achoward's review against another edition
3.0
This is the second book by Maggie Cummings I've read (Brooklyn Summer is the other). this popped up as recommended for me since I read boatloads of mystery/crime/police procedural/thriller novel. This is a romance with police procedural elements. If that is not your thing, this is not the book for you.
If you're looking for romance and sexytimes, the story of Dylan Prescott, NYPD detective, and Briana long, US District Attorney will be a good read. The two meet (sort of) on the basketball court, as Briana watches two teams play from the stands with her friend and roommate Stef. They meet for real at a bar, later. There is, of course, the instant attraction. The fire starts to burn, they exchange some innuendo, and they part for the night after telling one another they were not looking for anything serious,.
Neither of them told the other what they do for a living, but they find out the next day at the office, where Dylan's team is tracking a drug operation, and Brianna is the USDA assigned to the case.
This flirting in the office and at the bars continues, and we get scenes from Dylan's side and Brianna's side until finally the two get together in bed. If you are not a fan of explicit sex scenes, this is not the book for you, unless you want to skim past those pages - if you do, you'll be skimming a number of pages here. If you don't know what packing is...well, you'll figure it out.
There isn't a ton of character development going on here, but to be fair, that isn't really why people read these sorts of books, and most lesrom revolves around jealousy anyhow - which is exactly what happens here, when Brianna leaves the Fed for a job with a well known defense attorney with whom Dylan has some history.
The book does have police work in it - probably enough to justify classifying it as a police procedural and having readers of the genre (like me) pick it up. That portion of the book is fine, and is actually one of the handful off books in the genre that show the more tedious side of police work. It isn't all car chases and busting down doors. Still, that part of the book is thin, story-wise, and the two main characters could have been in any profession, and the story wouldn't be harmed by it.
Overall, a solid three out of five stars.
Thanks to Bold Stroke Books and Netgalley for the review copy.
If you're looking for romance and sexytimes, the story of Dylan Prescott, NYPD detective, and Briana long, US District Attorney will be a good read. The two meet (sort of) on the basketball court, as Briana watches two teams play from the stands with her friend and roommate Stef. They meet for real at a bar, later. There is, of course, the instant attraction. The fire starts to burn, they exchange some innuendo, and they part for the night after telling one another they were not looking for anything serious,.
Neither of them told the other what they do for a living, but they find out the next day at the office, where Dylan's team is tracking a drug operation, and Brianna is the USDA assigned to the case.
This flirting in the office and at the bars continues, and we get scenes from Dylan's side and Brianna's side until finally the two get together in bed. If you are not a fan of explicit sex scenes, this is not the book for you, unless you want to skim past those pages - if you do, you'll be skimming a number of pages here. If you don't know what packing is...well, you'll figure it out.
There isn't a ton of character development going on here, but to be fair, that isn't really why people read these sorts of books, and most lesrom revolves around jealousy anyhow - which is exactly what happens here, when Brianna leaves the Fed for a job with a well known defense attorney with whom Dylan has some history.
The book does have police work in it - probably enough to justify classifying it as a police procedural and having readers of the genre (like me) pick it up. That portion of the book is fine, and is actually one of the handful off books in the genre that show the more tedious side of police work. It isn't all car chases and busting down doors. Still, that part of the book is thin, story-wise, and the two main characters could have been in any profession, and the story wouldn't be harmed by it.
Overall, a solid three out of five stars.
Thanks to Bold Stroke Books and Netgalley for the review copy.
kburns2004's review against another edition
4.0
When I started this book, I didn't think I would get into it, but I was sucked in by the end. I was slightly annoyed with how much miscommunication happened, but that is also so realistic. If you are into f/f romance, I don't think you could go wrong with this one.
00leah00's review against another edition
4.0
Solid 4 Stars
‘Bulletproof’ is a sweet romance with a police/crime story on the side. The romance is the highlight of the story but the crime story is woven throughout as the main protagonists work together on the case.
Dylan works with the NYPD as a vice detective who overhears information that breaks open a major case. She is moved to the case and realizes the Assistant US Attorney over the case is the woman, Briana, she flirted with the day before. Their tentative plans to hook up later are halted as they now work together and Briana doesn’t like to mix pleasure and business.
This is fine at first as both Dylan and Briana are both very career oriented and have put having casual hookups over relationships up to this point. Dylan is known as the butch neighborhood stud with multiple women vying for her attention. Briana, a pansexual, is not interested in having a relationship, she’s just looking to have a good time and let off some steam. However, the sexual tension between them is off the charts and can’t be ignored and seems to grow with each interaction.
I thought the way Cummings navigates their growing attraction and feelings for each other was very natural and organic especially given the sort of high stakes (at times) situation they were in with their case. There was a bit of back and forth drama throughout from both beginning with if they should be in a relationship to trying to keep things hidden from the others on the squad. I liked that they were quick to communicate their issues for the most part. They dealt with things like jealousy with mostly humor and were able to work out their kinks fairly quickly. Well, until the “big drama” part started where I feel like they both let their pride get in the way a bit.
I’m not giving the story a full 5 stars because at about the 60% mark the story for me starts to lag and felt drawn out. It doesn’t last too long but I felt like a couple of chapters didn’t progress the story much aside from mentioning their jealousy of certain side characters, which had already been established. I also felt like Cummings was a bit too on the nose with the butch/femme stereotypes so that may be a more personal gripe of mine.
Overall, I really enjoyed ‘Bulletproof’ and as it was my first Maggie Cummings book, I truly can’t wait to read her other works. I highly recommend this for anyone who likes a little push/pull with their romance. There’s also some angst and jealousy deal with.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in an exchange for an honest review.
‘Bulletproof’ is a sweet romance with a police/crime story on the side. The romance is the highlight of the story but the crime story is woven throughout as the main protagonists work together on the case.
Dylan works with the NYPD as a vice detective who overhears information that breaks open a major case. She is moved to the case and realizes the Assistant US Attorney over the case is the woman, Briana, she flirted with the day before. Their tentative plans to hook up later are halted as they now work together and Briana doesn’t like to mix pleasure and business.
This is fine at first as both Dylan and Briana are both very career oriented and have put having casual hookups over relationships up to this point. Dylan is known as the butch neighborhood stud with multiple women vying for her attention. Briana, a pansexual, is not interested in having a relationship, she’s just looking to have a good time and let off some steam. However, the sexual tension between them is off the charts and can’t be ignored and seems to grow with each interaction.
I thought the way Cummings navigates their growing attraction and feelings for each other was very natural and organic especially given the sort of high stakes (at times) situation they were in with their case. There was a bit of back and forth drama throughout from both beginning with if they should be in a relationship to trying to keep things hidden from the others on the squad. I liked that they were quick to communicate their issues for the most part. They dealt with things like jealousy with mostly humor and were able to work out their kinks fairly quickly. Well, until the “big drama” part started where I feel like they both let their pride get in the way a bit.
I’m not giving the story a full 5 stars because at about the 60% mark the story for me starts to lag and felt drawn out. It doesn’t last too long but I felt like a couple of chapters didn’t progress the story much aside from mentioning their jealousy of certain side characters, which had already been established. I also felt like Cummings was a bit too on the nose with the butch/femme stereotypes so that may be a more personal gripe of mine.
Overall, I really enjoyed ‘Bulletproof’ and as it was my first Maggie Cummings book, I truly can’t wait to read her other works. I highly recommend this for anyone who likes a little push/pull with their romance. There’s also some angst and jealousy deal with.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and Bold Strokes Books in an exchange for an honest review.
judeinthestars's review against another edition
5.0
4.5* – Maggie Cummings writes really nice characters. Like, really really nice. I want them to be happy. They make my heart squeeze and breathe.
A detective in the Vice squad, Dylan Prescott overhears a few sentences in a bar that lead to a breakthrough in a Major Case investigation, which earns her a place on the team. Briana Logan is the Assistant US Attorney (AUSA) on the case. She’s also the woman Dylan was flirting with yesterday. Neither is looking for a serious relationship. Both agree their career is their priority. But life has a way of making you reconsider those priorities when you meet The One.
I love the forbidden love trope. It’s very exciting and when what makes it impossible is work, I love it even more because no on really gets hurt when the characters can’t resist anymore. Love wins because that’s the way it should be.
Cummings knows how to inject just enough angst to make things interesting but what I like best is the characters’ journey to realizing what they’re feeling is bigger than them. I like that both Dylan and Briana are relatable and very lovable, more complicated than they first seem to be, and as the story unfolds, more layers appear, more complexities, more flaws too, which all contribute to creating characters I can’t help caring about.
The romance is at the forefront here, which totally worked for me, but the police procedural storyline was pretty good too. I guess it helps that Maggie Cummings works in law enforcement in real life and knows what she’s talking about. Everything about the investigation, the police work, the relationships between colleagues rang true.
I’d love it if this turned out to be the first book in a series. There’s real potential for more.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
A detective in the Vice squad, Dylan Prescott overhears a few sentences in a bar that lead to a breakthrough in a Major Case investigation, which earns her a place on the team. Briana Logan is the Assistant US Attorney (AUSA) on the case. She’s also the woman Dylan was flirting with yesterday. Neither is looking for a serious relationship. Both agree their career is their priority. But life has a way of making you reconsider those priorities when you meet The One.
I love the forbidden love trope. It’s very exciting and when what makes it impossible is work, I love it even more because no on really gets hurt when the characters can’t resist anymore. Love wins because that’s the way it should be.
Cummings knows how to inject just enough angst to make things interesting but what I like best is the characters’ journey to realizing what they’re feeling is bigger than them. I like that both Dylan and Briana are relatable and very lovable, more complicated than they first seem to be, and as the story unfolds, more layers appear, more complexities, more flaws too, which all contribute to creating characters I can’t help caring about.
The romance is at the forefront here, which totally worked for me, but the police procedural storyline was pretty good too. I guess it helps that Maggie Cummings works in law enforcement in real life and knows what she’s talking about. Everything about the investigation, the police work, the relationships between colleagues rang true.
I’d love it if this turned out to be the first book in a series. There’s real potential for more.
I received a copy from the publisher and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
akajujorge's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
fionabond's review against another edition
4.0
I really enjoyed the romance there was a nice balance between the romantic storyline and the crime storyline. It got a bit repetitive later on, it was definitely stronger during the first half. The characters were easy to get into and like, it’s just a shame the story was a bit slow at times.
stephsromancebooktalk's review against another edition
As much as I want to continue on with this book I just can't keep going. At 15% this story just wasn't keeping my attention or interest. I won't rate this book and I may come back to it but not sure at this point.
This specific video review will be included in the February 2018 Part 2 Wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.
This specific video review will be included in the February 2018 Part 2 Wrap-up.
For other video book reviews check out my YouTube Channel: Steph's Rom Book Talk.
shereadstales's review
4.0
Thanks to NetGalley and the kind folx at Bold Strokes Books for the digital galley of this book.
Newly minted NYPD detective Dylan Prescott has everything going for her. New promotion, a job she loves, and an endless supply of interested ladies, if only she can keep them casual and not interested in anything more. Assistant United States Attorney Briana Logan doesn’t have time for anything serious and wishes she could just find a casual situation to let off some steam. When sparks instantly fly with Dylan, it seems like the perfect opportunity, until they find out how closely they’ll be working together on a case. Briana is set on keeping things professional, but Dylan makes her want to break all the rules.
This was essentially a one-day read for me. I started it last night before bed, and here we are, a good two and a half hours left in my shift, annnnd I’m done. I thoroughly enjoyed this romance; it’s just what I needed. I loved the tension building between the Dylan and Briana, and even though the initial tension is broken a little sooner than some works, it didn’t flatline the story at all. There was still plenty of places for their discreet relationship to go, and with the case still unfolding, it kept things interesting.
I loved their dynamic. I don’t want to say too much on that as to not spoil the lion share of the story, but I do love little everyday scenes of domestic bliss, and there are plenty peppered throughout this book. It’s out now, so if you’re looking for something to warm up your winter, definitely check it out.
roomforbooks's review against another edition
4.0
Rep: w|w, lesbian mc, pansexual mc, lesbian side characters, trans side character, poc side character
I received an early copy of this by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I'm starting to think this author is a guarantee for quality adult Sapphic romance. This is the third book I've read by Maggie Cummings and I was not disappointed.
I'm giving this 4 solid stars, I loved the main characters, a detective and a lawyer, they had flaws, they made mistakes and they apologized and that felt very realistic. Their chemistry was off the charts and don't get me started on the steamy scenes! I also found myself giggling a few times because their banter was just that well-written. The story was very entertaining, I like my romances with a bit of action. Moreover, I'm glad the side characters weren't cardboard cutouts but were instead an important part of the story, they didn't just exist because of the MCs and they were what made the novel truly inclusive.
The prose was very enjoyable and easy to read, the chapters not overly long.
Now onto the reasons why I didn't give it 5 stars: the use of the expression "You're such a pussy" which I find very offensive and don't like finding in books (or anywhere else to be honest).
The second reason is that the love story between the MCs was a bit rushed especially in the first 30%, I would've liked it to develop a bit more slowly.
Overall I enjoyed this and I would definitely recommend it. I'm definitely going to read this author's next novels.
I received an early copy of this by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
I'm starting to think this author is a guarantee for quality adult Sapphic romance. This is the third book I've read by Maggie Cummings and I was not disappointed.
I'm giving this 4 solid stars, I loved the main characters, a detective and a lawyer, they had flaws, they made mistakes and they apologized and that felt very realistic. Their chemistry was off the charts and don't get me started on the steamy scenes! I also found myself giggling a few times because their banter was just that well-written. The story was very entertaining, I like my romances with a bit of action. Moreover, I'm glad the side characters weren't cardboard cutouts but were instead an important part of the story, they didn't just exist because of the MCs and they were what made the novel truly inclusive.
The prose was very enjoyable and easy to read, the chapters not overly long.
Now onto the reasons why I didn't give it 5 stars: the use of the expression "You're such a pussy" which I find very offensive and don't like finding in books (or anywhere else to be honest).
The second reason is that the love story between the MCs was a bit rushed especially in the first 30%, I would've liked it to develop a bit more slowly.
Overall I enjoyed this and I would definitely recommend it. I'm definitely going to read this author's next novels.