Book Reviews

Book Blurb

Lowell Cartwright’s life as a mercenary problem solver has taken its toll, and after one more difficult job, he wants out. For help, he turns to Bull, a soldier of fortune turned club owner—not exactly a friend, but the best chance Lowell has. He visits Bull’s club to scope it out and meets Jeremy Hodgson. The twink captures his attention in a big way. Bull tells Lowell to stay away from the club until he decides whether he can help, so Lowell stays in town. When he spots Jeremy passed out on the floor of a convenience store, he goes to Jeremy’s aid.

Lowell piques Jeremy’s interest immediately, pushing all the right buttons. Then, when Jeremy needs help, Lowell’s kindness turns interest into something more.

But trouble comes knocking when Jeremy’s place is bugged. Maybe Lowell’s past is catching up to him, or maybe the danger centers on Jeremy’s roommate Tristan’s mysterious boyfriend. Whatever the source of the problem, the future Lowell and Jeremy hope for doesn't stand a chance unless they can find a way to protect themselves.

 

 

Sequel to Inside Out

 

Book Review

'Upside Down' is book two in Andrew Grey's latest series, 'Bronco's Boys'. I so enjoyed the first book which revolves around Bull and Zach, with the gorgeous Jesse Jackman portraying Bull on the cover. The equally stunning Dirk Caber, Jesse's real-life partner, is the man on the cover of this installment. Believe me when I say—you might pick up the book because of the eye candy on the front. You'll stay because these stories are just that good.

Lowell is tired. Like, bone-deep, world-weary, exhausted. He's been an assassin/mercenary for a long time and he's starting to wonder if it's about time to retire. In a world like his, he doesn't have any friends, and there are only a few people he sort-of trusts. Lowell doesn't trust anyone 100 percent. That can lead to death. So, when he starts thinking about possibly retiring, he goes to get advice from Bull, an ex-soldier of fortune turned nightclub owner. Of course, Lowell forgot about the pit bull whom his former coworker is in love with. Zach won't stand for anyone hurting Bull. While at the club, Lowell meets Jeremy, a friend of Zach's. The attraction is there, but when Jeremy finds out what kind of business Lowell is in, he's more than a little hesitant. And, since Bull tells Lowell to leave and give him a day or two to decide whether he's going to help Lowell or not, it seems they won't be seeing each other again.

Zach isn't too happy with Bull when he decides he's going to help Lowell. Zach accuses him of running some kind of mercenary rehabilitation service. *grins* Jeremy is on his way home from Bull and Zach's place when he feels a low blood sugar episode coming on. He barely makes it to the drugstore and collapses, but a really nice guy gets him some juice and helps him. That's when Jeremy realizes it's Lowell. Lowell walks him home and they talk, then Lowell gives him a very sweet kiss and leaves. When Lowell meets up with Bull at the club later, Bull lets him know that he'd better not hurt Jeremy or string him along, or he'll answer to Bull. So Lowell figures it's safer, for Jeremy, if Lowell just stays away from him. But you know what they say about intentions, right?

Jeremy and Lowell start a sweet and, frankly, adorable relationship. Lowell is constantly trying to pull away for fear that his past will hurt Jeremy. Jeremy is always calling Lowell out as being afraid to feel real emotions for someone. They're good together. And Lowell is the perfect guy to help Jeremy figure out who planted listening devices in his and Tristan's apartment. But when Jeremy gets a first hand look at Bull and Lowell interrogating someone and using scare tactics to warn them away, Jeremy gets a little scared of this side of Lowell. Jeremy has to step back and see if he can reconcile all the different aspects of his lover. While Jeremy is figuring that out, Lowell is trying to deal with some people from his past so he can be free and alive to spend time with Jeremy.

A great addition to the series, 'Upside Down' was just as exciting as 'Inside Out'. I got a bonus, too because I got to see more of Bull and Zach. Now, I can only assume the author will write at least two more in this series so that Kevin and Tristan, the other two in the Fab Four, get their own stories. That's one of the best parts of this series—the strong friendship which Zach, Jeremy, Kevin, and Tristan share. They've made their own family and Bull treats the other three like little brothers which was fun to see. Jeremy and Lowell's love story is wonderful and I was happy to see them each get what they deserved—someone who loved them for just who they are. Well done, Andrew!

 

 

 

 

DISCLAIMER: Books reviewed on this site were usually provided at no cost by the publisher or author. This book has been provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review.

Additional Information

Format	ebook, print and audio
Length	Novel, 200 pages/70422 words
Heat Level
Publication Date	15-August-2014
Price	$6.99 ebook, $14.99 paperback, $14.99 bundle, $19.95 audiobook
Buy Link	https://www.dreamspinnerpress.com/books/upside-down-by-andrew-grey-4452-b