Reviewed by Ami
Title: First Impressions
Author: Jay Hogan
Series: Auckland Med. #1
Heroes: Josh & Michael
Genre: M/M Contemporary
Length: 257 pages
Publisher: Dreamspinner Press
Release Date: November 1, 2019
Available at: Dreamspinner Press & Amazon
Add it to your shelf: Goodreads
Blurb: Michael:
Two years ago I made a mistake—a big one. Then I added a couple more just for good measure. I screwed up my life, but I survived. Now I have the opportunity for a fresh start. Two years in NZ. Away from the LA gossip, a chance to breathe, to rebuild my life. But I’m taking my new set of rules with me.
I don’t do relationships.
I don’t do commitment.
I don’t do white picket fences.
And I especially don’t do arrogant, holier-than-thou, smoking-hot K9 officers who walk into my ER and rock my world.
Josh:
One thing’s for certain: Dr. Michael Oliver is an arrogant, untrustworthy player, and I barely survived the last one of those. He might be gorgeous, but my daughter takes number-one priority. I won’t risk her being hurt again. I’m a solo dad, a K9 cop, and a son to pain-in-the-arse parents.
I don’t have time for games.
I don’t have time for taking chances. I don’t have time for more complications in my life.
And I sure as hell don’t have time for the infuriating Dr. Michael Oliver, however damn sexy he is.
Second Edition
First Edition published by Blackout Books, 2018.
Review:
First of all, First Impression that is released by Dreamspinner Press is the second edition from the same book released in 2018. There are no major changes – based on what the author said – so if you have read that one, I don’t think you need to re-read this one. In terms of series order, this is the first book in Auckland Med series, with the second book, Crossing the Line, released by Dreamspinner Press in April this year.
Now, with that out of the way…
First Impression is only my second book of Jay Hogan, and I think I’m ready to make her as one of the authors for me to keep eyes on. Why? Because I love how she writes her characters, how she weaves the plot (and problems the characters are having), and heck, I love her sex scenes too *laugh*. There’s plenty here, and I don’t skip all of it. That’s usually a sign that I can enjoy them
Michael and Josh’s first impression of each other may not be positive. Michael reminds Josh of his ex-partner, who cheated on Josh during the course of relationship. While Michael thinks Josh is annoying stuck-up of a man. But life keeps throwing these two on each other’s path.
Michael is a witness during a drug deal raid gone wrong – which killed one officer – and soon he finds his life in danger, when the bad people involved trying to keep Michael from talking. Josh, on the other hand, is the K9 officer in part of the raid, and amidst his reluctance to act on his attraction to Michael, feels the need to protect the doctor at all cost.
Cue in close-proximity trope *laugh*. FIREWORKS everywhere!! The tension is thick, their chemistry is HOT, and when they finally do the deeds, yep, sparkles and fires!
Both men are without their own issues, though. Michael is not the long-term commitment type while Josh is. Josh is a single father and not sure if he’s ready to stick with Michael if it only leads to heartbreak. Michael has his nightmares. Josh has his trust issues. Michael is an American, he has a timeline contract. Josh is also dealing with his homophobic parents who keeps saying his “lifestyle” is wrong to Josh’s daughter.
Yes, LOTS of things happening, but Jay Hogan is able to keep it all interesting and not drowning the romance. The second characters are all fun to read as well.
The final last act feels rushed though, with time moving a bit too fast for closure. But in overall, this is an enjoyable read for me. I bought the second book immediately because I’m dying to read Cameron’s story.
Overall Impression: I really liked it
*I received a copy of this book from the publisher in return for a fair and honest review.*
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