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Romano and Albright #2
Trust Me If You Dare
Hard help can be good to find.
Romano and Albright, Book 2
Feisty New Yorker Caesar Romano has a knack for getting into a jam, and this week is no exception. When his pregnancy-hormone-buzzed business partner sweet talks him into working a solo gig for his famous ex, Caesar attracts the worst kind of attention.
It s only the beginning. Hit on by a lusty German, stalked by the paparazzi, victim of an unexpected airbag attack and desperate for some part-time help Ce s running out of time, staff and patience. But what s really got him poised to run? A looming brunch with his sexy lover s esteemed family.
PI Dan Albright is a man of many investigation, security, sex talk and driving Caesar nuts in and out of the bedroom. Hired to protect an outrageous soap star from a deranged personal assistant, Dan s got his hands full refereeing rival actors, locating one four-foot-eleven woman and convincing Ce that he s playing for keeps.
Hey, nobody ever said taking a relationship to the next level was a waltz in the This book includes bad driving, a naughty German, dirty words, heated glances, mutual masturbation, oral sex, an evil scout, a memorable ride, and a fabulously affordable tuxedo. May cause unexpected bursts of laughter."
Romano and Albright, Book 2
Feisty New Yorker Caesar Romano has a knack for getting into a jam, and this week is no exception. When his pregnancy-hormone-buzzed business partner sweet talks him into working a solo gig for his famous ex, Caesar attracts the worst kind of attention.
It s only the beginning. Hit on by a lusty German, stalked by the paparazzi, victim of an unexpected airbag attack and desperate for some part-time help Ce s running out of time, staff and patience. But what s really got him poised to run? A looming brunch with his sexy lover s esteemed family.
PI Dan Albright is a man of many investigation, security, sex talk and driving Caesar nuts in and out of the bedroom. Hired to protect an outrageous soap star from a deranged personal assistant, Dan s got his hands full refereeing rival actors, locating one four-foot-eleven woman and convincing Ce that he s playing for keeps.
Hey, nobody ever said taking a relationship to the next level was a waltz in the This book includes bad driving, a naughty German, dirty words, heated glances, mutual masturbation, oral sex, an evil scout, a memorable ride, and a fabulously affordable tuxedo. May cause unexpected bursts of laughter."
158 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 21, 2010
11 people are currently reading
701 people want to read
About the author
L.B. Gregg
25 books626 followersLB Gregg (Lisabea) writes fun, fast-paced contemporary male/male romances for a variety of publishers including Riptide, Samhain, and Carina Press. Her wildly successful Men of Smithfield books feature hot, hunky men looking for love in small town New England. Find more information about LB, The Men of Smithfield, and her fun series Romano and Albright at www.lbgregg.com.
You can also friend LB on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/lb.gregg.1
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
June 10, 2013
I just love a little ridiculousness now and again.
Guys who get off dressed in furry costumes. Ridiculous.
Men who wear leopard print briefs and and shave their privates in the kitchen sink. Ridiculous.
A stalker w/ a taser dressed up as a girlscout. Ridiculous.
A Camry that smells like rotten chicken curry. Ridiculous.
And a book that can totally laugh at itself while also having a HOT couple who pretty much jerk each other off in any public place available to them in sweaty humid NY Summer weather is pretty AWESOME in my mind!
I love Caesar and Dan...their relationship takes me to my happy place.
Kudos to L.B. Gregg for getting her NY facts right. This book takes place 2 blocks away from where I live in the West Village and it's pretty spot on (except for the phone calls made in the metro stations...every NY'er knows you don't get any reception down there!)
I WANT ANOTHER ONE!!!!! ...pretty please!
January 28, 2023
Still love the writing, I just love Caesar’s self deprecating humor but this one worked a little less for me. Caesar was annoyingly reluctant to be as invested in the relationship as Dan and I felt there was an unbalance there that didn’t sit right with me. I hope the next books shows a more trusting Caesar and more willing to commit.
Also, I didn’t like Poppy. I didn’t like her in the first book either. She doesn’t seem to be his friend, she’s very self-absorbed and she keeps forcing Caesar to do things he clearly dislikes (like catering for his ex’s posh party) .
Again, small traces of external and internalized homophobia (Caesar’s)
Also, I didn’t like Poppy. I didn’t like her in the first book either. She doesn’t seem to be his friend, she’s very self-absorbed and she keeps forcing Caesar to do things he clearly dislikes (like catering for his ex’s posh party) .
Again, small traces of external and internalized homophobia (Caesar’s)
July 25, 2021
As Gunther, one of the characters in Trust Me If You Dare, would say - I haff to say that I luff this book - belief me! This book takes place six weeks after Catch Me If You Can and Dan and Caesar are now a couple, or as Caesar says:
"We were exclusive. We had a good thing going - fresh. We were a couple, not that Dan said more than my ass is yours for as long as you want it. He wasn't exactly a walking Hallmark card, but then again, neither was I. Far from it."
It's the middle of steamy, humid NY summer, Caesar is stuck putting together a killer cocktail party for his ex, Sheppard McNamara, he's had a bit of an .... accident with a BMW in a car dealership involving a misunderstanding of the phrase "tap the gas", and Dan wants Caesar to meet his parents up in Westchester.
Add in Caesar's cousins Tino & Vito and plenty of gold chains, Skip's new memory-challenged assistant Stephen, a demented Girl Scout, furries in anatomically correct chipmunk suits, a very special manscaping by the kitchen sink, and hot dirty sex in filthy back alleys, dressing rooms, up against doors, or as Dan sighs "We never fool around in bed anymore." Luff it!
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
"We were exclusive. We had a good thing going - fresh. We were a couple, not that Dan said more than my ass is yours for as long as you want it. He wasn't exactly a walking Hallmark card, but then again, neither was I. Far from it."
It's the middle of steamy, humid NY summer, Caesar is stuck putting together a killer cocktail party for his ex, Sheppard McNamara, he's had a bit of an .... accident with a BMW in a car dealership involving a misunderstanding of the phrase "tap the gas", and Dan wants Caesar to meet his parents up in Westchester.
Add in Caesar's cousins Tino & Vito and plenty of gold chains, Skip's new memory-challenged assistant Stephen, a demented Girl Scout, furries in anatomically correct chipmunk suits, a very special manscaping by the kitchen sink, and hot dirty sex in filthy back alleys, dressing rooms, up against doors, or as Dan sighs "We never fool around in bed anymore." Luff it!
Visit my blog, Sinfully Good Gay Book Reviews
March 26, 2011
Have I said before that I love these guys? Well, it's true. Ce and Dan are now on my list as one of my favorite couples. I loved this book even more than the 1st. It has the same fast pacing and all my favorite characters are back. It is hilarious, hot, and very much romantic. And since Ce and Dan never make it to a bed for sex, the love scenes are highly unpredictable and super smexy. The ending was so damn sweet. I love these guys!! Did I say that already?
I am posting some of my favorite lines, so read the "spoilers" at your own risk.
"What will they say, Ce, when we dance together? I want to do that. I want to hold you in my arms, in front of the entire damn world. Would you do that? Would you dance with me?" ~ Dan
"I went down on my knees on that filthy floor. I was careful not to touch anything dirty except Dan Albright." ~ Ce
I am posting some of my favorite lines, so read the "spoilers" at your own risk.
"What will they say, Ce, when we dance together? I want to do that. I want to hold you in my arms, in front of the entire damn world. Would you do that? Would you dance with me?" ~ Dan
"I went down on my knees on that filthy floor. I was careful not to touch anything dirty except Dan Albright." ~ Ce
September 22, 2013
I had an amazing time while reading this book! Ce has some hilarious moments!!! Love Romano and Albright and I want more!!!
October 3, 2015
The opening scene had me laughing nonstop. It was reminiscent of a Jory type of thing from A Matter of Time, although Caesar is nothing like Jory. It was just one of those comical, I'm in the middle of this and doing something ridiculous and it keeps getting worse but it's really not my fault but everyone's upset so please rescue me kind of thing.
Just like the previous book, the plot, pacing, and writing were all good. The characterization is also superb again. Gregg has a real gift for that. The family is hilarious and loveable as always. This time the cat makes a significant appearance and it was very catlike (not like people pretend cats to be but like how they really act) and very funny.
Caesar and Dan are feeling out their relationship and it's obvious how much they care. It's really obvious that Dan at least worships the ground Caesar walks on. They have a misunderstanding and a couple of times where one does or says something stupid, but rather than let it fester, they work it out really quickly without a lot of handwringing.
As before, the book was really funny, too, like, "He had that heterosexual male combination I would never understand—bald crown, two-foot ponytale." He later refers to it as a "phonytail." At one point, someone refers to another as such: "He's been a closeted heterosexual since he was twenty-two." Caesar is really funny, both in his narration and his off the cuff responses to people. He still has his inconsistent germs issue which is hilarious.
I was very excited to read that Caesar loves Muse, my favorite band. I knew he was awesome but this proves it. Gregg uses a lot of pop culture references that I really enjoy. Like at one point Caesar says, "I have this upcoming series of unfortunate events…"
Something else I loved was that at one point Caesar says, "I was nearly erect thinking about organizing the office." Okay, so maybe he is a little OCD. Anyway, I once confessed to my ex-fiance that office supply stores kind of turn me on. I didn't mean it literally, but I completely identify with Caesar in this one. I love to organize, especially other people's stuff. I'm too lazy to do much with my own stuff, but I've spent dozens of hours organizing friends' houses. I've even thought of starting my own business but I would get too easily frustrated with people who can't let go of stuff. When it's my friends or family, I can browbeat them into submission, but not so much with a client.
I don't like that once again, we have a gay character who says off hand that he won't be having children, like gay men can't have kids. It drives me crazy. There are so many ways to have kids that don't involve your own genitalia. I have kids and I've never been pregnant. My uterus is completely useless and I resent that I've had to deal with menstruation all these years for no reason.
I want to know how long licenses last in New York. Caesar's has the pic he had taken when he was 21 and he's now 28. Here you have to renew them every four years by going into the office. You can get replacements online, but I'm 99% sure you have to go in person to get a new picture when the license expires. Either way, Caesar's driver's license photo is really funny.
Dan is so sweet. For example:
"I can't wait to see you in black tie. Gold cuff links. The whole shebang. Shiny shoes. Bow tie. Jesus. Do you have any silk boxers? We should get you some. Let me get you some....What will they say, Ce, when we dance together? I want to do that. I want to hold you in my arms, in front of the entire damn world. Would you do that? Would you dance with me?"
The mystery in this one wasn't so great, it almost wasn't even a mystery, but the story was more thrilling that last time and someone did end up in the hospital (although how he got there was behind the scenes and I wanted details). There was worry for someone's health for a while. I need that stuff like Caesar needs sugar.
A couple of small things that I didn't like: This is nitpicky but a character repeatedly uses a Taser without recharging it. A more important issue is that Dan I better see that rectified in the next book and it better come out soon! Apparently it's been in the works for a couple of years! I hope she's okay.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 because over all it was more cohesive than the last one. It wasn't quite as funny but it was a better book overall and it was so damn romantic in parts.
Just like the previous book, the plot, pacing, and writing were all good. The characterization is also superb again. Gregg has a real gift for that. The family is hilarious and loveable as always. This time the cat makes a significant appearance and it was very catlike (not like people pretend cats to be but like how they really act) and very funny.
Caesar and Dan are feeling out their relationship and it's obvious how much they care. It's really obvious that Dan at least worships the ground Caesar walks on. They have a misunderstanding and a couple of times where one does or says something stupid, but rather than let it fester, they work it out really quickly without a lot of handwringing.
As before, the book was really funny, too, like, "He had that heterosexual male combination I would never understand—bald crown, two-foot ponytale." He later refers to it as a "phonytail." At one point, someone refers to another as such: "He's been a closeted heterosexual since he was twenty-two." Caesar is really funny, both in his narration and his off the cuff responses to people. He still has his inconsistent germs issue which is hilarious.
I was very excited to read that Caesar loves Muse, my favorite band. I knew he was awesome but this proves it. Gregg uses a lot of pop culture references that I really enjoy. Like at one point Caesar says, "I have this upcoming series of unfortunate events…"
Something else I loved was that at one point Caesar says, "I was nearly erect thinking about organizing the office." Okay, so maybe he is a little OCD. Anyway, I once confessed to my ex-fiance that office supply stores kind of turn me on. I didn't mean it literally, but I completely identify with Caesar in this one. I love to organize, especially other people's stuff. I'm too lazy to do much with my own stuff, but I've spent dozens of hours organizing friends' houses. I've even thought of starting my own business but I would get too easily frustrated with people who can't let go of stuff. When it's my friends or family, I can browbeat them into submission, but not so much with a client.
I don't like that once again, we have a gay character who says off hand that he won't be having children, like gay men can't have kids. It drives me crazy. There are so many ways to have kids that don't involve your own genitalia. I have kids and I've never been pregnant. My uterus is completely useless and I resent that I've had to deal with menstruation all these years for no reason.
I want to know how long licenses last in New York. Caesar's has the pic he had taken when he was 21 and he's now 28. Here you have to renew them every four years by going into the office. You can get replacements online, but I'm 99% sure you have to go in person to get a new picture when the license expires. Either way, Caesar's driver's license photo is really funny.
Dan is so sweet. For example:
"I can't wait to see you in black tie. Gold cuff links. The whole shebang. Shiny shoes. Bow tie. Jesus. Do you have any silk boxers? We should get you some. Let me get you some....What will they say, Ce, when we dance together? I want to do that. I want to hold you in my arms, in front of the entire damn world. Would you do that? Would you dance with me?"
The mystery in this one wasn't so great, it almost wasn't even a mystery, but the story was more thrilling that last time and someone did end up in the hospital (although how he got there was behind the scenes and I wanted details). There was worry for someone's health for a while. I need that stuff like Caesar needs sugar.
A couple of small things that I didn't like: This is nitpicky but a character repeatedly uses a Taser without recharging it. A more important issue is that Dan I better see that rectified in the next book and it better come out soon! Apparently it's been in the works for a couple of years! I hope she's okay.
4.5 stars rounded up to 5 because over all it was more cohesive than the last one. It wasn't quite as funny but it was a better book overall and it was so damn romantic in parts.
September 11, 2013
This was an impulse series for me, and I'm glad I liked the cover. The stories and characters are interesting, unusual and amusing, and Ceasar's head is a fun place to view the world. He and his PI lover pursue a high temperature romance while involved in solving a case of blackmail in the world of TV soap operas.
It really hardly matters who the bad guy is, but Caesar as an accident prone, ironic, self-reflective, son, grandson and hot lover is worth his weight in giggles. He has found the perfect lover in PI Dan Albright, an investigator prone to shamelessly luring Caesar into sex in public places and also loving the germaphobic, honest, hard-working and finally getting lucky Ceasar.
I love that Ceasar is such a sweetheart, so honest, with a great work ethic and a ever-enlarging sexual interest. I love that Dan loves Ceasar and treasures him. I love that I laugh out loud from time to time while reading and that I'm so happy when these two are happy with each other.
It really hardly matters who the bad guy is, but Caesar as an accident prone, ironic, self-reflective, son, grandson and hot lover is worth his weight in giggles. He has found the perfect lover in PI Dan Albright, an investigator prone to shamelessly luring Caesar into sex in public places and also loving the germaphobic, honest, hard-working and finally getting lucky Ceasar.
I love that Ceasar is such a sweetheart, so honest, with a great work ethic and a ever-enlarging sexual interest. I love that Dan loves Ceasar and treasures him. I love that I laugh out loud from time to time while reading and that I'm so happy when these two are happy with each other.
November 10, 2011
Funny, sweet and utterly charming second book of Ce and Dan!
I had a few laugh out loud moments, and even if this is a sweet romance, it's in no way sappy.
If you liked the first one you will love this one!!
And I want more!!!!!!!!!
I had a few laugh out loud moments, and even if this is a sweet romance, it's in no way sappy.
If you liked the first one you will love this one!!
And I want more!!!!!!!!!
March 22, 2014
Please, please tell me there are going to be more books in this series because I just love, love, love these boys!! Such a fun series. Thanks for loaning it to me Richard, I adored it! Read.
November 24, 2010
This is the second book in the Romano and Albright series and also the second book of LB Gregg’s I’ve read. I really like her writing style and think I appreciate it even more after reading the second book in the series. Trust Me If You Dare reads like a comic romp that doesn’t take itself too seriously. There’s not much to the story actually, outside of the accidents, coincidences, public groping, and emotional denial but that’s ok since the story is just so much fun to read.
Trust Me starts where the previous book left off. So much so that I went back and skimmed the last few chapters to get a feel for what had happened. You can read this book on its own but I wouldn’t suggest it. Caesar Romano is happily ensconced in a relationship with one Dan Albright, Private Investigator. The accident prone Caesar starts the book off with a bang as he gets into two accidents immediately. Caesar manages to damage a BMW while waiting for Dan at a nearby dealership, which starts a sequence of unfortunate events unbeknownst to Caesar. Now his life is about to get busy, complicated, sexy, and painful as the Caesar navigates an increasingly dangerous world where random things just happen to him. It’s not his fault, really.
If you’ve read the previous book or others of Gregg, her style of comic romance is really quite deft. There is humor in every situation and while it’s quite over the top, it manages to be subtle enough to appreciate. The light, easy feel to the story drifts from one incident to the next without overwhelming the reader or making Caesar out to be a Darwin award winner. Instead he’s an inherently likable, sympathetic, and entertaining character with a propensity for stuttering while lying and accidental mishaps. Caesar’s large, near mob like family adds a good contrast to Caesar’s antics and more entertainment without being too cliché or obvious.
This is perhaps the real charm of the story and writing in that the over the top, nearly ridiculous antics combine with a flimsy plot that makes little to no sense to give a story that may not be deep but entertains from beginning to end. There isn’t heavy angst and the characterization is peripheral at best with more unanswered questions than answers, yet the entire cast is engaging and warm, with charm simply radiating around them. The plot surrounding Dan’s job with Gunter is pretty weak with many holes, however I couldn’t quite bring myself to care since I enjoyed watching Caesar get into trouble and figure his way out almost despite himself.
The romance between Caesar and Dan feels fresh as well. They are heavily into public sex and almost all the sex scenes, which are really very tame, occur in semi public places. There’s just some delicious frottage and groping, the occasional blow job thrown in that shows two people can manage to get their kicks in while attempting to work. I’d still like more development to Dan, who feels mysterious at best, and the progression of their relationship is taken for granted rather than shown. They’re simply together and in love yet their dynamic is interesting and could be shown much more than told.
Overall this is a delightful sequel in a good series. It may not be angst ridden and filled with deep meaning, but it’s a frothy pleasure you won’t want to miss.
Trust Me starts where the previous book left off. So much so that I went back and skimmed the last few chapters to get a feel for what had happened. You can read this book on its own but I wouldn’t suggest it. Caesar Romano is happily ensconced in a relationship with one Dan Albright, Private Investigator. The accident prone Caesar starts the book off with a bang as he gets into two accidents immediately. Caesar manages to damage a BMW while waiting for Dan at a nearby dealership, which starts a sequence of unfortunate events unbeknownst to Caesar. Now his life is about to get busy, complicated, sexy, and painful as the Caesar navigates an increasingly dangerous world where random things just happen to him. It’s not his fault, really.
If you’ve read the previous book or others of Gregg, her style of comic romance is really quite deft. There is humor in every situation and while it’s quite over the top, it manages to be subtle enough to appreciate. The light, easy feel to the story drifts from one incident to the next without overwhelming the reader or making Caesar out to be a Darwin award winner. Instead he’s an inherently likable, sympathetic, and entertaining character with a propensity for stuttering while lying and accidental mishaps. Caesar’s large, near mob like family adds a good contrast to Caesar’s antics and more entertainment without being too cliché or obvious.
This is perhaps the real charm of the story and writing in that the over the top, nearly ridiculous antics combine with a flimsy plot that makes little to no sense to give a story that may not be deep but entertains from beginning to end. There isn’t heavy angst and the characterization is peripheral at best with more unanswered questions than answers, yet the entire cast is engaging and warm, with charm simply radiating around them. The plot surrounding Dan’s job with Gunter is pretty weak with many holes, however I couldn’t quite bring myself to care since I enjoyed watching Caesar get into trouble and figure his way out almost despite himself.
The romance between Caesar and Dan feels fresh as well. They are heavily into public sex and almost all the sex scenes, which are really very tame, occur in semi public places. There’s just some delicious frottage and groping, the occasional blow job thrown in that shows two people can manage to get their kicks in while attempting to work. I’d still like more development to Dan, who feels mysterious at best, and the progression of their relationship is taken for granted rather than shown. They’re simply together and in love yet their dynamic is interesting and could be shown much more than told.
Overall this is a delightful sequel in a good series. It may not be angst ridden and filled with deep meaning, but it’s a frothy pleasure you won’t want to miss.
December 25, 2012
This book was so funny that I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end. I laughed out loud more than I have with any other book, ever! And I am not usually a person who laughs out loud. The author's sense of humor and writing style are outstanding. The story was very well paced, with a mixture of the comical craziness that Caesar gets into and the hot, sweet sexiness of his partner Dan. Wow, those two are a terrific couple! And I loved the end when Caesar decides to be romantic because Dan is a romantic at heart. So sweet. Highly recommend this to anyone who is looking for a light-hearted story and has read Catch Me If You Can.
December 22, 2010
L.B. can write Caesar and Dan stories forever as far as I am concerned. This book did not disappoint aside from it ending!! The mystery is just as fun and crazy and klutzy as the first book. The secondary characters are rich, fun and just as enjoyable as Ce and Dan.
March 6, 2014
Just as crazy as the first and Caesar is still as zany as ever but I think the novelty wore off a little. I should have given it a bit more time in between the two books.
Nevertheless, my love for Caesar did not diminish!
July 4, 2012
I enjoyed Catch Me If You Can, Gregg's first Romano and Albright book, but I liked Trust Me If You Dare even better. Maybe because most of the character set-up had already been done, or that the mystery was only slightly less complicated, or that Romano and Albright themselves were deliciously more involved with each other, but overall I had a blast reading this.
With that said, you really need to read the first book before hitting this one—I don't think you would enjoy it (or understand everything) as much without reading #1.
Like with #1, I still thought it took a little time to get going (or I just might be REALLY impatient) but once things get going, they get going, and you're rushed along with Caesar as he suddenly finds out that his weekend plans to visit Dan's parents (a trip he's admittedly nervous about) have to be pushed back because his ex, the famous no-longer-closeted actor Shep, needs Posh Nosh to cater an evening event. What can be more fun than catering for your ex's whims, but finding your current boyfriend there as hired security, along with a hot German soap star making eyes (and passes) at everyone, and nosy pony-tailed paparazzi suddenly way too interested in Caesar's past relationship with Shep. Couple with that a thuggish stalker, a missing PA, a quest for a tuxedo from this decade, and multiple car accidents, and you have a frantic but very fun mystery, with lots of romantic side-trips thanks to Dan, who always seems to be (thankfully) close behind Caesar's spazzy heels.
I totally love the way Caesar and Dan bounce off each other, how Caesar is continually surprised how much Dan has his number, and how very slowly he figures out how much our scarred Detective cares about him. Like Caesar, I also appreciate Dan's calm assuredness throughout, a cover that was only broken a few times when things started to look a little too dire for our hero. I'd love to see more Albright back-story in future installments.
A very fun m/m comedic mystery romance, and I'd buy Romano and Albright #3 in a New York minute. (Here's hoping for a #3!)
With that said, you really need to read the first book before hitting this one—I don't think you would enjoy it (or understand everything) as much without reading #1.
Like with #1, I still thought it took a little time to get going (or I just might be REALLY impatient) but once things get going, they get going, and you're rushed along with Caesar as he suddenly finds out that his weekend plans to visit Dan's parents (a trip he's admittedly nervous about) have to be pushed back because his ex, the famous no-longer-closeted actor Shep, needs Posh Nosh to cater an evening event. What can be more fun than catering for your ex's whims, but finding your current boyfriend there as hired security, along with a hot German soap star making eyes (and passes) at everyone, and nosy pony-tailed paparazzi suddenly way too interested in Caesar's past relationship with Shep. Couple with that a thuggish stalker, a missing PA, a quest for a tuxedo from this decade, and multiple car accidents, and you have a frantic but very fun mystery, with lots of romantic side-trips thanks to Dan, who always seems to be (thankfully) close behind Caesar's spazzy heels.
I totally love the way Caesar and Dan bounce off each other, how Caesar is continually surprised how much Dan has his number, and how very slowly he figures out how much our scarred Detective cares about him. Like Caesar, I also appreciate Dan's calm assuredness throughout, a cover that was only broken a few times when things started to look a little too dire for our hero. I'd love to see more Albright back-story in future installments.
A very fun m/m comedic mystery romance, and I'd buy Romano and Albright #3 in a New York minute. (Here's hoping for a #3!)
September 8, 2013
I was excited to jump into book two of the 'Romano & Albright' series by L.B. Gregg. I was really hoping for more laughs, snark, and sexiness from both Caesar and Dan and I wasn't disappointed. I really loved that this book picked up six weeks after the end of book one. That meant the romance was still new, Caesar and Poppy were still working hard to clean up the mess that happened to her catering business, all the secondary characters were still active in our main characters' lives, and there was room for more relationship drama.
Caesar is stuck catering a soap opera star gathering at his ex's, Shep's apartment, and he has forty-eight hours to put it together. The worst part? He and Poppy have given all the waitstaff the weekend off because they were supposed to be closed. Now Caesar is stuck using sua famiglia as waitstaff. Brooklyn Italians hobnobbing with actors. The disaster is waiting to happen.
Meanwhile, Dan is hired by one of the actors for protection detail and investigation into a missing personal assistant. Of course, somehow Caesar ends up in the middle of this, along with a stalking journalist trying to get the goods on "the closeted Shep years", and someone trying to kill Caesar. Dan has definitely got his work cut out for him. Throw in a few voyeuristic sexual encounters between Dan and Caesar, Caesar's intense nervousness over meeting Dan's parents, and there is plenty going on in this story.
I really enjoyed this second book in the series and can only hope that there will be more to come. The quirky humor, the snarky sarcasm, and the very hot sex are all fantastic and totally worth reading. Thanks to L.B. Gregg for this wonderful series.
NOTE: This book was provided by Samhain Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Caesar is stuck catering a soap opera star gathering at his ex's, Shep's apartment, and he has forty-eight hours to put it together. The worst part? He and Poppy have given all the waitstaff the weekend off because they were supposed to be closed. Now Caesar is stuck using sua famiglia as waitstaff. Brooklyn Italians hobnobbing with actors. The disaster is waiting to happen.
Meanwhile, Dan is hired by one of the actors for protection detail and investigation into a missing personal assistant. Of course, somehow Caesar ends up in the middle of this, along with a stalking journalist trying to get the goods on "the closeted Shep years", and someone trying to kill Caesar. Dan has definitely got his work cut out for him. Throw in a few voyeuristic sexual encounters between Dan and Caesar, Caesar's intense nervousness over meeting Dan's parents, and there is plenty going on in this story.
I really enjoyed this second book in the series and can only hope that there will be more to come. The quirky humor, the snarky sarcasm, and the very hot sex are all fantastic and totally worth reading. Thanks to L.B. Gregg for this wonderful series.
NOTE: This book was provided by Samhain Publishing for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
July 9, 2012
I loved this installment as much as the first. It is just about non-stop action from beginning to end with funny one liners and hot sex in more strange places. Dan and Ce continue to sizzle. They make such a great couple and even though they rarely manage to make it to a bed, their sex is super hot. Come to think of it, they rarely even have full blown sex, and it never feels like it is missing from the story.
There is, once again, more mystery and intrigue,Ce continues to be a walking disaster, and Dan is just as studly and lovable as ever. Looking forward to seeing more of their story unfold.
There is, once again, more mystery and intrigue,Ce continues to be a walking disaster, and Dan is just as studly and lovable as ever. Looking forward to seeing more of their story unfold.
August 2, 2012
Pure gold here. Caesar, I love you.
This book is so funny. Caesar is just the best narrator. I love that he acknowledges that he's prissy and omg the description of the alley where he and Dan have sex is so hilarious. This book just kept me laughing all the way through it, I adore Poppy and Caesar's family.
This book has a lot of Dan in it but not as much as I would have liked. I get such a kick out of how Caesar acts around him that I just want more of it.
I really hope we see another book, this is a great series and I want to see what happens next.
This book is so funny. Caesar is just the best narrator. I love that he acknowledges that he's prissy and omg the description of the alley where he and Dan have sex is so hilarious. This book just kept me laughing all the way through it, I adore Poppy and Caesar's family.
This book has a lot of Dan in it but not as much as I would have liked. I get such a kick out of how Caesar acts around him that I just want more of it.
I really hope we see another book, this is a great series and I want to see what happens next.
February 13, 2014
3.5 stars
I liked this fine—just a tiny bit less than the first installment.
I liked this fine—just a tiny bit less than the first installment.
September 1, 2016
3.5 stars
October 28, 2018
Ceasar and Dan returns for a second installment of the Romano and Albright series. And I liked this book more than the first. Ceasar has grown on me, but it is yet again the surprisingly tender romance between Ceasar and Dan that made me come back for seconds.
December 21, 2010
Favorite Quote: “I won’t lie. I like it. You’re feisty when you’re jealous.”
“I’m going to feisty you in the nuts in a second.”
“That sounds kinda kinky.”
Trust Me If You Dare, book two in L.B. Gregg’s Romano and Albright series and continues the story of the very enjoyable Caesar and Dan. Caesar is still living in Nana’s house, and working full time with his BFF Poppy at their catering company, Posh Nosh. Private Investigator Dan gets involved with security detail for the soap star Gunter LAST NAME. Gunter just happens to be hiding out in Shep’s apartment (friend and ex-lover of Caesar). Caesar also finds himself being followed, and it all starts to interconnect with Gunter, Shep and Dan.
L.B. Gregg does a nice job with the mystery in this one. Just enough hints and twists to keep it fresh throughout the book. Her mysteries take on a bit of a quirky tone – she mixes a serious stalker situation with laughs. It’s a cute take on a romantic suspense.
She also writes the most vibrant, unique characters. They are all a little over the top – but because of that they will make you laugh out loud at their antics. Although written in Caesar’s point of view, I love how each character stands out and has time in the books to let the reader really get to know them.
And of course we must talk about the dirty romance in this book. Caesar and Dan have been dating for six weeks, and are still going strong. Caesar is such a spaz, and the way Dan reacts to him – the looks and his retorts crack me up. Dan is much more the cool character, with those deep dimples and intense heat about him. One of my favorite things about this couple is Caesar can act all spazzy, and Dan can act all like a cop – but when the passion flares between them, it is so heated. Caesar can’t help but to admit to Dan all the naughty things he wants done, almost embarrassed by it – and Dan kind of pushes the boundaries with him, and Caesar eats it up. I would love to have more scenes with Dan and Caesar when they are not trying to solve a mystery. While I completely buy into their feelings for each other, and loved the direction their relationship takes in this book, I feel like we miss out on their “hanging out” time. Just a glimpse into their more mundane moments when crazy people are not chasing them would be nice.
I strongly urge you to read book one first, where you meet this wonderful cast of characters. L.B Gregg covers all the bases with this book – great mystery, lots of laugh, and a very sexy romance. I am really looking forward to book three.
Rating: B
“I’m going to feisty you in the nuts in a second.”
“That sounds kinda kinky.”
Trust Me If You Dare, book two in L.B. Gregg’s Romano and Albright series and continues the story of the very enjoyable Caesar and Dan. Caesar is still living in Nana’s house, and working full time with his BFF Poppy at their catering company, Posh Nosh. Private Investigator Dan gets involved with security detail for the soap star Gunter LAST NAME. Gunter just happens to be hiding out in Shep’s apartment (friend and ex-lover of Caesar). Caesar also finds himself being followed, and it all starts to interconnect with Gunter, Shep and Dan.
L.B. Gregg does a nice job with the mystery in this one. Just enough hints and twists to keep it fresh throughout the book. Her mysteries take on a bit of a quirky tone – she mixes a serious stalker situation with laughs. It’s a cute take on a romantic suspense.
She also writes the most vibrant, unique characters. They are all a little over the top – but because of that they will make you laugh out loud at their antics. Although written in Caesar’s point of view, I love how each character stands out and has time in the books to let the reader really get to know them.
And of course we must talk about the dirty romance in this book. Caesar and Dan have been dating for six weeks, and are still going strong. Caesar is such a spaz, and the way Dan reacts to him – the looks and his retorts crack me up. Dan is much more the cool character, with those deep dimples and intense heat about him. One of my favorite things about this couple is Caesar can act all spazzy, and Dan can act all like a cop – but when the passion flares between them, it is so heated. Caesar can’t help but to admit to Dan all the naughty things he wants done, almost embarrassed by it – and Dan kind of pushes the boundaries with him, and Caesar eats it up. I would love to have more scenes with Dan and Caesar when they are not trying to solve a mystery. While I completely buy into their feelings for each other, and loved the direction their relationship takes in this book, I feel like we miss out on their “hanging out” time. Just a glimpse into their more mundane moments when crazy people are not chasing them would be nice.
I strongly urge you to read book one first, where you meet this wonderful cast of characters. L.B Gregg covers all the bases with this book – great mystery, lots of laugh, and a very sexy romance. I am really looking forward to book three.
Rating: B
April 17, 2012
These guys are so funny! I hope the author will write another sequel, because I like the humor, how light and hot these stories are. I must repeat everything I said for the first book. Caesar always finds himself in the thick of things and Dan is always there to get him out of trouble. They're the perfect investigation team, and I'd advise Caesar to quit his job and be Dan's partner. I don't know how much work they could get done, because Dan is turned on by Caesar in two seconds flat.
In this book Ce and Dan had to deal with acknowledging they're also in love and not only in lust. Ce seems the one who has more trouble wrapping his mind around this, while everyone keeps telling him how much Dan is in love with him. I hope, if there's a sequel, to see Caesar meeting Dan's parents.
The secondary character are as funny and important as the leading characters and I loved moving through New York with them.
If you liked the first book, don't do like me, read this one right now!
In this book Ce and Dan had to deal with acknowledging they're also in love and not only in lust. Ce seems the one who has more trouble wrapping his mind around this, while everyone keeps telling him how much Dan is in love with him. I hope, if there's a sequel, to see Caesar meeting Dan's parents.
The secondary character are as funny and important as the leading characters and I loved moving through New York with them.
If you liked the first book, don't do like me, read this one right now!
January 8, 2012
I was almost at the end of the book, no particularly transphobic bullshit spotted, when I reached this passage:
Now, crossdressing is not the same thing as being trans*. But the narrator is referring to events in the first book in which a trans* character "tricked" him (and Dan) into thinking she was a woman. Which, given that she identified as a woman and was therefore a woman, was perfectly honest. It was definitely not a trick.
This reminder -- not just a reminder, but an explicit attempt at erasing trans* experience -- knocked the book's rating down from four stars to two stars for me. It went from being something I was enjoying enough to read over again at least once to being something I don't even want listed on my Kindle's archived items.
Gunter flushed to his sculpted hairline. "I... he was dressed as a woman. I truly thought he was a she."
"Well, that happens to the best of us," I said.
Dan snorted in agreement.
Now, crossdressing is not the same thing as being trans*. But the narrator is referring to events in the first book in which a trans* character "tricked" him (and Dan) into thinking she was a woman. Which, given that she identified as a woman and was therefore a woman, was perfectly honest. It was definitely not a trick.
This reminder -- not just a reminder, but an explicit attempt at erasing trans* experience -- knocked the book's rating down from four stars to two stars for me. It went from being something I was enjoying enough to read over again at least once to being something I don't even want listed on my Kindle's archived items.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 23, 2014
Seriously this book had every thing in...little
Little Humor-Check
Little silly accidents-Check
Little hot sex-Check
Little weird place sex-Check
Little Romano's family involvement-Check
Little bit involvement of some new character-check
Little relationship building between Dan & Ce-Check
So at one point all this little can get a bit monotonous....really I really got effected by it.
I read a little,laughed little then yawned a little again closed my eyes for little and even slept a little then again the same circle....repeat and OMG what do I know it almost took me more than 3 days to finish this small book which is a record in itself...HaHa(LAL)
I think even I am stuck by Romano's money pinching Grand dad.....So everything is little;)
Little Humor-Check
Little silly accidents-Check
Little hot sex-Check
Little weird place sex-Check
Little Romano's family involvement-Check
Little bit involvement of some new character-check
Little relationship building between Dan & Ce-Check
So at one point all this little can get a bit monotonous....really I really got effected by it.
I read a little,laughed little then yawned a little again closed my eyes for little and even slept a little then again the same circle....repeat and OMG what do I know it almost took me more than 3 days to finish this small book which is a record in itself...HaHa(LAL)
I think even I am stuck by Romano's money pinching Grand dad.....So everything is little;)
December 14, 2010
Very good m/m romantic suspense continuing the madcap and lusty adventures of caterer Ceaser (who really does need someone to keep him out of trouble, possibly by wrapping him in cotton wool and locking him up) and his boyfriend, PI Dan (who would so like to take that job on). *commences waiting for Book 3*
February 13, 2013
God I love these two! For some reason I didn't get into this story as much as the first one, but I still enjoyed it a whole lot. They do manage to have sex in the funniest places. Could Ce be any freaking cuter? I don't think so.
February 21, 2011
After cracking up with that first chapter, I was hooked. Fun, comic read that I enjoyed...brought some lightness to the day.
March 23, 2018
Holy shit, HOW did we go from 4 stars [rounded up] to ... THIS!!
I know how ...
Thoughts to come ...
I know how ...
Thoughts to come ...
February 27, 2017
Well, this was pretty disappointing - slow and boring - definitely not as good as the first. The worst part was the mystery, which was very, very stupid, and I also missed the spark between the boys. I'm not really a fan of reading about couples who are already together as the initial attraction and sexual tension are no longer there.
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