Real Danger

West Coast Forensics, Book 2

By: Elle Keaton

Narrated by: Michael Dean

Length: 7 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

How can one man be so incredibly frustrating but so sexy at the same time?

Ryder knows two things. Tragedy can strike at any moment so you have to hold tightly to the gifts life gives you. And Shay is one of those gifts. To Ryder their 15-year age difference is nothing, Shay is the man he wants. Now he just needs an opportunity to plead his case with the sexy lawyer.

He gets his chance when Shay asks him to assist on a case involving a missing person, but the investigation quickly turns perilous. A stomach-churning roller-coaster ride of what the hell is going on, puts both men in danger - but from whom?

Will the two get their chance at love, or will a brutal criminal tear the future from their grasp?

Real Danger, second in the West Coast Forensics series, is a dual POV, age-gap, m/m romantic suspense following Shay and Ryder as they fight for their HEA.

©2021 Elle Keaton (P)2021 Elle Keaton

Perseverance and humour. That's the key to love

So I have to admit that the love story is better than the detective story here, but that doesn't mean the mystery part is bad. It's just that Ryder's determined pursuit of Shay is so charming, it outshines even a near deadly vehicular attack. And the sex is HOT! This book got me through a couple of horrible days, sincerely recommend. Thank you to Elle Keaton and Michael Dean!

Very good!

Really enjoyed this one from Elle Keaton! I liked the ebook version, I read it a while back but loved the audio! Michael Dean does a lovely job narrating this one! It's immersive and well written!

More trouble in our little cove

I love a good who-done-it mystery, especially one with a twist. And trust Ellle Keaton to give me one.

Good listen

I enjoyed the story. The narrator did a good job with the story and the charters. I really enjoyed the storyline it kept me engaged throughout the whole book.

Amazing!

4.5 Stars

Real Danger is the second book in the West Coast Forensics series, while you could benefit from having read the previous book in the series and the Hamarsson and Dempsey series, it can be read as a standalone.

I absolutely loved Ryder. I felt so bad for him and everything he's gone through since losing his mother, but I was also impressed by how resilient he was, and how strong and patient, as well. I liked Shay, I've been intrigued by him ever since we met him in the previous books. However, I was fed up by how he kept bringing up the age gap between Ryder and him over and over and using it as an excuse to keep Ryder at arm's length. Don't get me wrong, I really liked them together, but because of Shay it took forever and a day to actually see their relationship come to fruition. 

The case was fantastic and unpredictable. The twists and turns were nothing short of brilliant, and out of all the ones we've seen throughout, it was the one that I was more impressed with. I can't recommend this book and this series and the one it spin-offs enough. 

Michael Dean did a great job with the narration, he brought not only the characters, but the story to life for me, and I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end.

Good story. Good narration.

If you have read most of Elle Keaton's earlier related series ( Shielded Hearts and Veiled Intentions), it isn't hard to see where the story is going. That doesn't mean the story didn't have some interesting twists though. I appreciate the pieces of reality that Keaton brings to light, especially in this book. The problems are all to real.

This was a great addition to the series, and I am anticipating the next one. I won't object to another glimpse into what Adam Klay is up to either....

enjoyed it

📖 Story comment: Good pace, likeable characters, interesting plot.
Loved Ryder's perseverance, witty humour and charming personality, he's absolutely adorable 😁 - Shay - I wanted to shake and tell him to wake up and see what's in front of him (honestly, I got a bit over the constant age gap excuse). I really enjoyed the Case presented in this one, the last part of this book had me staying up way past bedtime to find out what happened.

🎧 Narrator comment: I enjoyed Michael Dean's performance. He suits the characters giving them each their own voice and personality, has good timing, inflections and intonations and brings the book to life.

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📌 Where does it fall on my personal scale? 8
• 1 not my thing • 2 didn't like the narration • 3 didn't keep my attention • 4 was good, but once was enough [3⭐] • 5 enjoyed it [4⭐] • 6 will listen again if i'm in the mood for the narrator [4⭐] • 7 goes on the "re-listen" list [4⭐] • 8 kept me up past bed-time [4.5⭐] • 9 recommended to family/friends [4.75⭐] • 10 own it in all formats [5⭐] • 11 keep a copy with me at all times [5⭐]
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Goodness in mankind

I have not read previous books in the series but I’m able to follow up and enjoy this story so I think this work well as a standalone.

It’s seriously frustrating when a man you are seriously crushing for and head over heels in love with is 20 years older than you. It’s even more devastating when the older man seems to be immune to his foxy charms and keep refusing his advances left and right. Flirty and witty Ryder Mann has finally for his Achilles’ heel Shay Delacombe who is rigid and stubborn. It’s not that Shay doesn’t share the same feelings for Ryder but he has reasons to refuse the romantic attentions of this young man. A budding romance that’s undeniable to blossom, these two men have to overcome a lot and the ugliness of mankind to achieve their HEA.

This is really an interesting novel that shows us some of the uglier sides of the human kind. The abduction of young, ingenious women from the area chilled me to the bones. I loved the perfect blend of action, mystery and thrill as well as steamy romance. The highlight of this novel is definitely the Q&A texts between Ryder and Shay. Loved it!

4 Goodnees in mankind stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


Audio rating

Story - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Narration - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Performance - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Overall - 4 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Great listen!

Story: I was really intrigued with Shay while reading the previous books and I am so happy he got his own book! He and Ryder were both great and I absolutely loved their chemistry. Elle Keaton created complex and relatable characters.
The story itself was really enjoyable and it's a great addition to the series!
Narration: Spot on performance by Michael Dean as usual.

Ryder and Shay Find Love in the Midst of Danger

The second book of the ‘West Coast Forensics’ series, ‘Real Danger’, can be read on its own. Elle Keaton has, however, written other books that represent a larger universe in which this series exists. A few characters from these books pop up during the telling of this story. ‘Veiled Intentions’ (Harmarson and Dempsey) is a trilogy set on Piedras Island. I’m pretty sure the ‘Shielded Hearts’ series is set in the same universe, albeit on the mainland (Seattle(?)). I haven’t read ‘Shielded Hearts’, but hope they’ll come to audio in due course.

The book opens with some background about Ryder then folds back a bit, overlapping with Book 1, but with a different perspective. Shay and Ryder’s real-time story starts with Ryder arriving on Piedras yet again, attempting to persuade Shay into dating. Shay is still reluctant, citing the age difference as a major factor in keeping his distance. Shay ends up asking Ryder along while he investigates a missing woman on the mainland, giving readers lots of slow-burn and close-proximity goodness. Keaton even provides a cabin in the woods to help speed things up between the two men.

Along with the delicious romance between Ryder and Shay, Keaton delivers an interesting and well-put-together mystery. It keeps the reader guessing until the end. Keaton doesn’t skimp on the action and suspense either. Several life-threatening situations provide the impetus Shay needs to realize he’s fallen for Ryder and to not let the possibility of lasting love pass him by.

I love Ryder’s persistence with Shay. He wears Shay down little-by-little until Shay really can’t help but develop deep feelings for Ryder. The guys have an easy way with each other; light bantering that feels real. Keaton has written a wonderful romantic story that I enjoyed immensely.

Michael Dean again receives top marks from me for his superb narration. He makes every character distinct, bringing Keaton’s words to glorious life.

I have voluntarily chosen to post a few of my opinions for this audiobook. I acquired a free review copy of it after making a request to receive one.

Recommended.