A murder. Three gorgeous men. One choice – Do your job, or follow your heart?On the eve of the Thistle Hearts reunion tour, the rock band’s manager is found murdered. When Special Agent Carrie McDonald arrives to assist with the investigation, the band has mixed emotions about the involvement of the FBI. Fifteen years after their heyday, Jay, Lou and Corey have everything riding on a successful … everything riding on a successful comeback, and their manager’s violent death has thrown them into turmoil. The last thing they need is the wrong kind of press.
As Carrie delves into the case, the band’s complex history of desire and tragedy emerges. Their shared passion intrigues and excites her, and gradually, the men open up and draw her into their ménage.
But a killer is on the loose, and he’s not yet done with Thistle Hearts.
Can Carrie prevent another brutal crime and protect the men who offer her a future beyond her wildest dreams?
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4.5 stars, rounded up
This was a fun MMMF romance plus murder mystery. I loved how strong Carrie was, though I felt bad for her daughter throughout the book. The guys in Thistle Hearts were each special in their own ways, and I fell for them as Carrie did. Corey seemed to be the most grounded, Lou the most vulnerable and brilliant, and Jay the most intense and cynical. The sexy scenes were hot, and the action scenes were thrilling. The characters had great interaction.
I was satisfied with the HFN ending, though several storylines were left hanging. I can’t wait to read the next installment, to see how both the menage relationship and the investigation are going. Great beginning!
Their Special Agent is the first book in the Thistle Hearts series by Mel Gough. This story is a reverse harem romance involving three men and one woman and the multiple combinations these lovers can join together. These character are well developed, interesting and captured my interest.
Filled with suspense, steam, and drama, this book delivers a wonderfully well written tale. The heat index is scorching and the connections sweet… but the action, mystery, and crime drama factor also makes this a book worth reading. I am looking forward to seeing what more this series has to offer.
These stories (MMMF) are definitely in my wheelhouse. Couple that with a murder mystery/suspense/thriller and I’m definitely a happy camper. I hope there will be more with these characters because I don’t feel like we got a conclusion…either to their relationship (which I’d say is HFN) or to the kind of solved mystery. Well written and I have to say…I certainly need to learn more about Jay, Lou and Corey! Yes please and thank you! 🙂
Compelling, steamy story of one FBI agent discovering another side of herself
Special Agent Carrie McDonald, 36yo, single mother to Trixie a teenager who lives with Carrie’s mother since the FBI keeps her on assignment so much. Her latest was a bust, but not in a good way. The sting op ended badly. A local LEO (Law Enforcement Officer) whom she knows has requested her help in solving a recent murder in his district. It involves The Thistle Hearts band reunion tour and the death of their manager. What happens next with the band members: Jay, Corey and Lou is for her diary and not her daughter’s ears 😉
The band members enjoy a polyamorous relationship. Quite often Corey connects with a female groupie as well. When Carrie gets wrapped up in their “harem,” things start getting interesting.
I don’t usually like reverse harem stories, but this was different from any I’ve tried to read before. My favorite genre is MMF, but this was close to perfect entertainment to me. Along with the relationships there is suspense (Who is the killer? Why?), angst (She might lose her job) and a thrilling ending. Is this just an HFN or an HEA??? I’d like to know more, Ms. Gough.
I volunteered to review an ARC of this book through BookSirens and it comes highly recommended.
THEIR SPECIAL AGENT is the first book in the Thistle Hearts series, Thistle Hearts being the name of the band. They were famous ‘back in the day’ and are now embarking on a tour, not only for their careers but also to showcase new talent. Everything goes well until their manager is killed, and that is where Carrie gets involved.
The story itself was enjoyable, with one-on-one scenes with Carrie and each of the band members in turn. There is only one scene at the end where they are all involved. Carrie has her internal monologue about how she doesn’t ‘do this’, but it doesn’t stop her from doing it again.
As for the murder-mystery side of it, that was where I felt the story needed a bit more of a push. The reasons for the murder are never made clear. Innuendoes are made about other people involved, but you never find out who they are. In fact, it’s never clear about why the murderer did what he did in the first place, or why he chose Thistle Hearts. It is mentioned that Danny (one of the original members) was murdered, but was he? This is never really made clear either, or whether it was linked to this.
This is the first book in the series, so I’m hoping there is a continuous story arc that will go through the books and we will learn the answers to all of the above in forthcoming books.
Still, this was the first outing with this author for me, and I would definitely like to continue with this series to see where it goes.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As far as I’m aware this is the first book from this author that I’ve read and for the most part I really enjoyed it. I don’t normally read gay fiction but given that it wasn’t just mm but also mf I took a chance. Glad that I did as it was very much mf in a reverse harem-style, but there was a strong mm emotional link between characters throughout the book. I enjoyed this book but it did leave me hanging with things not quite resolved. There’s not quite a HEA and the murder is not quite resolved. I can only presume that this story is going to continue into (at least) book 2.
Thank you for the ARC read, I voluntarily give this book an honest review. When a band manager is murdered, special agent Carrie is called in by local Austin PD.
When lines blur for Carrie as she gets closer to the band, how will going undercover help her case. Will she just be a passing fancy for the Corey, Jay and Lou or will feelings deep farther than anyone one thought. Jay is haunted by yet another murder victim but can Carrie help with past pains? Can they catch the killer before they strike again? This was one steamy drama filled adventure. Mel Gough grabs your attention from the start with special agent Carrie McDonald and leading her on a merry chase of life and death. I would recommend this book for any MMFM reader’s.
4.5 stars
Heat Level: 3.5
There is so much to this story!! Murder, steam, chemistry and a little thrill.
I was gripped from the start and needed to know what happened next. I love a good mystery and I liked that my every perception/expectation was mostly challenged. I still need to know why the person did what they did, so I’m really hoping that will be explained in the next book, but Mel’s got me hooked.
I found the romance elements surprisingly organic. All the characters slept with each other, each had their own connections and were very open in their ideals of a relationship and I liked that it felt like a world were polyamory was mostly a norm, no questions asked. I liked this and found it freeing to read. I very much look forward to Jay & Lou, Jay & Connor, Connor, Lou & Jay – any sexy times between any of these sexy men would be hot and Mel liked to tease us with hints to the hotness of what these guys could get up to, but (sadly) not much happens on-page between the men it’s more about their connection and desire for Carrie.
I liked Carrie. I felt she was strong, confident and relatable and while her storyline had predictable moments I really liked her approach to the band and her connection to each of the men was different. She was more than the no-nonsense FBI agent and while predictable I liked that she saw the case to its end.
There a quite a few things that were left unanswered and there were a few odd additions/characters/comments throughout the book but I’m invested and need more in this series and need my questions answered! A good overall story that’s mostly resolved, but leaves you with a few lingering questions to keep you hooked for the next installment, well done Mel!
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