In the first book in this series, in the dystopian underbelly of New York City, Dead Bolt, the latest drug, unleashes chaos. One of the main characters, Nox Boyet’s dual existence as a construction worker and the Vigilante unfolds against this grim backdrop. The narrative intricately weaves Nox’s struggle against corruption, emphasizing the complexity of his situation. Enter Cade Creel, a high-end prostitute whose mysterious connection to Sam, Nox’s adopted son, unravels a compelling tale of danger and trust. The characters, notably Nox and Cade, are superbly developed, making them profoundly relatable in their struggles. The constant threats keep the reader on edge, turning pages eagerly.
This dystopian thriller masterfully captures the reader’s angst, inviting them into a world where trust is a fragile currency and danger lurks around every corner. This gripping read seamlessly blends suspense, emotion, and societal commentary, leaving a lasting impact and it’s just the start of a great series.
SUMMARY
In a dystopian near future, New York City has become the epicenter of decadence–gambling, the flesh trade, a playground for the wealthy. And underneath? Crime, fueled by “Dead Bolt,” a destructive designer drug. This New City is where Nox Boyet leads a double life. At night, he is the Vigilante, struggling to keep the streets safe for citizens abandoned by the corrupt government and police. During the day, he works in construction and does his best to raise his adopted teenaged son, Sam.
A mysterious letter addressed to Sam brings Nox in direct contact with “model” Cade Creel, a high-end prostitute working at the Iron Butterfly Casino. Suspicion gives way to an intense attraction as dark figures from Nox’s past and the mysterious peddlers of Dead Bolt begin to descend–and put all their lives in danger. When things spin out of control, Cade is the only person Nox can trust to help him save Sam.
An entertaining foray into the world of reality TV weddings, balancing humor and heart as event planner Daniel Green navigates the challenges of orchestrating his friend Ander’s nuptials. The characters, especially the flamboyant Ander and the charming Owen, contribute depth to the narrative.
However, the novel’s exploration of deeper subjects introduced, such as eating disorders and the negative aspects of reality TV, feels somewhat glossed over but not fully delved into, leaving a sense that the story could have benefited from a more profound examination of these themes.
Despite this missed opportunity for depth, it still earns stars for its witty dialogue, engaging characters, and the captivating interplay between love and the glitzy world of reality television. It does have several steamy scenes.
SUMMARY
When drama threatens to ruin a romance on a reality show, only a true friend can save a groomzilla’s wedding.
Daniel Green, an event planner with a neat, quiet, orderly life, reluctantly agrees to plan the wedding of his childhood friend Ander, an outrageous fashion designer soon to marry a wealthy entertainment lawyer named Rafe. To complicate matters, the happy couple have agreed to have their wedding made into a reality show—something that practical Daniel isn’t sold on.
Daniel is neither a romantic nor a wedding planner, but he’s the only person in the world who can manage Ander. Distracting him from his mission is Owen Grainger, a too-handsome-to-be-true producer whose quiet charm pulls Daniel into his orbit.
When the stress of the show triggers bad behavior from Ander, co-producer Victor Pierce decides it’s the key to a ratings bonanza, and he begins to undermine Ander and Rafe’s relationship to create more drama. Daniel is determined to protect his friend and his own reputation, but when he finds himself falling hard for Owen, there’s much more at stake than ratings.
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