Tag: Whitley Gray

Cold-Hearted Concept by Whitley Grey

wg_cold_hearted_conceptTitle: Cold-Hearted Concept
Series: Concept, #2
Author: Whitley Grey
Genre: Romantic Suspense
Length: 481 pages
Publisher: Loose Id (December 29th, 2015)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥♥ 5 Hearts
Blurb: Detective Beck Stryker has a lot to juggle: his long-distance relationship with FBI profiler Zach Littman, the family issues of cop widow Marybeth Halliday and her two boys, and the ups and downs of being out and proud. To top it off, Beck must work with his closeted ex-lover Van on the case of a skeleton discovered in the woods.

FBI profiler Dr. Zach Littman has been working on an exit strategy for months. Every time he’s on the brink of resigning, Minneapolis Unit Director Sands comes up with “one more case,” one that only Zach can manage. It’s a situation that frustrates Beck. Zach has promised he’ll leave the FBI and profiling behind—as soon as his Colorado medical license comes through. It may be easier said than done. Zach has reservations about uprooting his life and moving to Denver.

A killer leaves a grisly invitation insisting Zach participate in a deadly game, the rules of which are known only to the psychopath. It’s clear taking out Zach is on the killer’s to-do list, and he won’t stop until it’s done. Beck and Zach must capture the killer before the psychopath finds Zach and declares Game Over.

ISBN: 978-1-68252-047-5

Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/coldhearted-concept.html

Reviewer: Portia

Review: Since I’m guessing that OMFG is not enough of a review, I’ll try to briefly state why I loved this book, without sounding too fan girl.

For those of you who follow my reviews, you know that Romantic Suspense is my absolute favorite genre. In my humble opinion, there is nothing better than a tight mystery wrapped around a steamy love affair. Whitley Grey has done just that…in spades.

Now, the worst way to mess up a good mystery is to let me figure out the bad guys too early. Unfortunately, now that I do most of my reading on a Kindle, I can’t just skip to the end of the book.

The plotting of Cold-Hearted Concept is absolutely perfect. I was guessing until the end. There are plenty of clues, but just as many red herrings.

And of course, every good romantic suspense, need a great leading couple. Zach and Beck are soooo it. Both men are strong and good at their jobs. Both question if being together is worth all the changes and sacrifices that each must make.

In the end, both the romance and the suspense left me satisfied.

Highly recommending.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Artistic Endeavor by Whitley Gray Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway!

Whitley Gray - Artistic Endeavor‏ BT Banner

Hi peeps we now have Whitley Gray popping in with her brand new release Artistic Endeavor, there’s some great excerpts and a fantastic giveaway, so enjoy the post and click that Rafflecopter link <3 ~Pixie~

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 Artistic Endeavor

 (Campus Cravings, Higher Learning)
 by

Whitley Gray

When friends ask one-night stand connoisseur Michael Esteban to introduce college professor and virgin Cobey Miller to the joys of sex, Michael balks. Lust is his thing, not leading a twenty-five year old novice. But shy Cobey has problems meeting men, and their introduction fuels Michael’s decision to help Cobey become a gay-sex-loving guy. It’ll all be fun and games—unless someone falls in love.

Continue reading “Artistic Endeavor by Whitley Gray Blog Tour, Excerpt & Giveaway!” →

Crash Pad by Whitley Gray

wg_crashpadTitle: Crash Pad
Series: N/A
Author: Whitley Gray
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Novella (77 pages)
Publisher: Loose Id (October 7th, 2014)
Heat Level: Moderate
Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥4 Hearts
Blurb: Physician Remy Marshall has two loves: Emergency Medicine and running. Work doesn’t leave much time to meet guys, and most seem more interested in his bank account than him. With a week off to train for a marathon, Remy plans to make the most of his precious vacation. The last thing he needs is a distraction.

Jamie Sutton is new to the area. He hopes to make a fresh start after leaving an abusive relationship with an orthopedic surgeon. He’s got a new job as a massage therapist and wants to meet some nice guys. Against his better judgment, Jamie decides the best way to meet a cute roller blader he’s seen in the park is on wheels.

With attention on his watch and not where he’s going, Remy crashes into Jamie and fractures the first-time roller blader’s ankle. Jamie has no one to help him after the injury; Remy proposes Jamie stay with him. Jamie is reluctant, but it’s a better option than staying with the odd guy in the neighboring motel room. As the two get acquainted, Jamie’s past comes calling. Remy discovers the prize he really wants isn’t a medal in a marathon, but the man right in front of him.

ISBN: 978-1-62300-547-4

Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/crash-pads.html

Reviewer: KathyMac

Review: Are you looking for a short, feel-good, story that will put a smile on your face? I believe Crash Pad, by Whitley Gray, is just the book to do that. This is not my first read by this author so I was sure I would like this one, as well. And…I did. This novella packs a lot of punch.

If two guys ever needed each other, it’s these two. Jamie Sutton is down on his luck in several categories. He left an abusive ex who continued to cross the line. In doing so, he had to leave behind his home and his job. Hanging out at the park, he sees someone that grabs his attention. A roller-blade hottie. Thinking this would put him on an even playing field and possibly an introduction, Jamie puts on rollerblades to get his attention. At 28, he should know better especially since he can hardly stand up on them, but ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

Instead of running into the hottie on rollerblades, Jamie is plowed over, literally, by Remy Marshall. Remy runs every day practicing for an upcoming marathon so coming around the curve and WHAM…he knocks Jamie over.

Remy is also an ER doctor and quickly assessrollerbladeses Jamie’s injuries. Feeling guilty and completely responsible, he takes Jamie to the hospital to treat his fractured ankle and then onto his own home for recovery. Remy won’t take NO for an answer to provide Jamie help when he realizes he has no one to call.

These two instantly have an attraction to each other. The only problem is Remy keeps doing things, albeit innocently, that sets Jamie off. Of course, Remy doesn’t have any idea about Jamie and his past relationship. Jamie is very skittish to trust anyone. He still has nightmares from the abusive dominating ex who would never stop no matter how much pleading Jamie done.

With so many missing facts, things are quickly headed for doom. Remy really wants to take a chance but is confused by Jamie’s behavior. Jamie likes Remy but what if he changes as soon as they start to get closer? Until they both start opening up neither one will have what they want. Who will take that first step? Is it even worth it considering they have known each other a very short time?

This is an enjoyable story with lots of humor that will have you laughing out loud at the banter between them. Jamie is a riot and quick witted and Remy usually matches him with the comebacks. There is a brief moment where angst could easily set in but the fires are put out quickly.

The author, thank goodness, doesn’t have them jumping in bed at first sight. I like sex scenes as much as anyone, however, in this short read it doesn’t feel appropriate. They do kiss and have some heated moments making each other feel good. They’re single and attracted to each other, why not?

Ms. Gray writes a very descriptive narrative that easily sets you in the scene and lends perfectly for readers, like me, who like a visual. The plot was very gratifying and closes with a happy for now, and depending on your imagination, maybe happy ever after. Definitely a recommended read if you’re short on time, like to laugh, prefer a well-rounded plot, and HFN/HEA.

* I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review through http://mmgoodbookreviews.wordpress.com *

Midwinter Night's Dream by Whitley Gray

18806551Title: Midwinter Night’s Dream

Series:  N/A

Author: Whitley Gray

Genre: Contemporary/Christmas

Length: Novella (114 pages)

Publisher: Loose Id (December 10th, 2013)

Heat Level: Moderate

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥3.5Hearts

Blurb: Two years ago, Joe Blake lost his secret lover, firefighter Bryce Marshall. Grieving, Joe left his job as a fireman and paramedic to become the spokes model for undergarment company Escalade. They lured him into the limelight and drove him deeper into the closet. Modeling doesn’t provide fulfillment; Joe wants privacy and to feel useful again. A holiday at his mountain cabin outside Denver is the perfect escape. The last thing he anticipated, or wanted, was sharing his retreat with another man.

Last Christmas, actor Errol Lockhart discovered boyfriend Carson had stolen a play. Carson accused Errol and then blackballed him in the theater community. Some Christmas that was. Now Errol has to take whatever work he can to survive. Delivering a singing telegram during a blizzard isn’t wise, but it pays double and rent is overdue. He’s got dreams, not of a white Christmas, but of getting a shot at Hollywood. He’s determined to make it, if he survives this storm.

As Joe and Errol ride out the blizzard, more than marshmallows get toasty in front of the fire. When Errol discovers Joe’s identity, he’s sure he’s found his way in, his big break. But Joe won’t sacrifice Errol to the Hollywood sharks. Unless they can forge a compromise, they’re going to wake from their midwinter night’s dream to lumps of coal in their stockings.

Product Link: http://www.loose-id.com/newest/current-month/midwinter-night-s-dream.html

Reviewer:   GiGi

Review: I can’t think of anything better than to be trapped in a cozy winter cabin with a hot underwear model who also happens to be a great paramedic, especially if it were I freezing to death in a snow bank.

There’s plenty of sexual tension, and steamy possibilities, though when the two do finally give in to their sexual attraction there seems to be a step missing, possibly, because this is a shorter story/novella format. The two MC’s have a huge back-story that never quite gets revealed, and would have led to stronger character development. Near the end of the story, I did feel the emotional punch. However, with the way Joe seems to brush Errol off in front of their rescue team. That truly did hurt!

The best part of the book was that feeling of total blanket isolation where the two of them got to forget their lives for a while, play in the snow, eat by the fire, and explore each other’s bodies. The elements of a lover’s ghost nudging things along was also sort of magical.

The story format was too short for the bits the author tried to fit in, would have been stronger as a more developed story, but as a small Christmas treat, I was entertained.

High Concept by Whitley Gray

18478288Title: High Concept     

Author: Whitley Gray     

Genre: Contemporary, Crime, Mystery, Suspense    

Length: Super Novel (363pgs)     

Publisher: Loose Id (10th September 2013)    

Heat Level: Explicit     

Heart Rating: ♥♥♥♥ 3½ Hearts   

Reviewer: Pixie     

Blurb: Denver homicide cop and shooting survivor Beck Stryker lives to solve the case that left him with PTSD, chronic pain, and killed his co-investigator four months previous. Now his career hinges on his ability to work with the man who shut down his advances two years ago.

After last parting ways with Beck, psychiatrist-turned-FBI profiler Zach Littman never anticipated seeing the detective again. Being sent to Denver to work on a series of killings that have continued after the only suspect died is bad enough. Discovering the detective in charge is Beck leaves Zach gritting his teeth and girding his loins.

The last thing either of them needs is romantic entanglement with a fellow investigator, but danger is a powerful aphrodisiac. The case heats up, and friction between them ignites a fire neither can ignore, first at work and then in the bedroom. As they zero in on the plot behind the murders, the crosshairs zero in on Beck and Zach.     

Purchase Link: http://www.loose-id.com/high-concept.html    

Review: Beck is a homicide detective suffering from PTSD and chronic pain, he was shot and his partner killed while investigating home invasions and he is put back on the case when another home invasion occurs, but this time he is teamed with a FBI profiler, a man who rejected his advances two years before. Zach is sent to Denver to consult on a case, when he discovers who the case detective is he steels himself to ignore his attraction to the man, a man who tempted him two years ago. Working together just fans the flames between them, but they have a case to solve and a murderer to take down.

This is a pretty good suspense with a well-woven crime thread. Beck lost his partner during an investigation, he also lost his closeted lover when the man walked away from an injured Beck, now Beck is suffering from PDST and struggling to manage his pain, but he is more determined than ever to discover who was behind the home invasions. Zach is assigned to work as the profiler on the case, but he has his own nightmares that he fights. Both men find the other attractive but their first meeting is strained, but as they work together, they stop fighting their attraction. Their investigation doesn’t have many leads and it is getting harder for them to believe someone isn’t pulling strings, and getting to the culprit is going to be harder than they hoped.

I really did enjoy this story although there were times I felt like I was missing something, I actually had to check to see if this book was part of a series or had a connection to another book but I couldn’t find any. Why did I feel this way? Well, there were things that happened in both characters pasts and with the way they were first lay down it felt like I was expected to already know all about it, later on it is explained, but I still couldn’t shake the feeling. Okay whine over let’s move on, the relationship between Zach and Beck is prickly at first (over reaction on both parts) but then they finally get it together and give us some hot sex and show us what a great couple they could be. 

The investigation side was very interesting, especially as they connected even the remotest of dots and they set out to track a devious killer. We also get to see some of Zach’s past in full color, and we see both Zach and Beck having to deal with people in their personal lives, Beck his deceased partners wife and Zach his ex-lover. The story is well written and the characters do come to life, other than a few personal bugbears, the storyline was great and the mystery/suspense was brilliant. 

I recommend this to those who love mystery and suspense, crime and danger, getting over the past and moving forward, discovering love and hot sex and a brilliant tense ending.