Scan barcode
redhairedashreads's review
4.0
4 stars - It was really good
When Deputy Jake Perez meets Danny Jones at a crime scene, he never expects Danny to become so important to him. As the body count in their small town rises, Danny seems to be a target and Jake is caught between protecting the man he is falling for and vengeance.
This was a great romantic suspense. Danny and Jake were absolutely wonderful and I fell in love with them both so quickly. Danny was so sweet and genuine. He is a bit innocent but in a sweet way. Jake is a confident, sexy police officer who is determined to protect Danny and bring a man to justice. These two were just so sweet together and I loved how the leaned on each other for support and comfort. Also I loved that Jake never pushed Danny to come out to his parents and was ok staying quiet.
The suspense in this was a bit predictable but it was perfectly paced and worked well with the romance building. These two had a lot of stressful situations happen to them but they supported each other and stood strong in the face of danger and became a stronger couple for it. I just really enjoyed their story and how these two are slowly changing their community.
Also, Gina was an awesome friend and I loved her so much. I hope she finds herself someone.
TW: on page homomisic and abusive father; mother in remission from breast cancer; racism; past death of a brother; pn page car accidents; references to white nationalists, racism, and homophobia
heabooknerd's review
5.0
I was excited to read TAKE DOWN from the moment I heard about it and I was not disappointed! I devoured this romantic suspense because I absolutely fell in love with both Danny and Jake. They were so perfect together and the way they leaned on each other for support was so sweet. Danny was the epitome of the cute boy next door -- nice, genuine and a little bit innocent. Jake was sexy, confident, and always knew just the right thing to say; he's a natural flirt and charmer but not in a sleazy way. He's also incredibly protective of Danny, especially as Danny is targeted and finds himself in the hospital on more than one occasion.
While the suspense was fairly predictable, it still built throughout the story and I loved watching Jake and Danny stand strong together through everything. I also really appreciated that Jake, who is out and proud, never pushed Danny to come out; he understands that it's up to each person when they come out and he constantly supports Danny in keeping things a secret.
I also really loved Gina! She was an amazing friend to Danny and was hilarious on top of it.
Content Warning: parent in remission from cancer; on page abusive and homophobic parent; past death of a brother; references to white nationalists, racism, and homophobia
While the suspense was fairly predictable, it still built throughout the story and I loved watching Jake and Danny stand strong together through everything. I also really appreciated that Jake, who is out and proud, never pushed Danny to come out; he understands that it's up to each person when they come out and he constantly supports Danny in keeping things a secret.
I also really loved Gina! She was an amazing friend to Danny and was hilarious on top of it.
Content Warning: parent in remission from cancer; on page abusive and homophobic parent; past death of a brother; references to white nationalists, racism, and homophobia
sparklingreader's review against another edition
5.0
Danny Jones left his comfortable job in Houston to return home to the small town of Everness to help his mom who has cancer. In Houston, he was out and comfortable, but when he returns, he has to go back into the closet or risk the wrath of his abusive father. Then he meets Deputy Jake Perez, a new resident who is on the trail of a psychotic killer. They meet when Danny runs his truck into a disabled car (at a blind curve) and Jake saves his life. There is instant attraction, but Danny doesn’t dare do anything about it. Then the bodies start piling up and everything points to Danny.
This was a story that started intensely with the accident and subsequent explosion. And it didn’t let up.
The characters of Danny and Jake are three-dimensional with issues, both internal and external that makes them realistic. The secondary characters, especially the sheriff, are there as strong support rather than just background. There was a strong attraction between the two main characters and grew organically as the story moved forward. I loved Jake’s sensitivity to Danny’s wish to keep his father from finding out about them and Danny’s determination to help his mom even though all he wants to do is get away from his father.
Although it’s pretty obvious who is doing all the killing, it works for the story because this is a romantic suspense and not a solid murder mystery. The author does a good job of building the suspense and keeping you on the edge of your seat when Danny disappears. Jake is the only one who believes Danny is still alive. Danny’s father is truly nasty—but the author introduces a bit of humanity to him when he realizes Danny is gone and everyone thinks he killed him. That was an interesting scene, well thought-out and well-done.
Details: the setting is a small town in Texas near Houston. But we really don’t know any details about it other than that – oh, and that there’s one bar in town. Still, the lack of details isn’t a big problem, but a little more would have been nice.
So… romance, suspense, murder, acceptance, and more combined to make a compelling read that keeps you turning the page. I definitely recommend this book.
This was a story that started intensely with the accident and subsequent explosion. And it didn’t let up.
The characters of Danny and Jake are three-dimensional with issues, both internal and external that makes them realistic. The secondary characters, especially the sheriff, are there as strong support rather than just background. There was a strong attraction between the two main characters and grew organically as the story moved forward. I loved Jake’s sensitivity to Danny’s wish to keep his father from finding out about them and Danny’s determination to help his mom even though all he wants to do is get away from his father.
Although it’s pretty obvious who is doing all the killing, it works for the story because this is a romantic suspense and not a solid murder mystery. The author does a good job of building the suspense and keeping you on the edge of your seat when Danny disappears. Jake is the only one who believes Danny is still alive. Danny’s father is truly nasty—but the author introduces a bit of humanity to him when he realizes Danny is gone and everyone thinks he killed him. That was an interesting scene, well thought-out and well-done.
Details: the setting is a small town in Texas near Houston. But we really don’t know any details about it other than that – oh, and that there’s one bar in town. Still, the lack of details isn’t a big problem, but a little more would have been nice.
So… romance, suspense, murder, acceptance, and more combined to make a compelling read that keeps you turning the page. I definitely recommend this book.
More...