Title: Scourge

Series: The Ivory Solution 01 – The Chronicles of the Old Town

Author: Etienne

Genre: Contemporary, Mystery, Suspense

Length: Super Novel (340 pages)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (16^th November 2012)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating:♥♥♥♥ 4 Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: When two young men set up an amateur sting to expose a pastor’s pedophilia, they gather plenty of evidence not just of the pastor’s predilections but of something even more sinister. Out of their depth, they call in FBI experts to investigate.

Meanwhile, Clint Buchalla, investigative reporter for the Washington Ledger, is sent to Atlanta to interview a man about his top-secret study. Clint is so angry at his editor for cutting his vacation short that he gets drunk and winds up in bed with the man he was supposed to interview, Dr. Rodney Poucher. But it’s exuberant grad student Lucien Cormier, Rod’s houseboy with benefits, who really captures Clint’s attention… when he isn’t busy investigating the sharp drop in birth rates in metropolitan Black and Hispanic communities.

Rodney’s findings lead him, Clint, and Lucien to a meeting with the deputy director of operations of the FBI. But they only have so much time to figure out what’s going on and arrest those involved—and for Clint and Lucien to work out whether the spark between them can span the distance between Atlanta and DC.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=3351

Review: WARNING: Some scenes in this book may offend or be disturbing to victims of sexual abuse (An adult pretending to be a much younger boy).

Two young men set out to bring down a pedophile preacher when they discover the man preys on pre-teen boys and girls, they discover more than they bargained for and have to call in help. Clint is an investigative reporter who is sent to interview Rodney, who works at the Centers for Disease Control, concerning some findings Rodney has discovered. As the two cases collide the FBI are consulted and Clint has the story of a lifetime. While the investigation proceeds Clint begins to fall for Lucien, Rodney’s houseboy, and they try to make a long distance relationship work.

This is a very interesting story that has plenty of mystery that keeps you piqued. Bringing down a pedophile is Trent and Aiden’s goal but discovering a more sinister plot has Trent and Aiden reaching out for help. Clint is given the story of a lifetime even before he realizes the full impact of what Rodney has to offer him, being in the right place at the right time gives this reporter an exposé that has long reaches and terrible impacts. Lucien begins to fall for the successful journalist Clint but living in two different States is a struggle but they soon find a way to be together.

I have to say that the storyline to this book is very interesting, starting out with two young men setting up a pedophile to expose him to his congregation which leads to a much more complex thread as his connections to a white supremacy group are discovered… we then discover, through Rodney, a plot that would have a devastating effect on the non-white population and the weaving investigation as the FBI are brought in to discover the masterminds. Through all this, we have Clint who does his job with compassion and determination, and we have Lucien who is still studying but who Clint feels drawn to and the pair of them begin a relationship.

There are some sex scenes in this with various characters, now, some of those scenes are with an adult pretending to be a much younger boy so if you are disturbed by the image of pedophilia. Please be cautious through the earlier scenes in this book. Etienne has used great compassion when writing about the effect that sexual abuse has on the victims and how the victims reacted and coped, the storyline hasn’t been done for shock value, and it has been well woven and fits in well with the various other plot lines.

I will recommend this to those who love gritty mysteries, well-woven stories, complex plots, finding love unexpectedly and a very good happy ever after, with lingering questions for the next book.   

Title: Trial

Series: A Buckhead Tale – Appearances Trilogy 01

Author: Etienne

Genre: Contemporary

Length: Novel (294pgs)

Publisher: Dreamspinner Press (10^th February 2012)

Heat Level: Low

Heart Rating:  Rating♥♥♥♥4 ½Hearts

Reviewer: Pixie

Blurb: Attorney Charles Barnett thought it was all over for him and his heart. In the three years since his partner died, he hasn’t felt so much as a spark of attraction to another man. That suddenly changes when Charles is assigned a new case and meets his new client. Recent widower Philip d’Autremont has been traveling in all the same circles as Charles, but somehow they’ve never managed to meet. Now that they have, both men find themselves falling hard and fast.

But there’s more than one hurdle to Charles and Philip beginning a love affair, much less maintaining it: Philip is on trial for murder, a politically ambitious and homophobic district attorney is determined to convict him, and Charles is responsible for Philip’s defense.

Purchase Link: http://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/store/product_info.php?products_id=2760

Review: Etienne has done it again.  Giving us a sweet story that shows us the more mundane, as well as the exciting, but always weaving a tale that gives us joy to read.

Charles is plodding through his life but not taking the time to really enjoy it since the death of his partner.  When his mentor asks him to take a case his life is suddenly filled with color again in the shape of Philip, his new client. Philip needs Charles to help him to clear his name without having to divulge his alibi.  Philip needs all the help he can get with a district attorney who is out for his blood, but will falling for his counsel make things harder?

As always with Etienne’s stories there are wonderful descriptions of the surrounding areas.  full details about the legal aspects of being a gay couple and a true love story of deep and abiding love. Charles and Philip have an instant attraction which they explore to the fullest.  As their relationship rapidly progresses, the case is proving difficult as the police are blocking their moves and they have to investigate it for themselves.  With the help of friends and colleagues will they finally get to the truth or will the truth be harder to believe.

A well written story that brings us the characters that we have been intrigued by for many a book… Charles and Philip.   for many books Etienne has teased us with glimpses of these men and given us hints about their past and now finally they are here telling us their story and what a story. Charles has stayed away from men ever since his partner Robert died.  That is, until he met Philip and it was love at first sight and the feeling is mutual.

The progression of this book is the same as always. So if you are a fan of Etienne, then you know the formula he runs to and Etienne doesn’t disappoint. These guys make love but we don’t get great detail, it is more implied and it works well. Etienne’s stories always give us more in the day-to-day relationship than anything else.  Yes, there’s the investigation but it isn’t the be all and end all.  this author shows us the day-to-day running of their relationship and it’s good.

So I have to recommend this to those who like long-term getting established couples, mystery and investigations, gentle love and finding out more about the characters that have intrigued us in the past. P.S. I can’t wait for the next two books.