Title: Hell and Back
Author: Dirk Greyson
Narrator: Dorian Bane
Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Action
Length: 6 hrs, 59 mins
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (11th May 2018)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: 💖💖💖💖💖 5 Hearts
Blurb: Seventeen years ago, Forge Reynolds fell in love – and had his heart broken. When Staff Sergeant Gage Livingston was brought into Forge’s Army field hospital, temporarily paralyzed, Forge sat with him, read his letters, answered his mail, and formed a connection he thought would last. But Gage was sent home, Forge transferred to a new post, and his letters to Gage went unanswered.
Now in the middle of a bitter divorce, Forge is sick and tired of his husband’s manipulation. He’s almost ready to make any sacrifice to get closure – then he finds Granger murdered execution-style in their home. Forge had no idea about Granger’s illicit activities, but the killers don’t believe that. They think Forge has something they want, and they’re coming after him.
When Forge’s lawyer arranges for professional protection, the last face Forge expects to see is Gage’s. Can he even contemplate a second chance for them after almost two decades, or will hoping only lead to more heartache? Before they can explore the possibilities, they must figure out what information Granger had – that others are willing to kill for – or that possible heartache could become a certainty.
Product Link: Audible US | Audible UK | Amazon US | Amazon UK
Reviewer: Prime
Review: I don’t know if I’ve been living under a rock or not, but I didn’t even know that Andrew Grey had a pen name and that it was Dirk Greyson. That being said, I was excited and expected good things because I absolutely adore Andrew Grey and happily devour every book he releases.
I am so happy to say that I also love the writing in my first venture into the writings of Dirk Greyson. I can’t really go by one book, so far, but I get the feeling that perhaps Greyson is the grittier, more dangerous persona to Grey’s usual sweet, sensual stories of finding love and expanding families.
I was also really happy to hear Dorian Bane’s narration. The danger element of the book really suited his tone of voice. I also love just hearing his deep, rich tones as well. His voice suited both MCs of this story. Both men are strong in their own way and his tone matched this characteristic in them.
The two characters we are following are Forge Reynolds and Gage Livingstone.
The two men had developed a close relationship seventeen years prior, when they were both barely out of their teens and in the army. As a medical specialist of some sort, Forge ended up by the bedside of the grievously wounded Gage Livingstone. He kept the man company during his recovery and romance blossomed. When they parted they planned to continue their forbidden romance but that wasn’t meant to be (and we do find out why pretty quickly).
Now in the present, Forge is going through a messy divorce when he finds his husband dead in their backyard. Forge’s friend, and divorce lawyer, calls a security agency he uses for client protection. This brings in Gage, the owner of the company, back into Forge’s life as he tries desperately to hang on. Gage will protect Forge at all costs. However, he also has to make sure that the man he loves, the one that got away, survives and isn’t killed because of some nefarious goings on which had involved Forge’s dead husband.
This story is more action than it is romance, but there is still plenty of romance to be had. Both men are strong and have strong morals, so they don’t start humping like rabbits just because life has brought them together again. The action is the substance of the book and it was a totally enjoyable read (listen, whatever).
Fans of Andrew’s Grey’s Carlisle Cops and Carlisle Deputies series will definitely enjoy this audio book.