FIVE JOBS. FIVE CHANCES FOR REDEMPTION. One thing’s for sure: these men are no angels.Two jobs down, three to go, and job #3 is mine. My name is Ridge Pfeiffer, I’m a dirt poor jewel thief from the wrong side of the tracks, and I don’t play well with others.Theoretically, the deal works like this. I do the job Charlie planned for me and Miranda erases my past, makes my biggest problems go away. … and Miranda erases my past, makes my biggest problems go away. Too bad my biggest problem is the one thing I don’t want to go away: Diplomatic Security Agent Davis Ethan.
When Davis caught me breaking into a safe during job #2, I should have ended up in jail. instead, I ended up in his bed. Rich, gorgeous, and privileged, the only thing we have in common is a love of beautiful lingerie and beautiful men. He’s everything I hate, everything I want, and he could destroy me with a word.
There are a hundred red flags surrounding this job, I should walk away and take my chances, but I’m going to do it anyway. Anything to buy me one more night with Davis.
One more job, one more night, and then I’ll leave for good.
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You know what cracks me up about this series? That when he plotted and schemed, when he manipulated all these men into working together, I’m sure Charlie never expected he’d start something close to a matchmaking operation for them. First Steele with Breck, then Wesley and Danny fall in love, and now it’s Davis and Ridge’s turn.
Davis and Ridge. The government agent and the thief…the irony of fate, right? Because these two just can’t stay away from each other ever since they’ve met on Isla Rosa, previously in the series. They only know their first names, clueless about their real identities. And it’s enough, for now,when their chemistry is scorching hot, despite the fact that, not matter how much they argue the contrary, there’s more between them than passion.
What I found absolutely exciting was how the author made their realities clash. Because the plot of Pros &Cons of Desire is delightfully twisted and full of surprises. A mystery to shed light on, a hidden chamber than holds prove to a beautiful, century old love story, an inheritance that might change hands … secrets that might destroy anything Ridge and Davis have, shattering trust and feelings.
Pros &Cons of Desire is my favorite of the series so far. It’s more light-hearted and it definitely made me laugh a lot. Just as suspenseful as the others, with the guys and their incredible group dynamic and entertaining interactions. I just love them, and I can’t wait to see what Charlie has in store for them next.
What I Think: Ridge is bored and doing things he shouldn’t be doing. Things he knows he shouldn’t be doing because he’s keeping them a secret from his new found family. But this time, the game seems to be trickier than the two that have come before as it’s time to return something of high importance to the rightful hands. Something so important that people had been murdered for it eons ago. And Ridge is the point man as there’s going to be a lot of breaking and entering involved. Well, that’s why I thought he was chosen as the point-man for this job. Turns out, he’s the type to take something like this personal too. Ridge is one of the most complex men here. I’ve seen different sides to him, the criminal, the caretaker, the man who raised his brother and didn’t realize he was taking care of him right back, his reaction to boredom etc But now I’m also seeing his desire to not fail, to not disappoint his new found family out together with the glimpses of the child who matured too soon and it makes him so human that I fell in love with him all over again.
I knew it! I fucking knew he’d end up sleeping with the enemy. I hope the Authoress will give us a hint of how that happened but I’m crowing in delight at how right I was
And then because this Authoress knows how to really entrap me, she just had to toss lingerie into this. Why? Why? I’m already in love with this series enough. Just when I thought the sex couldn’t get any hotter, it was amped up. My boy Ridge is a sexy, angel onion. Okay, that was not a good metaphor but you get what I mean, right?
As this righteous con begins, I find myself hoping right alongside Ridge that it will be a straightforward affair but after reading two of the tales that came before this, I know it’s a pointless wish, and as soon as Ridge’s secret comes out, I knew the shit show had begun
But when truths begin to come out, it makes for an even greater intimacy than I ever imagined. When you find the right partner, consequences become nothing as the need to keep the one that gives you joy, contentment, and yes, mind blowing sex becomes all that’s necessary.
When the job begins this time, everyone knows it could go wrong in that they don’t find what they’re looking for. They don’t expect their new accomplice and definitely future member of Charlie’s Clan to have a heartless, shitty mother. They don’t expect near death experiences. But my boys have balls of steel as they move and flow, changing according to what’s needed, especially with the Inimitable Josie in the background and a new worthy accomplice. They manage to find humor in the worst situations and don’t even blink over finding lingerie where it normally wouldn’t be. This does it. I finally made up my mind. I’m taking them all as book boyfriends. My heart is big enough because choosing would be too damn painful. Goddess save me, even the doctor that turned up to the blood fest is as jaded as the rest of them.
But this one, aaarrgghh, this one broke my heart the most. I’m going to need a break before I go into my next tale. So many near losses, so many new beginnings. The only things controlling my tears were my lined and mascaraed eyes and being on the bus. But oh, my heart broke for the Pfeiffer boys. After the brouhaha had calmed down, I got the ending I’ve begun to look forward to. Can’t wait for the job for the man with a thousand faces. Can’t wait for Leo and Al to meet. Simply put, I’m not ready to say goodbye to my favorite band of Merry Men.
Verdict? When love finds you in the most dangerous of situations, hold on tight and don’t let go!
5 Hungover Stars!!!
For maximum enjoyment, Pros & Cons of Desire needs to be read in order, otherwise, you might be a tad lost with the recurring characters and the continuing storyline.
That said, now for the Pros:
Each new book has been better than the previous one(s). I think a lot of it has to do with the growing sense of camaraderie, of trust between the guys, Miranda and Josie, and even Al, who I’m just so curious about. I just can’t seem to get enough of them all interacting with each other and working together on all the different cases, using their own strengths as an advantage to solve them.
I loved this particular case. It was intriguing and I liked that it was an over a century-old romance/mystery and how they managed to solve it. Of course, it being such an old case, there wouldn’t be a proper reparation, but it worked out in the end, sort of. LOL Plus, the love letters were so romantic! *dreamy sigh*
While the romance between Davis and Ridge took a bit of a backseat to everything else happening, it was undeniable they had chemistry and while their relationship was different than what I expected at first—although not that unexpected really, considering Ridge’s control issues—they seemed to bring out the best out in each other. I particularly liked that Davis didn’t waver in his affections or his trust in Ridge, even when he found out about the extent of their operation and what they wanted to do and was actually an active participant in their little ruse.
I totally didn’t expect the case to go the way it did, although once one of the players was introduced it wasn’t difficult to figure who he really was and what he might be after. I wanted a bit more closure in that respect, but I understood that with what happened next everything else kind of fell to the background.
And the Cons:
I hated Davis’s mom with a passion, she was a horrible excuse for a mother.
Being so hungover I have no clue what to do with my life. *cries* The struggle is real. I still have 4 books to go to finish the month and none sounds especially appealing after finishing this one. *cries some more*
Having to wait I don’t know how long for the next installment. Ms. Wasp, pretty please, hurry up with Carson’s story, because I’m dying to know more about him.
Seriously, please do yourself a favor and start with the first book in the series. It’s such an original, fun, entertaining, hot concept and I’m loving every second. Having the chance to listen to the audiobooks and then read this new installment in the space of the last 2 weeks, made the experience even better, even if it’ll be hell waiting for the last two books.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn’t a requirement. ***
4.5 stars
“Pros & Cons of Desire” by A.E. Wasp is the third in the series and focuses on Ridge Pfeiffer and his assignment from the crafty Charles Bingham. The restitution that the recently departed manipulator wants to accomplish is complicated by Ridge’s intense attraction to the mysterious Davis Ethan who had a significant influence on the previous mission. It turns out that it isn’t only Ridge who has been harboring significant secrets, some of which may prove to be deadly.
This contemporary gay romance series just keeps getting more entertaining, and the “gang” gathered at the late Charlie’s behest is melding together into a cohesive unit that is comprised of both lovers and friends (and brothers). I love the counterpoint of the intense and lusty relationship that is burning between the unwilling pair and the planning and research that is taking place. The twists and turns kept me riveted and I enjoyed seeing not only this relationship evolve, but getting glimpses of how the other guys are becoming more comfortable in their roles and in their connections with each other. The formidable Josie continues to provide a fun contrast (and a mind-boggling role model) even as the guys continue to dance along that tightrope between legal and not-so-legal maneuverings.
This author does a great job of balancing the angst and pathos of the horrific backgrounds that many of these men have dealt with and their sometimes challenging methods of coping with their pasts. Add in the delicious capers they embark upon, the hint of danger and violence that surrounds them, and the gradual revelations of their respective histories, and this series continues to enthrall and entertain. I thought this was the best story thus far and anxiously await the next installment.
A copy of this title was provided for review
I didn’t think I could love this series any more than I already do. And Ms Wasp took that as a challenge and proved me wrong. I fall more in love with this group of guys with every addition to the series. They make me laugh so hard with all their snarky comments. Ridge and Davis are so hot together and loved how they teamed up to accomplish Charlie’s goal of setting things right, even with the little twist thrown in. It’s full of action, adventure, love and sexy men. And I can’t wait to know more about Mr Sexy Fox and the mystery man
Another great book in this series with a well written storyline and characters that were so well created that I was totally engaged throughout the entire book!
With each book I read, I hated Charlie more and more for endangering these sweet men (that’s the way I think of them since getting to know them better). He was a crook and wanted redemption from the grave and used these pawns to do his bidding from the grave! Grrr… Davis’s mom – what a pill in so many ways- elitist mercenary empty vessel! Her letter was manipulative and pathetic- no redemption from me- too many wrongs. I was really hoping she’d die. #notsorry! I do enjoy the guys hookups and finding their other halves one by one. It was like a treasure hunt for love! The cliffy at the end rocked me. Needing more of this intriguing love mystery asap.
The gift of time
I love this series and am dying to know who mystery man is but until then I will happily and greedily read everyone’s journeys. A thief and agent along with danger and a mystery; yes please, may I have some more? “I don’t want to tame you. I want you to make me wild.” Ridge and Davis are hot, hot, hot! I adore how prickly and sarcastic Ridge is. He made me laugh so much. Davis may be a bit naive at times but I loved his many surprises and how deep he feels everything.
“The only person I want to see anymore is you.” Watching them fall in love was amazing. They squished my heart so many times. Scatter in some people that you want to hate; however, there are so many shades when it comes to good versus bad in this book that it makes you think. Layers and layers of intrigue abound in this book and I can’t get enough. Each time I read a new book in this series I fall more in love with all the guys and never want to return to real life. An excellent and thrilling addition to the series and I want the next one now.
I love this series! I’ve been waiting for this book and I read it in a single setting. This is dual POV and I would recommend reading the series in order.
Ridge and Davis are so hot together. This is total opposites attract. And Davis is a total goner for Ridge. There’s murder, drama, money and kinky sex of the lingerie variety.
Yes I adore their individual love stories. But more than that, I love the camaraderie between the guys. I mean is there a better found family than a group of vigilantes?
Some of the phrases in those hundred years old letters resonated deep within me. It’s proof that they can’t erase us. That
we exist. And those words almost brought me to tears.
I’m really looking forward to Carson’s book and I cannot wait for it! And is Charlie really dead? I just suspect something (it’s probably just my overactive imagination).
*ARC provided by the author via Gay Book Promotions in exchange for an honest and unbiased review
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Hot, hot, hot!
Ridge is part of a group of criminals who are trying to do some good under Charlie, who recruited them to do a number of missions to correct some wrongs. In so doing, they will also get vindicated for the wrongs done to them or that they’ve done! Charlie’s missions are being given and supervised by two women because Charlie is dead.
Ridge is suppose to correct a wrong that Charlie did to someone decades ago. He will be the lead of this mission. But things got complicated when the family they are supposed to investigate turns out to be the family of the guy he has been seeing secretly. Everything spells complicated, especially when they started to have feelings!
A cat and mouse story of who did it, who’s right and who’s wrong! These kinds of stories do get me on the edge of my seat!
I have read all 3 of the books released so far, and it is one of my favourite series. I love “naughty but nice” heroes and there are plenty here. All the men feature in the books I have read so far and it is great to see the established couples living their HEAs.
Ridge and Davis already knew each other from the second book, and it quickly becomes clear that they are having an affair. What is surprising is the strength of feeling almost from the start. The scenes between them are hot but always contain some tenderness.
There isn’t as much action in this book until the second half, but then the task isn’t the same as the others. There are more interactions between them all, with Josie also thrown into the mix. I enjoyed the snark between Ridge and his twin Breck, and the gentleness Ridge shows towards Danny.
Anyway, I am now looking forward to Carson’s story as I think he is more of a mystery than the others. Then…Leo’s book! Who is the mysterious Al?
Book three and I think this series is getting better with each book. I can’t wait to hear the audiobook for it! In Pros and Cons of Desire, it’s Ridges’s turn to be in charge, but it’s not going to be easy. Now, I will tell you I have some suspicions about some people, but I have no clue if I’m right or not. I don’t think I will until the last book. LOL.
The further into the series, the more the characters are developing and more of the subplot is being revealed. I cannot wait until Carson’s story. I’m not sure what to think of him. He’s next. For book 3, I loved it, and it left me desperately wanting more. Push, pull, up, down, in, out…you will be turned around and you will love it. 4.5 stars and I recommend you one-click this book today!
Amazing!! We are back with the gang and I couldn’t be happier. This one is focused on Ridge and Davis and they have amazing chemistry. I just couldn’t put this book down with the twist and turns. I have loved every minute of reading this book. I can’t wait for the next one.
A rating. I’m continuing to LOVE this amazing series…so good. Love the premise and cast of characters!
This was one fantastic, snarky, grab-you-by-the-feels, amazing, fast paced, action packed, emotionally charged, more twists and turns than a roller coaster, incredible, explosively hot, filled with mystery, keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat, exciting, delightfully different, and totally freaking awesome addition to a marvelous series. It had me hooked from beginning to end, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
Another great story in the series! I love all the characters we get to meet in these books, but the plot and general story are just awesome!
It was a pleasure to read another part of the journey!
I love this series! As I’ve said in reviews of previous installments, I’m a huge fan of caper novels and AE Wasp does an amazing job with them. With plenty of intrigue and chock-full of snark, Pros and Cons of Desire is an excellent addition to this franchise. I can’t wait for the next one!