Disrupted Engagement

Valor and Doyle, Book 6

By: Nicky James

Narrated by: Nick J. Russo

Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

The ring has been bought, and all Aslan has to do is create the perfect setup for a proposal. No problem. Nothing to it. Quaid deserves the best, and he plans to deliver.

After choreographing a romantic evening to officially pop the question, Aslan is ready.

But things don’t go as planned, and the evening is ruined. Quaid’s insecurities rear their ugly head, making him suspicious. He knows Aslan is hiding something, but pessimism insists it isn’t a good thing.

When Aslan gets called out of town to hunt down a long-acting serial killer, there is no time to soothe his over-anxious boyfriend’s worries or make a new attempt to propose.

Torn between a complicated case and figuring out the perfect way to ask Quaid to marry him, Aslan is left scrambling. Every idea falls flat. Every scrambling attempt fails. The more pressure he puts on himself, the more unsuccessful his efforts, and Quaid’s fears grow.

Aslan needs to solve this serial killer case and get home to straighten the mess he’s made.

Disrupted Engagement is the sixth book in the Valor and Doyle mystery series. It is a same-couple series that should be listened to in order. Although each book has a self-contained mystery with no cliffhangers, the romance is overarching.

©2023 Nicky James (P)2023 Nicky James

So In Love!

Another awesome and compelling mystery solved. Six books in, and I still can't get enough of Quaid and Aslan! I hope this series never ends. I can't fully express all the feels I experienced from this book/ series, but I'm just so in love with it, and Aslan and Quaid. As well as all the side characters. The hilarious banter between everyone, the relationships evolving, and the cases they work are all spectacular! Nick J Russo is truly amazing in their performance and captures all the characters perfectly! I'm beyond excited for the next book!

Fantastic!

I was looking forward to this book so much and it was everything I was hoping for and more! I read it first and then immediately revisited it on audio and it was just as fabulous the 2nd time around. Nick J Russo just nails everything about Aslan and Quaid. He just narrates them so perfectly and it made for such an enjoyable listening experience.

For fans of Valor and Doyle, you are in for a treat. We pick up after book 5 left off with Aslan getting ready to propose to Quaid. Of course things don't go as planned right away and Quaid's insecurities rear their head. Aslan might be one of my favorite characters ever written. Just the way he gets Quaid and loves him, idiosyncrasies and all, is just so wonderful. And the payoff once everything finally unfurls is pure gold!
We get everything we have grown to love with this series, here in spades. The humor, the mystery, the romance, the friendships, and the love. All done so incredibly well. Torin, Dad, and Ruiz are back and amazing as ever. There is another case to be solved that had me guessing until the very end. Aslan and Quaid are so much in love and it shines through in all their interactions. We also get quite a few smoking hot scenes between them that bring the heat with all the love, tenderness, and intimacy too!
I loved every single thing about this book. The romance, the snark and humor, the twists and turns of the case. Every. Thing. The only thing I didn't love was that it ended. Book 7 cannot come fast enough! I could read about Aslan and Quaid forever.

Freaking love these two men!!

To say I have been dying for this instalment is an understatement.

These two men are just SO PRECIOUS. I love them!
Aslan, being all anxious about the proposal and Quaid being self-conscious about what's making Aslan anxious, was simply too adorable for words.

They kept being interrupted, which was FRUSTRATING but also cute 🤣

i also adored Ruiz and Torin's roles in this book. they were the perfect friends

Last but not least, Nick J Russo's performance was in point as always. I loved how he performed the various emotions in the book. ❤️

another great story

THE STORY:
Love this series.
Disrupted Engagement is a wonderful addition to the Valor & Doyle series.
Each book is a complete mystery/case. However, the series is a continued development of the MCs relationship.
Series is best read in order.

I loved this installment. The title of the book gives a hint to what happens (or doesn't) between Quaid and Aslan.

Playboy Aslan is ready to settle down. All he has to do now is execute the perfect proposal. Of course, things don't go as planned, and with each failed proposal attempt, Quaid's anxiety/suspicion grows.
Quaid knows that Aslan is up to something, but his past insecurities convince Quaid it's anything but good.
When a serial killer case has Aslan and Torin leaving town at a moment's notice, Quaid is left reeling. After some prodding from Ruiz, Quaid takes time to visit Aslan to get to the bottom of what's going with him. Yes, Aslan finally proposes, but it's not the perfect proposal he envisioned, but is a proposal neither will forget.

This case had me stumped - which doesn't happen very often. The twist and turns had me guessing (incorrectly) and totally engaged to the very end.
I loved everything about this book. The banter, the camaraderie, the snark.
Aslan and Quaid = couple goals.

With the proposal out of the way, bring on the wedding!!! I can't wait!!

THE NARRATION:
As usual, Nick J Russo did an amazing job with this book. The emotions he puts into his narration gives yet another dimension to Mrs James's characters.

Another winner!

The 6th book in this series and it might be my favorite up to date. I loved everything about this engagement story and once again did Nick J. Russo turn this into a lively, funny and at times emotional read. I love how he has grown into these characters and how distinctive he makes them sound.
To me this was the ultimate Valor&Doyle book. They’ve come from far and though everything still isn’t perfect, I liked that Aslan wants to make things perfect for Quaid. And of course it all ends up perfectly imperfect!

The mystery was the best I read so far, kept me guessing and on the edge of my seat. All in all a very entertaining story, fabulously performed by the very talented Nick Russo.
Highly recommended!

Amazing series!

Toronto’s two sexiest detectives return in the 6th installment of the excellent Valor and Doyle series. These books follow the same couple and need to be read in order, so if you haven’t read the others start with Temporary Partner.

Aslan Doyle is determined to find the perfect way to propose to his boyfriend, Quaid Valor. He knows Quaid will want a memory he can tell their kids and grandkids, so he makes reservations at an expensive restaurant to set a romantic scene. Unfortunately Quaid can tell Aslan is distracted and nervous about something, and with his self-esteem at a low point after his cheating and lying ex, his mind goes straight to “Aslan must be about to tell me something terrible and wants to be somewhere I can’t make a scene,” instead of “Oh, look how romantic!” After wine gets spilled all over Aslan, he decides to regroup and try proposing another time, and they go home in tense silence.

The next day Aslan and his partner are sent out of town on an unusual case. A body dump site has been found in Cornwall and they’re being sent to take over the investigation. The bodies have been buried there over several decades, often with long time spans between them, plus they vary in age and gender. Adding to the tension between the detectives and the local PD is the fact that the most recent body foundwas a local policeman who disappeared less than a year ago. Of course, the timing couldn’t be worse for Aslan. He’s leaving an obviously anxious Quaid at home and has no idea how or when he’ll be able to propose. Tensions between Aslan and Quaid mount as fast as the tensions over the new case, and the resolutions of both are surprising!

Good romantic suspense books balance the romance with the suspense plot, giving both arcs equal importance. The BEST romantic suspense books have fully developed characters and meaningful relationship growth as well as complex and engrossing mysteries. Nicky James hits it out of the park on both counts in this series.

Nick J. Russo gives a master class in voice acting throughout the Valor and Doyle series. He keeps the large cast of recurring characters consistent and distinct, while also adding in all the new characters for each book. His ability to deliver the emotional states of the characters is amazing. He's an excellent narrator who's at the top of his form in this series.

Another great book!

Nicky, Nicky, Nicky! I want Aslan and Quaid to have their happy ending. Man, are you making these guys work for it! But…I loved it. Every time I think, that book was the best, you up your game and give me something even better.

The underlying premise for this book is that Aslan wants to propose to Quaid. Should be relatively simple, right? Yeah, but things never quite work out. And while Aslan’s trying to find the perfect moment to pop the question, Quaid’s imagination is going into overdrive as to why his partner – and the love of his life – is acting so strange. Although I was frustrated, I understood the men’s motivations. For Aslan, he wants to prove his love is real. For Quaid, Aslan’s weird behavior brings memories of all the crap that happened to him in the past.

Okay, then throw in a mystery that drags Aslan out of town, and you have recipe for disaster. Been to Cornwall, by the way, great place to set a book.

Now, I caught onto the murderer a bit earlier in this book than I normally do, but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment. I had another ‘Oh my God, Quaid, are you really doing that?!?’ moment, but I always forgive Nicky those because they move the plot along. Great suspense. Great mystery. Great book. And, not to spoil things, but the epic proposal scene was one for the record books. (Am I giving too much away? You had to know by the end of the book the relationship would have moved forward…)

So…when’s book 7? Am I going to get an epic wedding? Okay, maybe intimate, but I’m expecting shenanigans and chaos. I’m going to get that…right? Also, shout out to the secondary characters who truly make this book – and series – great.

Finally, Nick J. Russo. He’s just so perfect for these guys. I’m excited to see where the craziness goes next.

Love Valor and Doyle

Was so excited to see the recent posting of this book and it was worth it. Love this series.

✫✫ 5 Stars ✫✫

OMG I love Valor & Doyle so much! This entire series is such a great balance of suspense and romance. This book also had a lot of hilarious scenes that had me laughing out loud so much. Not only do I love these two and their relationship I also love the side characters equally as much. I hate that I finished it so soon cause now i have to wait again. I hope this series never ends!

As always Nick J. Russo was perfection!

So far above five star

This author has really outdone herself with this book. You really need to read the previous books in the series but with every book I feel the author can’t top it and then the next comes out and this really tops all the previous.
Aslan has brought the ring and finding the perfect time and place to propose to Quaid doesn’t seem to be working. All it is doing is bring Quaid’s insecurities beating at the door. After a number of hilarious situations Aslan finds himself assigned a case out of town so the proposal has to wait.
This just ignites Quaid’s imagination more and as different people surrounding Quaid seem to know what is going on with Aslan and yet Quaid is only imagining the very worse. Things get funnier yet.
While all this is going on so it the mystery about a long time serial killer. Nothing seems apparent with the killer’s actions and so Aslan finds himself needing to be home while not able to do so until the case is solved.
As the separation between Quaid and Aslan continues Quaid is given a lot of advice. Finally taking some, he decides to get involved with Aslan’s case.
These two guys are so different and there is so many entertaining parts to this story that I don’t feel qualified enough to explain all the reasons it is a great series without going on and on. I read a lot and as Quaid describes how to care for the cat or how he and Aslan both point out the difference in dietary choices, I was unable to quit laughing or put the book down. My only problem is this time the book ends in a cliffhanger so I’m more than a little anxious to get the next instalment. Nick’s voice has become these characters for me. He brings so much humanity to them. The emotion, the frustrations, the happy times only Nick can capture so well for these two.

another fantastic story with a amazing performance

I loved the next installment and journey with aslan and quiad

nick j russo gave us another brilliant narration to go with a intense and intriguing story

I felt every emotion and felt so much love and chemistry between the guys and I couldn't put it down

Never enough

Story: Quaid and Aslan feel like good friends by now and it’s a pleasure to visit with them every. Single. Time!
With every book I have low key anxiety that that next one will break the spell, but so far so good! In this newest installment, among the usual amazingly well written crime mystery, we get the bumpy road to a proposal that shows yet more facets to the MCs’ personalities and it’s a treat!
Everything about this couple makes me smile and sigh, all while Nicky James’ writing is like a guarantee of quality and pure enjoyment. Cant wait for more!
Narration: Perfect performance and perfect fit for the MCs! Loved the emotions Nick J. Russo brought to the table.

Fantastic

I love this series so much, the cases that they work on are interesting and keeps you on the edge of your seat. I love Quaid and Aslan and how their relationship grows closer each book. The supporting case of Torin and Ruiz are great. I'm looking forward to listening to the next book when it comes out.

Amazing!

5 Stars!!!

Disrupted Engagement is book 6 in the Valor and Doyle Mysteries series and needs to be read in order. Trust me, you don't want to miss a minute of this fantastic series.

I felt sorry for Aslan and Quaid here, Aslan couldn't catch a break with his attempts to propose to Quaid, and he was so neurotic about it all, that he triggered Quaid into thinking that there was something wrong in their relationship. As if! These two couldn't be more perfect for each other and each new installment is a joy seeing how much they've grown individually and as a couple.

The case was very interesting and while I was right for once regarding the bad guy, I loved seeing how it all played out. I also loved that Quaid joined Aslan and Torin in their investigation, and that he roped Ruiz in to help them, it was so much fun seeing work together.

Nick J. Russo's narration was amazing as always, he's just perfect to bring Aslan and Quaid to life and injects so much emotion in his voice.

Overall, another fantastic addition to this series. I couldn't put it down once I started listening and I'm already looking forward to book 7. Highly recommendable!

Brilliant

This series has just got better and better, I love Valor and Doyle and they have become one of my favourite couples. Nicky James certainly knows how to write a murder mystery and not lose any of the romance. Quaid and Aslan adore each other and it shines through in the stories, each one with the emotions becoming deeper.

A special mention for my favourite narrator Nick Russo who once again has done a superb job in bringing Quaid and Aslan to life.

I highly recommend this book.

Quaid and Aslan Absolutely Brilliant 💙

OH ... WOW.... So Brilliant ....What a fantastic series this is from Nicky James can't get enough of these guys Love...Love....Love Quaid & Aslan the book and audio truly outstanding Nick J Russo narration simply perfect was gripped from the start it as all the emotions fun, tears laughter to the mystery and suspense of the case can't wait for more in series recommend so much. 💙

Aslan, Quaid, and multiple engagement attempts

At this point in the series, the question isn't if I'll enjoy Quaid and Aslan's latest adventure, but where their police investigations will take them, what twists and turns they'll encounter along the way, and how many times they'll make me totally lose it with their swoony, sweet, and sometimes frustrating love journey. This particular story focused on one of Aslan and Torin's cases--this time a serial string of discovered bodies in a town four hours away from home. That alone would have been enough to put some strain on Aslan and Quaid, since neither of them were prepared for a bit of long-distance in their relationship, but on top of that Aslan kept screwing up his grand plans for a proposal and leaving Quaid's mind whirring with guesses about what each disrupted attempt could be about. Because it was Quaid, of course he didn't consider any of the good options, instead dreaming up dozens of reasons Aslan might be sick, leaving him, or sharing bad news. I felt so bad for both of them because they were both getting so disheartened for two completely different reasons and couldn't share anything about it with each other. Instead Aslan vented his failures to Torin and Quaid internalized everything until he was trying so desperately to be okay that he just couldn't hold it all back any longer. Their eventual proposal (because yes, Nicky James wasn't cruel enough to leave us all hanging) was far from the perfect night Aslan wanted, but also exactly what the two of them needed to re-center themselves before things got too far off course. That night still felt special, not because of a swanky restaurant or extravagant outing, but because of how deeply in love the two of them were and how potent their happiness was.

Now that I've spent entirely too long gushing about the romance side of the story, I have equally good things to say about the detective work in this book. I've said it before, but I really love watching Quaid and Aslan solve their cases, seeing them dissect clues and brainstorm ideas for motives and try to link the pieces together in a way that tells a cohesive story. This case had the added wrinkle of spanning multiple decades, making it even harder to track down information about who the victims were and why they were targeted. As always, the clues were right there in plain sight and I didn't see a single one of them, content to follow all the red herrings and chase down breadcrumbs for lots of other suspects with Quaid, Torin, and Aslan until the big reveal at the end. There's always something thrilling about the last minute reveal and desperate chase to stop the person responsible before they realize they've been exposed, and this time the stakes felt especially high for Quaid and Aslan. As always, I was utterly captivated by the way Nicky James wrote a satisfying ending to the case and natural stopping point for their romantic journey, and while I am desperate to read the next book and find out what wedding planning looks like for Quaid and Aslan, their relationship feels like it's at the strongest it's ever been!

Another 5 stars!

I just wish Nicky James continues the series until Valor & Doyle are old and grey 💞💞💞.

Amazing!

Nick J Russo knows these characters inside out and gives a perfectly nuanced performance as he captures all of Quaid’s anxieties, insecurities and worst case scenario thoughts.
They come to the fore when he sees that Aslan is hiding something from him. He fears that his greatest fear is about to happen. Meanwhile all Aslan is trying to do is create the “perfect” marriage proposal but nothing is going to plan resulting in suspicion raising unsuccessful attempts. A sudden case 4 hours away has him leaving Quaid at a moments notice which has Quaid quickly succumbing to his destructive thoughts.
I loved every moment of this audiobook and was hooked from start to finish. The intricacies of the murder case with the suspect pool being a mixed bag of interesting characters meant I was blindsided with the eventual outcome. This is woven perfectly with the marriage proposal/relationship elements which once again highlights the beautiful relationship between these two strong but flawed characters. We also get to see Quaid use ‘the face’ on numerous occasions, an unusual game of mini golf and an unforgettable marriage proposal.