Book Review: A Hunted Man by Jaime Reese

Reviewed by Heather C

Title: A Hunted Man
Author: Jaime Reese
Series: The Men of Halfway House #2
Heroes: Cameron Pierce
Genre: M/M Contemporary Romance/Suspense
Length: 111,200 words
Publisher: Romandeavor, Inc.
Release Date: April 29, 2014
Available at: Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads

Blurb: After surviving ten years in prison, Cameron Pierce is attempting to put the past behind him. He tries to adjust to his newfound freedom with a place at the halfway house and a job. But one lesson he learned in prison keeps him guarded: hope is a dangerous thing.

Hunter Donovan, Assistant State Attorney, is a man of justice who loves a challenge. After a lifetime of putting his career first, a milestone brings him to a harsh realization—he’s lonely.

Hunter’s world changes when he meets Cam. The wary young man intrigues him and awakens a desire unlike anything he’s ever experienced. When Cam’s past resurfaces and threatens to rip them apart, their budding relationship is challenged and Cam’s hope for a future begins to dim.

These outside forces hunting Cam will stop at nothing to send him back to prison. But they’ll have to get past Hunter first.

Review:

“I want to wake up with you in my arms every morning. I crave the way you look at me as if I’m a fucking superhero.  I love the way you touch me, the way your fingers dig into my skin.  I love it when you get all territorial and feel the need to mark me.”

Nearly two years ago, I read Julian and Matt’s story in A Better Man, and for nearly two years, I’ve been waiting for Cam’s story.  With that being said, I believe this can still be read as a stand-alone as there is only a brief blip mentioning Cameron in the first book where Matt is considering taking Cam in as the first guest at Halfway House.  

After being sent to prison ten years ago when he was seventeen, Cameron Pierce is finally being released; finally going to be able to start a new life for himself by way of Matt’s halfway house.  His biggest fear:  being sent back to prison and losing his freedom forever.  Matt quickly sets Cam up with a job at a nearby diner, where Cam meets Hunter.  Hunter, Assistant State Attorney, is a regular at the diner and just can’t get enough of looking at the bright blue-eyed espresso guy.  The two men start a sweet courtship solely at the diner, but what will happen once Hunter finds out that Cam is a convicted felon and living in a halfway house?

I absolutely loved this book!  Probably even more so than I loved the first one…and that’s saying a lot because I’ve read the first book twice, and its very uncommon for me to read anything more than once.  

So what are some of the things I loved?

It’s a very sweet romance.  I was cheering for Cam and Hunter from the start, two very likable, yet a bit opposite characters.  But once either of them are determined to do something, they are going to keep at it until they get it right.  Whether its Cam’s attempts at creating latte art or Hunter unraveling Cam’s past and keeping him safe, they will figure it out and make it work…together.    

There’s an awesome mystery.  Seriously, I couldn’t figure out what was going on and what had really happened.  At about the 50% point, it got crazy intense with all the revelations…my mind was blown!  Although I think the ending was just a tiny bit too easy, it was perfect. 

It’s slow-burn.  Since much of their courtship takes place in the diner, well, that makes for some very delicious sexual tension!  And you know me, I’m ALL for the tension.  So when Cam and Hunter are finally able to be together, its very passionate and romantic…and hot.  

“Mr. Donovan, feel free to slam me up against a wall…anytime…anywhere…just make me one promise.”  He punctuated each word, intensely staring at Hunter, refusing to back away. 

Hunter’s breathless voice shook.  “Anything.”

“Don’t ever stop wanting me enough to do so.”

There’s some good humor.  Yes, this is a serious book with some very serious topics.  But it’s not lacking at all in the sweet humor and banter.  Julian and Matt have some great scenes, and Julian is his usual growly, possessive self.  (Gah, love him!!!)  But Hunter’s father is equally as awesome!

“I knew I loved your mom on that first day and married her a few months later.  Same thing happened to your grandpa and his.  It’s part of our DNA.”

“What are we?  Werewolves?”

“I have heard you growl on an occasion or two.”

Silence.

“You’re not old, Son.”

“I’m forty.”

“That’s not old, you stubborn mule,” his father said, exasperated.

“I thought I was a werewolf,” Hunter deadpanned. 

There is an age gap.  As you can see, Hunter is 40 and Cam is soon to be 27, and other than a few of Hunter’s insecurities about his age, it’s mostly a non-issue.  Yet, Cam likes to spin it around for some good foreplay.  

Umm, so yeah, I loved so many things about this book. It’s a great story with solid writing, and other than it getting a little too sweet a times, I would say that there might just be another reread in my future.

Here’s to hoping Cole gets his book next…oh boy he’s going to be trouble!

Overall Impression: I Loved It!

*I received a copy of this book from the author in return for a fair and honest review.*