heabooknerd's review
5.0
LOCKED DOWN was another great romance from Jess Anastasi who has quickly become one of my favorite authors. I loved the perfect mix of suspense and romance and the characters were really enjoyable. There are some hard topics addressed in LOCKED DOWN, especially on the topics of racism, homophobia, and white supremacy; all are presented as terrible, as they should be, but it's a main focus to the story so this might not be the book for everyone.
One of the things I loved that I noticed in the first book as well, is that Anastasi has created characters that truly support each other and handle their problems in a mature way. There was no conventional fight/miscommunication that leads to a break up. Instead Gabe and Matt talk and work through things even when those conversations are tough.
Speaking of Matt and Gabe, I absolutely love them! Matt was this cute, slightly awkward guy who just completely turns it on in the bedroom. He might feel out of step in the normal parts of his life but he knows what he wants in a partner and I loved this dichotomy in personality. I also liked how compassionate and loyal Matt is, even to his cousin who doesn't deserve that loyalty. Gabe is a great match for Matt because he's much more confident and outgoing in public so together they balance each other out. Gabe was sexy and charming and even though he doesn't normally work in the field, he has no problem diving right in. These two just really worked together well and I loved their chemistry.
I also loved the supporting characters, especially seeing Danny and Jake again. I love revisiting couples from previous books in a series so the amount of time they appear on page was a really nice bonus. FBI agent Yasmin Quinn was also really awesome and I'd love her story!
Content Warning: Heroes are targeted by a white nationalist group specifically for being gay; use of homophobic and racist language toward the heroes and other side characters
One of the things I loved that I noticed in the first book as well, is that Anastasi has created characters that truly support each other and handle their problems in a mature way. There was no conventional fight/miscommunication that leads to a break up. Instead Gabe and Matt talk and work through things even when those conversations are tough.
Speaking of Matt and Gabe, I absolutely love them! Matt was this cute, slightly awkward guy who just completely turns it on in the bedroom. He might feel out of step in the normal parts of his life but he knows what he wants in a partner and I loved this dichotomy in personality. I also liked how compassionate and loyal Matt is, even to his cousin who doesn't deserve that loyalty. Gabe is a great match for Matt because he's much more confident and outgoing in public so together they balance each other out. Gabe was sexy and charming and even though he doesn't normally work in the field, he has no problem diving right in. These two just really worked together well and I loved their chemistry.
I also loved the supporting characters, especially seeing Danny and Jake again. I love revisiting couples from previous books in a series so the amount of time they appear on page was a really nice bonus. FBI agent Yasmin Quinn was also really awesome and I'd love her story!
Content Warning: Heroes are targeted by a white nationalist group specifically for being gay; use of homophobic and racist language toward the heroes and other side characters
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