Shock & Awe (Sidewinder, #1) in Riptide Publishing

Nov 10, 2013 Mark rated it really liked it

Shelves: gay-fiction, crime-and-thrillers

Short and sweet. A spin off from the Cut and Run series, where Kelly and Nick get it on. I love Abi's writing style and the characters just sizzle together and the sex is hot!

But for me really that was about it. Unfortunately, I was just wishing for a little more meat on the bones regards to plot and really didn't quite buy the whole "gay for you" thing from Kelly.

Therefore a solid four stars from me, but can't quite put this series yet on the same pedestal as the Cut and Run series. Let's wai ...more

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Jul 19, 2013 Salsera1974 rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: m-m-read, military-men

(If you aren't already immersed in Abi Roux's Cut & Run universe, this book will probably hold less appeal for you.)

When this story opens, Nick and Kelly, members of Team Sidewinder, have returned to Kelly's cabin after the events of Touch & Geaux. Kelly took a bullet that would have killed Nick, but it almost killed him, too, and now, he is recovering slowly with Nick's help. As Kelly takes a hard look at his life, he realizes that Nick is everything he needs: someone who knows his secrets and (If you aren't already immersed in Abi Roux's Cut & Run universe, this book will probably hold less appeal for you.)

When this story opens, Nick and Kelly, members of Team Sidewinder, have returned to Kelly's cabin after the events of Touch & Geaux. Kelly took a bullet that would have killed Nick, but it almost killed him, too, and now, he is recovering slowly with Nick's help. As Kelly takes a hard look at his life, he realizes that Nick is everything he needs: someone who knows his secrets and his preferences, someone with whom he can be his total self, and someone who he already loves because of their experiences together in the military. And even better, Kelly is starting to realize just how attracted he is to Nick, and how that might turn into a different kind of love than the one he already feels. After a little bit of poking and prodding, Kelly convinces Nick to kiss him, and my God -- the explosion is epic!

Most of the rest of the story is quiet. It primarily revolves around a series of conversations in which Kelly tries to come to terms with both his sexuality -- is he gay, bi-, or is he just crazy about Nick -- and the risk that further intimacy will pose to their preexisting relationship. He is open to the change, though; he just wants to do it in a way that works for both of them. Nick, however, is trying not to freak out on his friend because he is terrified of losing him, or throwing off the dynamic of Team Sidewinder, if things don't work out between them. It's nice, if a little repetitive after awhile, watching them try to negotiate this new phase in their relationship, and Roux uses this opportunity to do something she has not done in the Cut and Run series: focus exclusively on the developing romance between the characters. There is a lot of history, friendship, and love between these men (and the sex is insane, it's so hot), and I am looking forward to the next chapter of this new series in order to see where Roux takes us with these men.

So, in short: these guys are smokin'; they're falling in love; they're great people who inspire you to cheer for them; and they're nostalgic favorites from C&R. What's not to like? I enjoyed the heck out of it, and I can't wait for more. ...more

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Sep 09, 2013 Vanessa North rated it really liked it

What can I say, i'm a sucker for dirty-talking Marines who call each other "baby." ...more

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Nov 08, 2013 Traci rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Hmmm, what can I say that everyone has not?? Really nothing. What a great spin off of C & R. I love the different personalities of Nick and Kelly. Love their long lasting friendship, their constant love that turns into "in-love" I guess this is the real GFY type of book. The softer or more vulnerable side of each of characters is humbling. You cannot help but love each one of them. I am glad we got the Bait and Switch chapter, because the end of Shock and Awe left me wanting that "scene" in the ...more

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Jul 17, 2013 Susan rated it it was amazing

Shelves: laugh-out-loud-funny, personal-faves-best-books-ever, could-not-put-down, naughty

I get so sad when I finish these books. They are like Freaking crack I can't wait to get the next hit.

...more

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Jul 15, 2013 Keris Shay rated it it was amazing

Shelves: military, heartbreaking, m-m, cops-undercover-fbi-cia-law, friends-to-lovers, casual-sex-hook-ups-1-night-stand, hot-sex-insta-lust, sexy, male-pov, book-boy-obsessed

Hot damn! So many feels!!! That first time, the camera, THE WINK!!!!! Holy hell!!!

Can NOT believe I have to wait till March for more!!!!!!! Shit!!

So short YET so damn good!!!!

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Dec 14, 2013 Amber rated it really liked it

Shelves: genre-m-m-contemporary

It's nice to see Nick finding love after not getting Ty. The story is very well done making a straight Kelly believable as a man going full tilt toward the gay side with his team mate. ...more

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