What do you think?
Rate this book
Rose and Thorne #1
Bad Dogs and Drag Queens
Rose and Book One
Vinnie Delarosa and Ethan Thorne are partners—on and off the clock. Federal undercover detectives, they’re part of a covert task force designed to promote goodwill between the feds and local authorities. They lend an unobtrusive helping hand wherever it’s needed. No credit required.
Vinnie and Ethan work primarily in the Southeast region of the United States and live together in Richmond, Virginia. A mugger problem brings them to Roanoke, where Vinnie is thrown out as bait to catch the man who’s been snatching purses in a city park, but they end up with more than they bargained for. Why is Vinnie always the one who has to wear the dress? Ethan says it’s because Vinnie looks much prettier in a skirt. How can he argue with that?
Expecting to return to Richmond afterward, Vinnie and Ethan find themselves assigned a new case instead. They are to go undercover at The Stroll, one of the biggest gay nightclubs in Roanoke. Someone is terrorizing both the customers and the performers. Could they be dealing with a hate crime? Someone has to protect the drag queens of Roanoke, so it’s Vinnie and Ethan to the rescue!
The author is donating 10% of the royalties from this book to No Kid Hungry. Visit nokidhungry.org for more information about this organization.
Vinnie Delarosa and Ethan Thorne are partners—on and off the clock. Federal undercover detectives, they’re part of a covert task force designed to promote goodwill between the feds and local authorities. They lend an unobtrusive helping hand wherever it’s needed. No credit required.
Vinnie and Ethan work primarily in the Southeast region of the United States and live together in Richmond, Virginia. A mugger problem brings them to Roanoke, where Vinnie is thrown out as bait to catch the man who’s been snatching purses in a city park, but they end up with more than they bargained for. Why is Vinnie always the one who has to wear the dress? Ethan says it’s because Vinnie looks much prettier in a skirt. How can he argue with that?
Expecting to return to Richmond afterward, Vinnie and Ethan find themselves assigned a new case instead. They are to go undercover at The Stroll, one of the biggest gay nightclubs in Roanoke. Someone is terrorizing both the customers and the performers. Could they be dealing with a hate crime? Someone has to protect the drag queens of Roanoke, so it’s Vinnie and Ethan to the rescue!
The author is donating 10% of the royalties from this book to No Kid Hungry. Visit nokidhungry.org for more information about this organization.
138 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 25, 2016
4 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Julie Lynn Hayes
78 books101 followersJulie Lynn Hayes was born and raised in St Louis, Missouri, and still calls that city home. She first began to write over fifty years ago, and doesn’t see that stopping anytime soon. She likes to write in different genres, to stretch herself in order to see what is possible. When someone tells her something can’t be done, she feels compelled to do it. Much of her writing is in the m/m romance category.
When she isn’t writing, or working at her day job with a third party elevator inspection company, she enjoys crafts, such as cross stitch and crochet, and watching her favorite programs. Her favorite chef is Geoffrey Zakarian, and her favorite historical character is Aaron Burr—she is obsessed with all things Hamilton! Never say never is her motto!
You can contact Julie at tothemax.wolf@gmail.com.
When she isn’t writing, or working at her day job with a third party elevator inspection company, she enjoys crafts, such as cross stitch and crochet, and watching her favorite programs. Her favorite chef is Geoffrey Zakarian, and her favorite historical character is Aaron Burr—she is obsessed with all things Hamilton! Never say never is her motto!
You can contact Julie at tothemax.wolf@gmail.com.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
April 27, 2016
This is my first book by author Julie Lynn Hayes and overall I enjoyed the story - I would have just liked it beefed up a bit. So this is a super sweet story between two out and proud undercover agents who travel to different areas doing jobs most probably would hate. Case in point, dressing up as a woman to bust a mugger in a park and then of course taking on the persona of Boom-Boom Sanchez a drag queen. Vinnie, poor Vinnie he is always the one to go undercover and having to wear dresses. Secretly though I think he likes how much it turns his partner on both on and off the job. Make no mistake, Ethan loves his man, but he loves him just as much when he is in high heels and a sexy dress - he loves taking off those items too!
These two MC are really super sweet on each other, to the point I think I may have a cavity after reading this book. Vinnie comes off a bit needy and acts like a drama queen at times but Ethan loves him even harder and never gets upset. Oh and we mustn't forget our other MC, Bad Dog and Purse Snatcher, Benny. Yes, Benny is a Pekingese pooch but he is a primary character in this story. Look at the title if ya don't believe me ;-) this little doggie gets our guys in more than one sticky situation!
I have to admit I wasn't very surprised by the villain in this story and that may account for the 3.5 star rating instead if a 4 star. Chemistry, these guys are constantly going at it. I mean, they are probably worse than rabbits. It's a wonder they were ever able to actually show up to work. But hey, maybe they were just really in LURVE!
Overall, 3.5 stars and a light fun read!
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
These two MC are really super sweet on each other, to the point I think I may have a cavity after reading this book. Vinnie comes off a bit needy and acts like a drama queen at times but Ethan loves him even harder and never gets upset. Oh and we mustn't forget our other MC, Bad Dog and Purse Snatcher, Benny. Yes, Benny is a Pekingese pooch but he is a primary character in this story. Look at the title if ya don't believe me ;-) this little doggie gets our guys in more than one sticky situation!
I have to admit I wasn't very surprised by the villain in this story and that may account for the 3.5 star rating instead if a 4 star. Chemistry, these guys are constantly going at it. I mean, they are probably worse than rabbits. It's a wonder they were ever able to actually show up to work. But hey, maybe they were just really in LURVE!
Overall, 3.5 stars and a light fun read!
❥❥**´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•`*ARC provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange for an honest review.
Reviewed by Jaime from Alpha Book Club
May 25, 2016
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review.
This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Why do I keep doing this to myself??
So maybe note to self should be: Every book with the words drag queen in the title or blurb is not for me. I really wanted to like this story. I wasn't able to put the OTT and the disbelief aside. I have no problems with co-workers being together, being out and open without a care in the world, I'd say BFN. Nope not believing it?
Especially in the alphabet agencies, let's be clear about that. I was able to believe it if they were regular detectives in some Podunk town in the country. I couldn't get over the two man team, and the drag impersonation for minor crimes against humanity. I mean, they weren't drag queens for terrorist, or to capture human traffickers. It was B-Level crime with a D-List cast. It started off fine, and then the make believe just grew and out went any enjoyment for me. Either character didn't move me, and at times Vinnie seemed to be emasculated by Ethan. I mean, constantly saying he has the legs for the skirt, or I'd buy you a new purse didn't sit well with me. Yeah, that was disappointing for me, but their relationship was kinda good. I mean obviously they cared for one another, and if it was strictly a contemporary romance I would have enjoyed it more.
I was confused most of the time. We didn't get any past history, or a prologue. Being thrown into the middle of a crime and not knowing left me unsettled. Explanations still weren't clear throughout the rest of the story. I'm going to leave you with this, besides the relationship( Which Vinnie kept second guessing after being together for 5 years) it was the only thing worth reading and it's still meh for me.
This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Why do I keep doing this to myself??
So maybe note to self should be: Every book with the words drag queen in the title or blurb is not for me. I really wanted to like this story. I wasn't able to put the OTT and the disbelief aside. I have no problems with co-workers being together, being out and open without a care in the world, I'd say BFN. Nope not believing it?
Especially in the alphabet agencies, let's be clear about that. I was able to believe it if they were regular detectives in some Podunk town in the country. I couldn't get over the two man team, and the drag impersonation for minor crimes against humanity. I mean, they weren't drag queens for terrorist, or to capture human traffickers. It was B-Level crime with a D-List cast. It started off fine, and then the make believe just grew and out went any enjoyment for me. Either character didn't move me, and at times Vinnie seemed to be emasculated by Ethan. I mean, constantly saying he has the legs for the skirt, or I'd buy you a new purse didn't sit well with me. Yeah, that was disappointing for me, but their relationship was kinda good. I mean obviously they cared for one another, and if it was strictly a contemporary romance I would have enjoyed it more.
I was confused most of the time. We didn't get any past history, or a prologue. Being thrown into the middle of a crime and not knowing left me unsettled. Explanations still weren't clear throughout the rest of the story. I'm going to leave you with this, besides the relationship( Which Vinnie kept second guessing after being together for 5 years) it was the only thing worth reading and it's still meh for me.
May 5, 2016
There are times when I'll read something that I think will be great but it ends up just plain not working for me. This is one of those times.
Vinnie Delarosa and Ethan Thorne are Federal undercover detectives who work primarily in the Southeast U.S. as part of a covert task force that lends an unobtrusive helping hand between the feds and local authorities wherever it's needed. At the start of the story they're on loan to the Roanoke, Virginia Police Department to first help catch a mugger and then later to help find who's terrorizing some of the customers and performers at a popular gay nightclub featuring a premiere drag queen show.
While I read the story I was constantly left with the feeling I had missed something. This really felt more like the second story in a series than the first to me. I got hints of their background, their history, but not enough to sink my teeth into.
I wanted to know Ethan and Vinnie's beginning and their history as I was honestly far more interested in their relationship than I was the investigation and shenanigans in the nightclub.
Because the one thing I really did like about the story, when Vinnie wasn't being all whiny, jealous and worried, was their relationship. Vinnie and Ethan are so obviously in love with one another and have been trusted partners (both literally and figuratively) for over five years. Ethan treats Vinnie so lovingly it was just so sweet. *sighs* I really liked how wonderfully Ethan treats Vinnie.
Told exclusively from Vinnie's POV, I simply didn't connect with the character. Between his diva-like attitude, self-esteem issues and jealousy he was a really hard character for me to like, care about, or root for to be honest.
I didn't understand how after five years together, five obviously good years, Vinnie was still worried about their relationship. I also didn't get the whole federal detectives being loaned out to city police departments. Too much of the story just didn't work for me at all. Maybe that's just me or maybe it was an off day.
If you're looking for a low angst, established couple romance with some heat, humor, and mystery you should check this out for yourself.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Bad Dogs and Drag Queens provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Vinnie Delarosa and Ethan Thorne are Federal undercover detectives who work primarily in the Southeast U.S. as part of a covert task force that lends an unobtrusive helping hand between the feds and local authorities wherever it's needed. At the start of the story they're on loan to the Roanoke, Virginia Police Department to first help catch a mugger and then later to help find who's terrorizing some of the customers and performers at a popular gay nightclub featuring a premiere drag queen show.
While I read the story I was constantly left with the feeling I had missed something. This really felt more like the second story in a series than the first to me. I got hints of their background, their history, but not enough to sink my teeth into.
I wanted to know Ethan and Vinnie's beginning and their history as I was honestly far more interested in their relationship than I was the investigation and shenanigans in the nightclub.
Because the one thing I really did like about the story, when Vinnie wasn't being all whiny, jealous and worried, was their relationship. Vinnie and Ethan are so obviously in love with one another and have been trusted partners (both literally and figuratively) for over five years. Ethan treats Vinnie so lovingly it was just so sweet. *sighs* I really liked how wonderfully Ethan treats Vinnie.
I have to confess—I like to be babied by Ethan. I love when he takes care of me. On my own terms, naturally. I think it satisfies something vital in each of us.
Told exclusively from Vinnie's POV, I simply didn't connect with the character. Between his diva-like attitude, self-esteem issues and jealousy he was a really hard character for me to like, care about, or root for to be honest.
I didn't understand how after five years together, five obviously good years, Vinnie was still worried about their relationship. I also didn't get the whole federal detectives being loaned out to city police departments. Too much of the story just didn't work for me at all. Maybe that's just me or maybe it was an off day.
If you're looking for a low angst, established couple romance with some heat, humor, and mystery you should check this out for yourself.
Advanced Review Galley copy of Bad Dogs and Drag Queens provided by Dreamspinner Press in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
May 25, 2016
This is a first time read for me of a Julie Lynn Hayes book. That’s always interesting when you read a new to you author. You never know what you’re going to get.
Bad Dogs and Drag Queens was almost satire for me. It was chuck full of a lot of comedy. Often I found myself in bouts of laughter. There’s a mystery too but it wasn’t a well-kept secret in my opinion. I solved that fairly quickly.
Vinnie was hilarious. Always the one in the dress and stilettos. He complains about it but when his partner, both on and off the force, loves him just as much in drag as out it’s hard to dislike putting on the stockings.
Benny, the dog, the terror. OMG this pup is a pain in the butt lol. What he does to Ethan and Vinnie! WOW! He’s a little trouble maker.
So, there’s the humor, the mystery, the excitement, the drag queens! All things I love. The only downside I had was it was TOO sweet between Vinnie and Ethan. I loved how in love they were. And I get it’s an established relationship from the very beginning. But, it just was too much for too long. I needed them to dial it back a bit. But that is really my own personal opinion.
This was far from boring. It was so much fun and I will read more from this author.
Bad Dogs and Drag Queens was almost satire for me. It was chuck full of a lot of comedy. Often I found myself in bouts of laughter. There’s a mystery too but it wasn’t a well-kept secret in my opinion. I solved that fairly quickly.
Vinnie was hilarious. Always the one in the dress and stilettos. He complains about it but when his partner, both on and off the force, loves him just as much in drag as out it’s hard to dislike putting on the stockings.
Benny, the dog, the terror. OMG this pup is a pain in the butt lol. What he does to Ethan and Vinnie! WOW! He’s a little trouble maker.
So, there’s the humor, the mystery, the excitement, the drag queens! All things I love. The only downside I had was it was TOO sweet between Vinnie and Ethan. I loved how in love they were. And I get it’s an established relationship from the very beginning. But, it just was too much for too long. I needed them to dial it back a bit. But that is really my own personal opinion.
This was far from boring. It was so much fun and I will read more from this author.
June 15, 2020
This is a fun story that pulled me into the plot right away. It’s funny, yet suspense filled at the same time with great characters you can’t help but love. Ethan Thorn and Vinnie Delarosa, partners in both a special task force and in their personal life, are madly in love. It’s shown in every action they take, along with their wonderful lovemaking and they aren’t hesitant to tell each other just how much they love each other.
Vinnie is a rather sarcastic individual, tired of being the one that always has to dress in drag for missions that require it. He lets Ethan know in no uncertain words that he’s angry and it’s more than time for Ethan to take the position of the woman for once. Unfortunately, as we read through the novel, we do get to see that he is rather a diva and as much as he denies it, he doesn’t hate dressing in drag, just finds it humiliating. I love when we get to meet them for the first time, helping the local police catch a purse snatcher in a local park. Poor Vinnie was dressed in drag “again”, and was the bait.
I laughed at the commentary between the two while Vinnie does his best to look like a hopeless woman, with a gun stuck in his waistband. The funniest part was, while Vinnie was being distracted by a cute little dog that appeared out of nowhere, the purse snatcher appeared. Imagine his surprise when the ‘woman’ is a lot stronger than he thought, finding himself in a wrestling match. Ethan came to his rescue and Vinnie was pouting about his slight injuries and hurting feet, which I think all woman in the world can relate to. Those high heels can be killers.
After cuffing their suspect and handing him over to the local police, the end up taking the dog with them to the hotel not knowing what to do with the poor thing. They had called the number on his tag with no answer. They end up naming him Benny, already smitten with him. They find out that the dog actually belonged to the purse snatcher so they end up adopting him.
Ethan is a down to earth character, but he adores Vinnie and Benny. He’ll do anything to keep them safe. He also tends to be protective and at times babying Vinnie when he needs it. For example, he’ll give a foot rub after wearing the heels. Ethan and Vinnie have a relationship that many would love. They have each other’s back no matter what, in their police work or in life. Their love is expressed in their lovemaking; it’s hot but sweet along with comfort as needed. It’s them against the world.
I enjoyed the main plot where poor Vinnie is forced, yet again, to dress in drag. This time he has to infiltrate a club called The Stroll which is experiencing accidents to the drag queens and those who frequent the club are being blackmailed. This club is well known for their entertainment of the drag queens dancing and they also mixed with the customers. Each ‘woman’ has her own stage name such as Afternoon Delight, and Sparkles. Vinnie’s stage name is Boom-Boom Sanchez and Ethan goes undercover as a bartender so both could watch and listen for any clues. Vinnie was an instant success, to his consternation.
This is a fun, entertaining, and suspenseful book that kept me entertained from start to finish. A wonderful plot filled with great and exotic characters that allows the reader to get a peek in the drag queen society. I would recommend this to anyone that has an open mind and enjoys a mystery with great characters who don’t take themselves too seriously.
Vinnie is a rather sarcastic individual, tired of being the one that always has to dress in drag for missions that require it. He lets Ethan know in no uncertain words that he’s angry and it’s more than time for Ethan to take the position of the woman for once. Unfortunately, as we read through the novel, we do get to see that he is rather a diva and as much as he denies it, he doesn’t hate dressing in drag, just finds it humiliating. I love when we get to meet them for the first time, helping the local police catch a purse snatcher in a local park. Poor Vinnie was dressed in drag “again”, and was the bait.
I laughed at the commentary between the two while Vinnie does his best to look like a hopeless woman, with a gun stuck in his waistband. The funniest part was, while Vinnie was being distracted by a cute little dog that appeared out of nowhere, the purse snatcher appeared. Imagine his surprise when the ‘woman’ is a lot stronger than he thought, finding himself in a wrestling match. Ethan came to his rescue and Vinnie was pouting about his slight injuries and hurting feet, which I think all woman in the world can relate to. Those high heels can be killers.
After cuffing their suspect and handing him over to the local police, the end up taking the dog with them to the hotel not knowing what to do with the poor thing. They had called the number on his tag with no answer. They end up naming him Benny, already smitten with him. They find out that the dog actually belonged to the purse snatcher so they end up adopting him.
Ethan is a down to earth character, but he adores Vinnie and Benny. He’ll do anything to keep them safe. He also tends to be protective and at times babying Vinnie when he needs it. For example, he’ll give a foot rub after wearing the heels. Ethan and Vinnie have a relationship that many would love. They have each other’s back no matter what, in their police work or in life. Their love is expressed in their lovemaking; it’s hot but sweet along with comfort as needed. It’s them against the world.
I enjoyed the main plot where poor Vinnie is forced, yet again, to dress in drag. This time he has to infiltrate a club called The Stroll which is experiencing accidents to the drag queens and those who frequent the club are being blackmailed. This club is well known for their entertainment of the drag queens dancing and they also mixed with the customers. Each ‘woman’ has her own stage name such as Afternoon Delight, and Sparkles. Vinnie’s stage name is Boom-Boom Sanchez and Ethan goes undercover as a bartender so both could watch and listen for any clues. Vinnie was an instant success, to his consternation.
This is a fun, entertaining, and suspenseful book that kept me entertained from start to finish. A wonderful plot filled with great and exotic characters that allows the reader to get a peek in the drag queen society. I would recommend this to anyone that has an open mind and enjoys a mystery with great characters who don’t take themselves too seriously.
May 26, 2016
“It is true that you can't choose your family, but you can choose your friends. It is also true that you can choose your partner and in doing so, you end up choosing the family you've always wanted.” ~ J.R. Rim
Vinnie and Ethan, of 'Bad Dogs and Drag Queens' by Julie Lynn Hayes, are partners in the truest sense of the word; at work, as undercover law enforcement detectives,and in their private lives as lovers and best friends. Their lives as detectives can get hectic and even dangerous sometimes, but the respect, love, and devotion these men have for each other make them an unstoppable team—ready, willing, and able to take on the toughest assignments and solve the most difficult cases.
Their current assignment is catching muggers in a badly lit part of Roanoke, Virginia. Vinnie is, unfortunately, the bait, necessitating him to wear female clothing, which Ethan lovingly helps him pick out and put on. While at the park, they meet an adorable dog who is also a purse thief. When he steals Vinnie's purse, the chase leads to the real purse snatcher, therefore solving the case. With the perpetrator in custody, Vinnie and Ethan leave the station with the dog they name Benny, who they end up keeping, looking forward to going back home to Richmond, Virginia where they live. In the meantime, their supervisor asks them to meet him for dinner to discuss the next case. This uncommon invitation arouses Vinnie and Ethan's suspicion; they figure the upcoming assignment must be particularly noxious and, more than likely means that no one else would take it.
Their suspicions are confirmed when they learn that the job involves working at The Stroll, a local gay bar featuring drag queens, whose employees are being harassed and threatened. Their job is to find out who is doing it. It also involves Ethan being a bartender and poor Vinnie, a drag queen. Vinnie is upset, but Ethan is supportive, helping Vinnie shop for new dresses, wigs, and shoes that are necessary for his cover and reassuring him how beautiful he looks in a dress. Ethan and Vinnie are supposed to be roommates, not lovers, so they have to curb their public displays of affection. It's especially difficult for Vinnie, who has a short temper and whose jealousy is easily invoked. He almost loses it when he sees Ethan being too friendly with the other queens and patrons.
I loved this story! Ethan and Vinnie won my heart right away. Julie presents their relationship so articulately that I could feel their passion and affection for each other. Everyone should have a man like Ethan. He knows just how to soothe any misgivings or fears Vinnie has with just the right words and actions while reminding him how wonderful he is. Vinnie repays him with undying love and devotion and a lot of hot sex! If you like stories about drag queens, handsome, witty men, undercover agents, sleazy bad guys, dogs, and hot, loving sex, then you may enjoy this tale. I'm delighted to see that it's book one of a series. I'm just not ready to let these guys go yet. Thanks, Julie, this story was a true delight. I'm looking forward to Ethan and Vinnie's next adventures.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Vinnie and Ethan, of 'Bad Dogs and Drag Queens' by Julie Lynn Hayes, are partners in the truest sense of the word; at work, as undercover law enforcement detectives,and in their private lives as lovers and best friends. Their lives as detectives can get hectic and even dangerous sometimes, but the respect, love, and devotion these men have for each other make them an unstoppable team—ready, willing, and able to take on the toughest assignments and solve the most difficult cases.
Their current assignment is catching muggers in a badly lit part of Roanoke, Virginia. Vinnie is, unfortunately, the bait, necessitating him to wear female clothing, which Ethan lovingly helps him pick out and put on. While at the park, they meet an adorable dog who is also a purse thief. When he steals Vinnie's purse, the chase leads to the real purse snatcher, therefore solving the case. With the perpetrator in custody, Vinnie and Ethan leave the station with the dog they name Benny, who they end up keeping, looking forward to going back home to Richmond, Virginia where they live. In the meantime, their supervisor asks them to meet him for dinner to discuss the next case. This uncommon invitation arouses Vinnie and Ethan's suspicion; they figure the upcoming assignment must be particularly noxious and, more than likely means that no one else would take it.
Their suspicions are confirmed when they learn that the job involves working at The Stroll, a local gay bar featuring drag queens, whose employees are being harassed and threatened. Their job is to find out who is doing it. It also involves Ethan being a bartender and poor Vinnie, a drag queen. Vinnie is upset, but Ethan is supportive, helping Vinnie shop for new dresses, wigs, and shoes that are necessary for his cover and reassuring him how beautiful he looks in a dress. Ethan and Vinnie are supposed to be roommates, not lovers, so they have to curb their public displays of affection. It's especially difficult for Vinnie, who has a short temper and whose jealousy is easily invoked. He almost loses it when he sees Ethan being too friendly with the other queens and patrons.
I loved this story! Ethan and Vinnie won my heart right away. Julie presents their relationship so articulately that I could feel their passion and affection for each other. Everyone should have a man like Ethan. He knows just how to soothe any misgivings or fears Vinnie has with just the right words and actions while reminding him how wonderful he is. Vinnie repays him with undying love and devotion and a lot of hot sex! If you like stories about drag queens, handsome, witty men, undercover agents, sleazy bad guys, dogs, and hot, loving sex, then you may enjoy this tale. I'm delighted to see that it's book one of a series. I'm just not ready to let these guys go yet. Thanks, Julie, this story was a true delight. I'm looking forward to Ethan and Vinnie's next adventures.
NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
May 17, 2016
A ScatteredThoughtsandRogueWords Review. This review can also be found here.
Detectives Vincent Delarosa and Ethan Thorne are federal undercover cops designed to give local cops the extra push without actual FBI involvement.
Vinnie and Ethan are partners in every sense of the word and they find themselves in Roanoke to deal with a pesky mugger situation, only to have their stay extended. As Vinnie and Ethan go undercover in a bar they need to find out who is harming the customers and the drag queens of The Stroll, one of the biggest gay nightclubs in Roanoke.
This book is an established couple romance when it is not trying to be a mystery and vice versa.
The MCs Ethan and Vinnie have been together for five years. There are some unresolved issues in their relationship but the author chooses not to explore those in this book. At the same time the author also doesn’t give us any details on how they met except the fact that it was during a drag show and Vinnie was the drag queen. This approach left the book hanging a little on one hand I love an established couple romance where the couple resolve their issues and come out on the other side victorious and in love but this book doesn’t give us that.
On the other hand this book could have been about a crime fighting duo but both the crimes in Roanoke don’t seem to add anything to the overall story which still seems to revolve around how much Vinnie and Ethan love each other. Also both the crimes are quite petty in nature, definitely not at the level of a murder mystery and get resolved very quickly.
I guess the problem that this book faces is one of labels it’s not a mystery and it is not an established couple romance either. It is kind of doing a tight walk rope between these two genres. It is definitely a cute romance but almost nothing more.
The book’s title does say Bad Dogs and Drag Queens and we do get one bad dog and lots of Drag Queens. The dog in question, Benny, has a pesky problem which just makes him more adorable. It would have been nice to see Vinnie and Ethan training him to not go around running away with ladies’ handbags.
This book is a fun read with lots of love and it is interesting but it is just a story. I never got the feeling that we were delving deep into these characters or that these missions were actually important. This story was just skimming the surface, it doesn’t offer much conflict and also doesn’t give us any details on the love story between our two MCs or on their appearances for that matter. In my opinion this book would have been better if the focus was on one aspect of this book instead of trying to drag both along and doing justice to neither.
But despite everything I didn’t find the book awful, personally because of the lovely moments shared between Ethan and Vinnie. These two characters are very much in love and there love is really sweet.
Cover Art by Paul Richmond. I don’t like the colour combination of blue with yellow but the cover works for the title of the book “Bad Dogs and Drag Queens”.
Detectives Vincent Delarosa and Ethan Thorne are federal undercover cops designed to give local cops the extra push without actual FBI involvement.
Vinnie and Ethan are partners in every sense of the word and they find themselves in Roanoke to deal with a pesky mugger situation, only to have their stay extended. As Vinnie and Ethan go undercover in a bar they need to find out who is harming the customers and the drag queens of The Stroll, one of the biggest gay nightclubs in Roanoke.
This book is an established couple romance when it is not trying to be a mystery and vice versa.
The MCs Ethan and Vinnie have been together for five years. There are some unresolved issues in their relationship but the author chooses not to explore those in this book. At the same time the author also doesn’t give us any details on how they met except the fact that it was during a drag show and Vinnie was the drag queen. This approach left the book hanging a little on one hand I love an established couple romance where the couple resolve their issues and come out on the other side victorious and in love but this book doesn’t give us that.
On the other hand this book could have been about a crime fighting duo but both the crimes in Roanoke don’t seem to add anything to the overall story which still seems to revolve around how much Vinnie and Ethan love each other. Also both the crimes are quite petty in nature, definitely not at the level of a murder mystery and get resolved very quickly.
I guess the problem that this book faces is one of labels it’s not a mystery and it is not an established couple romance either. It is kind of doing a tight walk rope between these two genres. It is definitely a cute romance but almost nothing more.
The book’s title does say Bad Dogs and Drag Queens and we do get one bad dog and lots of Drag Queens. The dog in question, Benny, has a pesky problem which just makes him more adorable. It would have been nice to see Vinnie and Ethan training him to not go around running away with ladies’ handbags.
This book is a fun read with lots of love and it is interesting but it is just a story. I never got the feeling that we were delving deep into these characters or that these missions were actually important. This story was just skimming the surface, it doesn’t offer much conflict and also doesn’t give us any details on the love story between our two MCs or on their appearances for that matter. In my opinion this book would have been better if the focus was on one aspect of this book instead of trying to drag both along and doing justice to neither.
But despite everything I didn’t find the book awful, personally because of the lovely moments shared between Ethan and Vinnie. These two characters are very much in love and there love is really sweet.
Cover Art by Paul Richmond. I don’t like the colour combination of blue with yellow but the cover works for the title of the book “Bad Dogs and Drag Queens”.
June 21, 2016
What happens when a dynamic FBI duo go undercover in the most unusual way? Julie Lynn Hayes brings us a clever and witty story featuring two delightful FBI agents who love their work and each other. Vinnie doesn’t exactly love dressing up as a woman, but both the cases they work on require him to do just that. After capturing a mugging purse-snatcher, and ending up becoming owners of his canine sidekick, Vinnie and Ethan are sent undercover to a bar featuring drag queen performers. Once again, Vinnie must don a gown and wig while Ethan tends the bar. While the audience loves Vinnie’s performance, not everyone is a fan, and when someone decides to show Vinnie just how much they dislike him, Ethan is nowhere to be found.
Bad Dogs and Drag Queens is a fun romp with two main characters that fit together like hand and glove. With clever dialogue and a sexy romance, this story is a quick and easy read that’s guaranteed to make you smile. No big angst and a rather simple mystery storyline combine to make this more of a sweet romance then a thriller. The chemistry between Ethan and Vinnie was quite genuine and lovely to experience. These two men simply were head-over-heels in love with one another, and while they may not have flaunted their relationship, they definitely did not hide it either. Both had their own share of humorous lines and witty repartee in this character driven novel, but it was their work together as detectives that really highlighted how much they cared for each other.
I do wish the mystery portion of this novel would’ve been a bit beefier and more thought out. The whole premise of the nightclub being vandalized and some of the performers being threatened was rather weak. Yes, the final threat to Vinnie was realistic and a bit heart pounding, but otherwise, I felt the mystery idea was almost an afterthought. However, the romance portion of the story more than made up for that.
If you are looking for a clever romance with a little bit of action and some funny moments, then Bad Dogs and Drag Queens by Julie Lynn Hayes is the story for you.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach Reviews
Bad Dogs and Drag Queens is a fun romp with two main characters that fit together like hand and glove. With clever dialogue and a sexy romance, this story is a quick and easy read that’s guaranteed to make you smile. No big angst and a rather simple mystery storyline combine to make this more of a sweet romance then a thriller. The chemistry between Ethan and Vinnie was quite genuine and lovely to experience. These two men simply were head-over-heels in love with one another, and while they may not have flaunted their relationship, they definitely did not hide it either. Both had their own share of humorous lines and witty repartee in this character driven novel, but it was their work together as detectives that really highlighted how much they cared for each other.
I do wish the mystery portion of this novel would’ve been a bit beefier and more thought out. The whole premise of the nightclub being vandalized and some of the performers being threatened was rather weak. Yes, the final threat to Vinnie was realistic and a bit heart pounding, but otherwise, I felt the mystery idea was almost an afterthought. However, the romance portion of the story more than made up for that.
If you are looking for a clever romance with a little bit of action and some funny moments, then Bad Dogs and Drag Queens by Julie Lynn Hayes is the story for you.
Reviewed by Sammy for The Novel Approach Reviews
May 26, 2016
**Originally Posted on Kiki's Kinky Picks**
4.5 stars
Reviewed by Brandy
Bad Dogs and Drag Queens by Julie Lynn Hayes was a breath of fresh air. I really fell into the story completely when I started. I couldn’t put it down!
Vinnie was the epitome of snarky, witty, badassery. (Yes, I know, badassery is not a word though GoogleDocs has accepted it as a word..weird) Anywho, as I was saying before I interrupted myself, I really adored Vinnie AKA Boom Boom. I laughed at the explanation for his undercover drag queen name. So hard! Vinnie is one of my favorite MC’s I encountered this year with his over-the-top flamboyance at times, but his heart was really and truly full of love for his partner Ethan.
Ethan is truly Vinnie’s other half. Where Vinnie is outrageous at times, Ethan is the stoic, romantic one who takes care of his partner, on the job and off, by giving encouragement, foot rubs, and all around loving the heck out of Vinnie. The author really expressed that through Ethan. Making him the rock that Vinnie could hold on to when he started to flip out about things.
All together this story earned a 4.5 stars! The world build up was beautifully done, there just felt like a rush going on throughout the story. If a few things had been drawn out a bit more I feel it would have earned the other half star. I wanted to delve into the MC’s pasts a bit more as they felt incomplete to me.
However, I would still highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good laugh in their reads, something a bit lighter with a fun story and hilarious characters. Also Mrs. Hayes, we never did find out why Detective Muldoon was at the Club our Dynamic Duo was undercover in! Really hope there’s another book coming with an explanation!
Copy provided in exchange for a fair and honest review.
4.5 stars
Reviewed by Brandy
Bad Dogs and Drag Queens by Julie Lynn Hayes was a breath of fresh air. I really fell into the story completely when I started. I couldn’t put it down!
Vinnie was the epitome of snarky, witty, badassery. (Yes, I know, badassery is not a word though GoogleDocs has accepted it as a word..weird) Anywho, as I was saying before I interrupted myself, I really adored Vinnie AKA Boom Boom. I laughed at the explanation for his undercover drag queen name. So hard! Vinnie is one of my favorite MC’s I encountered this year with his over-the-top flamboyance at times, but his heart was really and truly full of love for his partner Ethan.
Ethan is truly Vinnie’s other half. Where Vinnie is outrageous at times, Ethan is the stoic, romantic one who takes care of his partner, on the job and off, by giving encouragement, foot rubs, and all around loving the heck out of Vinnie. The author really expressed that through Ethan. Making him the rock that Vinnie could hold on to when he started to flip out about things.
All together this story earned a 4.5 stars! The world build up was beautifully done, there just felt like a rush going on throughout the story. If a few things had been drawn out a bit more I feel it would have earned the other half star. I wanted to delve into the MC’s pasts a bit more as they felt incomplete to me.
However, I would still highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a good laugh in their reads, something a bit lighter with a fun story and hilarious characters. Also Mrs. Hayes, we never did find out why Detective Muldoon was at the Club our Dynamic Duo was undercover in! Really hope there’s another book coming with an explanation!
Copy provided in exchange for a fair and honest review.
June 24, 2016
Review can be read at It's About The Book
3.5 stars
This was a fun little read about FBI agents who also happen to be a couple head over heals in love with each other. It was a light read with lots of humor and silly situations. Over the top characters and a sweet romance. Vinnie and Ethan were pretty sexy together. I think mostly because they’re obviously crazy about each other. There’s love beyond the all consuming lust they feel for each other. Parts of this story felt a bit campy but I didn’t really mind it once I settled into it.
Vinnie and Ethan are part of a crew of undercover FBI agents who are loaned out to police departments around the country to help solve crimes. Their latest assignment is a mugger that’s alluding the local PD This seemed a little beyond the FBI’s scope but I just rolled with it. Vinnie having previous experience in doing so dresses up as a woman to catch the guy. They do but they also gain his dog. This part of the story was cute but for me I preferred the second half of the novella. This is where they go undercover at a drag club. Where Vinnie busts out his former drag queen “Boom Boom” Sanchez to catch the baddie.
There’s quite a bit of humor in this book. I wouldn’t say I laughed out loud or anything but I was entertained. Nothing gets too heavy and there’s not really a big mystery at play. It’s more about how they navigate it together. So it’s a fun read without a much depth. I did really like the couple. They were gaga for each other which can come off too sweet for me at times but for them and this story it worked. Vinnie’s character had his petulant moments where he channeled his inner diva a tad too much but nothing major. This is light short read with lively characters, hot sex and a sweet love story. Worth reading if you’re in the mood for something easy and fun.
3.5 stars
This was a fun little read about FBI agents who also happen to be a couple head over heals in love with each other. It was a light read with lots of humor and silly situations. Over the top characters and a sweet romance. Vinnie and Ethan were pretty sexy together. I think mostly because they’re obviously crazy about each other. There’s love beyond the all consuming lust they feel for each other. Parts of this story felt a bit campy but I didn’t really mind it once I settled into it.
Vinnie and Ethan are part of a crew of undercover FBI agents who are loaned out to police departments around the country to help solve crimes. Their latest assignment is a mugger that’s alluding the local PD This seemed a little beyond the FBI’s scope but I just rolled with it. Vinnie having previous experience in doing so dresses up as a woman to catch the guy. They do but they also gain his dog. This part of the story was cute but for me I preferred the second half of the novella. This is where they go undercover at a drag club. Where Vinnie busts out his former drag queen “Boom Boom” Sanchez to catch the baddie.
There’s quite a bit of humor in this book. I wouldn’t say I laughed out loud or anything but I was entertained. Nothing gets too heavy and there’s not really a big mystery at play. It’s more about how they navigate it together. So it’s a fun read without a much depth. I did really like the couple. They were gaga for each other which can come off too sweet for me at times but for them and this story it worked. Vinnie’s character had his petulant moments where he channeled his inner diva a tad too much but nothing major. This is light short read with lively characters, hot sex and a sweet love story. Worth reading if you’re in the mood for something easy and fun.
May 21, 2016
Take this book for what it is, a quirky, silly, romantic, undercover cop story.
Both partners in life and on the job, Vinnie and Ethan are federal agents working in a special task force to bridge the gap between local PD and Feds.
Their first assignment is to try and find a mugger focusing on woman. Vinnie is the one who has to dress up as the woman, and it isn't his first time, apparently. I thought it was pretty hilarious, listening him complain about his shoes and everything. It was Evan more endearing when Ethan helped him out afterwards, always taking care of him. What more, the not only catch the perp but his "little helper" too.
Enter the "bad dog".
They both take a liking to this little guy and Ethan goes as far as to naming him.
Once that mission is over, their boss immediately has another mission for them at the local gay bar which features a line up of drag Queens. Someone has been targeting the club and the workers.
Vinnie and Ethan must go undercover as employees. Ethan as a bartender and Vin as the newest entertainment, Boom-Boom Santiago.
A string of things happen, some funny, some not so much. But Vin is always entertaining.
I loved the banter between Vin and Ethan. You can tell how much they care for each other, even if Vin seems a little unsure at times. He seems to have a bit of a dramatic flair, regardless of complaining about having to be a Queen. I like the dynamics between them and the newly acquired dog.
I felt there was a bit of a loop hole between what was happening at the club and why the perp was doing what they were doing, but all in all it was still n entertaining story..
3.75 fabulous stars for Vinnie and Ethan
Both partners in life and on the job, Vinnie and Ethan are federal agents working in a special task force to bridge the gap between local PD and Feds.
Their first assignment is to try and find a mugger focusing on woman. Vinnie is the one who has to dress up as the woman, and it isn't his first time, apparently. I thought it was pretty hilarious, listening him complain about his shoes and everything. It was Evan more endearing when Ethan helped him out afterwards, always taking care of him. What more, the not only catch the perp but his "little helper" too.
Enter the "bad dog".
They both take a liking to this little guy and Ethan goes as far as to naming him.
Once that mission is over, their boss immediately has another mission for them at the local gay bar which features a line up of drag Queens. Someone has been targeting the club and the workers.
Vinnie and Ethan must go undercover as employees. Ethan as a bartender and Vin as the newest entertainment, Boom-Boom Santiago.
A string of things happen, some funny, some not so much. But Vin is always entertaining.
I loved the banter between Vin and Ethan. You can tell how much they care for each other, even if Vin seems a little unsure at times. He seems to have a bit of a dramatic flair, regardless of complaining about having to be a Queen. I like the dynamics between them and the newly acquired dog.
I felt there was a bit of a loop hole between what was happening at the club and why the perp was doing what they were doing, but all in all it was still n entertaining story..
3.75 fabulous stars for Vinnie and Ethan
May 23, 2016
Original Blog Post: Blog Tour, Excerpt, eARC Review & #Giveaway: Bad Dogs and Drag Queens by Julie Lynn Hayes
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Giggle one
Giggle two
Giggle three, four, five... I lost count! This is how the read started and this is how it ended. The giggles and snorts and holy camote went through my head.
It all begins when Vinnie, on a stealthy lookout for crime one night in Roanoke, P.A., meets a mugger and his assailant dog. The four-legged menace is in the form of an adorable peke whose pink tongue lols out of its mouth in a comedic attempt to look like a Rottweiler, fluffy hair, button eyes and all. By the end of the night, the mugger is caught, and the dog falls under the custody of the two cops. That is, until the little villain managed to run away with Vinnie's heart and Ethan's soul. Thus begins the comedic story of how two FUCs become Boom Boom and Kevin.
The setting is simple, the plot is simpler, and the dialogue (after the fluff of ball) steals the show. With lipstick and high heels on, Vinnie struts the strut to try to discover just who is behind what could be a hate crime spree.
I cannot reveal the plot as it will ruin the read for everyone, but I can reveal that this is a recommended read for those who just want to lose themselves in a bit of fun and humor far from the dramas of life, on and offline.
Just a word of advise: do not drink anything hot in the course of this read! Heed this warning well!
Note: eARC provided via Pride Promotions for an honest review.
Review by: multitaskingmomma
My Rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Giggle one
Giggle two
Giggle three, four, five... I lost count! This is how the read started and this is how it ended. The giggles and snorts and holy camote went through my head.
It all begins when Vinnie, on a stealthy lookout for crime one night in Roanoke, P.A., meets a mugger and his assailant dog. The four-legged menace is in the form of an adorable peke whose pink tongue lols out of its mouth in a comedic attempt to look like a Rottweiler, fluffy hair, button eyes and all. By the end of the night, the mugger is caught, and the dog falls under the custody of the two cops. That is, until the little villain managed to run away with Vinnie's heart and Ethan's soul. Thus begins the comedic story of how two FUCs become Boom Boom and Kevin.
The setting is simple, the plot is simpler, and the dialogue (after the fluff of ball) steals the show. With lipstick and high heels on, Vinnie struts the strut to try to discover just who is behind what could be a hate crime spree.
I cannot reveal the plot as it will ruin the read for everyone, but I can reveal that this is a recommended read for those who just want to lose themselves in a bit of fun and humor far from the dramas of life, on and offline.
Just a word of advise: do not drink anything hot in the course of this read! Heed this warning well!
Note: eARC provided via Pride Promotions for an honest review.
June 30, 2016
Vinnie and Ethan are partners on the job and off. For the last 5 years they’ve been fighting crime in Richmond, VA, but are now part of a special liaison in Roanoke, trying to stop a mugger. Vinnie (who first met Ethan at a drag show) wears the dress and it’s Vinnie who also meets the “Bad Dog” – aka Benny – while catching the bad guy in a park one day.
Ethan loves Vinnie, his life and now the dog, too.
After catching the mugger, the pair is put on the job of busting a series of crimes at a bar that features drag queens. You guessed it – Vinnie’s in a dress – again.
Will Vinnie be able to trust Ethan with all the flirting his undercover character must do? Does Ethan really want Vinnie or Vinnie in a dress?
**
So…. This is a mixed bag for me as far as reviews go.
The writing style was engaging and easy to follow. It flowed, there were no mistakes and I really liked the two MCs who, as characters, were really well developed.
What didn’t work for me was the lack of distinct story. There is really no angst, no hurdle, nothing for this couple to overcome. Beyond the crime – which I never cared about – a bit of flirting – and the fact that Vinnie has never lived in a house before… there just wasn’t much happening in this story.
I enjoyed the sweet way the MCs interacted, thought the dog was funny, loved all the drag queen personas, but was never really invested in this story much at all.
So… I guess I’d recommend this to anyone looking for something very, very light and sweet – maybe after you’ve read a hard tear-jerker and you need a palate cleanse – or something that’s easy. If you’re looking for anything deep or moving or exciting… keep looking.
3 of 5 stars
Ethan loves Vinnie, his life and now the dog, too.
After catching the mugger, the pair is put on the job of busting a series of crimes at a bar that features drag queens. You guessed it – Vinnie’s in a dress – again.
Will Vinnie be able to trust Ethan with all the flirting his undercover character must do? Does Ethan really want Vinnie or Vinnie in a dress?
**
So…. This is a mixed bag for me as far as reviews go.
The writing style was engaging and easy to follow. It flowed, there were no mistakes and I really liked the two MCs who, as characters, were really well developed.
What didn’t work for me was the lack of distinct story. There is really no angst, no hurdle, nothing for this couple to overcome. Beyond the crime – which I never cared about – a bit of flirting – and the fact that Vinnie has never lived in a house before… there just wasn’t much happening in this story.
I enjoyed the sweet way the MCs interacted, thought the dog was funny, loved all the drag queen personas, but was never really invested in this story much at all.
So… I guess I’d recommend this to anyone looking for something very, very light and sweet – maybe after you’ve read a hard tear-jerker and you need a palate cleanse – or something that’s easy. If you’re looking for anything deep or moving or exciting… keep looking.
3 of 5 stars
May 23, 2016
Do you ever read so much romance that you need something else to break of the monotony. This book did that for me. The two MC's are already together both romantically and professionally.
Vinnie Delarosa and Ethan Thorne are two undercover Federal Agents. They have just closed out a case involving a purse snatching dog and are ready for a little downtime together when they are thrown into a new case at a down-town Roanoke drag bar. Some of the queens have been threatened, and some of the patrons property has been damaged. Vinnie and Ethan are called in to solve the case before it escalates. Ethan is going undercover as a bartender while Vinnie is masquerading as a drag queen.
This book had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion. Ethan's internal dialogue was a riot, as were the exploits of the purse snatching Pekingese. Drag queen names like Orgazma, Boom-Boom Sanchez, Vee Gina, Sparkle Aplenty and Afternoon Delite had me giggling like a thirteen year old girl.
I loved the established relationship between Ethan and Vinnie, their trust for each other on and off the job really came through. Their witty banter and the way Ethan always cared for Vinnie was endearing.
I enjoyed the story as a whole, but I feel like I was left with some unanswered questions since it ended abruptly. Why was Muldoon at the bar? Who was he with? I thought Vinnie and Ethan were going to have to work together a little more before the mystery unraveled itself. All in all it was a solid read.
Vinnie Delarosa and Ethan Thorne are two undercover Federal Agents. They have just closed out a case involving a purse snatching dog and are ready for a little downtime together when they are thrown into a new case at a down-town Roanoke drag bar. Some of the queens have been threatened, and some of the patrons property has been damaged. Vinnie and Ethan are called in to solve the case before it escalates. Ethan is going undercover as a bartender while Vinnie is masquerading as a drag queen.
This book had me laughing out loud on more than one occasion. Ethan's internal dialogue was a riot, as were the exploits of the purse snatching Pekingese. Drag queen names like Orgazma, Boom-Boom Sanchez, Vee Gina, Sparkle Aplenty and Afternoon Delite had me giggling like a thirteen year old girl.
I loved the established relationship between Ethan and Vinnie, their trust for each other on and off the job really came through. Their witty banter and the way Ethan always cared for Vinnie was endearing.
I enjoyed the story as a whole, but I feel like I was left with some unanswered questions since it ended abruptly. Why was Muldoon at the bar? Who was he with? I thought Vinnie and Ethan were going to have to work together a little more before the mystery unraveled itself. All in all it was a solid read.
May 24, 2016
I am obsessed, I mean OBSESSED, with all things drag queens. So when I was given the opportunity to review this book I may have let out a slight squeal.
This book starts out with two undercover special agents helping the local Roanoke PD look for a purse snatcher. What better way to look for said thief is to be a purse carrying, skirt wearing "woman". When Vinnie, dressed to the nines, goes for a stroll in the park he is tripped and comes face to face with a cute little Pekingese. Of course as luck would have it, out comes the purse snatcher. As Vinnie is wrestling with said snatcher, in comes Ethan, Vinnie's partner (in more ways than one). After the arrest they find themselves taking home sweet little Benny for the night. They soon find out that the sweet little pup belongs to the snatcher and is actually his accomplice. When the snatcher decides he no longer wants the pup, the guys decide to make him part of their family.
After a few days off, Ethan and Vinnie, are assigned to a new case to help the local PD once again. This time its to help find the person responsible for assaulting not only some of the patrons, but also some of the fabulous Queens at a local gay bar. Once again Vinnie must don the dress and wig and pull out his inner Queen.
This is such a cute, funny and kinda hot read. I cant wait to see what else Ms. Hayes has in store for these guys.
****I give this book 4 Fiercely, Fabulous Stars****
This book starts out with two undercover special agents helping the local Roanoke PD look for a purse snatcher. What better way to look for said thief is to be a purse carrying, skirt wearing "woman". When Vinnie, dressed to the nines, goes for a stroll in the park he is tripped and comes face to face with a cute little Pekingese. Of course as luck would have it, out comes the purse snatcher. As Vinnie is wrestling with said snatcher, in comes Ethan, Vinnie's partner (in more ways than one). After the arrest they find themselves taking home sweet little Benny for the night. They soon find out that the sweet little pup belongs to the snatcher and is actually his accomplice. When the snatcher decides he no longer wants the pup, the guys decide to make him part of their family.
After a few days off, Ethan and Vinnie, are assigned to a new case to help the local PD once again. This time its to help find the person responsible for assaulting not only some of the patrons, but also some of the fabulous Queens at a local gay bar. Once again Vinnie must don the dress and wig and pull out his inner Queen.
This is such a cute, funny and kinda hot read. I cant wait to see what else Ms. Hayes has in store for these guys.
****I give this book 4 Fiercely, Fabulous Stars****
June 1, 2016
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie in exchange for a fair and honest review. ***
Ethan and Vinnie have been partners both at work and in their personal lives for five years. They work as undercover agents in a special task force that helps police stations around the country and perhaps because of his long hair, Vinnie always ends up drawing the short stick when it comes to dressing as a woman or in this case, as a drag queen. Add an adorable dog with a penchant for stealing purses and you'll have a very cute, enjoyable read.
Ethan is amazing, steady and loving, he is just the perfect counterpart to the volatile Vinnie. And Vinnie, well, he's exuberant and full of life. Together they're hilarious and have an amazing chemistry, both at work and in their private life.
If something could've made this book better, it would've been having a bit more of backstory. We get the general idea of how Vinnie and Ethan got together, but I'd have loved to read some of it, too. I think the ending was a bit rushed, too, and there were some loose ends, that I hope the author will resolve in other books in the series.
As it was, it was a delightful, fun book. I really enjoyed this trip into Vinnie's mind, it was hilarious! And of course, Benny, the puppy, was too adorable for words. Very recommendable!
Rating: 4 Stars!!!
Ethan and Vinnie have been partners both at work and in their personal lives for five years. They work as undercover agents in a special task force that helps police stations around the country and perhaps because of his long hair, Vinnie always ends up drawing the short stick when it comes to dressing as a woman or in this case, as a drag queen. Add an adorable dog with a penchant for stealing purses and you'll have a very cute, enjoyable read.
Ethan is amazing, steady and loving, he is just the perfect counterpart to the volatile Vinnie. And Vinnie, well, he's exuberant and full of life. Together they're hilarious and have an amazing chemistry, both at work and in their private life.
If something could've made this book better, it would've been having a bit more of backstory. We get the general idea of how Vinnie and Ethan got together, but I'd have loved to read some of it, too. I think the ending was a bit rushed, too, and there were some loose ends, that I hope the author will resolve in other books in the series.
As it was, it was a delightful, fun book. I really enjoyed this trip into Vinnie's mind, it was hilarious! And of course, Benny, the puppy, was too adorable for words. Very recommendable!
Rating: 4 Stars!!!
May 31, 2016
2.5 Stars rounded down.
I really loved the premise of the book and had pre-ordered it weeks before it's release. But somehow in reality, it just didn't deliver for me. My hubby has a habit of starting a conversation in the middle of his thoughts and then changes the subjects multiple times along the way. That's how I felt with this book...lost in the middle of someone's ideas that were all jumbled together. So many ideas & trails of storylines that were just left untold by the end of the book. Even the solving of the last crime was anticlimatic for me.
By the #1 behind the title, it appears that there's plans for making this a series. I think I'll pass on any future editions.
I really loved the premise of the book and had pre-ordered it weeks before it's release. But somehow in reality, it just didn't deliver for me. My hubby has a habit of starting a conversation in the middle of his thoughts and then changes the subjects multiple times along the way. That's how I felt with this book...lost in the middle of someone's ideas that were all jumbled together. So many ideas & trails of storylines that were just left untold by the end of the book. Even the solving of the last crime was anticlimatic for me.
By the #1 behind the title, it appears that there's plans for making this a series. I think I'll pass on any future editions.
May 6, 2016
Fair warning: Pride Promotions has a tour for this book and as the owner, you can take my review with a slice of brie.
I got to read Bad Dogs before the author submitted it to Dreamspinner, and I loved it. Ethan is an absolute doll. He's good and patient with Vin, who sometimes needs a little boost to his self-confidence.
Vin is a great character. I mean Ethan loves him to bits, right? The story is low angst (for the most part), but it does bring the two men together in a loving way as partners in all aspects of life.
I got to read Bad Dogs before the author submitted it to Dreamspinner, and I loved it. Ethan is an absolute doll. He's good and patient with Vin, who sometimes needs a little boost to his self-confidence.
Vin is a great character. I mean Ethan loves him to bits, right? The story is low angst (for the most part), but it does bring the two men together in a loving way as partners in all aspects of life.
May 27, 2016
First of all, l love, love that the guys are already a couple when the book starts. Wish there are more books about established couples. All the romance books are starting to read alike. This was very good, l couldn't put it down and it says it is book 1 which means there will be more. I can't wait. Highly recommended.
May 25, 2016
3.5 stars
June 12, 2016
Ethan and Vinnie are so sweet and funny! I just love them! An easy read with a bit of mystery that kept me entertained.
Can't wait to read more about this couple!
Can't wait to read more about this couple!
July 20, 2021
2 stars
Vinnie and Ethan are partners at the FBI, and for life. They are part of a special task force that is loaned out to local law enforcement to help with difficult cases. After helping to solve one case, they are asked to stay and help with another. It involves Vinnie (yet again) dressing up in drag, only this time, he gets to be a queen.
I was going to DNF this, thinking to myself that I have a whole list of funny titles I can read for this challenge. I just wanted to read far enough to see if I was right about the dog. Spoiler alert: I was. Even though I didn't like the characterizations (Vinnie was definitely the "little woman", with all the insecurities and breathlessness that bad/old school romance writers give their heroines.), I kept going even after I found out about the dog. I'm not quite sure why. The mystery was pretty non-existent, there were editing issues, and I never felt as though I got to know Ethan, since everything was from Vinnie's perspective. I also felt as though I got plopped down in the middle of a story, because there seemed to be a lot that had gone on prior to the happenings in this one that were alluded to, but nothing was ever fully explained. How their relationship came about, for example. What was up with their families. Actually, they didn't seem to know that about one another, and they had been together for (I believe) a couple of years as a couple. Wouldn't you have that talk? Even if it's just to say you don't want to talk about it? Anyway, I didn't DNF the book, and I don't think I wish that I had, but I won't be reading another one by this author.
Vinnie and Ethan are partners at the FBI, and for life. They are part of a special task force that is loaned out to local law enforcement to help with difficult cases. After helping to solve one case, they are asked to stay and help with another. It involves Vinnie (yet again) dressing up in drag, only this time, he gets to be a queen.
I was going to DNF this, thinking to myself that I have a whole list of funny titles I can read for this challenge. I just wanted to read far enough to see if I was right about the dog. Spoiler alert: I was. Even though I didn't like the characterizations (Vinnie was definitely the "little woman", with all the insecurities and breathlessness that bad/old school romance writers give their heroines.), I kept going even after I found out about the dog. I'm not quite sure why. The mystery was pretty non-existent, there were editing issues, and I never felt as though I got to know Ethan, since everything was from Vinnie's perspective. I also felt as though I got plopped down in the middle of a story, because there seemed to be a lot that had gone on prior to the happenings in this one that were alluded to, but nothing was ever fully explained. How their relationship came about, for example. What was up with their families. Actually, they didn't seem to know that about one another, and they had been together for (I believe) a couple of years as a couple. Wouldn't you have that talk? Even if it's just to say you don't want to talk about it? Anyway, I didn't DNF the book, and I don't think I wish that I had, but I won't be reading another one by this author.
June 22, 2020
3.5 stars
“Bad Dogs and Drag Queens” by Julie Lynn Hayes is the first story in the ‘Rose and Thorne’ series and features federal agents Vinnie Delarosa and Ethan Thorne, whose special talents (and fancy wardrobes) are used to solve cases for local law enforcement officials.
This contemporary gay mystery romance is a lighthearted look at the lengths some folks will go to nab their villains. Vinnie and Ethan are partners in life and on the job and have no problem dressing up to fit the role. The little dog and his actions almost steal the show, and he adds great “aww” moments. Although I love the connection the men have, at times I felt they were almost too sweet and mild, and I was surprised at the brief interludes of insecurity that almost blow their covers given the length of time they’ve been together. The interactions with the drag queens and their inventive names were fun elements but the motive behind the perpetrator seemed a little weak. I suspect that some of the dangling threads are going to be addressed in subsequent stories since this is the first in the series. Those in search of a low-angst-fun read should give this tale a try.
A copy was provided for review
“Bad Dogs and Drag Queens” by Julie Lynn Hayes is the first story in the ‘Rose and Thorne’ series and features federal agents Vinnie Delarosa and Ethan Thorne, whose special talents (and fancy wardrobes) are used to solve cases for local law enforcement officials.
This contemporary gay mystery romance is a lighthearted look at the lengths some folks will go to nab their villains. Vinnie and Ethan are partners in life and on the job and have no problem dressing up to fit the role. The little dog and his actions almost steal the show, and he adds great “aww” moments. Although I love the connection the men have, at times I felt they were almost too sweet and mild, and I was surprised at the brief interludes of insecurity that almost blow their covers given the length of time they’ve been together. The interactions with the drag queens and their inventive names were fun elements but the motive behind the perpetrator seemed a little weak. I suspect that some of the dangling threads are going to be addressed in subsequent stories since this is the first in the series. Those in search of a low-angst-fun read should give this tale a try.
A copy was provided for review
July 30, 2020
Cute is the perfect word to describe this cozy mystery written by Julie Lynn Hayes. Bad Dogs and Drag Queens is a double-headed official mystery that kicks off the “Rose and Thorne” series (it really started with a 500 word untitled flash fiction). Two federal agents travel around the Southeastern United States assisting local police enforcement on cases that they need help with where undercover work is necessary. Delarosa and Thorne are partners on and off the force. Very steamy partners.
We hear the story from Delarosa’s point of view. He has a lot of internal dialogue (laugh). Since Delarosa is the one who goes undercover, it makes sense for Hayes to tell the story from his point of view. Plus, he is funny and he sees the world slightly left of center. He loves Ethan which is great to see.
Hayes gives us a good mystery with a couple with heart and heat. I’d follow them on a beat anytime.
I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
The author is donating 10% of the royalties from this book to No Kid Hungry. Visit nokidhungry.org for more information about this organization.
We hear the story from Delarosa’s point of view. He has a lot of internal dialogue (laugh). Since Delarosa is the one who goes undercover, it makes sense for Hayes to tell the story from his point of view. Plus, he is funny and he sees the world slightly left of center. He loves Ethan which is great to see.
Hayes gives us a good mystery with a couple with heart and heat. I’d follow them on a beat anytime.
I received an ARC of this book and I am writing a review without prejudice and voluntarily.
The author is donating 10% of the royalties from this book to No Kid Hungry. Visit nokidhungry.org for more information about this organization.
July 6, 2020
I enjoyed Ethan and Vinnie very much. They were a loving couple, open and honest with each other. The banter between them was amusing, and the support they showed was what everyone looks for in a life mate. I loved how well they worked together on the job and solved the crimes. I recommend this story and I look forward to more in this series.
I received an ARC through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
I received an ARC through Goddess Fish Promotions, and this is my unsolicited review.
July 21, 2020
A fun series without about an established couple (makes me wonder if there is another book out there where they met - maybe they were the secondary characters?).
Not a lot of angst between them, some mystery, some drama, lots of love and sex. Just a great feel good read. Each book has it's own story but I recommend reading them in order.
Not a lot of angst between them, some mystery, some drama, lots of love and sex. Just a great feel good read. Each book has it's own story but I recommend reading them in order.
July 9, 2020
A light diversion. Dialogue and writing could be smoother. Explicit love making which can be good or bad depending on the prudishness of the reader ;).
January 6, 2023
Vinnie and Ethan.
MM.
Enjoyable story.
I really did enjoy the story and the characters.
Benny what to do with Benny. Just don't leave a handbag around and you will be fine!!
Recommend.
MM.
Enjoyable story.
I really did enjoy the story and the characters.
Benny what to do with Benny. Just don't leave a handbag around and you will be fine!!
Recommend.
May 30, 2016
https://justloveromance.wordpress.com...
Imagine if your favourite series started at the second book. Or perhaps even Chapter 22 of the first one. Because that’s how it felt when I read the first chapter.
From the start, I was suddenly plunked down in the middle of a undercover police operation with two federal agents who have been together (both on and off the clock) for five years, one of whom is wearing a skirt and heels for apparently the umpteenth time while the other whispers, supposedly familiar sweet nothings through the ear piece of his partner.
And that’s our first introduction to our two protagonists, Vinnie Delarosa (the one with the skirt) and Ethan Thorne (the one with the sweet talk).
Generally speaking, books featuring established couples usually provide some sort of background information on how the couple met, either through a conversation between MC’s or some sort of flashback chapter, but here we get nothing. No explanation on how they became partners. No explanation on how they became lovers. No explanation on how Vinnie is so familiar with wearing dresses or being in drag. Nothing.
Here’s what we do learn: Vinnie and Ethan are part of a secret task force that has been established to help local police departments with any issues they are unable to attend to, which seems a bit odd to me but let’s suspend reality for a moment and pretend that a neighbourhood purse snatcher would be exactly the type of thing the feds would throw their assistance behind. When that investigation is completed, they not only find themselves as foster parents to a purse-stealing dog, they are assigned as the new undercover operatives at a local club called The Stroll. Sent to investigate a series of escalating assaults against performers and vandalism to the property, Vinnie and Ethan are ‘hired’ as talent and bartender respectively.
(I’m going to rant a little now)
Now, I admit that I don’t know too much about drag queens other than they are generally fabulous and extremely talented performers. But I’m pretty sure that the average man couldn’t possibly shop for a dress and all the accoutrements that a drag queen requires, come up with even a competent routine and put on a show in front of a crowded nightclub within a couple of days. I’m quite certain the average woman couldn’t do it either. But Vinnie? Well, Vinnie must be special because he CAN do that and he DOES do that and if I even had a little bit of background on how that could be remotely possible, I *might* have been convinced. As it stands, the book makes it seem like any guy who goes undercover in a dress can become a drag queen, capable of putting on a wonderful show. This seems incredibly insulting to all the hard-working performers out there who entertain crowds of people every day and who practice, practice, practice to be the best they can be.
(okay, I’m good now)
This could have been a decent, light-hearted little book but there were too many things left unanswered and unexplained for me to overlook. I hated not knowing more about our MC’s and how their romance began (and yes, how Vinnie knew exactly how to perform in drag). There were little mentions of things throughout the book, but nothing detailed or fully explained. A romance novel should have some sort of meet cute between the MC’s or a defining relationship moment, even if it happened in the past. I don’t mind the use of flashbacks if it’s going to help me understand the MC’s and their motivations but excluding “that” moment altogether is unacceptable in a romance novel, IMO.
I would love to read more romance novels featuring drag queens. There aren’t enough really good stories out there, but I’m open to recommendations. Unfortunately, I can’t recommend this one in turn. 2 stars
**I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review**
Imagine if your favourite series started at the second book. Or perhaps even Chapter 22 of the first one. Because that’s how it felt when I read the first chapter.
From the start, I was suddenly plunked down in the middle of a undercover police operation with two federal agents who have been together (both on and off the clock) for five years, one of whom is wearing a skirt and heels for apparently the umpteenth time while the other whispers, supposedly familiar sweet nothings through the ear piece of his partner.
And that’s our first introduction to our two protagonists, Vinnie Delarosa (the one with the skirt) and Ethan Thorne (the one with the sweet talk).
Generally speaking, books featuring established couples usually provide some sort of background information on how the couple met, either through a conversation between MC’s or some sort of flashback chapter, but here we get nothing. No explanation on how they became partners. No explanation on how they became lovers. No explanation on how Vinnie is so familiar with wearing dresses or being in drag. Nothing.
Here’s what we do learn: Vinnie and Ethan are part of a secret task force that has been established to help local police departments with any issues they are unable to attend to, which seems a bit odd to me but let’s suspend reality for a moment and pretend that a neighbourhood purse snatcher would be exactly the type of thing the feds would throw their assistance behind. When that investigation is completed, they not only find themselves as foster parents to a purse-stealing dog, they are assigned as the new undercover operatives at a local club called The Stroll. Sent to investigate a series of escalating assaults against performers and vandalism to the property, Vinnie and Ethan are ‘hired’ as talent and bartender respectively.
(I’m going to rant a little now)
Now, I admit that I don’t know too much about drag queens other than they are generally fabulous and extremely talented performers. But I’m pretty sure that the average man couldn’t possibly shop for a dress and all the accoutrements that a drag queen requires, come up with even a competent routine and put on a show in front of a crowded nightclub within a couple of days. I’m quite certain the average woman couldn’t do it either. But Vinnie? Well, Vinnie must be special because he CAN do that and he DOES do that and if I even had a little bit of background on how that could be remotely possible, I *might* have been convinced. As it stands, the book makes it seem like any guy who goes undercover in a dress can become a drag queen, capable of putting on a wonderful show. This seems incredibly insulting to all the hard-working performers out there who entertain crowds of people every day and who practice, practice, practice to be the best they can be.
(okay, I’m good now)
This could have been a decent, light-hearted little book but there were too many things left unanswered and unexplained for me to overlook. I hated not knowing more about our MC’s and how their romance began (and yes, how Vinnie knew exactly how to perform in drag). There were little mentions of things throughout the book, but nothing detailed or fully explained. A romance novel should have some sort of meet cute between the MC’s or a defining relationship moment, even if it happened in the past. I don’t mind the use of flashbacks if it’s going to help me understand the MC’s and their motivations but excluding “that” moment altogether is unacceptable in a romance novel, IMO.
I would love to read more romance novels featuring drag queens. There aren’t enough really good stories out there, but I’m open to recommendations. Unfortunately, I can’t recommend this one in turn. 2 stars
**I received an advanced copy of this novel in exchange for a fair and honest review**
June 6, 2016
2.5 Hearts
DAMMIT!!!! For the title alone I wanted to love this story. I mean, I really, really wanted to love this story. But, dang it this was just not for me at all. There was almost nothing about this story worked for me. I did, however, like the dog. Benny was awesome and spunky!
Vinnie and Ethan are in a personal/professional partnership. In the workplace they keep everything professional but at home they’re incredibly comfortable in their relationship. Vinnie and Ethan find themselves the leads in ridiculous, over the top cases all while trying to manage their home life as a couple.
My issues started pretty much from the beginning. I didn’t really understand what agency Vinnie and Ethan worked for and why. Vinnie almost from the onset didn’t even seem to like Ethan one minute, then the next butt crazy in love. The dynamics between the two characters seemed forced I didn’t really feel the love, to be honest. There’s no denying they had passion, this author can write a love scene, that’s for sure. I would have loved a bit of back story. Maybe even a glimpse of how they met and the initial stages of attraction.
Unfortunately, this was not my cup of tea but this was a new to me author so maybe it was this particular story. I would be interested in giving another story a go to see what it’s about.
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.
DAMMIT!!!! For the title alone I wanted to love this story. I mean, I really, really wanted to love this story. But, dang it this was just not for me at all. There was almost nothing about this story worked for me. I did, however, like the dog. Benny was awesome and spunky!
Vinnie and Ethan are in a personal/professional partnership. In the workplace they keep everything professional but at home they’re incredibly comfortable in their relationship. Vinnie and Ethan find themselves the leads in ridiculous, over the top cases all while trying to manage their home life as a couple.
My issues started pretty much from the beginning. I didn’t really understand what agency Vinnie and Ethan worked for and why. Vinnie almost from the onset didn’t even seem to like Ethan one minute, then the next butt crazy in love. The dynamics between the two characters seemed forced I didn’t really feel the love, to be honest. There’s no denying they had passion, this author can write a love scene, that’s for sure. I would have loved a bit of back story. Maybe even a glimpse of how they met and the initial stages of attraction.
Unfortunately, this was not my cup of tea but this was a new to me author so maybe it was this particular story. I would be interested in giving another story a go to see what it’s about.
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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews