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Cold Case Unit #1
Cold Cases and Second Chances
Life and death sometimes make you believe in second chances.
Robert
One thing I was sure of in my life was I'd never start over after my marriage of over thirty years ended. Yet when our kids formed lives of their own, we'd grown apart. I'd signed the papers and tried to move on. My work as a Homicide Detective became my life. It left me with no time to think, but I couldn't exist for my job alone. All that changed when the department assigned Remy Bosley as my new partner. He was too good to be true, but in a short time, he became my friend—maybe something more.
Remy
For twenty-eight years, I'd worked to leave my past behind. Although, when the horrors shaped you into the person you were, there was no escape. Being a cop for me was making sure no one else turned out like me. My partner, Robert Kauffman, made it clear how far I'd shoved my dreams down. I was too old and damaged for fairy tales, yet that's exactly what I wanted. In a few short years, his family became mine, and I couldn't lose that no matter how much I wanted more than friends. So when he was in danger, I did what had to be done, and nothing was ever the same.
When a serial killer makes Remy’s old turf his hunting ground, how far will he go to protect the innocent?
Robert
One thing I was sure of in my life was I'd never start over after my marriage of over thirty years ended. Yet when our kids formed lives of their own, we'd grown apart. I'd signed the papers and tried to move on. My work as a Homicide Detective became my life. It left me with no time to think, but I couldn't exist for my job alone. All that changed when the department assigned Remy Bosley as my new partner. He was too good to be true, but in a short time, he became my friend—maybe something more.
Remy
For twenty-eight years, I'd worked to leave my past behind. Although, when the horrors shaped you into the person you were, there was no escape. Being a cop for me was making sure no one else turned out like me. My partner, Robert Kauffman, made it clear how far I'd shoved my dreams down. I was too old and damaged for fairy tales, yet that's exactly what I wanted. In a few short years, his family became mine, and I couldn't lose that no matter how much I wanted more than friends. So when he was in danger, I did what had to be done, and nothing was ever the same.
When a serial killer makes Remy’s old turf his hunting ground, how far will he go to protect the innocent?
301 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 26, 2021
51 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
J.M. Dabney
60 books635 followersUSA Today Bestselling author J.M. Dabney is a multi-genre published writer of Body and Fat Positive Romance & Fiction. They live with a constant diverse cast of diverse characters in their head. They live for one purpose alone, and that’s to make sure everyone gets the happily ever after they deserve. There is nothing more they want from telling their stories than to show that no matter the package the characters come in or the damage their pasts have done, that love is love. That normal is never normal and sometimes the so-called broken can still be beautiful.
The author is Non-Binary and uses the pronouns They/Them.
The author is Non-Binary and uses the pronouns They/Them.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
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November 3, 202130% of really bad editing? Writing? I really don't know. *sighs*
I liked the story, I liked the characters, I liked the personalities but then you have...
- Really shitty transitions.
- Lack of details in conversations so you don't know who is talking or saying what.
- Lack of details in the actions. So I spent two pages reading about a phone call without knowing and asking myself: how the hell did this character got to this other character's house if he was in his own house paragraphs ago? 😧
- The feelings are not explained, one day one of the dudes woke up hot for the other dude and that was it. 🤷🏻♀️
I had high hopes and I tried to push through, because as I said I liked the characters and I liked the tropes it was tackling, but I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what was wrong. So, nope, nope! 🥲
I liked the story, I liked the characters, I liked the personalities but then you have...
- Really shitty transitions.
- Lack of details in conversations so you don't know who is talking or saying what.
- Lack of details in the actions. So I spent two pages reading about a phone call without knowing and asking myself: how the hell did this character got to this other character's house if he was in his own house paragraphs ago? 😧
- The feelings are not explained, one day one of the dudes woke up hot for the other dude and that was it. 🤷🏻♀️
I had high hopes and I tried to push through, because as I said I liked the characters and I liked the tropes it was tackling, but I spent a lot of time trying to figure out what was wrong. So, nope, nope! 🥲
Read
November 17, 2021Unfortunately I have to DNF this one at 46%. While the writing is good and the characters are mostly likable I have lost interest in the story. The relationship is so overly sweet and the added Daddy kink that comes out of the blue (there was no mention of it anywhere in the blurb otherwise I would not have picked up the ARC) and no investigative work or any kind of suspense promised made it for the lack of better word boring for me. The pace is very slow and there are whole bunch of Baby, I adore you and Daddy this and Daddy that at this point already... I like positive but when it becomes unrealistically positive and over the top sweet, I lose interest. This book was not for me. Sorry.
October 26, 2021
I was thoroughly entertained with “Cold Case and Second Chances” by J.M. Dabney.
I liked the relationship between two mature men, who have lived different lives and how they both have their own ideas on what constitutes a family.
Robert Kaufmann at fifty-five, still does his job as a detective. Even though he’s divorced he still has very close ties to his ex-wife, Gladys, their children and grandchildren. For Robert having family is a priority. Remy has been totally excepted by Roberts family and he’s loved by all.
Remy Bosley is forty-six and has been Roberts work partner of two years. He grew very close to Robert and his family. He’s very much an adult and extremely generous. No time is not wasted where Remy is concerned, he serves so many charities and spends as much of his time wherever there’s a need for help. He’s also made great strives to being a foster parent. In ways, he is like a big child, it’s something that he never got the chance to be and that part of his life he keeps secret. Remy could have been lost forever if it wasn’t for one caring soul. Now, he has big dreams and hopes to have a family of his own someday.
In a very short time Robert and Remy have gotten along great as partners. Not something they had with former partners. While out on an investigation, they discover a shocking discovery but it came with danger. But Remy does the impossible and saves the life of his partner and a sweet little girl named Carmen.
Fate hands Robert and Remy a new life to adjust too. When Robert returns to the force he has to take over the cold case unit and Remy is right there with him. As young people on the streets become a devastating target, it really hit’s Remy hard. Everyday of his life he knows what it’s like to be vulnerable and living on the streets, no matter the reason. As they start to dig deeper into decades old missing persons cases others start to notice the progress. A team starts to grow: Vega, Doc, Stevenson and even Graves get behind Robert and Remy to do the impossible and seek out a serial killer.
Even with all the complexity of the job, Robert and Remy have to focus on what’s happening between them. Is it possible for them to have a second chance at love?
J.M. Dabney brings a dark theme, psychological, complex mystery to readers. The suspense builds as the investigation is very in-depth, as Remy knows how the victims think, there’s nothing that can be brushed aside. There’s also many heartwarming and emotional moments between Robert and Remy. With all the drama also comes steamy moments and lots of fun banter and teasing. They also address solidarity with family and how family grows even if you are not blood related. The novel also covers the more serious problem of how society views “street kids”. Their ethnicity and social status and how they are looked at as “sex workers”.
There’s a host of secondary characters: Sweet little Carmen aka Roo and Romeo; Robert’s ex Gladys is surprisingly nice. Boss, Shine, Davian, Fran the social worker and what Remy refers to as his “crew” that live on the streets. Then the team that works the cold cases: Vega the forensic expert and her wife Cash; medical expert, Doc, who’s fifty plus and needs a boyfriend; Stevenson with the reputation of “king of gossip”; even Graves with his strange personality and a dislike for Remy.
I thought this was well written and it was a page-turner for me. Well done J.M. Dabney!
I liked the relationship between two mature men, who have lived different lives and how they both have their own ideas on what constitutes a family.
Robert Kaufmann at fifty-five, still does his job as a detective. Even though he’s divorced he still has very close ties to his ex-wife, Gladys, their children and grandchildren. For Robert having family is a priority. Remy has been totally excepted by Roberts family and he’s loved by all.
Remy Bosley is forty-six and has been Roberts work partner of two years. He grew very close to Robert and his family. He’s very much an adult and extremely generous. No time is not wasted where Remy is concerned, he serves so many charities and spends as much of his time wherever there’s a need for help. He’s also made great strives to being a foster parent. In ways, he is like a big child, it’s something that he never got the chance to be and that part of his life he keeps secret. Remy could have been lost forever if it wasn’t for one caring soul. Now, he has big dreams and hopes to have a family of his own someday.
In a very short time Robert and Remy have gotten along great as partners. Not something they had with former partners. While out on an investigation, they discover a shocking discovery but it came with danger. But Remy does the impossible and saves the life of his partner and a sweet little girl named Carmen.
Fate hands Robert and Remy a new life to adjust too. When Robert returns to the force he has to take over the cold case unit and Remy is right there with him. As young people on the streets become a devastating target, it really hit’s Remy hard. Everyday of his life he knows what it’s like to be vulnerable and living on the streets, no matter the reason. As they start to dig deeper into decades old missing persons cases others start to notice the progress. A team starts to grow: Vega, Doc, Stevenson and even Graves get behind Robert and Remy to do the impossible and seek out a serial killer.
Even with all the complexity of the job, Robert and Remy have to focus on what’s happening between them. Is it possible for them to have a second chance at love?
J.M. Dabney brings a dark theme, psychological, complex mystery to readers. The suspense builds as the investigation is very in-depth, as Remy knows how the victims think, there’s nothing that can be brushed aside. There’s also many heartwarming and emotional moments between Robert and Remy. With all the drama also comes steamy moments and lots of fun banter and teasing. They also address solidarity with family and how family grows even if you are not blood related. The novel also covers the more serious problem of how society views “street kids”. Their ethnicity and social status and how they are looked at as “sex workers”.
There’s a host of secondary characters: Sweet little Carmen aka Roo and Romeo; Robert’s ex Gladys is surprisingly nice. Boss, Shine, Davian, Fran the social worker and what Remy refers to as his “crew” that live on the streets. Then the team that works the cold cases: Vega the forensic expert and her wife Cash; medical expert, Doc, who’s fifty plus and needs a boyfriend; Stevenson with the reputation of “king of gossip”; even Graves with his strange personality and a dislike for Remy.
I thought this was well written and it was a page-turner for me. Well done J.M. Dabney!
December 31, 2021
Well that escalated quickly. Daddy kink came out of NOWHERE! It totally wasn't necessary to add that element, but whatever.
March 6, 2022
Good one. Like really solid.
There were some moments... well, let¨s just say some dialogues may have been missing some of those... descriptions, you know, to get more weight and emotions into a scene, the dialogue was a bit dense at times but other than that, and okay, the cover, he's totally staring at you and that's on top of my other pet peeves, but yeah, most of it was good.
Recomend.
There were some moments... well, let¨s just say some dialogues may have been missing some of those... descriptions, you know, to get more weight and emotions into a scene, the dialogue was a bit dense at times but other than that, and okay, the cover, he's totally staring at you and that's on top of my other pet peeves, but yeah, most of it was good.
Recomend.
November 2, 2021
Made my heart ache
At times heartbreaking, sweet, funny and sad, this book provoked so many emotions. A very well done and satisfying book.
At times heartbreaking, sweet, funny and sad, this book provoked so many emotions. A very well done and satisfying book.
April 5, 2022
Not for me. If it had said it was a daddy kink I would not have bought it because it always sounds so stupid to me. Sorry it just does. I ended up skipping quite a lot.
March 2, 2022
3.5 Stars ~ I have mixed feelings about this book. There are things that I loved, things that were so-so, and things I had a tough time with.
The actual writing, the telling of the story itself, could be very confusing, with it not always being clear who was saying what. That, along with abrupt (think “squirrel”) changes in topic, left me feeling off-kilter way too many times.
For a severely traumatized person whose first response is “I don’t want to talk about it”, he sure seemed to blurt things out pretty quickly. I’ve never gone through anything like Remy did, so maybe this was normal, but it seemed very strange to me.
I can absolutely understand Robert’s coming to the realization of how he feels about his best friend and his partner. What I had some difficulty with was the more intimate parts and the “Daddy/boy” that cropped up QUICKLY! For a fifty-five-year-old man who has only slept with two women his entire life, he had no questions about gay intimacy, no queries about anything. That I thought wasn’t very realistic. But, again, I’ve not been in that situation, so perhaps it’s more normal than I realize?
It’s made clear in the beginning that Remy is a bear. He’s forty-six, has a little jiggle, and a round bottom. No big deal. Except that every mention of him says something about his large ass, meaty thighs, rounded belly, soft chest, etc., and I honestly thought it was a little much.
I loved the relationship these men have with Roo. The fact that they had NO stumbling blocks to fostering her and then adopting (yes, I know Remy was already an approved foster, but Roo’s situation was pretty severe), seemed a bit far-fetched. However, the loving household they gave her with two dads who always showed her how much she was loved was beautiful.
The other thing I really loved was the family I guess I’d call it, though not by blood but sometimes, that all chipped in to help. Like Gladys, Robert’s ex, taking Roo when the guys were working long hours, or their neighbor (who also has the daycare Roo attends) who watches Romeo, their Great Dane 😍🐾, when the guys were trying to close their case. It’s a great sense of community.
I enjoyed the mystery portion very much. The author showed fairly realistic police procedures plus the reality of their jobs, i.e. DNA results NOT in an hour, and cops going door to door for information. The murderer was a sleaze who confessed a little too quickly, but that’s just my opinion.
So, overall, some good, some not-so-good IMO, but it’s not stopping me from reading the next book in the series.
The actual writing, the telling of the story itself, could be very confusing, with it not always being clear who was saying what. That, along with abrupt (think “squirrel”) changes in topic, left me feeling off-kilter way too many times.
For a severely traumatized person whose first response is “I don’t want to talk about it”, he sure seemed to blurt things out pretty quickly. I’ve never gone through anything like Remy did, so maybe this was normal, but it seemed very strange to me.
I can absolutely understand Robert’s coming to the realization of how he feels about his best friend and his partner. What I had some difficulty with was the more intimate parts and the “Daddy/boy” that cropped up QUICKLY! For a fifty-five-year-old man who has only slept with two women his entire life, he had no questions about gay intimacy, no queries about anything. That I thought wasn’t very realistic. But, again, I’ve not been in that situation, so perhaps it’s more normal than I realize?
It’s made clear in the beginning that Remy is a bear. He’s forty-six, has a little jiggle, and a round bottom. No big deal. Except that every mention of him says something about his large ass, meaty thighs, rounded belly, soft chest, etc., and I honestly thought it was a little much.
I loved the relationship these men have with Roo. The fact that they had NO stumbling blocks to fostering her and then adopting (yes, I know Remy was already an approved foster, but Roo’s situation was pretty severe), seemed a bit far-fetched. However, the loving household they gave her with two dads who always showed her how much she was loved was beautiful.
The other thing I really loved was the family I guess I’d call it, though not by blood but sometimes, that all chipped in to help. Like Gladys, Robert’s ex, taking Roo when the guys were working long hours, or their neighbor (who also has the daycare Roo attends) who watches Romeo, their Great Dane 😍🐾, when the guys were trying to close their case. It’s a great sense of community.
I enjoyed the mystery portion very much. The author showed fairly realistic police procedures plus the reality of their jobs, i.e. DNA results NOT in an hour, and cops going door to door for information. The murderer was a sleaze who confessed a little too quickly, but that’s just my opinion.
So, overall, some good, some not-so-good IMO, but it’s not stopping me from reading the next book in the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 31, 2021
4.5 stars
Wow did this book come as a surpise to me. I picked it up because I am a fan of the author’s previous series line. So when I saw a request for this book, I was like, let’s try it and boy how I liked trying it 😀
This is seriously an excellent read! The author has a way of words for sure , which I remembered from previous reads and that isn’t different with this release.
The story is entralling, exciting, sweet and lovable with the right amount of tenderness, action, drama and angst.
It is not, I admit, for the faint at heart because there is, as mentioned in the blurb, serious issues mentioned and spoken about as abuse in all different forms.
Yes underlying behind all that there is a second chance love story for Remy and Robert. They are partners in the force working together for three years and best friends. Remy is part of Robert’s family including ex wife, children and grandchildren. He is a fixed part in his life and when Robert gets hurt, Remy is there to pick up the pieces and to take care of him. Throw in Roo (and no, I am not spoilering so you will have to find out who or what that is by reading the book) and you have the perfect set up for a second chance story.
BUT the story doesn’t end there…
There is, as the blurb mentioned, a serial killer on the loose and between working out their relationship, the emotions and the flashbacks, they have to work on finding that killer. Together with their selfmade family of friends made out of friends from the precinct and from Remy’s past life, they are roaming the streets to find the responsable person.
This story keeps going and therefore kept me reading viciously to see where it would go.
On a personal note, I am not a big fan of the “petname” choosen but that is on me.
I think on a side note, what I perhaps liked best was the fact that it seems a perfect set up for a new series line. Because we definitely need to know about Stevenson, Doc and even Graves, for that matter 😉
I highly recommend this book and am expressing hope that J.M. Dabney will continue in this.
Wow did this book come as a surpise to me. I picked it up because I am a fan of the author’s previous series line. So when I saw a request for this book, I was like, let’s try it and boy how I liked trying it 😀
This is seriously an excellent read! The author has a way of words for sure , which I remembered from previous reads and that isn’t different with this release.
The story is entralling, exciting, sweet and lovable with the right amount of tenderness, action, drama and angst.
It is not, I admit, for the faint at heart because there is, as mentioned in the blurb, serious issues mentioned and spoken about as abuse in all different forms.
Yes underlying behind all that there is a second chance love story for Remy and Robert. They are partners in the force working together for three years and best friends. Remy is part of Robert’s family including ex wife, children and grandchildren. He is a fixed part in his life and when Robert gets hurt, Remy is there to pick up the pieces and to take care of him. Throw in Roo (and no, I am not spoilering so you will have to find out who or what that is by reading the book) and you have the perfect set up for a second chance story.
BUT the story doesn’t end there…
There is, as the blurb mentioned, a serial killer on the loose and between working out their relationship, the emotions and the flashbacks, they have to work on finding that killer. Together with their selfmade family of friends made out of friends from the precinct and from Remy’s past life, they are roaming the streets to find the responsable person.
This story keeps going and therefore kept me reading viciously to see where it would go.
On a personal note, I am not a big fan of the “petname” choosen but that is on me.
I think on a side note, what I perhaps liked best was the fact that it seems a perfect set up for a new series line. Because we definitely need to know about Stevenson, Doc and even Graves, for that matter 😉
I highly recommend this book and am expressing hope that J.M. Dabney will continue in this.
March 27, 2024
At first, I liked the story but as I read, things started to annoy me.
I never saw the Daddy/Baby coming. I thought it was just a joke between the two MCs. But it wasn't !
I admit I'm not a fan of this type of relationship.
1- I really didn't like the first time they had sex. Robert was aggressive and rough and it was not what I thought Remy needed. Being a traumatized man, I can't understand where this roughness came from and why Remy would actually wants it.
2- Remy didn't want to talk about his past but he kept revealing it to anyone out of nowhere !
3- Robert, who has never been attracted to a man before, just go in his bestfriend partner's bathroom and put his fingers in his ass as if it was the most natural thing in the world ! He just jumps in a gay relationship without questioning himself at all ! He already knows how to please a man ! 🙄
4- The author wants us to believe that Remy is the best in interrogation tactics but the suspect just admitted his guilt way too easily !😮💨
5- Why did they search the suspect'main house while it was obvious the secondary residence was the place he would have kidnapped and brought his victims ? 🙄
6- I didn't buy the friendship and family love Remy had when he was a hustler.
7- There was a woman hustler in the story who was described as being beautiful an proud. After ten years working on the streets and she is still a beautiful woman ? Yeah ! Sure !
I never saw the Daddy/Baby coming. I thought it was just a joke between the two MCs. But it wasn't !
I admit I'm not a fan of this type of relationship.
1- I really didn't like the first time they had sex. Robert was aggressive and rough and it was not what I thought Remy needed. Being a traumatized man, I can't understand where this roughness came from and why Remy would actually wants it.
2- Remy didn't want to talk about his past but he kept revealing it to anyone out of nowhere !
3- Robert, who has never been attracted to a man before, just go in his bestfriend partner's bathroom and put his fingers in his ass as if it was the most natural thing in the world ! He just jumps in a gay relationship without questioning himself at all ! He already knows how to please a man ! 🙄
4- The author wants us to believe that Remy is the best in interrogation tactics but the suspect just admitted his guilt way too easily !😮💨
5- Why did they search the suspect'main house while it was obvious the secondary residence was the place he would have kidnapped and brought his victims ? 🙄
6- I didn't buy the friendship and family love Remy had when he was a hustler.
7- There was a woman hustler in the story who was described as being beautiful an proud. After ten years working on the streets and she is still a beautiful woman ? Yeah ! Sure !
April 18, 2023
I really enjoy J.M. Dabney's writing, but if it has been a while since I read this book. I forget my initial disconnect to the context details in this book. I find Robert's seemingly easy acceptance of his new interest in a male jarring. Not majorly jarring, but an irritating nudge. My life experience has taught me that people do not just accept a radical change in themselves without a moment of epiphany. Later in the book he musses that maybe he just never noticed his bi-sexuality. It just does not 'feel' right - but I may be wrong.
Still, between that and the daddy dynamic that sort of happened the story felt off. Not that I dislike daddy dynamics, but this one just kind of was dropped in. What in the introduction, or any event, indicated that dynamic? The need to let go of control - yes. A need to trust - yes. A need to be submissive outside of work -yes? But where did the Daddy come in? Maybe if it had been brought into the dialogue prior to the shooting - even as part of their teasing.
Still, between that and the daddy dynamic that sort of happened the story felt off. Not that I dislike daddy dynamics, but this one just kind of was dropped in. What in the introduction, or any event, indicated that dynamic? The need to let go of control - yes. A need to trust - yes. A need to be submissive outside of work -yes? But where did the Daddy come in? Maybe if it had been brought into the dialogue prior to the shooting - even as part of their teasing.
October 27, 2021
I really enjoyed this book, but I will caution fellow readers to be sure to read the trigger warnings before diving in. While Robert and Remy's personal story is sweet and caring, Remy's past and their current case is full of potential triggering issues.
I loved how accepting Robert is of Remy. Robert never judges Remy or his past and does his best to be sure the Remy knows that he is loved and safe. Robert's family is one that I would love to be "adopted" into like so many others. This story is full of found family, old and new. The matchmaking by Robert's family was fun, and I loved how they all pulled together for each other when needed.
Remy's family and their bonds are incredibly strong, forged in tough times and necessity. I loved how how Remy's past and newer family members got to know each other and fell into a groove helping to solve the case. I kind of hope that the author decides to give a few of the characters in this one their own stories some day.
I loved how accepting Robert is of Remy. Robert never judges Remy or his past and does his best to be sure the Remy knows that he is loved and safe. Robert's family is one that I would love to be "adopted" into like so many others. This story is full of found family, old and new. The matchmaking by Robert's family was fun, and I loved how they all pulled together for each other when needed.
Remy's family and their bonds are incredibly strong, forged in tough times and necessity. I loved how how Remy's past and newer family members got to know each other and fell into a groove helping to solve the case. I kind of hope that the author decides to give a few of the characters in this one their own stories some day.
did-not-finish-abandoned
May 7, 2023Gave up at 14%. It was bad, obviously.
If you want your forty-something and fifty-something cops to be believable, maybe don't have the out-and-proud gay one calling his cop partner "Daddy". I know this author specializes in the Daddy kink- all of her books have this theme, so I wasn't particularly surprised at that. What was a turn off was opening up the chapter with Remy sobbing in guilt after a session of self-pleasure and then going into how he fell in love with Robert at first sight and suppresses it. Not very well because he regularly cries in his beer to a close friend. I didn't get into this at all.
I gave up when the same cop imprints on the 4 year old girl he saves from an abusive home situation and announces he's going to foster her. I don't think that's how it works, no matter where you are.
If you want your forty-something and fifty-something cops to be believable, maybe don't have the out-and-proud gay one calling his cop partner "Daddy". I know this author specializes in the Daddy kink- all of her books have this theme, so I wasn't particularly surprised at that. What was a turn off was opening up the chapter with Remy sobbing in guilt after a session of self-pleasure and then going into how he fell in love with Robert at first sight and suppresses it. Not very well because he regularly cries in his beer to a close friend. I didn't get into this at all.
I gave up when the same cop imprints on the 4 year old girl he saves from an abusive home situation and announces he's going to foster her. I don't think that's how it works, no matter where you are.
June 13, 2025
Robert and Remy have been partners in the homicide division for two years and have become close friends unlike Robert's previous partner. While on a routine attempt to question they find an open apartment door and decide to do a Wellness Check. Just as they find an abused child, gunfire erupts and Robert is severely injured as Remy tries to shield Robert and the child. As Robert recovers he and Remy grow closer. Robert isn't sure why he feels a need to be around Remy as he's never been attracted to men before. Remy can't believe that Robert accepts him and sees him in a way most people don't despite his history as a abuse survivor and sex worker. Robert soon begins to accept that he's been given a second chance at love, and who can ignore that. A very captivating story. I look forward to the next in the series.
July 23, 2022
I waffled between 3-4 stars on this. So i'm going with 3.5. I really enjoyed some aspects of the story. I enjoyed the mature characters. I enjoyed how Robert's family, even his ex-wife, welcomed Remy in and surrounded him with a much needed sense of belonging after his past traumas. The relationship from partners on the job to lovers was a bit...eh, there wasn't really a smooth expression of "is what i'm feeling more than friendship?" it was a bit sudden for me. The writing was a bit all over the place at times with little delineation between characters speaking or continuity of the scene. I had to reread parts to figure out who was saying what at times. Overall, the characters carried the story for me and made me want to try some other works by this new to me author.
December 25, 2022
Great mix of romance, police drama, and so much more
This first book is very good. Remy is a 46 year old who is dedicated to loving the outcasts. As a police detective, victim’s advocate and emergency foster for traumatized children, Rent’s life is busy. But he has secrets and traumas that he hides from his partner on the force. Robert is a 55 year old, straight, grandpa with a best friend ex-wife. He and Remy are best friends on the force and spend tons of time together. Trauma, being moved from homicide to cold case files, a plethora of new found friends and a beautiful little girl bring Robert and Remy together in new, romantic ways. Then the race is on to catch a serial killer. Great book, and I hope the books that follow in the series are as fabulous!
This first book is very good. Remy is a 46 year old who is dedicated to loving the outcasts. As a police detective, victim’s advocate and emergency foster for traumatized children, Rent’s life is busy. But he has secrets and traumas that he hides from his partner on the force. Robert is a 55 year old, straight, grandpa with a best friend ex-wife. He and Remy are best friends on the force and spend tons of time together. Trauma, being moved from homicide to cold case files, a plethora of new found friends and a beautiful little girl bring Robert and Remy together in new, romantic ways. Then the race is on to catch a serial killer. Great book, and I hope the books that follow in the series are as fabulous!
October 23, 2023
I don't rate books a one very often but this one was a huge struggle to finish. If it wasn't for a challenge I would have DNF'd it. I was really looking forward to it after reading the blurb. A lot of my favorite things - older guy, partners falling in love, killer on the loose. Unfortunately, the romance was super speedy with no gradual build - one day the partner suddenly wanted his partner who'd been in love with the other. The dialogue - so unrealistic and sappy. Not to mention the daddy kink that came out of nowhere. The killer aspect didn't happen until a long time into the book and the investigation was pretty sad. The killer was an idiot. So yeah, this book didn't work for me on a lot of levels.
October 28, 2021
Oh sweet baby Jesus
Which..i normally NOT how I label a review but omg....I lost track of how many times I had to stop to breath reading this because not only does it tug at heartstrings it fluffs with your mind as well! I'm not going into too much story detail but I utterly loved Remy...and Robert of course but I Definitely LOVED Roo.
Word of advice?? Make sure you check if there are trigger warnings....even if you have none and read anything and everything under the sun, this author will make you realize that you have to stop occasionally to put your head right. Very well written and I cant wait for more!! (Please???)
Which..i normally NOT how I label a review but omg....I lost track of how many times I had to stop to breath reading this because not only does it tug at heartstrings it fluffs with your mind as well! I'm not going into too much story detail but I utterly loved Remy...and Robert of course but I Definitely LOVED Roo.
Word of advice?? Make sure you check if there are trigger warnings....even if you have none and read anything and everything under the sun, this author will make you realize that you have to stop occasionally to put your head right. Very well written and I cant wait for more!! (Please???)
July 12, 2022
I actually did not finish one. Decided to end my misery at about 60%. The back and forth between "Baby" and "Daddy" was extremely confusing, I rarely knew which one was speaking. I found the constant use of those pet names to be nauseating. I also found it difficult to believe a 55-year-old man to out of nowhere have sexual feelings for another man without mention of a prior sexual history. I was really looking forward to reading a book about two older men but this one did not cut it.
January 8, 2022
This didn’t work for me - I think there were some key areas which I felt were rushed to the point I was missing something. The Daddy aspect didn’t mesh and I loved both characters but Robert went from suddenly straight to a very intimate act with Remy with zero hesitation. I do lobe this author, but prefer their works in the Brawlers world.
February 9, 2022
This author is one of my favourite writers. This story did not disappoint. I don't usually like these type of graphic and upsetting stories but have to say this was amazing. Definitely not for the faint hearted as serious issues were mentioned throughout including abuse, kidnapping, murder and rape. Definitely not suitable for young children
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2022
Very good light reading
Very good, kept me engaged to start, but it flowed a little too easily. Maybe police procedural isn't really the author's thing, (spoiler alert)- solving the case just went too fast and easy. After all, the title is about cold cases first. I enjoyed it, but just too formulaic and easily resolved. Recommended for light reading.
Very good, kept me engaged to start, but it flowed a little too easily. Maybe police procedural isn't really the author's thing, (spoiler alert)- solving the case just went too fast and easy. After all, the title is about cold cases first. I enjoyed it, but just too formulaic and easily resolved. Recommended for light reading.
October 28, 2021
Cold Case and Second Chances
JM Dabney wrote such a great book with characters you come to care about it. I truly couldn't stop reading this book once i started i had to see what was doing to happen next. Great Read.
JM Dabney wrote such a great book with characters you come to care about it. I truly couldn't stop reading this book once i started i had to see what was doing to happen next. Great Read.
Read
March 31, 2022DNF. Not for me. Reminiscent of Tere Michaels with heaps of past trauma added on. All the trigger warnings, and that was before we got to the part that looks like a serial killer targeting teenaged sex workers.
August 29, 2022
2.5 stars.
MM.
I struggled with this book. It took me days,to get through what I did.
As a result only 60% got read, the rest I just read parts here and there.
Not sure if it was the story or just me. I just did not want to read it.
MM.
I struggled with this book. It took me days,to get through what I did.
As a result only 60% got read, the rest I just read parts here and there.
Not sure if it was the story or just me. I just did not want to read it.
February 8, 2023
What A Great Read
This was my first foray with this author and I am so glad that I took the chance. This book made me laugh and cry happy and sad tears. I liked all of the main and sub characters (not including the bad guy). I will definitely be reading more books by J.M. Dabney.
This was my first foray with this author and I am so glad that I took the chance. This book made me laugh and cry happy and sad tears. I liked all of the main and sub characters (not including the bad guy). I will definitely be reading more books by J.M. Dabney.
November 1, 2021
Loved everything about this book!!!
November 22, 2021
Love the families! Would love to read some secondary characters' stories!
dnf-not-for-me
December 17, 2021I’m so mad at myself. Didn’t check the author in GR or I’d have known I’d DNF’d them before. Truly terrible narrative writing including grammar & punctuation.
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