Pros & Cons of Deception

What I Think: At first glance this doesn’t seem to start from where the first left off, but by page 3, I was sure it Leo’s mystery caller in the scene, adding even more mystery to these string of tales in which the Authoress keeps feeding us delicious morsels that leave us wanting more.
This time its Wesley in the hot seat while Danny treats him like hostile territory he can’t decide whether to claim or destroy. I also can’t decide if I want to marry Josie or Miranda. Doesn’t help that embracing my queerness in all its rainbow glory means I also found out about polyamory and now I’m thinking, I can be greedy and keep them both. I was innocent once, I promise. I finally have a chance to get closer to Danny. You know, the other gorgeous half of the scandalous picture that began this list of vendettas.
Then, o wow, the yoruba thrown in had me doing a happy jig around the room. Seeing a part of my heritage in one of my favorite settings was a marvelously, delicious surprise.
That Danny has gone through what he did at such a young age makes me want to smash something. That he went through it because of his parents reminds me that some matters can only be settled via violence and his parents need some violence to teach them certain lessons. What kind of animal does that to their kids over their sexuality? Serial killers and rapists still get protected by their family, for goddess’ sake. But, that which doesn’t kill us makes us stronger and I can’t think of a better partner for him than Wesley. Does the fact that Wes is a redhead make me biased in his favor? Yes. Yes it does. I can’t help it. Wesley is all heart and that was as surprising as his age. He carries himself with such assured aloofness that I thought he was way older. But then, I also thought Danny was older given his ability to hide his pain. But apparently, resilience and fortitude are not limited to only the well along in age.
The stakes this time are even higher than the last time as they’re going against modern day slavers and human traffickers. Is it possible to love a character so much posthumously? Charlie knew his boys so well that he not only hand picked the right people for the different jobs but he must have known that they’d bond and create a new found family. He must have known that given Wes’ background, he would take this job very personally.
And I love this Authoress’ humor. That and the sometimes torturous romances are the only things that helps the constant tension that begins once the game is on.
As the others show even more of their skills, my awe and hunger for more of this tale consumed me. I’m enjoying this mental struggle Wes has got going. I love the stubborn ones because they fall the hardest and o, Danny isn’t making this easy. Its beyond amusing to watch Wes because he’s going to fall so deep, so good, there’ll be no option of resurrection. And the lovemaking is so hot, made hotter by the final capitulation that’s leads to it.
The action and tension in this one is better than the first and had me pacing back and forth, all restless and knotted up. By the time the wild ride began, I had added a cigarette to my pacing, hoping against hope that this children with their superhero needs would not end up badly injured or worse. The relief I felt at the end weakened my knees enough that I sank into a sofa gratefully. The ending was perfect and I’m so glad there’s more because I need it now!

Verdict: A keeper of a tale to remind you that when the best laid plans go wrong, trust that the bonds of friendship and love will find a way.

4.5 stars
Heat Level: 3.75
Narration: 4.5

I love Danny & Bond, Wesley Bond!!

The story continues and we’re treated to more from the adorable Danny and the socially awkward Wes. They played off each other in book one and were both, hot and cold as the story went on. Add in a new “case” from Charlie and the mysterious “Interested Party” and Wes and Danny are posing as boyfriends! Of course, not everything goes to plan and Danny and Wes can no longer fight their connection and give in to what they want, which quickly turns into much more than either of them expected. Now add in the thrill and danger of the case they’re on, the unfortunate inconvenience of coms being turned on at inopportune times and the whole team posing in unique situations and “uniforms” and you’ve got hilarity mixed with a little suspense and a whole lot of steam! I loved it and can’t wait to see more from this unique 5 now 7-some! I’m looking forward to seeing what Ridge has in store for him and his case, up next!!

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As the next assignment rolls in, it gives the animosity between Danny and Wes a chance to settle, then their mutual attraction gets to simmer, and then their passion reaches a boiling point all while trying to bring down an abusive employment scheme. While the romantic aspect was a little less powerful in this story than in P&C of Vengeance, it was still an enjoyably subtle combustion. Their romantic focus was more on seeing their true worth and value individually and not making decisions for the other based on assumptions.

It’s the honesty, the vulnerability, and the awkwardness that snared me. That combination is always lethal for me and I loved Wes all the more for it. I admit that I went into the story with a favorite side already chosen, but it was for good reason that he stayed my favorite. Hesitance isn’t sexy, but the way he went about it was endearing and understandable. The way he was always honest with Danny once he realized lashing out was the very wrong way to go about things showed growth and maturity. That he could look beyond himself and within himself at the same time to try to do what was right and to, hopefully, come out victorious in the end.

Danny was sweet and definitely young. His life experience gave him an incredible amount of pluck, depth, and understanding, but he was still so incredibly young that I didn’t mind when Wes sometimes treated him as naive. It was the way they worked through things and how Danny found the inner strength that impressed me the most about them. I’m really, really looking forward to seeing their progress and cuteness from the periphery of the other stories.
…
Steele sighed heavily and shook his head.
“Kiera. Dude. What’s the first rule of an operator?”
She screwed up her mouth like she was thinking about it.
“Always cheat, always win?”
“Uh. Heh.” Steele scratched his head and glanced at Marvin Mason warily. “No, the other one.”
…
The group. The whole freaking group. I’M IN LOVE! Steele is pretty much my total favorite and his role in this story is perfection. He was the comic relief and the support. There were a few too many mentions of comms and sexy times, but other than that, the group’s dynamic is settling into something truly fantastic. From sparkly booty shorts to surprise agents to finding your inner strength and acknowledging your own worth…this story had so much to love. I CANNOT wait for the next story in the series!!

This book is as good as Pros & Cons of Vengeance, book one in this series. In some ways, I might even like this one better. It has the great group dynamics of the good-hearted criminals working together to take down a bad guy. They still tease and torture each other and make the reader laugh out loud. And there is again a wonderful romance. There were moments when Danny and Wesley were so sweet and loving, I swooned a little. They are so snarky to each other in the first book, but that goes away quickly here. They are open, honest, and vulnerable with each other for the majority of the story. This is another great mission for the group, and it is a real adventure. I love every bit of it, and I adore watching Wesley and Danny fall in love. This is a fantastic series, and I can’t wait to see what the next mission is for this talented group – and who gets to fall in love!

This is a fabulous take on the Charlie’s Angels concept – with male angels, each with a different skillset. They’re still gelling as a team in this book, and the continued development of the team, with Josie, is one of its most appealing aspects. The story, as always in one of A.E. Wasp’s books, is gripping and heartfelt, and the dynamic between Danny and Wes is just tremendous. Even the evil-eye start between them is good to read! I think Wes is my favorite character so far, so full of doubt about his worthiness and so happy to be making a difference. If this is your first A.E. Wasp, enjoy it because I’m sure it won’t be your last!

Another great book in this absolutely fun new series!

I love how this misfit group of men, who only came together due to being blackmailed, have developed strong bonds of camaraderie, and are even gluing together as a made family. It will be interesting to see what they all choose to do once Charlie’s talks have been completed, since I’m sure that they will all be in each other’s lives for the long run.

Danny really was able to come into his own, in this book. He was so frightened and beaten down after the whole Harlan incident, and I loved that he was able to let the team show him that he has value as more than simply a pretty former sex worker. For all of his talk about how they shouldn’t look down on him for it, he himself debased his own self worth due to his choice to sell his body in order to survive. Wes was awesome in opening the world to Danny and helping him understand that he was loved, valued and cherished for him.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.