Deadly Dorian by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott
Series: Ward Security, #3 Read time: 3 Days Rating: 4/5
The quote:That anger had made him do things he’d be making up for for the rest of his life. He never quite felt clean. No matter how hard he worked to keep his life that way. Quinn made him feel things. Not in the way Marc was making him feel things—but he reminded Royce that there were good people out there, people he could care about. — Royce Karras
I want to start by saying that I'm not a huge fan of D/s elements. If a book is tagged as such I will usually not buy it. If I start reading a book with it in there I will often back out. I do not judge people for enjoying it but it's not my thing and I freely admit that. This is only noteworthy because Deadly Dorian relies heavily on D/s elements between protagonists Royce and Marc. I kept reading and I did enjoy it. Not as much as the others but I did enjoy the others. Their plot was enjoyable, I loved the characters and I liked their chemistry. It's just the expression of that chemistry that was not my favourite thing.
I was really looking forward to reading Deadly Dorian. I wanted to know where Royce's history lay, where that darkness came from and why he was so protective of those closest especially Quinn. We already know Quinn reminded Royce of his brother but not where that pain lies. I really like Royce he is a slightly broken man with a heart (even though he can't see it), between his attitude and his appearance he is stunning. Marc is an art dealer he needs protection after surviving three attempts on his life. He has a history with the dark side of D/s world, including with Snow at some of his worst. Their way of figuring out who is trying to kill Marc, the safest way to keep him safe is for Royce to pretend to be his boyfriend (because we all know how well that works). Marc naturally submits to Royce's dominant personality within minutes of meeting him. Much to Quinn's amusement. Their character traits are used effectively particularly in the reunion scene.
This is one of those books that doesn't have much in the way of a support cast we don't already know. It's basically just Ward Security, Marc's family and a couple of others. Most are used well. There is some character development as is needed. Marc's family are the chief suspects in his murder attempts, by the time I got 3/4 of the way though I wanted to straight up kill them all, and most of Royce's blood family. Who are an absolute nightmare. Cathy, Royce's Mother could have been used better but I'm not sure where. Seeing all the Ward Security guards as the family they are was a source of great joy for me. I enjoyed these books as a way to develop their bonds. They certainly aren't as strong as those in the original series but none ever would be, or it would take a very lone time to get there.
I can't write concise reviews for Drake and Elliott books so have a collection of notes • Read the author's note. I picked at least one of the alignments. • “Because you two are the most stunning men in this club. He is delicious, Marc Foster.” — one line after meeting Angelo and I was already buzzing. Damn, I hope we see him again at some point. I want to know what kind of man can tie him down. Also pornographic Robin Hood is the funniest line I never expected to actually read in context. • There may or may not be a continuity error. Royce was driving a Mustang in Psycho Romeo, he's driving a Jeep now. I like the Mustang more. • This fits in after Blaze. But I'm not sure where in relation to Fracture. Yes, I will talk about Ward Security and Unbreakable Bonds together, it's one verse and likely a lot of people read both. I think it might run alongside Sadistic Sherlock, Dominic is mooning and we know he as met his love already. • Didn't expect the connection between Marc and Rowe (well and Snow). I guess it was a matter of time before that bit them in the ass. But I think that specific moment had come out at another time. Just wasn't sure of all the players. • "I loved my wife with everything I had. I understand the pain of that kind of loss, Royce." — I am so fucking blind. I missed the parallels between Royce, Michael and Marc and Rowe, Mel and Noah. That loss devastation and fear. Even if the timelines are a bit different. • I keep coming back to how much Quinn reminds me of Darling. Pre Born of Silence, I can't explain it. It's all just vibes. Quinn and Royce have one of my favourite relationships it's so adorable, there is no denying that familial like affection between them. • “I think I want to fuck this car.” — Royce is a man after my own heart. This is his second extreme compliment to a 911. They are seriously pretty cars. • I hadn't noticed how connected Ward Security is. While it would be expected that Sven, Quinn, Royce and Dom would be connected their men are too. At least to a degree. • Q: Ward’s Dating Service is back in full effect, I see. — Quinn isn't wrong. How many security guards are we up to that have ended up with clients. Rowe may bitch but I don't think he really minds. I think he just wants his people happy. • I quite like the cover for this one. It's the art and what feels much more like scaring than tattoos.
After reading the line "Dominic Walsh seemed like an okay guy with an easy, charming smile and fiery red hair that likely hinted at a temper to match." and knowing who his love interest is I want to read Sadistic Sherlock. Abe is a bit different from others before him, he was never a client of Ward Security, well not directly. Also this means we're back in the world of bis and age difference romance.