Niall’s never known anything but betrayal. All Mat wants is Niall’s heart. What will it take for him to coax Niall in from the cold?
Mat’s connection with Niall is tenuous; one step forward, two steps back. Since that night on the beach Niall’s been avoiding Mat like a bad case of the flu–which, ironically, most of his deputies have come down with. What will it take for Niall to truly believe … believe Mat wants him for who he is?
Mat’s overworked, Niall’s unnerved, and then things really go sideways.
Will a killer destroy everything before Niall realizes they are stronger together than apart?
Long Shadow is a dual POV about a broody introvert and a somewhat patient Sheriff. Mat’s going to have to prove to Niall he’s the man for him. The Hamarsson and Dempsey series follows the same couple as they find their way to their happily ever after.
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They’re back (an audio review)
I listened to book 1 in this series almost two years ago but it stuck with me. I really liked the former cop and the hometown sheriff and hoped they’d make a go of their relationship. Possible, but Niall is cynical and hard while Mat is sunnier, despite the tragedies in his life.
This book also has a murder, a separate mystery, an arson, and a whole lot of action.
Niall is sort of committed to staying on Piedras except he doesn’t have a place to live – the owners of the local motel are not enamored of the wolf hound. Fenrir is still my favorite character in the book – I am a sucker for a good dog who doesn’t always behave.
The mystery part was good and I definitely didn’t see the ending coming. I think what excites me the most is the fact there’s a third book coming and there are hints about what happened to Mat’s dad. I can’t wait to find out what happens next.
Of course I’m loving Michael Dean. His narrations are always spot on and he knows how to say tuque. (Just a little thing we Canadians love.) So on to the next.
5 Stars
Long Shadow is book 2 in the Hamarsson and Dempsey series and it needs to be read/listened to in order. This review may contain spoilers.
Niall is being difficult at the start of the book and still keeping Mat at arm’s length, which I totally get, don’t get me wrong. He’s had a hard life and it’s not easy for him to let anyone—not even Mat, who truly has the patience of a saint—in. As if that wasn’t enough, the fires have continued in Piedras island and now they’re escalating.
I’m really enjoying this series, well, other than wanting to shake some sense into Niall, although I will admit it he got much better around halfway through the story. Mat was amazing as always and continues being my favorite of the two of them. They have great chemistry and I felt like the progression of their relationship, while slow, was very organic, especially considering Niall’s issues. I loved that we got to see more of them as a couple this time around.
The mystery of the fires was partially, yet satisfyingly, solved, so even if there are still a few things that need to be addressed, I don’t feel like I was left hanging. I just hope Ms. Keaton hurries up with it because I need the next book pronto! LOL
Michael Dean never ceases to amaze me. He has such a wide range of voices and does a fantastic job every single time with his performance, which translates on him not only giving each character a distinctive voice but bringing them and the story to life with his narration.
Overall, if you’ve read Conspiracy Theory, you absolutely need to listen to Long Shadow and if you haven’t, what are you waiting for? Pick both books/audiobooks, because you’re missing out on a great series otherwise.
Long Shadow picked up right where Conspiracy Theory ended and I loved how it really built their story. It had more heat and more details about Mat and Niall. The way they communicate is so good and I like this mystery as well. It was fun to read and I like how Mat’s family is increasing their role in the story. And who doesn’t like a cool dog, Fenrir was so cute. I would recommend this book.
The anticipation was worth the wait! I loved Mat‘s pragmatic patience, good guy, roll with the punches, how can I help attitude vs. Niall taxing, I don’t need anyone’s help, leave me alone and don’t want to talk to me ways of living his life. His internal dialogue was very enjoyable and it also made me sad for the solitary life Niall He felt abandoned and found his kindred spirit in Fenrir. Now they were a family of two.
Mat’s family is imploding- Sean is dead, Ella is getting a divorce and Fiona is Fiona. Extreme high possibility there’ an arsonist on the island. Mat’s has his hands full. On top of that, he’s waiting on Niall. These elements combined have disaster written all of it.
Niall life has starting s losing the gloom and doom but one thing he has not lost, are his cops instincts. Something is definitely afoot. The secondary characters are excellent, love, love Birdie.
Long Shadow shows us more about Niall and Mat. There’s suspense, and arson and a possible killer on the loose. I loved that this books keep me on my toes, searching for clues while also rooting for Niall to come to his senses and just accept love. The characters are endearing, Mat’s family is so sweet and supportive plus that surprise for Niall at the end. I would say they have their happily ever after but there is a sequel that I can’t wait to read.
The second book in the series starts about a week after the events in the first book ended. The pace is steady with medium level steam and angst, some family drama and new characters and plot twists added to the mix.
I like both Mat and Niall. They are exact opposites – Mat is patient, so full of love he wants to share with Niall, unafraid to put his heart of the line while Niall is still closed off, distrustful and guards his heart like the walls of Fort Knox. But as the story continues Mat slowly wears Niall’s defenses down. I liked their small and shy overtures when it came to dating, flirting and getting to know each other. I liked that Niall finally decided to let Mat and his family in.
The mystery was good. There were several suspects that made figuring things out interesting. There were several characters introduced that I think will play an important role in some way in the next book. At least I hope so since this book left me with some unanswered questions about them. There was a bit of danger, a lot of brainstorming and strong men acknowledging their feelings. I loved Niall’s way of expressing himself. For someone who claimed he was not good with all of this he did pretty well. Mat was an absolute darling and I really cheered for him in the end. I am glad how their relationship turned out and wonder what the author has in store for these men. Good story. Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
Long Shadow by Elle Keaton is the second book in the Hamarsson and Dempsey series. It is a contemporary m/m novel in a reoccurring series, with a nice mix of suspense and romance that is set in a small town. The story is told from dual point of views that let’s readers get into the mind of both main characters, Niall and Mat, and really get to know the characters and the ways behind their actions and decisions. It’s great to see the story from two different aspects. The story had an interesting plot, a mystery to figure out, great chemistry between characters and a good amount of drama. Really am enjoying this series and cannot wait for more.
I grabbed Long Shadow, the second book of the Veiled Intentions series, so fast after I finished the first book, Conspiracy Theory. The first book ended on a cliffhanger and I had to get my hands on the second book as fast as possible. Niall and Mat’s relationship is full of drama and suspense – they don’t take the easy route in their romance. The second book was just as good as the first, and it made me excited for the third book.
I really loved book 1 in this series so buying book two was a no-brainer for me. Getting to see more of Niall and Mat was great; I love how their relationship has clearly developed and it had lots of twists and turns I wasn’t expecting. There were steamy moments, romantic ones, lots of action and mysteries (some of which are still to be solved). There were also some more secondary characters introduced that intrigued me so I’m hoping to hear more from these in the next book too. As soon as I finished this book, I immediately bought and downloaded book 3. I can’t wait to read more, I’m completely hooked! I’d definitely recommend this to others who are fans of MM romance. I certainly won’t just be stopping at this series by Elle Keaton either – bring on the rest!
Again, Michael Dean proves the perfect performer for this series. Niall is still reluctant to let down his walls and allow Mat in but the author makes this totally believable and Niall’s reluctance is never irritating, just sad. Mat knows what he wants but is willing to take it slow and let Niall figure things out in his own good time. Michael Dean has gotten inside these two guy’s heads and lets us see both their heads and hearts in a completely believable way. They mystery continues to feel menacing and intriguing. Very much looking forward to seeingmthings wrap up in book three.
OMG this is possibly the slowest burn in the history of my entire reading life. I mean I read a whole 1 1/2 books before anything besides a few brief kisses and 1 intimate encounter and honestly it was a let down. I mean I appreciate the slow build up but geeze it was hard to just connect with the romance here because the focus is so all over the place with more extra characters more questions while seemingly not answering any left open from the first. Then this duet turns into a series with a book 3? I can honestly say the narrator made the audio a better listen than a read.
I enjoyed the first book in this series and, I like the second even more. The mystery from the first book has left some unresolved issues that we get to dig into a bit more in this book. Niall’s history, Mat and Niall’s relationship, and some other interesting plot threads are explored a bit more in depth. So much tension! So much action.
Sometimes I need to work really hard to suspend disbelief in a mystery. I didn’t need to for this book. The author does all the hard work.
I really appreciated how the the ordnance incident was written. My physics background makes it really hard to appreciate these types of events. No. You don’t want to watch an action movie with me. I ruin everything with science. This incident was described just right.
One other thing that I really appreciated about this book was how Niall views life from the perspective of an abandoned child. The distrust, fear of abandonment, and need to maintain distance are very real emotions and reactions.
The narration was great again with just a couple glitches that I noticed, but it didn’t ruin the experience.
Will Niall finally let Mat in?
This picks up shortly after Conspiracy Theory. Mat can read Niall like a book and Niall is trying to show his affection. It’s sure not his strong suit. They have an arsonist, a bomb, possible betrayal and family drama. My favorite character is Fenrir! He is perfect, laid-back, smart and protective. Actually everyone has that small town sense of community family. I’m ready for the next one now.
I didn’t get to read the first book in the series but I was given an opportunity to try the second book as an ARC. I wished I read the first then I would have been all in with the relationship dynamic of Matt and Niall. Don’t get me wrong I enjoyed this story. It has mystery, suspense with a satisfying amount of HOTness to keep it a page turner. The guys are opposites which makes it so interesting but you feel all their up and down emotions…their intense attraction/connection. I’m excited for the next installment.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
If you haven’t read book one in this series, it may be a good idea to do so. ‘Hamarsson and Dempsey’ follow the same couple in books one and two.
Niall Hamarrson and Mat Dempsey are still working on their connection. Progress is never consistent. Moving forward, only to move backwards. Coming to understand that communication is key is a task form two men who are mostly in different directions. Mat is the patient partner whereas Niall is a little more skittish. Everything takes time.
In between relationship building, there is the work that keeps them going. With an arsonist on the loose and Mat already overwhelmed, we will have to see how everything else develops.
Kind of slow building for me, but I can see them as more of a marathon instead of a sprint.
**I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
#mm #secondchance
I was given a free arc copy from the author for review.
This is the second book so I would suggest reading the first. However it can be read on it’s own. It basically sums up at the start that they had a previously relationship and are on a break at the beginning point of this book.
I really enjoyed this one. Even though it was the second book for the same couple it was still a slow burn. Not much happened in either the relationship nor the plot for the first 40% which is the only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars. Otherwise it def would of been.
I love both these MCs and as a couple they have great chemistry. Even all the side characters are well written and enjoyable, even the cute woof/pup who has a personality of his own.
I found the plot to be interesting and the book to be a def page turner esp the last 60%. Looking forward to reading more from the author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Intense. When you don’t communicate, the silence taints the story. These are both smart brave men, but they manifest their traits in different ways. They are totally into each other, but they don’t talk about it. There are lots of stops, starts and pauses. The good thing, is they both respect each other and trust unconditionally. This story, is a continuation of the first story, which sets up the background. Mat is still investigating the arsonist with a lot of help from Niall. They blend well as LE partners. Their mystery is intriguing and a bit dangeous. Do Niall and Mat learn to be open and start the right conversations? Do they find out who is doing what? How is the town doing? Great continuation of the story. Great additional characters. Who will make the first move? Good story. Great mystery. Good flow and character depth. Well done! I received an ARC from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Oh, the heat is HOT, and the physical chemistry is captivating so be careful you may just get burned all the heat coming off these pages. There were some “oh no” “oh wow” ” what the what” moments and add in uncanny mishaps, mayhem, ups, downs, drama, intrigue, suspense, and secrets. Niall has a lot to deal with personally in his peaceful little island of Piedras he does miss Matt but with all the trust issues as well as dealing ghost from the past haunting him can he trust or will he allow himself to trust what he feels for Matt to be enough and can Matt convince to take a chance on what they feel for each other will they get a HEA?
Niall has retire from being a cop and is back home where he never thought he would be. Mat is the sheriff of Piedras. He knows what he want and that’s being with Niall. He just has to get Niall to realize that that’s what he wants too. I really enjoyed this book.
Did not mean to jump into this one on the second one but the story line drew me in. This is also first time in reading this author but will not be the last. It seems the characters in this-Mat and Niall are doing a dance around each other. Deputies are have the blue flu so you know trouble in that part. Oh yeah then comes a killer which brings it into a suspense what I like to read alot of lately. So discovery time all around is what seems to be in order here. The answers will have to come fast especially if a future is in order.