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Close Quarters #2
Stranded
A Love for the Holidays charity story Cabe got out of the gun-for-hire business the hard way — by nearly dying. Except then his former boss calls in one last favor for one final job. The mission should be get a message to a retired operative in Alaska. But it puts Cabe face-to-face with the one man he doesn’t want to see and can never forget. Not after all the secrets and lies. Not after Brax almost killed him. Brax Hughes lived hard and retired young to a cabin in the middle of nowhere. Well, that was the plan, but before he can hang up his sniper rifle, he has one last win back Kyle Cabe. Brax wants another chance, wants to come clean, but after months of lying to Cabe, he knows he could face a bullet — or worse — when they meet again. And they will meet. Brax made sure of that. With a storm moving in and someone lurking outside the cabin, time is running out. Brax needs to talk fast and keep his weapons ready. And his best weapon is the truth. Word 41,000; page 155 * * * * * * * Twenty percent of the proceeds from this title will be donated to the Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual and Transgender (GLBT) National Help Center. Founded in 1996, the GLBT National Help Center is a non-profit organization that provides vital peer-support, community connections and resource information to people with questions regarding sexual orientation and/or gender identity. Utilizing a diverse group of GLBT volunteers, they operate two national hotlines, the GLBT National Hotline and the GLBT National Youth Talkline, as well as private, volunteer one-to-one online chat, that help both youth and adults with coming-out issues, safer-sex information, school bullying, family concerns, relationship problems and a lot more. To learn more about this charity or to donate directly, please visit their website at glbthotline.org.
148 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 21, 2015
12 people are currently reading
193 people want to read
About the author
HelenKay Dimon
167 books990 followersHelenKay Dimon is a divorce lawyer-turned-romance author. After dedicating years to helping people terminate relationships she now writes romance novels full time. Her books have earned praise, appeared on bestseller lists, won numerous awards and twice been named Red-Hot Reads and excerpted in Cosmo. She sometimes writes erotic romance, sometimes writes romantic suspense and sometimes writes contemporary romance. But no matter what she's writing her books are always filled with smart banter and sexy times, and a HEA is guaranteed.
-"Sharp writing and plenty of sexy romantic sizzle..." - John Charles, Chicago Tribune
-"So smart, sexy and fast-paced, I devour her stories." - Lori Foster, NYT bestselling author
-"Lots of heat with lots of humor." - MaryJanice Davidson, NYT bestselling author
-"She's a delight." - Christina Dodd, NYT bestselling author
-"Sharp writing and plenty of sexy romantic sizzle..." - John Charles, Chicago Tribune
-"So smart, sexy and fast-paced, I devour her stories." - Lori Foster, NYT bestselling author
-"Lots of heat with lots of humor." - MaryJanice Davidson, NYT bestselling author
-"She's a delight." - Christina Dodd, NYT bestselling author
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
December 3, 2015
2.5 stars
This started intriguing enough for me -- I always have soft spot for couples with history between them, so when Cabe came face-to-face with the man who put a bullet into him and left him for dead after a year, the man whom Cabe had relationship with as well, I was excited! Think about the betrayal! The hurt! The possible angst!! Oh yes, I was totally into it ...
... but then the whole thing fell apart because the plot killed the emotions. The whole reasons why Brax did what he did, the conspiracy behind it, a later development of someone else sent to the cabin, ALL THOSE SECRETS. Gah! I got bored very fast. Because then their conversations went round and round and round in regards to the 'conspiracy' (which made my head hurts too, by the way), and of course the sex in between.
To me, after than 20% (which the first sex came in as well), the story became like this: "Tell me the truth", "I did it to protect you", "You lie to me", blah blah blah, sex, sex, "You lie to me", "I did it for you", blah blah blah, sex, sex ... rinse and repeat. I guess there's also a reason why I don't like stories about spies or assassins... too many bend over the truth. Give me homicide detectives any day.
I need to note that this is the author's first work in MM. She already has several MF titles in her career. I even have of her titles that is waiting for me to be read. I don't know if this is 'first time jitters' because it features two men (who, what, have difficulties to communicate?), I can't really judge before I read her MF ones. See Jess's comment below.
Bottom line, Stranded has strong start but weak and boring execution for the rest of the novella.
This started intriguing enough for me -- I always have soft spot for couples with history between them, so when Cabe came face-to-face with the man who put a bullet into him and left him for dead after a year, the man whom Cabe had relationship with as well, I was excited! Think about the betrayal! The hurt! The possible angst!! Oh yes, I was totally into it ...
... but then the whole thing fell apart because the plot killed the emotions. The whole reasons why Brax did what he did, the conspiracy behind it, a later development of someone else sent to the cabin, ALL THOSE SECRETS. Gah! I got bored very fast. Because then their conversations went round and round and round in regards to the 'conspiracy' (which made my head hurts too, by the way), and of course the sex in between.
To me, after than 20% (which the first sex came in as well), the story became like this: "Tell me the truth", "I did it to protect you", "You lie to me", blah blah blah, sex, sex, "You lie to me", "I did it for you", blah blah blah, sex, sex ... rinse and repeat. I guess there's also a reason why I don't like stories about spies or assassins... too many bend over the truth. Give me homicide detectives any day.
Bottom line, Stranded has strong start but weak and boring execution for the rest of the novella.
January 21, 2018
4 Stars!!!
Okay, I readily admit that this pretty much is my jam and everything that I want in an assassin spy thriller, as it features stoic alpha males who’re uber tough and proud to call themselves their own one man islands. However, for Brax and Cabe, despite the fact that their attraction’s instant, their coming together passionate, there’s just one teeny tiny problem. Their very existence is predicated upon lies and subterfuge, and before a solid foundation of trust can be built, something gets in the way. Something small like being shot and left for dead.
Basically, that’s the crux of the story. I admit that this is rife with miscommunication and definitely some no-communication, but I forgive it because these men have only survived by keeping things close to the vest. There’s not one millimeter of wiggle room that they’re willing to concede. So, when bad guys conspire to end both Brax and Cabe, one of them goes to extremes to protect the other, all without full disclosure of course. Judgment day is nigh upon them. Will it be enough to forgive and forget?
Boy oh boy, what runs rampant is the animosity, the desperate hope, the kind of angry distrustful bitterness that lust (and dare we say love?) just might be able to pierce?? The tension between these two is palpable, not to mention the sexual heat. Unf.
Need I say more?? I obviously ate this up like a starving fool. These two are brought to their knees by the feelings they don’t even want to admit to themselves, let alone to each other. It was delicious. I must needs seconds!
Okay, I readily admit that this pretty much is my jam and everything that I want in an assassin spy thriller, as it features stoic alpha males who’re uber tough and proud to call themselves their own one man islands. However, for Brax and Cabe, despite the fact that their attraction’s instant, their coming together passionate, there’s just one teeny tiny problem. Their very existence is predicated upon lies and subterfuge, and before a solid foundation of trust can be built, something gets in the way. Something small like being shot and left for dead.
Basically, that’s the crux of the story. I admit that this is rife with miscommunication and definitely some no-communication, but I forgive it because these men have only survived by keeping things close to the vest. There’s not one millimeter of wiggle room that they’re willing to concede. So, when bad guys conspire to end both Brax and Cabe, one of them goes to extremes to protect the other, all without full disclosure of course. Judgment day is nigh upon them. Will it be enough to forgive and forget?
Boy oh boy, what runs rampant is the animosity, the desperate hope, the kind of angry distrustful bitterness that lust (and dare we say love?) just might be able to pierce?? The tension between these two is palpable, not to mention the sexual heat. Unf.
Need I say more?? I obviously ate this up like a starving fool. These two are brought to their knees by the feelings they don’t even want to admit to themselves, let alone to each other. It was delicious. I must needs seconds!
June 30, 2017
Things just didn't quite work on this one...
I was really excited about this one. I love a good mystery and if there's some steamy romance thrown in with it...well, all the better in my eyes.
Kyle Cabe's last assignment was nearly the death of him...literally, he's done working as a gun-for-hire or he was until his boss hands him one last assignment. An assignment that has him heading for Alaska and a confrontation with the one person he never wanted to see again. Brax Hughes wants Cabe back and with a little luck, a good storm and someone gunning for them, he's hoping to get a second chance.
This had all the makings of seriously intriguing story for me. Two men with a history forced to rely on each other to defeat an unknown enemy and maybe discover along the way if what they felt for each other is still there or if it died with a single gunshot nearly a year ago.
I was hoping for the awesomeness of Josh Lanyon's 'Fair Play', Tinnean's 'Spy vs Spook' maybe a bit of Abigail Roux's 'Cut & Run' or 'Sidewinders'...so many possibilities were running through my brain. Sadly it was not to be.
'Stranded' was an ok story that just seemed to run out of steam in the mystery/suspense department. Maybe if it had been longer and there had been more development done with the characters and their background, the story behind what caused the separation between these two men was covered too briefly for me and what I got honestly had me wanting more...wanting it filled out and a bit more detailed...so much potential was there.
As for the romance because the mystery/suspense part of this fell short and for me the romance was very dependent on this part of the story, it left that part lacking as well. The connection didn't fell as strong as it could have been. So when all was said and done this story was only ok with the potential to be so much better and it was the audio that truthfully helped save it for me.
Dorian Bane was the narrator on this one and in general I liked his voice. Overall he did a solid job with things and specifically I loved his interpretation of Brax. Brax's voice was deep and had a gruff, gravelly tone that just did it for me...yep, Brax can whisper in my ear anytime...I'll listen.
While 'Stranded' wasn't the awesome read that I was looking for I saw enough potential to make me want to give this author another try and 20% of the proceeds for this book go to the GLBT National Help Center so second chances are well deserved here.
*******************
An ARC of the audiobook 'Stranded' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I was really excited about this one. I love a good mystery and if there's some steamy romance thrown in with it...well, all the better in my eyes.
Kyle Cabe's last assignment was nearly the death of him...literally, he's done working as a gun-for-hire or he was until his boss hands him one last assignment. An assignment that has him heading for Alaska and a confrontation with the one person he never wanted to see again. Brax Hughes wants Cabe back and with a little luck, a good storm and someone gunning for them, he's hoping to get a second chance.
This had all the makings of seriously intriguing story for me. Two men with a history forced to rely on each other to defeat an unknown enemy and maybe discover along the way if what they felt for each other is still there or if it died with a single gunshot nearly a year ago.
I was hoping for the awesomeness of Josh Lanyon's 'Fair Play', Tinnean's 'Spy vs Spook' maybe a bit of Abigail Roux's 'Cut & Run' or 'Sidewinders'...so many possibilities were running through my brain. Sadly it was not to be.
'Stranded' was an ok story that just seemed to run out of steam in the mystery/suspense department. Maybe if it had been longer and there had been more development done with the characters and their background, the story behind what caused the separation between these two men was covered too briefly for me and what I got honestly had me wanting more...wanting it filled out and a bit more detailed...so much potential was there.
As for the romance because the mystery/suspense part of this fell short and for me the romance was very dependent on this part of the story, it left that part lacking as well. The connection didn't fell as strong as it could have been. So when all was said and done this story was only ok with the potential to be so much better and it was the audio that truthfully helped save it for me.
Dorian Bane was the narrator on this one and in general I liked his voice. Overall he did a solid job with things and specifically I loved his interpretation of Brax. Brax's voice was deep and had a gruff, gravelly tone that just did it for me...yep, Brax can whisper in my ear anytime...I'll listen.
While 'Stranded' wasn't the awesome read that I was looking for I saw enough potential to make me want to give this author another try and 20% of the proceeds for this book go to the GLBT National Help Center so second chances are well deserved here.
*******************
An ARC of the audiobook 'Stranded' was graciously provided by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
November 4, 2015
2.5 stars
Possible spoilers below.
I've got mixed feelings about this one.
Even though I tend to like MM assassin books, I don't read many of them. Those that I do read usually have dark themes. When 'Stranded' popped up on NetGalley, I knew it would be a much lighter affair, but the blurb and holiday theme drew me in.
I have to say that I really liked the set-up. The double-crossing and the I-hate-you-but-I-still-love-you made for some good angst. I could sympathize with the hurt and anger Cabe felt, while also rooting from Brax's plan to win Cabe back. I also liked that their big reunion was in a secluded mountain cabin in the middle of a snowstorm. The hot angry make-up sex was an added bonus.
The action in 'Stranded' was minimal. There was a distinct lack of blood, which was a bit disappointing considering this is a book about two hardened career assassins. But given the short length, I could overlook the fact that the plot was taken up mostly with Cabe and Brax's relationship problems.
I think where 'Stranded' falls short is giving enough backstory to cement the relationship. There are no flashbacks or prologues to show how Cabe and Brax got together, so the reader has to just rely on the tidbits of information the two MCs drop here and there. I wanted more of it, so that I could really believe that the two were in love before everything blew up. Without that background, I felt like I was missing a large chunk of the story.
Overall, I enjoyed 'Stranded' enough to bump it up to 3 stars. The reunion and mending, both emotional and sexual, kept me interested, and the HEA was well-deserved. Some more backstory would have made it even better.
Review copy provided through NetGalley.
Possible spoilers below.
I've got mixed feelings about this one.
Even though I tend to like MM assassin books, I don't read many of them. Those that I do read usually have dark themes. When 'Stranded' popped up on NetGalley, I knew it would be a much lighter affair, but the blurb and holiday theme drew me in.
I have to say that I really liked the set-up. The double-crossing and the I-hate-you-but-I-still-love-you made for some good angst. I could sympathize with the hurt and anger Cabe felt, while also rooting from Brax's plan to win Cabe back. I also liked that their big reunion was in a secluded mountain cabin in the middle of a snowstorm. The hot angry make-up sex was an added bonus.
The action in 'Stranded' was minimal. There was a distinct lack of blood, which was a bit disappointing considering this is a book about two hardened career assassins. But given the short length, I could overlook the fact that the plot was taken up mostly with Cabe and Brax's relationship problems.
I think where 'Stranded' falls short is giving enough backstory to cement the relationship. There are no flashbacks or prologues to show how Cabe and Brax got together, so the reader has to just rely on the tidbits of information the two MCs drop here and there. I wanted more of it, so that I could really believe that the two were in love before everything blew up. Without that background, I felt like I was missing a large chunk of the story.
Overall, I enjoyed 'Stranded' enough to bump it up to 3 stars. The reunion and mending, both emotional and sexual, kept me interested, and the HEA was well-deserved. Some more backstory would have made it even better.
Review copy provided through NetGalley.
December 18, 2019
Audio Review 18Dec2019: 4 Stars (Story still around 3 stars though.)
Dorian Bane really can make anything better!
17Oct2018: Oh man, it's out on audio with the delicious Dorian Bane narrating. Now I'm torn on whether to give it a go again because I was just sort of "meh" on the book the first go 'round...but Dorian Bane. *whimpers*
Original Rating 14Dec2016: 3.1 Stars
Okay, wtf? I really liked the premise but the execution left a lot to be desired. And I still have no idea what all that nonsense was with Sean at the end. Was there supposed to be a follow-up book where any of that was explained as more than just a not-so-new newbie? And maybe why Myers sent the wrong message? Where was Myers himself and why did he seem to be ousted? Did anyone from their organization finally put Umarov in the ground? Did they actually manage to stay off-grid or did their new activities alert anyone? That bit about the new security/PI set-up was a perfect intro to answer this so I hope it's being considered...otherwise, not as happy with it as I could have been. (And makes me leary of reading Mr. and Mr. Smith which has been on my TBR shelf for a while...)
Dorian Bane really can make anything better!
17Oct2018: Oh man, it's out on audio with the delicious Dorian Bane narrating. Now I'm torn on whether to give it a go again because I was just sort of "meh" on the book the first go 'round...but Dorian Bane. *whimpers*
Original Rating 14Dec2016: 3.1 Stars
Okay, wtf? I really liked the premise but the execution left a lot to be desired. And I still have no idea what all that nonsense was with Sean at the end. Was there supposed to be a follow-up book where any of that was explained as more than just a not-so-new newbie? And maybe why Myers sent the wrong message? Where was Myers himself and why did he seem to be ousted? Did anyone from their organization finally put Umarov in the ground? Did they actually manage to stay off-grid or did their new activities alert anyone? That bit about the new security/PI set-up was a perfect intro to answer this so I hope it's being considered...otherwise, not as happy with it as I could have been. (And makes me leary of reading Mr. and Mr. Smith which has been on my TBR shelf for a while...)
December 12, 2017
***** Amazing, action packed, sexy, heartwarming Christmas tale !!!
The proceeds for this book got to a great cause, GLBT Nat'l Help Center. This is a Christmas story in a wild Alaska wilderness, but sure doesn't start like one !
Two assassins with a history of being lovers, and Brax shooting Cabe last year, is complicated. We need to know if Cabe can forgive Brax when he finds out the whole story.
Their hot, dirty talking, wild sex is amazing, and they can't get enough of one another. Yummy. There is action, suspense, and more crazy make-up sex as the story continues.
Then after Cabe runs off after Brax omits some truths, and we think it may be over. These dudes need some serious talking and compromise to get on track.
The beginning felt like a hot spy novel, and the end was very rough, but heartwarming.
Highly recommend ! ENJOY !!!
The proceeds for this book got to a great cause, GLBT Nat'l Help Center. This is a Christmas story in a wild Alaska wilderness, but sure doesn't start like one !
Two assassins with a history of being lovers, and Brax shooting Cabe last year, is complicated. We need to know if Cabe can forgive Brax when he finds out the whole story.
Their hot, dirty talking, wild sex is amazing, and they can't get enough of one another. Yummy. There is action, suspense, and more crazy make-up sex as the story continues.
Then after Cabe runs off after Brax omits some truths, and we think it may be over. These dudes need some serious talking and compromise to get on track.
The beginning felt like a hot spy novel, and the end was very rough, but heartwarming.
Highly recommend ! ENJOY !!!
November 17, 2024
“Maybe we’re not over.”
“I would have done anything to hear those words ten months ago.”
“I’ve been saying them, feeling them, every day since.”
A HelenKay Dimon story is NOT a dime a dozen. Ugh, I knows that I needs to stop with the bads plays on words.
Suspense is my preferred subgenre of romance, and I consider Dimon a first-rate author. She employs a fairly standard “secrets and lies” formula, but it gets me every damn time. I know that “secrets and lies” doesn’t sound exactly, um, promising for romance, but trust me on this: you never doubt the characters’ utter devotion, their loyalty, their willingness to sacrifice anything and anyone to protect one another. And if you’re an angst-slut like me, you will relish in the agony. AND you’ll get some most passionate sexing.
So back to the formula. One main character is typically concealing something vital from the other, whether it be their true identity, true intention for establishing the relationship, or true motivation behind a particular act. Of course, something else is true: the undercover lover fell head over heels in love with the unsuspecting partner. I’m SUCH a sucker for that trope.
Cabe comes face-to-face once more with Brax, the lover who betrayed him (but not really) and left him for dead (again, not really). You feel their rawness and intensity of emotion so potently. The desperation and desire pour off the page. As they reconnect, they face some external but mainly internal challenges. I would have loved if this story was longer. I think it would have been better if it had been longer. Vital plot foundations and additional character development were needed. That said, Dimon did well within a constrained length.
It isn’t uncommon for Dimon to feature couples in a pre-existing relationship. Since this doesn’t always work for some readers, I would encourage caution but still recommend her works wholeheartedly.
Cabe and Brax's story wrapped up nicely, but I feel there is a potential for more. I wouldn't mind a follow-up - or two or three - in this universe. 😜
“I would have done anything to hear those words ten months ago.”
“I’ve been saying them, feeling them, every day since.”
A HelenKay Dimon story is NOT a dime a dozen. Ugh, I knows that I needs to stop with the bads plays on words.
Suspense is my preferred subgenre of romance, and I consider Dimon a first-rate author. She employs a fairly standard “secrets and lies” formula, but it gets me every damn time. I know that “secrets and lies” doesn’t sound exactly, um, promising for romance, but trust me on this: you never doubt the characters’ utter devotion, their loyalty, their willingness to sacrifice anything and anyone to protect one another. And if you’re an angst-slut like me, you will relish in the agony. AND you’ll get some most passionate sexing.
So back to the formula. One main character is typically concealing something vital from the other, whether it be their true identity, true intention for establishing the relationship, or true motivation behind a particular act. Of course, something else is true: the undercover lover fell head over heels in love with the unsuspecting partner. I’m SUCH a sucker for that trope.
Cabe comes face-to-face once more with Brax, the lover who betrayed him (but not really) and left him for dead (again, not really). You feel their rawness and intensity of emotion so potently. The desperation and desire pour off the page. As they reconnect, they face some external but mainly internal challenges. I would have loved if this story was longer. I think it would have been better if it had been longer. Vital plot foundations and additional character development were needed. That said, Dimon did well within a constrained length.
It isn’t uncommon for Dimon to feature couples in a pre-existing relationship. Since this doesn’t always work for some readers, I would encourage caution but still recommend her works wholeheartedly.
Cabe and Brax's story wrapped up nicely, but I feel there is a potential for more. I wouldn't mind a follow-up - or two or three - in this universe. 😜
December 11, 2017
3.5 Stars
Stranded is another classic Dimon romantic-suspense, hitting the ground running and not letting up until all is said and done.
I have a good track record with Dimon’s M/M books to date and this (kind of) Christmas themed novella hit all the regular spots.
One of my favourite things about reading a story by Dimon is that she excels at writing dark and broody alpha males. What’s even better is that she usually writes two of them at once and has them come together in a powerfully explosive way, meshing action, sex and love so perfectly.
Another aspect I love about Dimon’s writing is that she often just throws you straight into the midst of the action and demands you keep up. I love this because it negates any slow set-up period in the storytelling and it keeps you on your toes as you try to put the intricate pieces of the plot together, all while awesome shit is going down all around you.
Ultimately, I enjoyed this one and I liked the MCs, although I could have done with more romance here, but I'm greedy like that.
Stranded is another classic Dimon romantic-suspense, hitting the ground running and not letting up until all is said and done.
I have a good track record with Dimon’s M/M books to date and this (kind of) Christmas themed novella hit all the regular spots.
One of my favourite things about reading a story by Dimon is that she excels at writing dark and broody alpha males. What’s even better is that she usually writes two of them at once and has them come together in a powerfully explosive way, meshing action, sex and love so perfectly.
Another aspect I love about Dimon’s writing is that she often just throws you straight into the midst of the action and demands you keep up. I love this because it negates any slow set-up period in the storytelling and it keeps you on your toes as you try to put the intricate pieces of the plot together, all while awesome shit is going down all around you.
Ultimately, I enjoyed this one and I liked the MCs, although I could have done with more romance here, but I'm greedy like that.
November 17, 2015
2.5 stars
This is a feel good Christmassy thriller/spy story. I thought it was ok but it wasn't gripping and I ended up feeling rather bored because the plot just didn't feel real to me.
I liked the two main characters but the action Brax took to protect Cabe was just implausible to me and unfortunately it is one of the main themes of the story.
I normally like most of the stories that are published by Riptide but this one was a miss rather than a hit. This is partly because I read a lot of mysteries/thrillers and I like a realistic plot. If the story is contemporary then I like to know it could happen in real life and I just couldn't see it here.
Alas not a great one for me but if you want a feel good thriller for Christmas then this might be for you.
Copy provided via NetGalley
This is a feel good Christmassy thriller/spy story. I thought it was ok but it wasn't gripping and I ended up feeling rather bored because the plot just didn't feel real to me.
I liked the two main characters but the action Brax took to protect Cabe was just implausible to me and unfortunately it is one of the main themes of the story.
I normally like most of the stories that are published by Riptide but this one was a miss rather than a hit. This is partly because I read a lot of mysteries/thrillers and I like a realistic plot. If the story is contemporary then I like to know it could happen in real life and I just couldn't see it here.
Alas not a great one for me but if you want a feel good thriller for Christmas then this might be for you.
Copy provided via NetGalley
Read
November 26, 2018
DNF at 40%
Simply not good.
November 9, 2017
This was like I'm stranded in a condition I cannot understand, just like Brax and Cabe.
I found myself suddenly in the middle of two ex-lover's quarrel, in a cabin from nowhere.
And there's shooting and strange conversation about conspiracy.
I was kinda dizzy, reading this story.
Expected a a little romantic escape from two enemies, Brax and Cade gave me headache from the start.LOL! My bad.
Okay, we have this two alphas 'romantic' moments in the middle of their fear about being killed, they called it burning up the energy. It was actually hot :)
Yeah okay.
I was easily bored. There's no strong chemistry between Cabe and Brax, except the sex of course.
It was just an okay read for me.Maybe a little bit of background explanation will make me understand more about this guys.
I found out that this novella is the author's first MM, so, I didn't expect much.
* ARC received from Netgalley in exchange of an unbiased review.*
I found myself suddenly in the middle of two ex-lover's quarrel, in a cabin from nowhere.
And there's shooting and strange conversation about conspiracy.
I was kinda dizzy, reading this story.
Expected a a little romantic escape from two enemies, Brax and Cade gave me headache from the start.LOL! My bad.
Okay, we have this two alphas 'romantic' moments in the middle of their fear about being killed, they called it burning up the energy. It was actually hot :)
Yeah okay.
I was easily bored. There's no strong chemistry between Cabe and Brax, except the sex of course.
It was just an okay read for me.Maybe a little bit of background explanation will make me understand more about this guys.
I found out that this novella is the author's first MM, so, I didn't expect much.
* ARC received from Netgalley in exchange of an unbiased review.*
July 12, 2021
Meh. I liked it ...... but I never really felt the connection between Cade and Brax (and really, who names their kid Brax?). The plot was interesting .... but it seemed like we came in somewhere in the middle and never really got everything explained.
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September 15, 2020
3.5 Stars. I really like the whole spy/assassin characters and it's one of the few themes where I'm okay with miscommunication and lack of communication because really spies/assassins aren't the most open/honest types of people. I believe that they would be stoic and somewhat uncommunicative even when they were falling for someone else. So the lies/manipulation and miscommunication didn't really bother me although I do wish it wouldn't have lasted quite so long.
I enjoyed both Brax and Cabe and I really liked the animosity and the anger that mixed with the desire and just a bit of hope. It was an emotional cesspool but I enjoyed reading it. There was just enough action thrown in to keep me happy and although it didn't have much of a Christmas feel to it I still really loved it.
I enjoyed both Brax and Cabe and I really liked the animosity and the anger that mixed with the desire and just a bit of hope. It was an emotional cesspool but I enjoyed reading it. There was just enough action thrown in to keep me happy and although it didn't have much of a Christmas feel to it I still really loved it.
November 25, 2015
3.5 star review by The Blogger Girls.
This starts out rather interesting with Cabe sent on one last mission before he’s finally done with the business. Unfortunately, the mission involves the man he worked with previously and with whom he had a previous relationship. This same man ended that relationship when he tried to kill Cabe leaving him stunned to say the least.
Anyhoo, they meet back up where the two dance around truths and lies both past and present, but the undeniable attraction between them is still strong. Brax tries to use this to buy him time to convince Cabe of what really happened. There were so many details involving this that didn’t totally add up here that it was just really hard to believe most of it. There is a ton of mystery and miscommunication going on here both with what happened to their relationship previously and who is after them now. It all ties in, and we are given clues little by little about both.
This was a really quick read, and these two alpha guys are definitely hot together and even rather funny at times. If you can set aside the unbelievables, you’ll find this sexy story rather exciting. This is my first read by Ms. Dimon, and I’ll definitely be looking for her in the future.
December 11, 2015
This was a different book. Not what I expected but a good read.
This book offered some sexy times, mystery, alpha males falling in love and more, my only complaint is it seemed rushed and like the author just gave up.
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by JLoves2Read from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
This book offered some sexy times, mystery, alpha males falling in love and more, my only complaint is it seemed rushed and like the author just gave up.
*ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review. Reviewed by JLoves2Read from Alpha Book Club
and Gay Book Reviews
December 7, 2015
Entertaining hurt-comfort story that takes place in the wilderness of Alaska, pimped up with some mystery elements.
There’s a tough history between Cabe and Brax, two hot as hell alpha-males… and dozens of secrets and lies.
Their story was a good read… even though the secrets and the unanswered questions got on my nerves pretty fast.
Only recommended if you don't mind the missing plausibility.
November 23, 2015
y Review:
I'll admit I had no idea what this book was about when I sat down to read it. I just knew it was an m/m holiday book by HelenKay Dimon...sold on all accounts. So I was really shocked when I started reading and realized this was much more romantic suspense in that both mc's are assassins who have a wild history that involved attempted murder and espionage. Even more SOLD!
I started reading and didn't want to put it down, until I unraveled all the threads of what happened between Brax and Cabe. Wow, what a tangled web, but it made for a sexy, drama and angst filled read that I simply LOVED. When the book begins the reader has no idea what happened between these two men...only that in the last year, they were supposed to both have died and that there was a once-in-a-lifetime type love between them that somehow got completely blown up in the aftermath. As each little detail and twist emerges the full story becomes more and more shocking and more and more heartbreaking.
This is seriously my type of story. I loved all the twists and turns in it. That made for a riveting read and the fact that it takes place in a snowy wilderness during the holidays...all the better.
I may not have realized what I was getting when I picked up this story, but it was so much more and so much better than I expected. I truly and thoroughly enjoyed it. (And I know I didn't say much about the actual story, but that's because I don't want to write anything that might provide a spoiler.)
Read it and enjoy untwisting the mystery of the past and present between these men. I think you'll like it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
I'll admit I had no idea what this book was about when I sat down to read it. I just knew it was an m/m holiday book by HelenKay Dimon...sold on all accounts. So I was really shocked when I started reading and realized this was much more romantic suspense in that both mc's are assassins who have a wild history that involved attempted murder and espionage. Even more SOLD!
I started reading and didn't want to put it down, until I unraveled all the threads of what happened between Brax and Cabe. Wow, what a tangled web, but it made for a sexy, drama and angst filled read that I simply LOVED. When the book begins the reader has no idea what happened between these two men...only that in the last year, they were supposed to both have died and that there was a once-in-a-lifetime type love between them that somehow got completely blown up in the aftermath. As each little detail and twist emerges the full story becomes more and more shocking and more and more heartbreaking.
This is seriously my type of story. I loved all the twists and turns in it. That made for a riveting read and the fact that it takes place in a snowy wilderness during the holidays...all the better.
I may not have realized what I was getting when I picked up this story, but it was so much more and so much better than I expected. I truly and thoroughly enjoyed it. (And I know I didn't say much about the actual story, but that's because I don't want to write anything that might provide a spoiler.)
Read it and enjoy untwisting the mystery of the past and present between these men. I think you'll like it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
December 8, 2015
Of the three Riptide holiday reads that I requested, Stranded was the one that I was the most excited for. Hot assassins, sordid past, Brax’s attempt to win back the heart of the one he lost. It was everything I really look for in my romance novels… or at least the things that tend to yank me in.
It was pretty good too. I wasn’t disappointed at all. I mean, it wasn’t perfect. I thought that Brax and Cabe were both stubborn assholes. I wasn’t sure that Brax deserved forgiveness and Cabe was cruel at times for no good reason. They are both violent men.
What was good about it, however, is exactly what was wrong with Rebound Remedy. In Stranded the story starts out with two men who already had a history, they were clearly already in love. They had a quite extensive history, and were already wedged deeply within each others hearts. Instead, this book was all about redemption and forgiveness. It was the perfect sub-story for 155 pages. I didn’t need to believe that they could fall in love. I just needed to believe that their love was strong enough to overcome betrayal.
Despite the stubbornness and assholishness, I actually did believe it.
For other reviews just like this one, come visit us at Badass Book Reviews!
It was pretty good too. I wasn’t disappointed at all. I mean, it wasn’t perfect. I thought that Brax and Cabe were both stubborn assholes. I wasn’t sure that Brax deserved forgiveness and Cabe was cruel at times for no good reason. They are both violent men.
What was good about it, however, is exactly what was wrong with Rebound Remedy. In Stranded the story starts out with two men who already had a history, they were clearly already in love. They had a quite extensive history, and were already wedged deeply within each others hearts. Instead, this book was all about redemption and forgiveness. It was the perfect sub-story for 155 pages. I didn’t need to believe that they could fall in love. I just needed to believe that their love was strong enough to overcome betrayal.
Despite the stubbornness and assholishness, I actually did believe it.
For other reviews just like this one, come visit us at Badass Book Reviews!
May 9, 2017
2.5 meh stars. I wanted to love this book. The idea behind it sounded great. Unfortunately the execution was not what I was looking for. It starts in the middle of a story and there is not enough background done to make you care about the characters. The plot itself didn't make a lot of sense and these guys were horrible assassins. Their sense of self preservation was pretty bad considering they kill people for a living. Also, there was too much sex. (I know.....doesn't seem possible but it's true). The ratio of sex scenes versus plot make this more an erotica piece rather than a story imo. That was a bummer for me because I don't read much erotica. I was looking for an actual story here. Whether I'd recommend this depends on what you're looking for. If you're looking for a well developed story or the start of a new assassin series then I don't think this is the right book for you. If you're looking for a steamy, smutty short with assassins/macho, alpha guys then this is a good pick.
December 31, 2016
The secrets and lying was way too much for me. I couldn't take it. Why not tell right away why you're there. It didn't make sense and I hated it. I cried in this though. Sometimes I hate being a crier, but my heart broke for Cabe.
November 23, 2016
Intense Enemies to Lovers romance for a pair of shadowy black ops killers set in the wilds of Alaska? I'm there! The story jumped right in, gripped me by the throat, and didn't let go to the fast satisfying end.
The story opens with trained merc, Cabe, on one last assignment for his former boss before he calls it quits. Funny how being shot and nearly dying will end a career like that? And here he is faced to face with the murdering betrayer who did the job. Cabe trained Brax and opened himself up for the first time in his life for the chance of a relationship and so the pain of the bullet and surgery were nothing to the shattering his heart took to watch Brax pull the trigger.
Brax has one chance to get this right with Cabe. Putting a bullet in his lover to save his life and seeing the pain of betrayal on Cabe's face was the hardest thing he had ever done. He was never able to explain because of the danger and secrecy that shrouded that mission, but now he has a small window of opportunity before he has to ghost away. Christmas is a time of hope and he dearly hopes for Cabe's forgiveness and understanding.
But as the anger, hate, distrust, and other factors pile up, the two hurting men are on a course of destruction and a permanent parting.
Whew boy! I do like my dangerous lovers who have it in for each other. Nothing like a little homicidal reunion to brighten a holiday read. Cabe has every reason to want to put a bullet into Brax the second he sees him, but deep down he is burning with the need to know why. Why did Brax betray him? And Brax is desperate to tell the truth, but needs Cabe to give him a chance. It's a game of cat and mouse between two trained killers. It's raw and emotional. There is a hint of suspense whether their mutual enemy has found them or whether their former boss has changed his mind about helping. But for the most part, it is the pair of hurting, angry men figuring out whether they have anything left to salvage their relationship.
I really liked this story though it was a fast one, but I do have to say that I constantly felt like I was dropped into the middle and there were pieces I was missing. I checked, but couldn't tell if it was related to another book or series. There was another character, Sean, who left me puzzled and wanting to know more about him. If it weren't for this sensation of feeling like I was missing stuff and the first half of their story, this would have been a perfectly satisfying read.
But all in all, I liked what I got. Intensive holiday romance ala trained killer-style. M/M Romantic suspense fans should check it out.
My thanks to Riptide Publishing for the opportunity to read the book in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Audio Review
Enemies who were once lovers, dangerous storm, second chances...
Stranded dove right into the middle of a story that began long before when Cabe and Brax worked together and became something more all the way up to the point when Brax inexplicably shot Cabe. Cabe spent a long time recovering from the gunshot wound to his chest and never learned why his lover shot him before he heard that Brax had been killed on another mission.
But now, doing one last job for the mercenary company he has worked for, he encounters the man who ended everything. Cabe is suspicious from the start about this job of carrying a message for his boss to an operative hidden deep in the Alaskan wilderness, but now, he has no idea what to think when Brax is both alive and Cabe's boss obviously kept it from Cabe.
Brax wants one more chance and knows that he has to get the hostile Cabe to hear him out and believe him about what really happened when he pulled that trigger. Somehow things are not working toward a resolution and something else is afoot placing him and Cabe in danger.
So, this one was swift and hard-hitting from the get-go. I'm used to romantic suspenses- particularly those featuring black ops characters- diving into the middle and leaving me off balance, but eventually there are twists and reveals that restore the balance. This one gives most of the answers, but brings into play a third character and leaves a lot of mystery about his role and why he was part of the story.
The passion and emotion between Cabe and Brax was off the charts. These guys had physical chemistry down, but for the life of them they struggled with communication. Cabe goes off half-cocked and Brax gets caught between lies and silence. Definitely a pair who would have benefited from being locked into a room and not let out until the issues were resolved. Though, I have to admit there was a lot of fun in their angry sex and make-up sex.
I enjoyed this story in the audio version with narrator, Dorian Bane. He did a splendid job of bringing the angry Cabe and frustrated Brax and cunning Sean to life. His pacing and storytelling meshed well with the writing style and tone of Stranded.
In summary, this was a hot and spicy and suspenseful holiday read that I appreciated for something fast and furious during the busy holiday season. Those who enjoy more thriller-style enemies to lovers romantic suspense should give this one a try.
My thanks to Riptide for providing the book in exchange for an honest review.
The story opens with trained merc, Cabe, on one last assignment for his former boss before he calls it quits. Funny how being shot and nearly dying will end a career like that? And here he is faced to face with the murdering betrayer who did the job. Cabe trained Brax and opened himself up for the first time in his life for the chance of a relationship and so the pain of the bullet and surgery were nothing to the shattering his heart took to watch Brax pull the trigger.
Brax has one chance to get this right with Cabe. Putting a bullet in his lover to save his life and seeing the pain of betrayal on Cabe's face was the hardest thing he had ever done. He was never able to explain because of the danger and secrecy that shrouded that mission, but now he has a small window of opportunity before he has to ghost away. Christmas is a time of hope and he dearly hopes for Cabe's forgiveness and understanding.
But as the anger, hate, distrust, and other factors pile up, the two hurting men are on a course of destruction and a permanent parting.
Whew boy! I do like my dangerous lovers who have it in for each other. Nothing like a little homicidal reunion to brighten a holiday read. Cabe has every reason to want to put a bullet into Brax the second he sees him, but deep down he is burning with the need to know why. Why did Brax betray him? And Brax is desperate to tell the truth, but needs Cabe to give him a chance. It's a game of cat and mouse between two trained killers. It's raw and emotional. There is a hint of suspense whether their mutual enemy has found them or whether their former boss has changed his mind about helping. But for the most part, it is the pair of hurting, angry men figuring out whether they have anything left to salvage their relationship.
I really liked this story though it was a fast one, but I do have to say that I constantly felt like I was dropped into the middle and there were pieces I was missing. I checked, but couldn't tell if it was related to another book or series. There was another character, Sean, who left me puzzled and wanting to know more about him. If it weren't for this sensation of feeling like I was missing stuff and the first half of their story, this would have been a perfectly satisfying read.
But all in all, I liked what I got. Intensive holiday romance ala trained killer-style. M/M Romantic suspense fans should check it out.
My thanks to Riptide Publishing for the opportunity to read the book in exchange for an honest review.
Merged review:
Audio Review
Enemies who were once lovers, dangerous storm, second chances...
Stranded dove right into the middle of a story that began long before when Cabe and Brax worked together and became something more all the way up to the point when Brax inexplicably shot Cabe. Cabe spent a long time recovering from the gunshot wound to his chest and never learned why his lover shot him before he heard that Brax had been killed on another mission.
But now, doing one last job for the mercenary company he has worked for, he encounters the man who ended everything. Cabe is suspicious from the start about this job of carrying a message for his boss to an operative hidden deep in the Alaskan wilderness, but now, he has no idea what to think when Brax is both alive and Cabe's boss obviously kept it from Cabe.
Brax wants one more chance and knows that he has to get the hostile Cabe to hear him out and believe him about what really happened when he pulled that trigger. Somehow things are not working toward a resolution and something else is afoot placing him and Cabe in danger.
So, this one was swift and hard-hitting from the get-go. I'm used to romantic suspenses- particularly those featuring black ops characters- diving into the middle and leaving me off balance, but eventually there are twists and reveals that restore the balance. This one gives most of the answers, but brings into play a third character and leaves a lot of mystery about his role and why he was part of the story.
The passion and emotion between Cabe and Brax was off the charts. These guys had physical chemistry down, but for the life of them they struggled with communication. Cabe goes off half-cocked and Brax gets caught between lies and silence. Definitely a pair who would have benefited from being locked into a room and not let out until the issues were resolved. Though, I have to admit there was a lot of fun in their angry sex and make-up sex.
I enjoyed this story in the audio version with narrator, Dorian Bane. He did a splendid job of bringing the angry Cabe and frustrated Brax and cunning Sean to life. His pacing and storytelling meshed well with the writing style and tone of Stranded.
In summary, this was a hot and spicy and suspenseful holiday read that I appreciated for something fast and furious during the busy holiday season. Those who enjoy more thriller-style enemies to lovers romantic suspense should give this one a try.
My thanks to Riptide for providing the book in exchange for an honest review.
April 1, 2020
Good. I remembered the salient plot points, even though I read it in 2016. I didn’t remember the resolution though, and it was really good. The narrator was different than the normal deep male voice. His voice is very raspy and gritty, I liked it and it worked well for me. (Narrator: Dorian Bane)
Bought as part of audible escape package.
Bought as part of audible escape package.
June 10, 2017
This story had a lot of potential, but the MCs, Cabe in particular, ensured it did not reach that potential. By the end, I was wishing Sean, who plays a crucial part in the finale, had shot both MCs at the start and saved me from continuing to the end.
November 13, 2015
3.25 stars--
About the book: Release Date November 23, 2015
Cabe got out of the gun-for-hire business the hard way—by nearly dying. Except then his former boss calls in one last favor for one final job. The mission should be simple: get a message to a retired operative in Alaska. But it puts Cabe face-to-face with the one man he doesn’t want to see and can never forget. Not after all the secrets and lies. Not after Brax almost killed him.
Brax Hughes lived hard and retired young to a cabin in the middle of nowhere. Well, that was the plan, but before he can hang up his sniper rifle, he has one last mission: win back Kyle Cabe. Brax wants another chance, wants to come clean, but after months of lying to Cabe, he knows he could face a bullet—or worse—when they meet again. And they will meet. Brax made sure of that.
With a storm moving in and someone lurking outside the cabin, time is running out. Brax needs to talk fast and keep his weapons ready. And his best weapon is the truth.
••••••••••
REVIEW: 3.25stars--STRANDED is a stand alone, contemporary adult M/M romantic, suspense storyline from HelenKay Dimon. This is Brax Hughes and Kyle Cabe’s second chance romance.
NOTE: STRANDED is an M/M storyline with graphic, sexual M/M situations.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Cabe and Brax) STRANDED is a story of second chances for two hired assassins (Black Ops operators) whose professional and private lives fell apart months earlier when an assignment went all to h*ll. Four months together with Brax meant nothing when Cabe came face to face with his own death at the hands of the man with whom he had fallen in love. When a new assignment takes Cabe out of retirement and into the cold Alaskan wilderness, he had no idea that his intended target was the same man who left him for dead.
STRANDED focuses on the rekindling of the relationship between Cabe and Brax, but not before the truth about what happened must come to light. As Brax struggles to tell the man that he loves why he tried to kill him, Cabe and Brax must face the mystery of another possible shooter lying in wait outside of Brax’s secluded cabin.
The relationship between Brax and Cabe has already been established but we learn very little about their back story together, only that in order to keep Cabe safe, Brax takes it upon himself to ‘kill’ the man that he loves. Cabe and Brax each had a mission but Brax went off line, and in doing so, left Cabe wondering where everything went wrong. Their meeting in the woods is filled with hatred, animosity, and animal attraction. The M/M $ex scenes are intimate and graphic.
STRANDED is an entertaining stand alone storyline but there are several issues left unaddressed including the change in command with their former ‘employer’; wherein Myer’s sent out Cabe on assignment, Sean is now the man who controls the strings. And we cannot forget about Sean’s involvement with the reconnection between Cabe and Brax, and the reasons he finds himself on the periphery of their latest mission. As to Cabe and Brax’s backstory, it would have been nice to learn about their earlier relationship, as well as the events leading up to and following the attempted ‘murder’ of Kyle Cabe. There is so much animosity and heartbreak that a prequel novella could have addressed the build up and emotional fall out. STRANDED reads like the conclusion to a storyline wherein the first half has gone missing.
Copy supplied by Netgalley.
About the book: Release Date November 23, 2015
Cabe got out of the gun-for-hire business the hard way—by nearly dying. Except then his former boss calls in one last favor for one final job. The mission should be simple: get a message to a retired operative in Alaska. But it puts Cabe face-to-face with the one man he doesn’t want to see and can never forget. Not after all the secrets and lies. Not after Brax almost killed him.
Brax Hughes lived hard and retired young to a cabin in the middle of nowhere. Well, that was the plan, but before he can hang up his sniper rifle, he has one last mission: win back Kyle Cabe. Brax wants another chance, wants to come clean, but after months of lying to Cabe, he knows he could face a bullet—or worse—when they meet again. And they will meet. Brax made sure of that.
With a storm moving in and someone lurking outside the cabin, time is running out. Brax needs to talk fast and keep his weapons ready. And his best weapon is the truth.
••••••••••
REVIEW: 3.25stars--STRANDED is a stand alone, contemporary adult M/M romantic, suspense storyline from HelenKay Dimon. This is Brax Hughes and Kyle Cabe’s second chance romance.
NOTE: STRANDED is an M/M storyline with graphic, sexual M/M situations.
Told from dual third person perspectives (Cabe and Brax) STRANDED is a story of second chances for two hired assassins (Black Ops operators) whose professional and private lives fell apart months earlier when an assignment went all to h*ll. Four months together with Brax meant nothing when Cabe came face to face with his own death at the hands of the man with whom he had fallen in love. When a new assignment takes Cabe out of retirement and into the cold Alaskan wilderness, he had no idea that his intended target was the same man who left him for dead.
STRANDED focuses on the rekindling of the relationship between Cabe and Brax, but not before the truth about what happened must come to light. As Brax struggles to tell the man that he loves why he tried to kill him, Cabe and Brax must face the mystery of another possible shooter lying in wait outside of Brax’s secluded cabin.
The relationship between Brax and Cabe has already been established but we learn very little about their back story together, only that in order to keep Cabe safe, Brax takes it upon himself to ‘kill’ the man that he loves. Cabe and Brax each had a mission but Brax went off line, and in doing so, left Cabe wondering where everything went wrong. Their meeting in the woods is filled with hatred, animosity, and animal attraction. The M/M $ex scenes are intimate and graphic.
STRANDED is an entertaining stand alone storyline but there are several issues left unaddressed including the change in command with their former ‘employer’; wherein Myer’s sent out Cabe on assignment, Sean is now the man who controls the strings. And we cannot forget about Sean’s involvement with the reconnection between Cabe and Brax, and the reasons he finds himself on the periphery of their latest mission. As to Cabe and Brax’s backstory, it would have been nice to learn about their earlier relationship, as well as the events leading up to and following the attempted ‘murder’ of Kyle Cabe. There is so much animosity and heartbreak that a prequel novella could have addressed the build up and emotional fall out. STRANDED reads like the conclusion to a storyline wherein the first half has gone missing.
Copy supplied by Netgalley.
May 2, 2021
“Every journey into the past is complicated by delusions, false memories, false namings of real events.” ~ Adrienne Rich
After almost dying on a mission, Cabe is finished. But before he leaves the company for good, he is asked to get a message to someone retired. He agrees, not knowing that it's the man he's tried to hate for a year, Brax, a former lover and the one who shot him.
When Cabe realizes that Brax is the one whom he's taking the message to, he's beyond furious. Cabe is caught up in a Gordian knot of love, hate, and betrayal, in addition to a myriad of feelings he can't even identify much less express. On the surface, Cabe hates Brax for what he considers the ultimate betrayal and has more questions than answers about what happened when Brax shot him and why he did it. At first, Cabe is totally unreasonable, not wanting to let Brax get a word in edgewise, thinking, understandably so, that there couldn't be an explanation that would suffice to make up for the emotional and physical pain he's endured. Trust has never come easy to Cabe, and when the man he believed in more than anyone tried to kill him, something inside Cabe died that he will never again be able to revive. The idea of Brax, someone he trusted with his heart and his life, becoming his “enemy” is so unimaginable that Cabe can hardly bear to think of it. It almost destroyed him. The only thing that kept him alive was the goal to survive and extract vengeance. Cabe turned the deep love he felt for Brax into the same degree of hate. But even with the hostility, Cabe feels toward Brax, he can't deny his body’s reactions to the man. Cabe is lying to himself when he thinks he can separate sex from emotion when it comes to Brax. Not that it will matter, but Cabe is at least curious about what Brax has to say about that fateful night.
Brax loves Cabe and knows he doesn't want to live without him. He's taking a gigantic chance asking his boss to send Cabe to him with the express reason of trying to convince his former lover that he chose to take an assignment designed to kill him so he could protect him. It's so convoluted that Brax can hardly explain it to himself, but he justifies his actions by telling himself that he did what he had to to keep Cabe alive and safe. On the surface, that seems unjustifiable, but if he has a ghost of a chance of keeping Cabe, he has to try. Unfortunately, he hasn't yet learned his lesson about not telling Cabe the whole truth. When Cabe catches Brax lying to him again, despite swearing to tell the whole truth, he blows up, negating any hope of understanding the motivation for his actions, much less obtaining his forgiveness. If not for the blizzard raging outside, Cabe would have walked away immediately. As it is, they are forced to spend more time together regardless of it seeming to be beyond the point of no return for them.
This story is not an endearing holiday love story. It is complex, raw, and emotionally challenging. Brax and Cabe could have had so much together, but both got caught up in expectations, past negative behaviors, and stubbornness. They had to peel back layers of themselves and each other that were very painful to admit, much less change. Theirs is an extremely hard-won love; just like them, it is tough, undeniable, sexual, deep, and lasting. If you appreciate a story that is honest, almost brutally, told, not sparing emotions, but, almost unbelievably ending happily, you may like this one. Thanks, HelenKay for telling the story of these two remarkable men.
After almost dying on a mission, Cabe is finished. But before he leaves the company for good, he is asked to get a message to someone retired. He agrees, not knowing that it's the man he's tried to hate for a year, Brax, a former lover and the one who shot him.
When Cabe realizes that Brax is the one whom he's taking the message to, he's beyond furious. Cabe is caught up in a Gordian knot of love, hate, and betrayal, in addition to a myriad of feelings he can't even identify much less express. On the surface, Cabe hates Brax for what he considers the ultimate betrayal and has more questions than answers about what happened when Brax shot him and why he did it. At first, Cabe is totally unreasonable, not wanting to let Brax get a word in edgewise, thinking, understandably so, that there couldn't be an explanation that would suffice to make up for the emotional and physical pain he's endured. Trust has never come easy to Cabe, and when the man he believed in more than anyone tried to kill him, something inside Cabe died that he will never again be able to revive. The idea of Brax, someone he trusted with his heart and his life, becoming his “enemy” is so unimaginable that Cabe can hardly bear to think of it. It almost destroyed him. The only thing that kept him alive was the goal to survive and extract vengeance. Cabe turned the deep love he felt for Brax into the same degree of hate. But even with the hostility, Cabe feels toward Brax, he can't deny his body’s reactions to the man. Cabe is lying to himself when he thinks he can separate sex from emotion when it comes to Brax. Not that it will matter, but Cabe is at least curious about what Brax has to say about that fateful night.
Brax loves Cabe and knows he doesn't want to live without him. He's taking a gigantic chance asking his boss to send Cabe to him with the express reason of trying to convince his former lover that he chose to take an assignment designed to kill him so he could protect him. It's so convoluted that Brax can hardly explain it to himself, but he justifies his actions by telling himself that he did what he had to to keep Cabe alive and safe. On the surface, that seems unjustifiable, but if he has a ghost of a chance of keeping Cabe, he has to try. Unfortunately, he hasn't yet learned his lesson about not telling Cabe the whole truth. When Cabe catches Brax lying to him again, despite swearing to tell the whole truth, he blows up, negating any hope of understanding the motivation for his actions, much less obtaining his forgiveness. If not for the blizzard raging outside, Cabe would have walked away immediately. As it is, they are forced to spend more time together regardless of it seeming to be beyond the point of no return for them.
This story is not an endearing holiday love story. It is complex, raw, and emotionally challenging. Brax and Cabe could have had so much together, but both got caught up in expectations, past negative behaviors, and stubbornness. They had to peel back layers of themselves and each other that were very painful to admit, much less change. Theirs is an extremely hard-won love; just like them, it is tough, undeniable, sexual, deep, and lasting. If you appreciate a story that is honest, almost brutally, told, not sparing emotions, but, almost unbelievably ending happily, you may like this one. Thanks, HelenKay for telling the story of these two remarkable men.
November 27, 2015
Cabe and Brax were in a relationship and working the same mercenary type business until Brax almost killed Cabe. After much time, the lovers turned enemies with unresolved feelings end up together in a remote cabin with a snow storm coming. As expected this leads to arguments and sex.
The plot is surrounded in mystery, and as it moves along, the reader gains background information on the men and current information about where they are in life. The story is much broader than what is just happening with them so it makes me wonder if this will end up being a novella to a series.
For those looking for a quick read with hot sex scenes, this is definitely something you should check out. Also, a portion of the sales go to charity (GLBT National Help Center).
***Copy given in exchange for an honest review***
Fangirl Moments and My Two Cents
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November 24, 2015
Read the full review on Bookaholics Not-So-Anonymous.
Note: This ARC was provided by Riptide Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I admit it. I have a thing for M/M romances that involve one or both main characters in espionage, action, and suspense. I certainly got those in Stranded, my very first HelenKay Dimon read and the perfect standalone to snuggle with during the holiday season. Cabe and Brax are ex-partners and ex-lovers that parted ways in the worst way possible--with the heavy weight of suspicion, betrayal, and doubt hanging over them after Brax shoots Cabe. Both men are supposed to be dead, and there are reasons for that--reasons that I won't share because then there'll be no point in you picking up the book yourselves and figuring everything out. Cabe's feelings toward Brax are more than easy to comprehend and accept, and even with Brax's explanation, the lingering distrust isn't far-fetched in light of everything that happened.
There's a great deal of tension from the get-go with these two and I was drawn in by the complexities of their professional and personal entanglements. You feel for both of them, because it's pretty obvious that their feelings run deeper than those you'd find with casual sex partners. Things are already complicated but they become even more so when matchmakers abound. I loved the story and both Cabe and Brax are on my list of favorite M/M couples, but I was left with a question or two regarding their former employer and the case that led to the demise of their relationship. I can't help but wonder if this book will open the door to a new series because it certainly felt that way and I wouldn't oppose the idea. In short, I'd love more of this killer twosome, pun intended, of Cabe and Brax in the future. Five-plus stars for Stranded. ♥
Note: This ARC was provided by Riptide Publishing in exchange for an honest review.
I admit it. I have a thing for M/M romances that involve one or both main characters in espionage, action, and suspense. I certainly got those in Stranded, my very first HelenKay Dimon read and the perfect standalone to snuggle with during the holiday season. Cabe and Brax are ex-partners and ex-lovers that parted ways in the worst way possible--with the heavy weight of suspicion, betrayal, and doubt hanging over them after Brax shoots Cabe. Both men are supposed to be dead, and there are reasons for that--reasons that I won't share because then there'll be no point in you picking up the book yourselves and figuring everything out. Cabe's feelings toward Brax are more than easy to comprehend and accept, and even with Brax's explanation, the lingering distrust isn't far-fetched in light of everything that happened.
There's a great deal of tension from the get-go with these two and I was drawn in by the complexities of their professional and personal entanglements. You feel for both of them, because it's pretty obvious that their feelings run deeper than those you'd find with casual sex partners. Things are already complicated but they become even more so when matchmakers abound. I loved the story and both Cabe and Brax are on my list of favorite M/M couples, but I was left with a question or two regarding their former employer and the case that led to the demise of their relationship. I can't help but wonder if this book will open the door to a new series because it certainly felt that way and I wouldn't oppose the idea. In short, I'd love more of this killer twosome, pun intended, of Cabe and Brax in the future. Five-plus stars for Stranded. ♥
October 28, 2015
I will be honest this is not my normal genre, however there is something about HelenKay Dimon's writing that pulls me in.
While on a mission Cabe finds the man who shared his bed but also tried to kill him. Brax has regretted the events that led up to him aiming a gun at Cabe and pulling the trigger. Now as they stand face to face for the first time in a year all Brax wants to do is convince Cabe that instead of shooting Brax he should give him another chance.
This is a stand alone book, with characters that aren't carried over from another title. I knew that going in, which was one reason why I requested the book - I hate reading a book mid series with no background. However I got the "I am missing something" feeling, it would come and go, it didn't inhibit the enjoyment just sort of left me with a lot of unanswered questions about their time together before. I am most interested in Brax, he has lots of interesting qualities.
I don't think I am the best judge on steam level as this isn't my main genre, but were some HOT scenes.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest review.
While on a mission Cabe finds the man who shared his bed but also tried to kill him. Brax has regretted the events that led up to him aiming a gun at Cabe and pulling the trigger. Now as they stand face to face for the first time in a year all Brax wants to do is convince Cabe that instead of shooting Brax he should give him another chance.
This is a stand alone book, with characters that aren't carried over from another title. I knew that going in, which was one reason why I requested the book - I hate reading a book mid series with no background. However I got the "I am missing something" feeling, it would come and go, it didn't inhibit the enjoyment just sort of left me with a lot of unanswered questions about their time together before. I am most interested in Brax, he has lots of interesting qualities.
I don't think I am the best judge on steam level as this isn't my main genre, but were some HOT scenes.
I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley and this is my honest review.
February 6, 2016
I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.
Cabe and Brax are former mercenaries and former lovers. Cabe is doing one last job - delivering a message. When he arrives to give the message he finds is former lover - who is supposed to be dead and who had tried to kill him - alive and well, in the middle of nowhere Alaska.
The story of Cabe and Brax is slow going. A lot of time is spent telling us their back story but we don't get to experience it for ourselves. Cabe and Brax have a lot of issues to work out. The one thing they have going for them is great sex. But our of bed Brax kept making the same mistakes over and over again and I was as pissed off about it as Cabe.
The story has some good points. Action both in the sheets and out is probably the highlight but the slow begging and Brax's juvenile decision making annoyed me. I'm on the fence with this one - 3 stars. Read it and decide for yourself.
Cabe and Brax are former mercenaries and former lovers. Cabe is doing one last job - delivering a message. When he arrives to give the message he finds is former lover - who is supposed to be dead and who had tried to kill him - alive and well, in the middle of nowhere Alaska.
The story of Cabe and Brax is slow going. A lot of time is spent telling us their back story but we don't get to experience it for ourselves. Cabe and Brax have a lot of issues to work out. The one thing they have going for them is great sex. But our of bed Brax kept making the same mistakes over and over again and I was as pissed off about it as Cabe.
The story has some good points. Action both in the sheets and out is probably the highlight but the slow begging and Brax's juvenile decision making annoyed me. I'm on the fence with this one - 3 stars. Read it and decide for yourself.
October 29, 2015
Stranded by HelenKay Dimon
3 stars
M/M Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
This is a somewhat strange story. I felt like I was plopped in to the middle of something and nobody told me.
Brax and Cabe have a very strained relationship, but it makes sense when you know that Brax shot Cabe and left him to die. What becomes a story about communication, love and a strange semi-mystery is how Brax and Cabe move on from those horrible memories.
I did like that you were able to have some background, but felt that you needed more. It felt like you were almost able to see the full picture if only the camera person were to move slightly to one side. Then you have the sexual dynamic. While I didn't feel that the heat from this story was off the charts, they did have a decent connection. However, I felt that they "fixed" their issues by having sex, rather than really working them out.
When you throw Sean in to the story, briefly, but leave out Myers, and then have the mystery of could they be found out by the bad guy, it all just felt unfinished.
3 stars
M/M Romance
I was given this book for an honest review by Inked Rainbow Reads.
This is a somewhat strange story. I felt like I was plopped in to the middle of something and nobody told me.
Brax and Cabe have a very strained relationship, but it makes sense when you know that Brax shot Cabe and left him to die. What becomes a story about communication, love and a strange semi-mystery is how Brax and Cabe move on from those horrible memories.
I did like that you were able to have some background, but felt that you needed more. It felt like you were almost able to see the full picture if only the camera person were to move slightly to one side. Then you have the sexual dynamic. While I didn't feel that the heat from this story was off the charts, they did have a decent connection. However, I felt that they "fixed" their issues by having sex, rather than really working them out.
When you throw Sean in to the story, briefly, but leave out Myers, and then have the mystery of could they be found out by the bad guy, it all just felt unfinished.
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