Title: Gambling on Maybe
Author: Fae Sutherland
Publisher: Amber Allure
Genre: Contemporary M/M
Length: Amber Kiss, 10K words (46 PDF pages)
Rating: 4.5 stars out of 5
Summary Review: Hot, mostly straight cop, meets even hotter twink who is determined to seduce him.
THE BLURB
When Phoenix police officer Stephen Miranda offers tipsy Zachary West a ride home one Friday night, he’s just doing his job. He doesn’t expect to unleash a glittery whirlwind on his orderly, very homogenized life. From minute one, Zach is like nothing Stephen’s ever known and like everything he’s secretly craved.
Zach doesn’t hide who he is for anyone’s comfort, even his own, but for a chance at a man like Stephen, he’d be willing to be an “undercover lover.” But while Stephen lusts after the vibrant man, hooking up with a guy who’s never used his “closet” for anything but fashion isn’t going to do his straight-acting routine any favors.
The sex is sizzling, no doubt, but Stephen wonders if there’s more to his relationship with Zach that’s worth gambling on…
THE REVIEW
Sergeant Stephen Miranda was investigating a disturbance outside a nightclub in downtown Phoenix when the participants decided to make up. As Stephen turned around to go home he saw “a small, gamin-faced young man leaning against the side of (his) patrol car with a smile on his pink-glossed lips that seemed far too worldly for such an otherwise innocent-looking face” who smiled engagingly at him. This was their first exchange
“Can I help you?” he asked, glancing around briefly before settling his gaze on the young man again. Maybe five-six if Stephen counted the platform-style boots he wore, and he couldn’t be a day over twenty-one. Was he even legal for any of the clubs down here?
The imp smiled wider. “I bet you can.” Slim fingers waved in the direction the couple had gone in their cab of escape. “She was my ride.”
Stephen’s brows lifted. “The drag queen?”
That got him a roll of heavily lined and thickly lashed brown eyes. “She’s not a drag queen. She’s post-op.”
“Oh. Sorry about that.”
“It’s okay. Not like she flashed her vajay at you so you’d know.”
Zach demanded that Stephen give him a ride home because it was his fault that he didn’t have one and he was broke. Stephen, being a kindhearted soul and also since it was pretty late and the neighbourhood was not the safest after the clubs closed, decided to go with the flow by agreeing good naturedly to Zach’s request. On the way to his apartment Stephen found out when Zach pulled his driver’s licence from his thigh high boots, that his new best friend was not underage as he had originally thought due to his small stature and gamin looks, but 26 years old and very friendly, so friendly Stephen found himself sharing his personal information much against his better judgment. There was definitely a smouldering attraction between them but Stephen was a police officer and getting involved with hot Zack would not be the best move on his part, career wise. However Zach didn’t have any doubts that they should continue their brief acquaintance, and before they parted he made it clear that he wanted Stephen, even though there was no tongue in his goodbye kiss. 🙂
The next day Zach showed up at the precinct where Stephen worked, armed with doughnuts for everyone. Stephen took him aside to ask what was the deal and why he was there, but before he could say “go home” they had made a date for that evening. When Stephen failed to show up by midnight Zach was very disappointed and was about to call it a night. He couldn’t decide whether to give up the pursuit or change his strategy, but lucky for him he didn’t have to do either right away because just when he was thinking about his next move his doorbell rang and there was Stephen, or as he called him Officer Hotness, who clearly was in two minds about being there. Since Stephen had conceded the initial skirmish, the party started ……. in Zach’s pants. But what about Stephen’s job and the inherent problems of a cop being involved with someone who was as flamboyant as Zach? Would Zach be able to live under the radar so as not to interfere with Stephen’s credibility on the job? When trouble reared its ugly head, which was inevitable, would their fragile relationship be able to weather the bump on the road to their HEA?
This was a really fun book and my only problem was it was too short because I was enjoying the story so much. Zach was the hottest twink this side of anywhere and he had no problem trading on his assets. He was well drawn with all the right touches, but not over the top. He and Stephen were a match made wherever the best matches are made, and the dialogue and prose were Fae Sutherland at her best. The author did a great job on her two protagonists who were polar opposites but well matched, and the chemistry between them was steamy. Although he was in the closet Stephen was not one of those cops who was desperate to remain there. He wanted Zach who filled a hole in his life. He was 38 years old and didn’t even have a picture of a significant other in his wallet, or anyone in his life; he knew a good thing when he saw one and he wasn’t prepared to let Zach go without a fight. Zach was smart, sassy and flamboyant, but vulnerable, lovable, unselfish and sweet despite his public persona. When the whole package was put together he was irresistible. As for the sex between the couple, it was sizzling. The supporting characters, especially Zach’s best friend, were just as three dimensional and I thought that the story, although short, was great.
Gambling on Maybe, definitely recommended if you like fun stories with terrific characters who seem made for each other. I hope that Fae will write a sequel because I really don’t want to let Zach and his Officer Hotness go.
I re-read this book for the third time and decided that it deserved 4.5 stars so I changed the rating. 🙂
So “He wanted Zach who filled a hole in his life”? I know I have a dirty mind, but I nearly spewed coffee on my laptop! Exactly what hole was he filling? I want details!
This sounds like fun Wave! And I do love a man in uniform! It says a lot that you wanted the book to be longer. That always tells me that it was good. Well written review. I will have to read this.
See, there you go. I never meant anything by that phrase. You have such a dirty mind. But come to think of it that hole could be exactly where you thought. 🙂
I did want this book to be a lot longer and I hope that the author writes a sequel because this couple was too hot to let go. I loved Stephen because he wasn’t the usual tough cop and Zach – what a great character!. You have to get this book Tj.
Aww, but don’t I just brighten up your days, like sunshine? 🙂
I really loved your review and will be reading this soon. Thanks again Wave.
I normally wouldn’t read anything this short but I adored this!
And I like the fact author respects the toughness of her younger hero.
Just a delightful book!
GR
As you said, just a delightful book. This was a couple that I wanted to stay so that I could read more about them.
I’m so gad you enjoyed Gambling on Maybe.
Can’t wait to read this – hope it arrives at UK Kindle soon! 🙂
Anne
This is really fun book with excellent characterizations and I know you’ll enjoy Stephen and Zach. 🙂
Sounds like my favorite one-handed porn novel fantasy plot.
Sorry John, this is not that kind of book. There is probably only one sex scene in the entire book but I love the characters. Both Stephen, Officer Hotness, and Zach were wonderful.
I believe I fell to my knees when I got to the end and screamed “noooooooo”. More, I need more and the author better be writing the next chapter in this book. 🙂 It was a fun fun book and I definitely want to see what happens next.
Tam
I felt exactly the same. I emailed Fae to find out if she’s writing a sequel. lol.
I totally agree that this is a great story. Whenever I feel the need for a short read that leaves a smile on my face, I will pull this out. I hope a sequel is in works, there’s so much more to tell.
Hi Linda
Wasn’t this a totally enjoyable story? It makes up for a lot of the other kind that I read and review. 😉
I am not familiar with this author but this sounds like a fun story and one I’ll buy based on your review. I also prefer longer stories, so maybe there will be a sequel…
Hi rdafan7
I think you’ll really enjoy this story because not only is it fun, but the characters are so well drawn.
Please let me know what you think after you read Gambling on Maybe. I’m hoping that Fae will write a sequel because it’s definitely too short and I want more, more, more. 🙂
I really really enjoyed this story and like you wanted it to be longer. Great review!
Thanks Lasha. This review was a pleasure to write. The characters were enjoyable and the plot rocked. What can I say? 🙂
Looks like a winner, one more book for the list 🙂 Thank you for you review 🙂
Hi Helena
This is the kind of book we all need to read in the winter because it’s so drab and cold outside, and Gambling on Maybe warms your heart. You won’t regret it. 🙂
Novellas take a special talent, so great to find an author that does a good job with the shorter format.
I’d been watching this story, now I have a good excuse to buy it!
Denni
It does take a special talent to write a short story and Fae did an excellent job. The only reason I want another book about these characters is because I love them so much, not because she left me hanging. I definitely recommend this one.
I don’t usually care for shorts, but I’m sold on this one by the description of how the police in the squad room look at Zach: “sort of like he might be a bomb that needed a squad or something”.
This is really a fun story Allie2. I laughed equally at the prose as I did at the dialogue, which is unusual for me.
Zach even bought “designer” doughnuts. lol. I swear you won’t regret getting this book.
Persuasive review, Wave. I just read an excerpt, and it almost reads like a parody. Sounds like fun, though, so I’m planning to buy it.
Gaycrow
You should get it because we all need fun in our lives and this book is hands down a lot of fun. No, it isn’t a parody, it’s just well written and shows us what we find ridiculous, in a good way.
Yes! It sounds like we’ve got a book about a strong fem man! You know how much I love those Wave 🙂
I had read the blurb for this one and it sounded so good, but I had forgotten about it. I’m very glad to hear how much you loved it. I’ll definitely be reading it, very soon!
PS. I found my first Hero (out of the new books I’ve read anyway) 🙂
Cole
You will absolutely love Zach and Stephen and I’m hoping that my appeal to Fae will mean that maybe in a few months we will have another adventure starring these unlikely heroes.
You have to tell me about your new hero sometime. lol
I just finished this story, Wave, and I loved it! Zach and Officer Hotness were great. I hope we get more the story as well — I definitely didn’t want the story to end!
Thanks for the recommendation!
BTW, my first fem hero is Melody/Mel from Matchmen, Ltd. by TC Blue. I read it last week and I loved it 🙂
Cole
I think I’ve read this story 4 times already because I loved the characters so much. Great news! Fae has started writing the sequel so we’ll have another book with Officer Hotness and Zach. 🙂
You’ll have to remind me about Melody/Mel when I’m ready with my post. Jenre reviewed this book sometime ago.
Dammit, Wave. You’re going to make me read a pamphlet, aren’t you. *sigh* I knew it would happen one of these days. 😉
Buda
I missed you. Where have you been, other than working 24/7?
You’ll love this pamphlet and it’s 10K so it’s not quite that short. lol. You will thank me for this honey and don’t say I’ve never done you any favours. 🙂
Hi, Wave! I’ve missed you, too! My inbox is getting lonely. lol
I’m still working crazy stupid hours. Unless something unforeseen (but wholly welcomed) happens next week, things should start getting back to normal. I’m actually scheduled for a day off Sunday. 🙂
BTW – Read this superpamphlet *g* during lunch today. Loved it! Need more, much more!
I didn’t want to keep writing you when you were so busy but I’ll make up for it next week.
I’m glad you liked Gambling on Maybe, my superpamphlet. lol. See, I knew I would get you over to the wild side.
Fae says that she’s writing a sequel and just for you I asked for a much longer book this time because I knew you would love the boys. 🙂
I just wanted to say thank you to Wave and everyone who’s commented. You’ve all made my week! The response has been overwhelming and extremely flattering.
Also, I thought you’d be interested to know that I *am* working on a second story with them. I’ve gotten so many requests for more and I’d already been considering it so yes, there will be more with them, hopefully very soon. 🙂
Thank you again!
Hi Fae
You just made my weekend. I can’t wait. And please can we have a book that’s a little longer so that we can enjoy Zach and Stephen for more than a couple of hours? 🙂 These characters rocked.
The compliments for Gambling on Maybe were well deserved. I have read this book at least 3 times and intend to do so at least once more by Sunday. lol.
Thanks again Fae and let me know when I can start looking for the sequel to this wonderful romance. Have a great weekend.
We’ll see what they give me as far as length! 🙂 Hope you have a great weekend, too! *off to write more*