Elusive Relations

Valor and Doyle, Book 2

By: Nicky James

Narrated by: Nick J. Russo

Length: 11 hrs and 37 mins

Publisher's Summary

Life was easier when rival detectives Quaid Valor and Aslan Doyle kept to their own sides of the building. They could forget the one glorious night they’d shared and move on.

But when Aslan is called to a homicide and discovers one of the victims has a personal history with Quaid, he knows a confrontation is inevitable.

When news about the case spreads, Quaid can’t help but get involved. He wants answers; if not for himself, then for the families of the victims.

Joining Aslan and his partner, Quaid uncovers more than he bargained for—too many secrets and lies in a case that is dangerously personal.

Plus, the more time he spends with Aslan, the harder it is for Quaid to ignore his attraction to the playboy detective.

Aslan, who doesn’t believe in repeats, can’t seem to stop flirting with the grumpy MPU detective, and his rules go out the window as they’re drawn deeper into the case.

But what happens when one more night turns to two, and two turns into three?

Does Quaid want to risk his heart again?

Has Aslan developed feelings?

Can they put a stop to their fun and walk away?

Do they want to?

The Valor and Doyle mysteries are a same-couple ongoing series and should be enjoyed in order. The main mystery plot of each book will be resolved within the story, but there are elements that are overarching throughout the series.

©2022 Nicole James (P)2022 Nicole James

Entertaining

This series just keeps getting better and better. I really like how Aslan and Quaid’s relationship is developing. The mystery in this book had me stumped I had no clue where Nicky was going! So good! Can’t wait for the next one!!!

fantastic

This series just gets better and better with book.

I'm really enjoying the character development. The way the story is not just following a set path.
I can't wait for more.

Nick J. Russo did a phenomenal job with this narration.

LOVED IT!

Nick J. Russo does an outstanding job of narrating Elusive Relations.
I couldn't wait to start Elusive Relations. I am addicted to the growing, ever changing relationship between Quaid and Aslan. These two men both come with many broken pieces. Each having had difficult life experiences. Somehow together their individual brokenness helps heal the others.

They are perfectly imperfect together. Watching them dance around their attraction and feelings is amazing. Both are in denial as to what those feelings actually are.
Meanwhile they are yet again working a case together. One that hits very close to one of our detectives. The mystery is so well done it will keep you on your toes and guessing until the very end.

I can't begin to describe how much I am enjoying watching their relationship evolve and grow into something neither expected and really don't know how to deal with.
I am counting down the days until the next book!
The Valor and Doyle Mysteries series has quickly become one of my all time favorite!

Valor and Doyle ❤️

4.5 stars for the story
5 stars for the audiobook.

Absolutely loved the relationship progression in this. It seems so natural and so easy going.
Inta-lust sure, but no insta-love. I love reading about attraction that slowly transforms to like and then love.. Not that they love each other yet but you know...
Their banter and back and forth was entertaining and sweet. I sooo appreciated that it wasn't the OTT banter that is all over MM romance lately.

Aslan's obsession with Quaid's sneer and grumpiness is so cute. Their steamy scenes are 🔥🔥🔥.

I also really liked the case. It was interesting and very well done. I didn't guess who the killer was and that made me happy.

Note: Hopefully this is the last book we see or hear about Quaid's cheating lying ex. What hapoend to him in this book is deserved. Am I too mean and evil to think that? Maybe. Do I care? Nop! I freaking HATE cheaters.

Enjoyed It a Lot

I love this series Quaid and Aslan are interesting characters, but its their dynamic together and development of their relationship that drives their story and the reason I love this series so much. This second story in Valor and Doyle series presents a very different mystery for them to solve, and they do a great job, but its their interactions and connection that the best part of the story for me. Narrator did a great job, his voices and storytelling talent made this book a perfect listening experience.

Great Story & Narration

I am really enjoying this series. Book 2 gives us a good mystery but it is the character growth that drives this story. Watching Aslan and Quaid reveal pieces of themselves and their pasts provides vulnerability and growth. And seeing the relationship grow from hookup to the tentative beginnings of something real tempered the drama. Nick J Russo continues to bring these characters to life so well that I forget I'm listening and just get swept along in the story. This is an excellent "building" book and I can't wait for more.

Fantastic!

Absolutely fantastic! I read this when it was first released and couldnt put it down! I spent a lazy Sunday reading this from start to finish. I shushed my family when they started telling me they wanted dinner, quietly slipped into another room when they tried to talk to me...I was completely immersed in Aslan and Quaid's world and didn't want to leave.  Listening to this and hearing Nick J Russo bring all the emotion, intensity, banter, and love made it even better! He was just fantastic narrating this story!


This was a gloriously long story that I never wanted to end. The detectives are back, still in rival departments, and a homicide has Aslan and his partner Torin (who gets much more page time in book 2 and is fantastic!) needing consulting help from Quaid. Of course this triggers that connection they have that both do not want to admit goes beyond the bedroom.
So amidst a gripping 'who done it' murder investigation, our beloved detectives continue to grow closer. The mystery plot was spot on, had me following the clues and trying to figure everything out until the very end. While all this is happening, we are treated to a lot of relationship development between Aslan and Quaid. I love that this is a multi-book series following the same couple. It gives so much time to watch them fall in love. In book 1 they were flirty and bantered with each other and succumbed to their physical connection. Here in book 2, there is the same great banter, flirting, and dialogue, but they grow closer emotionally and I absolutely loved it! They talk more, they get to know each other better, their time in the bedroom is passionate, steamy, and intimate. 
I loved everything about this book. Nicky James just writes phenomenal stories. This book was gripping, captivating, romantic, and smartly written. I am thrilled we will be getting more of Aslan and Quaid in the future!

Info dump

Man I love the way the author puts so much detail into the tails she weaves. wonderful. Narration was also spot on. Great addition to my library.

Better than the first

The second book is better than the first. The book is mostly plot there is not as much sex. It's always annoying to get a book you thought was a mystery only to find out its a porno. If the author keeps writing like this the next book is going to be great!

awesome

This audio was a great listen! I loved the story and the narrator! I highly recommend it!

Absolutely Magnificent ❤️

WOW.......Absolutely outstanding hooked from the start love the books by Nicky James and in audio Nick J Russo as nailed it again truly superb narration love how he brings Quaid and Aslan to life the mystery that gets them working together again unable to deny the chemistry between them they can't stay away from each other the teasing, flirting and the banter is so much fun they are so perfect together love these two can't wait for more recommend so much. ❤️

Fantastic listen.

Nick J Russo always gives a captivating performance and this audio is no exception. I binge listened to the first 9 hrs and only stopped as my ear was tender from my ear buds. Each and every character was easily distinguishable from the others and Nick J Russo never faulted throughout the entire audio maintaining the tone and cadence to the very end.
This was a binge worthy listen that had me hooked from the very start to the jaw dropping final line. A great cast of characters combined with an intriguing plot blended together perfectly by the story telling ability of Nicky James makes for a remarkable experience.

Can’t get enough of this!!!

I love this series!!! Nick J. Russo was brilliant narrating this book! Aslan and Quaid are explosive, the banter is amazing and also the flirting, I loved how this characters sound and Nick was the perfect guy for this story! Looking forward to listening the next book!

Addicting series

I really enjoyed it. I listen to a lot of audio books but this one really made me stop and enjoy the story quite a few times. It has one of my top author’s plus the narration by Nick J. Russo is perfect. He really knew how to give added personality to the story. I feel his voice and the way he has perfected the timbre of the story made it feel like it was something playing out before me. This is the kind of audio book that causes me to want to listen more than read.
I was so anxious to get this story and it did not disappointment me. The story really starts in Temporary Partners so I feel it is a necessity to read that one first. The attraction between these two Aslan and Quaid is unbelievable. But there are a number of issues that keep both from wanting more than a hookup. Quaid is trying to get over a bad relationship. Aslan is known as the playboy and addiction issues keep him from involvement. And these guys work in different detective groups that have a real dislike for each other.
When a murder and brutal beating bring these two together that attraction is rekindled. I enjoyed reading these two dance around each other. Kept saying this was the last time. And of course, they couldn’t stay away from each other so each time was the last time.
I feel the mystery part of the story is real good. Quaid having a personal involvement in this case and Aslan being assigned to it gave them an excuse to be together.
The teasing and flirting Aslan does to Quaid gave me more than a couple laughs. The development of the relationship is what I expected from this author. It is more the focus of the story rather than the case. The actions of both of these guys entertained me as the answers were revealed concerning the mystery.
I feel this story ends on a hrn and really makes me impatient to have the next in the series.

chemistry mystery fantastic performance

listening to nick j russo perform the next installment of aslan and quiad's story was absolutely fantastic I loved following them in their next mystery aswel as trying to hide feelings from each other

I was so hooked on the chemistry and mystery I'm so excited to see what happens next with these two guys