Genre: Romance, Crime Thriller
LGBTQ+ Category: Bi, Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Some truths are worth dying for. Others are worth killing for.
Detective Carlos Santos has seen plenty of tragedy in his years on the force, but the murder of Diego Cortez, a bright and ambitious exchange student, hits differently. The case takes Carlos deep into the shadows of Phoenix, exposing a tangled web of corruption, deceit, and danger that stretches across borders.
As Carlos struggles to stay ahead of those who will do anything to keep their secrets buried, he finds an unlikely partner in Asher Rhodes, a sharp-witted journalist with a knack for uncovering truths others would rather ignore. Sparks fly as their personalities clash, but their shared pursuit of justice for Diego forces them to confront not only the case but the vulnerabilities they’ve long kept hidden.
What begins as a professional alliance evolves into something neither of them expected. But as the stakes rise and the danger becomes personal, Carlos and Asher must decide how much they’re willing to sacrifice to uncover the truth—and to protect the fragile connection between them.
In the hunt for justice, every truth uncovered brings them closer to danger—and to each other.
The Review
At twenty-six, Detective Carlos Santos has seen many a tragedy. As a detective in Phoenix, he plays his cards close to the vest, and is a loner when it comes to his job. He doesn’t easily show his feelings. Even though he’s pretty much by the book, there are times he goes outside the lines.
Carlos is called in on the death of a young college student. He can already tell, after gathering information at the scene, that this case will not be easy. When his Captain, Marissa Davis, shows up at the scene, he knows she wants results. He tells her that there’s more to this case than what he’s seeing. Knowing the media will be jumping on the case, she tells Carlos that the canvassing of the neighborhood will soon be underway.
At the scene, a young woman named Sophia Alvarez comes forward and is intercepted by Carlos. She identifies the body as her friend, Diego Cortez, and he gets some important information from her. She was in a study group with Diego, an exchange student from Mexico who was staying with a host family, the Coles. Their son Ethan became a friend to Diego, until they had an argument.
Asher Rhodes is a reporter for the Phoenix Ledger. He’s enthusiastic, not only about his job, but in life too. In his personal life he’s disorganized. At the scene of the murder, he checks out some footprints in the dirt, leading to the students who had gathered at the scene. He gathers more information from a security guard at the scene, which leads him to observe Carlos Santos, the lead detective at the scene. Asher can tell that there’s more to this murder than the police are letting on.
When Asher makes his way to the precinct to confront Carlos, things don’t go so well. Carlos doesn’t want or need anyone, especially a reporter, getting involved in the case. As both Carlos and Asher pick up clues and start to compare notes, there’s something about Asher that Carlos can’t dismiss.
The two men find a special connection, and when they start to find the truth – a dark world of corruption, danger, death – things will become personal for both Carlos and Asher.
Martinez has created an intense mystery full of murder, deceit, suspense, danger and corruption. It’s a tale about those with power and those who struggle to survive, and digs deep into the world of human trafficking. The author provides information on “How We Can Make A Difference.”
Both main characters have very different personalities, and must find a way to work together. I loved Calos’s Abuela (grandmother), who was always supportive, shared her ideas, and a had special love for her grandson.
I highly recommend Martinez’s debut novel Stealing Mexico. I was very impressed with this novel that combines on-the-edge excitement with a blooming romance. Carlos and Asher will be back soon in a second book Chasing Shadows.
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.
