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Forced Impressions
Jonah Landers’s promotion to detective isn’t going so well. His first undercover operation is a disaster thanks to Rafael Santos, a Cuban-American detective so far undercover, no one on Rafael’s Miami-based squad even had a clue he’d already infiltrated the prostitution ring Jonah was targeting. Two years and an insane twist of fate later, Jonah finds himself transferred from Orlando and partnered up with Rafael in Miami—and their rocky beginning doesn’t get any better.
For the sake of their careers and because he realizes he’s falling for Rafael, Jonah makes every attempt to smooth things over and move on with his love life. He turns his attention to A.J. Choya, a Seminole Indian who runs the tech department. But there’s no spark between them, and Jonah has to admit his feelings for Rafael aren’t going away.
When a new case falls into Rafael's and Jonah’s laps, they must go undercover again and become intimate in a way that forces them to confront their feelings for each other—no matter the consequences.
For the sake of their careers and because he realizes he’s falling for Rafael, Jonah makes every attempt to smooth things over and move on with his love life. He turns his attention to A.J. Choya, a Seminole Indian who runs the tech department. But there’s no spark between them, and Jonah has to admit his feelings for Rafael aren’t going away.
When a new case falls into Rafael's and Jonah’s laps, they must go undercover again and become intimate in a way that forces them to confront their feelings for each other—no matter the consequences.
- GenresM M RomanceContemporary
200 pages, Paperback
First published January 25, 2016
About the author
Piper Doone
4 books12 followersPiper Doone hates filling out bios and makes up, like, 90% of what she puts in them. She was born on a pirate ship in the year 1723 and raised by Vikings in a small village off the coast of Liechtenstein. Her goals include taking over a small country and bribing the people who give out Oscars to retroactively award several to the cast of the 1996 comedy classic Down Periscope.
She has a mad passion for mid-century and Polynesian design, New Wave music, and Hayley Mills movies.
Her favorite bands are toad the wet sprocket, Queens of the Stone Age, and The Rolling Stones, but when no one's around, she's rocking Spice Girls like it's 1998. She also has a soft spot for Canadian folk god, Gordon Lightfoot.
She'll try to name some obscure indie movie as her favorite, but it's really The Mummy and she'll have a crush on Brendan Fraser forever.
Her TV weaknesses are Law and Order: SVU reruns and randomly finding terrible Australian and Canadian kids' shows from her childhood in the 90s.
If she could eat only one type of food for the rest of her life it would be Cuban food.
Her favorite books in the whole world are The Princess Bride by William Goldman and Something Rotten by Jasper Fforde.
She once was an extra on the mediocre 90s Sci-Fi show Seaquest DSV and was robbed of an Emmy that year for best .5 second cameo on a television show.
She left a terrible career in professional sports for a more reasonable career in sports marketing because she can have her own spinny chair in her office.
She is a proud Southpaw and a Scottish, ginger archer who has heard every Brave joke you can imagine. She has a weird, long-standing crush on Kurt Fuller (of Wayne’s World, Supernatural, and Psych fame) she can’t and won’t explain even though he's not only old enough to be her dad, he's older than her dad.
She is married to a curly blond haired French-Canadian guy who looks good in a tie and suspenders. They have two kids, a dog, a cat, and three hedgehogs.
She has a mad passion for mid-century and Polynesian design, New Wave music, and Hayley Mills movies.
Her favorite bands are toad the wet sprocket, Queens of the Stone Age, and The Rolling Stones, but when no one's around, she's rocking Spice Girls like it's 1998. She also has a soft spot for Canadian folk god, Gordon Lightfoot.
She'll try to name some obscure indie movie as her favorite, but it's really The Mummy and she'll have a crush on Brendan Fraser forever.
Her TV weaknesses are Law and Order: SVU reruns and randomly finding terrible Australian and Canadian kids' shows from her childhood in the 90s.
If she could eat only one type of food for the rest of her life it would be Cuban food.
Her favorite books in the whole world are The Princess Bride by William Goldman and Something Rotten by Jasper Fforde.
She once was an extra on the mediocre 90s Sci-Fi show Seaquest DSV and was robbed of an Emmy that year for best .5 second cameo on a television show.
She left a terrible career in professional sports for a more reasonable career in sports marketing because she can have her own spinny chair in her office.
She is a proud Southpaw and a Scottish, ginger archer who has heard every Brave joke you can imagine. She has a weird, long-standing crush on Kurt Fuller (of Wayne’s World, Supernatural, and Psych fame) she can’t and won’t explain even though he's not only old enough to be her dad, he's older than her dad.
She is married to a curly blond haired French-Canadian guy who looks good in a tie and suspenders. They have two kids, a dog, a cat, and three hedgehogs.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
January 25, 2016
Review @
Ohmyshelves Blog
The blurb definitely psyched me out. I thought we would have had more interaction between Rafael and Jonah but in all actuality their "romance" didn't start until 78%. I was checked out by that point. I wanted to skim the rest of the book, but I figured if I got it this far, then I should keep going. I liked Jonah, he was very green around the edges but that's most rookies in any career. I never did understand his job transfer. He talked about transferring because Orlando didn't have any glam, or fast paced crimes, but you get the feeling that he left because of a failed relationship which I think was cop out, but who am I to judge. I couldn't really tell you how I feel about Rafael now that the story is over. He didn't make a big enough impression for me in the beginning, or his attitude or demeanor just didn't seem right. I didn't feel a connection, passion or see the attraction factor between the two!
My biggest issue with the story is this long drawn out police procedural plot. It was too much descriptions and side things going on. I felt like it was another boring detective show on tv, without the emotions or dramatic value. I was bored 95% of the time reading this. It took away from the romance the little that was their. I don't even know what was the point of A.J, being a love interest that lasted 3/4 quarters of the story and it was kinda pointless. We all saw it wasn't going anywhere, but to just throw it in there seemed like a bad move from the start.
I'm sorry, I just didn't like this. It was good writing, minimum errors, but right after that initial meeting and Jonah moving to Miami totally lost me. I think the story could have been better if the descriptions of irrelevant things were at a minimum, and Rafael and Jonah actually talked for more than 5 minutes before they got together.
**Special thanks to Dreamspinner Press for allowing me to review this in exchange for an honest review**
The blurb definitely psyched me out. I thought we would have had more interaction between Rafael and Jonah but in all actuality their "romance" didn't start until 78%. I was checked out by that point. I wanted to skim the rest of the book, but I figured if I got it this far, then I should keep going. I liked Jonah, he was very green around the edges but that's most rookies in any career. I never did understand his job transfer. He talked about transferring because Orlando didn't have any glam, or fast paced crimes, but you get the feeling that he left because of a failed relationship which I think was cop out, but who am I to judge. I couldn't really tell you how I feel about Rafael now that the story is over. He didn't make a big enough impression for me in the beginning, or his attitude or demeanor just didn't seem right. I didn't feel a connection, passion or see the attraction factor between the two!
My biggest issue with the story is this long drawn out police procedural plot. It was too much descriptions and side things going on. I felt like it was another boring detective show on tv, without the emotions or dramatic value. I was bored 95% of the time reading this. It took away from the romance the little that was their. I don't even know what was the point of A.J, being a love interest that lasted 3/4 quarters of the story and it was kinda pointless. We all saw it wasn't going anywhere, but to just throw it in there seemed like a bad move from the start.
I'm sorry, I just didn't like this. It was good writing, minimum errors, but right after that initial meeting and Jonah moving to Miami totally lost me. I think the story could have been better if the descriptions of irrelevant things were at a minimum, and Rafael and Jonah actually talked for more than 5 minutes before they got together.
**Special thanks to Dreamspinner Press for allowing me to review this in exchange for an honest review**
February 5, 2016
*4.25 stars*
This is the first Piper Doone book I've ever read, and I'm not going to lie, the reviews and low ratings it's gotten so far made me nervous. But once I started to read it, I immediately got into it and couldn't put it down. Jonah Landers’s recent undercover work didn't end as well as he hoped; his inexperience and nervousness almost made him break cover, and the surprise appearance of another undercover agent almost ruined months of hard work. Jonah got a black eye that will ensure he'll never forget his first undercover mission, nor the agent who gave him said black eye.
Rafael Santos is a seasoned detective who's pretty much an expert when it comes to undercover work. What he's not very good at is communication, and the fact that he "didn't think" to tell Orlando PD about his undercover work that will bring him into their jurisdiction wasn't a big deal, right? Rafael and Jonah's first encounter ended up with Rafael's fist connecting with Jonah's face, and Rafael had nothing but contempt for Jonah's inexperience.
Two years later, Rafael and Jonah's paths cross again. Jonah transferred to Miami after his personal and professional life crashed and burned, and his new partner is none other than Rafael Santos. You know how boys in school act when they love a girl? Rafael spent most of his time tugging on Jonah's metaphorical pig tails, taunted him and annoyed him, and criticized every single step that Jonah took. So in case you haven't gotten the meaning, what Rafael really wanted was to throw Jonah against a wall and fuck the living shit out of him, which he proceeds to do later on in the book.
I loved Rafael's permanently grumpy and intense mood, which only got worse when Jonah started dating A.J., a tech guy from the station. The relationship between Jonah and Rafael becomes drenched in sexual chemistry and tension; Jonah can't stop thinking and fantasizing about Rafael, and Rafael becomes progressively more frustrated until things come to an explosive end when Rafael and Jonah go undercover together. All the sexual tension that's been hanging out throughout the book leads to Rafael and Jonah having the hottest and dirtiest make-out session I've seen in a long time! So what if they haven't been together since the beginning? I really couldn't care less, because the wait was soooooo worth it! And when they get to the part where they have sex.... mind blown! In my experience, intense and broody characters deliver the best and hottest sex, and Rafael didn't disappoint, not even a little bit!
The only thing I would've liked to be different is maybe a few additional chapters to expand on Rafael and Jonah's relationship, and Rafael's POV (that would've made this book perfect!). Other than that, this book hit all the right spots!
This is the first Piper Doone book I've ever read, and I'm not going to lie, the reviews and low ratings it's gotten so far made me nervous. But once I started to read it, I immediately got into it and couldn't put it down. Jonah Landers’s recent undercover work didn't end as well as he hoped; his inexperience and nervousness almost made him break cover, and the surprise appearance of another undercover agent almost ruined months of hard work. Jonah got a black eye that will ensure he'll never forget his first undercover mission, nor the agent who gave him said black eye.
Rafael Santos is a seasoned detective who's pretty much an expert when it comes to undercover work. What he's not very good at is communication, and the fact that he "didn't think" to tell Orlando PD about his undercover work that will bring him into their jurisdiction wasn't a big deal, right? Rafael and Jonah's first encounter ended up with Rafael's fist connecting with Jonah's face, and Rafael had nothing but contempt for Jonah's inexperience.
Two years later, Rafael and Jonah's paths cross again. Jonah transferred to Miami after his personal and professional life crashed and burned, and his new partner is none other than Rafael Santos. You know how boys in school act when they love a girl? Rafael spent most of his time tugging on Jonah's metaphorical pig tails, taunted him and annoyed him, and criticized every single step that Jonah took. So in case you haven't gotten the meaning, what Rafael really wanted was to throw Jonah against a wall and fuck the living shit out of him, which he proceeds to do later on in the book.
I loved Rafael's permanently grumpy and intense mood, which only got worse when Jonah started dating A.J., a tech guy from the station. The relationship between Jonah and Rafael becomes drenched in sexual chemistry and tension; Jonah can't stop thinking and fantasizing about Rafael, and Rafael becomes progressively more frustrated until things come to an explosive end when Rafael and Jonah go undercover together. All the sexual tension that's been hanging out throughout the book leads to Rafael and Jonah having the hottest and dirtiest make-out session I've seen in a long time! So what if they haven't been together since the beginning? I really couldn't care less, because the wait was soooooo worth it! And when they get to the part where they have sex.... mind blown! In my experience, intense and broody characters deliver the best and hottest sex, and Rafael didn't disappoint, not even a little bit!
The only thing I would've liked to be different is maybe a few additional chapters to expand on Rafael and Jonah's relationship, and Rafael's POV (that would've made this book perfect!). Other than that, this book hit all the right spots!
February 11, 2016
Rating: 2.75 out of 5 stars
Jonah Landers’s promotion to detective isn’t going so well. His first undercover operation is a disaster thanks to Rafael Santos, a Cuban-American detective so far undercover, no one on Rafael’s Miami-based squad even had a clue he’d already infiltrated the prostitution ring Jonah was targeting. Two years and an insane twist of fate later, Jonah finds himself transferred from Orlando and partnered up with Rafael in Miami—and their rocky beginning doesn’t get any better.
For the sake of their careers and because he realizes he’s falling for Rafael, Jonah makes every attempt to smooth things over and move on with his love life. He turns his attention to A.J. Choya, a Seminole Indian who runs the tech department. But there’s no spark between them, and Jonah has to admit his feelings for Rafael aren’t going away.
When a new case falls into Rafael’s and Jonah’s laps, they must go undercover again and become intimate in a way that forces them to confront their feelings for each other—no matter the consequences
The story starts directly into the action. Jonah is on his way to his first undercover assignment as a detective with the Orlando Police Department. We get the basics about the area, Jonah’s relationship with his partner, and his doubts about the operation. Everything goes almost to plan until Rafael makes it to the scene. From there on, everything goes down the hill– for them and the investigation.
The ruined operation brings Jonah’s career to a halt, and no matter what he does, he’s not going anywhere. After two years, he’s able to transfer to Miami with the hopes to start over. Jonah doesn’t have much of a private or professional life when he leaves, but he hopes to, at least, have a chance to forward his career.
On his first day in Miami, everything changes when he gets to partner with Rafael. Their relationship is typical of newbies with experienced partners, but Jonah took it further, personal. We get a series of cases and how they worked them and interacted with the rest of the squad.
The last case in the book is the one referred on the blurb. It doesn’t last long, but it changes their relationship. In the end, they get their HEA with a quick epilogue, filled with future events.
Complete review at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.
ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Jonah Landers’s promotion to detective isn’t going so well. His first undercover operation is a disaster thanks to Rafael Santos, a Cuban-American detective so far undercover, no one on Rafael’s Miami-based squad even had a clue he’d already infiltrated the prostitution ring Jonah was targeting. Two years and an insane twist of fate later, Jonah finds himself transferred from Orlando and partnered up with Rafael in Miami—and their rocky beginning doesn’t get any better.
For the sake of their careers and because he realizes he’s falling for Rafael, Jonah makes every attempt to smooth things over and move on with his love life. He turns his attention to A.J. Choya, a Seminole Indian who runs the tech department. But there’s no spark between them, and Jonah has to admit his feelings for Rafael aren’t going away.
When a new case falls into Rafael’s and Jonah’s laps, they must go undercover again and become intimate in a way that forces them to confront their feelings for each other—no matter the consequences
The story starts directly into the action. Jonah is on his way to his first undercover assignment as a detective with the Orlando Police Department. We get the basics about the area, Jonah’s relationship with his partner, and his doubts about the operation. Everything goes almost to plan until Rafael makes it to the scene. From there on, everything goes down the hill– for them and the investigation.
The ruined operation brings Jonah’s career to a halt, and no matter what he does, he’s not going anywhere. After two years, he’s able to transfer to Miami with the hopes to start over. Jonah doesn’t have much of a private or professional life when he leaves, but he hopes to, at least, have a chance to forward his career.
On his first day in Miami, everything changes when he gets to partner with Rafael. Their relationship is typical of newbies with experienced partners, but Jonah took it further, personal. We get a series of cases and how they worked them and interacted with the rest of the squad.
The last case in the book is the one referred on the blurb. It doesn’t last long, but it changes their relationship. In the end, they get their HEA with a quick epilogue, filled with future events.
Complete review at Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words.
ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2016
REVIEWED FOR PRISM BOOK ALLIANCE
The blurb to Forced Impressions had me excited but the story itself left me frustrated.
Jonah Lander is a newly promoted detective on his first undercover bust when it all goes wrong. A vital piece of information was missing from the raid and although not his fault two years later he is pleased to be leaving Orlando and heading to Miami for a new start. His new start partners him up with the mistake from two years ago and doesn’t go down well.
Rafael Santos was a bit of an enigma throughout the story and I never really felt that I got to know him beyond the surface. He’s a brilliant detective and garners a lot of respect from his team but nobody really wants to work with him. He’s permanently grumpy and shares nothing of his personal life, he’s also made it his life’s mission to give his new partner Jonah a hard time at every turn.
It was clear from the beginning that these two men were the main characters but it was nearly eighty percent into the book before anything happened between them and by then my interest in them working it out was waning. For most of the book Jonah is dating another man whilst spending all his time thinking about Rafael and I came away from it all feeling sorry for AJ who for the most part was used as a distraction. Add that to the huge info dump of police procedures and Rafael and Jonah’s relationship got buried. They did finally sort themselves out in the end but it was too little too late for me.
The blurb to Forced Impressions had me excited but the story itself left me frustrated.
Jonah Lander is a newly promoted detective on his first undercover bust when it all goes wrong. A vital piece of information was missing from the raid and although not his fault two years later he is pleased to be leaving Orlando and heading to Miami for a new start. His new start partners him up with the mistake from two years ago and doesn’t go down well.
Rafael Santos was a bit of an enigma throughout the story and I never really felt that I got to know him beyond the surface. He’s a brilliant detective and garners a lot of respect from his team but nobody really wants to work with him. He’s permanently grumpy and shares nothing of his personal life, he’s also made it his life’s mission to give his new partner Jonah a hard time at every turn.
It was clear from the beginning that these two men were the main characters but it was nearly eighty percent into the book before anything happened between them and by then my interest in them working it out was waning. For most of the book Jonah is dating another man whilst spending all his time thinking about Rafael and I came away from it all feeling sorry for AJ who for the most part was used as a distraction. Add that to the huge info dump of police procedures and Rafael and Jonah’s relationship got buried. They did finally sort themselves out in the end but it was too little too late for me.
February 10, 2016
I have to admit, I was a little worried when I purchased this book and saw all the low ratings and negative reviews. However I decided I would just give it a chance anyway. I'm glad that I did. I'm not sure if it was my mood or what but I was able to easily get into the story and pretty much fell in love with the characters.
While yes the story is a bit predictable I didn't find that it ruined anything. In fact because it took so long for the MC's to finally get together, I was kept wondering what would be the catalyst that would finally drive them to start a romance and how would they juggle it with their jobs and being partners? I liked that it wasn't insta-love and it took some work.
I also liked that it wasn't super heavy. It seems like every book with detectives or members of some sort of Law enforcement agency or what have you centers around either a serial killer/rapist, serial arsonist or human trafficking ring. And while I have enjoyed many of those types of books it was nice that the cases in Forced Impressions were a little more normal and everyday.
It was just a nice, enjoyable easy read with a bit of angst and some good laughs.
While yes the story is a bit predictable I didn't find that it ruined anything. In fact because it took so long for the MC's to finally get together, I was kept wondering what would be the catalyst that would finally drive them to start a romance and how would they juggle it with their jobs and being partners? I liked that it wasn't insta-love and it took some work.
I also liked that it wasn't super heavy. It seems like every book with detectives or members of some sort of Law enforcement agency or what have you centers around either a serial killer/rapist, serial arsonist or human trafficking ring. And while I have enjoyed many of those types of books it was nice that the cases in Forced Impressions were a little more normal and everyday.
It was just a nice, enjoyable easy read with a bit of angst and some good laughs.
February 19, 2016
3.5 stars. I enjoyed the quirky humor in this book ..... but gawd, it was a long, long, long ....... slow burn until Jonah and Rafael finally got somethin' goin' on. And granted, it was all kinds of hot and steamy (finally), but I got to the point where I wanted the story to scale back on Jonah's massive overthinking and just let something genuine happen, rather than trying to put together quips and funny turns of phrase.
April 25, 2017
A funny and yet emotional, slightly angsty, fast paced comedy of errors, easy on the police procedural and quite a bit heavier on the romance.
My only issue was the overly wordy narrative; it fit Jonah, the narrator, who tends to ramble and rattle on endlessly, especially when he's under stress, but aside from that, I found both Jonah and the story just adorable.
I didn't even mind the slightly dusty trope of unwilling undercover lovers, the delivery was just that delightful. Loved it.
My only issue was the overly wordy narrative; it fit Jonah, the narrator, who tends to ramble and rattle on endlessly, especially when he's under stress, but aside from that, I found both Jonah and the story just adorable.
I didn't even mind the slightly dusty trope of unwilling undercover lovers, the delivery was just that delightful. Loved it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2017
Loved it
First I have read from this author and really enjoyed loved Jonah and his inability to shut up and Rafael was great too. Would of loved rafeal's POV but that's me xxx
First I have read from this author and really enjoyed loved Jonah and his inability to shut up and Rafael was great too. Would of loved rafeal's POV but that's me xxx
August 16, 2021
4.5 stars.
MM.
I really Enjoyed the story.
I liked how the romance between Rafael and Jonah was a later occurrence in the book. It then actually gave the book a story and a set up, a slow burn if you will to these two characters relationship.
Jonah and Rafael made a great couple. I felt sorry for AJ, when his relationship with Jonah didn't work out.
Only issue I really thought hmm about was Garcia and her constant partying, Garcia was worrying that because of work and the caseload she wasn't able to spend time with her children, but when a case was completed she was out partying. I didn't get that. Yes people need to let off steam, but to say oh no because of work I can't be with my children is a huge stretch, when you are consistently putting partying before your children.
MM.
I really Enjoyed the story.
I liked how the romance between Rafael and Jonah was a later occurrence in the book. It then actually gave the book a story and a set up, a slow burn if you will to these two characters relationship.
Jonah and Rafael made a great couple. I felt sorry for AJ, when his relationship with Jonah didn't work out.
Only issue I really thought hmm about was Garcia and her constant partying, Garcia was worrying that because of work and the caseload she wasn't able to spend time with her children, but when a case was completed she was out partying. I didn't get that. Yes people need to let off steam, but to say oh no because of work I can't be with my children is a huge stretch, when you are consistently putting partying before your children.
February 14, 2016
Review can be read at It's About The Book
Jonah Landers did not mess up that undercover operation trying to bust a prostitution ring. That was all the fault of Rafael Santos. And of course Jonah was the one who got punched in the face and a tanking career to thank for that whole disaster. Jonah decides to move to a new city to rejuvenate his career as a police detective. On his first day on his new job in Miami he gets the last guava pastry at the bakery and goes in to meet his partner. His new partner is Rafael Santos. Yay. They don’t hit it off too well. Jonah is convinced Rafael doesn’t respect him as a cop nor does he like him at all as a human. It only gets more awkward when Jonah begins to date AJ Choya. AJ is a really nice guy. He’s not exciting, or anything, but he’s… really nice. Jonah notices that Rafael is really exciting. And passionate. And attractive. And Jonah happens to be dating AJ who is really nice. When Jonah and Rafael have no choice but to go undercover together things go way farther than either guy ever intended. Jonah and Rafael have to figure out what they want to do about this new complication in their already rocky partnership.
I’m not really a fan of love triangles, and this one was more drawn out than I expected. Maybe triangle is a bad description. Jonah was pining for Rafael while thinking Rafael hated him. He wasn’t torn between two lovers so much as he just didn’t feel a possibility of love for the guy he was actually dating. I kind of wanted to tell Jonah to just pull up his big boy pants and do the right thing, even if that meant he was alone. He had made a lot of decisive moves in terms of his career, and he broke it off with a guy who was cheating on him, then he led a guy on because he didn’t know if he really loved his partner and he didn’t want to be alone. It left me frustrated.
It took forever to get Jonah and Rafael together. Three quarters of the book was inscrutable looks from Rafael mixed with grudging respect of Jonah’s job capabilities and Jonah dating a really nice guy. It felt less like a slow burn and more like Jonah just didn’t know Rafael. When they do get together Jonah has sure knowledge of what Rafael needs from him sexually. How does he know that? For three quarters of the book he was pining for the guy and had no clue that was reciprocated then suddenly he knows the guy that well?
Sadly, this book didn’t work for me. I found myself more interested in the police and criminal aspects than I was in the romances.
Jonah Landers did not mess up that undercover operation trying to bust a prostitution ring. That was all the fault of Rafael Santos. And of course Jonah was the one who got punched in the face and a tanking career to thank for that whole disaster. Jonah decides to move to a new city to rejuvenate his career as a police detective. On his first day on his new job in Miami he gets the last guava pastry at the bakery and goes in to meet his partner. His new partner is Rafael Santos. Yay. They don’t hit it off too well. Jonah is convinced Rafael doesn’t respect him as a cop nor does he like him at all as a human. It only gets more awkward when Jonah begins to date AJ Choya. AJ is a really nice guy. He’s not exciting, or anything, but he’s… really nice. Jonah notices that Rafael is really exciting. And passionate. And attractive. And Jonah happens to be dating AJ who is really nice. When Jonah and Rafael have no choice but to go undercover together things go way farther than either guy ever intended. Jonah and Rafael have to figure out what they want to do about this new complication in their already rocky partnership.
I’m not really a fan of love triangles, and this one was more drawn out than I expected. Maybe triangle is a bad description. Jonah was pining for Rafael while thinking Rafael hated him. He wasn’t torn between two lovers so much as he just didn’t feel a possibility of love for the guy he was actually dating. I kind of wanted to tell Jonah to just pull up his big boy pants and do the right thing, even if that meant he was alone. He had made a lot of decisive moves in terms of his career, and he broke it off with a guy who was cheating on him, then he led a guy on because he didn’t know if he really loved his partner and he didn’t want to be alone. It left me frustrated.
It took forever to get Jonah and Rafael together. Three quarters of the book was inscrutable looks from Rafael mixed with grudging respect of Jonah’s job capabilities and Jonah dating a really nice guy. It felt less like a slow burn and more like Jonah just didn’t know Rafael. When they do get together Jonah has sure knowledge of what Rafael needs from him sexually. How does he know that? For three quarters of the book he was pining for the guy and had no clue that was reciprocated then suddenly he knows the guy that well?
Sadly, this book didn’t work for me. I found myself more interested in the police and criminal aspects than I was in the romances.
February 6, 2016
4 Heart Review by Amber
Ok, I will be the first to admit I’m so surprised about how much I enjoyed this book. I’m not surprised because the writing is bad, because it’s so NOT bad. I’m not surprised because the story is crap, because it’s not crap. This has a solid plot, interesting characters, and an enjoyable storyline. I’m surprised for the most superficial reason and that’s because the sex between the main characters doesn’t happen until like 70% in the book. And usually that’s a game changer for me but with this story little things were thrown in that gave me just enough of the passion and lust I usually need pretty early on in my stories.
Jonah Lander’s is a Police Detective that’s had a pretty rough transition after his promotion. So much so that he decides a transfer of departments is in order. He knows he needs a big change and fast. Settling in at his new department he isn’t prepared to be partnered with a cop that he had a bumpy first run-in with a few years before.
Rafael Santos doesn’t think much of his new partner. All he really knows is he doesn’t want or need him. Butting heads at every step of the way both men are unprepared for the attraction that arises between them.
Like I mentioned earlier we wait AWHILE for these men to come together. The story however moved at a steady pace and I really enjoyed that the police cases weren’t long and drawn out. Also, when the characters do finally get it on they are smokin’ hot together. Like on fire…HOT!! This is one of those stories where the passion builds and builds then there’s an uncontrollable and crazy passionate coming together.
This is a new to me author and I would definitely read more of her stories. Great writing, awesome characters and a thought-out storyline…I’d absolutely recommend this one!!!!
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
Ok, I will be the first to admit I’m so surprised about how much I enjoyed this book. I’m not surprised because the writing is bad, because it’s so NOT bad. I’m not surprised because the story is crap, because it’s not crap. This has a solid plot, interesting characters, and an enjoyable storyline. I’m surprised for the most superficial reason and that’s because the sex between the main characters doesn’t happen until like 70% in the book. And usually that’s a game changer for me but with this story little things were thrown in that gave me just enough of the passion and lust I usually need pretty early on in my stories.
Jonah Lander’s is a Police Detective that’s had a pretty rough transition after his promotion. So much so that he decides a transfer of departments is in order. He knows he needs a big change and fast. Settling in at his new department he isn’t prepared to be partnered with a cop that he had a bumpy first run-in with a few years before.
Rafael Santos doesn’t think much of his new partner. All he really knows is he doesn’t want or need him. Butting heads at every step of the way both men are unprepared for the attraction that arises between them.
Like I mentioned earlier we wait AWHILE for these men to come together. The story however moved at a steady pace and I really enjoyed that the police cases weren’t long and drawn out. Also, when the characters do finally get it on they are smokin’ hot together. Like on fire…HOT!! This is one of those stories where the passion builds and builds then there’s an uncontrollable and crazy passionate coming together.
This is a new to me author and I would definitely read more of her stories. Great writing, awesome characters and a thought-out storyline…I’d absolutely recommend this one!!!!
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for Love Bytes. Go there to check out other reviews, author interviews, and all those awesome giveaways. Click below.
February 4, 2016
3.5 star review by The Blogger Girls.
Jonah and Rafael get off to a rocky start when Jonah’s first undercover assignment is slightly botched after running into Rafael who had already been undercover on the same operation. With the additional bad breakup Jonah had with his boyfriend, he relocates to make a fresh start and ends up being paired with non other than Rafael.
Through much of this story, Jonah and Rafael have a sort of love/hate relationship going on. Jonah thinks Rafael hates him, and much of Rafael’s actions seem to indicate that is so. But there are also some indications (jealousy) that this is not the case. This is especially true when Jonah decides to find some enjoyment in the form of another coworker, A.J. It is clear pretty much from the beginning that Jonah and A.J. make better friends, but they continue on anyway. Jonah knows there isn’t any spark between them but convinces himself he needs to give it time.
In the meantime, he and Rafael continue with their hot and cold dance. As time goes on, Jonah realizes the spark missing from A.J. is strongly prevalent with Rafael, though he tries to quash his feelings for the sake of the job/partnership. It isn’t until they are forced to go undercover together in roles that leave little to question as to how they each feel about the other.
I enjoyed this story, but much of it is the wishy washy stuff with A.J. which I really wished didn’t take up so much page time. When Jonah and Rafael are together, things are definitely hotter and you just want more of them together. However, this doesn’t happen until about 3/4 of the way through the story. From there, the story rolls quickly as they work out their feelings and what to do about their jobs, etc. It has a lovely ending, but it takes some time to get there.
February 22, 2016
A Joyfully Jay review.
3 stars
This is one of those stories that I dread having to review. On the surface, this isn’t a bad story; it just wasn’t what I was expecting. To be fair, I hate stories where one of the main characters goes through nearly the entire story in a relationship with someone else, only to end up with someone entirely different at the end. Throughout ¾ of this book, we had Jonah and A.J. together. Granted, Jonah is fighting the feelings he has for Rafael throughout this whole time, yet the whole time I am reading about this, I am realizing I really don’t like Jonah all that much if he is involved with someone when he has feelings for someone else. I thought this wasn’t really fair to A.J. or to readers. I felt cheated out of a romance between Jonah and Rafael.
Another problem I had was the whole police procedural storyline. For the most part, this reads like a Hollywood TV version of police/detective work rather than anything real life. I found myself rolling my eyes more than once. Then there was the whole issue with Jonah moving to Miami because he was sick of dealing with tourist crimes. I didn’t buy it. Anyone who knows anything about crime knows that Orlando has its fair share of violent crimes. So I was left wondering, what was the real reason he left Orlando? Was it a relationship gone bad? Was it because he never lived down the bungled first assignment? Was it because he was gay and there were problems with his co-workers? I felt like he wasn’t being completely honest as to why he left.
Read Wendy’s review in its entirety here.
3 stars
This is one of those stories that I dread having to review. On the surface, this isn’t a bad story; it just wasn’t what I was expecting. To be fair, I hate stories where one of the main characters goes through nearly the entire story in a relationship with someone else, only to end up with someone entirely different at the end. Throughout ¾ of this book, we had Jonah and A.J. together. Granted, Jonah is fighting the feelings he has for Rafael throughout this whole time, yet the whole time I am reading about this, I am realizing I really don’t like Jonah all that much if he is involved with someone when he has feelings for someone else. I thought this wasn’t really fair to A.J. or to readers. I felt cheated out of a romance between Jonah and Rafael.
Another problem I had was the whole police procedural storyline. For the most part, this reads like a Hollywood TV version of police/detective work rather than anything real life. I found myself rolling my eyes more than once. Then there was the whole issue with Jonah moving to Miami because he was sick of dealing with tourist crimes. I didn’t buy it. Anyone who knows anything about crime knows that Orlando has its fair share of violent crimes. So I was left wondering, what was the real reason he left Orlando? Was it a relationship gone bad? Was it because he never lived down the bungled first assignment? Was it because he was gay and there were problems with his co-workers? I felt like he wasn’t being completely honest as to why he left.
Read Wendy’s review in its entirety here.
August 14, 2016
Forced Impressions by Piper Doone has the story of Officer Jonah Landers. On his first undercover assignment as a detective he gets smashed in the face. Turns out another under cover detective was pissed at him for blowing his job. Years after that fateful encounter he transfers to the Miami office to help his stagnant career maybe take off. He wants more than just to be safe in his job he wants to move up and do things. He has ambition and drive. He is also openly gay he wants a relationship too.
Rafael Santos never though he would see again the man he smashed in the face for messing up his bust. Nor did he ever think he would end up the man's partner. It normally would not be a problem, but he finds he has feelings for Jonah that are way more than professional. He does his duty and trains Jonah to the best of his abilities but wonders how long he can keep his hands to himself around him.
Most of this book Jonah is with A.J. a man who is a lot like a happy puppy, when it's really Rafe he wants. I kinda think that A.J. got a raw deal. He is a kind sweet guy, and while he knew the score he doesn't really get a love out of this. I hope in the future we can visit him again and see his story.
The connection between Rafe and Jonah is very strong. I really like the intensity they have, they are good for each other in and out of bed.
Over all the story line and characters are great in this book and I cannot wait to see if there is more or a sequel I know I would read it.
Five Shooting Stars
Rafael Santos never though he would see again the man he smashed in the face for messing up his bust. Nor did he ever think he would end up the man's partner. It normally would not be a problem, but he finds he has feelings for Jonah that are way more than professional. He does his duty and trains Jonah to the best of his abilities but wonders how long he can keep his hands to himself around him.
Most of this book Jonah is with A.J. a man who is a lot like a happy puppy, when it's really Rafe he wants. I kinda think that A.J. got a raw deal. He is a kind sweet guy, and while he knew the score he doesn't really get a love out of this. I hope in the future we can visit him again and see his story.
The connection between Rafe and Jonah is very strong. I really like the intensity they have, they are good for each other in and out of bed.
Over all the story line and characters are great in this book and I cannot wait to see if there is more or a sequel I know I would read it.
Five Shooting Stars
April 12, 2016
3.5 rounded down.
Recently promoted to detective, Jonah Landers is hoping to make his mark in Orlando as a detective. When his first undercover case ends in disaster and a busted face, it begins a downward spiral for him in Orlando. Finally, he decides it's time to make a change and manages to make a move to Miami. But when he finds out that his new partner is none other than the man who caused that busted face in Orlando, he prepares himself for yet another disaster in a new city.
I found Jonah to be a really authentic character. I've found that stories with officers often depict them as being the best at their job. It's rare to get a story where the character is portrayed as a true rookie. There was some progression of his character shown, but not as much as I would've liked. Along with that, I would've loved to see more of a build-up of the relationship with Jonah and Rafael. Once they did get together, it was nice and had a good dash of steam.
I liked the bits of humor and how the author handled A.J.'s character. So often these third characters are demonized for having a relationship with one of the main characters, but the author didn't do that to him, and I appreciated it.
I think the story just needed further development and it would've taken the next step forward, but in general, not bad.
Recently promoted to detective, Jonah Landers is hoping to make his mark in Orlando as a detective. When his first undercover case ends in disaster and a busted face, it begins a downward spiral for him in Orlando. Finally, he decides it's time to make a change and manages to make a move to Miami. But when he finds out that his new partner is none other than the man who caused that busted face in Orlando, he prepares himself for yet another disaster in a new city.
I found Jonah to be a really authentic character. I've found that stories with officers often depict them as being the best at their job. It's rare to get a story where the character is portrayed as a true rookie. There was some progression of his character shown, but not as much as I would've liked. Along with that, I would've loved to see more of a build-up of the relationship with Jonah and Rafael. Once they did get together, it was nice and had a good dash of steam.
I liked the bits of humor and how the author handled A.J.'s character. So often these third characters are demonized for having a relationship with one of the main characters, but the author didn't do that to him, and I appreciated it.
I think the story just needed further development and it would've taken the next step forward, but in general, not bad.
June 8, 2016
Forced Impressions by Piper Doone follows Jonah Landers from his promotion to detective through his horribly botched first undercover assignment, where he meets Rafael Santos. The two men do not get off to a good start, so Jonah is chagrinned to discover that Rafael is assigned to be his partner after a transfer to Miami two years later.
Forced Impressions was easily the best book I’ve read all year. It’s a gritty, realistic enemies-to-lovers story that had me on the edge of my seat (and up way past my bedtime) from the first page to the last. Despite a few questionable choices in his love life (sorry, A.J.!) Jonah’s optimistic persona offered the Miami police force, specifically, Rafael, a measure of hope in an otherwise jaded population. On the other hand, Rafael was fantastically written with enough cracks in his hardened exterior to show his vulnerability. Doone took readers right to the heart of the Miami underbelly and made them fall in love with the people down there. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes romantic suspense with a enemies-to-lovers backdrop. Five stars.
Reviewed by Liz Cat for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
Forced Impressions was easily the best book I’ve read all year. It’s a gritty, realistic enemies-to-lovers story that had me on the edge of my seat (and up way past my bedtime) from the first page to the last. Despite a few questionable choices in his love life (sorry, A.J.!) Jonah’s optimistic persona offered the Miami police force, specifically, Rafael, a measure of hope in an otherwise jaded population. On the other hand, Rafael was fantastically written with enough cracks in his hardened exterior to show his vulnerability. Doone took readers right to the heart of the Miami underbelly and made them fall in love with the people down there. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes romantic suspense with a enemies-to-lovers backdrop. Five stars.
Reviewed by Liz Cat for Crystal’s Many Reviewers
*Copy provided for review*
February 3, 2016
Great characters and plot but romance purist won't like that the leads don't have an immediate romantic interest in each other. Add in that one lead dates another man for about 25% of the book, and romance purist (like me!) will be bummed.
Read
February 5, 2016The blurb got me. Ugh. The blurb got me. I raced to get this book because of the blurb.
Listen...
I came for the blurb.
I stayed for the burb.
I love a good blurb.
Know what I love more? Romance.
I blame the blurb.
Listen...
I came for the blurb.
I stayed for the burb.
I love a good blurb.
Know what I love more? Romance.
I blame the blurb.
February 7, 2016
This is the first book of Piper Doone's I have read and I have become a fan. Jonah was sweet and funny. His romance with Santos was lovely. This was a great story.
March 6, 2016
Cop partners fall in love but neither one realizes the other loves him until they — gasp! — talk about it.
July 7, 2017
Possibly even a 2.5 stars.
This is definitely a book where the blurb is deceiving. I was expecting, if nothing else more action. It went from a good start, to a slow middle, and jumping all of a sudden at the end to the plot that we were promised.
Having a grumpy older detective taking the younger newbie under his wing begrudgingly can be a good trope if done right, this wasn't.
This is definitely a book where the blurb is deceiving. I was expecting, if nothing else more action. It went from a good start, to a slow middle, and jumping all of a sudden at the end to the plot that we were promised.
Having a grumpy older detective taking the younger newbie under his wing begrudgingly can be a good trope if done right, this wasn't.
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