Release Day Review ~ Love is Heartless by Kim Fielding
Title: Love is Heartless
Series: Love Can't: Book Two
Author: Kim Fielding
Release Date: January 13, 2017
Category: Contemporary
Pages: 254
Small but mighty—that could be Detective Nevin Ng’s motto. Now a dedicated member of the Portland Police Bureau, he didn’t let a tough start in life stop him from protecting those in need. He doesn’t take crap from anyone, and he doesn’t do relationships. Until he responds to the severe beating of a senior citizen and meets the victim’s bow-tied, wealthy landlord.
Property manager and developer Colin Westwood grew up with all the things Nevin never had, like plenty of money and a supportive, loving family. Too supportive, perhaps, since his childhood illness has left his parents unwilling to admit he’s a strong, grown man. Colin does do relationships, but they never work out. Now he’s thinking maybe he won’t just go with the flow. Maybe it’s time to try something more exciting. But being a witness to a terrible crime—or two—was more than he bargained for.
Despite their differences, Colin and Nevin discover that sparks fly when they’re together. But sparks are short-lived, dampened by the advent of brutal crimes, and Colin and Nevin have seemingly little in common. The question is whether they have the heart to build something lasting.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Love is Heartless is Book 2 in Kim Fielding's Love Can't Series. This book runs concurrent to the first book so each book is a standalone but because of a situation with Jeremy, they should be read in the correct order. Because Jeremy and Nevin are good friends, you get to see these two characters in each other's books but Qay and Colin do not crossover.
Nevin is a detective in the Portland Police Bureau and investigates crimes against seniors, the disabled and children. Nevin's had a tough life in foster care and has witnessed what can happen to the easily victimized human beings so he works hard to protect them. The only connection from his childhood is his foster brother Ford. Nevin is bisexual, doesn't do relationships, and hooks up with anyone he finds interesting. When he responds to a call about a senior citizen who has been attacked he meets Colin. Colin is the property manager for the elderly woman, obviously wealthy and the complete opposite of Nevin. It isn't until the men meet again at another call for a senior citizen in need that they talk more. Sparks fly between them, and even though Colin doesn't do one night stands, he is interested in Nevin and agrees to whatever he can get. Except, neither can forget their one night stand and it isn't long before Nevin's making excuses to see Colin again.
I loved the foul-mouthed, love them and leave them Nevin! Sometimes in books the character that insists on sleeping with everyone comes across really negatively, Nevin didn't. He was single, upfront and was interested in all kinds. He may have only been 5'4", but his personality and strength came through the pages. I loved the relationship he had with his brother Ford, which showed that even though Nevin said he wasn't capable of relationships, he really was. They both came out of the foster care system with a connection and support that many don't get. And underneath his bristly exterior, he was a really good guy. Colin may have appeared to have the perfect life initially, but it becomes obvious that life is not guaranteed for him. He had a wonderfully, supportive, very involved family. They were wealthy through the hardwork of his parents, but they were a loving family. Once you get to see Colin's family interactions, it explained everything about why Colin is the way he is. I absolutely loved Colin and Nevin together! They may have been complete opposites but they truly fit together perfectly.
This book also had a mystery involved and was a little more prominent in the story than Book 1, but it was not the primary focus. This book had less angst than Book 1, and for me, honestly felt much sweeter and sexier. I liked Book 1, but I loved this book. I could feel the love between the two characters, and they definitely steamed up the pages! Once I started this book, I could not put it down; this is a book that I will read again in the future! I just adored Colin and Nevin!
Rating: 5+++stars!
5 Stars!
An amazing tale that already has me searching for more by this author.
I own one book by this author, Rattlesnake, that I bought because of the great reviews, but which I haven't got round to reading yet. That's about to be rectified without delay, because after reading this book, I can't believe I've not discovered this author sooner.
This tale had me intrigued at the blurb and amazed at how the author turned around the detective character, from a one-night-only type of guy, who didn't do meals/romance/friendship/repeats/family, etc. etc. into someone so decent and likable. I liked how committed he was to his job and that it was refreshing to find a cop whose job was policing the vulnerable, rather than the too-often-seen trope of homicide/drugs, etc. I have to say that I wasn't sure what to make of Nevin Ng and his smart mouth or his attitude, and I loved that he was completely flummoxed from the very start by the nice-guy that was Colin.
Colin was so sweet and decent, but no pushover and not someone who was prepared to sit around and mope over a guy. There were things in his past that had held him back, and he'd had a fairly recent break-up that was in part over one of those things from his past, but he wasn't broken, though he tended to go with the flow and lead a life that was calm and OK, if not entirely satisfying.
The guys don't fall into bed quickly and I liked that when they did, there were no stereotypes and that their sex was hot, sexy and that they talked. It got even better, sweeter and romantic as Nev opened up to the fact that possibly for the first time ever, he was experiencing feelings and breaking his own rules. I loved how their romance progressed, how they began dating, how sex turned into lovemaking and how the events in the tale brought them together legitimately, but then their feelings took over.
I loved that there was an actual tale present throughout, sad though it was, and I liked reading about Nev's friends, and how decent Colin's parents were. When the reveal came, horrific and sad as it was, it showcased Colin's love for Nev in such an unexpected and unselfish way, and I think, broke down any remaining barriers that Nev might have had.
The ending? Perfect for these guys, perfect for me as a romantic and a reader of romance. I was so pleased to find out that Nev's friend, Jeremy/Germy, who had a romance of sorts going on in the background, has his own tale that tells of the romance, published before this one. Off to track that down and read Rattlesnake.
This is a 5* Keeper of a tale.
ARC courtesy of Dreamspinner Press and Bayou Book Junkie, for my reading pleasure.
A Love Can't Novel
Bullied as a child in small-town Kansas, Jeremy Cox ultimately escaped to Portland, Oregon. Now in his forties, he’s an urban park ranger who does his best to rescue runaways and other street people. His ex-boyfriend, Donny—lost to drinking and drugs six years earlier—appears on his doorstep and inadvertently drags Jeremy into danger. As if dealing with Donny’s issues doesn’t cause enough turmoil, Jeremy meets a fascinating but enigmatic man who carries more than his fair share of problems.
Qayin Hill has almost nothing but skeletons in his closet and demons in his head. A former addict who struggles with anxiety and depression, Qay doesn’t know which of his secrets to reveal to Jeremy—or how to react when Jeremy wants to save him from himself.
Despite the pasts that continue to haunt them, Jeremy and Qay find passion, friendship, and a tentative hope for the future. Now they need to decide whether love is truly a powerful thing or if, despite the old adage, love can’t conquer all.
*Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie by Dreamspinner Press for my reading pleasure in hopes of an unbiased opinion, a review was not a requirement.*
Love Can't Conquer is Book 1 in Kim Fielding's Love Can't Series.
Jeremy grew up in a small town, with indifferent parents and being bullied. He took his chance to escape when he received a scholarship to a college in Oregon and never looked back. Jeremy is a good guy, in his forties who works as an urban park ranger. He is kind, sweet, generous and always rescuing people. Jeremy helps the homeless in parks, finding them shelters or programs to help them with their lives. He sees the positive in everyone, regardless of the hurt that may come to him. When his ex-boyfriend shows up on his doorstep battered, Jeremy patches him up and gives him money. Jeremy doesn't realize that his ex has dragged him into danger. One day while hanging out in his friend's coffee shop, he sees a man that draws his attention and each time he goes back, he looks for him.
Qay lives a hard, solitary life. He has mental institutions, illegal drugs, and alcohol in his history and they're a daily struggle for him. He notices Jeremy in the coffee shop and when he hears his name, recognizes him from his past. Qay tries hard not to get pulled into Jeremy, who is too good for him but Jeremy doesn't give him a chance and pushes for more. Both men have a lot to work through to get their HEA.
This was the first book I've read from this author and it's so well-written! There was a bit of mystery with the ex in the background of the story. I liked Jeremy even though he came across so perfect but his need to fix others is his imperfection. He has a heart of gold and when most people would walk away, Jeremy was still fighting to help. I empathized with Qay and what a hard, horrible life he survived. I was happy that he was given the chance to have more of a future than he ever thought he would have. His drug and alcohol issues were a big part of this book because even though he had been sober for 7 years, it was a daily craving and struggle for him. And I hated that eventually Qay tumbled over the edge again, even though I fully expected it. I know how these stories go! But, Jeremy and Qay were able to find some closure to their past which seemed to help them have a better future. I liked the epilogue that showed us they were on track for better things.
I own one book by this author, Rattlesnake, that I bought because of the great reviews, but which I haven't got round to reading yet. That's about to be rectified without delay, because after reading this book, I can't believe I've not discovered this author sooner.
This tale had me intrigued at the blurb and amazed at how the author turned around the detective character, from a one-night-only type of guy, who didn't do meals/romance/friendship/repeats/family, etc. etc. into someone so decent and likable. I liked how committed he was to his job and that it was refreshing to find a cop whose job was policing the vulnerable, rather than the too-often-seen trope of homicide/drugs, etc. I have to say that I wasn't sure what to make of Nevin Ng and his smart mouth or his attitude, and I loved that he was completely flummoxed from the very start by the nice-guy that was Colin.
Colin was so sweet and decent, but no pushover and not someone who was prepared to sit around and mope over a guy. There were things in his past that had held him back, and he'd had a fairly recent break-up that was in part over one of those things from his past, but he wasn't broken, though he tended to go with the flow and lead a life that was calm and OK, if not entirely satisfying.
The guys don't fall into bed quickly and I liked that when they did, there were no stereotypes and that their sex was hot, sexy and that they talked. It got even better, sweeter and romantic as Nev opened up to the fact that possibly for the first time ever, he was experiencing feelings and breaking his own rules. I loved how their romance progressed, how they began dating, how sex turned into lovemaking and how the events in the tale brought them together legitimately, but then their feelings took over.
I loved that there was an actual tale present throughout, sad though it was, and I liked reading about Nev's friends, and how decent Colin's parents were. When the reveal came, horrific and sad as it was, it showcased Colin's love for Nev in such an unexpected and unselfish way, and I think, broke down any remaining barriers that Nev might have had.
The ending? Perfect for these guys, perfect for me as a romantic and a reader of romance. I was so pleased to find out that Nev's friend, Jeremy/Germy, who had a romance of sorts going on in the background, has his own tale that tells of the romance, published before this one. Off to track that down and read Rattlesnake.
This is a 5* Keeper of a tale.
ARC courtesy of Dreamspinner Press and Bayou Book Junkie, for my reading pleasure.
Love Can't Conquer by Kim Fielding
Bullied as a child in small-town Kansas, Jeremy Cox ultimately escaped to Portland, Oregon. Now in his forties, he’s an urban park ranger who does his best to rescue runaways and other street people. His ex-boyfriend, Donny—lost to drinking and drugs six years earlier—appears on his doorstep and inadvertently drags Jeremy into danger. As if dealing with Donny’s issues doesn’t cause enough turmoil, Jeremy meets a fascinating but enigmatic man who carries more than his fair share of problems.
Qayin Hill has almost nothing but skeletons in his closet and demons in his head. A former addict who struggles with anxiety and depression, Qay doesn’t know which of his secrets to reveal to Jeremy—or how to react when Jeremy wants to save him from himself.
Despite the pasts that continue to haunt them, Jeremy and Qay find passion, friendship, and a tentative hope for the future. Now they need to decide whether love is truly a powerful thing or if, despite the old adage, love can’t conquer all.
Love Can't Conquer is Book 1 in Kim Fielding's Love Can't Series.
Jeremy grew up in a small town, with indifferent parents and being bullied. He took his chance to escape when he received a scholarship to a college in Oregon and never looked back. Jeremy is a good guy, in his forties who works as an urban park ranger. He is kind, sweet, generous and always rescuing people. Jeremy helps the homeless in parks, finding them shelters or programs to help them with their lives. He sees the positive in everyone, regardless of the hurt that may come to him. When his ex-boyfriend shows up on his doorstep battered, Jeremy patches him up and gives him money. Jeremy doesn't realize that his ex has dragged him into danger. One day while hanging out in his friend's coffee shop, he sees a man that draws his attention and each time he goes back, he looks for him.
Qay lives a hard, solitary life. He has mental institutions, illegal drugs, and alcohol in his history and they're a daily struggle for him. He notices Jeremy in the coffee shop and when he hears his name, recognizes him from his past. Qay tries hard not to get pulled into Jeremy, who is too good for him but Jeremy doesn't give him a chance and pushes for more. Both men have a lot to work through to get their HEA.
This was the first book I've read from this author and it's so well-written! There was a bit of mystery with the ex in the background of the story. I liked Jeremy even though he came across so perfect but his need to fix others is his imperfection. He has a heart of gold and when most people would walk away, Jeremy was still fighting to help. I empathized with Qay and what a hard, horrible life he survived. I was happy that he was given the chance to have more of a future than he ever thought he would have. His drug and alcohol issues were a big part of this book because even though he had been sober for 7 years, it was a daily craving and struggle for him. And I hated that eventually Qay tumbled over the edge again, even though I fully expected it. I know how these stories go! But, Jeremy and Qay were able to find some closure to their past which seemed to help them have a better future. I liked the epilogue that showed us they were on track for better things.
Rating: 4 stars!
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