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Shades of Gray
Miller Sutton, a by-the-book FBI agent, is starting to see some troubling shades of gray in his black-and-white world. He comes face-to-face with his doubts in the person of Danny Butler, a mid-level drug runner Miller hopes to use to catch a much larger fish: Roberto Hinestroza, a drug lord Miller has pursued for years.
Danny has no interest in being a witness against his boss, both out of a sense of twisted loyalty and because he knows double-crossing Hinestroza is a sure death sentence. But he reluctantly agrees to cooperate, and as he suspects, it doesn't take long for Hinestroza to figure out the betrayal.
Miller is surprised to discover Danny's not the career-criminal lowlife he expected; at the same time, Danny finds himself helplessly attracted to Miller's innate goodness. They barely begin to explore the sparking attraction between them when Hinestroza's hitman tracks them down, and then they're on the run, both for their lives and for any kind of love.
Danny has no interest in being a witness against his boss, both out of a sense of twisted loyalty and because he knows double-crossing Hinestroza is a sure death sentence. But he reluctantly agrees to cooperate, and as he suspects, it doesn't take long for Hinestroza to figure out the betrayal.
Miller is surprised to discover Danny's not the career-criminal lowlife he expected; at the same time, Danny finds himself helplessly attracted to Miller's innate goodness. They barely begin to explore the sparking attraction between them when Hinestroza's hitman tracks them down, and then they're on the run, both for their lives and for any kind of love.
246 pages, ebook
First published October 1, 2009
About the author
Brooke McKinley
2 books251 followersBrooke McKinley has always been practical. So after college she continued on to law school instead of pursuing her lifelong dream of writing novels. She didn't stop writing but confined it to scribbles on the edges of yellow legal pads and hurried paragraphs during late-night coffee breaks. After ten interesting and challenging years as a criminal defense attorney, Brooke left the practice of law to try something new. She now divides her time between corralling her children and giving voice to the endless characters in her head. And she has decided that practicality is vastly overrated.
E-mail Brooke at [email protected].
E-mail Brooke at [email protected].
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 623 reviews
March 8, 2016
I can't believe I'm DNFing this one at 60%. This has been on my to-read list forever! I just didn't connect with the characters.
This book has a 4.41 rating with my Goodreads friends. That is a crazy high rating from a group of very discerning people (yes I'm talking about you, friends!). Perhaps take my review with a grain of salt then. I am one of the few that didn't love this book.
My issues with this one started pretty much right out the gate. For a guy who is used to working with some pretty shady people and has to watch his back, Danny is one careless mo-fo. Starting with letting the police manipulate him (come one, this can't be your first interrogation room! I wasn't even fooled by the stupid police ploys and I'm not a hardened criminal!). Leaving a safe-house to meet up with a friend on the street in the middle of the day?? Don't you think someone could be watching for that? The drug lords want you dead, man, you should be paranoid as $hit! Drawing a gun on some random guy walking his dog and then just standing there like a dummy while your FBI guy has to scramble for a lame cover story? Just plain stupid. It is no surprise the bad guys were onto you. I couldn't help myself compare this one to Zero at the Bone, and you can bet that D wouldn't step one foot in broad daylight for any reason while he was watching his man.
However, for me, the real killer was the lack of chemistry between the two guys. I didn't get why they all of the sudden went for each other. I didn't see the spark. The awkward sex-scenes didn't help either. I could definitely tell that this is Brooke McKinley's first M/M book. I felt a strange lack of heat between the two guys... it was like anti-sexy. Also, for someone as deep in the closet as Miller, he sure went from 0-60 in no time! He went from denial to love so quickly... it just didn't ring true for me.
I don't know, I thought that this book would be an easy 4 or 5 stars for me... I'm really disappointed that it was a miss.
This book has a 4.41 rating with my Goodreads friends. That is a crazy high rating from a group of very discerning people (yes I'm talking about you, friends!). Perhaps take my review with a grain of salt then. I am one of the few that didn't love this book.
My issues with this one started pretty much right out the gate. For a guy who is used to working with some pretty shady people and has to watch his back, Danny is one careless mo-fo. Starting with letting the police manipulate him (come one, this can't be your first interrogation room! I wasn't even fooled by the stupid police ploys and I'm not a hardened criminal!). Leaving a safe-house to meet up with a friend on the street in the middle of the day?? Don't you think someone could be watching for that? The drug lords want you dead, man, you should be paranoid as $hit! Drawing a gun on some random guy walking his dog and then just standing there like a dummy while your FBI guy has to scramble for a lame cover story? Just plain stupid. It is no surprise the bad guys were onto you. I couldn't help myself compare this one to Zero at the Bone, and you can bet that D wouldn't step one foot in broad daylight for any reason while he was watching his man.
However, for me, the real killer was the lack of chemistry between the two guys. I didn't get why they all of the sudden went for each other. I didn't see the spark. The awkward sex-scenes didn't help either. I could definitely tell that this is Brooke McKinley's first M/M book. I felt a strange lack of heat between the two guys... it was like anti-sexy. Also, for someone as deep in the closet as Miller, he sure went from 0-60 in no time! He went from denial to love so quickly... it just didn't ring true for me.
I don't know, I thought that this book would be an easy 4 or 5 stars for me... I'm really disappointed that it was a miss.
June 5, 2020
Re-read 5/2020
I wanted to reread this story ever since I first read it two years ago, and I'm happy to say that I liked it just as much this time around. Miller and Danny are such great characters.
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Original review:
Not the most realistic story when it comes to crime, but I loved both MCs and enjoyed reading about them.
It was a lot more emotional than I expected.
I wanted to reread this story ever since I first read it two years ago, and I'm happy to say that I liked it just as much this time around. Miller and Danny are such great characters.
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Original review:
Not the most realistic story when it comes to crime, but I loved both MCs and enjoyed reading about them.
It was a lot more emotional than I expected.
January 29, 2015
4.5 stars
So close to perfect for a book in this genre. This had it all: two very real, complex MCs, a tight plot, nuanced writing, action, fantastic chemistry, and serious sizzle.
I had to keep setting it down, because this was such an emotional ride. Yes, I cried, and I'm utterly in love with Danny.
Why is this McKinley's only book? This one is a must-read.
So close to perfect for a book in this genre. This had it all: two very real, complex MCs, a tight plot, nuanced writing, action, fantastic chemistry, and serious sizzle.
I had to keep setting it down, because this was such an emotional ride. Yes, I cried, and I'm utterly in love with Danny.
Why is this McKinley's only book? This one is a must-read.
July 24, 2019
Reread via audiobook July 2019
Audiobook: ***4 Stars***
Story: it's still on my all-time-favorites shelf. Need I say more??? 😉
-----------------------------------------
So. Many. Feelz...
WHY THE HELL DID I WAIT SO LONG TO READ THIS???
At first glance, this seems to be a typical crime story. FBI Agent blackmails a criminal into testifying against his boss, they fall in love, boss gets wind of the deal, both are on the run and were miraculously saved. End of story.
Nooo, not this time. Obviously, Shades of Gray has a crime plot, but first and foremost it is a romance. A beautifully written love story between two men on different sides of the law. You feel the chemistry between them virtually sizzling, but it is not just pure blind lust. From their first time together there is a tenderness, that grabbed my heart.
Miller and Danny are far from perfect, and yet for me they are.
Miller Sutton, a somewhat disillusioned and job weary FBI Agent, who lived all his live in denial about his sexuality, about who he really is.
Danny Butler, a drug runner whose bad choice got him to be delinquent when he was a teen, but who came to terms with it along the way, until some events -some decisions- made him question his choice.
Then there is said druglord who does not accept betrayal in any way and sends his sadistic killer after them...
Both men have to realize in a painful way that not everything is black and white. Not their situation and not the other person.
I never thought I would cry over a crime story someday... There were scenes in this book that were hard to take. I had tears streaming down my face while at the same time, I felt pure white-hot rage. And the apparent hopelessness of their situation honest-to-goodness made my chest constrict.
It makes me sad that the author apparently has chosen not to write any other books, but I cannot not be more happy that I met Miller and Danny. I loved them both so hard, well, maybe Danny a little bit more. ;-) I know, I know... I'm late to the party and I could not add anything else that has not already been said in other reviews, so I will leave it at that.
In case you are as late to the party as me, read this book, you won't regret it! This goes straight onto my favorites shelf!!! Highly recommended!
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
Audiobook: ***4 Stars***
Story: it's still on my all-time-favorites shelf. Need I say more??? 😉
-----------------------------------------
So. Many. Feelz...
WHY THE HELL DID I WAIT SO LONG TO READ THIS???
At first glance, this seems to be a typical crime story. FBI Agent blackmails a criminal into testifying against his boss, they fall in love, boss gets wind of the deal, both are on the run and were miraculously saved. End of story.
Nooo, not this time. Obviously, Shades of Gray has a crime plot, but first and foremost it is a romance. A beautifully written love story between two men on different sides of the law. You feel the chemistry between them virtually sizzling, but it is not just pure blind lust. From their first time together there is a tenderness, that grabbed my heart.
Miller and Danny are far from perfect, and yet for me they are.
Miller Sutton, a somewhat disillusioned and job weary FBI Agent, who lived all his live in denial about his sexuality, about who he really is.
Danny Butler, a drug runner whose bad choice got him to be delinquent when he was a teen, but who came to terms with it along the way, until some events -some decisions- made him question his choice.
Then there is said druglord who does not accept betrayal in any way and sends his sadistic killer after them...
Both men have to realize in a painful way that not everything is black and white. Not their situation and not the other person.
I never thought I would cry over a crime story someday... There were scenes in this book that were hard to take. I had tears streaming down my face while at the same time, I felt pure white-hot rage. And the apparent hopelessness of their situation honest-to-goodness made my chest constrict.
It makes me sad that the author apparently has chosen not to write any other books, but I cannot not be more happy that I met Miller and Danny. I loved them both so hard, well, maybe Danny a little bit more. ;-) I know, I know... I'm late to the party and I could not add anything else that has not already been said in other reviews, so I will leave it at that.
In case you are as late to the party as me, read this book, you won't regret it! This goes straight onto my favorites shelf!!! Highly recommended!
This review has been posted on Dirty Books Obsession
February 9, 2024
Oh wow this book blew me away.
Passion, struggle, love, sex, power, evil, all wrapped up in two beautifully flawed men.
It's difficult to believe this is not only the debut but also the only one from Brooke. It's beautifully written, the pacing is superb and the conclusion is believable.
I fell in love with Danny and Miller.
Passion, struggle, love, sex, power, evil, all wrapped up in two beautifully flawed men.
It's difficult to believe this is not only the debut but also the only one from Brooke. It's beautifully written, the pacing is superb and the conclusion is believable.
I fell in love with Danny and Miller.
September 5, 2015
Loved this one!
It was THE perfect mix of romance and suspense.
The build up....the sexual tension....the sexual chemistry. It was perfect. It was believable, it was real....I felt it.
The suspense left me intrigued, kept me guessing.
I wanted more. I didn't want it to end.
It was THE perfect mix of romance and suspense.
The build up....the sexual tension....the sexual chemistry. It was perfect. It was believable, it was real....I felt it.
The suspense left me intrigued, kept me guessing.
I wanted more. I didn't want it to end.
February 9, 2017
***4.75 Black & White Stars***
"It's always our mistakes, the things we aren't proud of, that are the first ones to stand up, ready to be counted."
Where do I even begin to explain how much I loved this book? Let me start off by saying that I cannot believe this is Brooke McKinley's debut book! This is one of those stories that page by page creeps up on you, digs its claws into your heart and simply doesn't let go until the last word.
Danny Butler is on the wrong side of the law. He works as a drug runner for one of the largest drug lords in the world. He's been under surveillance by the FBI for over nine months and he's finally been brought in to turn as an informant. He's given no choice really. Word will spread to his boss that he's been arrested, can he risk saying no to the FBI and take his chances that they'll believe he didn't snitch? Or does he try to do the right thing and help the FBI put away the only man who has ever shown faith in him? Believed he was worth something, even if it was to do his dirty work? Was loyalty still an admirable trait if it lies with the wrong person?
Agent Miller Sutton has been working on this case for almost a year. He needs Danny's help to close the case. He'll do whatever it takes. He lives his life a certain way, with everything contained in a nice, neat box. Feelings have no business at work, and work is the only place where he feels like he isn't failing. He's spent most of his life denying any true emotion to creep into his neat and orderly world.
"Everything set out in neat little boxes, all black and white, exactly how he liked it. Good and evil, right and wrong, innocent and guilty. Stay in the right box and it would all work out in the end."
Danny and Miller are holed up in a safe house waiting on the capture of Danny's boss. In this bubble, the two begin getting to know each other and Danny's easy way starts to get under Miller's skin. He finds himself opening up to Danny, something he's never done with anyone. Even his fiance. Now, for those who have problems with cheating in books I'll put my thoughts under a spoiler and you can decide for yourself. Please note that I am one who does not read books with cheating, and frankly I didn't know there would be any in this book. Little by little both men start opening up to each other about their pasts and what brought them to this point in their life. But underneath all of that is an undercurrent of sexual tension and the knowledge that the two live their lives on different sides of the law.
"Look at us, right now. Miller the FBI agent getting his answers, and Danny the criminal with a lifetime of bad deeds behind him. That's all we'll ever be."
After denying themselves for so long, they take a leap of faith and give in to their desires. But what neither expected was to feel so much more. However, this relationship is blooming under the dark cloud of Danny's past. His boss has found out he's going to snitch and a hitman is after them. What kind of a life could they have on the run? Should they just embrace their moment in time, knowing that there is no real future?
"This is the best, most real thing that's ever happened to me. I've spent my whole life jumping from one bad choice to the next. Choosing this, with you, is probably the only decision I've ever been proud of making. I'll never be sorry."
Miller is starting to realize that maybe the world isn't so black and white. Maybe everything can't fit into a nice, orderly box. As he learns more about Danny and what led him to this point in his life, Miller starts to evaluate his own decisions, fears and sacrifices. Has he been denying himself endless possibilities because of his own insecurities and single-mindedness? Could Danny be the person to color his black and white world?
"Danny, whose body made Miller forget the world and whose soul, even marked with shadows, made Miller believe in something beyond the stars."
"That somehow that man, with a felony record and no hope for the future, with a body marked with scars, with a brave, strong heart, was the person Miller had been searching for his whole life without even knowing it."
Things are easy to dream about when stuck in the safety of motel rooms, just the two of them. But what happens when Danny's past catches up with them? When Miller has to decide if the actions and decision made in the arms of his lover can shine in the bright light of day? Do these two genuinely have a future or is it a pipe dream made by two men who wished they could be what they were when they were together? Can they live with the decisions they've made?
As you can tell, I could probably gush about this book for paragraphs on end. I simply could not put the book down. It elicited every emotion from me that I look for in a story. I got mad, I laughed, I was frustrated, I cried, I swooned and I screamed that it just wasn't fair. This book is easily going on my favorites shelf and one of the best books I've read this year. I can't wait for more from this author!
In parting, since this has been such a quote heavy review, I'll leave you with my favorite.
"Why, why's it so goddamn good?"
"Because it's us, Miller. Because it's us."
January 31, 2013
3.5 stars (I’ve been stuck in 3.5-star-ville lately)
Man, this book had the makings to be great. 2 hot characters, opposites attract, closeted g-man, danger, hot man-lovin’, tenderness…so, so close…
Let me just say what I did really, really love about this book:
So often in the M/M books I read, the 2 MC’s are so selfish in their love for each other. You rarely see that truly beautiful “I love you enough to sacrifice for you”. (Protection…also a great example). But, I loved this in Danny and Miller. They found a love that was so intense they would give up themselves to protect the other. Big props.
Ok, here are my issues:
Despite all this, honestly, I did really love Danny & Miller as a couple and I thought their time together was passionate and intense. It’s an entertaining enough read and I can totally see why so many people loved it.
For me: good not great; like not love.
June 6, 2019
4,5 stars!
I loved this one SO much!!!
I still can't give this one 5 full stars, but I got invested into this story so bad!
Can't believe this author did't write more. I really loved this one!
It was raw, it was painful, it was heartbreaking at times, but we get such a wonderful ending! It's definitely worth it!
I loved this one SO much!!!
I still can't give this one 5 full stars, but I got invested into this story so bad!
Can't believe this author did't write more. I really loved this one!
It was raw, it was painful, it was heartbreaking at times, but we get such a wonderful ending! It's definitely worth it!
March 7, 2017
One of the best debut novels I have read!
Awesomamazing 5 plus star read!!! I wish there were more books out by this author.
I loved this book. I loved both MCs.
I would love to read a story about secondary character Griff.
Awesomamazing 5 plus star read!!! I wish there were more books out by this author.
I loved this book. I loved both MCs.
I would love to read a story about secondary character Griff.
March 8, 2017
4 Stars
There’s not much to add to the multitude of reviews that have already sung the praises of this book. By no means the easiest read, this really brought on the feels and the angst.
Miller has lived his life by a set of rules. It’s made him good at what he does, and there’s no room for exceptions, especially as a successful FBI agent who gets the job done taking down big bad drug dealers. These rules have guided him on how to act, how to live, and how to be. He’s bottled up so tight, he hasn’t allowed himself to contemplate why he’s always felt like an outsider in his own life. That is, until that one person prickles at his conscience and stirs up feelings he’s long tamped down. The very picture of how he sees himself is about to be shattered.
Danny’s life is not his own. It has no room for soft desires or comforting caring, let alone love. A series of bad choices and unfortunate circumstances have him trapped. However, he’s a survivor and a fighter, and though every instinct tells him not to trust Miller, he can’t seem to stop himself from falling for the repressed G man.
These two can’t deny their attraction, and despite the million reasons why they shouldn’t step over the line, they do. This was frantic and desperate and intense. There are hard truths to swallow and not so pretty things to be seen. When push comes to shove, both these men have to realize what’s important and what they’re prepared to sacrifice to not only survive, but to possibly carve out some sort of implausible reality where they can be together.
Gritty and harsh, peppered with some lovely sexy and tender intimacy, all of which will no doubt make you cheer for these two. It’s really a shame this author hasn’t written more.
There’s not much to add to the multitude of reviews that have already sung the praises of this book. By no means the easiest read, this really brought on the feels and the angst.
Miller has lived his life by a set of rules. It’s made him good at what he does, and there’s no room for exceptions, especially as a successful FBI agent who gets the job done taking down big bad drug dealers. These rules have guided him on how to act, how to live, and how to be. He’s bottled up so tight, he hasn’t allowed himself to contemplate why he’s always felt like an outsider in his own life. That is, until that one person prickles at his conscience and stirs up feelings he’s long tamped down. The very picture of how he sees himself is about to be shattered.
Danny’s life is not his own. It has no room for soft desires or comforting caring, let alone love. A series of bad choices and unfortunate circumstances have him trapped. However, he’s a survivor and a fighter, and though every instinct tells him not to trust Miller, he can’t seem to stop himself from falling for the repressed G man.
These two can’t deny their attraction, and despite the million reasons why they shouldn’t step over the line, they do. This was frantic and desperate and intense. There are hard truths to swallow and not so pretty things to be seen. When push comes to shove, both these men have to realize what’s important and what they’re prepared to sacrifice to not only survive, but to possibly carve out some sort of implausible reality where they can be together.
Gritty and harsh, peppered with some lovely sexy and tender intimacy, all of which will no doubt make you cheer for these two. It’s really a shame this author hasn’t written more.
December 2, 2014
In chess it's called...
Okay, this one is simply EPIC. And it makes me angry because the author didn't write more books! It's a SHAME! She's classified in that imaginary shelf in my mind of ridiculously talented but inexplicably wasted authors sharing seats with the great Jane Seville and G.N Chevalier. If they want to be remembered as THE author OF the BOOK they'll become a kind of Margaret Mitchell in the M/M genre. Maybe that's their purpose. But not for my own good.
I love this book very much because it was one of my first romances in this genre but that's not the reason why I will always remember it. It's because it filled every cup of mine, even those I wasn't aware about. If there was a button to be pushed, this book found it. If there was a question to be answered the explanation was more than enough. If there was a feeling that I had the feeling that should take place then, the feeling appeared just in time. As a angst junkie as I am, I was satisfied with all that distress the book transpired. As a cuddling girl as I am I was also happy with all the brushes and grazes. And witnessing black and white Miller's world and Danny's grey one crashing into each other was just the icing on the cake. But above it all I value connection, and it was provided beyond expectations. It was one of those cases in which every ingredient was present, but the personal touch was the secret.
So, yes, damn good, this one.
Okay, this one is simply EPIC. And it makes me angry because the author didn't write more books! It's a SHAME! She's classified in that imaginary shelf in my mind of ridiculously talented but inexplicably wasted authors sharing seats with the great Jane Seville and G.N Chevalier. If they want to be remembered as THE author OF the BOOK they'll become a kind of Margaret Mitchell in the M/M genre. Maybe that's their purpose. But not for my own good.
I love this book very much because it was one of my first romances in this genre but that's not the reason why I will always remember it. It's because it filled every cup of mine, even those I wasn't aware about. If there was a button to be pushed, this book found it. If there was a question to be answered the explanation was more than enough. If there was a feeling that I had the feeling that should take place then, the feeling appeared just in time. As a angst junkie as I am, I was satisfied with all that distress the book transpired. As a cuddling girl as I am I was also happy with all the brushes and grazes. And witnessing black and white Miller's world and Danny's grey one crashing into each other was just the icing on the cake. But above it all I value connection, and it was provided beyond expectations. It was one of those cases in which every ingredient was present, but the personal touch was the secret.
So, yes, damn good, this one.
June 18, 2010
I know it's not fair to compare this book to Zero at the Bone, but, I can't help it. It's sort of a similar storyline. Where I think Zero was a bit more ambitious, in the end I thought it bit off more than it could chew. Shades of Gray takes a smaller bite and is a bit more graceful about it as a result.
The book opens with Danny Butler sweating, and bleeding, it out while waiting alone in a police interrogation room. A cop pulled him over for running a red light and bags him on a weapons charge, dragging him through a broken window in the process, leaving him bloodied and looking at a long stint in federal prison. He's a career criminal. In the fourteen years since he joined Roberto Hinestroza's international drug smuggling enterprise at 18, he's risen up the ranks and is currently a mid-level drug runner. He's no stranger to the federal prison system, and he's not at all eager to head back, but he's even less eager to roll over on Mr. Hinestroza and take a deal with the FBI. Not only is he afraid of getting killed, he has a sense of loyalty towards the drug lord that he's not ready to abandon.
FBI Special Agent Miller Sutton wants Danny to take this deal, and he's not above playing dirty to get what he wants. He's been on Hinestroza's case for three years, following Danny for over half a year, so he pushes and pulls to get what he wants, implying that he'd let Hinestroza think Danny's working with the Feds even if Danny turned him down. He knows he's being a dick, that he's placing this guy in mortal danger, but that's just what he does. He's with the Good Guys. Sad for Miller that he's not sure he believes his own propaganda anymore. He wins a deal from Danny, so why doesn't he feel like a winner?
Though the plot is centered by Danny informing on his boss, outrunning a hitman and the like, it's not really a romantic suspense. It's more of a character study than anything else. As Miller babysits Danny in a secure apartment, they talk and form a friendship. Approval-starved Danny is attracted to the good in Special Agent Miller Sutton. Closeted Miller, stressed out by living a carefully guarded lie, is mesmerized by the impulsive, comfortably gay Danny. They're clearly attracted to each other early on, but just how would a FBI agent and a drug runner hook up?
I found the romance gritty, but entirely realistic. Not in the way that this is how any of my friends have met their better half, but that if an FBI agent were to hook up with an ex-felon informant, this is a completely plausible how. I mean, what they're doing breaks all their rules. So why? Why these two? Why now?
McKinley's superior characterization answered those questions for me. Through dialog, POV prose and bits of deep POV flashback, we get the full picture of both lead characters and what made them who they are today. Both have a character arc that spans the length of the book. Both are sympathetic, but with flaws and bad decisions aplenty. At the beginning, it seems a bit like Miller is the good guy and Danny the bad guy. But the more we find out about the both of them, the more decisions they make, the more those lines blur.
It's hard to offer examples of the characters without giving away crucial bits of plot. Both plot and character are closely intertwined and paced perfectly. Suffice to say, I could see how Miller could feel so overwhelmed by his life perched upon one lie after another that Danny was the straw to break the camel's back and make him throw everything away and start over. I could also see how maybe Miller needed to do it this way, so that he'd have no way to go back to how he'd been living before even if he wanted to. Those actions and decisions, I thought, turned him into a man only someone like Danny, who is well acquainted with how easily people can screw their lives up, could understand. By the end, Danny has begun to acknowledge the good inside him and live with it, while Miller is just getting used to living with his darkness.
I'm doing a bad job of reviewing this. I can never decently review a five star book. They've got a magic quality to their storytelling that I can never quite adequately describe. But, to sum it up, this was a great character-driven romantic suspense in which the characters personalities, gender and sexuality all played a major role in the plot. Both men acted like men; neither could have been replaced by a heroine and kept this plot. It was a story that could only be told within a m/m framework. It's a rare book that makes me want to re-read it so soon after finishing it.
The book opens with Danny Butler sweating, and bleeding, it out while waiting alone in a police interrogation room. A cop pulled him over for running a red light and bags him on a weapons charge, dragging him through a broken window in the process, leaving him bloodied and looking at a long stint in federal prison. He's a career criminal. In the fourteen years since he joined Roberto Hinestroza's international drug smuggling enterprise at 18, he's risen up the ranks and is currently a mid-level drug runner. He's no stranger to the federal prison system, and he's not at all eager to head back, but he's even less eager to roll over on Mr. Hinestroza and take a deal with the FBI. Not only is he afraid of getting killed, he has a sense of loyalty towards the drug lord that he's not ready to abandon.
FBI Special Agent Miller Sutton wants Danny to take this deal, and he's not above playing dirty to get what he wants. He's been on Hinestroza's case for three years, following Danny for over half a year, so he pushes and pulls to get what he wants, implying that he'd let Hinestroza think Danny's working with the Feds even if Danny turned him down. He knows he's being a dick, that he's placing this guy in mortal danger, but that's just what he does. He's with the Good Guys. Sad for Miller that he's not sure he believes his own propaganda anymore. He wins a deal from Danny, so why doesn't he feel like a winner?
Though the plot is centered by Danny informing on his boss, outrunning a hitman and the like, it's not really a romantic suspense. It's more of a character study than anything else. As Miller babysits Danny in a secure apartment, they talk and form a friendship. Approval-starved Danny is attracted to the good in Special Agent Miller Sutton. Closeted Miller, stressed out by living a carefully guarded lie, is mesmerized by the impulsive, comfortably gay Danny. They're clearly attracted to each other early on, but just how would a FBI agent and a drug runner hook up?
I found the romance gritty, but entirely realistic. Not in the way that this is how any of my friends have met their better half, but that if an FBI agent were to hook up with an ex-felon informant, this is a completely plausible how. I mean, what they're doing breaks all their rules. So why? Why these two? Why now?
McKinley's superior characterization answered those questions for me. Through dialog, POV prose and bits of deep POV flashback, we get the full picture of both lead characters and what made them who they are today. Both have a character arc that spans the length of the book. Both are sympathetic, but with flaws and bad decisions aplenty. At the beginning, it seems a bit like Miller is the good guy and Danny the bad guy. But the more we find out about the both of them, the more decisions they make, the more those lines blur.
It's hard to offer examples of the characters without giving away crucial bits of plot. Both plot and character are closely intertwined and paced perfectly. Suffice to say, I could see how Miller could feel so overwhelmed by his life perched upon one lie after another that Danny was the straw to break the camel's back and make him throw everything away and start over. I could also see how maybe Miller needed to do it this way, so that he'd have no way to go back to how he'd been living before even if he wanted to. Those actions and decisions, I thought, turned him into a man only someone like Danny, who is well acquainted with how easily people can screw their lives up, could understand. By the end, Danny has begun to acknowledge the good inside him and live with it, while Miller is just getting used to living with his darkness.
I'm doing a bad job of reviewing this. I can never decently review a five star book. They've got a magic quality to their storytelling that I can never quite adequately describe. But, to sum it up, this was a great character-driven romantic suspense in which the characters personalities, gender and sexuality all played a major role in the plot. Both men acted like men; neither could have been replaced by a heroine and kept this plot. It was a story that could only be told within a m/m framework. It's a rare book that makes me want to re-read it so soon after finishing it.
April 24, 2016
This book is simply spectacular.
I'm notoriously hard to please when it comes to fictional romances. I just don't buy them. Friends come to me with couples they loved in books or movies, and they leave me stone cold. You see, I was never really brought up to be a romantic type. I was never one of those kids who at ten had decided what cake they wanted at their wedding. At ten, I was really into gory anime and cheesy pasta. I also had an emo phase that went on for longer than it should have.
I grew from being an intensely serious child to an extremely cynical young adult. Romance doesn't convince me unless I can tell that whoever wrote or acted it really and truly put their back into it. I want to feel an author's dedication to the couple they're writing. And I don't doubt that most authors do. It just doesn't translate on the page. Katsa and Po? Meh. Katniss and Peeta? Not interested. Romeo and Juliet? Christian and Ana? Meredith and McDreamy? Jane and Mr. Rochester? Abe and Rebecca*? Allie and Noah? Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy? Every Disney Princess and her Prince, ever? Jace and Clary? Penryn and Raffe? Rick and Lori?
I just don't care about any of them. And that's why Danny and Miller are killing me so much. The only other couples I'm this invested in are Macduff and Lady Macduff** and Dean and Castiel***.
Danny and Miller are just such beautiful, broken characters, with this beautiful, broken romance. They're so desperate for each other, and they go on this journey, and...I can't! It's too much!
Even separately, they're brilliant. There's such smooth character development for both of them, and Miller in particular makes such an organic transition from the man he is before Danny to the man after. When you close the back cover of this book (or tap the last page. I read this on my Kobo, which I've since lost, so I can't reread this book until I buy another. Yeah - this book is so good I want to re-read it despite my titanic to-read list) you truly feel as if you've been through a journey of each character's self-discovery. Honestly? This book made me feel like I'd really achieved something. Don't wrinkle your nose; you've felt that way. If you say you haven't, you're lying. The best books make us feel this way. As if we've been through something challenging, transported from the hall closet or the couch or the roof of the Chrysler building or wherever you like to read, to the characters' world.
And it's not like the writing isn't worth some serious attention. This book is written with so much passion and heart. The plot is tight, dialogue smooth and slick, and the pacing perfect. The author has such love and respect both for her artistic license and her plot's relationship with reality. Yeah, there's melodrama, but this book really knows when to reel it in. It never oversteps the mark. It's angsty and dramatic, but that's what it's meant to be. That's the beauty of it!
And you know you've found a conscientious m/m author when there are living, breathing and sympathetic female characters with roles to play within the plot and important ties to the main characters. (It's not like Crimson Spell where the women are missing. Sorry, Crimson Spell. I love you like an annoying little sibling that really deserves to be punched. I love you like Ontario loves Quebec.) Really, though - Rachel was an incredibly sympathetic character. This isn't just personal opinion; the book actually forces the reader to recognize how much Miller hurts her and not to excuse it. It's refreshing, as the "silly disposable woman only existing to complicate our m/m romance" trope is waaaaay too rampant in this genre.
The essence of this book is really in the plot. The romance is deeply tied to it, but they're symbiotic. You care about the plot because you care about the romance, and vice versa. There are certainly enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes. One in particular really knocked me off my chair.
Honestly? This book is just great. It's one of my favourite books. There's some sex and swearing and graphic violence, but don't let these things deter you, my lovelies. I'd recommend this one in a heartbeat. I just really, really love it.
Okay? Okay.
Bonus Time!
(This is a really lame bonus time, but it's like 1 a.m. and I just...sorry.)
*Abe and Rebecca count as a fictional couple because Breaking Amish is the fakest shit on television. However, I won't lie and say I didn't watch the first season religiously, because I totally did.
**Macduff snuck into England, raised an army and cut off the King's head to avenge the death of Lady Macduff and his children. Yes, it's mildly archaic, but it's the best and most passionate romantic pairing in any of Shakespeare's works. (Clearly, I am not a huge screaming fan of Shakespeare's.)
***The Dean and Castiel romance is one of the most epic love stories ever told in modern media, and if you say they aren't canon then I'll raise an army, carry Birnam Wood to Dunsinane, and cut off your head.
FIN
I'm notoriously hard to please when it comes to fictional romances. I just don't buy them. Friends come to me with couples they loved in books or movies, and they leave me stone cold. You see, I was never really brought up to be a romantic type. I was never one of those kids who at ten had decided what cake they wanted at their wedding. At ten, I was really into gory anime and cheesy pasta. I also had an emo phase that went on for longer than it should have.
I grew from being an intensely serious child to an extremely cynical young adult. Romance doesn't convince me unless I can tell that whoever wrote or acted it really and truly put their back into it. I want to feel an author's dedication to the couple they're writing. And I don't doubt that most authors do. It just doesn't translate on the page. Katsa and Po? Meh. Katniss and Peeta? Not interested. Romeo and Juliet? Christian and Ana? Meredith and McDreamy? Jane and Mr. Rochester? Abe and Rebecca*? Allie and Noah? Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy? Every Disney Princess and her Prince, ever? Jace and Clary? Penryn and Raffe? Rick and Lori?
I just don't care about any of them. And that's why Danny and Miller are killing me so much. The only other couples I'm this invested in are Macduff and Lady Macduff** and Dean and Castiel***.
Danny and Miller are just such beautiful, broken characters, with this beautiful, broken romance. They're so desperate for each other, and they go on this journey, and...I can't! It's too much!
Even separately, they're brilliant. There's such smooth character development for both of them, and Miller in particular makes such an organic transition from the man he is before Danny to the man after. When you close the back cover of this book (or tap the last page. I read this on my Kobo, which I've since lost, so I can't reread this book until I buy another. Yeah - this book is so good I want to re-read it despite my titanic to-read list) you truly feel as if you've been through a journey of each character's self-discovery. Honestly? This book made me feel like I'd really achieved something. Don't wrinkle your nose; you've felt that way. If you say you haven't, you're lying. The best books make us feel this way. As if we've been through something challenging, transported from the hall closet or the couch or the roof of the Chrysler building or wherever you like to read, to the characters' world.
And it's not like the writing isn't worth some serious attention. This book is written with so much passion and heart. The plot is tight, dialogue smooth and slick, and the pacing perfect. The author has such love and respect both for her artistic license and her plot's relationship with reality. Yeah, there's melodrama, but this book really knows when to reel it in. It never oversteps the mark. It's angsty and dramatic, but that's what it's meant to be. That's the beauty of it!
And you know you've found a conscientious m/m author when there are living, breathing and sympathetic female characters with roles to play within the plot and important ties to the main characters. (It's not like Crimson Spell where the women are missing. Sorry, Crimson Spell. I love you like an annoying little sibling that really deserves to be punched. I love you like Ontario loves Quebec.) Really, though - Rachel was an incredibly sympathetic character. This isn't just personal opinion; the book actually forces the reader to recognize how much Miller hurts her and not to excuse it. It's refreshing, as the "silly disposable woman only existing to complicate our m/m romance" trope is waaaaay too rampant in this genre.
The essence of this book is really in the plot. The romance is deeply tied to it, but they're symbiotic. You care about the plot because you care about the romance, and vice versa. There are certainly enough twists and turns to keep you on your toes. One in particular really knocked me off my chair.
Honestly? This book is just great. It's one of my favourite books. There's some sex and swearing and graphic violence, but don't let these things deter you, my lovelies. I'd recommend this one in a heartbeat. I just really, really love it.
Okay? Okay.
Bonus Time!
(This is a really lame bonus time, but it's like 1 a.m. and I just...sorry.)
*Abe and Rebecca count as a fictional couple because Breaking Amish is the fakest shit on television. However, I won't lie and say I didn't watch the first season religiously, because I totally did.
**Macduff snuck into England, raised an army and cut off the King's head to avenge the death of Lady Macduff and his children. Yes, it's mildly archaic, but it's the best and most passionate romantic pairing in any of Shakespeare's works. (Clearly, I am not a huge screaming fan of Shakespeare's.)
***The Dean and Castiel romance is one of the most epic love stories ever told in modern media, and if you say they aren't canon then I'll raise an army, carry Birnam Wood to Dunsinane, and cut off your head.
FIN
December 10, 2019
I listened to this one. I'd been wanting to get to this story for so long!
4 stars for the narration. I didn't like Morey's southern accent for Miller's voice.
4.5 stars for the story. I didn't like how a few random chapters had time jumps to the past.
Those are the only two things I can complain about. The rest of the story is fantastic. An "out for you" trope with an FBI agent and a drug runner criminal as the main characters. There is so much emotion, so many feelings, in this story. After almost 12 hours of listening, I never wanted it to end.
4 stars for the narration. I didn't like Morey's southern accent for Miller's voice.
4.5 stars for the story. I didn't like how a few random chapters had time jumps to the past.
Those are the only two things I can complain about. The rest of the story is fantastic. An "out for you" trope with an FBI agent and a drug runner criminal as the main characters. There is so much emotion, so many feelings, in this story. After almost 12 hours of listening, I never wanted it to end.
February 9, 2020
Not bad for a debut author, not bad at all. There were a few times when I went a bit squinty eyedat the way things went down, but all in all I enjoyed this one.
3.75 stars.
3.75 stars.
May 21, 2016
4.5 stars : why have I waited so long to read this book ? So great !!!
Danny, a drug runner, just got arrested for a driving offense and the FBI used that opportunity to make him turn on his boss, a big drug dealer. Miller, a FBI agent, is assigned to this case and has to “babysit” Danny, whose betrayal is rapidly discovered and is being hunted for that. Trapped in a safe apartment for several weeks, Miller and Danny get to talk a lot, and not only about the case, but pretty soon about themselves while dealing with their attraction, a difficult journey for Danny, who believes himself not being worth anything, for Miller, who has denied his gayness his whole life, and for both of them, having to deal with the FBI games and death threats.
Might sound like a typical suspense book ?? Not at all. Like one of the MCs said : "it's just so much more".
What bothers me a bit : there is cheating involved. I get it, but still…
Apart from that, Danny and Miller’s journey was...breathtaking, heartbreaking, emotional, eye-opening, hopeless and hopeful at the same time. It felt real, without BS, not an easy one, but so much worth the fight.
The cherry on the cake : the sex is hot and the suspense perfect.
I couldn’t put this book down and didn’t want it to end, but for making sure that an HEA wasn’t out of reach for Danny and Miller because they deserved it.
Highly recommended !!!
Danny, a drug runner, just got arrested for a driving offense and the FBI used that opportunity to make him turn on his boss, a big drug dealer. Miller, a FBI agent, is assigned to this case and has to “babysit” Danny, whose betrayal is rapidly discovered and is being hunted for that. Trapped in a safe apartment for several weeks, Miller and Danny get to talk a lot, and not only about the case, but pretty soon about themselves while dealing with their attraction, a difficult journey for Danny, who believes himself not being worth anything, for Miller, who has denied his gayness his whole life, and for both of them, having to deal with the FBI games and death threats.
Might sound like a typical suspense book ?? Not at all. Like one of the MCs said : "it's just so much more".
What bothers me a bit : there is cheating involved. I get it, but still…
Apart from that, Danny and Miller’s journey was...breathtaking, heartbreaking, emotional, eye-opening, hopeless and hopeful at the same time. It felt real, without BS, not an easy one, but so much worth the fight.
The cherry on the cake : the sex is hot and the suspense perfect.
I couldn’t put this book down and didn’t want it to end, but for making sure that an HEA wasn’t out of reach for Danny and Miller because they deserved it.
Highly recommended !!!
February 26, 2024
Buddy read. 
Wow, what an amazing book, I loved it!! 
I'm not going to do a long review....lots of other people have quite rightly given this one 5 stars and a full review. To my mind, all sorts of adjectives can be applied to the people in this book, and to the general mood created by the author....tense, gripping, compelling, breathtaking to name but a few. Oh, and let's not forget violent, psychopathic, vicious, hot, sexy....I could go on but won't.
Danny, I liked right from the start, and yes, I know he was a criminal but that doesn't necessarily mean that he was a bad person inside, he was a victim of circumstance. Miller, well, Miller had a huge stick up his backside, being an FBI agent and all, but I felt he gave a little of himself away when he sat on that bench with Danny, and as the book progressed, I grew to like him more and more. I felt for both of them when they parted, and although I understood the reasons, I couldn't help but be more than a little annoyed that they were willing to give everything up so easily....so that they could 'find' themselves and be honest about it!! It was as plain as the noses on their faces that they were in love with each other
.
I'm not mentioning the villains of the piece at all...well, not much. Hinestroza was a very complicated character, very keen to be the boss yet wanting you to feel that he could be counted on as a friend, quite willing to stab you in the back as long as he could employ someone else to do it...and boy, did he have someone else to do it...Juan 'what a complete nutter' Madrigal. What a thoroughly nasty piece of work he was
!!
All I can say in finishing is that I had tears rolling down my cheeks at the end of the read.
Wow, what an amazing book, I loved it!! I'm not going to do a long review....lots of other people have quite rightly given this one 5 stars and a full review. To my mind, all sorts of adjectives can be applied to the people in this book, and to the general mood created by the author....tense, gripping, compelling, breathtaking to name but a few. Oh, and let's not forget violent, psychopathic, vicious, hot, sexy....I could go on but won't.
Danny, I liked right from the start, and yes, I know he was a criminal but that doesn't necessarily mean that he was a bad person inside, he was a victim of circumstance. Miller, well, Miller had a huge stick up his backside, being an FBI agent and all, but I felt he gave a little of himself away when he sat on that bench with Danny, and as the book progressed, I grew to like him more and more. I felt for both of them when they parted, and although I understood the reasons, I couldn't help but be more than a little annoyed that they were willing to give everything up so easily....so that they could 'find' themselves and be honest about it!! It was as plain as the noses on their faces that they were in love with each other
.I'm not mentioning the villains of the piece at all...well, not much. Hinestroza was a very complicated character, very keen to be the boss yet wanting you to feel that he could be counted on as a friend, quite willing to stab you in the back as long as he could employ someone else to do it...and boy, did he have someone else to do it...Juan 'what a complete nutter' Madrigal. What a thoroughly nasty piece of work he was
!! All I can say in finishing is that I had tears rolling down my cheeks at the end of the read.
December 2, 2011
I tried to like this, I really did, but oh my God, the melodrama! At a certain point I was imagining violins in the background and my inner reading voice relaying the story with a constant sobby infliction... No, this story wasn't for me.
I wanted to say it started well enough, but it didn't actually. No drama there, I'll give you that, but the whole premise of the story is based on one huge suspension of disbelief. And I know, I know: it's fiction; logic has a lot of leeway here, but really: I'd like to not forfeit my common sense while reading.
Another peeve was the author's style of instantly telling us all about the characters. Upon meeting them we knew Danny was a good guy in a bad world who had morality issues, Miller was a frustrated straight-(ha!)edger who was bored with his life, Rachel was a predictable, dull vanilla girl, etcetera.
I personally don't like being told everything about characters at first sight. I like to get to know them, learn more about them as the story unfolds, have the chance to form my own opinions. To me this makes for more well drawn, layered characters, whereas McKinley's writing style has the danger of making her characters seem flat. She barely avoided that with the main characters but the secondaries were pretty one dimensional, especially the women with their pearl necklaces and sugar pink fingernails, and the bad guys who were downright caricatures.
As the story progressed the suspense plot became more unrealistic and the romance plot more sappy. Danny and Miller acted liked women. No, wait: they acted like women in romance novels. Because no real chick thinks and talks and acts like that, come on!
Besides the contents, McKinley's prose ups the sap factor. The guys don't shout, they scream, they talk with hurt in their voices and despair in their eyes, they draw shaky breaths, they choke and wince constantly.
The characters, the plot... it was bad action movie meets soap opera. With a lot of sap to top it off. The story got slightly better towards the ending, but all in all: this was not for me.
2,5 stars.
I wanted to say it started well enough, but it didn't actually. No drama there, I'll give you that, but the whole premise of the story is based on one huge suspension of disbelief. And I know, I know: it's fiction; logic has a lot of leeway here, but really: I'd like to not forfeit my common sense while reading.
Another peeve was the author's style of instantly telling us all about the characters. Upon meeting them we knew Danny was a good guy in a bad world who had morality issues, Miller was a frustrated straight-(ha!)edger who was bored with his life, Rachel was a predictable, dull vanilla girl, etcetera.
I personally don't like being told everything about characters at first sight. I like to get to know them, learn more about them as the story unfolds, have the chance to form my own opinions. To me this makes for more well drawn, layered characters, whereas McKinley's writing style has the danger of making her characters seem flat. She barely avoided that with the main characters but the secondaries were pretty one dimensional, especially the women with their pearl necklaces and sugar pink fingernails, and the bad guys who were downright caricatures.
As the story progressed the suspense plot became more unrealistic and the romance plot more sappy. Danny and Miller acted liked women. No, wait: they acted like women in romance novels. Because no real chick thinks and talks and acts like that, come on!
Besides the contents, McKinley's prose ups the sap factor. The guys don't shout, they scream, they talk with hurt in their voices and despair in their eyes, they draw shaky breaths, they choke and wince constantly.
The characters, the plot... it was bad action movie meets soap opera. With a lot of sap to top it off. The story got slightly better towards the ending, but all in all: this was not for me.
2,5 stars.
February 16, 2017
***3.5 Stars***
After reading a few friends reviews I went into Shades of Gray with high expectations and it pains me to say that I wasn’t as impressed as my friends, at least not in the first half of the book.
Shades of Gray is a Romance about a FBI agent and a mid-level drug runner.
Getting straight to the point, my disappointment was related to the guys meshing quite well almost from the beginning. The first interrogation was a joke, for a tough guy from the streets, Danny gave up too easy.
We had two guys standing in opposite sides of the law and as such, what I had in mind was something fiercer, grittier, with clashing forceful personalities, if you know what I mean. But no, the guys were too friendly to each other and it fell flat. There was a little struggle from both parts, both guys feeling guilty about their attraction for different reasons, but getting well alright.
Miller didn’t get much sympathy from me; I thought he was a coward.
The turnaround came about 60% in the story, where I was finally convinced and invested in it.
It happened when Danny left.
Yep! That was the moment shit got real.
On the other hand, I had a soft spot for Danny from the start.
Danny was a criminal living a violent, dangerous and dark life but somehow his soul was kept untouched by it all, his heart was not tainted by its ugliness.
Danny had such a great character development. I totally bought his troubled and beautiful soul.
There are scenes in the story not for the faint of heart, just so you know.
Honestly, the last 40% of the story was clearly a winner but the first part dragged and so I am on the fence here. It took me too long to get me in the mood for this party.
Don’t let my review put you off because I am on minority.
After reading a few friends reviews I went into Shades of Gray with high expectations and it pains me to say that I wasn’t as impressed as my friends, at least not in the first half of the book.
Shades of Gray is a Romance about a FBI agent and a mid-level drug runner.
Getting straight to the point, my disappointment was related to the guys meshing quite well almost from the beginning. The first interrogation was a joke, for a tough guy from the streets, Danny gave up too easy.
We had two guys standing in opposite sides of the law and as such, what I had in mind was something fiercer, grittier, with clashing forceful personalities, if you know what I mean. But no, the guys were too friendly to each other and it fell flat. There was a little struggle from both parts, both guys feeling guilty about their attraction for different reasons, but getting well alright.
Miller didn’t get much sympathy from me; I thought he was a coward.
The turnaround came about 60% in the story, where I was finally convinced and invested in it.
It happened when Danny left.
Yep! That was the moment shit got real.
On the other hand, I had a soft spot for Danny from the start.
Danny was a criminal living a violent, dangerous and dark life but somehow his soul was kept untouched by it all, his heart was not tainted by its ugliness.
Danny had such a great character development. I totally bought his troubled and beautiful soul.
There are scenes in the story not for the faint of heart, just so you know.
Honestly, the last 40% of the story was clearly a winner but the first part dragged and so I am on the fence here. It took me too long to get me in the mood for this party.
Don’t let my review put you off because I am on minority.
March 9, 2017
3 Stars
I'm quite disappointed by my reaction to this one. My feelings of indifference were probably brought on by a combination of things, ranging from my shitty work week, to the high (unachievable) expectations I held going into this book (with over 20 of my trusty GR buddies giving this a 5 star rating).
Don't get me wrong, it was a solid read, with an interesting premise that was executed well in a technical sense, but I just felt a personal disconnect to the characters and their plights, making it a bit difficult for me to fully engage with the storyline.
When the action or the romance was front and centre, I found myself enjoying the story immensely. Unfortunately, I felt that those moments were far and few between, causing long lulls of unfocused page turning on my part. I even found myself skimming towards the end, and that's something I never do.
Again, my entire reaction could be a result of my mood and personal goings on this week, and as such should be taken with a grain of salt - because did I mention all the stellar 5 star reviews that were loving all up on this one?! Yes? Good. Perhaps go read some of those instead.
I'm quite disappointed by my reaction to this one. My feelings of indifference were probably brought on by a combination of things, ranging from my shitty work week, to the high (unachievable) expectations I held going into this book (with over 20 of my trusty GR buddies giving this a 5 star rating).
Don't get me wrong, it was a solid read, with an interesting premise that was executed well in a technical sense, but I just felt a personal disconnect to the characters and their plights, making it a bit difficult for me to fully engage with the storyline.
When the action or the romance was front and centre, I found myself enjoying the story immensely. Unfortunately, I felt that those moments were far and few between, causing long lulls of unfocused page turning on my part. I even found myself skimming towards the end, and that's something I never do.
Again, my entire reaction could be a result of my mood and personal goings on this week, and as such should be taken with a grain of salt - because did I mention all the stellar 5 star reviews that were loving all up on this one?! Yes? Good. Perhaps go read some of those instead.
January 25, 2013
I've read this twice now and could easily pick it up again. The chemistry between Miller and Danny jumps off the page at you and literally smacks you in the face from the moment they meet. Millers stoic cop and Dannys cocky nature make for an explosive Pairing.
Danny's no goody goody but as the book progresses and you learn more of his backstory you can't help but grow to love him and even though he's done some not so nice things in his life and witnessed many others, he's far from being a career criminal. Both these guys have women in their backgrounds which mixes the story up a bit, but no worries this is a full on M/m romance and the Sexual tension and sizzling love scenes bring that well and truly home. Exciting, sexy, gritty and at times very tender this is a cracking venture into both romance and crime thriller.
Danny's no goody goody but as the book progresses and you learn more of his backstory you can't help but grow to love him and even though he's done some not so nice things in his life and witnessed many others, he's far from being a career criminal. Both these guys have women in their backgrounds which mixes the story up a bit, but no worries this is a full on M/m romance and the Sexual tension and sizzling love scenes bring that well and truly home. Exciting, sexy, gritty and at times very tender this is a cracking venture into both romance and crime thriller.
September 30, 2014
Written April 29, 2013
4.8 Brilliant Stars - Absolutely wonderful - I just loved everything
This is a book that left me still panting with exertion when the last page was read. It was full speed from the first page, so much desire, tenderness and fear to not be enough to be loved. At times I was so scared and worried - was there any possibility of eternal happiness and a life together for them?
A reading I greatly enjoyed. Highly recommended!
~**~**~**~**~**~
Miller Sutton, an FBI agent, has come to the police detention to persuade the man behind the grid, Danny Butler, to testify against a drug lord. Denny will be hardly "persuaded" and an exciting story begins.
It's hard not to love these two men. Already on the first page, I fell for Denny while the rigid and closed Miller needed more time to grow. Danny is everything; tough, street-smart, experienced, affectionate, caring and fragile. Miller is the splendid skilled worker, he has turned off his emotions and working to achieve conventional goals. He has not dared listen to what he feels inside. The feeling for men ....
For me, this is primarily a very beautiful story about a growing love between two men from different worlds. The game between them is so beautiful and the various love scenes are hot but always loving. I hoped with all my heart and soul that they would get a second chance, for a change and, for them better lives. A life in the name of love! OMG I love them - it was so soft, tender and nicely.
Shades of Gray is also a fascinating crime-story with some very cruel villains (a drug lord and his assassin), terrible past experiences and the deep scars that remain. I bit my nails all the time and just "hated" these terrible enemies. A few times I had to read some brief recaps with squinting eyes, they were too crude to process for me. Why is the reality so terrible sometimes.
The finish and closure is very well written and got this time some needed space. - Thank you Ms. McKinley! - I got my heart bathed and a very sweet HEA.
I LIKE - Hugely!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What a beautiful cover - Danny with his tattoo, the marking, that Miller wanted to "cure" with his mouth ...
4.8 Brilliant Stars - Absolutely wonderful - I just loved everything
This is a book that left me still panting with exertion when the last page was read. It was full speed from the first page, so much desire, tenderness and fear to not be enough to be loved. At times I was so scared and worried - was there any possibility of eternal happiness and a life together for them?
A reading I greatly enjoyed. Highly recommended!
~**~**~**~**~**~
Miller Sutton, an FBI agent, has come to the police detention to persuade the man behind the grid, Danny Butler, to testify against a drug lord. Denny will be hardly "persuaded" and an exciting story begins.
It's hard not to love these two men. Already on the first page, I fell for Denny while the rigid and closed Miller needed more time to grow. Danny is everything; tough, street-smart, experienced, affectionate, caring and fragile. Miller is the splendid skilled worker, he has turned off his emotions and working to achieve conventional goals. He has not dared listen to what he feels inside. The feeling for men ....
... Danny shifted his weight. "What's wrong?", he asked, his lips pressing soft kisses against Miller's arm.
"Danny I can't...." Miller hated how weak his voice sounded, how reedy and close to tears.
For me, this is primarily a very beautiful story about a growing love between two men from different worlds. The game between them is so beautiful and the various love scenes are hot but always loving. I hoped with all my heart and soul that they would get a second chance, for a change and, for them better lives. A life in the name of love! OMG I love them - it was so soft, tender and nicely.
Shades of Gray is also a fascinating crime-story with some very cruel villains (a drug lord and his assassin), terrible past experiences and the deep scars that remain. I bit my nails all the time and just "hated" these terrible enemies. A few times I had to read some brief recaps with squinting eyes, they were too crude to process for me. Why is the reality so terrible sometimes.
“It’s always our mistakes, the things we aren’t proud of, that are the first ones to stand up, ready to be counted. That’s human nature and it’s not going to change, not for me or for you, either.”
The finish and closure is very well written and got this time some needed space. - Thank you Ms. McKinley! - I got my heart bathed and a very sweet HEA.
I LIKE - Hugely!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
What a beautiful cover - Danny with his tattoo, the marking, that Miller wanted to "cure" with his mouth ...
April 28, 2013
OMG OMG OMG! What an ABSOLUTELY AMAZING book! I have read some really good books, but this one is up there with the few that truly rock my world! I am still left a little speechless and I am at a loss to describe how much this book moved me. The rollercoaster of emotions, the suspense all blended together perfectly to take me a ride that made me forget everything but this story and these two great men!
Two men coming from very different backgrounds and experiences. They are thrown together by circumstances and their attraction to each other is magnetic. In the beginning I had an issue with Danny, he background, his life as a drug runner. Miller, the FBI agent, closed up, by the book agent, ended up being the one who pissed me off more.
I absolutely fell in love with Danny, I admired his strength to start a new life, and my heart broke for him when I learned of his life. The guilt he carried with him, his amazing loving heart, courage and strength. It took me a while with Miller, at first I didn’t care for him much. But like I said the author really gets you in his head, and I started to understand his fears, issues and why he treated Danny the way he did. And again, I admired the way he changed, evolved, accepted who he was and what really mattered. Life is not black and white, but shades of gray.
The writing in this story was wonderful, the author truly got you into their heads and feelings. I am writing this review the day after i read it and I am honestly compelled to start reading it again....right now!
October 8, 2018
4.75 stars
The FBI agent and the criminal...
I admit I have a thing for those complicated and twisted stories. Throw in a virgin closet case and a criminal with a heart of gold and I'm in love. Which is exactly what happened here.
FBI agent Miller Sutton blackmails Danny Butler into selling out his boss, druglord Mr. Hinestroza. Since that is basically a death sentence for Danny he needs protection and Miller is the one for the job. That means spending time together and soon enough the two can't fight their attraction anymore.
Danny is a man full of guilt but for me he is actually just a boy who was abandoned and got in the hands of the wrong man. He was abused in prison and has been a survivor ever since.
Miller is scared of who he really is and reminded me of a robot without feelings in the beginning. He had the perfect life with a fiancée and a job... Until he falls for Danny and he can finally be his true self with someone.
What got to me the most is the deep connection between the two MCs. The two get in the relationship at about 50% of the book and I REALLY like some on-page time for couples. For me it always feels better if a couple fights a common enemy while being together than dancing around each other for the whole length of the book! That also gives feelings the time to develop.
At one point (where Danny is ready to sacrifice himself for Miller) I was so convinced of their love that it got me choked up in the middle of a hospital (thank you very much x.x). And Danny is not the only one who was willing to make sacrifices for love. I liked the ending and how everything was resolved.
I have to admit that I skipped those torture-scenes because I am no fan of violence and there was quite some detailed stuff. So be warned about that.
All in all, I would highly recommend this book :)
The FBI agent and the criminal...
I admit I have a thing for those complicated and twisted stories. Throw in a virgin closet case and a criminal with a heart of gold and I'm in love. Which is exactly what happened here.
FBI agent Miller Sutton blackmails Danny Butler into selling out his boss, druglord Mr. Hinestroza. Since that is basically a death sentence for Danny he needs protection and Miller is the one for the job. That means spending time together and soon enough the two can't fight their attraction anymore.
Danny is a man full of guilt but for me he is actually just a boy who was abandoned and got in the hands of the wrong man. He was abused in prison and has been a survivor ever since.
Miller is scared of who he really is and reminded me of a robot without feelings in the beginning. He had the perfect life with a fiancée and a job... Until he falls for Danny and he can finally be his true self with someone.
What got to me the most is the deep connection between the two MCs. The two get in the relationship at about 50% of the book and I REALLY like some on-page time for couples. For me it always feels better if a couple fights a common enemy while being together than dancing around each other for the whole length of the book! That also gives feelings the time to develop.
At one point (where Danny is ready to sacrifice himself for Miller) I was so convinced of their love that it got me choked up in the middle of a hospital (thank you very much x.x). And Danny is not the only one who was willing to make sacrifices for love. I liked the ending and how everything was resolved.
I have to admit that I skipped those torture-scenes because I am no fan of violence and there was quite some detailed stuff. So be warned about that.
All in all, I would highly recommend this book :)
May 9, 2017
Wow this book was absolutely great,the Writing was solid. The characters are believable, I fell in love with Danny and Miller, their romance was so real i felt every emotion with them. I just wished it was longer and would have loved to read more from the author.
March 16, 2016
Final rating: 3/5 stars
It was ok book. Not bad plot but dragging in the middle, I even wanted to drop at one point (around 50%, thank god I had patience enough to finish it because it ended up being worth it). Despite having what i seek in books i didn't feel any connection with the characters and couldn't care less about them.
I dislike that there was cheating. Yes, you should know about that. One of the MC is engaged and cheats on his wife. It's not a spoiler, don't worry, we all knew our two MC would do that at one point. Its automatic star less from me - i really hate when someone cheats. Divorce is one thing - you are not in relationship anymore, but engagement is another - even if you dragged it out for five years.
Last 30% were quite good and that saved the book for me. And i did like it somewhat in the end so i guess it counts for something.
I also don't say that I didn't feel anything reading this book. I did - it was a good angst ride, and it made me laugh in some of the scenes. I would have given it even less stars if I hadn't been able to feel anything. I just didn't care enough about the characters, and that is a bit different.
FBI wants to capture Roberto Hinestroza, a notorious drug lord. They managed to capture one of his followers, Danny Butler, and Miller Sutton (who plays by the rules (like always)) wants to put Hinestroza into jail because that is what he deserves. Danny Butler once saw opportunity for a better life than he had - but soon enough he started to regret his choice when Hinestroza picked him up and gave him a new job. Now he is cornered - being a witness against Hinestroza makes him a dead man, and threat of FBI puts him even more on the edge. But Miller managed to "convince" him into cooperating and Danny has no choice but to wait for his death - because Hinestroza is smart and he will figure out the betrayal soon enough. And soon he did - out of all people, he sent his best hitman, Madrigal, to find Danny. But Madrigal is not only hitman - he is also an expert torturer and being hunted by him is equal to painful death sentence. Miller has no choice but to move with Danny around.
At first, Miller believes that Danny is just another low life criminal - after all, he had been tracking him down for a while already. He was used to them (low life criminals) and he didn't feel any regret when he tricked them to get what he wanted. It is a job he knew he could handle.
But day by day, Danny keeps proving him that he is not exactly the scum of the Earth that deserves to die or worse. He was punished enough already.
Miller has fiancee - Rachel, with whom he had been engaged for 5 years, but they keep on waiting... and waiting and waiting. And meeting Danny doesn't help the situation.
Miller is also so used to interrogating that he started using his interrogating voice on himself - he keeps doubting in himself and his decisions the more he works on this case. To Miller everything was black and white and now he keeps seeing Danny as shades of gray.
Danny in general is somewhat a nice guy - although he himself believes that this is not true. He had opportunity to change something, and he chose himself over it. This he never got through.
Danny is also divorced - divorced because he and Amanda didn't work out - too late he understood that he was indeed gay and he didn't want to pull her into his business... Danny was raised in problematic family - abusive father and a mother who chose to stay out of the way. Because of that, Danny only wanted to be needed by someone and that need and wanting to get approval from someone only got him into this whole drug mess in the first place.
And now his employer is hunting him down for a betrayal he was reluctant to agree too, because he still feels some twisted loyalty to Hinestroza - even if his orders took something he cared about once. And when he starts understanding Miller, he starts trying to use him for his own goals. But somewhere deep inside of him, he doesn't want to do that and with time, he understands that there is more to Miller.
While he worked for Hinestroza, he was a drug distributor who kept other dealers in line. And worst of all, Hinestroza trusted him not to mess things up, which he did now spectacularly by accepting the offer of protection.
Danny is pretty much reckless & careless when it comes to the fact that he is being hunted down. (I mean, tell me I'm not wrong: you are a target of a hitman who is also a brutal torturer, and you sneak out from the house to meet with someone else in the broad daylight??? Not to mention the gun incident.) Also, both of them are 32 years old. :D
So to sum it up: okay story, but a bit dragging in the middle, good last 30%; lack of attachment to the characters and amateurish when it comes to writing the steamy scenes. Danny and Miller were deep characters but i didn't care about them, which is sad in a way. I also wish there was more to the side characters. On the positive side, we also have past POVs - it helped more than them just talking about those times in the past, everything is sorted out and explained, so there are no really unanswered questions etc. And I loved the ending, even though the story felt - I honestly expected that , so I was surprised that that didn't play out and went in the other direction totally - I didn't expect that and I liked it. And because of this it actually felt a lot more realistic.
Would i recommend it? I don't know. It didn't leave any impression on me but it was okayish story with okayish characters. So, the rating will be somewhere in the middle, I guess. This is a one time date with the book - I doubt I will reread it, or reread it any time soon.
P.S. The cover is awesome, with Danny on it. That snake... mmmm....
OTHER IMPORTANT INFO:
⚠ Standalone: Yes
⚠ Point of View: Third POV, multiply characters.
⚠ Cliffhanger: No.
⚠ Triggers: drug dealers, drugs, cheating, abusive parent
⚠ Love triangle: ?????
⚠ Angst: Yes
⚠ Supernatural: No
⚠ Explicit content: Yes
⚠ Ending type:
“That’s him, right there! Right there!” The shriek cut across the din, pulling Danny up short.
“Oh, shit,” he breathed, following the sound of the voice to its source.
“What?” Sutton looked in the direction of Danny’s gaze. “Is that Amanda?” he asked sharply.
Danny cocked his head. “How’d you know about my ex-wife?”
“Told you already, Danny. I know everything about you,” Sutton said, not taking his eyes off the woman in front of them.
×××
“I’m from western Kansas too,” he blurted out. Where the hell did that come from? Next you’ll be giving him your address and social security number.
“Yeah?” Danny sat back down, raising an eyebrow. “Where?”
“Fowler, in Meade County.”
“Atwood,” Danny responded. “Up north.”
“Yeah,” Miller said with a small smile. “I know.”
Danny shook his head. “Keep forgetting you’re my own personal stalker.”
×××
“Where to now?” He was so tired he thought maybe he could live happily just driving around in this car where he would never have to think about anything again.
“Someplace safe,” Miller said. He sounded in control.
“We tried that before.”
Miller shook his head. “No. It’s going to be different this time.” He turned to glance at Danny. “From now on, I’ll be the one protecting you.”
×××
“Well, Miller,” he drawled around his cigarette, “seems you have a problem with moving too slow and I have one with moving too fast.”
×××
Leave it to you, Danny, to feel… something… for the one man in the world you’d have to be an absolute fool to trust.
×××
“It’s too late for that. It’s too late to go back,” Danny said, gentle but firm. “Now you have to decide the man you want to be from here on out.”
×××
×××
What if he couldn’t convince Danny? What if Danny didn’t want to believe?
Then you keep trying, Miller. You keep trying.
And maybe that was the simple secret: not giving up. Pushing forward, no matter the odds.
“So we’re in this together.” Danny’s voice shook but he didn’t look away.
Miller smiled, his eyes calm and steady and sure. “Yeah, Danny Butler, we’re in this together.”
It was ok book. Not bad plot but dragging in the middle, I even wanted to drop at one point (around 50%, thank god I had patience enough to finish it because it ended up being worth it). Despite having what i seek in books i didn't feel any connection with the characters and couldn't care less about them.
I dislike that there was cheating. Yes, you should know about that. One of the MC is engaged and cheats on his wife. It's not a spoiler, don't worry, we all knew our two MC would do that at one point. Its automatic star less from me - i really hate when someone cheats. Divorce is one thing - you are not in relationship anymore, but engagement is another - even if you dragged it out for five years.
Last 30% were quite good and that saved the book for me. And i did like it somewhat in the end so i guess it counts for something.
I also don't say that I didn't feel anything reading this book. I did - it was a good angst ride, and it made me laugh in some of the scenes. I would have given it even less stars if I hadn't been able to feel anything. I just didn't care enough about the characters, and that is a bit different.
► STORY & CHARACTERS:
FBI wants to capture Roberto Hinestroza, a notorious drug lord. They managed to capture one of his followers, Danny Butler, and Miller Sutton (who plays by the rules (like always)) wants to put Hinestroza into jail because that is what he deserves. Danny Butler once saw opportunity for a better life than he had - but soon enough he started to regret his choice when Hinestroza picked him up and gave him a new job. Now he is cornered - being a witness against Hinestroza makes him a dead man, and threat of FBI puts him even more on the edge. But Miller managed to "convince" him into cooperating and Danny has no choice but to wait for his death - because Hinestroza is smart and he will figure out the betrayal soon enough. And soon he did - out of all people, he sent his best hitman, Madrigal, to find Danny. But Madrigal is not only hitman - he is also an expert torturer and being hunted by him is equal to painful death sentence. Miller has no choice but to move with Danny around.
At first, Miller believes that Danny is just another low life criminal - after all, he had been tracking him down for a while already. He was used to them (low life criminals) and he didn't feel any regret when he tricked them to get what he wanted. It is a job he knew he could handle.
“I’ve been investigating Hinestroza for three years now. I eat, sleep, and breathe Hinestroza. I know more about that piece of shit than he knows about himself. And I’ve had my eye on you all that time.”
“Jesus,” Danny leered. “I knew I was good-looking, but—”
But day by day, Danny keeps proving him that he is not exactly the scum of the Earth that deserves to die or worse. He was punished enough already.
The last thing Miller wanted was to become friends with Danny Butler. Miller had a mission. He had to remain focused on a single goal: Hinestroza. In order to achieve it, he needed to draw Danny in while at the same time maintaining professional distance. Feelings couldn’t enter into the equation. All part of the game.
When did a man’s life become a game to you, Miller? He may be a drug dealer, but that’s still pretty fucking cold. You got ice in your veins now?
Miller has fiancee - Rachel, with whom he had been engaged for 5 years, but they keep on waiting... and waiting and waiting. And meeting Danny doesn't help the situation.
Miller is also so used to interrogating that he started using his interrogating voice on himself - he keeps doubting in himself and his decisions the more he works on this case. To Miller everything was black and white and now he keeps seeing Danny as shades of gray.
He didn’t know what the fuck he’d do with his life if not this. Everything set out in neat little boxes, all black and white, exactly how he liked it. Good and evil, right and wrong, innocent and guilty. Stay in the right box and it would all work out in the end.
Danny in general is somewhat a nice guy - although he himself believes that this is not true. He had opportunity to change something, and he chose himself over it. This he never got through.
For all his tough demeanor, it was clear that Danny was a man who couldn’t hold a grudge for long—fury and petulance a costume he wore occasionally, but not a permanent ensemble.
Danny is also divorced - divorced because he and Amanda didn't work out - too late he understood that he was indeed gay and he didn't want to pull her into his business... Danny was raised in problematic family - abusive father and a mother who chose to stay out of the way. Because of that, Danny only wanted to be needed by someone and that need and wanting to get approval from someone only got him into this whole drug mess in the first place.
Resentment over the bargain Miller had forced him into still stung, festering under his skin. But curiosity was creeping up behind the resentment no matter how hard he pushed it away. It had been a long time since he’d had the energy, or will, to be curious about much of anything.
This was going to be trouble. He turned the idea over in his mind and found it didn’t frighten him. Trouble was the one thing Danny Butler felt qualified to handle.
And now his employer is hunting him down for a betrayal he was reluctant to agree too, because he still feels some twisted loyalty to Hinestroza - even if his orders took something he cared about once. And when he starts understanding Miller, he starts trying to use him for his own goals. But somewhere deep inside of him, he doesn't want to do that and with time, he understands that there is more to Miller.
While he worked for Hinestroza, he was a drug distributor who kept other dealers in line. And worst of all, Hinestroza trusted him not to mess things up, which he did now spectacularly by accepting the offer of protection.
Maybe Danny Butler, with all his faults and failings, had something worth giving after all.
Danny is pretty much reckless & careless when it comes to the fact that he is being hunted down. (I mean, tell me I'm not wrong: you are a target of a hitman who is also a brutal torturer, and you sneak out from the house to meet with someone else in the broad daylight??? Not to mention the gun incident.) Also, both of them are 32 years old. :D
► OVERALL:
So to sum it up: okay story, but a bit dragging in the middle, good last 30%; lack of attachment to the characters and amateurish when it comes to writing the steamy scenes. Danny and Miller were deep characters but i didn't care about them, which is sad in a way. I also wish there was more to the side characters. On the positive side, we also have past POVs - it helped more than them just talking about those times in the past, everything is sorted out and explained, so there are no really unanswered questions etc. And I loved the ending, even though the story felt - I honestly expected that , so I was surprised that that didn't play out and went in the other direction totally - I didn't expect that and I liked it. And because of this it actually felt a lot more realistic.
Would i recommend it? I don't know. It didn't leave any impression on me but it was okayish story with okayish characters. So, the rating will be somewhere in the middle, I guess. This is a one time date with the book - I doubt I will reread it, or reread it any time soon.
P.S. The cover is awesome, with Danny on it. That snake... mmmm....
OTHER IMPORTANT INFO:
⚠ Standalone: Yes
⚠ Point of View: Third POV, multiply characters.
⚠ Cliffhanger: No.
⚠ Triggers: drug dealers, drugs, cheating, abusive parent
⚠ Love triangle: ?????
⚠ Angst: Yes
⚠ Supernatural: No
⚠ Explicit content: Yes
⚠ Ending type:
► MEMORABLE QUOTES:
“That’s him, right there! Right there!” The shriek cut across the din, pulling Danny up short.
“Oh, shit,” he breathed, following the sound of the voice to its source.
“What?” Sutton looked in the direction of Danny’s gaze. “Is that Amanda?” he asked sharply.
Danny cocked his head. “How’d you know about my ex-wife?”
“Told you already, Danny. I know everything about you,” Sutton said, not taking his eyes off the woman in front of them.
×××
“I’m from western Kansas too,” he blurted out. Where the hell did that come from? Next you’ll be giving him your address and social security number.
“Yeah?” Danny sat back down, raising an eyebrow. “Where?”
“Fowler, in Meade County.”
“Atwood,” Danny responded. “Up north.”
“Yeah,” Miller said with a small smile. “I know.”
Danny shook his head. “Keep forgetting you’re my own personal stalker.”
×××
“Where to now?” He was so tired he thought maybe he could live happily just driving around in this car where he would never have to think about anything again.
“Someplace safe,” Miller said. He sounded in control.
“We tried that before.”
Miller shook his head. “No. It’s going to be different this time.” He turned to glance at Danny. “From now on, I’ll be the one protecting you.”
×××
“Well, Miller,” he drawled around his cigarette, “seems you have a problem with moving too slow and I have one with moving too fast.”
×××
Leave it to you, Danny, to feel… something… for the one man in the world you’d have to be an absolute fool to trust.
×××
“It’s too late for that. It’s too late to go back,” Danny said, gentle but firm. “Now you have to decide the man you want to be from here on out.”
×××
×××
What if he couldn’t convince Danny? What if Danny didn’t want to believe?
Then you keep trying, Miller. You keep trying.
And maybe that was the simple secret: not giving up. Pushing forward, no matter the odds.
January 6, 2016
WHY did it take me so long to read this book?? I loved it. I loved the freakin’ crap out of it! Complex characters, interesting storyline, hotter than hot sex. Miller and Danny were so amazing together. This definitely belongs on my “favorites” shelf. A must read!!
October 18, 2021
Mais uma história de proteção à testemunha ( pegando vício 😍) adoro MM com temas assim!! Rola sempre os casais mais improváveis ( vou fingir que coisas assim acontecem na vida real😅) vida real é chata, por isso que gosto de livros.
Adorei Shades of gray, teve um romance gostoso de acompanhar. Miller e Danny tiveram bastante química desde os primeiros momentos. Sabia que seria uma história complicada, mas gostei do desenvolvimento e solução que a autora deu para os personagens. Acredito que existe sim algumas pessoas que conseguem mudar se tiverem uma segunda chance, digo no caso do Danny, mas não acredito que pessoas que mataram outras possam mudar( no caso do Ellis) acho que esse tipo de mudança só acontece em histórias mesmo.
Adorei Shades of gray, teve um romance gostoso de acompanhar. Miller e Danny tiveram bastante química desde os primeiros momentos. Sabia que seria uma história complicada, mas gostei do desenvolvimento e solução que a autora deu para os personagens. Acredito que existe sim algumas pessoas que conseguem mudar se tiverem uma segunda chance, digo no caso do Danny, mas não acredito que pessoas que mataram outras possam mudar( no caso do Ellis) acho que esse tipo de mudança só acontece em histórias mesmo.
February 13, 2017
To get this straight right out there:
This is one of the most epic love stories I have read to date. My heart is still brimming over with feels.
I honestly admit I did not expect that. (although I SHOULD have after reading Simone's review who just read this ahead of me). No doubt I blame the blurb for it (*G*) The talk of FBI agents, drug lords and men being on the run made me envisage an action driven plot where the romance was fitted in when possible.
In fact, it was very much the other way round. Yes, there is action, things happen, Danny and Miller are on the run, and so on, BUT this is a romance, a love story, of two unlikely men first and foremost. The development of the two MCs and their relationship has been firmly put into the centre of it, and it is AWESOME.
I loved Brooke McKinley's writing style. Her lyrical way of describing emotions, her fabulous imagery made me feel for both men every step of their stony path, and the conversations between the two men were done so cleverly and realistic, it was pure joy to read. But she also knows how to write breath-talking, exciting action and serious sizzle!
I loved Danny. I loved Miller. I loved their struggle against the odds. There is no need for me to retell their story - so many other amazing reviews have done that most expertly! But let me tell you: these two men have a huge Himalaya of problems to overcome to be with each other.
Danny can't see a future life for him that doesn't involve crime because what else has he got to offer? Miller can't see a life ahead in which he lives as an out gay man without leaving everything he knows behind him. And that's before drug lords try to chase them down and kill them!
Both men feel they aren't good enough for the other, don't deserve real love. But love happens, and that is what really got me right from the beginning - it is clear (not only to me, but also to them) that what's between them is so much more than sex, something real and honest and genuine and tender - despite all the obstacles and hurdles of the real world.
But they are so different, so black and white, so bad and good, the criminal and the FBI agent, how could they ever fit? And this is where the main theme of the book lies which is beautifully summed up in the title. There is no black and white in this world - we all are, to a more or lesser degree - shades of grey, "patchwork quilts" of good and bad, of beautiful and ugly all mixed together, or as Ellis puts it more eloquently:
"That's the best you can hope for, Danny. That your life turns out like that patchwork quilt. That you can add some bright, sparkling pieces to the dirty, stained ones you've got so far. That in the end, the bright patches might take up some more space on your quilt than the dark ones."
And that is one beautiful and so very true notion I know I won't forget. This is one of those books, you will remember and reread. It is beautiful in every way, from Miller's strive to accept himself as a gay man to Danny's battle to be more.
Yes, I'm gushing. But I defy you to read it and not to! :) Needless to say it went straight onto my 'best of the best' shelf.
Highly recommended!
This is one of the most epic love stories I have read to date. My heart is still brimming over with feels.
I honestly admit I did not expect that. (although I SHOULD have after reading Simone's review who just read this ahead of me). No doubt I blame the blurb for it (*G*) The talk of FBI agents, drug lords and men being on the run made me envisage an action driven plot where the romance was fitted in when possible.
In fact, it was very much the other way round. Yes, there is action, things happen, Danny and Miller are on the run, and so on, BUT this is a romance, a love story, of two unlikely men first and foremost. The development of the two MCs and their relationship has been firmly put into the centre of it, and it is AWESOME.
I loved Brooke McKinley's writing style. Her lyrical way of describing emotions, her fabulous imagery made me feel for both men every step of their stony path, and the conversations between the two men were done so cleverly and realistic, it was pure joy to read. But she also knows how to write breath-talking, exciting action and serious sizzle!
I loved Danny. I loved Miller. I loved their struggle against the odds. There is no need for me to retell their story - so many other amazing reviews have done that most expertly! But let me tell you: these two men have a huge Himalaya of problems to overcome to be with each other.
Danny can't see a future life for him that doesn't involve crime because what else has he got to offer? Miller can't see a life ahead in which he lives as an out gay man without leaving everything he knows behind him. And that's before drug lords try to chase them down and kill them!
Both men feel they aren't good enough for the other, don't deserve real love. But love happens, and that is what really got me right from the beginning - it is clear (not only to me, but also to them) that what's between them is so much more than sex, something real and honest and genuine and tender - despite all the obstacles and hurdles of the real world.
But they are so different, so black and white, so bad and good, the criminal and the FBI agent, how could they ever fit? And this is where the main theme of the book lies which is beautifully summed up in the title. There is no black and white in this world - we all are, to a more or lesser degree - shades of grey, "patchwork quilts" of good and bad, of beautiful and ugly all mixed together, or as Ellis puts it more eloquently:
"That's the best you can hope for, Danny. That your life turns out like that patchwork quilt. That you can add some bright, sparkling pieces to the dirty, stained ones you've got so far. That in the end, the bright patches might take up some more space on your quilt than the dark ones."
And that is one beautiful and so very true notion I know I won't forget. This is one of those books, you will remember and reread. It is beautiful in every way, from Miller's strive to accept himself as a gay man to Danny's battle to be more.
Yes, I'm gushing. But I defy you to read it and not to! :) Needless to say it went straight onto my 'best of the best' shelf.
Highly recommended!
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