From the Bookshelf of Q&A with Josh Lanyon…

High Concept

Whitley Gray

Start date: October 1, 2013

Finish date: October 31, 2013

Discussion: Book of the Month Club

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Book of the Month Club

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What Members Thought

Sep 16, 2013 JustJen "Miss Conduct" rated it really liked it

Shelves: mm, ebook, hof

Review written for Hearts on Fire Reviews.

Detective Beck has been working on a case that has been nothing but dead ends. FBI profiler, Agent Zach, has been called in to assist on the case. These two met previously on a case where Beck tried to make a move on Zach, but, at the time, Zach was in a relationship and thwarted Beck’s attempts.

Now, they are back together, working side by side, trying to solve the original murder and subsequent home break ins. Beck is dealing with PTSD issues obtained
Review written for Hearts on Fire Reviews.

Detective Beck has been working on a case that has been nothing but dead ends. FBI profiler, Agent Zach, has been called in to assist on the case. These two met previously on a case where Beck tried to make a move on Zach, but, at the time, Zach was in a relationship and thwarted Beck’s attempts.

Now, they are back together, working side by side, trying to solve the original murder and subsequent home break ins. Beck is dealing with PTSD issues obtained when his partner was killed at the original murder, at which he also sustained a major shoulder injury. He often suffers from flashbacks and anxiety and has bit of guilt about his surviving. He is attempting to fulfill a promise to his partner by taking care of his wife and two kids.

Zach has his own similar issues which stem from an attack he suffered while interviewing an incarcerated murderer. This side story about the Valentine Killer, who randomly sends bloody valentine’s cards to Zach, really felt like it might have been told in its own book. We get enough information to understand what’s going on, but it felt like it was just thrown in there to support Zach’s own PTSD issue.

This story centers around the mystery and crimes first, with the guys’ attraction and subsequent relationship second. They eventually give in to their attraction, now that Zach is not attached, having broken up with his boyfriend two years prior. This was another aspect that made me feel like I missed a previous book. Zach and Dean. Zach broke up with Dean citing his inability to deal with Dean’s drug addiction. But they remain friends (although Dean thinks they are more), mostly due to Zach’s lasting guilt over their breakup.

Anyhoo, Zach and Beck are a great couple, both while investigating and between the sheets. Beck is trying to overcome his PTSD issues, deal with his shoulder injury and basically come out, which puts a bit of a strain on their relationship, while Zach is dealing with a few issues of his own. They eventually figure things out and what they each mean to the other, as well as where they want their futures to be, all while solving and taking on the criminals.

The thriller/mystery aspect of this was slightly predictable, but was enjoyable nonetheless. It moves along at a nice pace, and I had no issue with the writing style. I’ll definitely be looking to read more from this author.
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Oct 31, 2013 Grandmat rated it it was amazing

This author was a compleat surprise. Never read her work before. Great humanized characters. I particularly loved the skillful slow reveal of Zack and Beck's back story. Complicated plot, good tension, and the sex is paced so as not to overwhelm the plot. ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Apr 09, 2014 Ali rated it really liked it

Shelves: mm, kobo, own

This book was engaging and entertaining. Both MC’s struggle with their own demons, yet once together have chemistry. More of a mystery/police procedural than romance, many of the sex scenes happen off page, thought the ones that the reader is privy to sizzle. The book did not lack because of this.

After reading this, I am left wondering if there may be a sequel in the works. There were quite a few things brought up but never fully addressed, (view spoiler) ...more

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Dec 12, 2014 Brandilyn rated it really liked it

Shelves: mm, read-2015

Reviewed for Prism Book alliance

I didn't know if High Concept from Whitley Gray was going to earn four stars from me. There were times it seemed to drag on, and it took me about half of the book to finally sink into the story. However, in the end there was enough to hold my interest, and that in itself is saying something.

http://www.prismbookalliance.com/?pos...

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Oct 22, 2013 Sarah rated it really liked it

3.5 stars
I found this took a while to get started and there were a lot of loose ends. I liked Beck and Zach, but there were times when I felt one or both of them needed shaking.
Overall fairly enjoyable though.

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