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Hell Cop #2
Hell Cop 2
Trust Me
by Astrid Amara
Brian Day's no longer the naïve country boy Jay Yervant fell in love with. A hardened hell cop with dangerous powers, Brian's osmotic abilities are growing out of control. When two men are found dead, killed by an osmotic, Jay wants to clear Brian's name. But Brian's erratic powers threaten even Jay's survival, and he's left wondering if his lover is as innocent as he claims.
Dark Waters by Nicole Kimberling
After a year of seeing Detective Argent, Michael Gold is uncertain about the future of their relationship. Can a liberal university professor and a Hell Cop find a happily ever after? When Michael invites Argent on an anthropological study, he thinks they're performing an experiment in domesticity. But when a dead body appears, Michael and Argent end up playing detective instead of playing house.
Such Heights by Ginn Hale
Photojournalist James Sparks fled to the exotic Storm Palace to escape his relationship troubles. But soon he's witness to a murder, and the man he least wants to deal with -- his lover, Detective Ben Moran -- is on the case.
Brian Day's no longer the naïve country boy Jay Yervant fell in love with. A hardened hell cop with dangerous powers, Brian's osmotic abilities are growing out of control. When two men are found dead, killed by an osmotic, Jay wants to clear Brian's name. But Brian's erratic powers threaten even Jay's survival, and he's left wondering if his lover is as innocent as he claims.
Dark Waters by Nicole Kimberling
After a year of seeing Detective Argent, Michael Gold is uncertain about the future of their relationship. Can a liberal university professor and a Hell Cop find a happily ever after? When Michael invites Argent on an anthropological study, he thinks they're performing an experiment in domesticity. But when a dead body appears, Michael and Argent end up playing detective instead of playing house.
Such Heights by Ginn Hale
Photojournalist James Sparks fled to the exotic Storm Palace to escape his relationship troubles. But soon he's witness to a murder, and the man he least wants to deal with -- his lover, Detective Ben Moran -- is on the case.
459 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 1, 2009
6 people are currently reading
285 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
July 7, 2009
The first Hell Cop was incredibly enjoyable and something just that little bit different. In this 2nd book they’re building on already established relationships and reading it was like visiting with old friends. God. I am such a sap. But it was just so good!
Trust Me, by Astrid Amara, has Jay and Brian a year down the track. Jay still delights in being able to touch someone and Brian is growing into his own skin after the revelations’ in the previous book. The growth of the characters relationship was beautifully done and the hook of Brian’s lack of control was an engaging one. He begins to realize that his ability to touch Jay does not exclude him from being left and his need to learn to control his power, or risk loosing his lover, becomes paramount. A sexy, perceptively written story that does not just look at the surface of a relationship, but delves deeply into its workings.
In Dark Waters, by Nicole Kimberling, the world building is tight and I like her attention to little things that make for vivid reading. The balance of power in a relationship, knowing when to listen and when to argue, brought a warmness to the story. Michael is such a professor and I like how out of his comfort zone he is with Argent at times, when he cannot use his mind reading powers. Parts were also surprisingly funny and had me laughing out loud. I think Bert’s - a bunch of drunken goat-legged midgets and that poor, maligned turtle were rather amusing. hehe.
Finally, in Such Heights by Ginn Hale, dark and broody Moran returns on another case with his blond and gorgeous journalist lover James. Moran is still determined to resist till the last and I think there is nothing more satisfying than reading about this cop being brought to his knees. So to speak. O-o The floating palace was a very cool world with tentacle like spells and enslaved demons, which made for a cool backdrop for the characters.
Freeloading, hippie mermaids, large bovine like creatures, pocket demons and castles that travel about in the air. These 3 authors write books that I want to read. Get it here from Loose Id. Also, check out Hell Cop 1 here.
PS. I would seriously like some fan art. Commissions I wonder??
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2009/07/...
Trust Me, by Astrid Amara, has Jay and Brian a year down the track. Jay still delights in being able to touch someone and Brian is growing into his own skin after the revelations’ in the previous book. The growth of the characters relationship was beautifully done and the hook of Brian’s lack of control was an engaging one. He begins to realize that his ability to touch Jay does not exclude him from being left and his need to learn to control his power, or risk loosing his lover, becomes paramount. A sexy, perceptively written story that does not just look at the surface of a relationship, but delves deeply into its workings.
In Dark Waters, by Nicole Kimberling, the world building is tight and I like her attention to little things that make for vivid reading. The balance of power in a relationship, knowing when to listen and when to argue, brought a warmness to the story. Michael is such a professor and I like how out of his comfort zone he is with Argent at times, when he cannot use his mind reading powers. Parts were also surprisingly funny and had me laughing out loud. I think Bert’s - a bunch of drunken goat-legged midgets and that poor, maligned turtle were rather amusing. hehe.
Finally, in Such Heights by Ginn Hale, dark and broody Moran returns on another case with his blond and gorgeous journalist lover James. Moran is still determined to resist till the last and I think there is nothing more satisfying than reading about this cop being brought to his knees. So to speak. O-o The floating palace was a very cool world with tentacle like spells and enslaved demons, which made for a cool backdrop for the characters.
Freeloading, hippie mermaids, large bovine like creatures, pocket demons and castles that travel about in the air. These 3 authors write books that I want to read. Get it here from Loose Id. Also, check out Hell Cop 1 here.
PS. I would seriously like some fan art. Commissions I wonder??
http://sharrow.wordpress.com/2009/07/...
April 14, 2010
A sequel to "Hell Cop" (since this one features the same characters), I think "Hell Cop 2" is a fine anthology. It's really good -- the story are all well-written and the characters endearing
1. Trust Me (Astrid Amara) 4.5/5 : my favorite of the whole bunch, because there is a conflict between Jay and Bryan that makes their relationship very interesting.
2. Dark Waters (Nicole Kimberling) 4/5: while the story is good, I still wish that I know more about Argent. Though it's written in 3rd POV, but it's pretty much one sided, only Michael's
3. Such Heights (Ginn Hale) 4/5: my second favorite, it's really good to read what's going on with Moran and James after their case in "Hell Cop". I love both of them ... and hey, the plot involves phoenix, a mystical creature that intrigues me (aside from unicorns)
1. Trust Me (Astrid Amara) 4.5/5 : my favorite of the whole bunch, because there is a conflict between Jay and Bryan that makes their relationship very interesting.
2. Dark Waters (Nicole Kimberling) 4/5: while the story is good, I still wish that I know more about Argent. Though it's written in 3rd POV, but it's pretty much one sided, only Michael's
3. Such Heights (Ginn Hale) 4/5: my second favorite, it's really good to read what's going on with Moran and James after their case in "Hell Cop". I love both of them ... and hey, the plot involves phoenix, a mystical creature that intrigues me (aside from unicorns)
September 2, 2016
Ratings - Trust Me: 3 / Dark Waters: 3 / Such Heights: 3
September 3, 2012
As in the first book, the world building is riveting and all the stories were interesting and well written. I noticed though a few mistakes that should have been caught by a proofreader and it's a bit unexpected by this publisher. Here we go:
Trust Me by Astrid Amara
Brian is now a hell cop. He is more or less a rookie. His osmotic abilities - he can draw energy from other living creatures and discharge it to heal or maim - are getting out of control, causing unwanted damage to those around him. At first it seems he doesn't want to handle them and he's unwillingness causes trouble with his boyfriend Jay, the hell cop detective who can't stop burning. The problems get worse when Brian is accused of killing a suspect in custody, since the death came through the draining of the suspect's energy.
In the previous book Brian was a sunny, naive character, but this time he shows a darker side that I think doesn't depend solely on his uncontrollable abilities. The whole story takes a darker turn, because the mystery under investigation is about a terrible act that makes you feel sorry for the criminals.
I liked reading about Jay's feelings toward his family, how he feels isolated because he can't be included either to comfort or be comforted by them. It was also interesting to read how torn he felt for having to be separated from Brian and making him suffer because he risked of being hurt by him. They fear they won't manage to patch up their problems, especially because their abilities keep them apart from anyone else and without each other they face isolation and loneliness.
In this story the world building is at its best.
Dark Waters by Nicole Kimberling
This time this is my favorite couple, the half-demon professor Michael and hell cop Argent. I loved reading how they tried to reconcile their differences or how they decided to avoid or embark on arguments.
Invited by one of his students, Michael goes to a sort of trailer park to research a faun ceremony, and Argent goes with him on vacation. There's a feud going on between the fauns and the mermaids and murder happens. In order to allow Michael to interact with the fauns more freely, Argent doesn't reveal he is a cop and he does a bit of investigation on his own, also because the ceremony seems to hide a shady and dangerous ritual.
Since Michael is a demon himself and works in an organization devoted to bring peace between humans and demons, he often disagrees with the hell cops' methods. He would also like for Argent to drop his shields when they're together, to allow Michael's telepathy to know his lover better. Even if they often fight, it's clear that what they feel for each other is deep and humor often defuses the tenser arguments.
It was really a pleasure to read.
Such Heights by Ginn Hale
This was for me the best case of the three. James is a young human photographer and Moran is his hell cop lover. When we meet them, they're relationship seems rocky. Moran is afraid that James will get seriously hurt while working one of his cases, because his natural curiosity puts him in a lot of danger. James knows that Moran is protective because in his past he lost someone he loved, but he wants the older man to understand that they both have dangerous professions and James just wants to do his job.
After one of their fights and after being given a sort of ultimatum, James reaches a suspended palace where phoenixes live in order to film a documentary, but he doesn't tell Moran. James witnesses the fall of a guest from the palace, a fall denied by the palace owner and his security guards, but the man falls to the ground and Moran is the designated detective. While James stirs all kind of trouble trying to find out what's going on, Moran reaches the palace undercover and when the estranged lovers meet, they have to investigate together one more time.
There are a few misunderstandings between James and Moran, but it takes a while for them to realize that they're expressing the same concern for each other. I liked reading how they reached their compromises and how both their disagreements and their reconciliation were expressions of the deep love they feel. The age gap theme so prominent in the previous book was not explored here, even if James has the enthusiasm of a young man trying to pursue his career of choice, unheeding the perils of it, and Moran has the maturity of the older man who knows how to retreat and how to advance and what the priorities in life are.
Very good collection. I recommend reading the previous Hell Cop first in order to enjoy both the world building and the different stories better.
Trust Me by Astrid Amara
Brian is now a hell cop. He is more or less a rookie. His osmotic abilities - he can draw energy from other living creatures and discharge it to heal or maim - are getting out of control, causing unwanted damage to those around him. At first it seems he doesn't want to handle them and he's unwillingness causes trouble with his boyfriend Jay, the hell cop detective who can't stop burning. The problems get worse when Brian is accused of killing a suspect in custody, since the death came through the draining of the suspect's energy.
In the previous book Brian was a sunny, naive character, but this time he shows a darker side that I think doesn't depend solely on his uncontrollable abilities. The whole story takes a darker turn, because the mystery under investigation is about a terrible act that makes you feel sorry for the criminals.
I liked reading about Jay's feelings toward his family, how he feels isolated because he can't be included either to comfort or be comforted by them. It was also interesting to read how torn he felt for having to be separated from Brian and making him suffer because he risked of being hurt by him. They fear they won't manage to patch up their problems, especially because their abilities keep them apart from anyone else and without each other they face isolation and loneliness.
In this story the world building is at its best.
Dark Waters by Nicole Kimberling
This time this is my favorite couple, the half-demon professor Michael and hell cop Argent. I loved reading how they tried to reconcile their differences or how they decided to avoid or embark on arguments.
Invited by one of his students, Michael goes to a sort of trailer park to research a faun ceremony, and Argent goes with him on vacation. There's a feud going on between the fauns and the mermaids and murder happens. In order to allow Michael to interact with the fauns more freely, Argent doesn't reveal he is a cop and he does a bit of investigation on his own, also because the ceremony seems to hide a shady and dangerous ritual.
Since Michael is a demon himself and works in an organization devoted to bring peace between humans and demons, he often disagrees with the hell cops' methods. He would also like for Argent to drop his shields when they're together, to allow Michael's telepathy to know his lover better. Even if they often fight, it's clear that what they feel for each other is deep and humor often defuses the tenser arguments.
It was really a pleasure to read.
Such Heights by Ginn Hale
This was for me the best case of the three. James is a young human photographer and Moran is his hell cop lover. When we meet them, they're relationship seems rocky. Moran is afraid that James will get seriously hurt while working one of his cases, because his natural curiosity puts him in a lot of danger. James knows that Moran is protective because in his past he lost someone he loved, but he wants the older man to understand that they both have dangerous professions and James just wants to do his job.
After one of their fights and after being given a sort of ultimatum, James reaches a suspended palace where phoenixes live in order to film a documentary, but he doesn't tell Moran. James witnesses the fall of a guest from the palace, a fall denied by the palace owner and his security guards, but the man falls to the ground and Moran is the designated detective. While James stirs all kind of trouble trying to find out what's going on, Moran reaches the palace undercover and when the estranged lovers meet, they have to investigate together one more time.
There are a few misunderstandings between James and Moran, but it takes a while for them to realize that they're expressing the same concern for each other. I liked reading how they reached their compromises and how both their disagreements and their reconciliation were expressions of the deep love they feel. The age gap theme so prominent in the previous book was not explored here, even if James has the enthusiasm of a young man trying to pursue his career of choice, unheeding the perils of it, and Moran has the maturity of the older man who knows how to retreat and how to advance and what the priorities in life are.
Very good collection. I recommend reading the previous Hell Cop first in order to enjoy both the world building and the different stories better.
November 17, 2023
4.5 stars
_______________
2nd re-read November 2023
_______________
2nd re-read November 2023
April 8, 2010
The (Overall) Review:
Honesty from the outset~ I've been hanging out for this anthology ever since I found out there would be a follow up toHell Cop (reviewed here).
First things first~
Take the fact that the more I read by these authors the more I admire their talent as writers as a given. Why?? Partly because I've read a heck of a lot of each of their work this year so I feel like I'm a guru in Amara, Kimberling and Hale, but mainly I think it's due to their proficiencies in both the short and long formats. This might seem odd to some; however, I'm - as a reader - increasingly coming to the conclusion a short story really highlights the skills of an author. By this I mean the ability to offer the reader a well written story with a tight plot, developed characters and, IMHO, above all else superb pacing. And damned if Astrid Amara, Nicole Kimberling and Ginn Hale don't do it again in Hell Cop 2.
After I'd finished Hell Cop 2, I had a couple of lingering thoughts. The first related to a point I'd made with regard to Hell Cop when I said I couldn't remember the last time I'd read an anthology where the stories worked and linked so well together. Can I say "ditto"? I love that there is almost like a timeline of events where each short follows on from the other. This does not mean there is an overarching story arc so much, rather a flow, a connection between the characters and their stories. I actually thought it worked even better in this volume than it had in the first, which is saying something since I couldn't get over how well the unique voices and stories in Hell Cop complemented each other. It was terrific.
The second thing which struck me - and I'm sure this is going to come across as patronising given the experience of the authors *oh well* - was the overall feeling of confidence about Hell Cop 2. Sounds strange, huh, and I'm not really sure I can put my finger on it. Yet, to me, there seemed to be a real sense of certainty, of sureness, about what the authors were aiming for in this anthology and the experience they wanted to give the reader. I don't know if others will come away with the same impression or even if I've explained myself very well; however, this really added to my own enjoyment ofHell Cop 2. I felt extraordinarily comfortable (comforted by?) revisiting this world with the authors.
*Get on to the stories, Kris!* Okay.
Trust Me by Astrid Amara Rating: 4.75 out of 5 stars
The Blurb~
Brian Day's no longer the naive country boy Jay Yervant fell in love with. A hardened hell cop with dangerous powers, Brian's osmotic abilities are growing out of control. When two men are found dead, killed by an osmotic, Jay wants to clear Brian's name. But Brian's erratic powers threaten even Jay's survival, and he's left wondering if his lover is as innocent as he claims.
The Review~
What I want to know is how the heck Astrid Amara packed so much story into such a short format without overwhelming the reader. This has everything from personal issues, relationship angst, family problems and, to top it all off, a strange crime leading to a false accusation and a search for the truth! It was wonderful to read about a more mature and complex Brian and his prat (ultimatums, I hate 'em) of a boyfriend Jay. I have to admit what I liked the best was that I had only a vague inkling about whodunit and why. I LOVE it when an author takes me by surprise. :)
Dark Waters by Nicole Kimberling Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
The Blurb~
After a year of seeing Detective Argent, Michael Gold is uncertain about the future of their relationship. Can a liberal university professor and a Hell Cop find a happily ever after? When Michael invites Argent on an anthropological study, he thinks they're performing an experiment in domesticity. But when a dead body appears, Michael and Argent end up playing detective instead of playing house.
The Review~
Argent is freaking cool. I think he is my fave of the characters of this world. It's a 'still waters run deep' thing. I got such a kick out of witnessing Michael's bewilderment, at times insight but, above all else, acceptance of this very collected cop almost as much as I did trying to work out what on earth Argent was up to. As always, this story is imbued with Nikki Kimberling's sly sense of humour. You'll gigglesnort your way through it.
Such Heights by Ginn Hale Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars
The Blurb~
Photojournalist James Sparks fled to the exotic Storm Palace to escape his relationship troubles. But soon he's witness to a murder, and the man he least wants to deal with -- his lover, Detective Ben Moran -- is on the case.
The Review~
Whenever I read Ginn Hale I'm always surprised by her imagination. You'd think I'd be used to it by now, wouldn't you. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting the reluctant hero which is James; however, the stand out for me in Such Heights was the imagery evoked by the author's descriptions of the setting, especially of the Storm Palace. There was one scene in particular where I had such a vivid picture of the ruinous beauty of the nesting area of the phoenixes together with Ben working his power against the spells there that I felt like I could almost reach out and touch it. Great stuff.
A couple of issues/warnings~
Those of you who haven't read Hell Cop are probably wondering whether you need to read what happened in that anthology to understand what's going on in this one. I honestly think you don't have to, BUT I reckon it will definitely add more to your experience if you do because I believe one of the best things about reading Hell Cop 2 is discovering more about the characters and seeing the growth of each of their relationships.
My (Overall) Recommendation:
This is a must buy for those who read and loved Hell Cop. I would also highly recommend it for those who enjoy reading m/m speculative fiction. In my opinion, these three authors are some of the best you will find writing this genre.
Honesty from the outset~ I've been hanging out for this anthology ever since I found out there would be a follow up toHell Cop (reviewed here).
First things first~
Take the fact that the more I read by these authors the more I admire their talent as writers as a given. Why?? Partly because I've read a heck of a lot of each of their work this year so I feel like I'm a guru in Amara, Kimberling and Hale, but mainly I think it's due to their proficiencies in both the short and long formats. This might seem odd to some; however, I'm - as a reader - increasingly coming to the conclusion a short story really highlights the skills of an author. By this I mean the ability to offer the reader a well written story with a tight plot, developed characters and, IMHO, above all else superb pacing. And damned if Astrid Amara, Nicole Kimberling and Ginn Hale don't do it again in Hell Cop 2.
After I'd finished Hell Cop 2, I had a couple of lingering thoughts. The first related to a point I'd made with regard to Hell Cop when I said I couldn't remember the last time I'd read an anthology where the stories worked and linked so well together. Can I say "ditto"? I love that there is almost like a timeline of events where each short follows on from the other. This does not mean there is an overarching story arc so much, rather a flow, a connection between the characters and their stories. I actually thought it worked even better in this volume than it had in the first, which is saying something since I couldn't get over how well the unique voices and stories in Hell Cop complemented each other. It was terrific.
The second thing which struck me - and I'm sure this is going to come across as patronising given the experience of the authors *oh well* - was the overall feeling of confidence about Hell Cop 2. Sounds strange, huh, and I'm not really sure I can put my finger on it. Yet, to me, there seemed to be a real sense of certainty, of sureness, about what the authors were aiming for in this anthology and the experience they wanted to give the reader. I don't know if others will come away with the same impression or even if I've explained myself very well; however, this really added to my own enjoyment ofHell Cop 2. I felt extraordinarily comfortable (comforted by?) revisiting this world with the authors.
*Get on to the stories, Kris!* Okay.
Trust Me by Astrid Amara Rating: 4.75 out of 5 stars
The Blurb~
Brian Day's no longer the naive country boy Jay Yervant fell in love with. A hardened hell cop with dangerous powers, Brian's osmotic abilities are growing out of control. When two men are found dead, killed by an osmotic, Jay wants to clear Brian's name. But Brian's erratic powers threaten even Jay's survival, and he's left wondering if his lover is as innocent as he claims.
The Review~
What I want to know is how the heck Astrid Amara packed so much story into such a short format without overwhelming the reader. This has everything from personal issues, relationship angst, family problems and, to top it all off, a strange crime leading to a false accusation and a search for the truth! It was wonderful to read about a more mature and complex Brian and his prat (ultimatums, I hate 'em) of a boyfriend Jay. I have to admit what I liked the best was that I had only a vague inkling about whodunit and why. I LOVE it when an author takes me by surprise. :)
Dark Waters by Nicole Kimberling Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
The Blurb~
After a year of seeing Detective Argent, Michael Gold is uncertain about the future of their relationship. Can a liberal university professor and a Hell Cop find a happily ever after? When Michael invites Argent on an anthropological study, he thinks they're performing an experiment in domesticity. But when a dead body appears, Michael and Argent end up playing detective instead of playing house.
The Review~
Argent is freaking cool. I think he is my fave of the characters of this world. It's a 'still waters run deep' thing. I got such a kick out of witnessing Michael's bewilderment, at times insight but, above all else, acceptance of this very collected cop almost as much as I did trying to work out what on earth Argent was up to. As always, this story is imbued with Nikki Kimberling's sly sense of humour. You'll gigglesnort your way through it.
Such Heights by Ginn Hale Rating: 4.25 out of 5 stars
The Blurb~
Photojournalist James Sparks fled to the exotic Storm Palace to escape his relationship troubles. But soon he's witness to a murder, and the man he least wants to deal with -- his lover, Detective Ben Moran -- is on the case.
The Review~
Whenever I read Ginn Hale I'm always surprised by her imagination. You'd think I'd be used to it by now, wouldn't you. I thoroughly enjoyed revisiting the reluctant hero which is James; however, the stand out for me in Such Heights was the imagery evoked by the author's descriptions of the setting, especially of the Storm Palace. There was one scene in particular where I had such a vivid picture of the ruinous beauty of the nesting area of the phoenixes together with Ben working his power against the spells there that I felt like I could almost reach out and touch it. Great stuff.
A couple of issues/warnings~
Those of you who haven't read Hell Cop are probably wondering whether you need to read what happened in that anthology to understand what's going on in this one. I honestly think you don't have to, BUT I reckon it will definitely add more to your experience if you do because I believe one of the best things about reading Hell Cop 2 is discovering more about the characters and seeing the growth of each of their relationships.
My (Overall) Recommendation:
This is a must buy for those who read and loved Hell Cop. I would also highly recommend it for those who enjoy reading m/m speculative fiction. In my opinion, these three authors are some of the best you will find writing this genre.
March 26, 2021
Trust Me by Astrid Amara - 3.5*
Dark Waters by Nicole Kimberling - 3.5*
Such Heights by Ginn Hale - 4*
Dark Waters by Nicole Kimberling - 3.5*
Such Heights by Ginn Hale - 4*
March 13, 2023
**A really solid 4.5 Stars**
This was a great extension to Hell Cop and thankfully it didn't disappoint. I'm not ready to leave any of these MCs or this world. As in the first anthology I don't think I have a favorite, all the stories were page turners.
QUICK THOUGHTS
** A continuing Anthology
** Paranormal/Magic
** Cops with special powers in a world with demons
** Lots of drama with some violence
** More story than sex but not without some heat
** The same MCs as in the first book
** Satisfying enough ending to each story but I would love more
** NOT a stand-alone
January 6, 2013
Hell Cop 2 4.5 Stars! I think I liked it even more than the first Hell Cop!
I'm not all that fond of short stories, which usually means I'm not all that fond of anthologies. However, the Hell Cop books are different. Hell Cop 2 is a LONG anthology. And it's only three stories. So it's almost like three novels in one (in fact, I would guess that each individual story here would be long enough to qualify to be a novel or at least a novella all its own).
This is a sequel in all respects to the first Hell Cop book. Each of the three stories is a continuation of each of the three stories in the first book, taking up the lives of the characters one year later. Characters from each story also wander through the lives of the characters in the other story. It is one self contained world.
And I love the world of Parmas City. The world building in the stories is fantastic. The main characters are people you really want to root for and to do well.
A problem I sometimes have with sequels is that by the time you read them you've forgotten who these people are and what their deal is. Not so with this book, I was quickly reminded and without annoying info dump that some authors would have reverted to.
These are not fluffy stories, it is a dark and dangerous world the Hell Cops live in. But I wouldn't have it any other way.
I'd recommend this book to any sci-fi/fantasy fan. Even if you hate anthologies, read this one. But make sure to read Hell Cop 1 first.
I hope there will be a Hell Cop 3.
I'm not all that fond of short stories, which usually means I'm not all that fond of anthologies. However, the Hell Cop books are different. Hell Cop 2 is a LONG anthology. And it's only three stories. So it's almost like three novels in one (in fact, I would guess that each individual story here would be long enough to qualify to be a novel or at least a novella all its own).
This is a sequel in all respects to the first Hell Cop book. Each of the three stories is a continuation of each of the three stories in the first book, taking up the lives of the characters one year later. Characters from each story also wander through the lives of the characters in the other story. It is one self contained world.
And I love the world of Parmas City. The world building in the stories is fantastic. The main characters are people you really want to root for and to do well.
A problem I sometimes have with sequels is that by the time you read them you've forgotten who these people are and what their deal is. Not so with this book, I was quickly reminded and without annoying info dump that some authors would have reverted to.
These are not fluffy stories, it is a dark and dangerous world the Hell Cops live in. But I wouldn't have it any other way.
I'd recommend this book to any sci-fi/fantasy fan. Even if you hate anthologies, read this one. But make sure to read Hell Cop 1 first.
I hope there will be a Hell Cop 3.
March 12, 2023
Trust Me by Astrid Amara
I couldn't wait to continue reading Brian and Jays story and I was not disappointed. Not only did I get to follow along on their emotional relationship but I got a gripping mystery too. This whole world just captivates me. So many great ideas. And so far great chemistry between the MC too. I do hopw there will be a Hell Cops 3 5 stars
Dark Waters by Nicole Kimberling
Very interesting story. I still love Argent but I have trouble with Michael sometimes. I loved the mystery in this one and the epilogue was sweet but left me wanting more LOL.
4 stars
Such Heights by Ginn Hale
Oh how I wish there was more in this series.
Moran and James did not disappoint me. A fully interesting story that had me guessing and second guessing. Moran was wonderful. Such a sexy guy I loved every part of him and James. These two just had the chemistry I love to read. 5 stars
ETA Nothing new to add.
I couldn't wait to continue reading Brian and Jays story and I was not disappointed. Not only did I get to follow along on their emotional relationship but I got a gripping mystery too. This whole world just captivates me. So many great ideas. And so far great chemistry between the MC too. I do hopw there will be a Hell Cops 3 5 stars
Dark Waters by Nicole Kimberling
Very interesting story. I still love Argent but I have trouble with Michael sometimes. I loved the mystery in this one and the epilogue was sweet but left me wanting more LOL.
4 stars
Such Heights by Ginn Hale
Oh how I wish there was more in this series.
Moran and James did not disappoint me. A fully interesting story that had me guessing and second guessing. Moran was wonderful. Such a sexy guy I loved every part of him and James. These two just had the chemistry I love to read. 5 stars
ETA Nothing new to add.
April 14, 2012
I really enjoyed this series. I read it back in February and it's now April so I can't do my review of each story with any amount of justice so I'll do an overall review. I actually read this series in a weird way. Hell Cop is an anthology with three separate stories that loosely intertwine. Each story is written by a different author. Hell Cop 2 is the next anthology and each story in that anthology is a sequel of the previous story in Hell Cop. So when I read the first story in Hell Cop, about Jay Yervant and Brian, I liked it so much that I jumped to Hell Cop 2 to read the sequel. Then I went back to Hell Cop 1 and read the next story. Not that I would recommend reading it this way necessarily, but I liked it.
I enjoyed Hell Cop 2 more than the first book. I think it's primarily because I already know and like the characters and this gives me more insight into their relationship. I think that these stories also are not stingy on plot. The focus is on plot as much as on the romance.
I would definitely recommend this series to people who like paranormal powers and people who like shorter, quicker reads. I definitely hope they come up with a Hell Cop 3.
I enjoyed Hell Cop 2 more than the first book. I think it's primarily because I already know and like the characters and this gives me more insight into their relationship. I think that these stories also are not stingy on plot. The focus is on plot as much as on the romance.
I would definitely recommend this series to people who like paranormal powers and people who like shorter, quicker reads. I definitely hope they come up with a Hell Cop 3.
May 1, 2013
I wouldn't say that you have to have read Hell Cop #1 before reading this, but it certainly makes it much, much better. I rarely like Anthologies where the stories are tied together. They usually feel tacky, but these three authors really make it work.
This trio of stories happens after our heroes ride off into the sunset together at the end of book #1. None of the three are secure in their relationships , and some have reached that critical point where lust and attraction are no longer enough.
I loved that this book allows it's characters to deal with serious individual and relationship issues. The world-building is also fabulous. Richly drawn and disturbingly detailed.
This isn't a comfortable book. The relationships are rocky and the world is scary. What this is, is satisfying.
This trio of stories happens after our heroes ride off into the sunset together at the end of book #1. None of the three are secure in their relationships , and some have reached that critical point where lust and attraction are no longer enough.
I loved that this book allows it's characters to deal with serious individual and relationship issues. The world-building is also fabulous. Richly drawn and disturbingly detailed.
This isn't a comfortable book. The relationships are rocky and the world is scary. What this is, is satisfying.
December 13, 2024
Life continues
A really well down series of follow up stories to the first book!
Some time after the first all the stories follow the original couples as to how life is with them together and with their work. Between their powers and their expectations there are troubles afoot and some of those troubles even threaten their relationships. To make it through they have to lean on each other and figure out what a long term relationship means in the face of changing circumstances. Great read!
A really well down series of follow up stories to the first book!
Some time after the first all the stories follow the original couples as to how life is with them together and with their work. Between their powers and their expectations there are troubles afoot and some of those troubles even threaten their relationships. To make it through they have to lean on each other and figure out what a long term relationship means in the face of changing circumstances. Great read!
December 11, 2012
Trust Me by Astrid Amara - 2.5 stars It was lame. Annoying. Well placed issues, could have been handled differently.
Dark Waters by Nicole Kimberling - 4 stars This one was fun.
Such Heights by Ginn Hale - 4.5 stars My favourite of the three.
Total: 3.5 stars
Dark Waters by Nicole Kimberling - 4 stars This one was fun.
Such Heights by Ginn Hale - 4.5 stars My favourite of the three.
Total: 3.5 stars
May 28, 2015
The further adventures of the Hell Cop universe.
An enjoyable set of stories that doesn't quite recapture the magic of the first book. I liked knowing what happened next to the characters I enjoyed in the first book.
The mystery and urban fantasy themes were excellent and fascinating to read. The romance, however, fell short for me.
An enjoyable set of stories that doesn't quite recapture the magic of the first book. I liked knowing what happened next to the characters I enjoyed in the first book.
The mystery and urban fantasy themes were excellent and fascinating to read. The romance, however, fell short for me.
January 29, 2017
All stories were sequels to the ones in the previous book. Of course I had my favorite couple but strangely enough I liked their story, its the first one in the book, the least. Michael and Argent, as well as James and Morans stories were more engaging. I think they felt unfinished before, but Brians story was pretty much finished and I was happy with the ending.
July 20, 2012
Trust Me by Astrid Amara - 4.35 stars
Dark Waters by Nicole Kimberling - 4 stars
Such Heights by Ginn Hale - 4.75 stars
These authors can write just about anything and make it a pleasure to read. Outstanding anthology and sequel to Hell Cop 1.
Dark Waters by Nicole Kimberling - 4 stars
Such Heights by Ginn Hale - 4.75 stars
These authors can write just about anything and make it a pleasure to read. Outstanding anthology and sequel to Hell Cop 1.
March 3, 2014
I loved it. Three terrific writers, three seamlessly integrated stories. Fantastic world building.
February 21, 2018
Just as good as the first!!
January 9, 2026
I had high expectations for this sequel, and I did enjoy myself, but signficantly less than the first one.
Trust Me by Astrid Amara: 2.5 stars
It's messy because I think, as a story, this was better than the original one. I loved the conflict with Day losing control and Jay having to struggle between being there for him and protecting himself. It was going great all the way to the ending, when the author asked me to be OK with some things I really don't think should've been brushed off. I was already uncomfortable by the animal cruelty of it all, but I could get over it considering the urgency of the situation, but I found Jay's forgiviness of what his family did -- as well as the casualty in which the book mentions the slap in the wrist they got -- completely bizarre. What do you mean they got illegal custody of children and murdered them for profit? And Jay is apparently totally cool with that except to say "Hey, don't do that again". Fuck off. This is not the first Astrid Amara book that I've read with questionable morality that does not fit with the genre, so it's just another guarantee I won't be picking her up ever again.
Dark Waters by Nicole Kimberling: 3.5 stars
Probably my favorite out of the three stories. I adore Argent as a love interest, and I don't even care that we don't get his POV -- in fact, I think the mystery is what makes him charming. Kimberling's writing is very suited to my tastes, and I think this was a solid sequel that didn't feel superfulous. Loved exploring some of the problems in their relationship, and adored the ending -- it's the kind that left me grinning into my pillow afterwards.
Also, thank God for Michael and knowing at least someone in this universe is not totally cool with what happened in the last story. Though I'm still so bothered by it, I removed half a star of this rating for his attempt at brushing it off with Day afterwards.
Such Heights by Ginn Hale: 3 stars
I think as a story, this is just as good as the last one, but I have to note it left me a bit less satisfied. I feel like because the plot was such a big focus of this one, we had a lot less time with Sparks and Moran, and therefore they were the couple I felt the least attached to by the end. Doesn't help that there's quite a bit of arguing between them along the way, and finding out at the very end they haven't even said 'I love yous' after a year underlines that. The mystery was fun, but I figured out every aspect about it quite early on. It's a good short story, but I wanted more intensity and romance out of it.
Trust Me by Astrid Amara: 2.5 stars
It's messy because I think, as a story, this was better than the original one. I loved the conflict with Day losing control and Jay having to struggle between being there for him and protecting himself. It was going great all the way to the ending, when the author asked me to be OK with some things I really don't think should've been brushed off. I was already uncomfortable by the animal cruelty of it all, but I could get over it considering the urgency of the situation, but I found Jay's forgiviness of what his family did -- as well as the casualty in which the book mentions the slap in the wrist they got -- completely bizarre. What do you mean they got illegal custody of children and murdered them for profit? And Jay is apparently totally cool with that except to say "Hey, don't do that again". Fuck off. This is not the first Astrid Amara book that I've read with questionable morality that does not fit with the genre, so it's just another guarantee I won't be picking her up ever again.
Dark Waters by Nicole Kimberling: 3.5 stars
Probably my favorite out of the three stories. I adore Argent as a love interest, and I don't even care that we don't get his POV -- in fact, I think the mystery is what makes him charming. Kimberling's writing is very suited to my tastes, and I think this was a solid sequel that didn't feel superfulous. Loved exploring some of the problems in their relationship, and adored the ending -- it's the kind that left me grinning into my pillow afterwards.
Also, thank God for Michael and knowing at least someone in this universe is not totally cool with what happened in the last story. Though I'm still so bothered by it, I removed half a star of this rating for his attempt at brushing it off with Day afterwards.
Such Heights by Ginn Hale: 3 stars
I think as a story, this is just as good as the last one, but I have to note it left me a bit less satisfied. I feel like because the plot was such a big focus of this one, we had a lot less time with Sparks and Moran, and therefore they were the couple I felt the least attached to by the end. Doesn't help that there's quite a bit of arguing between them along the way, and finding out at the very end they haven't even said 'I love yous' after a year underlines that. The mystery was fun, but I figured out every aspect about it quite early on. It's a good short story, but I wanted more intensity and romance out of it.
February 4, 2019
A re-read for M M Romance Re-Read Challenge 2019: Yep! Still a five star review. The 'oldies' just get better and better with each re-read. The characters and premise continues from Hellcop 1; magic, mayhem and buffed guys getting it on. Strong, believable though unique story lines, with characters remaining true to their original traits, strengths and weakness from the previous book.
February 22, 2019
A pleasure. A little heart-rending to see these characters struggle, but then very satisfying to see them come through. And super cool to have the stories overlap and come together the way they did. As with the first volume, the Ginn Hale story felt the flattest to me regarding character, I think just because of lack of length (I haven't found this to be the case with her other writing).
December 10, 2019
3.75 stars.
July 14, 2019
More like 4.75
September 23, 2011
Law enforcement against demons is searching more recruits!
I would love to give 5 stars to this anthology, as I did for the #1 book but I can't... and it's all faulty of the first story.
All 3 stories will have the same 6 protagonists of the first book, but now it will be much more interlaced. In the first story, even if the main characters are Jay and Brian, you will see also the half demon Michael and the hell cop Argent (main of the second story), and Moran and the journalist James (main of the third story). So, in my view even if two stories are perfect, and I adore both (the second and the third) the first story is... terrible... horrible... I hate it, with all my force!
It's a pity. I hate to give 3 stars to Nicole Kimberling and Ginn Hale because their stories were very well constructed and the characters were flawless. There are romance and suspense, as angst and mystery... very great job! What ruin everything is not Astrid Amara writing, or imagination... the first story probably is the best written and with more world details of all.
So why I didn't like Astrid Amara story? What was the problem of Trust me, the first story?
1) Jay, the hell cop and the main character was a pig. Sorry, no second intention... he was a pig, because someone that care about a partner would never stare other guy ass. It could be a joke? HUmmmmmm, maybe but unfortunately the fact he was staring James ass (the main character of the third story) is a big problem... James is the boyfriend of Jay's best friend, Moran. And another VERY WRONG thing about it is the timing. Jay just discover that his lover is sick (VERY VERY VERY VERY sick), and well, who cares, let me check other guys ass.
Probably is just me, but if my partner is VERY sick and his life is in danger I think the last thing that will pass in my mind is stare other guy ass.
2) Jay really made me forget about Brian sickness. He was so cold, and so absurdly indifferent to his partner fate the reader will forget it too. I mean, only at the end, when Jay talk to Brian grandparent I remember it. How can the reader forget such important and sad sickness? Easy, if who tell you the story don't care about it.
3) Unfortunately Jay's behave is not the biggest problem. I mean, you could say it's his way to deal with pain (the fear of lost his partner). You could say he was ogling someone ass because he is cold, consequence of his hard life... maybe you can find a lot of explanations to my comment, about dislike a story for of the main character behave... but how can someone justify the writer lack of originality?
Let me explain it better. Nope, the writer didn't copy anyone idea... the writer was repetitive, copy herself.
Reading the first book of this anthology Astrid give me the impression of a very clever writer, with a brilliant mind... so my question is: why this obsession with infanticide? Children murders? Seriously? Again???. I think the human mind have such amazing potential, and probably in short stories, like in the case of this anthologies, it's really unnecessary such trivial error. Why, again, the similar plot? With so many possibilities, and with such amazing characters as Jay and Brian why use the same idea already explored in the first book? Other demons, other situation, new background, but again children being killed?
So, since the tree stories could be counted as just one (they are very interlaced (characters and world) I can't give more than 3 stars because yes, I love two stories, but I also was very disappointed with the first story.
If there will be more of this anthology I'll read it?
Brutal honest response?
No, because I really don't care anymore about Jay... it was very sad, his past and what happened to him , but his "I don't give a shit" behave was deplorable.
yes... only 3 stars
October 15, 2016
3.5* Review written for Love Bytes Reviews.
ANTHOLOGY REVIEW:
This was a great look at the couples from the previous anthology; taking place a year after the events of the last book there were a lot of changes, many of which I was happy to see. There was still a little bit of overlap with the characters between stories, which was great, and the cases themselves were varied and interesting. While I did enjoy the book, and each of the stories presented, I found I wasn’t as immediately enthralled or sucked into any of them like I was with the first book, however. (I’m sure I’ll read it again, regardless.) If you enjoyed the first Hell Cop book you’ll most likely enjoy this one as well but if you haven’t read it and are interested in paranormal or urban fantasy stories, I’d recommend starting with the first book as you’ll understand this universe and characters better. (That and the first book was just really good!)
Trust Me by Astrid Amara: 4*
I really loved getting to see Jay and Brian again and this story gives you a good look at their lives now that Brian is a member of the Hell Cops. I think the issues surrounding Brian’s abilities served as a good wakeup call in regards to his relationship with Jay and I really liked seeing how, even when at odds with each other, these two men still did whatever they could to help their partner. The case itself was great and well put together. This was also the longest story in the book and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Things ended on a high note and it was gratifying to see that besides getting to see Brian and Jay settle into a deeper relationship, there was also some resolution with each of their families.
Dark Waters by Nicole Kimberling: 3.5*
This was the one story where I was completely blindsided by the plot, which was kind of nice. :D It was nice touching base with Michael and Dion again but the case was really the star of this story; I found it interesting and I enjoyed getting to see Dion’s abilities showcased at the end. I also liked that Dion seemed to open up to Michael a little bit more as the story progressed. The ending was by far my favorite thing, not only about this particular story, but also out of the entire book, however, though I do wish I’d been able to actually see the event instead of the story ending where it did.
Such Heights by Ginn Hale: 3.5*
As James and Moran were my favorite characters in the previous book, I was really looking forward to this story. The case was great and way more twisty than I had been expecting, which I always enjoy, but I wasn’t as drawn into the story as I had expected to be. Like the previous stories in this collection the main characters were working through some relationship problems but James and Moran still came together when needed and they found a way to make everything work. The affection between the main characters was more noticeable in this story in comparison to the other two (at least to me it was) and it also had a great ending that had me finishing the book with a smile. Well rounded story that made for a great finisher to the book.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2016/10/0...
ANTHOLOGY REVIEW:
This was a great look at the couples from the previous anthology; taking place a year after the events of the last book there were a lot of changes, many of which I was happy to see. There was still a little bit of overlap with the characters between stories, which was great, and the cases themselves were varied and interesting. While I did enjoy the book, and each of the stories presented, I found I wasn’t as immediately enthralled or sucked into any of them like I was with the first book, however. (I’m sure I’ll read it again, regardless.) If you enjoyed the first Hell Cop book you’ll most likely enjoy this one as well but if you haven’t read it and are interested in paranormal or urban fantasy stories, I’d recommend starting with the first book as you’ll understand this universe and characters better. (That and the first book was just really good!)
Trust Me by Astrid Amara: 4*
I really loved getting to see Jay and Brian again and this story gives you a good look at their lives now that Brian is a member of the Hell Cops. I think the issues surrounding Brian’s abilities served as a good wakeup call in regards to his relationship with Jay and I really liked seeing how, even when at odds with each other, these two men still did whatever they could to help their partner. The case itself was great and well put together. This was also the longest story in the book and I enjoyed it quite a bit. Things ended on a high note and it was gratifying to see that besides getting to see Brian and Jay settle into a deeper relationship, there was also some resolution with each of their families.
Dark Waters by Nicole Kimberling: 3.5*
This was the one story where I was completely blindsided by the plot, which was kind of nice. :D It was nice touching base with Michael and Dion again but the case was really the star of this story; I found it interesting and I enjoyed getting to see Dion’s abilities showcased at the end. I also liked that Dion seemed to open up to Michael a little bit more as the story progressed. The ending was by far my favorite thing, not only about this particular story, but also out of the entire book, however, though I do wish I’d been able to actually see the event instead of the story ending where it did.
Such Heights by Ginn Hale: 3.5*
As James and Moran were my favorite characters in the previous book, I was really looking forward to this story. The case was great and way more twisty than I had been expecting, which I always enjoy, but I wasn’t as drawn into the story as I had expected to be. Like the previous stories in this collection the main characters were working through some relationship problems but James and Moran still came together when needed and they found a way to make everything work. The affection between the main characters was more noticeable in this story in comparison to the other two (at least to me it was) and it also had a great ending that had me finishing the book with a smile. Well rounded story that made for a great finisher to the book.
http://lovebytesreviews.com/2016/10/0...
December 8, 2013
Trust Me (Astrid Amara)
Brian and Jay have always been my favorite Hell Cop couple. Brian's no longer the happy and carefree person he was in the first book, and it was sad to see him as the hardened hell cop he is in this one. He's losing control of his powers, and it's bad timing when people are dropping dead, killed by an osmotic. I was annoyed with Jay for his hesitance to trust Brian but at the same time saddened that he couldn't trust the touch of the one person he could touch. Drama all around. I loved Brian's devotion to Jay even when things didn't look good.
I was also really touched by Jay and his father's conversation. And of course, let's not forget Bergen Sair... he's awesome!
Dark Waters (Nicole Kimberling)
Argent & Michael's story was shorter than the first one and not as action-packed.
It's been a while since I read the first Hell Cop and I don't remember my feelings towards Michael, but I didn't really like him in this.
Referencing to the events of the last story (Trust Me) in which he has a cameo, I wasn't a fan of how he seemed to think he's morally better than Argent and the Hell Cops in this one. I didn't like how he would berate Argent about doing his job and . Imagine my wicked glee when Argent's investigations are justified.
Such Heights (Ginn Hale)
What a killer opening (no pun intended)! This has the most imaginative location out of all three and I loved the vision of the Storm Palace, home of the endangered phoenixes and hovering above Parmas, where James Sparks is on assignment to escape from relationship troubles with Ben Moran.
I hated their separation in the first half of the story, but their reunion while investigating the strange goings-on in the Storm Palace made me very happy, especially when James finally realized that Ben's right to be concerned with his job and that he would be the same were their roles reversed.
Overall, every time I see a book written by these three, I have a modified Pavlovian response: reflexive clicking of the "buy" button, because I know I will greatly enjoy whatever it is they've written.
Brian and Jay have always been my favorite Hell Cop couple. Brian's no longer the happy and carefree person he was in the first book, and it was sad to see him as the hardened hell cop he is in this one. He's losing control of his powers, and it's bad timing when people are dropping dead, killed by an osmotic. I was annoyed with Jay for his hesitance to trust Brian but at the same time saddened that he couldn't trust the touch of the one person he could touch. Drama all around. I loved Brian's devotion to Jay even when things didn't look good.
I was also really touched by Jay and his father's conversation. And of course, let's not forget Bergen Sair... he's awesome!
Dark Waters (Nicole Kimberling)
Argent & Michael's story was shorter than the first one and not as action-packed.
It's been a while since I read the first Hell Cop and I don't remember my feelings towards Michael, but I didn't really like him in this.
Referencing to the events of the last story (Trust Me) in which he has a cameo, I wasn't a fan of how he seemed to think he's morally better than Argent and the Hell Cops in this one. I didn't like how he would berate Argent about doing his job and . Imagine my wicked glee when Argent's investigations are justified.
Such Heights (Ginn Hale)
What a killer opening (no pun intended)! This has the most imaginative location out of all three and I loved the vision of the Storm Palace, home of the endangered phoenixes and hovering above Parmas, where James Sparks is on assignment to escape from relationship troubles with Ben Moran.
I hated their separation in the first half of the story, but their reunion while investigating the strange goings-on in the Storm Palace made me very happy, especially when James finally realized that Ben's right to be concerned with his job and that he would be the same were their roles reversed.
Overall, every time I see a book written by these three, I have a modified Pavlovian response: reflexive clicking of the "buy" button, because I know I will greatly enjoy whatever it is they've written.
April 22, 2016
Note, my rating is only for the first and third stories. I didn't like Nicole Kimberling's story in the first Hell Cop and, after several pages of its sequel here, decided to skip it altogether.
Trust Me by Astrid Amara - 3.5 stars
Damn, even though it was obvious that this installment will be about Ben's disillusionment, the level of resentment here was startling. My heart went out to Ben, to Jay and even to bad guys to whom, I felt, justice was especially unjust. Of course it might be foolish to expect real fairness in a big, multicultural megapolis with a high level of corruption, but here, I think, it was also the case of Astrid Amara biting more than she could swallow. So many difficult issues were raised and questions asked that it should've taken a proper book, not a novella, to explore, deal with and answer them all, but instead tensions rise to almost unbearable heights and then - bam! - everything gets swiftly and neatly solved or simply not mentioned further. A rather disappointing conclusion, story-wise.
Such Heights by Ginn Hale - 4.5 stars
Ginn Hale can be really good at going in a different direction. Like here - it was far from a typical paranormal investigation, and would be a pleasure to read even without the romantic storyline.
But then romance here was hardly forgettable either. It seems like every couple in Hell Cop 2 finds their relationship straining at the beginning, James and Moran most of all. It's not even silly miscommunication in their case - I get where the two of them were coming from, and I also sympathize with them both. Then it was that much sweeter (if maybe a little too fast) to see them overcome this hurdle.
I also couldn't help but question the speed with which some things were being done here (like, how did Moran get so close with the crew after half a day?), but nevertheless, it was a very enjoyable read.
Trust Me by Astrid Amara - 3.5 stars
Damn, even though it was obvious that this installment will be about Ben's disillusionment, the level of resentment here was startling. My heart went out to Ben, to Jay and even to bad guys to whom, I felt, justice was especially unjust. Of course it might be foolish to expect real fairness in a big, multicultural megapolis with a high level of corruption, but here, I think, it was also the case of Astrid Amara biting more than she could swallow. So many difficult issues were raised and questions asked that it should've taken a proper book, not a novella, to explore, deal with and answer them all, but instead tensions rise to almost unbearable heights and then - bam! - everything gets swiftly and neatly solved or simply not mentioned further. A rather disappointing conclusion, story-wise.
Such Heights by Ginn Hale - 4.5 stars
Ginn Hale can be really good at going in a different direction. Like here - it was far from a typical paranormal investigation, and would be a pleasure to read even without the romantic storyline.
But then romance here was hardly forgettable either. It seems like every couple in Hell Cop 2 finds their relationship straining at the beginning, James and Moran most of all. It's not even silly miscommunication in their case - I get where the two of them were coming from, and I also sympathize with them both. Then it was that much sweeter (if maybe a little too fast) to see them overcome this hurdle.
I also couldn't help but question the speed with which some things were being done here (like, how did Moran get so close with the crew after half a day?), but nevertheless, it was a very enjoyable read.
January 11, 2013
This series is an outstanding amalgamation of urban fantasy, romance, and anthology. Each story is written by a different author, but all inhabit the same universe, and characters cross over. The writing in all three segments is excellent, and similar in style enough so that there is no jarring transition from story to story.
Trust Me – Astrid Amara
Sheltered country boy Brian has completed police training and is on the job, eager for the day when he can rise in the ranks and be partnered professionally with his detective lover, Jay. Brian discovered his own sorcery abilities in the previous book. They make him invaluable for doing dirty work—and as they grow and Brian begins to lose control of them, they threaten everyone Brian comes in contact with, including Jay. The relationship plot is the standout here, dealing with how the two handle a spiraling addiction and their changing relationship dynamic.
Dark Waters – Nicole Kimberling
Detective Argent accompanies professor Michael on a project to observe a faun ritual ceremony which takes place in the Parmas version of a trailer park, inhabited by all manner of colorful species. The action plot here is both hilarious and exciting, there are several endearing secondary characters, and the boys are at their romantic best. Great fun.
Such Heights – Ginn Hale
Photojournalist Sparky is getting himself into trouble again in search of his next exclusive, and stonefaced Moran is pissed off once more. These two are my favorite couple—and that’s saying a lot, as all three pairings in this series are terrific. A dead body dropping out of the sky provides the opportunity for Moran to follow his lover into the danger zone, working an undercover operation. Nice mystery plot, protective-sorcerer vengeance scenes, and a happy cementing of the boys’ sometimes tenuous relationship.
Trust Me – Astrid Amara
Sheltered country boy Brian has completed police training and is on the job, eager for the day when he can rise in the ranks and be partnered professionally with his detective lover, Jay. Brian discovered his own sorcery abilities in the previous book. They make him invaluable for doing dirty work—and as they grow and Brian begins to lose control of them, they threaten everyone Brian comes in contact with, including Jay. The relationship plot is the standout here, dealing with how the two handle a spiraling addiction and their changing relationship dynamic.
Dark Waters – Nicole Kimberling
Detective Argent accompanies professor Michael on a project to observe a faun ritual ceremony which takes place in the Parmas version of a trailer park, inhabited by all manner of colorful species. The action plot here is both hilarious and exciting, there are several endearing secondary characters, and the boys are at their romantic best. Great fun.
Such Heights – Ginn Hale
Photojournalist Sparky is getting himself into trouble again in search of his next exclusive, and stonefaced Moran is pissed off once more. These two are my favorite couple—and that’s saying a lot, as all three pairings in this series are terrific. A dead body dropping out of the sky provides the opportunity for Moran to follow his lover into the danger zone, working an undercover operation. Nice mystery plot, protective-sorcerer vengeance scenes, and a happy cementing of the boys’ sometimes tenuous relationship.
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