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jame13's review against another edition
3.0
This book was interesting. I liked a lot of aspects of it, but others definitely weren’t my thing.
Some things I liked were the cop aspect and the side characters. The cop part of the plot was definitely well developed and an important part of the story, which I appreciated. It felt like being a cop was an important part of Kurt’s identity. The side characters were really well developed also, and they were my favorite part of the book. They all had backstories and were different. They weren’t cardboard cutouts, which was amazing.
Some things I didn’t like were the sex and how Davy and Kurt broke up. I felt like the sex was bland and dry, and it only occurred 2 times. You could feel the chemistry though the page between Kurt and Davy, and it really bummed me out that they really had no physical relationship in the book. I also hated how they broke up. What was that? It was just so stupid, and when they got back together, Davy and Kurt forgave each other so easily. I guess it just seemed pointless and dumb.
This book was really good. It is definitely a great book for those interested in cop books that have an interesting and multidimensional plot line. I definitely recommend, especially for new mm readers.
Some things I liked were the cop aspect and the side characters. The cop part of the plot was definitely well developed and an important part of the story, which I appreciated. It felt like being a cop was an important part of Kurt’s identity. The side characters were really well developed also, and they were my favorite part of the book. They all had backstories and were different. They weren’t cardboard cutouts, which was amazing.
Some things I didn’t like were the sex and how Davy and Kurt broke up. I felt like the sex was bland and dry, and it only occurred 2 times. You could feel the chemistry though the page between Kurt and Davy, and it really bummed me out that they really had no physical relationship in the book. I also hated how they broke up. What was that? It was just so stupid, and when they got back together, Davy and Kurt forgave each other so easily. I guess it just seemed pointless and dumb.
This book was really good. It is definitely a great book for those interested in cop books that have an interesting and multidimensional plot line. I definitely recommend, especially for new mm readers.
readinginmagnolia's review against another edition
5.0
I enjoyed this book so much I read it twice in two days. It’s very rare for me to enjoy a short book this much. Of course, it may have helped that I read several 1-2 star books this week followed by two that I gave five stars including this one. I may be a little afraid of the next book I choose.
This book is about Kurt’s journey to finding his truth and happiness. He discovers in a terrible circumstance that a man that he had known and worked with for three years had a secret life. As more and more details of that life are revealed to Kurt, he discovers that he probably would not have really liked Ben had he known what he was truly hiding, not that he was gay but that he was so secretive about his personal life that it bordered on being psychologically unhealthy for those around him, especially to the detriment of the life partner that he left behind.
When Kurt discovers the truth, he vows to help Davy just like he would have supported any other fallen partner’s spouse. Davy ends up becoming his best friend and then perhaps something more. You see, Kurt has never felt comfortable with his dating life and has all but given up on it. It takes this unusual circumstance for him to realize why (I’ve seen other reviewers consider this a GFY type story but I don’t agree with this, I just think this was a case of the guy just never considered that was a possibility. Some people might see that as unrealistic at the age of 31 but in some circumstances it can be very true to life, happened to someone I know). Will Kurt learn a lesson from the way Ben conducted his life? Or is he doomed to make the same mistakes?
As I said above, this book is about Kurt’s journey. Davy is actually missing for a good chunk of the book, so if you are not into the main character’s introspective thoughts then this book will probably not interest you. I did have some issues with the Kindle edition. The paragraphs were triple space though the spacing was consistent. It just made for some heavy page turning, plus when you reached a section break there would be more like six spaces between paragraphs. With the time jumps in some sections of the book, it was sometimes disconcerting except the author usually gave you a time perspective in one of the sentences be it, two weeks, six weeks and on one occasion it was three months. I wish that I had even more introspective during those time periods rather than the time jumps. I would have probably enjoyed the book even more.
The book also mentions that Kurt texted Davy every day or sometimes weekly but I was a little unclear on what he texted him. At first I thought he was just keeping a running commentary on his daily life in the texts since Davy was practically his best friend at this point but later I discovered that did not appear to be the case when it was revealed that Kurt had not told Davy some very important information about what was going on in his life. The texting was a little ambiguous to me at that point. I guess he was just texting him to tell him that he was thinking about him and missed him.
This book has apparently already made it into my re-read list. So five stars.
This book is about Kurt’s journey to finding his truth and happiness. He discovers in a terrible circumstance that a man that he had known and worked with for three years had a secret life. As more and more details of that life are revealed to Kurt, he discovers that he probably would not have really liked Ben had he known what he was truly hiding, not that he was gay but that he was so secretive about his personal life that it bordered on being psychologically unhealthy for those around him, especially to the detriment of the life partner that he left behind.
When Kurt discovers the truth, he vows to help Davy just like he would have supported any other fallen partner’s spouse. Davy ends up becoming his best friend and then perhaps something more. You see, Kurt has never felt comfortable with his dating life and has all but given up on it. It takes this unusual circumstance for him to realize why (I’ve seen other reviewers consider this a GFY type story but I don’t agree with this, I just think this was a case of the guy just never considered that was a possibility. Some people might see that as unrealistic at the age of 31 but in some circumstances it can be very true to life, happened to someone I know). Will Kurt learn a lesson from the way Ben conducted his life? Or is he doomed to make the same mistakes?
As I said above, this book is about Kurt’s journey. Davy is actually missing for a good chunk of the book, so if you are not into the main character’s introspective thoughts then this book will probably not interest you. I did have some issues with the Kindle edition. The paragraphs were triple space though the spacing was consistent. It just made for some heavy page turning, plus when you reached a section break there would be more like six spaces between paragraphs. With the time jumps in some sections of the book, it was sometimes disconcerting except the author usually gave you a time perspective in one of the sentences be it, two weeks, six weeks and on one occasion it was three months. I wish that I had even more introspective during those time periods rather than the time jumps. I would have probably enjoyed the book even more.
The book also mentions that Kurt texted Davy every day or sometimes weekly but I was a little unclear on what he texted him. At first I thought he was just keeping a running commentary on his daily life in the texts since Davy was practically his best friend at this point but later I discovered that did not appear to be the case when it was revealed that Kurt had not told Davy some very important information about what was going on in his life. The texting was a little ambiguous to me at that point. I guess he was just texting him to tell him that he was thinking about him and missed him.
This book has apparently already made it into my re-read list. So five stars.
stang_gt3's review against another edition
4.0
*hums happily to herself* Just how I like them. Solid 4.5 stars of sweetness. I really enjoyed this story. It was a sweet read and I enjoyed the depth of emotions and confusion within the characters. There’s very little action in this book for a cop storyline, but it’s unnecessary when backed by strong characters and internal conflict. The entire cast of characters here were a lot of fun and added to the strength of this novel.
Detective Kurt O’Donnell is surprised to find himself waking up in the hospital after a tip to his partner goes bad and ends with a bomb going off killing his partner and severely injuring Kurt. Still he’s even more stunned when at the funeral a couple shows up that Kurt has no clue who they are and they’re sitting in the family pew. Introducing himself he’s curious to see they’re brother and sister, but the pregnant woman doesn’t seem as devastated as the man who looks completely wrecked. Piecing things together like the good detective he is Kurt realizes his partner was never honest with him about his life. But Kurt is determined to be a better partner to Ben than Ben was to him. He’s going to make sure Ben’s life partner is taken care of even if Ben never felt he could introduce him to Kurt.
Davy’s grief has destroyed him. He can’t seem to break out of the emotional slump he’s in. When Ben’s partner on the force suddenly starts dropping around and prodding him out of his emotional doldrums Davy doesn’t know what to make of things. Ben and always been so careful to keep there personal life separate from anything and everything that might even hint that he was gay. Over the years Davy has pretty much ended up cut off from all his old friends and isolated from everything in order to keep Ben’s secret. Now with that string cut he’s floundering not sure what to do. Thankfully Kurt’s around to help pick up the pieces.
This is a lovely gay for you story. The pacing is slow but absolutely believable because of that. Davy is hurting badly and Kurt goes into things with the purest of intentions. He just wants to help the life partner of his partner on the force. He’d do the same if his partner’s significant other had been a woman so why should it be any different discovering he’s a man. I loved how secretively protective over his new found relationship Kurt was. He treasured the time he spent with Davy and I liked how, for story purposes, it set up some fantastic tension between the two as their relationship changed/developed.
There’s a very interesting dynamic between Davy and Kurt in that Davy seems, for much of the book to be the weaker needier character, he’s more submissive and Kurt does a lot to take care of Davy. It’s what he likes to do. But Kurt’s the virgin in his scenario and I enjoyed seeing how that was flipped on its head when things changed. I love the idea of these two together though. They’re just so sweet and Kurt’s weekly texts made my heart just plain ache for the boy.
If I had one small criticism of this book it would be this. I can understand and get behind the gay for you storyline. In point of fact I very much liked it for these two. I liked that Kurt was completely oblivious to the fact that he might find a guy attractive. I enjoyed watching him discover what his feelings for Davy really were. My problem then is to make Kurt do a one hundred and eighty degree about face and suddenly have him. I think I feel like gay for you is cool, but turned for you is strange. *headdesk* I don’t know, maybe I’m just crazy, but I didn’t feel like this story was about Kurt suddenly coming to terms with the idea that maybe he’s been gay all along so much as it was suddenly well I’m certainly going to be gay from now on even if you’re not in my life.
Otherwise I loved the build up the relationship here. The secondary characters were all fun. I do love me a big boisterous supportive family and those Irish Catholic boys get that in spades. :D Simon, Kurt’s new partner at work was a wonderful support system and I enjoyed seeing the development of their relationship as well. It was nice to see Kurt having that person that when the bottom finally fell out as all the emotional suppression just couldn’t stand the tension any more Simon was there to catch him.
I will definitely be reading the next book in the series. I do hope we get to see a little Davy and Kurt action in that book as the ending here felt a little rushed. Our lovely boys have spent most of the book apart, by the time they finally get together and everything’s ok between them it’s all being wrapped up and I was already sad at leaving two characters I’d come to enjoy. Still I loved the introduction to Ms. Burn’s writing and her smooth style was lovely to read. Can’t wait to be back for more. ☺
Detective Kurt O’Donnell is surprised to find himself waking up in the hospital after a tip to his partner goes bad and ends with a bomb going off killing his partner and severely injuring Kurt. Still he’s even more stunned when at the funeral a couple shows up that Kurt has no clue who they are and they’re sitting in the family pew. Introducing himself he’s curious to see they’re brother and sister, but the pregnant woman doesn’t seem as devastated as the man who looks completely wrecked. Piecing things together like the good detective he is Kurt realizes his partner was never honest with him about his life. But Kurt is determined to be a better partner to Ben than Ben was to him. He’s going to make sure Ben’s life partner is taken care of even if Ben never felt he could introduce him to Kurt.
Davy’s grief has destroyed him. He can’t seem to break out of the emotional slump he’s in. When Ben’s partner on the force suddenly starts dropping around and prodding him out of his emotional doldrums Davy doesn’t know what to make of things. Ben and always been so careful to keep there personal life separate from anything and everything that might even hint that he was gay. Over the years Davy has pretty much ended up cut off from all his old friends and isolated from everything in order to keep Ben’s secret. Now with that string cut he’s floundering not sure what to do. Thankfully Kurt’s around to help pick up the pieces.
This is a lovely gay for you story. The pacing is slow but absolutely believable because of that. Davy is hurting badly and Kurt goes into things with the purest of intentions. He just wants to help the life partner of his partner on the force. He’d do the same if his partner’s significant other had been a woman so why should it be any different discovering he’s a man. I loved how secretively protective over his new found relationship Kurt was. He treasured the time he spent with Davy and I liked how, for story purposes, it set up some fantastic tension between the two as their relationship changed/developed.
There’s a very interesting dynamic between Davy and Kurt in that Davy seems, for much of the book to be the weaker needier character, he’s more submissive and Kurt does a lot to take care of Davy. It’s what he likes to do. But Kurt’s the virgin in his scenario and I enjoyed seeing how that was flipped on its head when things changed. I love the idea of these two together though. They’re just so sweet and Kurt’s weekly texts made my heart just plain ache for the boy.
Spoiler
He knew he’d screwed up and didn’t know how, or if he was able, to fix it. Yet he couldn’t lose the one connection he had left with the man he loved even if he couldn’t even really admit that to himself yet.If I had one small criticism of this book it would be this. I can understand and get behind the gay for you storyline. In point of fact I very much liked it for these two. I liked that Kurt was completely oblivious to the fact that he might find a guy attractive. I enjoyed watching him discover what his feelings for Davy really were. My problem then is to make Kurt do a one hundred and eighty degree about face and suddenly have him
Spoiler
unable to be aroused by woman and finding the thought of other guys attractiveOtherwise I loved the build up the relationship here. The secondary characters were all fun. I do love me a big boisterous supportive family and those Irish Catholic boys get that in spades. :D Simon, Kurt’s new partner at work was a wonderful support system and I enjoyed seeing the development of their relationship as well. It was nice to see Kurt having that person that when the bottom finally fell out as all the emotional suppression just couldn’t stand the tension any more Simon was there to catch him.
I will definitely be reading the next book in the series. I do hope we get to see a little Davy and Kurt action in that book as the ending here felt a little rushed. Our lovely boys have spent most of the book apart, by the time they finally get together and everything’s ok between them it’s all being wrapped up and I was already sad at leaving two characters I’d come to enjoy. Still I loved the introduction to Ms. Burn’s writing and her smooth style was lovely to read. Can’t wait to be back for more. ☺
_readingtherainbow_'s review against another edition
4.0
I don't know why I kept putting off this book for so long, I'm just glad that I've finally got around to it. It is slow-burn, and I was happy about that because Davy had only just lost his partner and Kurt, his work partner. It would have been nice to have Davy's pov because I felt like I didn't know him well; we only saw him through Kurt, and it would have helped us later in the book.
hippiedaizy's review against another edition
4.0
I accidentally read a spoiler about this, but I had already bought it so I needed to read it.
I am so glad I did, because the spoiler did NOTHING in regards to ruining the book for me! Am I pissed I read it, sure am, but oh well.
Kurt O'Donnell wakes up in the hospital only to be told that his partner died in the accident he was involved in as well. Hurt and off duty to recover, Kurt feels that he needs to spend time with Ben's family to help them out. Well, Ben was gay and never told anyone. He and his partner, Davy, had been together for 10 years and lived together. Kurt befriends Davy to help him grieve and mourn. Made sure he ate and slept. They began seeing each other everyday while they were both off of work, then made weekly "dates" to watch the games, have dinner, etc. I loved watching Kurt and Davy's friendship form and grow.
The more Kurt found out about Ben though, the more he didn't like him as a person. To be honest, Ben was a dick. I don't know how Davy put up with him for so long.
Then one day Kurt discovers himself fantasizing about Davy while in bed. When had his feelings changed towards him? When did he start having the hots for other men? Why hadn't all of his previous relationships work? Why didn't he like the sex? Does this mean he's gay?
Overall, excellent story! I am bummed I waited so long to read it.
I am so glad I did, because the spoiler did NOTHING in regards to ruining the book for me! Am I pissed I read it, sure am, but oh well.
Kurt O'Donnell wakes up in the hospital only to be told that his partner died in the accident he was involved in as well. Hurt and off duty to recover, Kurt feels that he needs to spend time with Ben's family to help them out. Well, Ben was gay and never told anyone. He and his partner, Davy, had been together for 10 years and lived together. Kurt befriends Davy to help him grieve and mourn. Made sure he ate and slept. They began seeing each other everyday while they were both off of work, then made weekly "dates" to watch the games, have dinner, etc. I loved watching Kurt and Davy's friendship form and grow.
The more Kurt found out about Ben though, the more he didn't like him as a person. To be honest, Ben was a dick. I don't know how Davy put up with him for so long.
Then one day Kurt discovers himself fantasizing about Davy while in bed. When had his feelings changed towards him? When did he start having the hots for other men? Why hadn't all of his previous relationships work? Why didn't he like the sex? Does this mean he's gay?
Spoiler
It really busts my invisible balls that people are so shocked over who they are attracted to. Who cares! Who like someone of the same sex, big whoop. Why dwell on it? Kiss them and see for sure, or get over it. Then Kurt did go after Davy and it was HOT and possessive and HOT! only to be dismissed. For what? 6 months??? God, I love Kurt. I loved his rose, his text messages, etc. So sweet. I am glad that Davy finally got his shit together though. Now, I want to know about Ian :)Overall, excellent story! I am bummed I waited so long to read it.
suggsygirl's review against another edition
2.0
I didn’t mind this book but it just felt a bit... amateur I guess; there were a few spelling and grammar mistakes here and there but apart from the sex scenes which were pretty good, if a little clinical, the rest just felt like reading fan fiction with the same dramatic storylines used to bring people together. At least it wasn’t girly like a lot of gay erotica written by women. It was okay.
mamamelreads's review against another edition
2.0
I felt like this book skimmed along the surface of the real story. It felt more like I was hearing diary entries randomly thrown out instead of being fully immersed into lives and personalities. The elements of a pretty good story were all there, but they didn't mesh together in any sort of way that moved me. This was one of those audio books where I'm sure that the narrator had a negative effect on my enjoyment of the story. Tristan James did an adequate job, but only adequate. Most of the time he sounded like he was a history professor called in at the last minute to do a dramatic reading for the theater department. Did he read all the words? Yeah. Did he emote any deeper feelings through his narration? Not a bit. It felt flat and unemotional. Distant. And then there was waaaaay too much angst in this book. Just judging from the plot alone I would say that this story deserved to have lots of angst. There were lots of reasons for people to be angsty. But instead of writing the trials and confusions of the main characters in a sympathetic and deeper way, KC Burn decided to turn this into a bit more of a whine-fest than it should have been. I think that this problem could have been solved if I had felt a deeper connection to the characters. If the writing had done more than skim the surface I think the angst would not have been so annoying. I do think that Simon gets the award for being the world's best police partner. He was probably my favorite character of the book. This book didn't move me in the way I know it was meant to. I think a good portion of the problem was probably related to hearing it through an audio book, but I'll still have to give it two stars. It was okay.
anyahp's review against another edition
4.0
Not an ordinary love story. Half the time i was angry while reading this. I suppose there had to be angst, otherwise there wouldn't be a story.
Between Kurt and Davy, I liked Kurt the most, he was such a sweetheart,plus his family was awesome. Davy, though I wanted to kick his butt throughout the book because he was being an ass and also 'cause i can't possibly believe that a spitfire like him was reduced to that pitiful,frightful, weak man.
Can't say i was thrilled about it, but it was a page turner. I'll keep my eye on this author in the future.
Between Kurt and Davy, I liked Kurt the most, he was such a sweetheart,plus his family was awesome. Davy, though I wanted to kick his butt throughout the book because he was being an ass and also 'cause i can't possibly believe that a spitfire like him was reduced to that pitiful,frightful, weak man.
Can't say i was thrilled about it, but it was a page turner. I'll keep my eye on this author in the future.
bergerta0313's review against another edition
5.0
Since today is Valentines Day I wanted to do my review on a book that I read recently that I felt was a wonderful love story! KC Burn does a great job of bringing Kurt and Davy to life. Their story isn't easy, but life isn't easy and it's so worth the journey.
Detective Kurt O'Donnell loses his partner in an explosion while on the job, and then discovers that he didn't know his partner as well as he thought he did. Kurt is shocked to find out about Davy’s existence as Ben had keep their relationship a secret. Hurt that Ben didn't trust him with his secret, Kurt is determined to do the right thing and offers to help Davy through his grief. The two become friends and as their friendship grows, so does Kurt's attraction to Davy. When one night things turn sexual neither man handles it well. Kurt who has never been attracted to a man before has to decide what, if anything, he is going to do about his feelings. Then he has to hope it's not already too late for him and Davy.
This was one of those can't put down books for me. The character's and their emotions were so real that I had a hard time remembering I was reading a book.
First let me say that I wanted to punch Ben in the face, not for keep Davy a secret but for making him feel like he was worthless and cutting him off from everyone else in his life. I tried hard to feel sympathetic for him but I just couldn't do it.
The transformation and growth that Davy goes through in this book has an almost cathartic feel to it. You couldn't help but want to help him find his way again. I also want to applaud the author for not going the insta-love route. Both character's were grieving in their own ways and it would have felt contrived if their relationship had happened over night.
Kurt's journey to self-awareness doesn't happen right away and his hesitation to admit his feelings rang very true for the character and the environment he comes from. I loved Kurt's family and appreciate an author that gives me well rounded interesting secondary characters.
So if you are looking for a treat this Valentines day, I suggest you pick up Cop Out, grab a glass of red wine and indulge!
Detective Kurt O'Donnell loses his partner in an explosion while on the job, and then discovers that he didn't know his partner as well as he thought he did. Kurt is shocked to find out about Davy’s existence as Ben had keep their relationship a secret. Hurt that Ben didn't trust him with his secret, Kurt is determined to do the right thing and offers to help Davy through his grief. The two become friends and as their friendship grows, so does Kurt's attraction to Davy. When one night things turn sexual neither man handles it well. Kurt who has never been attracted to a man before has to decide what, if anything, he is going to do about his feelings. Then he has to hope it's not already too late for him and Davy.
This was one of those can't put down books for me. The character's and their emotions were so real that I had a hard time remembering I was reading a book.
First let me say that I wanted to punch Ben in the face, not for keep Davy a secret but for making him feel like he was worthless and cutting him off from everyone else in his life. I tried hard to feel sympathetic for him but I just couldn't do it.
The transformation and growth that Davy goes through in this book has an almost cathartic feel to it. You couldn't help but want to help him find his way again. I also want to applaud the author for not going the insta-love route. Both character's were grieving in their own ways and it would have felt contrived if their relationship had happened over night.
Kurt's journey to self-awareness doesn't happen right away and his hesitation to admit his feelings rang very true for the character and the environment he comes from. I loved Kurt's family and appreciate an author that gives me well rounded interesting secondary characters.
So if you are looking for a treat this Valentines day, I suggest you pick up Cop Out, grab a glass of red wine and indulge!
mostlydolores's review against another edition
3.0
3.5 stars. I liked it a lot at the start. It was going to be a five star for me, but then it got all angsty in the middle and dragged that shit out way too long. Still a good book.