Nicky James

The last thing Diem Krause wanted to do was ask for Tallus’s help. The too-hot-for-his-own-good records clerk was so far outside Diem’s league that he became tongue-tied in his presence. Six months ago, after an embarrassingly unimpressive exchange in the bedroom that accentuated Diem’s flaws, he swore never to go near the sultry man again.
Diem has found himself at an impasse while investigating an unusual case. Tallas is the one and only person that Diem would trust to help him, but show more considering how badly things ended between them before, Diem wonders if Tallus will even speak to him, much less want to work with him.

Tallus is still irritated when Diem approaches him. After their exasperating parting six months ago, he figured he would never hear from the man again. Tallus is curious and oddly attracted to the idea of helping Diem with the investigation, so he decides it won't hurt to listen to what he has to say. After hearing Diem's explanation, Tallus tells him he's in....but just because he can...he makes him wait until the following evening. This time, Tallus is determined to get Diem to open up to him. He continues to push Diem to share what happened and why he's struggling so much. Tallus is determined to learn what had caused Diem's current overly distressed state, no matter how long or what it takes.

A lot of M/M romance books have a slight mystery element in the story, but mostly they are about the guys getting together, and that's perfectly okay...that's 99% of what we readers read them for...but I was pleasantly surprised to find that Nicky James had given us an actual and really good mystery here....one that we can root for the two guys to solve. The entire book is a fast-paced, and action-packed story of intrigue and deceit.

Through the majority of the story Diem and Talus's relationship is as frustrating as it is intense. I adored Tallus from the start... Diem was a little more difficult to like, but I was very sympathetic to him and liked him a whole lot more after learning about his past and meeting his sorry excuse for a father. Thank you, Nicky, for another realistic portrayal of how life, unfortunately, sometimes is...and how love can always make it better. show less

[3.8] First things first, Adam Gold. *squeals* THE VOICE OF A GOD.

Ahem. ANYWAY.

Once again, Nicky James crafts a compelling story centering around mental health, this time about heliophobia—the fear of the sun, or in some cases, any bright light—which is a very real phobia Rory faces every single day. I absolutely loved how the condition was explained and described through his lifestyle and routine. Rory's a bit of a grumpy pants but he's also such a sweetheart, and when he reveals his show more vulnerable side, I'm- show less

EASTON:
There is nothing I hate more than when some big-city outsider stirs trouble in my peaceful little town. When Mr. Arrogance himself waltzes in and thinks he can slap a price tag on my land, he doesn’t know what he has coming. I’m not just a hick cowboy who’s going to bend to his good looks and charmless personality. No, sir. I don’t care how smart he looks in his fancy suits, all he cares about is money. I just wish I’d known who he was before I kissed him.
LACHLAN:
The last show more thing I wanted was to get stuck in a small town with a plethora of quirky people. If the stubborn cowboy doesn’t see sense soon, I don’t know what I’ll do. Failure is not an option. I was sent to make a deal, and I’m not leaving until it’s done. I don’t care how hot he looks in his low hanging denim, boots, and hat, he wouldn’t see a good opportunity if it smacked him in the face.
This is the first book in the "Hometown Jasper" series. Easton is a sexy cowboy with little or no patience for big-city outsiders, so when Lachlan arrives in Jasper to make an offer to buy Easton’s land the two become instant enemies. Lachlan has to make this deal. Failure is not an option. He finds Easton to be the most stubborn man he has ever met, not to mention the handsomest. As he gets to know Easton, finalizing a deal quickly loses its importance. All he can focus on is finding • a way to win that stubborn cowboy’s heart. ⠀
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At the heart of this small-town western romance is a solid story, but it is in the character development that it truly excels. Easton and Lachlan are fabulously written characters with a charm and charisma that literally jumps at you. The initial tension and animosity between them resonate with complete authenticity. It was fun to watch as they slowly learn that their original perceptions were entirely wrong, and to see the transition from enemies to lovers is believable. It's impossible to not become invested in their love for each other. I want to read the rest of this series and maybe find another treasure. ⠀ show less

Oh my freakin god! I don't even know where to start. When you start this book, make sure you have nothing else to do that day because two things are going to happen. One, you are not going to be able to put it down and two, you will be a blubbering mess from about halfway through the book until the very end. This will give you an immense book hangover. I loved and hated this book all at the same time! My son has end stage kidney failure. Granted, it isn't cancer but unfortunately, I can show more relate to Abel and Landon's grandma so well. The torture of watching the one you love more than life itself die a little more each day and wondering when it will be time. It is gut wrenching. The characters in this story are very solid and it is very well-written. This needs to go on your TBR list at the top. show less