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Bad in Baltimore #3
Bad Attitude
When did save a life become change a life?
As the openly gay middle son of the most powerful family between Manhattan and Miami, Gavin Montgomery knows his role—look good in a tuxedo and don’t make waves.
Waves are the least of his worries when he tries and fails to keep a friend from jumping off a high bridge. His last thought as he falls in too is that someone else will have to take over as family disappointment…until he’s pulled from the water by a man with an iron grip, a sexy mouth and a chip on his shoulder the size of the national deficit.
Police rescue diver Jamie Donnigan finally has life the way he wants it. Okay, he could have done without losing his father, quitting smoking and watching his friends drift into couplehood. At least he’s managed to escape that particular trap.
When Gavin’s father turns Jamie’s routine rescue into a media circus, he figures if he’s going to suffer for his good deed, he might as well enjoy a roll in the sack. But Jamie’s not immune to Gavin’s cultivated charm…and all the risks that come along with giving in to it.
Warning: Includes above the recommended daily allowance for snark, attitude, stubbornness and a variety of scorching hot sex (even for this author).
As the openly gay middle son of the most powerful family between Manhattan and Miami, Gavin Montgomery knows his role—look good in a tuxedo and don’t make waves.
Waves are the least of his worries when he tries and fails to keep a friend from jumping off a high bridge. His last thought as he falls in too is that someone else will have to take over as family disappointment…until he’s pulled from the water by a man with an iron grip, a sexy mouth and a chip on his shoulder the size of the national deficit.
Police rescue diver Jamie Donnigan finally has life the way he wants it. Okay, he could have done without losing his father, quitting smoking and watching his friends drift into couplehood. At least he’s managed to escape that particular trap.
When Gavin’s father turns Jamie’s routine rescue into a media circus, he figures if he’s going to suffer for his good deed, he might as well enjoy a roll in the sack. But Jamie’s not immune to Gavin’s cultivated charm…and all the risks that come along with giving in to it.
Warning: Includes above the recommended daily allowance for snark, attitude, stubbornness and a variety of scorching hot sex (even for this author).
178 pages, ebook
First published April 23, 2013
29 people are currently reading
902 people want to read
About the author
K.A. Mitchell
43 books1,110 followersK.A. Mitchell discovered the magic of writing at an early age when she learned that a carefully crayoned note of apology sent to the kitchen in a toy truck would earn her a reprieve from banishment to her room. Her career as a spin-control artist was cut short when her family moved to a two-story house, and her trucks would not roll safely down the stairs. Around the same time, she decided that Chip and Ken made a much cuter couple than Ken and Barbie and was perplexed when invitations to play Barbie dropped off. She never stopped making stuff up, though, and was surprised to find out that people would pay her to do it. Although the men in her stories usually carry more emotional baggage than even LAX can lose in a year, she guarantees they always find their sexy way to a happy ending.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
April 25, 2013
Buddy Read w/ Lenore, Kate, Jenn, and Christina
Bad Attitude caught me off guard. As much as there was a kind of sweet, softness around Quinn and Eli’s relationship in Bad Boyfriend, this book is all hard edges.
These guys are so hot and cold…zig-zagging back and forth.
I’m mad at you. Grrr.
I’m horny for you. Unf.
I’m annoyed with you. Argh.
I’m liking you. Smile.
Whiplash.
Thing is, I like these guys. Or, rather, I can relate to their imperfections. They’re emotionally stunted. Insecure. Overcompensate. Want affirmation, but shun it and make fun of it. Bitter Bettys about anything and everything. And trying to watch the two of them figure out their feelings for each other is a train wreck.
But, on the other hand, there’s an authenticity to it as it plays out as well. It definitely requires some patience (which I have to admit, I lack…thus some of the irritation with the book). Yet for all their bravado and alpha power plays and man grunts, Jamie and Gavin are essentially two scared, needy men (Gavin, especially) who have no idea how to handle feelings and resort to using sex as their tool, their weapon, their manipulation, their communication. And I actually found most of this to be…sad. And then, for a brief second, it became hopeful. Whiplash.
One treat in this book throughout…*sigh*…the kissing…oh, the kissing. Hot, sensual kissing. Yeah, that works for me…
Oh, and this Beach fellow…ONE. MAJOR. DICKWAD.
Take away from this book: entertaining in a grouchy-kind-of-way, but ultimately just makes me want to go and reread Bad Boyfriend to get back to Quinn & Eli and my happy place.
Bad Attitude caught me off guard. As much as there was a kind of sweet, softness around Quinn and Eli’s relationship in Bad Boyfriend, this book is all hard edges.
These guys are so hot and cold…zig-zagging back and forth.
I’m mad at you. Grrr.
I’m horny for you. Unf.
I’m annoyed with you. Argh.
I’m liking you. Smile.
Whiplash.
Thing is, I like these guys. Or, rather, I can relate to their imperfections. They’re emotionally stunted. Insecure. Overcompensate. Want affirmation, but shun it and make fun of it. Bitter Bettys about anything and everything. And trying to watch the two of them figure out their feelings for each other is a train wreck.
But, on the other hand, there’s an authenticity to it as it plays out as well. It definitely requires some patience (which I have to admit, I lack…thus some of the irritation with the book). Yet for all their bravado and alpha power plays and man grunts, Jamie and Gavin are essentially two scared, needy men (Gavin, especially) who have no idea how to handle feelings and resort to using sex as their tool, their weapon, their manipulation, their communication. And I actually found most of this to be…sad. And then, for a brief second, it became hopeful. Whiplash.
One treat in this book throughout…*sigh*…the kissing…oh, the kissing. Hot, sensual kissing. Yeah, that works for me…
Oh, and this Beach fellow…ONE. MAJOR. DICKWAD.
Take away from this book: entertaining in a grouchy-kind-of-way, but ultimately just makes me want to go and reread Bad Boyfriend to get back to Quinn & Eli and my happy place.
May 14, 2022
Audiobook - 2 stars
Story - 2 stars
Well, there has to that one that breaks the good streak.
The narrator sounded bored, the characters were forgettable, the story was boring and didn't flow well.
Anyhoo shit happens.
Story - 2 stars
Well, there has to that one that breaks the good streak.
The narrator sounded bored, the characters were forgettable, the story was boring and didn't flow well.
Anyhoo shit happens.
March 16, 2018
***3 Stars***
That ending? Seriously?
You give me almost 300 pages of Gavin being emotionally closed off, the MC's having half-assed conversations about their "relationship," lots of sarcastic and sniping banter, lots of hot sex but very little romance....and finally, FINALLY when they're both on the same page, YOU END THE FUCKING BOOK! What the fuck is that?!? Not one fucking paragraph of happy. Of coupledom. Of emotional stability and contentment.
I read most of this book waiting....both guys were so emotionally closed off in the beginning....the door would slowly start to open eventually, right?
Okay, I wasn't only waiting....I was also fanning myself, because these two were HOT together.
Jamie had loved and lost and he didn't want to go down that path again...but little by little Jamie opened up, realizing he had real feelings for Gavin.....and my anticipation built.
Gavin was even more closed off than Jamie. He was used to being forgotten. Suitable decoration. Disappointing background noise. He didn't know how to be "something" to anyone. I was waiting for the light bulb to start to come on. For Gavin to pick up on Jamie's actions and absorb his words. For his A-ha moment.
That moment finally came. Three pages before the end. And then the author turned off the computer.
I feel robbed. I was invested in these men. In their budding relationship. In finally seeing Jamie and Gavin admit their feelings, letting go of their past and feel a part of something. A couple.
It's like someone ripping the dessert menu out of your hands at the end of a nice meal. Next thing you know, you're pulling away from the restaurant.
I really wanted my Chocolate Molten Lava Cake.
December 9, 2013
My first K.A. Mitchell that didn't blow me away. Bummer.
This story was good in many ways, but is more ways it was flat-out annoying. The back and forth between Gavin and Jamie was so tiring. I have never, NEVER, met two MCs that are that stubborn and closed off. There is literally zero communication between them. They barely admitted that they liked each other and to get to that point took about half the book.
This book happens to be perfectly titled. These guys have bad attitudes and it was hard for me to get to know them with all of their walls up. I get that it may be realistic, but it didn't make for great reading. It was funny, but Eli stole the show in his few cameo scenes. He had more personality than Gavin and Jamie combined.
The sex in this book was pretty fab, though. K.A. Mitchell always brings the sexy. I also happen to like redheads so Jamie with his worked for me quite well, thank you very much. I still read this book until about 2:30 am so it has to earn at least 3 stars.
This story was good in many ways, but is more ways it was flat-out annoying. The back and forth between Gavin and Jamie was so tiring. I have never, NEVER, met two MCs that are that stubborn and closed off. There is literally zero communication between them. They barely admitted that they liked each other and to get to that point took about half the book.
This book happens to be perfectly titled. These guys have bad attitudes and it was hard for me to get to know them with all of their walls up. I get that it may be realistic, but it didn't make for great reading. It was funny, but Eli stole the show in his few cameo scenes. He had more personality than Gavin and Jamie combined.
The sex in this book was pretty fab, though. K.A. Mitchell always brings the sexy. I also happen to like redheads so Jamie with his worked for me quite well, thank you very much. I still read this book until about 2:30 am so it has to earn at least 3 stars.
April 25, 2013
Fuck you, abrupt ending. Fuck you very much.
I have a feeling that I would like this one better when I read it for the second time having known exactly where it punches you in the face with an ending so sudden it would put anything Josh Lanyon comes up with to shame, but right now, I just wanna tie concrete around Gavin and Jamie's balls and push both of them off the bridge where we first met Gavin because as much as they bored the shit out of me in the beginning, I'd like to at least see more of them when they are finally communicating like mature adults, but Mitchell just had to pull me off, slap me twice in the face, point her finger at me with an admonition of, "You've had enough now, I think. Time for bed."
Suffice it to say, I'm not a happy fangirl right about now.
Don't let my adolescent ranting get you off this book, though. It's still a solid Mitchell work with relatable and flawed characters with distinct differences in communicating that makes it easy to identify which one is talking without tags. I had to warm up to the MCs, but once I did - after some very hawt creative smexin scenes only Mitchell knows how to pull off, I got invested in their HEA and was pretty happy when they seemed to be on their way to it.
This would have been five stars, but the ending will grate on my nerves for weeks to come, so three stars for the main story and plus one more star because my favorite Daddy/boy couple of all time and stars of one of the best books in the genre, Eli and Quinn, are in this a whole lot, and I'm happy just to see them all domesticated and happy and sexy and being awesome and shit.
(Nate is still a sanctimonious asshole, but I refuse to let him rain on my Quieli parade. Also, dare I hope for an HEA for Silver? That boy just about broke my heart and he wasn't even on page for more than five pages.)
********
September 13, 2012 Update
"And. I got the cover preview for Bad Attitude (April 23) Jamie looks fine on it. Even my very gay wife thinks so. :)" - K.A. Mitchell on Facebook
Why do I get this feeling that Jamie's HEA is going to be Peter? And why am I not completely opposed to the idea? Dammit.
I have a feeling that I would like this one better when I read it for the second time having known exactly where it punches you in the face with an ending so sudden it would put anything Josh Lanyon comes up with to shame, but right now, I just wanna tie concrete around Gavin and Jamie's balls and push both of them off the bridge where we first met Gavin because as much as they bored the shit out of me in the beginning, I'd like to at least see more of them when they are finally communicating like mature adults, but Mitchell just had to pull me off, slap me twice in the face, point her finger at me with an admonition of, "You've had enough now, I think. Time for bed."
Suffice it to say, I'm not a happy fangirl right about now.
Don't let my adolescent ranting get you off this book, though. It's still a solid Mitchell work with relatable and flawed characters with distinct differences in communicating that makes it easy to identify which one is talking without tags. I had to warm up to the MCs, but once I did - after some very hawt creative smexin scenes only Mitchell knows how to pull off, I got invested in their HEA and was pretty happy when they seemed to be on their way to it.
This would have been five stars, but the ending will grate on my nerves for weeks to come, so three stars for the main story and plus one more star because my favorite Daddy/boy couple of all time and stars of one of the best books in the genre, Eli and Quinn, are in this a whole lot, and I'm happy just to see them all domesticated and happy and sexy and being awesome and shit.
(Nate is still a sanctimonious asshole, but I refuse to let him rain on my Quieli parade. Also, dare I hope for an HEA for Silver? That boy just about broke my heart and he wasn't even on page for more than five pages.)
********
September 13, 2012 Update
"And. I got the cover preview for Bad Attitude (April 23) Jamie looks fine on it. Even my very gay wife thinks so. :)" - K.A. Mitchell on Facebook
Why do I get this feeling that Jamie's HEA is going to be Peter? And why am I not completely opposed to the idea? Dammit.
April 23, 2013
I’m a K.A. Mitchell fangirl and I’ll proudly say that. I started reading her maybe a year ago, and glommed her entire back list. Man, that was a good time. She writes very erotic m/m books but conveys so much through her love scenes. And she gives us flawed characters and explores them and makes them suffer a bit before finding true love. I just think she is a fabulous writer. Now all that being said (yes here comes the big but) Bad Attitude was enjoyable, but not my favorite of hers. I think the bottom line is that I needed to feel them falling in love a little more. Gavin and Jamie have a very hard edged relationship, and while they have chemistry together, can I imagine them happily ever after, forever and ever? I’m not so sure.
Gavin is a “Montgomery” meaning he comes from the extremely wealthy Montgomery family in Maryland. He has a trust fund and sometimes lends his hand to charities. Otherwise, his life is his to lead. He hangs out with friends, always looking for that high (whether drug induced or reckless) which is how he finds himself lunging after his friend Beach, who decided to dive off a bridge and Gavin himself falls off trying to save him, both landing in the icy water.
Jamie is a police rescue diver and gets the call to go try to find Gavin and his friend. He does, and Gavin’s family is so grateful (and trying to make it publicly known Gavin didn’t try to kill himself) they have a black tie party to celebrate, pretty much forcing Jamie to come. It is here Jamie and Gavin really meet and kind of start doing the angry lust tango – untucking shirts, grinding crotches, but then pushing each other away. See, the book isn’t called Bad Attitude for nothing. Gavin is the king of wearing a nonchalant face and pretending nothing bothers him. Yet, a lot of things bother him and it simmers under the surface. Jamie isn’t one to hide things – he is usually pissed off and lets everyone know. He lost a close friend years ago which sticks with him (I needed more back story with this), and all he ever really wants is a cigarette, but he watched his father die of lung cancer and doesn’t want to go down that route. And he has big time control issues.
But – these two guys are very attracted to each other physically. And as always, KA Mitchell writes the hottest sex. She even gives us a threesome in this one – and it’s just as exciting as it sounds.
She does a nice job developing the characters. Gavin really comes off as rich – his relationship with his father and step-mother is nice but a little off, which I liked. Gavin knows how to be rich, so when he gets into Jamie’s working world, he struggles. I liked that, and vice versa for Jamie. They both don’t put up with the other’s bullshit either. But, when I reflected on this book after I finished, I just don’t know if I buy into the “I love you forever and ever.” I don’t know if these two would make it long term. I needed a little more lovey-dovey and more romance thrown in there. I still recommend it because it’s K.A. Mitchell. Enough said. *wink*
Rating: B-
Gavin is a “Montgomery” meaning he comes from the extremely wealthy Montgomery family in Maryland. He has a trust fund and sometimes lends his hand to charities. Otherwise, his life is his to lead. He hangs out with friends, always looking for that high (whether drug induced or reckless) which is how he finds himself lunging after his friend Beach, who decided to dive off a bridge and Gavin himself falls off trying to save him, both landing in the icy water.
Jamie is a police rescue diver and gets the call to go try to find Gavin and his friend. He does, and Gavin’s family is so grateful (and trying to make it publicly known Gavin didn’t try to kill himself) they have a black tie party to celebrate, pretty much forcing Jamie to come. It is here Jamie and Gavin really meet and kind of start doing the angry lust tango – untucking shirts, grinding crotches, but then pushing each other away. See, the book isn’t called Bad Attitude for nothing. Gavin is the king of wearing a nonchalant face and pretending nothing bothers him. Yet, a lot of things bother him and it simmers under the surface. Jamie isn’t one to hide things – he is usually pissed off and lets everyone know. He lost a close friend years ago which sticks with him (I needed more back story with this), and all he ever really wants is a cigarette, but he watched his father die of lung cancer and doesn’t want to go down that route. And he has big time control issues.
But – these two guys are very attracted to each other physically. And as always, KA Mitchell writes the hottest sex. She even gives us a threesome in this one – and it’s just as exciting as it sounds.
She does a nice job developing the characters. Gavin really comes off as rich – his relationship with his father and step-mother is nice but a little off, which I liked. Gavin knows how to be rich, so when he gets into Jamie’s working world, he struggles. I liked that, and vice versa for Jamie. They both don’t put up with the other’s bullshit either. But, when I reflected on this book after I finished, I just don’t know if I buy into the “I love you forever and ever.” I don’t know if these two would make it long term. I needed a little more lovey-dovey and more romance thrown in there. I still recommend it because it’s K.A. Mitchell. Enough said. *wink*
Rating: B-
April 26, 2013
This is the type of story Mitchell does best. It has great characterization and focuses on the couple. Jamie and Gavin are alike in many ways. They both build up walls to keep everyone at arm's length because they're afraid to be hurt if they let someone in. Jamie is arrogant, cynical, assertive, and says whatever is on his mind. Galvin on the other hand has this cloud of loneliness and isolation that surrounds him. He's giving and has a big heart but he's also insecure, he's always worried that he'll disappoint people and this leads to a shit load of guilt and a sense of failure.
What I love is that none of these character attributes were over-the-top or felt forced. Each layer added to another dimension of the characters. IMO, this is Mitchell's strong suit. I loved the subtle way she worked in the MC's backgrounds.
So we have to two men that are afraid of commitment and can't open up to each other. Neither of them understand the other's motives. They are constantly confused by what the other says or does and they never talk to each other or explain their actions. This is basically the entire book and it only leads to frustration, both on their part and the readers. Personally, I actually felt more sadness than frustration. I hated that Jamie had this negative attitude and automatically looked for the worst in people. Then we have Galvin who is living in this haze, always feeling invisible and that he could never please or live up to people's expectations. It was disheartening.
However, little by little they slipped through each other's walls. It was difficult and even by the end I still got the feeling they had a long way to go.
My biggest complaint is the ending. I thought the whole Beach situation and ring story line was weak and thrown in to move the story along just to get to the big dramatic ending. It felt like the additional drama covered up the issues and problems the MC's were having. This probably wouldn't have been such a big deal if there was another chapter or an epilogue but as it stands I felt like a door was slammed shut. I'm glad that everything wasn't tied up in a nice neat bow but I still wanted a little more closure.
My favorite quote which sums up the tone of the book for me:
It wasn't fear of pain that kept Gavin rooted in his head instead of giving in to the sensations of his body. It was yielding this way, knowing that if they went further, he'd be giving a piece of himself, opening more than his body, exposing himself to much more than physical hurt.
A Mitchell book I'm sure I'll be revisiting.
What I love is that none of these character attributes were over-the-top or felt forced. Each layer added to another dimension of the characters. IMO, this is Mitchell's strong suit. I loved the subtle way she worked in the MC's backgrounds.
So we have to two men that are afraid of commitment and can't open up to each other. Neither of them understand the other's motives. They are constantly confused by what the other says or does and they never talk to each other or explain their actions. This is basically the entire book and it only leads to frustration, both on their part and the readers. Personally, I actually felt more sadness than frustration. I hated that Jamie had this negative attitude and automatically looked for the worst in people. Then we have Galvin who is living in this haze, always feeling invisible and that he could never please or live up to people's expectations. It was disheartening.
However, little by little they slipped through each other's walls. It was difficult and even by the end I still got the feeling they had a long way to go.
My biggest complaint is the ending. I thought the whole Beach situation and ring story line was weak and thrown in to move the story along just to get to the big dramatic ending. It felt like the additional drama covered up the issues and problems the MC's were having. This probably wouldn't have been such a big deal if there was another chapter or an epilogue but as it stands I felt like a door was slammed shut. I'm glad that everything wasn't tied up in a nice neat bow but I still wanted a little more closure.
My favorite quote which sums up the tone of the book for me:
It wasn't fear of pain that kept Gavin rooted in his head instead of giving in to the sensations of his body. It was yielding this way, knowing that if they went further, he'd be giving a piece of himself, opening more than his body, exposing himself to much more than physical hurt.
A Mitchell book I'm sure I'll be revisiting.
May 28, 2013
I'm just finishing the threesome / twosome / shower scene - all so goddamned good and dirty. I love these two men - they are both SO fucked up. My absolute favorite kinds of characters.
Back to reading now...
*EDITED TO ADD*
Finished. Loved. Every single sex scene furthered the story - all the background info you need is in those sex scenes. It as fucking glorious to watch KA pull these guys together.
As for the ending...I saw it as more of a beginning than an ending. Like, these are two guys who are NEVER going to be the traditional ILY couple, so why should the ending be any different? To me it kind of shows, this is how they started, this is what so obviously works for both of them...neither man has changed - they just fell in love. And that's the best kind of love, where no one changes for the other.
I like how KA's books are all different. She doesn't write the same story over and over. Her men always read different. Obviously, I'm a huge fan :)
Back to reading now...
*EDITED TO ADD*
Finished. Loved. Every single sex scene furthered the story - all the background info you need is in those sex scenes. It as fucking glorious to watch KA pull these guys together.
As for the ending...I saw it as more of a beginning than an ending. Like, these are two guys who are NEVER going to be the traditional ILY couple, so why should the ending be any different? To me it kind of shows, this is how they started, this is what so obviously works for both of them...neither man has changed - they just fell in love. And that's the best kind of love, where no one changes for the other.
I like how KA's books are all different. She doesn't write the same story over and over. Her men always read different. Obviously, I'm a huge fan :)
April 27, 2013
More like 1.5 stars, as 'it was ok' is much too positive.
Finished! Yeah - not another dnf for me:) although it was tough. Most of this book was sex scenes, I realized at some point - hello, I'm at about 40% and since 20+% this scene is going on and on, where is the plot/story??? This was then followed by '3 days later...' another sexual encounter. In between there were threads that were lost - what about Silver? Was it a set-up for a follow-up? Oh - then Beach woke up, wow! Followed by reading about a harebrained search for a ring lost some 15 years prior?! I don't know what the author wanted to accomplish with this - it's that ludicrous, I'm at a loss for words. I'm sorry to say, but this was the last book by this author for me.
Finished! Yeah - not another dnf for me:) although it was tough. Most of this book was sex scenes, I realized at some point - hello, I'm at about 40% and since 20+% this scene is going on and on, where is the plot/story??? This was then followed by '3 days later...' another sexual encounter. In between there were threads that were lost - what about Silver? Was it a set-up for a follow-up? Oh - then Beach woke up, wow! Followed by reading about a harebrained search for a ring lost some 15 years prior?! I don't know what the author wanted to accomplish with this - it's that ludicrous, I'm at a loss for words. I'm sorry to say, but this was the last book by this author for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2013
3.75
I was worried when about half way through this read I wasn't liking either Jamie or Gavin. Jamie has a chip on his shoulder a mile wide and Gavin was a spoiled poor little rich boy. Don't get me started on Beach .
After the weird sex party things started looking up for me. The guys began seeing each other and there was more interaction. I still found Gavin hard to read though but I liked and respected how he tried to protect himself emotionally. I liked them together, the sex was really hot and they worked well together. I didn't mind the ending which was abrupt but I saw it as a HEA. I could see them happily living together and screwing like bunnies and stealing Gavin's sister's dog away from her.
Eli wins in the cameo showdown with Quinn a close second. I could kind of see where Mitchell could next if she writes more in the series.
This ended up being a pretty hot read with about a mid-level angst rating for the characters. It took me a while to warm up to them but I was rooting for them at the end. Good addition to the series. It could be a standalone but I'd recommend reading book 2 for the awesomeness of Eli and Quinn just so you can enjoy the glimpses of them here to see how their story is evolving.
I was worried when about half way through this read I wasn't liking either Jamie or Gavin. Jamie has a chip on his shoulder a mile wide and Gavin was a spoiled poor little rich boy. Don't get me started on Beach .
After the weird sex party things started looking up for me. The guys began seeing each other and there was more interaction. I still found Gavin hard to read though but I liked and respected how he tried to protect himself emotionally. I liked them together, the sex was really hot and they worked well together. I didn't mind the ending which was abrupt but I saw it as a HEA. I could see them happily living together and screwing like bunnies and stealing Gavin's sister's dog away from her.
Eli wins in the cameo showdown with Quinn a close second. I could kind of see where Mitchell could next if she writes more in the series.
This ended up being a pretty hot read with about a mid-level angst rating for the characters. It took me a while to warm up to them but I was rooting for them at the end. Good addition to the series. It could be a standalone but I'd recommend reading book 2 for the awesomeness of Eli and Quinn just so you can enjoy the glimpses of them here to see how their story is evolving.
April 25, 2013
I get it, I really do, both guys are totally screwed up, closed off emotionally and use sex as a means of communication. However, I really didn't like either one of them. Maybe if I had more background and character development, and a lot less sex, then maybe they could have grown on me. But seriously, they are all kinds of fucked up and deserved each other.
I never, ever thought I would give a KAM review like this. She is an auto-buy for me and still is, however I will just chalk this one up to a difference of opinions and move on.
I never, ever thought I would give a KAM review like this. She is an auto-buy for me and still is, however I will just chalk this one up to a difference of opinions and move on.
April 24, 2013
I never thought I would write this, but please, Ms. Mitchell, may we have a little less sex and some more story, particularly the ending? I pre-ordered, suffered through people posting reviews TWO MONTHS in advance of the release date, so maybe I was anticipating too much.
May 17, 2018
3.5 stars rounded up.
Well, then. This was at times a frustrating read, because both Gavin and Jamie had some issues. I mean, issues. Like, ISSUES.
This book gave me whiplash from the constant hot and cold and yes and no, much like that Katy Perry song.
Gavin is rebelling to some extent against the expectations of his wealthy family. He's supposed to show up at events, look good in a tux, and behave. Which has stunted his emotional growth by a large degree. He's starved for affection but too chicken shit to admit that to anyone including himself, so he postures and prances and performs because who the fuck needs feelings.
Jamie has a massive chip on his shoulder, because all his friends are paired up, and that's just fucking fabulous, because Jamie wants nothing to do with a ball and chain on his ankles, no, sirree. He's just fine with the wham, bam, thank you, Sam, and he sure as hell doesn't need a boyfriend. Or love. Also, he's a redhead, so that's another strike, amirite? No, no, Jamie is a man's man and feelings are for pussies.
So, both of these men have a really bad attitude towards love and making themselves vulnerable. They fuck, they fight, they dance around each other, neither capable of asking for what they really want but are too afraid to face, and so we are treated to a weird sex party, and accidental dives off a bridge, and feeling uncomfortable at a social event, and generally being too damn emotionally stunted to get a clue.
Eli and Quinn from book 2, as supporting characters, really steal the show, especially Eli. I've adored this character ever since I first read Bad Boyfriend, and I enjoyed seeing him in this book.
It took me some time to warm up to Gavin and Jamie, but I was on board about halfway through the book. Jamie comes around a little faster than Gavin, but both of them hide their true needs behind macho alpha male behavior, using sex to avoid intimacy, and displaying bitterness about their lot in life to mask their loneliness and vulnerability.
Gavin's friend Beach - yeah, I found zero redeeming qualities in him in this book, and knowing that book 5 is about him... well. While part of me is looking forward to seeing what the author does with this character, another, albeit smaller, part wants to simply forget he exists. The only good thing I can say about Beach at this point is that he serves as a catalyst for Gavin to get his shit together and finally tell Jamie the truth.
So, whiplash. Be prepared for that. Be ready for an at times frustrating read that delivers flawed characters who still have a lot to learn, despite thinking they know it all, and a romance that almost crashes and burns before it even begins.
But it is a romance, so there is a happy ending. In case you were wondering.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
Well, then. This was at times a frustrating read, because both Gavin and Jamie had some issues. I mean, issues. Like, ISSUES.
This book gave me whiplash from the constant hot and cold and yes and no, much like that Katy Perry song.
Gavin is rebelling to some extent against the expectations of his wealthy family. He's supposed to show up at events, look good in a tux, and behave. Which has stunted his emotional growth by a large degree. He's starved for affection but too chicken shit to admit that to anyone including himself, so he postures and prances and performs because who the fuck needs feelings.
Jamie has a massive chip on his shoulder, because all his friends are paired up, and that's just fucking fabulous, because Jamie wants nothing to do with a ball and chain on his ankles, no, sirree. He's just fine with the wham, bam, thank you, Sam, and he sure as hell doesn't need a boyfriend. Or love. Also, he's a redhead, so that's another strike, amirite? No, no, Jamie is a man's man and feelings are for pussies.
So, both of these men have a really bad attitude towards love and making themselves vulnerable. They fuck, they fight, they dance around each other, neither capable of asking for what they really want but are too afraid to face, and so we are treated to a weird sex party, and accidental dives off a bridge, and feeling uncomfortable at a social event, and generally being too damn emotionally stunted to get a clue.
Eli and Quinn from book 2, as supporting characters, really steal the show, especially Eli. I've adored this character ever since I first read Bad Boyfriend, and I enjoyed seeing him in this book.
It took me some time to warm up to Gavin and Jamie, but I was on board about halfway through the book. Jamie comes around a little faster than Gavin, but both of them hide their true needs behind macho alpha male behavior, using sex to avoid intimacy, and displaying bitterness about their lot in life to mask their loneliness and vulnerability.
Gavin's friend Beach - yeah, I found zero redeeming qualities in him in this book, and knowing that book 5 is about him... well. While part of me is looking forward to seeing what the author does with this character, another, albeit smaller, part wants to simply forget he exists. The only good thing I can say about Beach at this point is that he serves as a catalyst for Gavin to get his shit together and finally tell Jamie the truth.
So, whiplash. Be prepared for that. Be ready for an at times frustrating read that delivers flawed characters who still have a lot to learn, despite thinking they know it all, and a romance that almost crashes and burns before it even begins.
But it is a romance, so there is a happy ending. In case you were wondering.
** I received a free copy of this book from its publisher in exchange for an honest review. **
May 20, 2013
I loved this, I really did. It drew me in right at the beginning. Gavin and Jamie were great characters. They were both amusing, had a great dynamic together, and had so much sexual tension between them. When they got together it was explosive, and hot, and wow. But then it was over too quickly.
Gavin and Jamie were both loveable. I liked them a lot. They were also both idiots with serious communication issues. This was like reading about every communication-challenged relationship that ever existed. Which worked for me. It felt real. It wasn’t insta-luv. They started out with a physical relationship and it developed into something more, through lot’s of sex of course. I mean there was a lot of sex. And it was hot. Like, really fucking hot. Like, you’ll need to turn your fan on because you’re feeling a wee bit overheated hot.
I was so loving this book. It was funny. I was enjoying Gavin and Jamie trying to figure out how to function in a relationship. I thought they were good together, good for each other, and they were starting to develop as characters. There was all this potential for character growth and added depth to their relationship. But then it ended. It just felt… unfinished.
3.5 Stars
The Morning After Romance
May 30, 2013
Rounded up.
Meh...
Some parts were interesting though these moments inevitably capsized under protracted and petty complications. At times the back and forth seemed real and fitting, but too often this came across as being entirely artificial and manufactured for the purpose of fulfilling length and a semi-angst categorisation.
Eli was the best character in this book and it wasn't even his story. Jamie and Gavin are flat and poorly developed.
The whole thing is paper thin, actually, so I'm going to spare myself the time analysing the plot and tone etc.
So summing up...meh.
Meh...
Some parts were interesting though these moments inevitably capsized under protracted and petty complications. At times the back and forth seemed real and fitting, but too often this came across as being entirely artificial and manufactured for the purpose of fulfilling length and a semi-angst categorisation.
Eli was the best character in this book and it wasn't even his story. Jamie and Gavin are flat and poorly developed.
The whole thing is paper thin, actually, so I'm going to spare myself the time analysing the plot and tone etc.
So summing up...meh.
April 25, 2013
Wth? It just ended all abruptly. The ending totally ruined it for me, plus I wasn't feeling the MCs all that much. It could've been so good!
Meh.
Meh.
April 25, 2013
3.5 stars. I really like this series, and I was really into these two guys when this started out. They are both loaded with issues that cause them to each close themselves off from feelings or any chance of having a close relationship with anyone. Gavin has learned to live in the background primarily due to his familial background where money can buy and fix everything.
They rely on sarcasm and witty responses, that make for some fun banter, which I always love. They also each fall back on sex as their weapon/defense of choice. Both agree, though somewhat reluctantly on each part here and there, that they will continue with the sex since they are so good at it. So, what you get is a lot of good hot sex with an extra dose of smexy kissing, but not much else in the way of relationship development. Nature runs its course, however, as they each, seemingly unintentionally, chip away at the other's barriers and come to accept that they actually feel more for each other. Unfortunately, by the time they both come to a reasonable acceptance of this, the story abruptly ends.
There were a few side character/storylines that just had me shaking my head. Gavin's family, for one. He has an almost 50 year old stepmother about to have a baby for which he has an extreme overprotective affinity; his sister is selfish and cold, not the least of which is shown through her treatment of her sweet dog; and then there are Gavin's sex orgy/partying, partner swapping rich friends, as well as the total waste that is Beach. We get to see a little of Quinn and Eli, Kellen and Nate, but they are surrounded by the strange issue involving Eli's friend, Silver.
So, all in all, I enjoyed a lot of this story, but there were many things about it that left me disappointed, not the least of which was the ending, which felt totally rushed and ended at 90%.
They rely on sarcasm and witty responses, that make for some fun banter, which I always love. They also each fall back on sex as their weapon/defense of choice. Both agree, though somewhat reluctantly on each part here and there, that they will continue with the sex since they are so good at it. So, what you get is a lot of good hot sex with an extra dose of smexy kissing, but not much else in the way of relationship development. Nature runs its course, however, as they each, seemingly unintentionally, chip away at the other's barriers and come to accept that they actually feel more for each other. Unfortunately, by the time they both come to a reasonable acceptance of this, the story abruptly ends.
There were a few side character/storylines that just had me shaking my head. Gavin's family, for one. He has an almost 50 year old stepmother about to have a baby for which he has an extreme overprotective affinity; his sister is selfish and cold, not the least of which is shown through her treatment of her sweet dog; and then there are Gavin's sex orgy/partying, partner swapping rich friends, as well as the total waste that is Beach. We get to see a little of Quinn and Eli, Kellen and Nate, but they are surrounded by the strange issue involving Eli's friend, Silver.
So, all in all, I enjoyed a lot of this story, but there were many things about it that left me disappointed, not the least of which was the ending, which felt totally rushed and ended at 90%.
April 25, 2013
I think in this case, the title is all important. Both Jamie and Gavin have bad attitudes - With Jamie it's commitment, with Gavin, it's expectation. And of all the Baltimore boys we've met so far (Silver, are you next?), these two are the baddest.
It's right and proper that they have the hardest time getting their relationship going. There is a real attempt here to frustrate the reader - it's so back and forth. They are good together, then there's a fight and it's cool for a while, rinse and repeat.
There were contradictions too. At times Gavin was described as completely acquiesing to his father and being obedient in all things, and yet he often wanted to engage in risky behaviour and encourage Jamie to, as well. He was an upstanding family member, as well as working quietly (invisibly) with terminal patients yet witness his actions at the Soren party... Gavin is a complicated man.
Jamie is more straight-forward, except for his denial about commitment, and I liked the way Gavin kept pulling him up on his ridiculous declarations. But still, even once he decided that he did want more with Gavin, his way of going about communicating that to him was decidedly unwise
I like to keep my reviews short, and yet, this book made me crazy. The ending is too abrupt, so many issues left unresolved, and the introduction of Zeb right at the end, and his niggles with Nate made me itch for more.
These six Baltimore boys are their own family. It continues to build. But now I am caught up and left hanging. Arrgh.
It's right and proper that they have the hardest time getting their relationship going. There is a real attempt here to frustrate the reader - it's so back and forth. They are good together, then there's a fight and it's cool for a while, rinse and repeat.
There were contradictions too. At times Gavin was described as completely acquiesing to his father and being obedient in all things, and yet he often wanted to engage in risky behaviour and encourage Jamie to, as well. He was an upstanding family member, as well as working quietly (invisibly) with terminal patients yet witness his actions at the Soren party... Gavin is a complicated man.
Jamie is more straight-forward, except for his denial about commitment, and I liked the way Gavin kept pulling him up on his ridiculous declarations. But still, even once he decided that he did want more with Gavin, his way of going about communicating that to him was decidedly unwise
I like to keep my reviews short, and yet, this book made me crazy. The ending is too abrupt, so many issues left unresolved, and the introduction of Zeb right at the end, and his niggles with Nate made me itch for more.
These six Baltimore boys are their own family. It continues to build. But now I am caught up and left hanging. Arrgh.
May 17, 2013
2.0 Stars
Gavin Montgomery is the openly gay middle son of the most powerful family between Manhattan and Miami. When he and a friend fall off a bridge one frigid evening, police rescue diver Jamie Donnigan comes to his aid. Gavin is used to blending into the background and not making waves; Jamie is gruff, uptight, and pretty full of himself. The two start up a steamy "sex-only" arrangement. As time goes on, however, and despite their blatant differences, Gavin and Jamie fall for each other (as much as two emotionally stunted communication-challenged individuals are able).
First off, I love the Bad in Baltimore series. Well, okay, I loved book two (Eli and Quinn). So I desperately wanted to like Jamie and Gavin. I really, really tried to like them. Their attitudes were atrocious - especially Jamie - but I put up with them like a good little reader. Nearing the 90% mark, I found a micro-glimmer of hope that all the crap I’d put up with so far would finally f*cking pay off, then … bam! The. End. The book was over! Just like that … my little micro-glimmer was cruelly snuffed out. Well, that plain old sucks in my book. I was so pissed I took a point off for that crap ending alone (since I'm still mad about it four days later).
Bottom line: A story about two broken protagonists with attitudes that suck the life out of ya and drive you mad. The. End.
Gavin Montgomery is the openly gay middle son of the most powerful family between Manhattan and Miami. When he and a friend fall off a bridge one frigid evening, police rescue diver Jamie Donnigan comes to his aid. Gavin is used to blending into the background and not making waves; Jamie is gruff, uptight, and pretty full of himself. The two start up a steamy "sex-only" arrangement. As time goes on, however, and despite their blatant differences, Gavin and Jamie fall for each other (as much as two emotionally stunted communication-challenged individuals are able).
First off, I love the Bad in Baltimore series. Well, okay, I loved book two (Eli and Quinn). So I desperately wanted to like Jamie and Gavin. I really, really tried to like them. Their attitudes were atrocious - especially Jamie - but I put up with them like a good little reader. Nearing the 90% mark, I found a micro-glimmer of hope that all the crap I’d put up with so far would finally f*cking pay off, then … bam! The. End. The book was over! Just like that … my little micro-glimmer was cruelly snuffed out. Well, that plain old sucks in my book. I was so pissed I took a point off for that crap ending alone (since I'm still mad about it four days later).
Bottom line: A story about two broken protagonists with attitudes that suck the life out of ya and drive you mad. The. End.
April 25, 2013
I was really enjoying this, but it's missing at least two chapters of unresolved stuff. This is not a book in which the 'I <3 u' fixes all, so it makes zero sense to stop at that point.
April 10, 2019
Audio Review 08Apr2019: No change.
Chet Daniel did a good job narrating, but my feelings on the story didn't change.
Original Rating 17Feb2016: 3.8 Stars
I wasn't as engaged with this one, oddly enough...and that surprised me since I love the almost antagonistic nature of Jamie & Gavin's relationship. I thought maybe it was going to be a slow build up...something that simmered to a full rolling hot boil...but eh. Only lukewarm for me at best. (Not the sex scenes though, holy shit. As always that's a "need a cold shower now" situation with these books. Fuck. Me.)
I'm not sure why but I am just not all that fond of Gavin. Maybe it's the bored ennui affectation? Been there, done it all...wouldn't deign to buy - let alone wear - the gaudy fucking t-shirt to prove it. That blase, couldn't give two shits attitude that's completely him except for when he wants to do something nice for someone else? I don't know...he just rubbed me wrong.
Jamie was hoot, though. I did like his ridiculous temper and no-nonsense temperament. He, like the others in this series, was a distinct individual with a definitive personality that, if I were to read a sentence in his POV I could identify it; unless it's about paying for something, or giving away money, I'm not sure I could do the same for Gavin.
Didn't put me off the series though...I love how K.A. Mitchell manages to interweave the lives of her current characters with their friends in previous novels, and to include meaningful interactions with the people in ones to come. Sometimes that can feel forced, like they're introduced or dropped randomly into a conversation or flashback just so they can be somewhat familiar in a subsequent book - or to make it a convenient addition to a series (when such a link isn't necessary and a title would have been better served as a stand alone). I NEVER feel that way with the books in this series. Each of these people is important to someone else in the story and so they feel substantial, all they way through 'til it's their turn.
But honestly, in all seriousness: I'm dying for Silver at this point...and Marco. *grabby hands*
Chet Daniel did a good job narrating, but my feelings on the story didn't change.
Original Rating 17Feb2016: 3.8 Stars
I wasn't as engaged with this one, oddly enough...and that surprised me since I love the almost antagonistic nature of Jamie & Gavin's relationship. I thought maybe it was going to be a slow build up...something that simmered to a full rolling hot boil...but eh. Only lukewarm for me at best. (Not the sex scenes though, holy shit. As always that's a "need a cold shower now" situation with these books. Fuck. Me.)
I'm not sure why but I am just not all that fond of Gavin. Maybe it's the bored ennui affectation? Been there, done it all...wouldn't deign to buy - let alone wear - the gaudy fucking t-shirt to prove it. That blase, couldn't give two shits attitude that's completely him except for when he wants to do something nice for someone else? I don't know...he just rubbed me wrong.
Jamie was hoot, though. I did like his ridiculous temper and no-nonsense temperament. He, like the others in this series, was a distinct individual with a definitive personality that, if I were to read a sentence in his POV I could identify it; unless it's about paying for something, or giving away money, I'm not sure I could do the same for Gavin.
Didn't put me off the series though...I love how K.A. Mitchell manages to interweave the lives of her current characters with their friends in previous novels, and to include meaningful interactions with the people in ones to come. Sometimes that can feel forced, like they're introduced or dropped randomly into a conversation or flashback just so they can be somewhat familiar in a subsequent book - or to make it a convenient addition to a series (when such a link isn't necessary and a title would have been better served as a stand alone). I NEVER feel that way with the books in this series. Each of these people is important to someone else in the story and so they feel substantial, all they way through 'til it's their turn.
But honestly, in all seriousness: I'm dying for Silver at this point...and Marco. *grabby hands*
April 24, 2013
Oh how I love K.A. Mitchell! She is one of my absolute favorite M/M romance authors. I was crazy excited for Bad Attitude, the third in her Bad in Baltimore series. This book tells the story of gruff, hardened cop, Jamie and rich boy with a huge trust fund and not much else, Gavin. Two not very likable characters I'm afraid. These two boys find that they connect very well sexually and start a volatile personal relationship based on very good sex. The jabs they throw at each other when they are not in the throes of passion are incredibly hurtful (and at times hard to read), but these two keep coming back for more. They are apparently so damaged that their outer shells can take any beating in exchange for a few hours of blissful sexual escapism. While the sex was extra hot, there was nothing romantic about it.
But these two boys do eventually fall in love. I'm actually quite surprised they did because I honestly didn't see many redeeming qualities in either one. And I felt that Ms. Mitchell left us hanging on quite a few issues:
So, after mulling this over all evening, I came to the conclusion that while I like this newest addition to K.A. Mitchell's library, I did not love it, which is unusual for me. It comes down to the characters. I wasn't able to get under their shells enough to care enough to love them.
But, dude, this is K.A. Mitchell! Of course I'm going to recommend this book! Just don't expect hearts and flowers and butterflies and rainbows. You're not gonna get it here.
But these two boys do eventually fall in love. I'm actually quite surprised they did because I honestly didn't see many redeeming qualities in either one. And I felt that Ms. Mitchell left us hanging on quite a few issues:
So, after mulling this over all evening, I came to the conclusion that while I like this newest addition to K.A. Mitchell's library, I did not love it, which is unusual for me. It comes down to the characters. I wasn't able to get under their shells enough to care enough to love them.
But, dude, this is K.A. Mitchell! Of course I'm going to recommend this book! Just don't expect hearts and flowers and butterflies and rainbows. You're not gonna get it here.
September 25, 2021
I basically enjoyed the book, but it won't be a story that I consistently re-read, or that I recommend to others because there are simply too many mistakes in the way this story was written. The chemistry between the main characters, Jamie and Gavin, was off the charts, and the potential for love between them was amazing, intense, and real, but K.A. Mitchell didn't quite finish the job of selling a romance between them or crafting a believable HEA (even on Jamie's wonderfully cynical terms). Neither one of them completely opened up to the other in the way that couples do; I couldn't quite see how -- exactly -- they connected beyond a slightly dark take on life, a common love for The Doors, and an astounding connection in bed; and there are still secrets and unasked questions between them (e.g., Why, precisely, did Gavin feel so invisible, apart from poor-little-rich-boy syndrome; Did Jamie plan on EVER telling Gavin about the role that his previous lover, Colton, played in constructing his emotional fears? Were Jamie and the readers ever going to learn why Gavin felt the need to live at home while his stepmother was pregnant (or why he hadn't seriously considered moving out prior to the age of 32/33?) Why would someone who felt so invisible not make the effort to get a job and attempt to MAKE himself seen, at least to a few people? Etc.) This book needed less sex and more characterization. We know that Mitchell can do this -- she wrote the heck out of the characters in "But My Boyfriend Is" (well, really, in ALL of the Florida books), and it's just so disappointing that she isn't replicating the same feat in the Baltimore books. I must say, this story feels so incomplete, I wouldn't mind a sequel to fix all of the lingering emotional threads that she left hanging. It is a testament to Mitchell's remarkable skill as a writer that I was willing to give the book 3.5 stars, and that I care about the characters, mishaps notwithstanding.
April 25, 2013
Really enjoyed this. Heaps of sex, but it made sense within the context of the beginning of their relationship. I can't believe she wrote such a smutty threesome! Grubby! Heh.
Sometimes when I read m/m the male characters can act and feel like they're not men, kinda like an idealised version of what men are or should be like. I don't think KA Mitchell's books suffer from this, they feel realistic I guess. I like her writing style and adore her characters warts and all. While nothing can compete with my absolute obsession with Collision Course Collision Course which I re read every few months, but this was a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Maybe wanted a little more at the end. 4 and a half stars.
Sometimes when I read m/m the male characters can act and feel like they're not men, kinda like an idealised version of what men are or should be like. I don't think KA Mitchell's books suffer from this, they feel realistic I guess. I like her writing style and adore her characters warts and all. While nothing can compete with my absolute obsession with Collision Course Collision Course which I re read every few months, but this was a great read and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Maybe wanted a little more at the end. 4 and a half stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 4, 2013
I liked the sex in "Bad Boyfriend" better (daddy kink, people!), but I liked the edge in this one better.
I'm definitely starting a K.A Mitchell collection.
April 20, 2016
If you've read my post then you know that for the most part this book just wasn't happening for me, so (You are probably wondering) why did she give the book 3 stars? I didn't, I really only gave it 2.5 and that was mostly for the last 21% of the book where I started to like the characters and want to see them together.
For most of the book I couldn't figure out why these two even bothered to stay in the same room together...oh that's right they like to screw like horny bunnies in mating season. Liking each other was irrelevant and therein lay the heart of my problem. I don't connect when it's sex for the sake of sex. Don't get me wrong I understand that people aren't always passionately in love with every person that they get naked with, but sorry I just feel like you should at least like the person you're getting intimate with. Having said that I fully acknowledge this as my issue and I did not write this book. So again you might be wondering why I didn't give this book a higher rating, well to be honest because it was part of a series and I hate to quit reading a series once I've started, also I hate to quit reading a book once I've started again both my issues and not the quality of the author's writing that kept me reading.
One of the other things that I really didn't like about this book was the fact that Gavin's friend Beach started talking and that man should never be allowed to speak because frankly he struck me as being the epitome of a self centred, arrogant douche and while I fully acknowledge that people can change the reality is not all of them do. I honestly have to admit if Ms Mitchell decides to give Beach his own story I'm torn as to whether or not I want to read it. Part of me says no way, never gonna' happen and another part of me is just curious enough to want to see if she can make me like this character.
Now having said all that, while I didn't like Beach, I did like the fact that there was a secondary character in the story that I felt so intensely about. I think it speaks to the quality and level of the author's writing skills that she can bring out intense emotions in the reader about the characters she creates.
Unfortunately my biggest issue was with the end of the book, there I was reading away and starting to really enjoy this couple and like the fact that they were starting to acknowledge their feelings for each other and suddenly BANG!!! It was done, story over and I'm left going WTF? Really, my e-reader says I have 20 pages left to read and I did, 20 pages of which about 2 were author bio (I'm cool with that) and the rest were book trailers, one was even for this book? I'm sorry but honestly I just finished reading the book and you put a promo for it at the end of the book what the hell either loose the pages or give me more story. According to GR this book is 223 pages long, according to my e-reader it was 179 pages long. I know the page numbers can vary but really? 43 pages, that's a little extreme.
I actually like K.A. Mitchell, a lot. Overall her books tend to rate 4 or 5 stars from me. Would I recommend this book, not as resoundingly as some of Ms Mitchell's other books but if you're going to read this series then I say read them all. Will I continue to read this series, of course. I have in fact already started the next book. Like I said I really liked the first 2 books and I really like Ms Mitchell.
For most of the book I couldn't figure out why these two even bothered to stay in the same room together...oh that's right they like to screw like horny bunnies in mating season. Liking each other was irrelevant and therein lay the heart of my problem. I don't connect when it's sex for the sake of sex. Don't get me wrong I understand that people aren't always passionately in love with every person that they get naked with, but sorry I just feel like you should at least like the person you're getting intimate with. Having said that I fully acknowledge this as my issue and I did not write this book. So again you might be wondering why I didn't give this book a higher rating, well to be honest because it was part of a series and I hate to quit reading a series once I've started, also I hate to quit reading a book once I've started again both my issues and not the quality of the author's writing that kept me reading.
One of the other things that I really didn't like about this book was the fact that Gavin's friend Beach started talking and that man should never be allowed to speak because frankly he struck me as being the epitome of a self centred, arrogant douche and while I fully acknowledge that people can change the reality is not all of them do. I honestly have to admit if Ms Mitchell decides to give Beach his own story I'm torn as to whether or not I want to read it. Part of me says no way, never gonna' happen and another part of me is just curious enough to want to see if she can make me like this character.
Now having said all that, while I didn't like Beach, I did like the fact that there was a secondary character in the story that I felt so intensely about. I think it speaks to the quality and level of the author's writing skills that she can bring out intense emotions in the reader about the characters she creates.
Unfortunately my biggest issue was with the end of the book, there I was reading away and starting to really enjoy this couple and like the fact that they were starting to acknowledge their feelings for each other and suddenly BANG!!! It was done, story over and I'm left going WTF? Really, my e-reader says I have 20 pages left to read and I did, 20 pages of which about 2 were author bio (I'm cool with that) and the rest were book trailers, one was even for this book? I'm sorry but honestly I just finished reading the book and you put a promo for it at the end of the book what the hell either loose the pages or give me more story. According to GR this book is 223 pages long, according to my e-reader it was 179 pages long. I know the page numbers can vary but really? 43 pages, that's a little extreme.
I actually like K.A. Mitchell, a lot. Overall her books tend to rate 4 or 5 stars from me. Would I recommend this book, not as resoundingly as some of Ms Mitchell's other books but if you're going to read this series then I say read them all. Will I continue to read this series, of course. I have in fact already started the next book. Like I said I really liked the first 2 books and I really like Ms Mitchell.
March 26, 2017
This installment of the series is a "love across class lines" story. The MCs are a Marine Afghanistan war veteran now police officer from a catholic working-class Irish family and a trust fund baby from a prominent high-profile family.
Whereas the writing was fine and there were no typos or grammatical errors to speak of, I never warmed up to the characters or felt a real connection between them. All they seemed to do is "hook up." At one point, I had to stop reading and take a break because I was tired of the constant sex scenes between them.
I didn't feel any substantive interaction between them that would result in a plausible love-connection.
This just didn't work for me, but I will read the other books in the series and other of this author's writings.
NTS: MMRG Ultimate Challenge February 1, 2017 - January 31, 2018. February/March bonus, state, Maryland.
Whereas the writing was fine and there were no typos or grammatical errors to speak of, I never warmed up to the characters or felt a real connection between them. All they seemed to do is "hook up." At one point, I had to stop reading and take a break because I was tired of the constant sex scenes between them.
I didn't feel any substantive interaction between them that would result in a plausible love-connection.
This just didn't work for me, but I will read the other books in the series and other of this author's writings.
NTS: MMRG Ultimate Challenge February 1, 2017 - January 31, 2018. February/March bonus, state, Maryland.
April 26, 2013
Love this author but not this book. Really a series of sex scenes with not really likable guys. I usually love her characters but not this time. I always anticipate her books and plan to have a free night to read on the day the book is released so the depth of my disappointment is great. Hope she goes back to Ohio for her next book.
July 25, 2013
KA Mitchell's books either really, really work for me, or not so much. This one was not so much. I had a hard time connecting with the characters, and it never felt like they managed to connect with each other, either.
April 27, 2013
2.5 stars.
I loved the second book in this series so I had high hopes for this one.
Sadly, it was just alot of sex with some plot points thrown in with an 'ending' that felt unfinished.
Only a meh read for me. If this was a movie I'd tell you to wait for Redbox.
I loved the second book in this series so I had high hopes for this one.
Sadly, it was just alot of sex with some plot points thrown in with an 'ending' that felt unfinished.
Only a meh read for me. If this was a movie I'd tell you to wait for Redbox.
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