Title: Up Close and Personal
Series: Auckland Med.
Author: Jay Hogan
Genre: Contemporary
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Publisher: Self
Reviewer: Maryann
Get It On Amazon
About The Book
DETECTIVE MARK KNIGHT has a serious problem—one that comes in the form of Auckland Med’s brand-new forensic pathologist. Six feet of delicious blond-haired, scary smart, stern and disapproving hotness—DR EDWARD R NEWTON.
The man is miles out of Mark’s league; completely opposite in almost every way, and shockingly immune to Mark’s flirtations. Mark should just let him go. But the alluring doctor has taken residence in Mark’s brain and is messing with his life’s plan—in particular Mark’s determination to skirt attachments and all the self-absorbed drama that goes with them.
Mark has spent two years watching his friends drop like flies to the white picket virus, only to suddenly find himself hankering for a hammer and some white paint. Edward, however, doesn’t want a bar of Mark’s roguish charm.
But it’s not like Mark can avoid the sexy pathologist—death brings them together on a regular basis. So when a string of murders threatens both their lives and sends them into hiding, something has to give.
The Review
Jay Hogan brings readers the third installment to the “Auckland Med” series, “Up Close and Personal”. She gives a creative, in-depth look at Detective Mark Knight and Dr. Edward R. Newton. They are put in a position that isolates them from others and it gives them time to communicate without too many interruptions. From heartbreaking situations to humorous ones, Mark and Edward take the time to listen to each other and really do some deep soul searching to understand their thoughts and feelings.
Besides giving readers insight into Mark and Edward, Jay Hogan also gives updates on some former characters. Josh and Michael and their family situation: Cam, Ruben and Corey with goods news but still fighting the issues fame brings. Of course Paris is back and makes a new friend too, Tink! Hogan gives us a little more teasing with Sandy. I’m sure there’s a story coming up for him at some point. I’m adding Connor to the list of interesting characters. Connor played a small part in the story but something about him just intrigued me.
I love a good murder mystery and Jay Hogan created an action packed, fast paced, suspenseful and danger filled thriller. The action scenes really jump off the page! The plot is well layered and just as the pieces fit together and you think you have the answers, there’s a surprise twist.
Jay Hogan makes “Auckland Med” and entertaining series with the variety of stories and characters. Looking forward to see what she’ll bring to the table next!
The Reviewer
Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California. Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018. My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen. New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.
I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.
My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012. She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series. Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book!
As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.
My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing. I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.
I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews. One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group. Joining her site was such an eye opener. I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.
But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.
