ARC Review: A Desperate Man by Tia Fielding

From the blurb:

When they were teenagers, Quinn MacGregor and Aaron Larsen fell in love over the course of one magical summer. It ended in bloodshed and tragedy.

Now, ten years later, Quinn is back in Spruce Creek, Nevada, to inherit his family’s criminal cartel. His cousin Jimmy has been making friends -- and enemies -- in dangerous places, but that doesn’t mean he’s happy to hand over leadership to Quinn. And Jimmy might not be the only one who wants Quinn out of the way for good, especially if Quinn’s secret comes out.

Aaron Larsen is back in Spruce Creek to sell his former family home. Aaron lost a leg in Afghanistan, and he’s drinking too much and battling depression and PTSD. The last thing he needs is for Quinn MacGregor to drop back into his miserable life. But when Quinn is shaken by the news that he left more behind in Spruce Creek than his bad memories, he turns to Aaron like it’s old times, and Aaron doesn’t know how to say no.

The events of ten years ago cast a long shadow, and in a town where they can’t trust anyone else, Quinn and Aaron just might have to learn to trust each other again.

Heather's rating: 

  

This kind of criminal underworld, suspense-y romance isn't really my thing, but A Desperate Man really grew on me over time. I think if you really give this story a chance, you will end up enjoying it, even if darker books aren't your usual taste.

I'm a big Lisa Henry fan, and I enjoy Tia Fielding, so I decided to read this one, even with my plot hesitations. Also, I'm a total sucker for a wounded war hero, so I had to give it a go.

I think it took me longer to get into the story because it so isn't my usual taste, but I started vibing with it in the later half. There are some nice twists and turns that grabbed my attention, and I almost decided to round up with my rating in the end. I was hooked in the last quarter.
 
However, I still think this book lacks something in the way of romance. The book relies a lot on the memory of the summer these two guys had together and their chemistry then, and now these guys seemed more angry and emotional damaged than really compatible. I had a hard time picturing them together long-term.

Even though the plot is what made me hesitant in the first place, it is actually what kept me going in the end. I think the story had some compelling side characters and a lot of potential, but it just slightly missed the mark for me.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

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Enjoy, my friends!