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Critter Catchers #3

Swamped by Fear

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While in Florida visiting Demetrius's parents, best friends and business partners Cody and Demetrius realize their feelings for each other run deeper than just friendship. As they each struggle with emotions that promise to either detonate or deepen their relationship, Demetrius must also deal with his mother's health issues. When a missing person's case hits a little too close to home, the two tangle with a creature so frightening it's scaring alligators out of the Everglades and into the swimming pools!

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 21, 2016

8 people are currently reading
71 people want to read

About the author

Hank Edwards

82 books229 followers
Hank Edwards (he/him) has been writing gay fiction for more than twenty years. He has published over thirty novels and dozens of short stories. His books fall into many sub-genres, including romance, rom-com, contemporary, paranormal, suspense, mystery, and wacky comedy. He has written a number of series such as the suspenseful Up to Trouble, funny and spooky paranormal out for you gay romance Critter Catchers, Old West historical horror of Venom Valley, the erotic and funny Fluffers, Inc. series, and the funny and thrilling Lacetown Murder Mysteries series co-written with Deanna Wadsworth. Under the pen name R. G. Thomas, he’s published a young adult urban fantasy gay romance series called The Town of Superstition. No matter what genre he writes, Hank likes to keep things sweet, steamy, and fun.

Join his author group on Facebook (www.facebook.com/groups/hankshangout), visit his website at www.hankedwardsbooks.com or send along an email to hankedwardsbooks@gmail.com.

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5 stars
87 (42%)
4 stars
87 (42%)
3 stars
28 (13%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
Profile Image for Rina Pride.
364 reviews105 followers
May 20, 2024
Foi o melhor livro da série ( até o momento). Só não dei 5 pq não foi explicado a origem do monstro do pântano ( ok, algumas coisas não tem explicação) mas no primeiro e segundo livro foi explicado a origem das criaturas. Nesse livro finalmente saiu o romance que tava esperando, Cody se libertou da heteronormatividade🤣 Demorou mas foi. Gostei tbm de como foi tratado a relação familiar de Demmy, seus pais são encantadores 🌹Agora veremos nos próximos livros como será a relação amorosa de Demmy e Cody, acho que teremos momentos tensos vindo por aí. Ah, li em audiobook e achei a narração muito boa👍🏽😘
Profile Image for C.S. Poe.
Author 41 books1,332 followers
September 21, 2019
Most. Stressful. Book. Ever.

I devoured this series so quickly that I didn’t even stop between books to write reviews, and instead am writing them all after having just concluded Book Six late last night. But with all of the titles lined up, I think I can point at this one and say it was my favorite. Relationship growth alone was brilliant. Hank Edwards so deeply touched on how important friendship is, and how much history Demmy and Cody have. He made them feel real, as if I’m sitting in the local bar with them, listening to antics from their childhoods, and sharing a round of beers. I’m not sure if I’ve read such an established friendship within the gay romance/fiction genre before.

And with that friendship, Cody is finally realizing, my God—Demmy is who I want and he’s been in front of me my entire life—their connection is so very precious and maybe not worth losing if their romantic feelings fall apart. The palpable fear is real and raw, and just made me ache for them both. Friendship to lovers is a challenge—fiction or real. And Edwards hit the nail on the head from beginning to end.

So despite these highs and lows with our beloved Critter Catchers, Demmy is whisked away to Florida to visit his folks, when he learns his mother is in the hospital. He was a surprise baby much later in their lives, so while her need for surgery is a shock to him, it’s also not entirely out of left field. Cody stays behind to man the business alone, but when he calls Demmy to check in, and his best friend is in tears, Cody’s old high school football rival Jugs agrees to act as stand-in Critter Catcher, while he and Aunt Amelia drive all the way down to Florida to be with Demmy and his parents.

Did I mention there’s a swamp monsters preying on the senior citizens in the retirement community? Because, oh yeah, there’s a swamp monster. And it’s been snatching the unaware, hauling them back to its hideaway, and eating them. And when the monster takes off with Aunt Amelia during a tropical storm, the only two that can rescue her are Demmy and Cody.

Legit, this is the only book in the series I had to physically set down and walk away from. There is a moment, which I won’t spoil—but holy God, Cody. We all need someone like him in our lives. Someone who looks at you with utter love and bravery and sincerity and says exactly what you need to hear at the exact moment it mattered more than any other.

Book Three makes the series.
Profile Image for Daniel.
1,040 reviews93 followers
September 13, 2021
Demetrius and Cody go to the Everglades. :) Fun. A bit more sex than the previous book, perhaps? But the story elements felt organic, much more so than the previous book. Note these are more paranormal adventure than anything like a real mystery and emphasis in this volume is much more on the pair's relationship development than the swampish creature, so not a good place to start. Went ahead and got the next one, though I think I'll try and switch it up rather than read immediately.
Profile Image for Lily Loves &#x1f4da;.
787 reviews31 followers
September 28, 2023
Audiobook Review

Story: 5 stars
Narration: 4 stars

I loved this one! I have read these stories before but listening to them after it has been awhile is a new experience. The narration is better than the last books but the story itself is so good! The tension between Cody & Demetrius is strong with longing and on top of that Demmy’s mom is getting heart surgery. The guys are in Florida and face a swamp monster with Aunt Amelia. This isn’t my favorite monster of theirs but the relationship building makes this book. This book also has one of the hottest sex scenes in my opinion. Loved it!
Profile Image for Danielle  Gypsy Soul.
3,174 reviews81 followers
October 25, 2019
What can I say I adore Cody and Demetrius and finally they have admitted they have feelings for each other that go beyond friendship. Another interesting creature and lots of action. A really fun series that I am thoroughly enjoying. Looking forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Rebecca.
647 reviews
February 5, 2025
4.5
This was terrifying!! I swear, even knowing there are several more books, I was genuinely afraid for Demmy and Cole. And kudos to Hank Edwards, I prize books that make me feel and this book was just amazing. This was a wild ride, I cried tears of terror and then of absolute joy and that was such a gift, thank you!
Profile Image for Natalie Nicole.
327 reviews21 followers
July 14, 2021
Here it is, here it is! The book of this series I was REALLY waiting for! The occasion when long-time friends Demi and Cody move into a loving partnership but this is a Critter Catchers book and writer Hank Edwards is interested in scaring readers first. The boys of Critter Catchers are separated by a family emergency that sends Demi to Florida. A couple of margaritas later and he's crying over the phone to Cody who drops everything to drive to Florida with Demi's aunt Amelia to meet him there. But Florida's full of critters, too. And not all of them are gators! Something's got the gators leaving the swamp for the safety of backyard pools and many people are being reported missing. At a point in the story, Demi and his aunt are having a talk in the backyard at the parent's home. Cody is awakened by Aunt Amelia's scream and he goes out to discover her gone and Demi knocked unconscious. After reviving Demi, both guys go out into the everglades with a major storm brewing and manage to retrieve Aunt Amelia in spite of a major tussle with the Swamp Monster. The swamp monster winds up being attacked and eaten by the gators he'd been running out of the everglades. The bones of dozens of missing human beings are located, leaving readers with a satisfactory resolution of the Critter Catching part of the book.
But now comes more terror in the story in the form of the bridge that's built towards an intimate relationship between our boys! In earlier books as well as earlier in this particular story, the writer alludes to Cody's changing feelings towards Demi. He goes from being more than just jealous of the time Demi spends with Oliver in Book 1 to his heart beginning to signal his body to take notice of Demi sexually in Book 2. Writer Hank Edwards gives readers a realistic version of how Cody and Demitri's intimate interest in each other develops in Book 3. The catalyst? Demi walks in on Cody when he was masturbating. With his eyes closed, Cody is unaware that Demi has seen him. Being unaware of Cody's past occasional interest in men, Demi is unaware he is the subject of the jerk-off session. Of course, the openly gay Demi is aroused and goes off to have his own jerk-off session with Cody as the subject. What could be more natural than that?! Finally, finally! They are getting somewhere.
The last two hours of the book are well spent with the boys clearly delineating the parameters of an intimate relationship. They are able to do this as they drive back home from Florida together as Aunt Amelia is sent along to fly back on an airplane. Demi's concerned about lacking female sexual parts and Cody's ability to affect a heteronormative life with a woman. Cody is concerned about being unaccustomed to what it means to be a gay man and being able to perform sexually to Demi's standards. Both know they would not want to lose their friendship and would not risk it for the sake of a mere sexual encounter. With major points made and understood, the boys have the first time together! It was super hot, super sweet and so very satisfying for readers who've wanted these two together from the very beginning. That the writer takes time to write this for the reader's enjoyment is AWESOME. He establishes a very credible, extremely plausible foundation for his protagonists moving forward to other books in the series.
Profile Image for BeckieLouLou.
674 reviews19 followers
October 29, 2024
4.5 star series. Be prepared to suspend reality and enjoy a low angst, mild drama, warm, charming story, sort of X-files meets X-rated Scooby Doo. We have two guys just trying to do their jobs, but stumbling into one paranormal mystery after another. They have no experience investigating, policing or using weapons, so all they have is their wits, what they have on hand and good old common sense to get out of tough situations. Excellent writing, great combination of descriptive surroundings with great dialogue.

Series of 7 books following the same couple, must be read in order as it’s a slow/burn friends to lovers story. We have a full spectrum of lovely storytelling with some pining for a straight best friend, bi-awakening, monster hunting, mild violence and gore, mild injury, small town issues, big family dynamics. This series is incredibly balanced with romance, sexiness and actual plot, very well done and left me satisfied and entertained on all fronts.

Book 8 is about another couple, same universe. I skipped it as I wasn’t too invested in the characters, whom we had met through the other books.

HEA, series, same couple, vers, m/m, best friends to lovers, monsters/urban legends, mystery.
Profile Image for Ashley Yungbluth.
699 reviews7 followers
December 30, 2025
"Swamped by Fear" is the third book in the "Critter Catchers" series by Hank Edwards. This is by far my favorite of the series so far. I absolutely love the connection between Cody and Demetrius. I liked it when Demmy went to Florida to be there with his family, and Cody was trying to continue running the business by himself. When he couldn't take it anymore and left the next day to show his support to Demmy, it was the moment that shifted the relationship between the two best friends. I liked how Demmy had a talk with two of his family members, and they pretty much told him the same thing. Honestly, I could go on and on about what I liked about this book and series. Hank has done a wonderful job writing this storyline between the two main characters, and I like how there are other things going on that keep you wanting more.
937 reviews13 followers
December 30, 2021
Swamped By Fear sees our Critter Catchers take their show on the road, from western Pennsylvania to the alligator swamps of Florida during a tropical storm. Demmy and Cody are a bit out of sync and Demmy is worried about a family matter. Living here in Florida, I feel this book most of all. Quite a few things had me cracking up in recognition, especially the first alligator sighting. OMG! I've seen that happen more than once.

The "critter" this time is perfect for the Florida setting, and I applaud Hank for using the setting so perfectly. And by the end, Demmy and Cody finally figure a few things out to make the jump from friends to boyfriends. They are so awkwardly cute and totally worth the wait.
5,704 reviews39 followers
November 18, 2019
omg this was the book i was waiting for hah.. it was amazing.. it was sexy.. it was fun.. and it was super enjoyable.. i really loved watching these two figure it out and come together. amazing!
Profile Image for Nico.
143 reviews13 followers
April 28, 2022
Slow burn ignited! This one had basically every thing I like in a book like this. Cody coming down to Florida unannounced gave me flashbacks to the best book in the Cut & Run series (Stars & Stripes is the best fight me if you must) and the actual monster case was great. I actually loved that there wasn't an explanation of where it came from, and the entire climax in the middle of a hurricane was great.

The payoff of the slow burn from the last two books was amazing, I can't say enough good things about this one.
1,094 reviews
November 17, 2024
I am really enjoying this series! Demetrius rushes to Florida when he finds his mom is in the hospital with heart issues. When it looks like it is more series, Cody and Amelia drive down to lend support. Cody and Demmy are trying to each figure out where their relationship may be heading. Of course, they end up with a cryptid mystery. People are disappearing in mysterious disappearing and the swamp monster. Things take a turn when Amelia is taken! This was quite a ride and a great story!
844 reviews2 followers
October 30, 2016
OMG!!! My favorite book so far of the series, the moment we have been waiting for since book 1 has arrived. Of course they had to survive the monster before Demy and Cody can have the talk, but it was worth it. Now I anxiously wait for the next book of the series.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,002 reviews16 followers
December 29, 2021
2.5 stars. I read the first three books of this series pretty close together and all the details have kind of blended together for me at this point, so this review will serve as a review of the first three books. This series is... fine, but I had a number of issues, so I ended up just reading until Demetrius and Cody finally hooked up, and after that I didn't feel any urge to continue. The romance is technically a slow burn, but it feels like all the development happens off-page. Demetrius goes from thinking Cody is straight and couldn't possibly be interested in him to suddenly realizing Cody might be into him out of nowhere, and Cody's realization of his attraction to Demetrius similarly comes out of nowhere. The series is also a bit misogynistic. Cody refers to his ex-girlfriend Lucia as a controlling bitch at one point in the first book, and like... his sole grievance against her seems to be that they dated for a few weeks IN HIGH SCHOOL (a decade ago!!!) and then she dumped him without warning. I get he'd be upset at the time, but a decade later, when she's been perfectly nice to him since then, it seems a bit excessive to be referring to her as a controlling bitch!!! I found Cody a bit insufferable at times. I guess there was enough to enjoy about the series to make it through three books, and while the romance wasn't as developed as I'd like, I did like the bond between Cody and Demetrius. But otherwise I just didn't really care for this series.
Profile Image for Madison Maler (anxious.librarian).
346 reviews38 followers
July 4, 2021
Okay, this book was definitely worth the wait! This case is probably the most exciting of the first three. This felt less like an investigation than the first books, with Cody and Demetrius just sort of being pulled into this monster mess amid everything else that is going on. I'm not sure I bought the whole thing, but who am I to question the nutritional needs of monsters.

"I just never thought I would feel this way for...this person."
Felicia gave a quiet snort and shook her head. "No one ever expects it to happen the way it does. Sometimes it can happen like a lightning strike, and other times it's like the tiny glowing ember in a fireplace that just refuses to go out. It's love. It refuses to be defined or explained."


My favorite part was Cody and Demetrius finally sitting down to talk about what's going on between them. It was perfect. That whole section was so real and sweet and I'm so happy for them to have everything out in the open. The final chapters were especially nice. Hope they don't screw this up!
Profile Image for Wide Eyes, Big Ears!.
2,644 reviews
August 2, 2024
When his mother’s health declines, Demetrius heads south to Florida to visit his parents. BFF Cody soon joins him for support and the two find themselves helping an irascible neighbour with a ‘gator problem which leads to uncomfortable encounters in the Everglades with the Swamp Thing. During the shenanigans, Cody and Demmy finally confess their mutual feelings for each other—and not a moment too soon!

My enjoyment with this series has grown with each book and I liked this one a lot, I was growing very tired of the slow burn! The critters, horror, and danger in these books is theoretically scary but in reality is quite mild, things always seem to resolve fairly easily in the end. The major focus was the relationship milestone and that was sweetly satisfying as well as captivatingly spicy. I sort of feel Hank Edwards is better at writing sex scenes than than he is at writing horror scenes. But that’s ok, we’re mainly here for the relationship. I also appreciated all the amusing Florida stereotypes: the heat, the pedantic retirees, and the ‘gators! 🎧 Voice actor Zachary Zaba gives a good audio performance.
Profile Image for Lisa.
526 reviews5 followers
December 30, 2020
This was a nice change of pace that took place in a different state for Demmy and Cody. Both men are still confused about their feelings when Demmy receives a call from his father. His mother is in the hospital and needs surgery so he flies down to Florida to spend time with his parents. Cody is left to run the business by himself and gets some unexpected help from an old high school friend. After hearing from Demmy that his mom is worse than expected, Cody decides to drive himself and Aunt Amelia down to Florida to be there for his family. Both men discover that elderly people that Demmy's parents knew are disappearing mysteriously. Once again, they find themselves battling a creature in the Everglades. Once everything is taken care of and Demmy's mother is on the mend, both men confess their feelings for the other and agree to be boyfriends. Finally! What started out in Book 1 as idle thoughts and 23 years of friendship ends with both Cody and Demmy together! Huzzah! I loved how Hank Edwards wrote their relationship as a slow build-up so both men could mature and grow into the idea of turning their friendship into something romantic :)
Profile Image for E.Muddle.
1,406 reviews22 followers
November 24, 2019
After finishing all the books in the series last night, I can definitely point to this one as my overall favourite now. Of course there is another interesting creature and adventure for the pair, but what had me hooked was Cody and Demmy's evolving relationship.

Finally. I think that is the best word to sum up the story. In this instalment, we get Cody and Demmy finally admitting to themselves that what they feel for each other is more than friendship. And oh my, the pining these guys do for each other in this one is so torturous but so good. I loved the way it was written though as they slowly come to analyse their own feelings and how it was built on their history and friendship. It felt very organic and although I was very impatient for them to just admit it to each other already, I think the wait made the ending extremely satisfying. It is very worth the wait is all I'll say...
Profile Image for Tammy.
1,092 reviews8 followers
January 31, 2025
When Demetrius goes to Florida to be with his mom before her open heart surgery he and Cody end up taking Critter Catchers on the road. Quite a few seniors have gone missing from the retirement community Demetrius’s parents live in. Alligators have been coming into the community in increasing numbers. When they are hired to remove one from a pool they are led into a monster chase that ends up in the Everglades. The is action and danger but also the series’ trademark humor. I recommend this series to anyone who like funny urban fantasy with a touch of romance. Luckily I bought the first four books in a set so I can start the next book right away.
I listened to the audiobooks. Narrator Zachary Zaba does a good job of differentiating the voices of Cody and Demetrius. It is never difficult to follow.
3,010 reviews46 followers
November 4, 2019
Well the wait was worth it! Finally Cody and Demmie act on their feelings for each other and it is everything! These two are meant to be together. They truly are the other half of each other. I love the dynamics and connection between them.

Of course this doesn't prevent them from ending up in yet another bizzare situation. Traveling to Florida because of a medical emergency regarding Demmie's Mom they encounter yet another strange, unexplainable situation. The trauma from this is the impetus needed for these two to finally acknowledge the feelings that they each have been having for the other.

This story is full of danger, a creepy critter, heat and love. I can't wait to read the next book in this series.
Profile Image for Terri.
1,667 reviews
December 9, 2019
Demetrius and Cody are wonderful characters, and I love that this third installment of their series finally focuses more on the possibility of them becoming a couple. The creature they have to fight here, on an emergency trip to Florida, is probably the scariest one so far. However, there is also lots of time spent dealing with family issues, as well as getting inside Cody's and Demmy's heads. When you are best friends and business partners, how do you know if it's right to risk everything in hopes of finding real love?
This series is thoroughly engrossing. Each story has kept me on the edge of my seat. I'm so glad there are more stories for me to dive into, and I can't wait to see how things go for Cody and Demmy once they get back home.
Profile Image for Claudia.
2,987 reviews38 followers
December 22, 2021
I liked this one quite a lot, I think it's the one I enjoyed the most until now. The whole SwampThing was fantastic, sure, but what it truly got me was how perfectly laid out was the importance of the friendship between these two guys was in here.

I liked that they finally are getting a clue about what they are feeling, but also seeing how unwilling they are to risk a friendship that is so precious for them. You can see it so perfectly! And I also liked that they got the courage to talk about it (overheard conversations aside :P )

And for the first time I really felt the tension when they were at the swamp, trying to rescue Aunt Amelia. And I liked Cody a bit more here, he was useful *laughs*

To the fourth book!
Profile Image for Teal Wolf.
3,414 reviews26 followers
November 1, 2019
Swamped By Fear is the third book in the Critter Catchers series by Hank Edwards. Demmy and Cody are back and this time the action takes place on vacation visiting family down in Florida. We get another suspenseful, stressful, mysterious case to work out and survice... and there is some family drama to be dealt with. But we also get some movement in the area of the slow burn between these characters. We finally have admission of feelings! Enjoyed the humor and suspense, it fit perfectly with rest of series.

I received an advanced reader's copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review and recommendation.
Profile Image for R.
2,123 reviews
November 3, 2019
Demetrius and Cody are still dancing around each other. Demetrius is afraid if he tells Cody how he feels he will lose the most important man in his life. Cody wants Demmy but just isn’t sure about having a relationship with a man. He is interested though.

Demetrius gets a call saying his mom is in the hospital and he goes to Florida. Where of course he has another critter mystery. When Cody joins him, off they go on another adventure.

I’ve been waiting for these guys to finally admit their feelings. The slow burn has been ok, but it was time. Another good creature feature. Nice writing with engaging characters. Good series so far.

I received an arc of this book.
815 reviews3 followers
April 15, 2021
Great read

Finally something is happening the flood gates have open but will it work?Demmy goes off to Florida when he finds out his mom is sick and needs surgery. Cody stays behind to run the business. Cody feels lonely and misses Demmy. So Cody and Demmy 's aunt Amelia make the drive to Florida to give Cody support. That is until they realize something is scaring the gators and many elderly from the community are missing. Dragged into another monster mystery both men are battling their feelings for each other but before they can figure it out they have to rescue Amelia from whatever kidnapped her.
871 reviews2 followers
November 19, 2019
This is the third book in The Critter Catchers Series. A great book the writing was okay. The plot was entertaining and it was steady throughout the book. Although the plot did feel more like a subplot. I didn’t feel like there was a main plot. More like multiple subplots that weren’t all clear at having a beginning and a ending. I found the story and characters likeable. The characters were developed and thought out. Cody Bower and Demetrius Singleton are the MC’s of this book. I can recommend this a good read. I voluntarily read an advance copy of this book for an honest review.

Profile Image for T.A.
653 reviews
May 3, 2024
Third Adventure

I know it’s not really an adventure but I call
It that because you never know what is about to happen to Demmy and Cody. Though this time they’re not in their hometown. Demmy gets a call that his mum is sick for he goes to support his dad. Cody along with Demmy’s aunt Amelia get worried and drive down to be moral support for Demmy and his dad. All three get caught up in a swamp monster grasp. They manage to stay alive. On their way home, Demmy and Cody share their true feelings for each other.
Profile Image for Jodi.
1,820 reviews
January 19, 2025
This book was not what I expected! Demmy heads to FL to help his parents while mom is in the hospital. Cody and Aunt Amelia follow as well. When both men realize retired citizens are missing and no one seems concerned, they decide to figure it out. While doing this, feelings start to happen. But then there is the swamp monster and omg, it was hideous and to capture/kill it takes place during a hurricane. Did I mention feelings? Now I'm looking forward to book 4 to see what happens with these feelings.
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