emotional scenes, danger and the baddie getting his.
Review written for MM Good Book Reviews
http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com/
This story is part of a series and must be read in order. Luki and Sonny are having their Hawaiian wedding before they embark on their RV honeymoon, but they don’t get to enjoy it like they should when Luki receives a job offer, that could come in handy, and the past rears its ugly head determined to enact revenge. Sonny and Luki have to put their differences aside as they embark on a cross country hunt, it needs the skills of both men as they search for Jackie who has been lured into a trap and whose life is now in danger.
Okay, first on a light note: if I was related to Luki or Sonny I would be heading for an unmarked small Island to live out my life in peace. Luki and Sonny think that the past is the past and are looking forward to their honeymoon, little do they know that someone is smarting because of their actions in Delsyn's Blues. Luki’s nephews are still recovering from their fathers’ actions with Jackie struggling, Jackie gets lured into a trap by a sadistic killer who is determined to make Luki pay for his actions. Sonny struggles with Luki’s decision with work and Luki is a little resentful about Sonny’s weaving.
Lou Sylvre drags up back into the world of Sonny and Luki with another devastating adventure. Sonny still has moments of grief about Delsyn, Luki feels that he needs the advantage of a badge and they are both completely happy with their marriage. Things go really bad for them though when Rita (an old snitch of Luki’s) comes to them with a message and then Jackie goes missing from home. From then on there is a cross country hunt with Luki initiating new recruit Brian in the ways of Luki. With a daring rescue to pull off Luki and Sonny have to face their fears.
This is a brilliant book that just won’t let you out of its grip. Jackie is such a sweet kid who is just looking to find himself but through a twist of fate he finds himself the victim of a sadistic killer, the scenes with Jackie will have your eyes filling as he realises his chance of rescue is slim. Luki and Sonny are as we remember them with Luki having relaxed just a bit so his edges are a touch smoother. The action and danger is excellent, the storyline is brilliant and the characters are wonderful, there are steamy sex scenes and touching moments, heart to hearts and facing fears, this book has it all.
I recommend this story to all those who love suspense, action, romance, love, hot sex, emotional scenes, danger and the baddie getting his.
April 26, 2014
Because of falling crazy in love with both Sonny and Luki in the previous installment, I was very excited to jump into this third book of Lou Sylvre's 'Vasquez & James' series. Don't get me wrong, I seriously enjoyed the first book in the series, but everything seemed to click for me in 'Delsyn's Blues' and so I knew that I would love 'Finding Jackie'. The more I discover about Sonny and Luki, and the more I watch them together, the stronger my fascination is with them as individuals and as a couple.
The wedding in Hawaii was perfect and now Sonny and Luki are embarking on their honeymoon, which actually consists of three parts, the final being their long awaited RV road trip in the States. What I found very fascinating, and rather brilliant of the author, was that she didn't make the assumption that Luki and Sonny knew everything about each other, which would've been unrealistic, and, instead, they've just gotten married, and are constantly learning new things about each other. I guess what I'm trying to say is that they are still pleasantly surprised by each other and that made me happy because marriage should be that way. Of course, Luki going behind Sonny's back to get reinstated with ATF didn't go over very well and was not a pleasant surprise.
It's while they are traveling to Nebraska, via RV, that Luki gets the call from his uncle that his nephew, Jackie, has run away. Now Luki and Sonny are on the hunt for Jackie, and running smack-dab into mobsters who hold them accountable for deaths that occurred in the previous book. Jackie is sixteen and struggling with who he is and what he wants, specifically sexually, and the more Luki and Sonny track down, the more scared they are for Jackie and what they'll find. That doesn't prevent them from going after Jackie and the men, they discover, who implemented his running away, which has now become a kidnapping.
This was another exciting addition to this series which culminated in a massive gunfight. As usual, I spent the final pages in white-knuckle agony waiting to see how it'll turn out and to make sure I don't get any unexpected surprises. Thank you, Lou, for another excellent adventure with the guys. I'm looking forward to the next one.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
The wedding in Hawaii was perfect and now Sonny and Luki are embarking on their honeymoon, which actually consists of three parts, the final being their long awaited RV road trip in the States. What I found very fascinating, and rather brilliant of the author, was that she didn't make the assumption that Luki and Sonny knew everything about each other, which would've been unrealistic, and, instead, they've just gotten married, and are constantly learning new things about each other. I guess what I'm trying to say is that they are still pleasantly surprised by each other and that made me happy because marriage should be that way. Of course, Luki going behind Sonny's back to get reinstated with ATF didn't go over very well and was not a pleasant surprise.
It's while they are traveling to Nebraska, via RV, that Luki gets the call from his uncle that his nephew, Jackie, has run away. Now Luki and Sonny are on the hunt for Jackie, and running smack-dab into mobsters who hold them accountable for deaths that occurred in the previous book. Jackie is sixteen and struggling with who he is and what he wants, specifically sexually, and the more Luki and Sonny track down, the more scared they are for Jackie and what they'll find. That doesn't prevent them from going after Jackie and the men, they discover, who implemented his running away, which has now become a kidnapping.
This was another exciting addition to this series which culminated in a massive gunfight. As usual, I spent the final pages in white-knuckle agony waiting to see how it'll turn out and to make sure I don't get any unexpected surprises. Thank you, Lou, for another excellent adventure with the guys. I'm looking forward to the next one.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 25, 2013
5 Stars - KAPOW!
This book is part of a series that needs to be read in order, with the titles Loving Luki Vasquez, followed by Delsyn’s Blues, having come prior.
Yay! It is so exciting to have Sonny and Luki back. I’m happy to acknowledge that I have been in love with both of them ever since reading the first 2 pages of “Loving Luki Vasquez.” An apropos title in many respects. Both characters are very well drawn, charismatic, compelling, and are portrayed in equal depth. Sonny definitely does not get short shrift simply because Luki is a badass law man and investigator. The reader is treated to significant character growth as both men adjust to life as a couple, and recognize the essential need to measure their individual desires and actions against how it will affect their relationship.
As the story opens, Sonny and Luki are enjoying their wedding in Hawaii....
Read Dianne's full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
This book is part of a series that needs to be read in order, with the titles Loving Luki Vasquez, followed by Delsyn’s Blues, having come prior.
Yay! It is so exciting to have Sonny and Luki back. I’m happy to acknowledge that I have been in love with both of them ever since reading the first 2 pages of “Loving Luki Vasquez.” An apropos title in many respects. Both characters are very well drawn, charismatic, compelling, and are portrayed in equal depth. Sonny definitely does not get short shrift simply because Luki is a badass law man and investigator. The reader is treated to significant character growth as both men adjust to life as a couple, and recognize the essential need to measure their individual desires and actions against how it will affect their relationship.
As the story opens, Sonny and Luki are enjoying their wedding in Hawaii....
Read Dianne's full review at Live Your Life, Buy The Book
tbr-mm-next-up-in-series
April 22, 2013
Yay, Luki and Sonny are back! Can't wait for this one!
May 26, 2013
An incredibly riveting story that is as beautifully woven as Sonny’s art. It grabbed me immediately and demanded not to be put down until finished...
Read my full review here: http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre...
Read my full review here: http://liveyourlifebuythebook.wordpre...
May 28, 2013
I absolutely loved this series. Would it be greedy to beg for a Brian / Jackie book? I really need that:D
June 10, 2013
Review Courtesy of C. Zampa's Not-A-Review
http://authorczampa.blogspot.com/2013...
What. A. Book. Finding Jackie by Lou Sylvre.
This was the third installment in the Vasquez and James series by this author (the series also included a short novella titled Yes), and I would advise reading the books in order to get the maximum benefit of the series.
First of all, let me mention Sylvre's writing style. I know, I know, I've bragged about it very often---it's magical, lyrical, there's just something about it. How can I describe it? It's not even just the prose, but the presentation. Reading these books, the Vasquez and James delicious installments, I sort of get this light, airy but can-be-very-serious tone as though I'm listening to a delightful narrator with a very simple, very blunt and almost dry humor reading it to me. An arresting delivery like in the film Vickie Christina Barcelona. In fact, I can almost hear Giulia y Los Tellarini singing the zippy tune Barcelona as I read. How Sylvre does this is pure magic. Such serious themes---in Finding Jackie, a kidnapping and torture of a young boy is the heart---and yet presented in a perfect balance of drama and light comedy. A perfect balance.
For instance, I loved this bit: At the Monaco, they’d been offered the Ambassador Suite, but Sonny had insisted the purple furniture would prevent him from sleeping, so they ended up with the Monte Carlo suite. So adorable and yet somber, you just know Rod Serling is just sitting somewhere offstage, narrating.
Sylvre displayed her trademark knack for showing not telling her characters, and I was particularly touched by the humanness of one character, a drag hooker named Rita: Well, you know, Vasquez. I know I’m not like I used to be. I don’t draw the same clientele. You know what I mean?” Luki did know. Rita hadn’t been a street-corner “ho.” She’d drawn her clients from the richest, the most prestigious men in Chicago, both the flagrantly criminal and the supposedly legit. That was the reason she’d been useful to Luki. Small-time thieves and conmen weren’t the people Luki needed to know about when he was working for ATF. Rita hooked the big ones, and her trade in gossip was as lucrative as her trade in sex. Or possibly more. When Luki didn’t say anything, Rita deflated a little. She attempted a laugh but choked on it.
So subtle, just a teency touch of body language, and Rita's entire persona is sewn up in vivid color. A sad wishing that someone would tell her, no, you're still beautiful, you still got it going on, girl. But no one contradicts her and she deflates but carries on. Body language. A gift of Sylvre's.
You know I don't talk much about plots, and this is no exception except to say this particular story line was absolutely riveting. Big time. Sylvre knows her stuff. Weapons, computer technology, strategics, logistics, all the goodies that make for good action and adventure.
But...but...Ms. Sylvre also knows something ever bigger, even better. Humans. What one person has that makes another person tick. What one person has that dries another person ape shit. What one person has that makes another crazy with desire. Love, sensuality, deep-in-the-gut emotion, no holds barred. The good with the bad, the pretty with the ugly. Humans. The way we really are.
Sonny James and Luki Vasquez are two of my favorite fictional characters of all time. Something about them...just something about them. Beautiful, gentle but-can-be-a-force-to-be-reckoned-with Sonny James. So loyal, so enamored of his husband Luki. A perfect character, so well drawn I feel as though I could just pick up the phone and call him. So well drawn I find myself wildly attracted to him.
And then there's Luki....confirmed bad-ass who is growing a heart over the course of the series and who is softening up a little because of that heart.
Their dynamics---in and out of the bed---are fabulous. Oh, and speaking of the bed. One unforgettable scene---in a bath tub---ay-ay-ay! I even stopped reading to make a comment to the author. Oh, hell's bells. Can Sylvre write the intimate scenes. And they are not hump-it-baby-oh-yeah-baby fare. Her sex scenes are hot as Hades yet so damn classy. The lovemaking session by the water. On the rock. Beautiful, intense.
For you readers who are devoted Vasquez and James fans, you will not want to miss this installment. There are excellent flashbacks into Luki's past, when he was eighteen. There is a final confrontation with his childhood, when he faces the ghosts---thanks to the love and patience of Sonny---of the incident when his face was slashed. It's a wonderful insight into Luki, his growth, his triumph over his demons. And a beautiful tribute to his Sonny who has stood by him through all these fabulous books.
Finding Jackie. If I gave stars, I'd have to give this read its own constellation. Yes. It is that good.
Thanks, Ms. Sylvre, for another beautiful, satisfying read.
http://authorczampa.blogspot.com/2013...
What. A. Book. Finding Jackie by Lou Sylvre.
This was the third installment in the Vasquez and James series by this author (the series also included a short novella titled Yes), and I would advise reading the books in order to get the maximum benefit of the series.
First of all, let me mention Sylvre's writing style. I know, I know, I've bragged about it very often---it's magical, lyrical, there's just something about it. How can I describe it? It's not even just the prose, but the presentation. Reading these books, the Vasquez and James delicious installments, I sort of get this light, airy but can-be-very-serious tone as though I'm listening to a delightful narrator with a very simple, very blunt and almost dry humor reading it to me. An arresting delivery like in the film Vickie Christina Barcelona. In fact, I can almost hear Giulia y Los Tellarini singing the zippy tune Barcelona as I read. How Sylvre does this is pure magic. Such serious themes---in Finding Jackie, a kidnapping and torture of a young boy is the heart---and yet presented in a perfect balance of drama and light comedy. A perfect balance.
For instance, I loved this bit: At the Monaco, they’d been offered the Ambassador Suite, but Sonny had insisted the purple furniture would prevent him from sleeping, so they ended up with the Monte Carlo suite. So adorable and yet somber, you just know Rod Serling is just sitting somewhere offstage, narrating.
Sylvre displayed her trademark knack for showing not telling her characters, and I was particularly touched by the humanness of one character, a drag hooker named Rita: Well, you know, Vasquez. I know I’m not like I used to be. I don’t draw the same clientele. You know what I mean?” Luki did know. Rita hadn’t been a street-corner “ho.” She’d drawn her clients from the richest, the most prestigious men in Chicago, both the flagrantly criminal and the supposedly legit. That was the reason she’d been useful to Luki. Small-time thieves and conmen weren’t the people Luki needed to know about when he was working for ATF. Rita hooked the big ones, and her trade in gossip was as lucrative as her trade in sex. Or possibly more. When Luki didn’t say anything, Rita deflated a little. She attempted a laugh but choked on it.
So subtle, just a teency touch of body language, and Rita's entire persona is sewn up in vivid color. A sad wishing that someone would tell her, no, you're still beautiful, you still got it going on, girl. But no one contradicts her and she deflates but carries on. Body language. A gift of Sylvre's.
You know I don't talk much about plots, and this is no exception except to say this particular story line was absolutely riveting. Big time. Sylvre knows her stuff. Weapons, computer technology, strategics, logistics, all the goodies that make for good action and adventure.
But...but...Ms. Sylvre also knows something ever bigger, even better. Humans. What one person has that makes another person tick. What one person has that dries another person ape shit. What one person has that makes another crazy with desire. Love, sensuality, deep-in-the-gut emotion, no holds barred. The good with the bad, the pretty with the ugly. Humans. The way we really are.
Sonny James and Luki Vasquez are two of my favorite fictional characters of all time. Something about them...just something about them. Beautiful, gentle but-can-be-a-force-to-be-reckoned-with Sonny James. So loyal, so enamored of his husband Luki. A perfect character, so well drawn I feel as though I could just pick up the phone and call him. So well drawn I find myself wildly attracted to him.
And then there's Luki....confirmed bad-ass who is growing a heart over the course of the series and who is softening up a little because of that heart.
Their dynamics---in and out of the bed---are fabulous. Oh, and speaking of the bed. One unforgettable scene---in a bath tub---ay-ay-ay! I even stopped reading to make a comment to the author. Oh, hell's bells. Can Sylvre write the intimate scenes. And they are not hump-it-baby-oh-yeah-baby fare. Her sex scenes are hot as Hades yet so damn classy. The lovemaking session by the water. On the rock. Beautiful, intense.
For you readers who are devoted Vasquez and James fans, you will not want to miss this installment. There are excellent flashbacks into Luki's past, when he was eighteen. There is a final confrontation with his childhood, when he faces the ghosts---thanks to the love and patience of Sonny---of the incident when his face was slashed. It's a wonderful insight into Luki, his growth, his triumph over his demons. And a beautiful tribute to his Sonny who has stood by him through all these fabulous books.
Finding Jackie. If I gave stars, I'd have to give this read its own constellation. Yes. It is that good.
Thanks, Ms. Sylvre, for another beautiful, satisfying read.
May 16, 2013
The characters are definitely in love and the obstacles thrown in their path only strengthen the bond between them as they frantically search for Luki's nephew. The backstory gives a smooth transition from the other books and the smoothly flowing plot doesn't randomly jump from one point to another. The sex between Sonny and Luki is HOT, HOT, HOT, and really steams up the page! Lou has a style of writing that is straightforward, clear, concise,and gritty, with an in-your-face, grab you by the throat kind of action that is so real that I felt I was right there along with the characters. I REALLY like how she goes straight for the jugular, and doesn't let go until the last page.She also displays a fantastic knowledge of how law enforcement works and also how richly detailed the story is. I sincerely enjoyed this fabulous book and the HFN ending with an original twist leaves me looking forward to the next installment. I would positively recommend this fantastic book to everyone.
Trish's complete 4 1/2 sweet pea review appears on Release Day May 17, 2013, at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
Trish's complete 4 1/2 sweet pea review appears on Release Day May 17, 2013, at http://mrsconditreadsbooks.com/index....
January 14, 2014
I love Sylvre's narrative voice. There's something dreamy about it that draws me in. And I enjoy the characters she creates, as well. Who would imagine a weaver as a romantic MC? And who would create a half-Hawaiian romantic lead raised in Nebraska? I appreciate all the little details of character and place that Sylvre comes up with.
OTOH, Sylvre's emotions are often way over the top. Her prose usually helps me to accept them without too much objection, but every once in a while I get knocked out of the story by their lack of realistic proportions. And that same lack of realism, that over-the-topness, also affected the plot in this one. The bad guys were waaaaaay too bad, the excuses for persecuting Luki and his family were waaaaay too flimsy, and the torture -- though mostly offscreen -- was waaaaay too torturous.
Overall, I still enjoyed reading the book because I am attached to the MCs. And I'll be happy to read the next installment in the series. But I can't give this one more than 3 stars.
OTOH, Sylvre's emotions are often way over the top. Her prose usually helps me to accept them without too much objection, but every once in a while I get knocked out of the story by their lack of realistic proportions. And that same lack of realism, that over-the-topness, also affected the plot in this one. The bad guys were waaaaaay too bad, the excuses for persecuting Luki and his family were waaaaay too flimsy, and the torture -- though mostly offscreen -- was waaaaay too torturous.
Overall, I still enjoyed reading the book because I am attached to the MCs. And I'll be happy to read the next installment in the series. But I can't give this one more than 3 stars.
February 13, 2017
Spoiler-free review for the whole series:
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
June 17, 2013
This series gets better with each new book. Finding Jackie is part romance, part action. My enjoyment of Luki and Sonny and their love for one another continues to grow with each new story. They become closer, sharing a deep and devoted love. Badass Luki has so much hurt and pain in his past--once lost, he allows Sonny to bring light and love and humor back into his life. The passion these two men have for one another is beautiful. And Sonny, he's pure grace with a healthy dose of feisty on the side.
Don't miss this series; don't miss this book. It will make you laugh, and it will make you cry. Your heart will break, and it will soar. This is the first book that doesn't end with a possible scenario for a future Luki and Sonny novel. I hope their story doesn't end here. There is, however, a perfect lead in for a book about Brian and Jackie. I'll keep my fingers crossed for that one.
Don't miss this series; don't miss this book. It will make you laugh, and it will make you cry. Your heart will break, and it will soar. This is the first book that doesn't end with a possible scenario for a future Luki and Sonny novel. I hope their story doesn't end here. There is, however, a perfect lead in for a book about Brian and Jackie. I'll keep my fingers crossed for that one.
July 30, 2017
4.5 Relationship between Sonny & Luki seems to be finding it's perfect balance. I love being in Luki's head when he thinks about Sonny. The sex is more frequent than in the last book, but not particularly graphic-more sensual*. I hope we get to see the future events hinted at in the end.
*Your mileage may vary
*Your mileage may vary
June 1, 2013
Another delicious helping of Luki Vasquez and Sonny James. I loved the growth within the relationship that took place in this book. While there was still some uncertainty between them, there was still the underlying belief that they would weather the storm (providing Luki survived).
The villains in this book were easy to hate! Development happened early on and my only issue might be that a reader might have struggled if they entered the scene without reading the other books. Of course, why would they want to do that? Fantastic job Ms. Sylvre!
The villains in this book were easy to hate! Development happened early on and my only issue might be that a reader might have struggled if they entered the scene without reading the other books. Of course, why would they want to do that? Fantastic job Ms. Sylvre!
March 1, 2016
Something was missing for me in this book. I really liked the first two in the series but this one was just meh. I didn't feel the connection between Sonny & Luki and I found the writing kind of cheesy in places. ie. "and vessels shot out the creamy harvest of his labors"
*giant eye roll*
I will continue on with the series but I'm in no hurry.
*giant eye roll*
I will continue on with the series but I'm in no hurry.
June 27, 2013
FanF*ckingTastic.
July 22, 2018
A roller coaster ride with over-the-top action, and still, fascinating to read.
May 25, 2013
More like 4.5 stars. But a good read nun the less. I love Sonny & Luki!
April 21, 2018
After everything they have been through, one would hope that Luki Vasquez and Sonny James live happily ever after following their romantic wedding in Hawaii. But when you've crossed paths with organized crime and deranged men with fragile egos, it can be hard to shake what's occurred in the past. When one of those deranged men targets Luki's nephew, Jackie, Luki and Sonny find themselves spending their honeymoon tracking him down and hoping they can bring him home safely. It is not only a race against time--it's also a race against what can only be described as pure evil.
[Content warnings: violence, sexual abuse, child abuse]
[Content warnings: violence, sexual abuse, child abuse]
August 5, 2014
MtSnow reviews 'Finding Jackie' (Vasquez & James Book 3) by Lou Sylvre (Released by Dreamspinner Press on May 17, 2013, 270 pgs)
Cover Art by Reese Dante
Finding Jackie (Book 3 of Vasquez & James)
by Lou Sylvre
Cover Art: Reese Dante
M/M Erotic Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: May 17, 2013 (ebook)
Length: Novel
A Vasquez & James Novel
Luki Vasquez and Sonny Bly James finally have their Hawaiian wedding, and it's perfect, almost. But their three-phase honeymoon is riddled with strife. Luki's status as a working badass spells discord for the newlyweds. A former informant from Luki’s days with ATFE brings a troubling message (or is it a warning?) from a Mob hit man. When Luki’s sixteen-year-old nephew, Jackie, is lured into capture and torture by a sadistic killer, the honeymoon is well and truly over.
The couple put aside their differences and focus on the grueling hunt, which takes them from leather bars to dusty desert back roads, and calls on Sonny’s deep compassion as well as Luki’s sharpest skills. Their world threatens to fall apart if they fail, but their love may grow stronger than ever if they succeed in finding Jackie—before it’s too late.
The cover: Very nice. Continuity in the book covers from the previous stories. LOVE a man in a suit, and the fade-in of the men kissing is just enough of a teaser to bring the graphic together very nicely. Bookshelf copy, please!
The story: With this story we get to see inside the mind of Jackie, one of Luki's nephews who happened to go through some very rough abuse with Luki's brother before his brother was killed. Now, Jackie is only 16, and seems to be in a questioning stage of wondering if the things he's feeling or wanting are 'normal' or a side effect of his abuse.
I felt this one had a good message, as there comes a time when many of us wonder if we turn out the way we do as a result of our environment, or if we really are 'just preprogrammed' to just like what we like and its okay. I think Sonny and Luki and Great Uncle Kahala are just the right role models to guide teen Jackie through the things that happen to and around him. Yes, there is more angst here, and we get more glimpses in to some unpleasant memories that Luki has of his youth, but it adds to the authentic and realistic feel of the storyline.
Not as many tears here, and nice to get to know another supporting character in Brian, who helps fill the void of Luki's loss of his former business partner and best friend from the first book. It also adds to some foreshadowing of a relationship in the future.
Professional badass Luki Vasquez and weaver Sonny James meet for the first time in Loving Luki Vasquez, and they might make a sizzling couple if they can ever get past the impulse to run the other way every time romance comes into view. Then again, they have to stay alive if they’re ever to see their wedding day, and tribulation, cruelty, and greed has a way of demanding attention at all the worst moments. Together, they pack a lot of resources to fight for love. If they can hold out, they just might win the enduring love and family they were meant to share.
I had begun Sonny and Luki's story a few years ago, and this is the third in the series. They were good stories, but I think I had to be ready for the subject matter. They are more serious rather than light, funny reads, yet she ties humor in nicely. At times that's just what you need. When I saw we were being provided a copy of the latest in this series, bundled with 'Yes' (the love story that talks about Luki's battle with cancer) I figured I was ready to give the series another try. In the meantime, I am also rereading and reviewing the other books in this series.
Cover Art by Reese DanteFinding Jackie (Book 3 of Vasquez & James)
by Lou Sylvre
Cover Art: Reese Dante
M/M Erotic Contemporary Romance
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: May 17, 2013 (ebook)
Length: Novel
A Vasquez & James Novel
Luki Vasquez and Sonny Bly James finally have their Hawaiian wedding, and it's perfect, almost. But their three-phase honeymoon is riddled with strife. Luki's status as a working badass spells discord for the newlyweds. A former informant from Luki’s days with ATFE brings a troubling message (or is it a warning?) from a Mob hit man. When Luki’s sixteen-year-old nephew, Jackie, is lured into capture and torture by a sadistic killer, the honeymoon is well and truly over.
The couple put aside their differences and focus on the grueling hunt, which takes them from leather bars to dusty desert back roads, and calls on Sonny’s deep compassion as well as Luki’s sharpest skills. Their world threatens to fall apart if they fail, but their love may grow stronger than ever if they succeed in finding Jackie—before it’s too late.
The cover: Very nice. Continuity in the book covers from the previous stories. LOVE a man in a suit, and the fade-in of the men kissing is just enough of a teaser to bring the graphic together very nicely. Bookshelf copy, please!
The story: With this story we get to see inside the mind of Jackie, one of Luki's nephews who happened to go through some very rough abuse with Luki's brother before his brother was killed. Now, Jackie is only 16, and seems to be in a questioning stage of wondering if the things he's feeling or wanting are 'normal' or a side effect of his abuse.
I felt this one had a good message, as there comes a time when many of us wonder if we turn out the way we do as a result of our environment, or if we really are 'just preprogrammed' to just like what we like and its okay. I think Sonny and Luki and Great Uncle Kahala are just the right role models to guide teen Jackie through the things that happen to and around him. Yes, there is more angst here, and we get more glimpses in to some unpleasant memories that Luki has of his youth, but it adds to the authentic and realistic feel of the storyline.
Not as many tears here, and nice to get to know another supporting character in Brian, who helps fill the void of Luki's loss of his former business partner and best friend from the first book. It also adds to some foreshadowing of a relationship in the future.
April 20, 2016
Oh my! Where do I begin. I know, I know at the beginning, but you see that was actually 2 books before this, oops sorry 3 books I forgot about "Yes". Not sure how I did that, that book reduced me to tears more than once.
Ok on to Saving Jackie. Saving Jackie was not quite as strong of an emotional roller coaster as the previous books, I believe there were only tears once or twice and in my defence you can't know what Jackie went through, be a mother and not cry and feel like you're being gutted. It's just not possible or if it is I just don't know how to do it and I'm good with that. Jackie and his brother Josh have been through hell and Luki as their Uncle wants to keep them safe and make their life better. This is just a small example of why I adore Luki & Sonny his husband. These two men and the way they are together, the love they have and how they fit together just make me smile. I adore them.
This story had me on the edge of my seat as a parent there is nothing scarier than not knowing where your child is, who are they with? Are they safe? Will you ever see them again? These are basic imperatives that every parent needs to have no matter how old their child is, but when that child is at an incredibly vulnerable stage in their life as Jackie was it is even more terrifying. To know that your child is out there without benefit of your love and protection is just so, so scary. But as a parent you can't allow your self to dwell on this because you know your child needs you and you need to find them, to make them loved and safe again. This is what Luki and Sonny faced in Finding Jackie.
So the only thing that remained to be seen was what price will you pay to ensure your child's safety? This story not only showed us to what extent Luki would go to ensure his nephews safety but as I begin the next book it has me asking 'At what point do we quit paying for our choices and our actions?'
Ok on to Saving Jackie. Saving Jackie was not quite as strong of an emotional roller coaster as the previous books, I believe there were only tears once or twice and in my defence you can't know what Jackie went through, be a mother and not cry and feel like you're being gutted. It's just not possible or if it is I just don't know how to do it and I'm good with that. Jackie and his brother Josh have been through hell and Luki as their Uncle wants to keep them safe and make their life better. This is just a small example of why I adore Luki & Sonny his husband. These two men and the way they are together, the love they have and how they fit together just make me smile. I adore them.
This story had me on the edge of my seat as a parent there is nothing scarier than not knowing where your child is, who are they with? Are they safe? Will you ever see them again? These are basic imperatives that every parent needs to have no matter how old their child is, but when that child is at an incredibly vulnerable stage in their life as Jackie was it is even more terrifying. To know that your child is out there without benefit of your love and protection is just so, so scary. But as a parent you can't allow your self to dwell on this because you know your child needs you and you need to find them, to make them loved and safe again. This is what Luki and Sonny faced in Finding Jackie.
So the only thing that remained to be seen was what price will you pay to ensure your child's safety? This story not only showed us to what extent Luki would go to ensure his nephews safety but as I begin the next book it has me asking 'At what point do we quit paying for our choices and our actions?'
August 29, 2014
Luki and Sonny have finally tied the knot. It was such a treat to see these two finally reaching that point in their life, especially after having to struggle with so many things to get there. But of course, Sonny and Luki don't ever have it easy. This time around, they are called in from their honeymoon to search for Jackie, the boy Luki saved in Loving Luki Vasquez.
This story was a mix of the sweet, the romantic and the heartbreaking.
As a married couple Sonny and Luki continued to shine. Their banter was superb, their sex a mix of sweet and intense and their sense of loyalty unwavering. Sonny and Luki were not perfect by any means, but their connection and commitment was ever present. And it only grew as they went in search of Jackie.
Although Jackie had made great strides since moving with Luki's uncle, he still struggled with his past. And what a past it was! Lou Sylvre did an amazing job in bringing forth Jackie's story. She managed to bring the range in emotions Jackie felt in a way that would impact the reader the most. My heart had gone out to Jackie when I first read about him, but after reading his full story I only wanted to take his pain away.
What I loved most about this story was the way the author went about strengthening Luki and Sonny's connection while still delivering Jackie's story. I loved seeing Luki and Sonny together, watching them grow as a couple and struggling to adjust to the new status of their relationship while working together to find Jackie. I also enjoyed the emotional roller coaster Jackie's story brought about.
I can't wait to see what's next in store for Luki and Sonny.
This story was a mix of the sweet, the romantic and the heartbreaking.
As a married couple Sonny and Luki continued to shine. Their banter was superb, their sex a mix of sweet and intense and their sense of loyalty unwavering. Sonny and Luki were not perfect by any means, but their connection and commitment was ever present. And it only grew as they went in search of Jackie.
Although Jackie had made great strides since moving with Luki's uncle, he still struggled with his past. And what a past it was! Lou Sylvre did an amazing job in bringing forth Jackie's story. She managed to bring the range in emotions Jackie felt in a way that would impact the reader the most. My heart had gone out to Jackie when I first read about him, but after reading his full story I only wanted to take his pain away.
What I loved most about this story was the way the author went about strengthening Luki and Sonny's connection while still delivering Jackie's story. I loved seeing Luki and Sonny together, watching them grow as a couple and struggling to adjust to the new status of their relationship while working together to find Jackie. I also enjoyed the emotional roller coaster Jackie's story brought about.
I can't wait to see what's next in store for Luki and Sonny.
January 3, 2014
Five days...I have been reading this book for five days! I don't think it has EVER taken that long to read a book! Life just kept interfering....ugh...and I had to keep "re-reading"...but alas...I am finished...and it was worth every minute of it!!!! I think my favorite parts of the book were the "beginning"..."middle"...and "end"!!! haha I am thinking this author just can't write a bad book!!! Which is great for those of us who read her work...and who frantically go searching for our next fix just as soon as we have finished the last one!!! Luki and Sonny of course are moving right along in their relationship...with the prerequisite...drama...trauma...and last but not least...SEX!!! The guys were a lot more..."married" in this book...as they should be...and Luki's thoughts always amazing me!!! As for Sonny...such a "cuddle bear"...just want to grab him up and take him home with me!!! I agree with other reviewers...soooooo hoping to see a Brian/Jackie story some time in the future!!! As always...wonderful story...and I am looking forward to the next installment of Luki & Sonny!!!
August 22, 2014
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-2Vn
From that review: "Outstanding. Finding Jackie was outstanding in every way a story needs to be. Compelling, anguished, layered, and detailed only where it needs to be, this story continues the events started in Loving Luki, the first in the Vasquez and James series. After the gut-wrenching plot of Delsyn's Blues, this story finds Luki and Sonny already married, having done the deed in Washington State where its legal. But Luki and Sonny are men with emotional overtones and layers that reach into their pasts and heritage, so a marriage in Hawaii suits them spiritually as well as setting the stage for the first part of their new life together. It's there we find them gathered together with family and friends to celebrate a union as deeply complicated as the men themselves. And their bliss and happiness is as shortlived as the readers…"
For all reviews, author interviews, book tours and contests, visit http://ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords...
For the full review, visit http://wp.me/p220KL-2Vn
From that review: "Outstanding. Finding Jackie was outstanding in every way a story needs to be. Compelling, anguished, layered, and detailed only where it needs to be, this story continues the events started in Loving Luki, the first in the Vasquez and James series. After the gut-wrenching plot of Delsyn's Blues, this story finds Luki and Sonny already married, having done the deed in Washington State where its legal. But Luki and Sonny are men with emotional overtones and layers that reach into their pasts and heritage, so a marriage in Hawaii suits them spiritually as well as setting the stage for the first part of their new life together. It's there we find them gathered together with family and friends to celebrate a union as deeply complicated as the men themselves. And their bliss and happiness is as shortlived as the readers…"
For all reviews, author interviews, book tours and contests, visit http://ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords...
November 21, 2019
Another nail biter
This started out so sweet. A beautiful wedding and no real honeymoon, happy sex scene! The second part of their honey moon trip, they hit a bump in the road of their relationship and things mostly went downhill from there. Jeez, will these guys never catch a break? It gets pretty awful, too. My heart wept for Jackie. He was a confused damaged boy before, now it's going to be so much harder for him. Thankfully, nothing about Jackie was on-page but we still find out too much. I think Brian will be back in the future. At least the story ends on a beautiful upbeat note. Sonny and Luki have come so far together. At least we know they've had some quiet times in between events to bond. I think I'll give them a longer break before I jump into the next adventure.
This started out so sweet. A beautiful wedding and no real honeymoon, happy sex scene! The second part of their honey moon trip, they hit a bump in the road of their relationship and things mostly went downhill from there. Jeez, will these guys never catch a break? It gets pretty awful, too. My heart wept for Jackie. He was a confused damaged boy before, now it's going to be so much harder for him. Thankfully, nothing about Jackie was on-page but we still find out too much. I think Brian will be back in the future. At least the story ends on a beautiful upbeat note. Sonny and Luki have come so far together. At least we know they've had some quiet times in between events to bond. I think I'll give them a longer break before I jump into the next adventure.
July 14, 2013
This was another rollercoaster ride with Sonny and Luki. As with the previous books, we get sweet and sexy and action and adventure. I love how Sonny and Luki's relationship continues to grow and evolve as the series progresses. Their wedding was absolutely beautiful, their honeymoon not so much! Luki is still a hardass at heart but now he has so many more people that he cares about and who care about him and that complicates his life. He and Sonny know each other pretty well by now and are able to support each other throught the difficult times. I hope this is not the end of their story and that we also get to see a little more of Brian and Jackie.
November 12, 2014
3 to 3.25 stars
I found the sometimes disjointed style was less pronounced in this book, which made the story flow a lot better for me and the style felt more quirky rather than distracting and confusing. I still found the dialogue to often be unrealistic, especially between Luki and Sonny, which was overly sweet even in regular conversation. Nonetheless, I have the next book in the series and I do still feel invested enough in the characters themselves, and what happens to them, to want to read it.
I found the sometimes disjointed style was less pronounced in this book, which made the story flow a lot better for me and the style felt more quirky rather than distracting and confusing. I still found the dialogue to often be unrealistic, especially between Luki and Sonny, which was overly sweet even in regular conversation. Nonetheless, I have the next book in the series and I do still feel invested enough in the characters themselves, and what happens to them, to want to read it.
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