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Herc’s Mercs #2
Line in the Sand
In order to keep his skill in the field up to date, Alec “Red” Davis, Hercules Security’s Chief of Operations takes a job protecting Jon Baldwin, an actor thrown into the spotlight by sudden fame. Although he’s attracted to Jon, who is modest about his success and genuinely appreciative of his fans, Alec knows he has to keep his distance. Even when Jon makes it obvious he returns Alec’s interest, there is a professional line Alec knows he must never cross – no matter how great the temptation.
While accompanying Jon on a vacation to Central America, the two are caught in a devastating flash flood that pushes Alec’s abilities to their limits. Determined to get Jon to safety, Alec has to battle both nature and his own feelings. But when Jon falls ill, Alec realizes that professional integrity won’t mean a thing if he loses the man he loves.
While accompanying Jon on a vacation to Central America, the two are caught in a devastating flash flood that pushes Alec’s abilities to their limits. Determined to get Jon to safety, Alec has to battle both nature and his own feelings. But when Jon falls ill, Alec realizes that professional integrity won’t mean a thing if he loses the man he loves.
137 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2014
12 people are currently reading
105 people want to read
About the author
Ari McKay
72 books181 followersAri McKay is the professional pseudonym for Arionrhod and McKay, who collaborate on original m/m fiction. They began writing together in 2004 and finished their first original full length novel in 2011. Recently, they’ve begun collaborating on designing and creating costumes to wear and compete in at Sci Fi conventions, and they share a love of yarn and cake.
Arionrhod is an avid costumer, knitter, and all-around craft fiend, as well as a professional systems engineer. Mother of two human children and two dachshunds who think they are human, she is a voracious reader with wildly eclectic tastes, devouring romance novels, military science fiction, horror stories and Shakespeare with equal glee. She is currently preparing for the zombie apocalypse.
McKay is an English teacher who has been writing for one reason or another most of her life. She also enjoys knitting, reading, cooking, and playing video games. She has been known to knit in public. Given she has the survival skills of a gnat, she’s relying on Arionrhod to help her survive the zombie apocalypse.
Arionrhod is an avid costumer, knitter, and all-around craft fiend, as well as a professional systems engineer. Mother of two human children and two dachshunds who think they are human, she is a voracious reader with wildly eclectic tastes, devouring romance novels, military science fiction, horror stories and Shakespeare with equal glee. She is currently preparing for the zombie apocalypse.
McKay is an English teacher who has been writing for one reason or another most of her life. She also enjoys knitting, reading, cooking, and playing video games. She has been known to knit in public. Given she has the survival skills of a gnat, she’s relying on Arionrhod to help her survive the zombie apocalypse.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 15, 2014
There was way to much mush in this book for me. With all the talk about Red being a badass, I never once saw it. He was softer than downey snuggle bear. This book was so sweet it made my teeth hurt. I thought the first one was mushy, this one was way over the top. Not sure if I'll finish this series or read anything else by this author. I'm not one for mushy when I read about military men.
March 18, 2018
Short but sweet second offering in the Herc's Mercs series. I really liked both Jon and Alex and the romance felt believable and even the big jungle adventure didn't become two outlandish.
There's low steam in this one and lots of care giving and a nice lack of angst and I was rooting for them from the start.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
There's low steam in this one and lots of care giving and a nice lack of angst and I was rooting for them from the start.
#ARC kindly received from the author in return for an honest and unbiased review.
November 30, 2016
'Line in the Sand' is the second book in Ari McKay's series, 'Herc's Mercs'. I need to apologize to the author because, frankly, I'd forgotten how much I enjoyed this world of strong security experts, dedicated to protecting their clients. If you know me at all, then you know I have an immense amount of respect for law enforcement, first responders, and military personnel. Plus, well, let's face it. The men in those professions are usually hotter than hot, and everyone needs that kind of brain candy.
Alec has been behind a desk for far too long, so it's a relief when his boss, Cade, asks him to take over bodyguard duties for an up-and-coming young actor. Jon knows that he owes everything to his fans, so he doesn't think twice about mixing and mingling with them, signing autographs, taking pictures, etc. Basically, a bodyguard’s worst nightmare. But Alec and Jon figure out a way to compromise, and everything is going well, unless you count their desire for each other, which neither is sure they should act upon. However, when a life and death situation emerges, Alec and Jon can't resist. The question now is…where do they go from here?
I liked this second installment, but I don't feel as strongly about these two characters as I do about the featured ones in the previous book. The author spent a lot of time on Alec and Jon's survival trek, which I understand, their romance was so good, I wanted more. However, it won't stop me from reading the next story, especially since I met one of the protagonists here and I can already tell I will like him. If you enjoy a sweet and gentle love story with a little drama, this might be the book for you.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
Alec has been behind a desk for far too long, so it's a relief when his boss, Cade, asks him to take over bodyguard duties for an up-and-coming young actor. Jon knows that he owes everything to his fans, so he doesn't think twice about mixing and mingling with them, signing autographs, taking pictures, etc. Basically, a bodyguard’s worst nightmare. But Alec and Jon figure out a way to compromise, and everything is going well, unless you count their desire for each other, which neither is sure they should act upon. However, when a life and death situation emerges, Alec and Jon can't resist. The question now is…where do they go from here?
I liked this second installment, but I don't feel as strongly about these two characters as I do about the featured ones in the previous book. The author spent a lot of time on Alec and Jon's survival trek, which I understand, their romance was so good, I wanted more. However, it won't stop me from reading the next story, especially since I met one of the protagonists here and I can already tell I will like him. If you enjoy a sweet and gentle love story with a little drama, this might be the book for you.
NOTE: This book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews
February 1, 2015
We met Red in the first book and I was intrigued, so I was happy to see his story was next.
This book is really super sweet and I love that the author really takes the time to develop these relationships. There is the insta attraction but the real deep feelings take time to come to fruition.
There isn't an outside element that is trying to come between these two characters it's all about the situation they find themselves in and the way that adversity brings these two people together.
Red may have tried to fight the attraction at first but it was always there and you knew eventually he was going to realize it.
I am really enjoying this series and the kick ass alpha men that aren't afraid to show their feelings.
This book is really super sweet and I love that the author really takes the time to develop these relationships. There is the insta attraction but the real deep feelings take time to come to fruition.
There isn't an outside element that is trying to come between these two characters it's all about the situation they find themselves in and the way that adversity brings these two people together.
Red may have tried to fight the attraction at first but it was always there and you knew eventually he was going to realize it.
I am really enjoying this series and the kick ass alpha men that aren't afraid to show their feelings.
January 16, 2015
I loved their story!
December 2, 2019
ARC received for an honest review.
Jon Baldwin is an actor finishing a run on stage and getting ready to start his press junket for his new movie. He's a happy go lucky guy who likes to live life to the fullest. He doesn't seem to have much safety in his vocabulary.
Alec "Red" Davis is the Hercules Security Chief of Operations that is taking his first field assignment in a long while. He's basically protecting Jon from himself because Jon doesn't see that anyone would try to hurt him.
Jon and Alec are both attracted to each other but only Jon is open to exploring it. Alec is serious and kinda uptight for most of the book, which makes it hard to get comfortable with his character. Jon is very open and happy and I felt like he was very comfortable in himself. Jon's constant flirting with Alec is fun to read. You get to see him slowly wear Alec down and their falling in love. When a vacation to Costa Cordoba turns deadly they have to work together to get out alive. This is where the book really picks up and gets gripping. Alec shows his relaxed, loving side and his survival skills. The chemistry between the two is slow at first but by the end of the book it's definitely felt and believable.
Good continuing series. I liked this a lot and I'm looking forward to book 3. I recommend any M/M fans give this series a try.
Jon Baldwin is an actor finishing a run on stage and getting ready to start his press junket for his new movie. He's a happy go lucky guy who likes to live life to the fullest. He doesn't seem to have much safety in his vocabulary.
Alec "Red" Davis is the Hercules Security Chief of Operations that is taking his first field assignment in a long while. He's basically protecting Jon from himself because Jon doesn't see that anyone would try to hurt him.
Jon and Alec are both attracted to each other but only Jon is open to exploring it. Alec is serious and kinda uptight for most of the book, which makes it hard to get comfortable with his character. Jon is very open and happy and I felt like he was very comfortable in himself. Jon's constant flirting with Alec is fun to read. You get to see him slowly wear Alec down and their falling in love. When a vacation to Costa Cordoba turns deadly they have to work together to get out alive. This is where the book really picks up and gets gripping. Alec shows his relaxed, loving side and his survival skills. The chemistry between the two is slow at first but by the end of the book it's definitely felt and believable.
Good continuing series. I liked this a lot and I'm looking forward to book 3. I recommend any M/M fans give this series a try.
July 2, 2017
5 Stars Plus🌟 loved this book from Ari McKay. The series is fantastic too but so far this book would be my favourite (didnt read in books order). Red and Jon adorable especially when Red's protectionism comes out. His battles of job vs client are big on his heart.
Alec or unkown as Red to freinds working at Hercules security made his way to his next client. Red was the private bodyguard to Jonathan, a theatre performer on stage as well as a movie star. Red just the saved Jon from a mishap with a sword.. right place right time.. As soon as Red and Jon shook hands Red knew he was in trouble of attraction.. What follows is not what you expect to happen.. A tottal must read,
Alec or unkown as Red to freinds working at Hercules security made his way to his next client. Red was the private bodyguard to Jonathan, a theatre performer on stage as well as a movie star. Red just the saved Jon from a mishap with a sword.. right place right time.. As soon as Red and Jon shook hands Red knew he was in trouble of attraction.. What follows is not what you expect to happen.. A tottal must read,
December 6, 2019
This was so good, a story of building trust and being there for each other in the making of a strong friendship then turning into a beautiful love.
Alec is hired as Jon's new bodyguard, and while both men are extremely attracted to one another, they're both wary of acting on the attraction, for fear of losing his professional integrity, in Alec's case, or losing the friendship of the man who's come to mean so much to him, in Jon's one.
It will talke a natural disaster and the fear of possibly losing something wonderful before even fully experiencing it to bring these two great men together. And when they're together, the bond is unbreakable!
Alec is hired as Jon's new bodyguard, and while both men are extremely attracted to one another, they're both wary of acting on the attraction, for fear of losing his professional integrity, in Alec's case, or losing the friendship of the man who's come to mean so much to him, in Jon's one.
It will talke a natural disaster and the fear of possibly losing something wonderful before even fully experiencing it to bring these two great men together. And when they're together, the bond is unbreakable!
September 1, 2020
3.5 * Rounded up because I liked the characters and the jungle trek. I'll call it police but only because he's a body guard. He never had to fight off any crazy stalkers. I enjoyed this because I thought Jon was such a nice guy and they ended up in "Costa Cordoba", aka Costa Rica where I am. LOL Hopefully no earthquakes leading to floods here, but we get a few regular tremors. Also we aren't really a malaria zone but you never know. Always use Off.
I wish there had been a bit more about them getting to know each other. You are told they do but mostly it just kind of drops you in at various points in their relationship over a few months. Still it was a fun read.
I wish there had been a bit more about them getting to know each other. You are told they do but mostly it just kind of drops you in at various points in their relationship over a few months. Still it was a fun read.
October 4, 2024
3.5 stars
This wasn’t instalove but it was certainly insta-infatuation. The MCs (one had the first name Alec and the other the last name Baldwin…) both struggled to keep their hands to themselves at the beginning. But they did and the story jumped through weeks or months at a time so it was far more believable when they did fall for each other.
The action was good and suspenseful. The setting was well done and believable. The pacing was very good as well. The bodyguard was believable too. I like what they were willing to sacrifice/do for each other at the end.
I’ll definitely read the next one.
This wasn’t instalove but it was certainly insta-infatuation. The MCs (one had the first name Alec and the other the last name Baldwin…) both struggled to keep their hands to themselves at the beginning. But they did and the story jumped through weeks or months at a time so it was far more believable when they did fall for each other.
The action was good and suspenseful. The setting was well done and believable. The pacing was very good as well. The bodyguard was believable too. I like what they were willing to sacrifice/do for each other at the end.
I’ll definitely read the next one.
January 24, 2019
well, this one is definitely better than the first one in the series, but still not more than 2,5 stars. It has some story for a change, and not the usual famous person+ crazy stalker plot line. But, the thing that disturbes me the most are the dialogues between the characters. Who leads conversations like that? It doesn't feel real at all.
Also, play by play sex scene?! Yeah, predictable and dull, I missed when one of the characters reached his peak.
But still, I am starting the third one.
Also, play by play sex scene?! Yeah, predictable and dull, I missed when one of the characters reached his peak.
But still, I am starting the third one.
April 24, 2018
A Really Good Read
Alec and Jon's story was exciting and romantic. It had a lot of angst. Knowing that they each felt the same way about each other, but not telling each other about how they feel. A really good read.
Alec and Jon's story was exciting and romantic. It had a lot of angst. Knowing that they each felt the same way about each other, but not telling each other about how they feel. A really good read.
September 12, 2018
Another fabulous story
I love how Jon wasn't your typical movie star in need of a body guard. Alex was amazing in trying to keep professional but eventually falling for Jon. It was different from your typical bodyguard love stories and that's what I loved about it.
I love how Jon wasn't your typical movie star in need of a body guard. Alex was amazing in trying to keep professional but eventually falling for Jon. It was different from your typical bodyguard love stories and that's what I loved about it.
April 6, 2018
This one was different. Instead of a psycho we have a natural disasters that Red has to save his client from. It had good suspenseful moments but it seemed more bland. It was still good!
July 1, 2016
This is book two in a series but I didn’t read book one and wasn’t lost at all.
Alec is glad to be given an assignment again as a bodyguard to the “careless” actor Jon who doesn’t like to keep himself separated from his fans, even when he’s been advised to do so.
The two go on a vacation in Central America and disaster strikes. So, while the two are obviously attracted to one another, but have decided not to act upon it out of professionalism, when the cards are down, they realize that time may not be on their side.
**
I had really enjoyed another book by Ari McKay, On the Rocks, and when this came up on audible I liked the storyline and took a chance.
I have to admit that while I enjoyed the MCs development and slow burn romance, the fact that they don’t act on it til near the very end and instead focus most of the story on their survival time in the jungle was a disappointment.
I will definitely look into the other books in the series – I love the sensitive alpha male that is portrayed here – but this wasn’t a big score for me.
Audio
Jacob Schaumburg is a new to me narrator and he did a great job with giving the MCs unique voices with a lovely southern accent for Alec. I was glad I listened to this rather than read it because it definitely added to my overall enjoyement. (Be aware that there are some technical errors in this audio – some areas where the narrator clicks the computer and re-starts his narration – something that was clearly meant to be removed but wasn’t – but the sound quality and voicing is great.)
3.5 of 5 stars
Alec is glad to be given an assignment again as a bodyguard to the “careless” actor Jon who doesn’t like to keep himself separated from his fans, even when he’s been advised to do so.
The two go on a vacation in Central America and disaster strikes. So, while the two are obviously attracted to one another, but have decided not to act upon it out of professionalism, when the cards are down, they realize that time may not be on their side.
**
I had really enjoyed another book by Ari McKay, On the Rocks, and when this came up on audible I liked the storyline and took a chance.
I have to admit that while I enjoyed the MCs development and slow burn romance, the fact that they don’t act on it til near the very end and instead focus most of the story on their survival time in the jungle was a disappointment.
I will definitely look into the other books in the series – I love the sensitive alpha male that is portrayed here – but this wasn’t a big score for me.
Audio
Jacob Schaumburg is a new to me narrator and he did a great job with giving the MCs unique voices with a lovely southern accent for Alec. I was glad I listened to this rather than read it because it definitely added to my overall enjoyement. (Be aware that there are some technical errors in this audio – some areas where the narrator clicks the computer and re-starts his narration – something that was clearly meant to be removed but wasn’t – but the sound quality and voicing is great.)
3.5 of 5 stars
April 24, 2021
A great second book in the series. Enjoyed it greatly.
MM.
Alec (RED) and Jon's story. Jon is a Actor and Red is Herc's right hand man, In their former career he was Herc's XO. They become lost in a avalanche of water while out on the river, there has been a earthquake in the country they were in. Their romance was almost instantaneous. But of course neither would tell they other this.
MM.
Alec (RED) and Jon's story. Jon is a Actor and Red is Herc's right hand man, In their former career he was Herc's XO. They become lost in a avalanche of water while out on the river, there has been a earthquake in the country they were in. Their romance was almost instantaneous. But of course neither would tell they other this.
December 24, 2023
This is part of a series but can be read as a stand alone. Not my favorite by these authors but good enough that I'll probably read the next one. I'd like a little more maturity in the characters.
Liked it but didn't love it.
Liked it but didn't love it.
gave-up-on
November 26, 2017Couldn't get into the characters. Story just dragged on. I think I was distracted by the narration. I think they release an un-edited audiobook complete with stumbles and clicks to fix that part. Did not finish. Left unrated.
October 2, 2014
Really sweet, fun read. Am enjoying these Herc's Mercs books, can't wait for the next one!
Bonus points for a truly awesome bi character (who says he's bi).
Bonus points for a truly awesome bi character (who says he's bi).
January 15, 2015
3.5 stars
February 4, 2015
maybe ever 4,5 stars... this is so far the best book in series for me.
February 16, 2015
Full review posted at http://guiltyindulgencebookclub.blogs...
May 3, 2016
It was okay and a good romance. Really, really slow burn. It kind of dragged and even the adventure part wasn't that exciting.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews