Genre: Contemporary, Thriller
LGBTQ+ Category: Gay
Reviewer: Maryann
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About The Book
Scott Everest
25, loudmouth, musical theatre performer… that is, if I could find work in a sea of LA models.
I ran from LA to escape the bounty on my head. I figured hiding out in Jersey would be a smart move, that is until I made the mistake of hooking up with an Italian thug I met at a club. It was supposed to be a one-night stand, quick and easy. Now, I can’t escape the guy! He’s sarcastic, he’s smug, and he likes to get on my last nerve. Every time I see him, all I want to do is knock that annoying grin off his handsome face. So why is it that somehow, I always end up in bed with him instead?
Dominic Rossi
27, Italian, professional money launderer… yeah, I’m the guy that moves the money and keeps us all from going to prison. From the moment I made the mistake of hooking up with him, I can’t seem to shake the guy. He’s everywhere! Not to mention he’s the rudest, most arrogant, self-absorbed, oblivious man I have ever had the pleasure of arguing with. So naturally, when someone tries to murder him, I end up protecting him instead. What can I say, I’m a sucker for people who need help. Now, if only I could find a way to stop falling for the man who drives me crazy.
This is a MM thriller/romance, that should be read in the order of the series.
Warning: This book contains scenes which may be considered triggering events for some involving extreme violence, murder, kidnapping, and torture.
The Review
Dominic Rossi is the money man for Irish mob boss Mickey. He’s been friends with Mickey and Patrick from the age of fourteen. He followed them around until they accepted him into their fold.
Dominic’s life had never been easy, and he has a deep fear of being abandoned. His Grandmother was the only one who took him in and cared for him. Now, at the age of twenty-seven, life is good. He has a new family in Mickey and his better half, Seth. and Patrick and the O’Brien crew. He believes being Sicilian, and his dad-bod looks attract a variety of hooks-ups – it works every time. He’s not exactly closeted, he just keeps his preference on the down-low.
One night when he’s out clubbing, he finds a potential hook-up, but then loses him in a dancing crowd. As Dominic tries to find him again, he bumps into Scott. They strike up a conversation and wind up in Scott’s hotel room. Once the real fun is over, Scott kicks Dominic out of his room. Dominic leave,s but in the process, gets some revenge.
Dominic and the O’Brien crew are loyalty to their community in Jersey. They aid the elderly by keeping them safe and protected from the dangerous streets. Dominic’s heart belongs to his Grandmother, who he visits often in an assisted living home. But he has a favorite lady too, Mrs. Simms, who lives alone. He’s always there when she needs him.
Scott Everest is twenty-five, broke, and has fled the Hollywood fast lane. He loves his sister and brother. His homophobic parents? Not so much. His sister is getting married and it’s been years since he’s seen his siblings. He’s trying to keep a low profile, living at his Grandmother Simms house in New Jersey. He’s looking forward to his sister’s wedding – it will give him the time with his siblings that he’s been missing.
Then he makes a big mistake, and he just doesn’t know how much danger he’s in.
A show-down at Mrs. Simms house, a wedding invitation, and an evening with Dominic lead Scott to a shocking revelation. He’s now seen Dominic’s dark side and will have to tell him the truth. And Dominic will need a clean up crew. It will take Mickey, Seth and crazy Patrick to come up with a plan that has Dominic, Scott and Patrick facing a very evil man who will put them in a deadly situation.
Dante creates another gritty, gory, danger-packed tale in Protecting His. Dominic brings fast paced action and heat in more ways than one, especially when Scott catches his interest. And Scott has his life turned upside down when he’s up against Dominic. Scott’s not a bad person, but when he and Dominic get together the snark starts to fly. Dominic is thoughtful, but his dark side will come out to play, and not in a fun way.
Dante fooled me – Patrick’s character really snuck up on me! From Laying Claim, the first book in the series, I had a totally different impression of him. Patrick has no inhibitions and gets snarky too in this story. He’s not as serious as I thought he would be, except when it comes to his specialty.
Seth and Mickey O’Brien are still going strong. Seth is still doing the odd job whenever Marc and Alex seek out his help. And lest I forget, Marc and Alex from “Fractured” series that started it all make an appearance too.
Protecting His is the second book in the “Rough Edges” series and I was totally entertained. The first book is Laying Claim, which introduces Mickey and Seth along with the O’Brien crew. I’m intrigued to see what Matthew Dante has planned for the next action-packed story in the series.
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.
