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Elusive Relations

Valor and Doyle, Book 2

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Elusive Relations

By: Nicky James
Narrated by: Nick J. Russo
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About this listen

Life was easier when rival detectives Quaid Valor and Aslan Doyle kept to their own sides of the building. They could forget the one glorious night they’d shared and move on.

But when Aslan is called to a homicide and discovers one of the victims has a personal history with Quaid, he knows a confrontation is inevitable.

When news about the case spreads, Quaid can’t help but get involved. He wants answers; if not for himself, then for the families of the victims.

Joining Aslan and his partner, Quaid uncovers more than he bargained for—too many secrets and lies in a case that is dangerously personal.

Plus, the more time he spends with Aslan, the harder it is for Quaid to ignore his attraction to the playboy detective.

Aslan, who doesn’t believe in repeats, can’t seem to stop flirting with the grumpy MPU detective, and his rules go out the window as they’re drawn deeper into the case.

But what happens when one more night turns to two, and two turns into three?

Does Quaid want to risk his heart again?

Has Aslan developed feelings?

Can they put a stop to their fun and walk away?

Do they want to?

The Valor and Doyle mysteries are a same-couple ongoing series and should be enjoyed in order. The main mystery plot of each book will be resolved within the story, but there are elements that are overarching throughout the series.

©2022 Nicole James (P)2022 Nicole James
Literature & Fiction Mystery Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Romance Romantic Suspense Suspense Thriller & Suspense Heartfelt Feel-Good Fiction Detective
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Most relevant
Det Aslan Doyle and his partner, Torin, are called into a grisly scene with one person dead and another critically injured. Who could have lost control so violently? The case gets messy when Doyle realises the critically injured man is Jack, the chronically unfaithful ex-boyfriend of Det Quaid Valor. Doyle has complicated feelings for Valor and when Valor begs to be allowed to join the investigation team, Doyle just can’t refuse, much to the chagrin of Torin.

This police procedural / romance was deeply satisfying. Once again, the case was complex and compelling, involving multiple suspects and motives. The romance took up more space and that was nice too—I especially enjoyed Valor and Doyle stating that each hookup was the very last time, only to do it again down the track. There’s a good balance of relationship angst here—some regret and soul searching (mostly Valor) mixed with genuine delight in each other’s company (mostly Doyle). I also enjoyed getting to know Torin and watch his aggressive attitude towards Valor slowly thaw as he realises that Valor is actually good for Doyle. 🎧 Voice artist Nick J Russo is always good and I’ve grown used to him channeling these two guys. I sort of wish he’d change his voice a little for Valor and Doyle but it’s not hard to sort out who’s speaking.

Another deeply satisfying police procedural!

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I liked Elusive Relations better than book #1, Temporary Partner. Quail and Aslin felt real to me, more tangible as people. The homocide case was well written and plenty of people could have been responsible. Poor Quaid having to go over that footage. Aslin being vulnerable. The romantic aspect is gaining traction. Two men who have addiction and personal heartache coming together fills up my hurt/comfort bucket nicely. As usual, Nick J Russo is outstanding. On to book #3 now

Good Cops + Romance Story

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This second book in the series is just as enthralling and entertaining as the first one. Our two main characters continue to strive to overcome their shortcomings while solving a complex murder case and becoming even more entwined in their feeling for each other. I can’t wait to listen to book three.

Continuing the story.

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