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Sex in Seattle #1

The Trouble with Tony

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As part of the investigation into the murder of a young woman, Seattle P.I. Tony DeMarco poses as a patient of Dr. Jack Halloran, the therapist who treated the victim at a Seattle sex clinic. This isn’t the first time Tony has gone undercover, but it’s the first time he’s wanted to go under cover with one of his suspects. He can’t help it—Jack Halloran is just the kind of steely-eyed hero Tony goes for. But he’ll have to prove Halloran’s innocence and keep the doctor from finding out about his ruse before he can play Romeo.

Dr. Halloran has his own issues, including a damaged right arm sustained in the line of duty as a combat surgeon in Iraq and the PTSD that followed. He’s confused to find himself attracted to a new patient, the big, funny Italian with the puppy-dog eyes, and Tony’s humor slips right past Jack’s defenses, making him feel things he thought long buried. But can the doctor and the P.I. find a path to romance despite the secrets between them?

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 20, 2013

99 people are currently reading
1362 people want to read

About the author

Eli Easton

82 books2,792 followers
Having been, at various times and under different names, a minister’s daughter, a computer programmer, the author of paranormal mysteries, a game designer, an organic farmer, an avid hiker, and a profound sleeper, Eli is happily embarking on yet another incarnation as a m/m romance author.

As an addicted reader of such, she is tinkled pink when an author manages to combine literary merit, vast stores of humor, melting hotness and eye-dabbing sweetness into one story. She promises to strive to achieve most of that most of the time. She currently lives on a farm in Pennsylvania with her husband, three bulldogs, three cows and six chickens. All of them (except for the husband) are female, hence explaining the naked men that have taken up residence in her latest fiction writing.

Her website in www.elieaston.com
You can email her at [email protected]

COMING SOON:
See what's in the pipeline here: http://elieaston.com/work-in-progress/

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 502 reviews
Profile Image for Carol [Goodreads Addict].
2,946 reviews25.3k followers
July 2, 2020
The Trouble With Tony is book one in the Sex in Seattle series by Eli Easton. I previously read the fourth book in this series so now am going back to the beginning. I wasn’t prepared to fall in love with this as much as I did. I completely adored these two characters.

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Tony DeMarco is an ex-Seattle cop and now is a private detective. He’s all Italian, complete with a huge family whose mother calls him with crazy inappropriate questions that made me laugh. Tony is on the case of a murdered woman who was being treated at a sex clinic. Tony needs information from the Dr. who treated her so it looks like he’s going under cover.

Dr. Jack Halloran is a sex therapist at Expanded Horizons. He was a combat surgeon but his arm was seriously injured in an explosion. He is also still suffering from PTSD.

Both Jack and Tony are gay. Jack hasn’t dated since his injury. He hasn’t felt interested enough to even try. But then a big Italian new client walked into his office and woke up parts of his body that haven’t been awake in so long. Still, Tony is his patient, and he will not cross that line.

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Tony needed a reason for seeing a sex therapist. And he really did have something he needed help with. At the same time, one look at the sexy Dr.Halloran and Tony wanted more than to be his patient. But the Dr. isn’t interested, or so he says. But Tony won’t give up easily.

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I loved this book. Both of these men were just so perfect for each other. This is a quick read and I devoured it. Not only are we on the case of the murdered woman, we get to watch these two men fall. This was sexy, sweet and even suspenseful. And, it made smile. I can’t wait to move on to the second book in the series, The Enlightenment of Daniel.

For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...

Profile Image for Nancy.
557 reviews840 followers
November 17, 2018
Posted at Shelf Inflicted

I generally like dark, gritty stories that are troubling, unsettling and reveal human nature in all its beauty and wickedness. Every once in a while, though, I need a break and enjoy a light, humorous and warm-hearted story that makes me smile and love humanity for at least a few minutes. After glancing at the cover and title, I just knew that The Trouble With Tony would be a lot of fun.

Tony DeMarco is an ex-cop turned P.I. hired by the parents of a young woman who died of a drug overdose. Further investigation reveals that Marilyn White received treatment at Seattle’s Expanded Horizons, a sex therapy clinic that not only treats sexual dysfunction, but also specializes in surrogacy.

Dr. Jack Halloran, an ex-combat surgeon who was seriously wounded and suffers PTSD, is one of the suspects. The doctor respects his patients’ rights to confidentiality, so it is tough to get any kind of information from him. Tony decides the only way to solve this case is to become Jack’s patient. Since Jack doesn't believe Tony’s story about being a sex addict, Tony decides to tell him the truth – that he is unable to find Mr. Right and has only ever enjoyed sex with four guys, the last relationship being two years ago.

First, the doctor has to rule out physical causes and conducts an examination.

“Five minutes, it’ll be over. Five minutes, it’ll be over. Yeah, but during those five minutes, a murder suspect is going to be looking at my dick. How did that happen?”


Now, Tony’s “picky dick” is at attention whenever Jack is around, leading him to think that Jack will be number five.

The mystery was lightweight and predictable, but it is the relationship that develops between Jack and Tony that is the focus of this story. Serious issues, like Jack’s PTSD and previous injuries take a back seat to the humorous banter and hot sexy times.

This story was warm, funny, entertaining, and made me feel all sunny inside. I will definitely be reading more by this author.

*Book provided by author in exchange for an honest review.
Profile Image for Nick Pageant.
Author 6 books927 followers
September 12, 2016
Another winner from Eli Easton.

This concerns Tony, a P.I. who, while working on a murder investigation, has to pose as a patient at a sex-therapy clinic.

There is not much of a mystery, but I was fine with that. The writing is witty and fun. The sex is smokin' and I was made to realize that I have a medical kink. Books help us grow!

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Profile Image for Macky.
2,019 reviews230 followers
August 22, 2013
I said on my first update I was rubbing my hands with glee because I only discovered Eli when I read Superhero a couple of weeks ago and like a lot of my fellow readers I fell in love with Eli's easy, witty style of writing so when I saw this was due for release pretty much on its tail I was really excited. The fact that it was set in a sex clinic where the lead character has to go undercover as a patient, sounded awesome and the couple of funny, teaser excerpts I read had my mouth watering but sometimes the anticipation can outweigh the reality so I set off reading hoping and praying that I wouldn't be deflated by disappointment by the end of it.

Yaaay! Happy Dance and More please! Disappointed... No freaking way. I absolutely loved it!

Tony De Marco is an Italian hottie ex cop who having been shot in the line of duty has left the force has become a PI and when he is asked by a couple to investigate the suspicious death of their daughter, he goes to see his cop friend Mark who gives him a lead to a sex clinic where he is thrown into the path of the sexy Dr Jack Halloran, ex combat surgeon turned sex therapist due to injury in the field which has sadly ended his career as a surgeon and left him with PTSD but this man is no pushover.

Their first couple of meetings had me laughing out loud when Tony tries to lie his way into the clinic and set the scene for a funny, sexy, witty murder mystery which kept me smiling and connected all the way through. The fact that Tony really did have a sexual problem relating to his " Picky Dick " ( lmao ) made it all the funnier and of course his instant attraction to Jack and vice versa gave Eli plenty of scope for some * ahem * naughty sex therapies and sizzling sexual tension! And I do love me some tasty UST.

Having said all that though, the story is never reduced to just silly porny smut, I thought the doctor/ patient conflict was addressed and handled brilliantly and the murder mystery whilst never being over complicated, still ran interestingly in the background whilst the relationship between the two main guys took centre stage. Considering the length of the book it was paced well but really its the sparky romance between Tony and Jack that carries the book for me. Great chemistry.

It certainly ticked all my boxes and has made any book by this author an absolute auto buy for me now. YA, historical and now adult m/m, it seems she can turn her hand to anything...thankfully I have one story The Lion and the Crow to read by the talented Eli Easton but I'm hoping its still not long before the next one arrives. FAB-U-LOUS!!



Profile Image for Mandy*reads obsessively* .
2,197 reviews340 followers
August 23, 2013
I really enjoyed this author's YA Superhero and when I saw she had a new story coming out and the story takes place in a sex clinic I jumped on it , held it down and devoured it.
Not sure what that says about me, but I just couldn't resist and didn't really want to either.

Tony is a PI in Seattle, he left the police force after being injured in a shooting and as much as he loves his big and boisterous Italian family in NY, he has his reasons for living all the way across the country. His Ma and four older brothers topping that list of reasons.

Jack Halloran is a war hero and surgeon but a war injury took away his ability to operate and with his PTSD he had trouble getting a job. With a little more training he is now working at a clinic that helps people with problems in their sex life.
There Jack has his boss, sex surrogates and an annoying receptionist to deal with, although I wished for a few more of Jack's cases in this book. Alas we only have Tony's issues to deal with.

Tony has been hired by Marilyn White's parents since the police ruled her death an accidental overdose. To investigate he needs to go to the Expanded Horizons clinic and see what he can find out. He figures he can may as well kill two birds with one stone.
My main enjoyment of this story came from Tony. He's a big tough ex-cop, but he has let's say...issues. His thoughts about his penis and sex had me chuckling and occasionally cringing in embarrassment for him. Here's just one example, which I of course whole heartedly agree with:

“Lesson learned: Never trust the judgment of erectile tissue”

Tony can't talk about sex straight out, no he needs euphemisms like this one when talking about masturbation :

"Doc! You’re killing me. Can you call it something else? Like ‘tenderizing the steak’? I’d feel better."

He also has a very 'picky dick' . Exactly what that means I'll let stay a mystery.
There is attraction between these two, but Jack knows he can't overstep the doctor-patient line and Tony hasn't been completely honest with Jack why he's at the clinic seeking treatment.

The mystery isn't all that mysterious and it's pretty clear from the beginning whodunit. That didn't diminish my fun at all, Tony is silly and sweet, and despite a small bit of serious the story was a quick light hearted humorous read with few but steamy sex scenes.
After reading three stories by Eli Easton, she is quickly moving to my auto-buy list.
Profile Image for Elisa Glendenning (on hiatus).
537 reviews46 followers
July 5, 2021
3.75 Stars

It wasn’t what I expected but I liked it. A short and sweet read which was funny, low on angst, with some very steamy moments involving stirrups.😉 10/10 for that massage!!! 😍 I just wish this had been much longer!!!

There were a few moments that made me cringe (I can’t stop thinking about garlic/marinara 😵‍💫) and at times it was difficult to be in sex therapist Jack’s head.

Everything I’ve read so far by Eli Easton has been a hit! Her writing style just works for me. Aside from a few niggles with character/relationship development and a rushed ending, it was highly entertaining! I’m looking forward to reading The Enlightenment of Daniel.
Profile Image for Martin.
807 reviews571 followers
abandoned
March 1, 2021
DNF'd at 33%


Eli Easton is definitely one of my favorite authors, but I seriously couldn't stomach this story. It's a bit like a sitcom, but tries to be super serious at the same time with a murder case, a doctor who may or may not be involved in the death and a P.I. who acts like Tony Danza if he were gay and had a "picky dick" (which I interpret as demisexuality, but Tony seems to think it's the end of the world for him)

Weird, an all around weird story that I didn't enjoy much and don't feel like seeing it through to the end.
Profile Image for Ingie.
1,464 reviews167 followers
May 29, 2016
Written February 22, 2015

2 1/2 Stars - ....Sigh!!

The Trouble With Tony is Eli Easton's first novella in the 'Sex in Seattle' series. — Book #1 is about the former cop nowadays P.I., Tony DeMarco and Dr. Jack Halloran, a physician / therapist in a local sex clinic.

I listened to the 3:12 hours audiobook narrated by Tommy O'Brien.

.

Sigh! It’s so sad but this audiobook didn't do it for me
I felt it at once, oh no.... This narrator just made me annoyed and I rolled my eyes. I know it was supposed to be a fun, cute and sexy story, but I didn't feel that.

***********************************************************

# You shall never give up...
I usully give up on books I don't like (as in "like a lot" - why waste time?) and leave them for later (or never). This wasn't a very long book so I hanged on. - My mistake (you usually never see any 2 stars reviews from me).

# Sometimes is it simply just the wrong day...
Or perhaps the wrong listener. A new day and a new feel (this morning) and it actully felt a little bit better those last minutes. - That 1/2 star come there.

# But I must be honest...
The Trouble With Tony wasn't for me. Not this time. Not as an audiobook listening at least.

I should probably stopped my audio-app and saved this novella to be READ later (and maybe enjoyed much more). ~ Sorry Ms. Easton, I usually like your stories.

My advice: Read some happy reviews by some e-books readers who enjoyed this (to be) comic M/M romance novella.

***********************************************************

I LIKE - ...no, not so much this time

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Profile Image for Teal.
608 reviews247 followers
December 26, 2019
I've enjoyed some of Eli Easton's books, particularly Snowblind and A Second Harvest, but this one fell flat. Characters, dialogue, plot, the romance, the sex scenes, the humor -- none of it worked for me. It all felt awkward and "off," and slogging to The End became a grim and thankless chore.

Apparently this book is intended to be funny. Humor is highly subjective, but if your sense of humor aligns with the author's, it's easy to forgive -- or not even notice -- flaws that may trip up other readers. Which is my roundabout way of saying: You might love this and not be bothered by the things that bothered me.

There were a few instances where a typo -- or perhaps an unfortunate misuse of the English language, I couldn't tell which -- made me cringe-laugh. The MOST outrageous example, while Tony is going down on Jack, veers right into hardcore body horror:

Tony lathed every bit of him like a mother cat on Ecstasy.

Setting aside the bizarro cat-on-recreational-drugs simile -- omg, "lathed"? That word SHOULD have been "laved," meaning "bathed." (A word that, while not exactly archaic, is no longer in common use, and I only EVER encounter it nowadays in m/m romance. Which is a whole different rant.)

But for anyone who knows what a lathe is and does -- google it if you don't -- that sentence conjures up the stuff of nightmares. If I had a cock, I would NEVER under any circumstances want it lathed. But hey, yanno, maybe that's just me.

Okay, moving on from that gruesome scenario... While I plan to read more by Eli Easton, this book taught me that she can't be one of my auto-buy authors.
Profile Image for Ami.
6,194 reviews489 followers
August 23, 2013
The premise is cheeky enough for me to feel giddy about it prior to start reading. It involves a private investigator who goes undercover as a patient at a sex clinic(!) in order to find out if the sex therapist/doctor involved in a patient's death.

However, do not expect something resembling to mystery/thriller -- this is more of a light, fluffy, humorous, contemporary romance. The mystery is not deep (and the actual suspect is no surprise). I am having such a great time reading Tony's lust thoughts over Jack and the problem with his Picky Dick. The story has insta-lust but never reached into insta-sex/insta-love.

Throughout, Tony is trying so hard to prove that Jack is not guilty, because OMG Jack is working wonders to Tony's dick!! While Jack is trying to keep the boundaries due to his being Tony's doctor. A very good formula for entertaining read. And OMG, the scene involving a massage and a stirrup? Whoa, SENSUAL and HOT!

Both Tony and Jack are likeable characters. Sure, Jack is written as having scars and nightmares over his time in Iraq. But it never goes into angst/depressing territory. Again, this I appreciate. Sometimes I need my fluffy stuffs.

If I have complains, it's that Ms. Easton seems to like using analogy, but after awhile, it feels a bit excessive, and the humorous tone feels forced. Luckily, this is a novella length, so my irritation is manageable.

All in all, I think Eli Easton has written another good read -- and she has become one of the authors I look out for.

PS: One of the secondary characters, Michael, a sex surrogate, is really REALLY adorable. Unfortunately, his story will be the third ones, and not the second one *pout*
Profile Image for Sheri.
1,418 reviews193 followers
March 1, 2020
There are more than a few reasons I stop and pause when an Easton book catches my eye. The first is to check and see if I’ve ticked that box already. If not, I take a quick second to scan the blurb. And then ninety-nine percent of the time, I’m raising my hand or slipping in line. I adore Easton’s smooth and easy style. I love her balanced combo of sweet and sexy with a heavy dose of witty charm. I’m always smitten with her guys. Always. And I can’t wait to discover their past as we reach for their happily ever after. When I heard she was re-releasing her first series I was over the moon. So, if you missed Sex in Seattle the first time around as I did, let me tell you why you shouldn’t let it pass by again…

What's to like: I can’t decide if I’m a Tony girl or a Jack girl but I’m definitely a Jack and Tony girl. Yep. Both of the guys are great but fabulous together. Jack loathes to admit it but he’s still healing from his combat days. Even though he wasn’t a soldier wielding a weapon, he was a surgeon wielding sutures and a silent prayer. As it often goes in war, not all prayers are answered. PTSD followed him home and he continues to builds walls around the brittle peace he yearned for. Working as a sex therapist has begun to fill his empty wells but he’s far from content. Until fate delivers a new patient to his office along with a coveted possibility. Jack is a strong-willed man with strong ethics. He’s never been tempted by a patient before. But then again, he hadn’t met Tony DeMarco yet either.

What's to love: I LOVED the forbidden love double play here. Jack can’t get involved with a patient and Tony can’t get involved with a potential suspect on a case. The sexual tension was pulsating like an abscessed tooth…relentless and unforgiving. The murder mystery takes the back seat but I wasn’t complaining in the slightest. I couldn’t get enough of Tony’s humor and overbearing Italian family. I enjoyed the rest of the staff at the sex clinic, especially Michael. I’m stoked for his book but certainly don’t mind getting to know another couple before it’s his turn in the limelight. As expected, I had a fabulous time with these guys in Seattle. Eli delivers a tiptop tale with this private dick and sexy sex doctor.

Beware of: Swift read…the pages suddenly slipped away leaving me in a cloud of glee. Finicky extremities find their perfect match. Out of bounds becomes wonderfully within limits.

This book is for: If you’re in the mood for a light-hearted healing story with two sensational men, I highly recommend that you snatch up this fun first installment in SiS.

Book UNfunk
Profile Image for SheReadsALot.
1,855 reviews1,266 followers
February 23, 2014

February's Author of the Month

4.5 Hearts



"But...if two people who are right for each other can meet in a bar, why can't they meet in a doctor's office?"



Really, why can't they? Especially if they have a good connection like the two main characters did in Eli Easton's "The Trouble with Tony", the first book in the Sex in Seattle series. I know I'm sure I'd get a lot of ethics arguments but just give this book a try and see why I agree with the quote. Eli Easton delivers a sexy, funny novella about sex. I should say a sex clinic. And what I am learning with this author, she gives excellent dialogue. My third book that I've read from this author and another slam dunk.



Tony is an ex-cop turned private investigator. He's a Brooklyn implant with an Italian Catholic background. He has yet to come out to his family so the thousand miles between his tight knit family helps. He's investigating a  murder and has to pretend to be a patient for a sex clinic in Seattle. But the thing is, he actually does suffer from an ailment. According to Tony, he has "picky dick".



Before you start trying to figure out if you have that, it's a pretty simple diagnosis. Not telling you what it is...you'll have to read to find out. But just note it's hilarious reading Tony's near panic attack discussing his 'ailment' to the other main character, while being attracted to him and pretending to be a patient but he sorta, kinda is.

And Dr. Jack Halloran...yum, yum, yum! Blonde, a wounded ex-solider who is not super tall but don't let his height fool you. He can kick ass. He's battling PTSD while trying not to be depressed about not being able to practice surgery. His job as a sex therapist seems to be going well for him until he meets Tony, whom he thinks is a patient.

These two struggle to deny the heat between them but it's there. Oh, it's there.



"What's that I smell? Oh yum. Sexual tension." He winked, licked his finger, and planted it in the air with a sizzle sound. 



Michael, the saucy sex surrogate at the clinic, nailed it with that line. (I think I am going to like Michael's book coming out later on this year) The sexual tension is everything, it outshines the murder mystery, in my opinion because I devoured the words waiting for these two to finally succumb to their desires. And when they finally do...explosive.



Hint: a memorable hand job. ;D

The clinic and how it is run is pretty interesting. I definitely will be reading the rest of this series because I find the profession or sex surrogacy intriguing and sex therapy as well. Tony has one cloying mother...she asks about his BM at one point. Oh man, she has a tight grip on her son. But it's out of love so it didn't annoy me. But I can see where Tony gets his hangups about sex.


"Sad, isn't it? I've already ordered the tombstone for my penis at Everlasting Hills," Tony agreed morosely.


"What about masturbation?"


Tony groaned. "Doc! You're killing me. Can you call it something else? Like 'tenderizing the steak'? I'd feel better."


And Tony has other euphemisms for sexual acts. It's quite hilarious reading that Catholic boy squirm and sweat when talking about sex.

The story progressed at nice pace, it's closer to novella in length. I liked Jack a lot, he was a cool customer struggling to deny how he felt for Tony. I do love a good struggle. Makes the coupling hotter, in my opinion. There was a little medical kink...it was light. It's my first brush with this particular kink in a book (what I can remember) but it was tame comparing to some of the other examples I've heard from...er, sources. All in all, the sex was vanilla. And it ends with a HEA. Loved the epilogue.

Profile Image for BevS.
2,842 reviews2 followers
August 5, 2015


This was a funny story, light and fluffy. I really enjoyed it, and am looking forward to book 2 in the series. 4.5 stars and

Shortie review for this one as some other good ones have already been done. I loved the characters of Tony and Jack, the situation that they found themselves in and the fact that neither wanted to give the other up, Tony in particular was very funny and the excuses he kept coming up with for visiting the sex clinic and continuing his 'treatment' were quite comical, thanks Mr Picky Dick...oh, and let's not forget, the hot parts were hot!! Yes, we all knew who the baddie was, and that it would just be a matter of time before enough evidence was collected to convict him, but the ride to get to that point was great. Many thanks once again Eli, and looking forward to Michael's story in book 3.
Profile Image for Adam.
611 reviews372 followers
August 18, 2015
This is one of those books where you have to suspend disbelief in order to enjoy it.

The mystery isn't really much of a mystery. In fact, it made me worry about the incompetence of the local police force in charge of the investigation. But I get that the mystery wasn't meant to be the focus of the book, so I didn't mind.

Tony's "picky dick" plot line provided some good comedy. I'm not sure whether the portrayal of demisexuality was accurate, but I thought it was fine for a novella like this. And the medical kink? Hawt.

While the angst is very low, there were some serious topics discussed. Both Jack and Tony have had tough times in their past, related to their former careers. They both have physical scars from the dangers of their past. The book didn't go in to detail, but I liked that the two MCs bonded over their scars. It added some heart to the story.

The audiobook was okay. The author tried to differentiate between the characters with slight accents, but it all sounded the same to me. It took me a while to get in to the book, because for the first half hour I had to listen very closely to be able to tell who was speaking. I think I've been ruined for other narrators by the likes of Tristan James, Kevin R. Free, and Greg Tremblay.

Overall, 2.5 stars rounded up. A sweet, fun, and easy read.
864 reviews230 followers
January 2, 2014

3.5 stars

I should start by saying that I shy away from anything that comes even close to possibly being considered ‘medical kink’. I’m kind of a stickler for lines drawn in the stand and this is one of mine. And I blame myself for not really paying attention to the blurb and just, ya know…reading a book by one of my new favorite authors. This book doesn’t actually cross the line of medical kink but it toes it awfully close and my hackles were immediately raised.

Now, DESPITE all of this, I really did find this an enjoyable read. It’s mystery-lite. It’s romance-lite. It’s angst-lite. It’s, I guess in a sense, kink-lite. And it’s just easy.

I feel drawn to the 2 damaged MC’s…both of them having suffered physical and emotional wounds from their respective previous careers. And when their connection builds and you just KNOW they’re going to help each other heal and fill voids in each other’s lives, it’s impossible not to get invested and want this for both of them. And I could actually feel the relief and joy when secrets are uncovered and the freedom to be in a relationship is released.

I also LOVE Tony’s Italian family!

Admittedly, this is not my favorite Easton book, but I can still strongly support that she remains an auto-buy for me and I can actually see many people (especially those not as prude’ish as myself) enjoying this much more.

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Profile Image for Kaje Harper.
Author 89 books2,705 followers
December 30, 2013
4.5 stars. I'm finding I enjoy Eli Easton's writing voice. There is great humor, character, sexy moments and sweetness in these stories. I really liked the MCs here - Tony, the gay ex-cop turned private eye with a big, fortunately-distant, family, and a short list of past relationships he'd like to expand. And Jack, the ex-military doctor who has moved into sexual-disorder practice after an injury that wrecked his surgical skills.

This could have been deep angsty drama, with Jack's PTSD and loss of his long-time career, a murder case, and Tony deceiving his love-interest for half the book. But in Eli Easton's hands, it was fun, fast and warm. The only reason it didn't make a full 5 stars for me is my personal preference for a bit deeper emotional tone, and a bit of thinness to the resolution of the murder case at the end of the book. This is still a lot of fun, and a potential comfort reread, and I immediately went and got the next in the series.
Profile Image for ✦❋Arianna✦❋.
790 reviews2,545 followers
January 15, 2015
3.5 STARS

Tony DeMarco is an ex-cop, now a P.I who lives in Seattle. He is hired by the parents of a woman who apparently died of a drug overdose, to find out who killed their daughter. A friend who is a cop gives him an important information – Marilyn White, the victim, was a client at Expanded Horizons, a sex therapy clinic who also offers surrogacy. He also finds out that Marilyn’s doctor is a man named, Jack Halloran.
Jack Halloran is an ex-combat surgeon who was wounded in Afghanistan. He suffers from PTSD, still having nightmares. Since Marilyn’s husband has a solid alibi, Jack is Tony’s principal suspect.

Tony and Jack meet when Tony becomes Jack’s patient pretending he’s a sex-addict. Jack realizes Tony lied to him, so Tony decides to tell him something true – that he can’t get an erection every time he wants one. Tony can’t believe a stranger knows his dirty little secret. No one knows about his “picky dick”.

Everything complicates for Tony when

“Tony’s picky dick, which usually refused to be stirred by tongue or tail, could not have latched onto Dr. Jack Halloran as an object of lust. The guy was a suspect, for God’s sake. And his doctor.”


But is not only about lust. Tony can tell, Jack is a good doctor, a hero, a compassionate man. He doesn’t believe Jack is the one who killed Marilyn, but he needs to prove this.

Jack is attracted to Tony too, but he can’t get involved with a patient.

So..who is the killer?

I enjoyed this one, but I didn’t love it. I really wish it was longer. The story is not suspenseful and it’s predictable, but it was an entertaining read. I enjoyed the dual POV. Tony’s POV was hilarious at times. The steam is low but I enjoyed the sexual tension between the Tony and Jack. I liked both of them. Even if their relationship progressed a little too fast I liked them together. You could tell from the beginning they are great together.

I found the writing very good.It was funny and witty and I definitely will read her other books.

Overall, an enjoyable light and sweet read, funny with no angst or drama.
Profile Image for Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~.
2,210 reviews261 followers
August 25, 2013
3.5 stars
This was a quick humorous read that I ended up liking even though I wasn't sure where it was going to go as far as humor or drama through the first couple of chapters. Overall the author did a wonderful job of establishing the relationship and intertwining the investigation plot in such a short book.

In the course of investigating a murder, PI Tony goes undercover at a sex therapy clinic to investigate suspect Dr. Jack Halloran, but the session takes on a more personal level when Tony finds himself actually discussing his own difficulties. It is quickly clear that Jack is not involved in the murder and that Tony is incredibly attracted to him. As the sessions continue Jack becomes more attracted to Tony, but as his doctor, he tries to push it aside. As the attraction gets hotter, both try to think of a way to cross that doctor/patient line, and Tony discovers he has a bit of a medical kink.

There is a lot of humor in this book and although Jack is a wounded veteran and Tony retired from police work after being shot, it does not go deep into these issues. There is more discussion of Jack's trauma, as he still suffers from tremors in his badly damaged arm and feels undesirable, but Jack finds kinship with Tony after discovering his bullet wound.

The writing style flowed well and the book moved along at a good pace. All the secondary characters were written well and I am especially intrigued by sex surrogate Michael (who is soon getting his own story). Tony was a bit too much Italian stereotype for me ( I don't think I would want my man to smell like marinara ) but I did enjoy the phone conversations with his overly intrusive mother, especially the one in the epilogue.

Profile Image for Exina.
1,269 reviews412 followers
August 1, 2020
Tony, a private investigator, as a part of an investigation goes to the local sex-clinic with a made-up problem to find out more about a possible suspect, Jack Halloran. But Tony has also a real problem.

Jack diagnosis him as demisexual (people who only experience sexual attraction to others that they have close emotional connections with), but Tony feels strong sexual attraction for Jack on their very first appointment, when the emotional bond between them hasn’t formed yet.

Actually, it doesn’t form even later. The suspense is only there to frame the story, and the whole storyline is very superficial: the romance is not developed, the operation of the sex clinic is totally unbelievable. I think Jack overstepped boundaries as a doctor, and I didn’t like his thoughts on asexuality.

Tony’s family was great, but otherwise this story was a miss.
Profile Image for Mirjana **DTR - Down to Read**.
1,471 reviews805 followers
January 3, 2016

***3 Stars***

I didn't love this one, but it was definitely an enjoyable read.

It started off a bit slow for me, and I didn't feel that much of a "spark" between Tony and Jack. The book could have definitely used more relationship development.

But the banter between Tony, and pretty much anybody, was great! I especially loved his relationship with his cop buddy, Mark. Also, Tony's discomfort at hearing and/or using any sexual medical term had me chuckling a few times. Tony is definitely NOT a masturbator, he's more of a "spank the monkey" kind of guy LOL

Jack's vulnerability about his hand and arm was endearing, but I would have liked a little bit more of that. I feel like since we had dual POV (which I really liked), that the author could have developed Jack's insecurities a little bit better. They were brushed off or swept away in moments where I felt it would have added to the scene (i.e. the first time they had sex).

Oh, and the sex (ok, so it's only two scenes) but damn....they were niiiiiiice. If I take anything away from this book, it'll be that I'll never look at a medical exam table and stirrups the same way again!!

I'm looking forward to continuing this series, especially since The Mating of Michael comes so highly recommended!
Profile Image for Elsa Bravante.
1,156 reviews198 followers
November 18, 2016
La señora Fletcher ha llegado a la ciudad. Soy lectora de novelas de misterio desde que era una adolescente e intento evitar las novelas románticas con trama policiaca, suspense o misterio, porque normalmente me encuentro con que esa parte es débil o simplemente mala. Aquí me arriesgué, y aunque Eli Easton siempre escribe personajes agradables y es entretenida, la novela es floja y todo lo que gira al asesinato de una mujer es muy muy muy flojo.

No me he aburrido, pero... nope.
Profile Image for Heller.
973 reviews117 followers
September 10, 2013
4.5

This is a funny, funny book and being in Tony's head just cracked me up. He's ex-cop Private Investigator looking into the possible wrongful death of a young woman, a woman who was a patient at a sex clinic. So in order to gather more information from her therapist Tony goes undercover and meets Dr. Jack Halloran. Jack is a former combat surgeon suffering from the lingering effects of PTSD and trying to piece his life back together after he was injured overseas in Iraq.

Tony's fumbling attempts to trick the doctor during their first meeting hit the brick wall that is Jack's skill as a therapist. It forces Tony to confront issues he's having (picky dick syndrome :D )and starts a rather odd fake/real, doctor/patient relationship that causes both men a bit of discomfort when they find they're fighting an incendiary attraction.

The mystery here is pretty transparent but that's not what this book is about. It's about these two men who are both a little lost and lonely. I loved this read. It was funny, angsty, and oh so very hot with just the right amount of medical kink thrown in. Definitely checking out book two in the series.

Profile Image for Katharina.
630 reviews24 followers
December 14, 2013
Okay, first of all, please, PLEASE, people, don't turn away from this book because of its cover. It doesn't do the book justice at all, nor are the men on it even close to how I imagine Jack and Tony to be. I can only say, if this story wasn't written by Eli Easton, I probably wouldn't have read it because of this bloody picture and it'd have been my loss. Seriously.

Okay, so to be honest, this story doesn't really fit my usual five star category. I don't throw five star reviews around, am actually rather parsimonious with them, I think. And this story definitely has a few flaws. I wasn't really convinced about the mystery aspect, for example - it just went all down a little bit too easy for me.

However! The thing is, I don't care. I had so much FRIGGING FUN with this story. It was hilarious at times, had me laughing out loud. The idea of Jack being a sex therapist? Brilliant! And Tony's problem? Awesome! It fit the whole book perfectly! But the best part was, that there were really serious sides to all this as well. The situations and the dialogue were often comical - but the people and their issues were still taken seriously and that's what made this such a good read for me.

This is not great lyrical fiction or anything like that, it isn't particularly deep - and it's really not trying to be. It's just very good entertainment, funny, well-written. A book not taking itself too seriously, but treating its characters well anyway. And despite a few misgivings I might have with some aspects, I simply had too good a time with it for me not to give it five stars. So five stars it is and they're well earned too!
Profile Image for mich ⚘.
520 reviews26 followers
January 29, 2020
I truly adore Eli’s writing and this book was an example of why I do. The Trouble With Tony is a short romance about a private investigator trying to solve a woman’s murder and the sex therapist, Jack Halloran, the man he is desperately trying to rule out as a suspect— because the attraction is strong and that doesn’t happen often for Tony.

I loved Jack from the first meeting with him. His character interested me to no level and I loved how he was a no BS kinda guy and immediately called out Tony’s fabricated story. The push and pull between these two with what is right and what is wrong was such a delight to read and made it impossible for me not to devour this book. I particularly liked Tony’s....situation....and I was pleasantly happy at the answer Jack was able to provide him.

I do have to say my face was probably a look of disgust when Jack described Tony’s nether regions of smelling like sauce and garlic. >.<

But, this WAS a win for me. The mystery aspect, the slow burn of the relationship between Tony and Jack and I have to say my interest was definitely piqued with the sex clinic.

4 stars

♡ copy provided in exchange for an honest review ♡
Profile Image for The Bursting Bookshelf of a Wallflower.
809 reviews153 followers
January 28, 2016
The Trouble With Tony came as a very nice surprise. I was putting off this book for quite a while now - I'm not totally sure why, but I have to admit that the cover is terribly ugly! ^^ I know, I know ... you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover, but somehow I was really expecting a ridiculous and stupid story! And I saw that the book was tagged as a humor book and when it comes to movies I definitly hate comedy and everything too funny! I know I'm strange! Well, considering this, I really wasn't sure if this story would be something I could enjoy! Thank you Eli Easton for proving me wrong!

Taking a former cop, who is now working as a PI after an injury and a former military man, equally hurt in the line of duty, now working as a doctor in a sex clinic and well ... here we have two main characters working in professions I like reading about most. I'm talking about the military aspect of course, because this sex clinic aspect ... that was new! And extremely funny! ^^

I don't want to go to much into detail, I don't want to spoil the fun for anyone that still wants to read this book. So, let me keep it short: Undercover in order to solve a murder, Tony DeMarco is meeting Jack Halloran, the sex clinic doctor. And here we go for a lot of funny describtions of sexual problems and a lot of sexual tension of course! The author really made me laugh! And hey ... the mystery was very good too! All in all, a great read! I will definitly get a look at the other books in this series!

4 surprised stars!
Profile Image for Mercedes.
1,173 reviews97 followers
August 26, 2013
Very entertaining and full of chuckles read with a light touch of medical kink.

The Trouble with Tony really is a fun read. In this story we have Tony DiMarco who used to be a Seattle PD detective but after getting shot in the leg quit the police and became a private investigator. He has been hired by a family to investigate the death of their 28 year old daughter. As part of this investigation Tony is led to the "Expanding Horizons" sex clinic where the victim was undergoing treatment.

Tony first visits the clinic under the pretense that he is a sex addict but after meeting take-no-bullshit Dr. Jack Halloran he quickly fesses up to his real affliction. Dr. Jack Halloran used to be an Army surgeon but after being injured in the line of fire he can no longer perform surgery. So he had to quit the service and find a new career. This is how he came to be a sex counselor at this clinic. He feels damaged and only a reflection of who he used to be.

This story is chock-full of sexual euphemisms. Plus even though Tony's very stereotypical Italian family lives across the U.S. (particularly his mom,) it is a source of hilarious dialogue. What I liked about this book is that even though it is a short story, it has a nice plot and the characters are three dimensional. I look forward to reading the next installment.
Profile Image for DaisyGirl.
1,205 reviews67 followers
March 17, 2014
3.5 Stars

Liked but not loved. The Trouble With Tony was ... well, Tony. More specifically, his ruse. I get that Tony was working for a good cause (solving a murder to bring closure for the victim's family). I get that Tony couldn't get the information from Dr. Jack Halloran without lying because of that pesky doctor-patient privilege law. I also get that Tony's a good guy with noble intentions. I get all that. What I don't get is how you get to HEA when everything started off with a lie. And not a little one. I'm not saying it's impossible, but it was just kinda glossed over.

Second, the whole doctor-patient thing. Tony was Jack's patient. Nevermind the false pretense. That just gives me the willies.

Maybe I shoulda had a mojito before reading this. If I just rolled with it, I woulda enjoyed it more.

Bottom line: just roll with it and you'll be alriiiiiiiiight.
Profile Image for Irina.
409 reviews68 followers
May 14, 2015
Audible

Sexy, a bit kinky and quite entertaining. I loved that it was concise. I loved that it was funny. An enjoyable audiobook, in my opinion.

***4 stars***
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