This series could’ve stopped with the last book—it wasn’t bad, just underwhelming.
This picks up immediately after Full Disclosure and jumps right back into the story focusing on Kreed Sinacola (Mitch Knox partner from the second book) and Aaron Stuart (Mitch’s gaming friend). Aaron’s been called in to help with the case that started in Double Full and was “solved” in Full Disclosure, but he poked holes in the tidy package that wrapped up the case. So, it’s a problem he created for himself.
The biggest problem I had was halfway through the book Aaron’s personality/reasons for not being with Kreed really changed. I don’t know if this was intentional in that he was too distracted by Kreed’s body and his undercover mission and then afterward he could actually focus on it, but it definitely felt more like Jekyll and Hyde rather than just a personality shift. It just didn’t work for me.
I don’t get my honey where I get my money. And that’s too bad ’cause you’re fucking adorable. (33)
I also didn’t really identify with either of the characters. In the last book both Cody and Mitch drew me in and kept me engaged (maybe the teasing and waiting), but really this whole book was a meh and it took a lot longer for me to read than it should have.
The part I liked the most of the book, with one caveat I’ll mention after, was Kreed and Mitch being out and that impact on their careers. This one scene just made me smile and have all the feels,
“You make things better for us, sir.”
There was a slight stutter in the agent’s words. He must be gay but didn’t feel comfortable enough to even say the words to Kreed. Kreed nodded again, making sure he gave the signal that he understood. He did get it. Although lots had changed for gay men, it was still hard to function normally in their chosen industry. Kreed hadn’t fully come out until he was well into his twenties, and it had taken years to get to this point. Sometimes he still felt like he had to work harder and longer, perhaps even a little smarter, than his straight counterparts in order to be treated as an equal. He lifted a hand to pat the agent’s arm.
“Thanks, man. We are who we are.” It was Kreed’s standard response, because honestly, words weren’t needed. Enough had been said.
“Thank you, sir.” (276)
This was the one point where I didn’t feel Alexander was being preachy or over the top in trying to be inclusive and affirming. It just felt natural and if I were in the right mindset I would totally get weepy over it. And if there were more books in the series I would assume this guy was the next protagonist.
Overall, I think Alexander lost the plot on this one. It felt like two different books with two different plots. The first half was wrapping up the series and the second half was wrapping up the book and it shouldn’t have been so distinct.
Recommendation: Pass. Stick with the first two and don’t read the last few pages of Full Disclosure and you’ll be fine. The protagonists were stiff and by time I finished the book there were large chunks of plot and dialogue missing from my memory. The pseudo-Westboro Baptist was underwhelming and Aaron and Kreed’s budding relationship just didn’t have the awww and beauty that Mitch and Cody or Jace and Colt’s did.
Opening Line: ‘”Man, this is turning into one suck-ass day,’ Aaron mumbled quietly to no one in particular as he edged his way through the overcrowded and lengthy terminals of the Atlanta International Airport.”
Closing Line: “Kreed smiled at the idea of starting new traditions with Aaron, because if things went the way he planned, their next Thanksgiving would be celebrated with family and friends, creamed corn and all, at his and Aaron’s new place.” (Whited out to avoid spoilers, highlight to read.)
Other Books in Nice Guys:
Additional Quotes from Full Domain
“Jesus Christ, he had to be at least six-five with every inch solid muscle, and hot as holy fuck. Big, muscular guys in leather had always been a weakness for him, and this one was certainly his walking wet dream personified.” (26)
“The whole going out to get laid lifestyle grew old about the same time life had become so serious. Between work and the changing culture of today’s gay community, it seemed every guy he met wanted a committed relationship. It was their right. But commitments took work, and that was something he didn’t have time for. Sex for the sake of sex wasn’t that easy to find anymore. Somehow strings were always attached, no matter what was agreed on before the deed.” (36)
“Very few knew that his true reason for being a government employee was to keep his friends close and his enemies closer. The FBI represented that enemy tenfold.” (48)
“He watched as Aaron leaned back and closed his eyes, effectively shutting down any further discussion. Kreed reached for the Sky Magazine and started thumbing through the pages. He’d just been given a compliment and effectively put in his place all in one fell swoop. That about summed up every single interaction he’d had with the kid so far.” (91)
“Kreed Sinacola was exceptional in every way. Ruggedly handsome, perfectly built from head to toe, but more than that, he was such an interesting mix of a man. The SpongeBob pajama bottoms and his white sleeveless undershirt announcing “I Like Dick” in big bold black letters across the chest seemed to fit his personality more than anything else could. Kreed looked vulnerable in the moment with his hair sticking out in various directions as though he’d run a frustrated hand through it repeatedly.” (128)
“After allowing himself a minute of reflection, Aaron pushed those thoughts aside in a desperate attempt to keep perspective, reminding himself the man he was sharing his bed with was a well-trained, special teams deputy US marshal. Those type men didn’t knowingly hang with criminals. They arrested them. No matter what happened between him and Kreed, no matter where all this emotion stemmed from or how genuine this felt, there was no way they could continue past this vacation. He couldn’t risk it. And what would crush him more would be the disappointment in Kreed’s eyes if he ever found out the truth.” (294)
“I’ll give you more time, but you need to be honest with me. Every day I’m falling a little deeper. We’re close to no turning back. You need to stop what’s happening and spare me from the hurt later on if you’re not feeling it now.” (317)
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