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Sizzling Miami #1
Past Hurts
Past Hurts is the first suspenseful novel in the Sizzling Miami Series. Originally published in 2014, Past Hurts has been rewritten and expanded, adding more than twenty thousand words to the overall story. If you love mystery and second chance romance, then you'll love this newly expanded version by Jessie G.
Before they can get back together, Alaric and Davin will have to unravel the secrets that tore them apart.
Abandoned by his mother and raised by a judgmental, homophobic father on the unforgiving streets of Overtown, Davin Monroe knows a lot about survival and little about love.
As heir to the family business, Alaric Bennett’s innate strength makes him the pillar upon which the family problems fall, but leaves him emotionally abandoned by those that need him.
One chance meeting and five beautiful years together do not prepare them for the dark, depraved jealousy threatening their hard-earned happiness.
Now a killer has forced Detective Monroe to face the past and the only man his heart has ever wanted. With only one shot at redemption, Alaric is determined to uncover the truth and bring his lover home for good.
Before they can get back together, Alaric and Davin will have to unravel the secrets that tore them apart. But will the truth be enough to heal their past hurts?
Before they can get back together, Alaric and Davin will have to unravel the secrets that tore them apart.
Abandoned by his mother and raised by a judgmental, homophobic father on the unforgiving streets of Overtown, Davin Monroe knows a lot about survival and little about love.
As heir to the family business, Alaric Bennett’s innate strength makes him the pillar upon which the family problems fall, but leaves him emotionally abandoned by those that need him.
One chance meeting and five beautiful years together do not prepare them for the dark, depraved jealousy threatening their hard-earned happiness.
Now a killer has forced Detective Monroe to face the past and the only man his heart has ever wanted. With only one shot at redemption, Alaric is determined to uncover the truth and bring his lover home for good.
Before they can get back together, Alaric and Davin will have to unravel the secrets that tore them apart. But will the truth be enough to heal their past hurts?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 22, 2014
About the author
Jessie G.
28 books259 followersLike many readers, the dream of being a writer has been with me a long time. After three decades of trying, I'd begun to doubt. Thanks to social media, I followed my favorite authors hoping to glean some words of wisdom as I pounded out half-formed ideas with alarming regularity. Two repetitive themes emerged: To be a great writer you must read a lot and your butt must be in the chair every day like it's a job. The more you write, the easier it will be to write and the better you will be at writing. I took that advice to heart and write every day. With three series in the works and counting, it's been amazing to have made this dream my reality.
I am a firm believer in marriage equality, love at first sight, power dynamics and happily ever after. I'm a lover of strong secondary characters and series filled with families, biological or chosen. All are themes you'll find throughout my books.
I am a firm believer in marriage equality, love at first sight, power dynamics and happily ever after. I'm a lover of strong secondary characters and series filled with families, biological or chosen. All are themes you'll find throughout my books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 108 reviews
June 13, 2014
Past Hurts is the story of two boys who meet and fall in love as teens. MC Davin Monroe has a tough life. Money is always tight and he and his mean, belligerent, hard-to-please father were abandoned years ago by Davin's mother. MC Alaric Bennett lives in the lap of luxury with two siblings, a loving mother and father and a powerful family business to one day rule. Ric's family sees the injustice in Davin's life and welcome him with open arms into their hearts and home, loving him like a son and brother. Davin and Ric are truly soulmates and are deeply into a D/s relationship, but do not have the knowledge at their young age to put a label on it. Ric has absolute control over Davin's emotional and sexual happiness and the arrangement works perfectly for them and the exchange of power makes them both better together than they are apart.
A traumatic event separates Davin and Ric for eight years. During those eight years, Davin becomes a police detective and Ric takes over the family business. Davin is tracking a serial killer and one of the victims turns out to be Ric's brother, Terrance. Making the family death notification is the first time Davin and Ric speak in eight years.
The serial killer case and finding Terrance Bennett's body is where the book begins. We are told a lot of Davin and Ric's tale in flashback and secrets are revealed slowly, layer by layer. This was a very interesting book with a slam-dunk premise, but it absolutely missed the boat with the final outcome.
First of all, I had a really hard time staying interested in the storyline. I kept getting confused and would go back a few pages and then be even more confused and then just give up and put the book down for several hours. That is unusual for me. I usually read an entire book before starting another. I read 4 books (all short stories) while reading this one. The area that confused me the most was during character discussion. I would very easily lose track of who was speaking what lines, as this book was jam-packed with dialogue, and need to go back and look for the beginning of the discussion thread again. And many times? I couldn't actually find it. It was implied who was speaking. *shrugs* So, I missed a lot that way. And speaking of dialogue, during the first 20% or so of the book, I had it in the back of my mind how refreshing it was that these characters were so open and honest with their discussion with one another. I made a note to mention that in my review, that I enjoyed the extra dialogue. That took a nose dive at about the 40% point when I was ready for them to shut the hell up and DO SOMETHING instead of just TALK all the damn time. And that lasted through the entire book.
Another bone of contention with me was just how unbelievable it was that these two men went from not speaking for eight years to having a few discussions and exchanging "I love you's" within a few days. Done! We're all good! All is forgiven! Just a big misunderstanding! Whatever! And the D/s relationship... It felt tip-toed around by the author. Not like the author was as ashamed of it, but like it didn't really need to be clarified. Dude, that was the most interested part! For me anyway. I felt a bit cheated.
So, this book just all around did not work for me. By the time I was finished reading it, I felt like I had read three different books. Each one more confusing than the last. The book had a great idea, but it wasn't able to deliver. I am not able to recommend this one.
October 24, 2018
I don't usually go for the high school sweethearts plot but here I actually liked it because of the way it was told in form of short flashbacks from both POVs. It added greatly to the whole story. I liked Alaric and Davin together and the fact that they were so in tune with each other even without verbally defining their relationship - they simply did not need to. As for liking them as individuals I think they both had their good and bad traits that attributed to the whole tragedy. Davin was too kind-hearted when he should have stood firm, and Alaric was too stubborn to see what was right in front of him and acknowledge it.
I loved most of the secondary characters, their interactions and humor. But I detested Alaric's family and the excuses he made for them. They were like emphatic leeches who just took and took but never gave back. And I think because of that and their general attitude the whole incident with Davin even happened. I loved the crime and investigative process, the way Davin's mind worked. The intimate moments were well-written and quite enjoyable. The book was poorly edited and it took away from the story. I would recommend it! It's a great start for the series but it could do with some professional editing.
I loved most of the secondary characters, their interactions and humor. But I detested Alaric's family and the excuses he made for them. They were like emphatic leeches who just took and took but never gave back. And I think because of that and their general attitude the whole incident with Davin even happened. I loved the crime and investigative process, the way Davin's mind worked. The intimate moments were well-written and quite enjoyable. The book was poorly edited and it took away from the story. I would recommend it! It's a great start for the series but it could do with some professional editing.
November 24, 2014
DNF at 47%.
I'm absolutely bewildered.
So, you come home and discover your partner of several years packed his things and left, with no explanation at all. Your jackass brother spins you some tale you don't believe for a moment, your partner's homophobic father tells you his son never wants to see you again, and...you just leave, never talking to him??? You have your partner followed by a PI a couple of times a year, never contacting him...after seven years you learn he left because your brother assaulted him, and again you don't contact the man you loved. And only after 8 years, by chance, you meet him again, and joyfully skip back into his life.
What. The. Hell.
I can understand why Davin would believe Alaric threw him out, his shame and heartbreak. Alaric's fear?? Absolutely not. I despised the man with all my heart.
I usually dislike the Big Misunderstanding trope..but here, it was just outrageous. So unbelievable and stupid, I can't even.
The way those two got together in, like, 24 hours was just icing on the cake.
I give up.
**glowers**
I'm absolutely bewildered.
So, you come home and discover your partner of several years packed his things and left, with no explanation at all. Your jackass brother spins you some tale you don't believe for a moment, your partner's homophobic father tells you his son never wants to see you again, and...you just leave, never talking to him??? You have your partner followed by a PI a couple of times a year, never contacting him...after seven years you learn he left because your brother assaulted him, and again you don't contact the man you loved. And only after 8 years, by chance, you meet him again, and joyfully skip back into his life.
What. The. Hell.
I can understand why Davin would believe Alaric threw him out, his shame and heartbreak. Alaric's fear?? Absolutely not. I despised the man with all my heart.
I usually dislike the Big Misunderstanding trope..but here, it was just outrageous. So unbelievable and stupid, I can't even.
The way those two got together in, like, 24 hours was just icing on the cake.
I give up.
**glowers**
December 17, 2015
I must admit I am loving this author's books. They have angst and pain and joy and hot sex. That's the perfect combo. Here we have Davin, a police detective, and Ric, a business tycoon, who have a brutal past that's revealed as we read. I love how Ric just barged right into Davin's life after 8 years apart and just took over. That shit is hot! And Davin. God, when we hear what happened my heart just broke for this guy. What's amazing is that these two handle the present and their circumstances like actual adults! Weird, I know. They actually talk and try to work through things together. We also have an investigation in this book that's really interesting and doesn't take anything away from the romance aspect at all. I just had a great time reading from beginning to end.
April 5, 2019
3 well deserved stars
Please don't misunderstand the 3 star rating. This was a very good beginning to this series and I'm absolutely going to start the second book immediately. It just didn't meet my standards in the smut department. For a book of this length, that harps on how the protagonists are basically in a d/s relationship (though for some reason they don't want to call a spade a spade???) it is surprisingly tame. It goes barely one or two steps past the tasteful fade out of network tv and I just need more from my m/m Romance and am not ashamed to say it and rate accordingly.
The writing was competent but needed another edit or two. There were a few instances where it almost felt like a transition from place to place was missing and boy, not everything needs to be hashed out in expositional dialogue. Sometimes you can trust your readers to get it.
Overall this leaned more toward soap opera on the 'how realistic is this' scale when it came to the lives of the characters but kept it nicely Law and Order SVU/Criminal Minds on the suspense parts and that's all I ask really :)
Please don't misunderstand the 3 star rating. This was a very good beginning to this series and I'm absolutely going to start the second book immediately. It just didn't meet my standards in the smut department. For a book of this length, that harps on how the protagonists are basically in a d/s relationship (though for some reason they don't want to call a spade a spade???) it is surprisingly tame. It goes barely one or two steps past the tasteful fade out of network tv and I just need more from my m/m Romance and am not ashamed to say it and rate accordingly.
The writing was competent but needed another edit or two. There were a few instances where it almost felt like a transition from place to place was missing and boy, not everything needs to be hashed out in expositional dialogue. Sometimes you can trust your readers to get it.
Overall this leaned more toward soap opera on the 'how realistic is this' scale when it came to the lives of the characters but kept it nicely Law and Order SVU/Criminal Minds on the suspense parts and that's all I ask really :)
June 14, 2014
Davin & Ric have been separated for 8 years. The result of the evil plan of a jealous brother. When that brother dies the two of them slowly rebuild their relationship and learn to heal from the years of pain. I love these characters and the way they love enough to support each other through the healing. Great read by a new to me author, hope to read more of Jesse G's work.
July 7, 2014
I love a book that is complex with multiple plots, intrigue and a love story with conflict that grows and develops throughout the book. Truly enjoyed trying to figure out who the bad guys were while watching Ric and Davin rebuild the love they had eight years ago. Very good read - first time reading this author -I'll look for more from Jessie G.
June 10, 2024
This was my first book by this author. Once I realized it was a debut, I started to read it a little differently.
I liked it but I struggled getting through at times. I'm not sure if it was just my mood or what, but I had a hard time getting a connection with these two. I understood that Davin was hurt, but it didn't make sense that he would just walk away and never say another word. Same for Alaric. He loved Davin so much, but never tried to get him to talk. Talk about miscommunication trope at it's finest.
I'll probably give the next book a shot at least just to see if this one as maybe a one off for me.
I liked it but I struggled getting through at times. I'm not sure if it was just my mood or what, but I had a hard time getting a connection with these two. I understood that Davin was hurt, but it didn't make sense that he would just walk away and never say another word. Same for Alaric. He loved Davin so much, but never tried to get him to talk. Talk about miscommunication trope at it's finest.
I'll probably give the next book a shot at least just to see if this one as maybe a one off for me.
June 30, 2015
5 Heart Review by Amber
I honestly haven’t been this hooked by a series in a long time. I’m meaning from book 1, OMG….this is phenomenal; I have to know what’s going to happen next. This writing, the characters, the development, the perfection and subtlety of the control exchange BDSM scenes. Nothing in this series is over the top. Everything that is done and everything that happens is planned to perfection and I believe that shows the genius of this author. If the entire series is like this one…I’m done! Done. Ruined for any other author….frick, this damn book was beyond great.
There are so many ways to ruin this book and even though it’s not a new release I do not want to give anything away. I want readers to feel the exact same way I did when I was on this journey with these two incredible men.
Alaric and Davin met in High School. They came out as gay and a couple, in high school. They withstood all prejudice and bullying. Able to grow together as a couple for years they managed not to let anything come between them and their amazing connections.
Unbelievable horrific circumstances arise that force Alaric and Davin apart. For both of them, it’s devastating but they manage and they both live a shell, hollow life.
Davin grows into this unbelievable Detective. While he’s on a case he runs into a situation that forces him right back to the arms of the love of his life. Even though they both haven’t seen each other for 8 years, it’s like they never missed a beat.
While I’ve painted a picture of a romance story, this book is by far just a romance. This has several twists, turns, mysteries, and OMG gasping moments. There are also these touching, beautiful moments that tug at your heart…Hector and Davin come to mind….
What is so friggin fantastic about this book is that it has EVERYTHING that any reader could ever want. The beautiful connection between really amazing characters, angst, hurt, pain, murder, mystery, intense family drama, and everything in between. But keep in mind none of this is overdone. Everything is laid out so perfectly for the reader. I have no complaints and I HIGHLY recommend to everyone!!!
4.5 star review by Colette
This is a new series by Jessie Gin and it has everything I love in a good book: murder, secrets, hot cops, past mistakes, redemption and romance.
The story begins on a beach in Miami; Dec. Davin Monroe is called to the scene of the fifth and latest murder of gay young men. For the past 5 nights the body of a young gay man has been found on the beach with their throat slit. No drugs or alcohol in their system and no evidence that they were forced.
This one though is a little different, this one Davin knows. Terrence Bennett, the fifth victim, is someone Davin once knew well; he has a history with the Bennett family and with Alaric Bennett, Terrence’s older brother. The investigation throws Davin and Alaric together again, years earlier they had been in love before a misunderstanding tore them apart. The investigation leads them to truths about Terrence and about what happened in their past, as well as finding out who the killer is. I can’t really say much more without giving away too much of the story.
I can say that this is a very good, intense psychological thriller with enough action and suspense to keep you hooked.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews!
I honestly haven’t been this hooked by a series in a long time. I’m meaning from book 1, OMG….this is phenomenal; I have to know what’s going to happen next. This writing, the characters, the development, the perfection and subtlety of the control exchange BDSM scenes. Nothing in this series is over the top. Everything that is done and everything that happens is planned to perfection and I believe that shows the genius of this author. If the entire series is like this one…I’m done! Done. Ruined for any other author….frick, this damn book was beyond great.
There are so many ways to ruin this book and even though it’s not a new release I do not want to give anything away. I want readers to feel the exact same way I did when I was on this journey with these two incredible men.
Alaric and Davin met in High School. They came out as gay and a couple, in high school. They withstood all prejudice and bullying. Able to grow together as a couple for years they managed not to let anything come between them and their amazing connections.
Unbelievable horrific circumstances arise that force Alaric and Davin apart. For both of them, it’s devastating but they manage and they both live a shell, hollow life.
Davin grows into this unbelievable Detective. While he’s on a case he runs into a situation that forces him right back to the arms of the love of his life. Even though they both haven’t seen each other for 8 years, it’s like they never missed a beat.
While I’ve painted a picture of a romance story, this book is by far just a romance. This has several twists, turns, mysteries, and OMG gasping moments. There are also these touching, beautiful moments that tug at your heart…Hector and Davin come to mind….
What is so friggin fantastic about this book is that it has EVERYTHING that any reader could ever want. The beautiful connection between really amazing characters, angst, hurt, pain, murder, mystery, intense family drama, and everything in between. But keep in mind none of this is overdone. Everything is laid out so perfectly for the reader. I have no complaints and I HIGHLY recommend to everyone!!!
4.5 star review by Colette
This is a new series by Jessie Gin and it has everything I love in a good book: murder, secrets, hot cops, past mistakes, redemption and romance.
The story begins on a beach in Miami; Dec. Davin Monroe is called to the scene of the fifth and latest murder of gay young men. For the past 5 nights the body of a young gay man has been found on the beach with their throat slit. No drugs or alcohol in their system and no evidence that they were forced.
This one though is a little different, this one Davin knows. Terrence Bennett, the fifth victim, is someone Davin once knew well; he has a history with the Bennett family and with Alaric Bennett, Terrence’s older brother. The investigation throws Davin and Alaric together again, years earlier they had been in love before a misunderstanding tore them apart. The investigation leads them to truths about Terrence and about what happened in their past, as well as finding out who the killer is. I can’t really say much more without giving away too much of the story.
I can say that this is a very good, intense psychological thriller with enough action and suspense to keep you hooked.
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews!
November 8, 2015
Wow. Still trying to put my finger on why I absolutely loved this book so much. Could not put it down. Saw some negative reviews but something about the cover drew me to it and I'm sooooooo glad I read it. Wow.
Great chemistry and the S/d relationship between Davin and Alaric was just perfect. I liked that the S/d wasn't hardcore but was tender and had great emotional depth. Alaric's confidence and love for Davin was always obvious. He was dominant yet tender. Davin was the bad ass cop who did his job well, but was the needy, sweet and loveable submissive partner. But the D/s is only in the bedroom, and there's no humiliation or any grovelling or licking of shoes, or tearing and bruising of skin, and such unnecessary craziness. The D/s lite was just perfect! Loved the way their story unfolded bit by bit. Loved that tension between them. Hot and sexy, too! Yum. Loved Alaric's family and their supportiveness and love for Davin. Yup. Plenty of love all around! :-)
The characters were well-developed and so was the plot. What a complex story! Nice. Loved everything. Loved 'em hard. A bit more editing next time is all I'd recommend, though. I didn't think that took away from the story, though.
I don't know Jessie G. but she's got mad writing skills. Please keep writing, Jessie. Your work is fresh and compelling. :-) A well-deserved 5/5 for me! Already bought Book 2, and I can't wait to dig in.
Kudos! Cheers! :-)
Great chemistry and the S/d relationship between Davin and Alaric was just perfect. I liked that the S/d wasn't hardcore but was tender and had great emotional depth. Alaric's confidence and love for Davin was always obvious. He was dominant yet tender. Davin was the bad ass cop who did his job well, but was the needy, sweet and loveable submissive partner. But the D/s is only in the bedroom, and there's no humiliation or any grovelling or licking of shoes, or tearing and bruising of skin, and such unnecessary craziness. The D/s lite was just perfect! Loved the way their story unfolded bit by bit. Loved that tension between them. Hot and sexy, too! Yum. Loved Alaric's family and their supportiveness and love for Davin. Yup. Plenty of love all around! :-)
The characters were well-developed and so was the plot. What a complex story! Nice. Loved everything. Loved 'em hard. A bit more editing next time is all I'd recommend, though. I didn't think that took away from the story, though.
I don't know Jessie G. but she's got mad writing skills. Please keep writing, Jessie. Your work is fresh and compelling. :-) A well-deserved 5/5 for me! Already bought Book 2, and I can't wait to dig in.
Kudos! Cheers! :-)
December 28, 2016
Rough past bright future
Davin and Alric aren't new each other but they have been separated for 8 years due to Alrics brother, Terrance. Terrance is a monster and when he winds up dead Davin is the lead investigator. I really loved how the guys were able to talk to each other about their feelings and stand by each other. They had a lot of obstacles in their way and they continued to love one another even during the 8 year separation. What was difficult to read about was Davin's abuse from Terrance. It didn't go too into detail but my heart broke for him.
Davin and Alric aren't new each other but they have been separated for 8 years due to Alrics brother, Terrance. Terrance is a monster and when he winds up dead Davin is the lead investigator. I really loved how the guys were able to talk to each other about their feelings and stand by each other. They had a lot of obstacles in their way and they continued to love one another even during the 8 year separation. What was difficult to read about was Davin's abuse from Terrance. It didn't go too into detail but my heart broke for him.
August 15, 2015
This is the first time I’ve read Jessie G. Past Hurts is book 1 in her Sizzling Miami Series. I have likes and dislikes about this book. I loved the thriller/suspense/ surprise aspect of this book a lot. I’m a huge fan of serial killer books with twists and turns. They are some of my favorites. I really liked Davin a lot and it’s hard not to want to see him triumph in the end. The man has been through Hell and back, literally. Alaric and Davin are the MC’s in this. Lovers for 5 years, 8 years ago. Now I didn’t quite get it by the blurb what broke them a part. But after I read it I was shocked! SO SHOCKED. I had one very huge issue with this book. It was far too repetitious. The “past event” (I’ll call it that because I don’t want to spoil anything) was told in full to every person and where I get it’s a huge thing, pretty much the whole book surrounds it, it didn’t need to be told that many times in full. I had some trouble understanding why Alaric and Davin waited this long. I know we are told but I still didn’t get it. But that’s how the author wanted it and I very much respect that. I have the whole series and I am going to continue to read each one because the style is great. I like her characters and I’m deeply curious what each book’s mystery will be.
June 30, 2020
Love found, love lost, love found again. Opposites attract right? That's what Davin and Alaric have been since the beginning but it did not stop them from falling in love while still in high school. Lies and a heartbreaking tragedy pulls them apart, but eight years later another tragedy throws them together again. Alaric has never stopped loving Davin and when the truth comes out he learns that Davin never stopped loving him either. Working together they set out to find out what Alaric's brother was up to before he was murdered. Knowing they still love each other doesn't erase the past eight years of hurt but taking it one day at a time they pull their lives together to be happy with each other again.
2nd Edition- loved it just as much if not more than the first time around. Moving my rating up to 4.5-5 with this reading- I liked the changes or better yet the more explanation of the events without having a completely different story
2nd Edition- loved it just as much if not more than the first time around. Moving my rating up to 4.5-5 with this reading- I liked the changes or better yet the more explanation of the events without having a completely different story
June 24, 2017
Second read. I Love this story. Although I'll admit the editing errors bothered me more this time. Still a great story.
Originally read Aug 5, 2014-Aug 6, 2014 True crime meets M/M romance. Davin Monroe and Alaric Bennett are an openly gay couple in college. Davin is gang raped. Through some misunderstandings they are separated for 8 years. Davin is now a cop and has to deliver bad news to Alaric Bennett's family bringing them together once again. There is so much pain jammed packed into this story with rape, murder and drug cartels. Within all that you have hot man on man sex, and a romantic love story. I found it very refreshing. The way the writer used small the amounts of flashbacks was perfect. Definitely a page turner, I didn't want to put it down. This was my first book by Jessie G. I'm looking forward to book 2.
Originally read Aug 5, 2014-Aug 6, 2014 True crime meets M/M romance. Davin Monroe and Alaric Bennett are an openly gay couple in college. Davin is gang raped. Through some misunderstandings they are separated for 8 years. Davin is now a cop and has to deliver bad news to Alaric Bennett's family bringing them together once again. There is so much pain jammed packed into this story with rape, murder and drug cartels. Within all that you have hot man on man sex, and a romantic love story. I found it very refreshing. The way the writer used small the amounts of flashbacks was perfect. Definitely a page turner, I didn't want to put it down. This was my first book by Jessie G. I'm looking forward to book 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 23, 2017
Great story which badly needs another proofread
This could have been a five star read but there's just too many grammatical errors, typos and proofing mistakes to allow it that rating.
It has all the bones of being brilliant, a good second chance romance, a mystery/criminal element, great characters and a strong setting with a solid supporting cast but I just keep cringing at the silly errors - where instead of were, they're not their etc - as well as missing words or sentences which weren't complete.
However, that might not bother others so this is a story worth reading, I liked both Alaric and Devin and they had a powerful dynamic together.
This could have been a five star read but there's just too many grammatical errors, typos and proofing mistakes to allow it that rating.
It has all the bones of being brilliant, a good second chance romance, a mystery/criminal element, great characters and a strong setting with a solid supporting cast but I just keep cringing at the silly errors - where instead of were, they're not their etc - as well as missing words or sentences which weren't complete.
However, that might not bother others so this is a story worth reading, I liked both Alaric and Devin and they had a powerful dynamic together.
September 1, 2018
Oh, my aching head from banging it on my device every time I had to go back and try to figure out who was saying what... not to mention the lack of proofreading... *headdesk* ;p
BUT... I loved the story! Davin is my kind of guy and Alaric slowly made the grade for me. I am hoping that the next book in this series will have a serious improvement in the proofreading department and perhaps (and, no, I am not holding my breath) we will be given a bit more clarity on the whole "who is speeching" issue... one can always live in hope! But, as long as the story is as entertaining as this one? I'll be good with it! *grin*
BUT... I loved the story! Davin is my kind of guy and Alaric slowly made the grade for me. I am hoping that the next book in this series will have a serious improvement in the proofreading department and perhaps (and, no, I am not holding my breath) we will be given a bit more clarity on the whole "who is speeching" issue... one can always live in hope! But, as long as the story is as entertaining as this one? I'll be good with it! *grin*
June 29, 2020
Re-read as the 2nd edition. Alaric and Davin are absolutely stunning together. Iove their dynamic, and Ric might possibly be one of the sexiest, most intense, amazing MCs I've ever read. There's just something about him that really does it for me.Really enjoy this authors writing style and have enjoyed all of her books so far!
August 12, 2014
Author "Jessie G." had some good idea about the story plot. Story on its own develops nicely. Main character is Davin Monroe who is pulling. At the same time I wish author would made him more forceful and independent.
All in all I did enjoy reading it but it could be better.
All in all I did enjoy reading it but it could be better.
June 8, 2014
Fantastic read, so glad it is 1st book in a series!
June 8, 2014
I really enjoyed this book. Loved the storyline. Looking forward to the next book.
March 12, 2021
Jessie G’s Past Hurts, book one of the SIZZLING MIAMI Series, just did it for me.
Combine a page-turning blend of a painful past, an angsty present (with LOTS of compelling, action-filled detective business) and a completely devoted love affair between two men, and you have the recipe for a successful MM Romantic Suspense novel.
I fell in love with troubled Davin Monroe and steadfast Alaric Bennett—they are perfect together. But this book didn’t unfold at all as I expected. At first as I read, I was desperate for info—WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN THESE GUYS TO TEAR THEM APART? And then I found out… and I wondered, now what?? I knew about the horrible event that separated them—and the MCs seem to be on the same page—so what could possibly come next? Let me tell you, A LOT. There was SO much left to Ric and Davin’s love story and to the suspenseful plot. I will admit that Jessie G took me by surprise, time and again.
I highly recommend Past Hurts for the passionate romance alone, but you’re getting a great action-packed plot as well, with plenty of mystery and suspense.
Highly recommended.
Combine a page-turning blend of a painful past, an angsty present (with LOTS of compelling, action-filled detective business) and a completely devoted love affair between two men, and you have the recipe for a successful MM Romantic Suspense novel.
I fell in love with troubled Davin Monroe and steadfast Alaric Bennett—they are perfect together. But this book didn’t unfold at all as I expected. At first as I read, I was desperate for info—WHAT HAPPENED BETWEEN THESE GUYS TO TEAR THEM APART? And then I found out… and I wondered, now what?? I knew about the horrible event that separated them—and the MCs seem to be on the same page—so what could possibly come next? Let me tell you, A LOT. There was SO much left to Ric and Davin’s love story and to the suspenseful plot. I will admit that Jessie G took me by surprise, time and again.
I highly recommend Past Hurts for the passionate romance alone, but you’re getting a great action-packed plot as well, with plenty of mystery and suspense.
Highly recommended.
April 12, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. There were so many angles to this story which kept me turning the page until the end. When Davin and Alaric are thrown together after years apart, the chemistry between them is amazing considering all the heartbreak between them. This instalment is filled with emotions, guilt, betrayal, angst and a love so strong, it can't be denied. A great start to this series.
Want to read
December 13, 2017Thank you Secret Elfster!!!!!! ❤️❤️❤️
July 8, 2020
Even better
An all-time favorite of mine, I’ve read this two or three times but it’s been a while since I did. The changes Jessie G made are so smooth, I’m really not sure when I was reading something added or if had just forgotten some details. Nothing central to the plot is changed. I still love the dynamic between Alaric and Davin. This will stay on my favorites shelf.
An all-time favorite of mine, I’ve read this two or three times but it’s been a while since I did. The changes Jessie G made are so smooth, I’m really not sure when I was reading something added or if had just forgotten some details. Nothing central to the plot is changed. I still love the dynamic between Alaric and Davin. This will stay on my favorites shelf.
May 29, 2017
Premetto che non conoscevo quest’autrice, ma la trama mi intrigava e sono davvero contenta di averle dato una possibilità, perché si è rivelata un’ottima lettura.
I protagonisti di questa storia sono Davin Monroe e Alaric Bennett. I due uomini provengono da mondi completamente diversi, due realtà che collidono quando, una mattina come tante, questi ragazzi si incontrano e cambiano per sempre il loro futuro.
Davin viene dai quartieri poveri, vive con un padre autoritario che è incapace di donargli amore e affetto, mentre Alaric è il primogenito di una ricca famiglia che lo ama, anche se lo carica di troppe responsabilità.
Negli anni dell’adolescenza, Dav e Ric si completano reciprocamente, amore e amicizia si fondono creando un legame bellissimo, che purtroppo si spezza a causa di un grave evento drammatico e le loro strade si dividono.
Otto anni dopo, le loro esistenze si intrecciano nuovamente a causa di un altro avvenimento terribile.
Davin, nel frattempo, è diventato un ispettore per compiacere il padre e, nell’investigare su un violento serial killer, si trova costretto a ritornare nella vita di Alaric e della sua famiglia che, negli anni della giovinezza, lo aveva praticamente adottato, offrendogli l’amore materno che gli era mancato e l’affetto paterno che non aveva mai ricevuto.
Benché il riavvicinamento nasca sotto i peggiori auspici, Dav e Ric, con tutti i Bennett, hanno modo di riconciliarsi e di capire cosa sia andato storto nel passato. Non è affatto semplice venire a patti con delle rivelazioni dolorose, i sensi di colpa, la rabbia e il dolore. E mentre le indagini proseguono, le scoperte di Davin aprono un Vaso di Pandora ben più grande di quanto ipotizzato inizialmente perché, purtroppo, anche nelle migliori famiglie ci sono delle mele marce.
Devo dire che l’impianto di questo libro è particolare, mi è piaciuta l’idea di suddividere in tre grandi sezioni la storia. Anche se abbiamo a che fare con indagini per omicidi violenti e, in generale, con la brutalità e la depravazione, non c’è nulla di troppo esplicito o truculento, pur mantenendo realistica la narrazione.
La caratterizzazione dei vari personaggi è molto buona. La famiglia Bennett, nella maggioranza dei suoi appartenenti, è positiva e amorevole, anche se non priva di colpe. Anche i colleghi di Davin sono dei validi aiutanti e impreziosiscono la trama.
Davin è un protagonista adorabile, ha un carattere forte, coraggioso e un po’ spericolato. Ha un cuore enorme e non esita a sacrificarsi per gli altri. Anche dopo aver toccato il fondo, ha conservato un animo positivo e non ha paura di chiedere aiuto a Ric, non teme di dimostrarsi debole. Alaric è stato allevato con grandi responsabilità ed è abituato a comandare e ad organizzare tutto e tutti, ma il suo lato privato con Dav è molto dolce, anche quando lo costringe a cedergli dolore e preoccupazione per portare insieme questo peso.
Nella storia non ci sono molte scene erotiche, ma quelle presenti sono davvero piacevoli e ben descritte e l’amore traspare in continuazione.
“Ferite del Passato” è il primo libro di una serie, attualmente di sette volumi, ambientata a Miami. Sebbene abbia una sua conclusione, ci sono alcune questioni rimaste aperte che, immagino, troveranno compimento in futuro, difatti possiamo intravedere in questo libro alcuni protagonisti dei prossimi.
Lo stile dell’autrice è gradevole, la trama ha un buon ritmo ed è supportata da un’ottima resa italiana, curata e coinvolgente.
Se amate i gialli, gli intrighi e le belle storie, ve lo consiglio caldamente.
I protagonisti di questa storia sono Davin Monroe e Alaric Bennett. I due uomini provengono da mondi completamente diversi, due realtà che collidono quando, una mattina come tante, questi ragazzi si incontrano e cambiano per sempre il loro futuro.
Davin viene dai quartieri poveri, vive con un padre autoritario che è incapace di donargli amore e affetto, mentre Alaric è il primogenito di una ricca famiglia che lo ama, anche se lo carica di troppe responsabilità.
Negli anni dell’adolescenza, Dav e Ric si completano reciprocamente, amore e amicizia si fondono creando un legame bellissimo, che purtroppo si spezza a causa di un grave evento drammatico e le loro strade si dividono.
Otto anni dopo, le loro esistenze si intrecciano nuovamente a causa di un altro avvenimento terribile.
Davin, nel frattempo, è diventato un ispettore per compiacere il padre e, nell’investigare su un violento serial killer, si trova costretto a ritornare nella vita di Alaric e della sua famiglia che, negli anni della giovinezza, lo aveva praticamente adottato, offrendogli l’amore materno che gli era mancato e l’affetto paterno che non aveva mai ricevuto.
Benché il riavvicinamento nasca sotto i peggiori auspici, Dav e Ric, con tutti i Bennett, hanno modo di riconciliarsi e di capire cosa sia andato storto nel passato. Non è affatto semplice venire a patti con delle rivelazioni dolorose, i sensi di colpa, la rabbia e il dolore. E mentre le indagini proseguono, le scoperte di Davin aprono un Vaso di Pandora ben più grande di quanto ipotizzato inizialmente perché, purtroppo, anche nelle migliori famiglie ci sono delle mele marce.
Devo dire che l’impianto di questo libro è particolare, mi è piaciuta l’idea di suddividere in tre grandi sezioni la storia. Anche se abbiamo a che fare con indagini per omicidi violenti e, in generale, con la brutalità e la depravazione, non c’è nulla di troppo esplicito o truculento, pur mantenendo realistica la narrazione.
La caratterizzazione dei vari personaggi è molto buona. La famiglia Bennett, nella maggioranza dei suoi appartenenti, è positiva e amorevole, anche se non priva di colpe. Anche i colleghi di Davin sono dei validi aiutanti e impreziosiscono la trama.
Davin è un protagonista adorabile, ha un carattere forte, coraggioso e un po’ spericolato. Ha un cuore enorme e non esita a sacrificarsi per gli altri. Anche dopo aver toccato il fondo, ha conservato un animo positivo e non ha paura di chiedere aiuto a Ric, non teme di dimostrarsi debole. Alaric è stato allevato con grandi responsabilità ed è abituato a comandare e ad organizzare tutto e tutti, ma il suo lato privato con Dav è molto dolce, anche quando lo costringe a cedergli dolore e preoccupazione per portare insieme questo peso.
Nella storia non ci sono molte scene erotiche, ma quelle presenti sono davvero piacevoli e ben descritte e l’amore traspare in continuazione.
“Ferite del Passato” è il primo libro di una serie, attualmente di sette volumi, ambientata a Miami. Sebbene abbia una sua conclusione, ci sono alcune questioni rimaste aperte che, immagino, troveranno compimento in futuro, difatti possiamo intravedere in questo libro alcuni protagonisti dei prossimi.
Lo stile dell’autrice è gradevole, la trama ha un buon ritmo ed è supportata da un’ottima resa italiana, curata e coinvolgente.
Se amate i gialli, gli intrighi e le belle storie, ve lo consiglio caldamente.
October 14, 2014
October 12th to October 13, 2014
The first story in the Sizzling Miami Series this book was magnificently well written and refreshingly gripping. The story centers around detective Davin Monroe. The relationship between him and Alaric Bennett seem to be the catalyst for the disasters that are going on around them years after their lives were destroyed. This story was fast paced with a terrific murder mystery running through it. The characters were well developed the story was top notch with its many twists and turns and multi layered plots. This was one of the books that you just can't put down. The relationship between Davin and Alaric was smart, sexy and unique. The way they handled themselves was amazing and refreshing to read. I enjoyed everything about this story, from the crime drama to the character interaction. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!
The first story in the Sizzling Miami Series this book was magnificently well written and refreshingly gripping. The story centers around detective Davin Monroe. The relationship between him and Alaric Bennett seem to be the catalyst for the disasters that are going on around them years after their lives were destroyed. This story was fast paced with a terrific murder mystery running through it. The characters were well developed the story was top notch with its many twists and turns and multi layered plots. This was one of the books that you just can't put down. The relationship between Davin and Alaric was smart, sexy and unique. The way they handled themselves was amazing and refreshing to read. I enjoyed everything about this story, from the crime drama to the character interaction. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK!!!
October 22, 2014
4.5 out if 5
I enjoyed the mix of topics in this book. The characters were interesting as well as the events. I got lost couple of times following the POV, but nothing extreme. Not sure I'm into Terance character build up. I liked him better when he was just a plain addict. The power exchange was interesting, but not the main topic in the book. The reader needs to take certain events at face value, but overall a good read.
I enjoyed the mix of topics in this book. The characters were interesting as well as the events. I got lost couple of times following the POV, but nothing extreme. Not sure I'm into Terance character build up. I liked him better when he was just a plain addict. The power exchange was interesting, but not the main topic in the book. The reader needs to take certain events at face value, but overall a good read.
July 6, 2020
Loved the book, the dynamics of the characters and the suspense. For those who object to "too many sex scenes" (no such problem for me, when well written), there are few sex scenes.
My only problem was the editing. There were SO many missing commas, apostrophes and periods. Also misspelled and missing words. I don't leave off stars for that, because otherwise I thought it was a well crafted story and things like that don't faze me while reading.
My only problem was the editing. There were SO many missing commas, apostrophes and periods. Also misspelled and missing words. I don't leave off stars for that, because otherwise I thought it was a well crafted story and things like that don't faze me while reading.
June 22, 2016
This is a wonderful start to the Sizzling Miami series. It starts off with a bang and has an intensity that carries over into the other books in the series. People with a history of sexual violence of any kind may want to take a miss if they are easily triggered. It isn't terribly graphic but it is well-written so the emotions and reactions are clear and the pain is clearly visible to the reader.
July 16, 2015
Lots of eye-rolling editing errors; apostrophe s where they don't belong (should be for possessive or contraction - not plurals), none where they should be. incorrect spelling, bad grammar. One instance of a baggie testing positive for heroine (instead of heroin). If this indicative of this author's work, I don't want to be paying for anymore of it.
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