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Cabrini Law #3

Other Than Honorable

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Revenge is a risky business… but nothing is more dangerous than love.

No one would suspect the hell Matthew Ballard has lived through, least of all the green-eyed Marine sent to protect him. Matt is playing a long con against a dangerous foe. He can’t afford the distraction of a bodyguard with his own pile of issues… no matter how desperately he secretly craves the feel of his rough hands.

When J.D. Reese lost the Marine Corps, he lost the only home he ever knew. Discharged and adrift, he can’t afford to refuse a job protecting the spoiled heir of an embattled energy corporation. His young charge is cunning, arrogant, and infuriating… and Reese wants him more than his next breath.

Can two hard-as-nails men surrender to each other when the fight is all they’ve ever known?

7 pages, Audible Audio

First published January 24, 2020

94 people are currently reading
302 people want to read

About the author

Parker St. John

19 books511 followers
Gay romance author living in the rainy Pacific Northwest who adores strong alpha men, rugged cowboys, blue collar smokeshows, mortal enemies and childhood friends who will make you SWOON when they fall in love!

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5 stars
312 (37%)
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349 (42%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews
Profile Image for Shile (Hazard's Version) on-hiatus.
1,120 reviews1,070 followers
June 24, 2020
Audiobook - 4 stars

Story- 3.5 stars


-Okay, i take it back, i think Miguel is going to be my favorite character ever.

-Another solid story, for this series.

-The separation thing towards the end of every book is starting to get to me, It is becoming a trend in this series.

-The characters were likable enough. I though i was going to get a bad ass character in Reese but i ended up being disappointed. Matt was a likable prickly guy.

Overall it was a good enjoyable story.
Profile Image for Preeti.
819 reviews2 followers
September 4, 2021
Audio-4 stars
Story-3.5 stars


Yes, I finished the third book too.😂😂😂And, Even though this series has nothing outstanding still the action-filled pace and narration by Kirt Graves is keeping me hooked to it. 

The plot in the book revolves around Reese, the ex-marine who was court marshalled and has been drifting since. He is asked to become the bodyguard of Matthew Ballard. On the surface, Matthew is a buttoned-up prickly businessman but deep down he is a closeted guy, planning revenge against his father. 

The mystery is decent and the sweet combo of hot sizzling smut in Kirt Graves's narration is delicious. But after reading so many books by this author, I take issue with her repeated ' separation' just before the end trope. I think she profoundly believes in 'distance makes the heart grow fonder. Because, when these couples reunite, all their issues are automatically solved and they become lovey-dovey. And, not to forget my earlier issue with Miss. Parker's love of unsafe and unlubricated sex😩😩

Matt said, “I haven’t had sex since college”.
Reese-"We still need protection sweetheart".

Mentally, I said, Thank God!! At least in this book…. but, my relief was short-lived because the author thinks water will act as lube since it's a shower sex scene.😒😒 
Oh!!! whom am I kidding Parker St John hates anything that resembles lubrication and protection in her sex scenes? But, in the grand schemes of life, who cares for the safety or comfort of MCs.😏😏
Profile Image for Ariana  (mostly offline).
1,686 reviews99 followers
June 25, 2020
I really liked it.

Maybe it's because this the angstiest book in the series so far.
Maybe it's because the author managed to convince me to believe that two men as different as Matt and Reese can have so much in common. They are two lost, lonely souls who recognise each other's pain and find it impossible to look away.

Yes, you do have to suspend belief at times when it comes to the plot, but that doesn't take away from the strong vibes between the two men, their need and desire virtually jumping off the page. Very well done!

Off to read book 4 now!
Profile Image for Simone - on indefinite hiatus  -.
754 reviews40 followers
June 10, 2020
Audiobook: ***4.5 Stars***
Story: ***4 - 4.5 Stars***

I'm sooo on a roll lately... ;-)

This was not quite as good as the previous book IMO (the trazillion endearments also got a few eye-rolls from me) and yet I still loved it to bits. ;-)

Kirt Graves rocks this series, so can I have book #4 on audio purrlease? ;-)
Profile Image for Nelly S..
676 reviews169 followers
April 18, 2023
“Reese laughed. “You were such an arrogant little shit.”
It felt like a lifetime ago. It felt like he’d been sleepwalking at the time, and now he was awake. Maybe for the first time.
“I still am.” Matt’s grin was unrepentant.
“Yeah,” Reese yanked him closer by the hips, and they both gasped as their cocks rubbed together, “but you’re my arrogant little shit.”


This is my favorite book so far in the series. I’d been lookin forward to Reese’s story since the previous one and it didn’t disappoint. Matt, a rich, arrogant business heir plotting secret revenge on his father has hired Reese, an ex-commando wracked by guilt from his military service, as his bodyguard. Matt is consumed by his mission and hatred for his father, which has taken over his life. Both men are damaged and have zero f*cks to give about staying alive. They can’t afford to fall in love, but are attracted to each other’s darkness and loneliness. I loved the way their relationship developed and how tender Reese was with prickly Matt. Oh and did I mention Reese is southern? His use of “sweetheart”, “honey” and “darlin” turned me into a gooey puddle. I also loved the hot, sweet sex scenes. Suffice it to say I’ve been enjoying the series so far.
Profile Image for raccoon reader.
1,813 reviews4 followers
March 31, 2024
This is a great 3rd installment in the series. You get a mystery, a romance, two very different (socioeconomically) MCs who actually have a lot in common. They seem like a perfect match.

You also get to see cameo's from just about everyone but the Emma and the main first couple (Elliot is in one or two scenes and is lovely as always but you feel like he and his boyfriend just don't play as big of a role in the series at this point.

My library doesn't have book four on audiobook so I'm about to read the KU edition. Hope I like it just as much in print as I did in audio.

Yes there is a slight 3rd act breakup but it's literally one of the shortest in history. I also think it's obvious why the author leaned on that trope. I may not like it but I can see from an author's perspective how it might be the easy way out. I really hope Parker learns to lean away from that trope in future books. I've added everything Parker has written thus far to my TBR. I think Parker is one to watch in contemporary mm romance. Their thrillers are well written and have some really great lines in them, showing promise not just from a storyline perspective but from a beautiful writing perspective as well.

Humor. Dead. The way the narrator delivered these lines took me out. They don't pack the same punch just written out but still I must record them for posterity.
"Remember that charity obstacle course for Beat the Streets?"
Reese took a step back.
"No. HELL no. I am not doing that again."
"It wasn't that bad."
"The fuck it wasn't'" Val interjected. "The entire CLC was dry heaving. Your receptionist cried."
"Stella cries over everything."
"Val almost broke his leg." Reese pointed out. "It injured a recon marine my man. I thought Maks was going to break your neck."
"The planning department might have been a little -"
"High?"
"Overzealous" Miquel muttered.


Right now he felt like he barely had two brain cells to rub together and they were both in his dick.

"I'll tell you something else." he added. "It's going to happen again."
"No."
"Yup." He winked mischievously. "Best be ready."
Look, the way Kirt Graves delivered that "no" was amaaaazing. I would have never read it like that. I can't explain it. It's at the very end of chapter 13. It's like half whine, half denial, half omg this man is trying to kill me. Half the way you might say "Please don't make me" even though you may really want to, and it was perfection. 🤣


The empty gym was like Matt's chapel. Large and silent and filled with the holy incense of sweat and disinfectant.


The way Reese thinks of Matt is beautiful.
He hadn't known it but he'd been searching for Matt in every bar and every country, year after year thirsting for something he could never seem to find. He'd attempted to slake his desires but it was like drinking sand every time he'd though he'd found an oasis.


I think I appreciate that the author has both parties be strong individuals. Sometimes in romances you have the "weaker" one who needs rescuing. In Parker's romances both MCs are strong, just in different ways. Even Maks who isn't physically the fighter that Matt or Val is, is undeniably dangerous. His mind is a weapon that could crush other people, and he does enough physically to be able to keep up with the super fit ex marines around him. I have noticed one weird thing and I might be wrong about this but (if you uncover this spoiler don't @ me angrily if my memory is wrong buuuut)
Profile Image for Gerbera_Reads.
1,702 reviews155 followers
January 24, 2020
In the third book we get to meet and follow the journey of two men from different backgrounds who were searching for something their entire lives and nearly missed, but Fate intervened. Told from dual POVs it's suspenseful, fast paced, angsty and has a touch of hurt/comfort. I like the camaraderie between the men of Cabrini Law Firm and how they rally when their friends need their help.

Matt and Reese are very complicated men. Leaving foster care behind, Reese had his chosen family, the Marines, be his entire world, but a tragedy had left him with nothing but guilt and grief. My heart hurt for him. He took the burdens that were not his to carry. I am just glad he had friend or two to lean on before he met Matt. Matt's life should have been happy and carefree. Born into the world of wealth and privilege, he needed for nothing except for his father's affection, which in the end turned his adolescent years into nightmare. Hell bent on revenge he nearly misses what's right in front of him - a way to let go of the past that hurts too much and does not allow to feel joy.

I liked that both Reese and Matt were strong capable men, able to hold their own but also support each other. There was a fair amount of animosity between them, but it's hard to hide one's own nature when one is observed closely. Both Matt and Reese see beneath the surface and give what each other needs.

There was a bit of suspense and a couple of twists that turned the story in the direction I liked. I wish there was a better resolution for what happened. I was left with a feeling that the story needed a bit more explanation as to the why of certain characters but otherwise I enjoyed the pace, the feelings and all the men of Cabrini Law Firm that made reappearance. Good story. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
Profile Image for Cadiva.
4,011 reviews444 followers
February 5, 2021
My favourite so far

I loved book two, but this one was even better.

I love an angsty book when that angst comes from an honest place and isn't manufactured drama just for the sake of it.

Here both Reece and Matt had genuine grievances and grief to deal with, compounded with Reece's guilt and mini martyr complex.

Both recognise the darkness the other holds inside and the connection sparks between them from the off.

Sexy, a tad dramatic but not unreasonable with the main plotline, and a whole lot of feels all make this a winner.
Profile Image for Gustaf.
1,444 reviews198 followers
October 11, 2020
Matt and J.D's story.

While I enjoyed this series, I didn't enjoy it as much as I enjoyed the previous books. The push and pull between the Mc's got tiring very quickly and I found myself starting to skim.

The plot was interesting enough. I won't go into it too much, since it's rather something you should find out for yourself. But I'm starting to think that this ain't a series you should binge read. All of the books are built almost the same. I'm getting really tired of the whole running away thing.

4 stars for Matt though. I wanted to wrap him in a blanket and take care of him.
Profile Image for Kirk.
357 reviews
January 23, 2020
I think I’ve started this review 3 or 4 times because I’m having trouble doing justice to this phenomenal book. I’ve got so much I want to say about it… First off, these men are wounded souls and they’re carrying so much baggage it’s a wonder they don’t go under with the weight of it. They meet at a crucial point in their lives and boy was this meeting electric! They hold their cards so close to their chests, do the dance, size each other up and test each other, and what they see in the other surprises the hell out of them. I’m not gonna elaborate because you need to read this, like now! The heat between Matt and Reese was palpable and white hot, and at points had me holding my breath. Every once in a while a book comes along, really messes with your emotions and blows you away, and this one did it for me, BIG TIME. I loved the writing, the storyline, the exceptional character depth and development which made me fall hook, line and sinker for these two men. I wanted to race to the finish, but I also wanted to read a couple of pages at a time as I never wanted it to end. I can’t rave about this book enough, I’m kind of euphoric and on a book high after it, but sad because this one is going to be so tough to top—if that’s even possible.

ARC kindly provided by LesCourt Author Services for an honest and unbiased review.
Profile Image for Carol.
3,795 reviews138 followers
April 12, 2025
Revenge is a risky business… but nothing is more dangerous than love.
Meet Matt... a character that is as "prickly as a porcupine". He holds himself far apart, afraid of letting anyone "in" too close, or allowing them to know the "real" him. He's an emotionally wounded man with a "take nothing" attitude.

Then we have Reese who doesn’t allow Matt to get away with hiding anything, and he sees and understands a lot about Matt. What they have both had to live through and how they have avoided their emotions has totally been what has shaped them. Their individual pains will break your heart...and you will really hate Matt’s father. What a horrible person...but his character helps us to understand and sympathize that much more with Matt.

Reece tells him, “You’re a bomb waiting to go off....and I’ve been caught in too many blasts already...” part of Recess's charm is that he is always honest with Matt, and he's not at all wrong. I liked how Matt and Reese sniped at and teased one another. They were not only entertaining, but you could see that there is also loads of sexual tension sparking between the two of them. “Just let go...I’ve got you.” That statement proceeds a very intense office scene. These two light up every scene whenever they’re close together. It’s a bit like a wildfire. My favorite parts of the book were every time that they made each other laugh. Neither man had ever had much to laugh about and now they finally did.

The story is filled with suspense, sarcasm and two very lovable characters. You won't be able to resist falling hard for the men of the Cabrini Law Firm. The people at the firm are a wonderful "family" with extremely strong bonds. I am looking forward to revisiting with them and learning more about each of them. The next book in the series is Looking at You, Travis and Miguel's story. This is yet another fantastic series.

Risk Assessment: Elliott & Lucus's story, is Book #1 and Murder Aforethought: Valentine's and Maksim's story, is book #2 The characters do overlap and visit and work with one another in each book...but if you aren't a "must be read in order" person...they can easily be read in any order without causing too much emotional trauma.
Profile Image for ~nikki the recovering book addict.
1,248 reviews2 followers
April 19, 2020
4.5 stars

As usual, if that’s a phrase I can use now that I’ve read 3 Parker St John books this past week 😆 Anyways, as usual, I love Parker St John’s writing. The writing and story is smooth and effortless. But I don’t know what’s missing in this instalment.

I mean, sure, I still loved it and yes, the writing is still top notch. And it’s still five stars rounding up. But... there’s just something missing in it for me.

I think it didn’t go down to the nitty gritty details as the first two books. The characters were developed and layered but it wasn’t as in depth as the previous books where we pretty much had a good solid understanding of the character and their background. We get hints of it here, or okay.. more than hints but it didn’t feel like it had the same depth.

I don’t feel like I know Reese and Matt well enough perhaps? 🙊

But in any case, I still enjoyed it. I just wanted more.. more of what made me fall completely in love with Parker St John in the first place 😬
Profile Image for MiaReadsMMBooks  .
426 reviews71 followers
January 27, 2020
This series goes from strength to strength and I've said it before and will repeat for those in the back who didn't hear me the first time: if you're not reading Parker St. John, you're missing out on something awesome!

The Cabrini Law series continues with book 3, and there's something especially fantastic about Reese, his background and the brilliant way that he and Matt negotiate the complexities of their relationship, first professionally and then personally. Their relationship is rather commanding 😉

Thoroughly enjoyed and finished way too late on a week night as I did not want to put this story down. 5/5 satisfied stars... Bring on Miguel and Travis!!!
Profile Image for Jenny.
2,348 reviews73 followers
September 12, 2020
Other Than Honorable is book three in the Cabrini Law series by Parker St. John. When Matthew Ballard started getting death threats, he hired J. D. Rees has his bodyguard. However, Matthew Ballard had a plan that he did not want to be interrupted by death threats. J. D. Rees had work cut out for him to make Matthew understand the seriousness of the threat. The readers of Other Than Honorable will continue to follow Matthew Ballard and J. D. Rees to find out what happens.

Other Than Honorable is the first book I have read of Parker St. John. At first, I thought I would not enjoy this book. However, I was wrong. Other Than Honorable was an enjoyable book to read. I love the way Parker St. John portrayed his characters and their interaction with each other throughout this book. Other Than Honorable was well written and researched by Parker St. John. Parker St. John did excellent job in describing the settings of Other Than Honorable in a way that complemented the plot of this book.

The readers of Other Than Honorable will learn about the role of a bodyguard. Also, the readers of Other Than Honorable will learn about discrimination of the LGBT community.

I recommend this book if you enjoy LGBT romantic suspense.
Profile Image for Edga.
2,250 reviews23 followers
January 30, 2020
Great addition to the series.

Another great read in this series. The story just flowed so well, it had my attention from page one. I am a massive fan of both military and bodyguard romance, so this had me immediately interested, it definitely lived up to expectations.

I liked how real these characters are, there was so much to both of them. Reese with his scars from war and who is still suffering even after his discharge, and Matt who, unknowingly, has so much in common with Reese, despite the two seemingly so different.

I also really liked the inclusion of characters from the previous two books. They're so supportive of Matt and Reece, and willing to do whatever necessary to keep them safe. They're there for them, no questions asked.

I loved the slow burn of the romance, there was so much chemistry between these two I'm surprised they didn't self combust! The two guys obviously fell for each other at first glance, but it takes a very long time for them to finally give into their feelings, they are both so broken and afraid. When they do though, it is totally worth it.

It was so touching to watch Reese and Matt support each other, causing them to develop both as individuals, as well as a couple. Reese helps Matt through what is obviously PTSD, and to become whole again. Matt helps Reece to open up, and to help him build up his pride and self worth, something he hasn't been able to feel due to the losses he has suffered.

The ending was beautiful, the two men finally finding exactly what they'd been searching for, the one safe place they'd needed so bad. Another brilliant read that had me gripped throughout. Such a good series, so highly recommended.
Profile Image for Candice.
2,955 reviews134 followers
May 1, 2020
Wow. Parker St. John did it again. This is becoming one of my favorite series. I LOVED Reese. At first, in the previous book, I wasn't sure if I would like him and I was hoping that Miguel's story was first. Cause we all love some Miguel. YUM! Anyway, Reese won me over. Matt. Sigh. I just wanted to love him. Loved seeing the whole gang again..even Elliott. HA! I miss him. We need to see him more.
Profile Image for Antisocial Recluse.
2,712 reviews
January 27, 2020
More suspense

Not as much as book 2 and I still like it the best but this is a good addition to the series. I like military men/bodyguard stories like this. Matt was sort of the typical poor little rich boy but I understood his motivation and the plans he made after what he’d gone through. I like Reese too, even if he was a bit of a cliché, guilt-ridden ex-soldier. The pacing felt somewhat off to me with characters and events shifting a little too quickly after the first half. Slow burn is a favorite and got steamy enough I guess. Didn’t have quite the spark I’d have liked but still an entertaining read. Looking forward to Miguel’s story.
5,704 reviews39 followers
January 27, 2020
very good. this series is super exciting and action packed.. very good characters and sexy. i love it all.. amazing
Profile Image for ML.
1,617 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2021
Reese gets his HEA

I really am enjoying this series!
This is Reese’s story.

Reese is honorable, maybe too much at times. Matt saw him for who he was. They were a good match.

This had suspense, mystery and quite a bit of violence. There probably should have been a trigger warning for conversion therapy, verbal,physical abuse and suicide of a off page side character as well.
AND I’m sad we didn’t get Matt’s father’s fate told in this book. Despite that, I did like the book.
Reese and Matt got the HEA they deserved.

Profile Image for Chase Coe.
1,078 reviews48 followers
January 10, 2025
Thrilling and SO swoony!

AHHHHH this one has absolutely been my favorite of the series so far. Reese and Matt were so so hot and lovely and romantic and exciting and UGH YES. Reese’s sunshine with a dark past and Matt’s grumpy with a dark present are perrrrrrfect for each other.

Y’all already know I’m a huge fan of PSJ’s writing. It’s just phenomenal. SO stoked for Miguel and Travis’s book!!!!
Profile Image for Anabela.M..
959 reviews15 followers
January 22, 2020
I was so excited about this book, because in the previous one in the series, Murder Aforethought, Reese gave the impression of an emotional ticking bomb, with a hard edge to him, hidden behind smiles that rarely reached his eyes. He seemed to only go through the motions, and of course I was curious to see whether or not meeting Matt would change that, if he would bring real light into Reese's eyes and life.

The amazing thing is that what you see is never what you get with Parker St. John's characters. The first pages would show Reese as listless and detached, while Matt presented himself to the world as a cold hearted, devious corporate a**hole. Both the farthest from perfect or trying to hide it, but they're so breathtakingly complex and layered, slowly revealing emotional storms brewing under controlled, unperturbed masks. I loved them together, watching their facades crack the more time they spent with each other, steadily taking down their defences until they melt and fuse into one another's bodies and souls.

After reading 𝗢𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗧𝗵𝗮𝗻 𝗛𝗼𝗻𝗼𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 I'm even more convinced that Parker St. John isn't capable of writing a book that wouldn't keep the readers on pins and needles from beginning to the end. The plot is full of suspense and dangers, and I've held my breath, waiting for the results of Matt's scheming and search for justice.  I was also thrilled that, every step of the way, the characters from the other books of the series were involved, ready to help and show support. Because they're family, taking care of their own. A family that has welcomed Reese and Matt amidst their mismatched, crazy funny and close knit group.

I loved it.


Profile Image for Beth.
2,918 reviews27 followers
June 22, 2021
I really have enjoyed this Cabrini Law series so I was excited to read this next installment. The MCs in this book are JD Reese, a military friend of Val’s who we met in the last book, and Matt, a corporate executive friend of Miguel’s who needs a bodyguard. Both men are carrying loads of baggage and it makes for an interesting and emotionally wrenching storyline with a revenge centered theme.

I really enjoyed the way the author foreshadowed events to come and ratcheted up the tension of Matt’s activities and motivations. Likewise, the initial references to Reese’s military experience implied a much deeper story and it was parceled out in pieces keeping the reader tense with expectation.

There were some very intriguing revelations about Matt’s activities that I would have loved to have heard in more detail. Reese’s military experience seems horrendously unfair and I was so angry for him. I was seriously invested in both these characters and really wanted to right the wrongs that had been done to them. That’s certainly a sign of good writing!

Strongly recommend this book, and the whole series, which you should read in order to fully appreciate it, especially book two before this one. The mysterious Cabrini of the series title again make a singular cameo appearance and the anticipation of his story is really building!

*I voluntarily read an ARC and this is my objective review *
Displaying 1 - 30 of 123 reviews

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