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Nothing Special #6
His Hart's Command
S.W.A.T Edition.
Lennox Freeman (Free) is one of the best hackers in the world which has caused him to spend most of his life on the run. Never able to put down roots, he couldn’t trust anyone not to take advantage of him, even his own family. If it wasn’t for his best friend, Tech, shielding him, Free’s father would’ve sold him and his skills to the highest bidding crime family when he was still a student at MIT. Free owed Tech his life; so when his friend called for him to come to Atlanta to work with him, he couldn’t say no. However, he wasn’t expecting the overprotective group of detectives that made up Atlanta PD’s most notorious task force. And he certainly wasn’t prepared for the large-and-in-charge SWAT Captain that was responsible for their safety.
Ivan Hart has lived and bled one creed all of his life: To Serve and Protect. His intense focus and determination in law enforcement has led him to finally commanding his own team. He’d worked hard to put together a squad of badasses capable of backing up a very dangerous team of detectives. Being God and Day’s last line of defense came with a lot of responsibility that he took very seriously.
After his divorce was final Hart turned right around and remarried his job. He had his good friends there in the office with him every day, so it was easier to ignore the few quiet hours he spent at home alone each night. He’d settled well into his new routine and was comfortable with it. Then God decided to disrupt everything by hiring another tech specialist for his department. A man whose brains, trendy looks, and voice would leave Hart tongue-tied and captivated at their first introduction.
Free quickly awakens a passion in Hart that he long thought was dead. An attraction he didn’t know existed. He couldn’t fathom that the sexy cyber genius could be interested in an over-sized, big-bearded brute that served criminals the bottom line for a living. No matter what his best friend, God said.
A future with Hart could be potentially dangerous and often times full of terrifyingly close calls; but little did he know that so could falling for the most hunted hacker in the world. All Lennox Freeman wants in life is security, love and protection… Hart had all that to give and more.
This novel is a part of a series and contains previously mentioned characters, but CAN BE read as a standalone. No cliffhangers.
Lennox Freeman (Free) is one of the best hackers in the world which has caused him to spend most of his life on the run. Never able to put down roots, he couldn’t trust anyone not to take advantage of him, even his own family. If it wasn’t for his best friend, Tech, shielding him, Free’s father would’ve sold him and his skills to the highest bidding crime family when he was still a student at MIT. Free owed Tech his life; so when his friend called for him to come to Atlanta to work with him, he couldn’t say no. However, he wasn’t expecting the overprotective group of detectives that made up Atlanta PD’s most notorious task force. And he certainly wasn’t prepared for the large-and-in-charge SWAT Captain that was responsible for their safety.
Ivan Hart has lived and bled one creed all of his life: To Serve and Protect. His intense focus and determination in law enforcement has led him to finally commanding his own team. He’d worked hard to put together a squad of badasses capable of backing up a very dangerous team of detectives. Being God and Day’s last line of defense came with a lot of responsibility that he took very seriously.
After his divorce was final Hart turned right around and remarried his job. He had his good friends there in the office with him every day, so it was easier to ignore the few quiet hours he spent at home alone each night. He’d settled well into his new routine and was comfortable with it. Then God decided to disrupt everything by hiring another tech specialist for his department. A man whose brains, trendy looks, and voice would leave Hart tongue-tied and captivated at their first introduction.
Free quickly awakens a passion in Hart that he long thought was dead. An attraction he didn’t know existed. He couldn’t fathom that the sexy cyber genius could be interested in an over-sized, big-bearded brute that served criminals the bottom line for a living. No matter what his best friend, God said.
A future with Hart could be potentially dangerous and often times full of terrifyingly close calls; but little did he know that so could falling for the most hunted hacker in the world. All Lennox Freeman wants in life is security, love and protection… Hart had all that to give and more.
This novel is a part of a series and contains previously mentioned characters, but CAN BE read as a standalone. No cliffhangers.
295 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2018
About the author
A.E. Via
34 books2,884 followersA.E. Via is an author in the beautiful gay romance genre and also founder and owner of Via Star Wings Books. Her writing embodies everything from hopelessly romantic to spicy to scandalous. Her stories often include intriguing edges and twists that take readers to new, thought-provoking depths.
When she's not clicking away at her laptop, she devotes herself to her family--a husband and four children.
Adrienne Via has tons of more stories to tell, but she really would like to hear yours. Via Star Wings Books is currently accepting submissions for established and aspiring LGBTQ authors. I've contracted and successfully published a couple authors - whose information can be found on my website - who can tell you that my passion is giving other writer's stories the love and care it deserves so it could be a gift to another. Visit my site to learn more!
Go to A.E. Via's official website http://authoraevia.com for more detailed information on how to contact her, follow her, or a sneak peak on upcoming work, free reads, VSWB submissions, and where she'll appear next.
When she's not clicking away at her laptop, she devotes herself to her family--a husband and four children.
Adrienne Via has tons of more stories to tell, but she really would like to hear yours. Via Star Wings Books is currently accepting submissions for established and aspiring LGBTQ authors. I've contracted and successfully published a couple authors - whose information can be found on my website - who can tell you that my passion is giving other writer's stories the love and care it deserves so it could be a gift to another. Visit my site to learn more!
Go to A.E. Via's official website http://authoraevia.com for more detailed information on how to contact her, follow her, or a sneak peak on upcoming work, free reads, VSWB submissions, and where she'll appear next.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 305 reviews
July 28, 2020
This is the 6th book in the Nothing Special series, but the first one that belongs to ..."The Swat Edition". Swat Edition is sort of a spin-off, continuing with the members of the SWAT team.
I absolutely love the "Nothing Special" series. I have re-read all books but so far "Here Comes Trouble" and "Nothing Special V" are my favorites.
This time we get Free and Hart's story. Free was introduced in the previous book as Tech's best friend and genius hacker. Hart is the Captain of the Swat team and actually one of God's best friends...which made me love him even more ;)
Now for those of you who haven't read the Nothing Special series yet...this one can be read as a stand-alone. I, however, would advice reading the other books first because there are so many recurring characters, getting to really know them all will surely make this story better.
Free has been on the run for a very long time. After accepting the job God and Day have offered him, as the new team tech, he finally feels like he has a place where he belongs. He loves his new job, being close to his best friend and....ogling his new obsession...Swat Captain Ivan Hart. Now if he can only get Hart to make a move on him...
Being part of SWAT is a big part of Hart's life. Especially since he doesn't really have much of a personal life going on, except for his best friends God and Fox. Hart used to be married to the meanest bitch in all the land, but thankfully she left him and so he is ready to explore/embrace a part of himself he never had a chance to...and he would love to do that exploring with a very sexy genius hacker...
I really enjoyed this one, it was sexy and sweet and both heroes were pretty awesome. I am a big fan of all things "hacker", so I fell right in love with Free, just like Hart did. It was a case of insta-love for both him and me
Normally I am not a fan of insta-love but these two already had a connection in the previous book, it didn't bother me too much.The steam was very nice, though I have to say, it felt a bit subdued when compared to some of her other books. That's not to say it wasn't sexy because it sure was, it was just a bit milder ;)
What I also loved about this book were the friendships. I think God trying to help his best friend was adorable. Same goes for Tech and Fox. Hart and Free were definitely blessed in the "friends" department. Talking about Fox...I can't wait to get my hands on his book. I already love him to pieces and getting to know his love interest in the bonus chapter...yowza !! I love me some hot cowboys
Hopefully, I won't have to wait too long, I highly recommend this series !!
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August 7, 2019
***3.25 Stars***
Alright, gather around and let's talk for a minute about this series and my relationship with it.
You see, this whole series (with kind of the exception of book 5) has a boatload of editing issues. I'm talking about random commas thrown in, random periods creating awkward and incomplete sentences (and not the kind to show style or manner of speaking, but actual grammatical mistakes), missing words, extra words, wrong words (there/their, to/too) and so on.
But, you see, I keep coming back. There's just something addicting about the author's over the top characters and storytelling that pulls me in with every release.
Her men are oversized alphas with rippling muscles and an ooey gooey center, with no fear of showing their vulnerable side. They're badasses who work hard and love hard.
Are they cheesy? Yep. Almost to the point where it crosses over into comical. Do I still gobble it up? Yep.
Are you going to roll your eyes while reading? Probably. Are you going to laugh out loud at the least expected moment and be charmed by something utterly ridiculous? Probably.
You see, that's my dilemma with reviewing this series. I have a list of things that bug me (besides the editing, there's almost always a fact that's wrong where a simple Google search would have shed some light on the right answer.)
Also, Free spent a large chunk of his life in England, so he has a bit of a British accent....which unforunately, is only remembered by the author on occassion. And it comes off weird. And forced. And awkward. Any why does he end his sentences with the word "yes?" And sometimes he says y'all.
Like I said....I have issues.
But like I also said...I keep coming back.
So now on to my review.
Here you have Hart, big ol' HAIRY Hart. If you got a thing for bears, this is the book for you. Because Free is obsessed with Hart's body hair and so is the author, because no opportunity went by where it wasn't mentioned. At times...cute. At other times....not really my cuppa. I'm not all about sticking my face in anyone's armpit and taking a big whiff. But it was Free's thing, and it was Hart's insecurity (because his ex-wife was a Grade A abusive bitch), and it was cute most of the time.
Free has some issues with big men. He had a sketchy past with his father (this really wasn't developed well enough) and oversized men were used to intimidate him and now he's got some PTSD going on. But, of course, he feels safe with Hart. Protected.
The two have been crushing on each other for a while, but afraid to make a move. Especially since this will be Hart's first time with a man. He's known for most of his life that he was gay, but after spending 20+ years in a dysfunctional and abusive marriage, he doesn't really have the confidence to approach someone like Free.
The two are adorable in their "I'm gonna try and flirt" awkwardness and the dance of finally going for it put a smile on my face. From there, the two wonderfully evolve into an easy relationship. They're open and honest with each other, and oh so patient.
The sweetness factor stradles the fine line of tooth decay, but it worked for me. Both men were so gentle and affectionate when needed, yet assertive and passionate too. These two definitely had some serious chemistry.
The focus is more on the relationship and their roles at work, rather than the usual action packed adventure we're used to in this series, but I liked that. Don't fear, there's still some of the signature A.E. Via over the top chases and dramatic moments, but it isn't something that overshadows the romance.
But there's also the signature A.E. Via underdeveloped and rushed resolutions. The bitchy ex-wife suddenly flips a switch and apologizes for her behavior, Free all of a sudden goes badass and stands up to a bully, etc.
So you see, complicated relationship with this series.
But I'll tell you one thing, I'm already intrigued by the set up of the couple in the next book and can guarantee you that I'll be picking it up when it comes out.
November 8, 2019
Audio - 5+++ Stars I'm gah gah for Aiden Snow so the audio rating is no surprise. Even though he wasn't always consistent with Free's British accent, it didn't take away from this being yet another sexilious drool-worthy listen.
Story - 4.5 Stars
This is my favorite of the series, and it might be because I totally love the idea of a big hairy man like Hart. Better yet, I loved that Free made him feel good about himself and appreciated all that bigness and hairiness. Yum!!!
I'm so looking forward to Fox and Bull's story. I can't resist a story that features a big brooding cowboy!!!
Story - 4.5 Stars
This is my favorite of the series, and it might be because I totally love the idea of a big hairy man like Hart. Better yet, I loved that Free made him feel good about himself and appreciated all that bigness and hairiness. Yum!!!
I'm so looking forward to Fox and Bull's story. I can't resist a story that features a big brooding cowboy!!!
January 2, 2023
4.5***** stars
re-listen December 2022
Back when I started this series this was my very first one and not only did I loved it but it also made me so curious about God & Day’s team that I had to go back to the beginning at some point.
Ivan Hart, the SWAT Captain with the Atlanta PD and Lennox Freeman, God & Day’s tech specialist. These two… man, such lovable characters with freaking big golden hearts. They are truly meant to be together, to heal old wounds and just be freaking happy and content. The romance between then progresses steadily, is heartwarming as hell, low on the relationship angst and I personally found the apology-scene at the end with Hart’s ex-wife very satisfying.
good to know:
⇢ There is a chapter for Hart & Free and their first private encounter in book #5
⇢ The bonus chapter at the end is from Bull’s POV and eases into the events of book #8
************
Nothing Special Series:
Book 1 - Nothing Special - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Embracing His Syn - 4 stars
Book 3 - Here Comes Trouble - 4.25 stars
Book 4 - Don’t Judge - 3.25 stars
Book 5 - Nothing Special V - 4.5 stars
Book 6 - SWAT Ed: His Hart’s Command - 4.5 stars
Book 7 - Ex Meridian - 4.5 stars
Book 7.5 - A Nothing Special New Year - 4 stars
Book 8 - SWAT Ed: Fox & Bull - 4.5 stars
re-listen December 2022
Back when I started this series this was my very first one and not only did I loved it but it also made me so curious about God & Day’s team that I had to go back to the beginning at some point.
Ivan Hart, the SWAT Captain with the Atlanta PD and Lennox Freeman, God & Day’s tech specialist. These two… man, such lovable characters with freaking big golden hearts. They are truly meant to be together, to heal old wounds and just be freaking happy and content. The romance between then progresses steadily, is heartwarming as hell, low on the relationship angst and I personally found the apology-scene at the end with Hart’s ex-wife very satisfying.
good to know:
⇢ There is a chapter for Hart & Free and their first private encounter in book #5
⇢ The bonus chapter at the end is from Bull’s POV and eases into the events of book #8
************
Nothing Special Series:
Book 1 - Nothing Special - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Embracing His Syn - 4 stars
Book 3 - Here Comes Trouble - 4.25 stars
Book 4 - Don’t Judge - 3.25 stars
Book 5 - Nothing Special V - 4.5 stars
Book 6 - SWAT Ed: His Hart’s Command - 4.5 stars
Book 7 - Ex Meridian - 4.5 stars
Book 7.5 - A Nothing Special New Year - 4 stars
Book 8 - SWAT Ed: Fox & Bull - 4.5 stars
December 11, 2018
I’ve read my fair share of books with bearded/hairy men. And while it’s not my personal preference I can mostly ignore the hair, pretend they’re not as hairy, and read on. But what I didn’t count on was how much the emphasize in this book would be on Hart’s beard an hairy body. (If I had to read one more time how hairy this dude’s groin was, I was going to end up nauseated)
I got that his ex-wife made him feel terrible about himself, and was all for him being his true self, but I’m just not all that fond of hair myself.
So while I liked the story and the guys, the ‘hair’ was just so present in this, that I could only picture a super hairy bear (which he was), and it pulled me out of the story. Because I just don’t find that attractive. :(
I got that his ex-wife made him feel terrible about himself, and was all for him being his true self, but I’m just not all that fond of hair myself.
So while I liked the story and the guys, the ‘hair’ was just so present in this, that I could only picture a super hairy bear (which he was), and it pulled me out of the story. Because I just don’t find that attractive. :(
March 30, 2019
I re-read the previous book before starting this. It got me in the zone and back with these guys. Even though this is the first of the SWAT books I was glad for the refresh.
I really enjoyed this one. I like that we not only get Free and Hart but all the other guys as well.
These two perfectly complement each other. I also liked the insight we get into the relationship between Hart and God.
Personally I’m not a huge fan of very hairy men. Harts hair is a huge part of this book. I was thrilled that Free liked it especially after his utter evil bitch of a wife. But if I’m being totally honest struggled a bit with all that hair.
If you’re a fan of this series and author then this is a must for you. Now I’m just waiting for the next one which should be very interesting.
I can’t close this review without mentioning the cover. Covers are very important to me. I’ve read books based sorely on the covers alone.
This cover seemed an odd choice at first. It’s not how I pictured Hart. For one I expected him to be in SWAT gear. But then as I kept reading I understood.
I really enjoyed this one. I like that we not only get Free and Hart but all the other guys as well.
These two perfectly complement each other. I also liked the insight we get into the relationship between Hart and God.
Personally I’m not a huge fan of very hairy men. Harts hair is a huge part of this book. I was thrilled that Free liked it especially after his utter evil bitch of a wife. But if I’m being totally honest struggled a bit with all that hair.
If you’re a fan of this series and author then this is a must for you. Now I’m just waiting for the next one which should be very interesting.
I can’t close this review without mentioning the cover. Covers are very important to me. I’ve read books based sorely on the covers alone.
This cover seemed an odd choice at first. It’s not how I pictured Hart. For one I expected him to be in SWAT gear. But then as I kept reading I understood.
February 5, 2020
I enjoyed this book more than I expected. It was angsty, steamy with a dash of romance and mild suspense. I liked that I got to know both Hart and Free - where they came from and what shaped them into men there were today. With the introduction of Hart's SWAT team I enjoyed new characters and the dynamics the team had while out in the field and in their downtime - quirky, funny and at times intense.
Hart skirted the edge of honorable man and a complete push over when it came to his marriage but I decided to chalk his 20 year prison sentence, eh, marriage to THAT woman as a great lapse in judgement and him being the man of his word. Poor guy, the things he endured! I loved the first steps he took in the relationship with Free - he was so sweet and awkward, but as something really serious developed between them he gained self confidence and expressed himself easier. I liked Free most of the time. I am glad to say that ever present perfection of this series was blissfully absent, and Free seemed so down to earth and someone I could like and maybe relate to. I liked how he finally stood up for himself and took power back when he needed it the most.
The book mostly centered around Hart and Free, their developing feelings and how they fit both their professional and personal relationship into their lives. The suspense was on the low scale but I liked all the lingo and the situations that Hart dealt with on the daily basis. The ending was a tad anticlimactic though. I actually enjoyed the intimate moments between two men this time. They were sweet and passionate. Good story. I liked it.
Hart skirted the edge of honorable man and a complete push over when it came to his marriage but I decided to chalk his 20 year prison sentence, eh, marriage to THAT woman as a great lapse in judgement and him being the man of his word. Poor guy, the things he endured! I loved the first steps he took in the relationship with Free - he was so sweet and awkward, but as something really serious developed between them he gained self confidence and expressed himself easier. I liked Free most of the time. I am glad to say that ever present perfection of this series was blissfully absent, and Free seemed so down to earth and someone I could like and maybe relate to. I liked how he finally stood up for himself and took power back when he needed it the most.
The book mostly centered around Hart and Free, their developing feelings and how they fit both their professional and personal relationship into their lives. The suspense was on the low scale but I liked all the lingo and the situations that Hart dealt with on the daily basis. The ending was a tad anticlimactic though. I actually enjoyed the intimate moments between two men this time. They were sweet and passionate. Good story. I liked it.
May 20, 2023
In this contemporary action/romance set in an Atlanta PD, we follow the development of Free and Hart’s relationship. Free has lived a life on the run until he landed a job in God and Day’s department. After Hart’s divorce, he became married to his job protecting and serving as a SWAT team Captain. Finding love was the last thing on their minds when they first met, so falling for each other is a surprise that neither expected to face. I wanted to strangle Hart's ex-wife who couldn't wrap her head around the word "EX". I can't image why a man like Hart would allow this at all. Aiden Snow did a magnificent job narrating, as he has for the previous five books. I love his voices, and he does a good job of keeping them unique. One of the parts of this book that I thought stood out from some others that I've read including this series, that is very often passed over or not mentioned at all, is that men can also be the victims of abuse, both verbal and/or physical. A.E Via not only included it in this story, but she not only did a fantastic job...she did it with a great deal of tact. We can see the aftermath of how it affected Hart despite his physical appearance of being a tall, broad and commanding presence...how his psyche was shattered from the verbal abuse from his ex-wife. It was a great way of showing that anybody can become a victim regardless of their outer appearance or their characteristics. I also liked how mild manner Free gave the slimy homophobic Vasquez something else to think about other than running down a way of life that he doesn't personally approve of.
October 23, 2022
Well that wasn't as good as I'd hoped. A big, bearded cinnamon roll with buff nerd and in a series that I'm just shamelessly revelling in had much potential.
There was still a lot to like but the narration highlighted so many flaws in the plot and some kind of cringy bits. Narration will do that and that's part of what I appreciate about it, especially when done well. You can overlook it if the narration is good enough but sadly even Aiden Snow and my unabashed love for the ridiculous aspects of this series could overcome the eye rolling.
I'll still keep going but maybe this is the book 6 factor when a series starts to run out of steam
There was still a lot to like but the narration highlighted so many flaws in the plot and some kind of cringy bits. Narration will do that and that's part of what I appreciate about it, especially when done well. You can overlook it if the narration is good enough but sadly even Aiden Snow and my unabashed love for the ridiculous aspects of this series could overcome the eye rolling.
I'll still keep going but maybe this is the book 6 factor when a series starts to run out of steam
November 30, 2018
4.5 stars - loved it ... Hart & Free were great. Perfectly matched. Both loved with compassion and empathy. I really enjoyed going back into this series. God & Day and their team were back with vengeance and brought their Alpha focus and warm-hearted humor. This focus on Hart & Free was really sweet. Both men circled each other but lacked the confidence to step forward... with a little encouragement from good friends, and a few shaky work moments was the push these two really needed.
December 22, 2018
4.5 stars
Omg. I very rarely venture away from KU due to my budget sucking right now but just from the sample I knew this book was right up my alley and too good to pass up. I 2.5 starred the last book because the main couple seemed like an afterthought built around the "awesomeness" of these sexy alpha men. But this book was very couple-centric. And it was almost perfect.
These two men are self-assured and confident in their jobs, but personally, they are gun shy and scared of putting themselves out there again. They are unsure about every move they make toward each other and so very real that I was cheering them both on right from the start. I had a goofy grin on my face every time they were on the page. I loved it.
And Day and God and the gang are all still here, and all still "awesome" but in a more subdued way. A gentler way. A better way. A way that let me see just how funny they were and just how good a friends they could be, but still kept them in the background and not taking over the romance. But believe me, as Hart's best friend, God still steals every scene he's in.
And the romance? The sex? It was smoulderingly slow and subtle...every time. The intensity of these two men just kissing had me reeling. I loved how they were with each other. *swoon*
I really hope this is the direction the author takes with the rest of this series. The action and romance were balanced really well. (Of course if she brings back the group sex with Day and God I'm totally down for that too.)
Omg. I very rarely venture away from KU due to my budget sucking right now but just from the sample I knew this book was right up my alley and too good to pass up. I 2.5 starred the last book because the main couple seemed like an afterthought built around the "awesomeness" of these sexy alpha men. But this book was very couple-centric. And it was almost perfect.
These two men are self-assured and confident in their jobs, but personally, they are gun shy and scared of putting themselves out there again. They are unsure about every move they make toward each other and so very real that I was cheering them both on right from the start. I had a goofy grin on my face every time they were on the page. I loved it.
And Day and God and the gang are all still here, and all still "awesome" but in a more subdued way. A gentler way. A better way. A way that let me see just how funny they were and just how good a friends they could be, but still kept them in the background and not taking over the romance. But believe me, as Hart's best friend, God still steals every scene he's in.
And the romance? The sex? It was smoulderingly slow and subtle...every time. The intensity of these two men just kissing had me reeling. I loved how they were with each other. *swoon*
I really hope this is the direction the author takes with the rest of this series. The action and romance were balanced really well. (Of course if she brings back the group sex with Day and God I'm totally down for that too.)
December 22, 2018
I don’t know why it took me so long to review this. Most of my thoughts are not as fresh as I would prefer but here does nothing...
I loved the relationship between Hart and Free but really expected more from their story.
The angle with Free’s past should have been expounded on more while the angle with Hart’s ex-wife much much less so. We know Hart suffered at the hands of his ex but his thoughts on it were too repetitive.
Also, I felt the subplot with the bullying wasn’t really necessary. It’s almost like the author didn’t know what else to add to make the story weightier so she plugged that in. It was hard to digest; especially given how many badasses surrounded Free to let it go on for that long. I just couldn’t find it realistic.
I hope the next book gives me more joy.
I loved the relationship between Hart and Free but really expected more from their story.
The angle with Free’s past should have been expounded on more while the angle with Hart’s ex-wife much much less so. We know Hart suffered at the hands of his ex but his thoughts on it were too repetitive.
Also, I felt the subplot with the bullying wasn’t really necessary. It’s almost like the author didn’t know what else to add to make the story weightier so she plugged that in. It was hard to digest; especially given how many badasses surrounded Free to let it go on for that long. I just couldn’t find it realistic.
I hope the next book gives me more joy.
December 3, 2018
Props to Via for finally getting a decent editor! I didn't see any of the issues that I usually see from this author, very nicely done there.
Finally, my crack series is back! Oh, how I've missed these crazy guys! Just as over the top and outrageous as always, like the very best kind of big budget buddy cop action flick. Turn your brain off before you start, because logic and proper police procedure have no place here, but I don't even care, it's just that fun.
I didn't even find myself skimming sex scenes like I tend to do these days.
Finally, my crack series is back! Oh, how I've missed these crazy guys! Just as over the top and outrageous as always, like the very best kind of big budget buddy cop action flick. Turn your brain off before you start, because logic and proper police procedure have no place here, but I don't even care, it's just that fun.
I didn't even find myself skimming sex scenes like I tend to do these days.
December 7, 2018
There was quite a bit here for me to love in His Hart's Command from the age gap between Hart and Free, to the so-sweet comfort Free gives to Hart after his abusive ex has destroyed his personal confidence and eroded his body image, to all the action, and best of all - getting to catch up with favorite past characters.
Lennox "Free" Freeman has had it bad for S.W.A.T. captain Ivan Hart since he first saw him. Hart has absolutely returned the interest but not done anything about it because he's afraid of rejection. But with some help from their friends, and in between shoot outs, call outs, and running for their lives, the two manage to connect and find that they are able to offer each other everything they need and more.
His Hart's Command is such a good, fun, read! Action, lots of sexy times, some really terrific hurt/comfort elements, and a happy ending, with a glimpse at the next couple (and it looks good!).
His Hart's Command is the sixth book in the Nothing Special series and introduces new characters who make up a S.W.A.T. team who work closely with God and Day's team of detectives in the Atlanta Police Department. While it's part of the series and contains previously mentioned characters, it could be read as a standalone...but since I love this series I'm recommending you definitely pick up the others as well.
Advanced Review Galley copy of His Hart's Command provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
Lennox "Free" Freeman has had it bad for S.W.A.T. captain Ivan Hart since he first saw him. Hart has absolutely returned the interest but not done anything about it because he's afraid of rejection. But with some help from their friends, and in between shoot outs, call outs, and running for their lives, the two manage to connect and find that they are able to offer each other everything they need and more.
Free vowed right then that he’d show Hart what it meant to be cared for, in whatever capacity he allowed him. If Hart wasn’t ready for anything serious, then Free would be his dearest friend until he was.
His Hart's Command is such a good, fun, read! Action, lots of sexy times, some really terrific hurt/comfort elements, and a happy ending, with a glimpse at the next couple (and it looks good!).
Hart cleared his throat, “It’s just. I like it when you touch me like that. I’ve always wanted that.”
“You should know by now how much I love it,” Free said softly, noting how raw Hart’s voice sounded.
“I do know. I don’t doubt you anymore, Len. But when you did that just now…with the crumbs. You did it like it was something so simple, just chatting away, with no clue that you’re making me fall so damn hard for you.” Hart huffed a shaky breath, as if he was trying to keep himself together.
His Hart's Command is the sixth book in the Nothing Special series and introduces new characters who make up a S.W.A.T. team who work closely with God and Day's team of detectives in the Atlanta Police Department. While it's part of the series and contains previously mentioned characters, it could be read as a standalone...but since I love this series I'm recommending you definitely pick up the others as well.
Advanced Review Galley copy of His Hart's Command provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
August 9, 2020
Series Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2020/01/07/...
Rating: 3.5 Stars – that place between like and love
Rating: 3.5 Stars – that place between like and love
January 30, 2020
Hart and Free… were they not the cutest?!
I loved how different these two were from the rest of the guys in this series.
Hart, having denied himself his whole life because he was stuck in a loveless marriage with a woman who abused him mentally, emotionally, verbally and even physically… he was very insecure when it came to wanting Free, and his opinion of himself. As a SWAT leader, he’s the boss… he even put God in his place, that was hot…he’s sure of himself and his team, but when it comes to anything else… he’s been beaten down so much, that he has major self-esteem issues. I enjoyed seeing such a different subject line because it isn’t often that we see the shoe on the other foot, and the woman in any relationship being the abuser especially to such a big and strong, alpha-man. It just goes to show the kind of heart that Hart has, because not only did he endure it, but he tried to change so much of himself for his ex-wife…. You will not like her and I hated that she got off so easily with what she did and what she put Hart through, but… meh.. I’m petty and bitter, so it actually worked out well for all involved I reckon.
Free, as we got a small feel for him in Tech’s book, is probably the most dangerous hacker in the world. I knew was going to be a tough nut to crack, but he never wavered in his feelings for Hart and he was honest from the very beginning. He was actually the uncomplicated one. He knew what he wanted and he went after it. He showed Hart so much about himself and didn’t allow the insecurities to wedge between them. He was so sweet and affectionate and patient with Hart, he was everything Hart had wanted but never gotten in a relationship. I was so glad that he gave him that, and in return, Hart gave him security and made him feel safe and most important, loved. He’d come from a bad situation before Tech called him in to take over his job in the last book… If you haven’t read it yet… go do it! What’s the matter with you?
I also loved getting to see the rest of the guys, I don’t think anyone will ever top Green and Ruxs for me, they’re my favorite… but it was fun to see a softer side to God, I swear in the beginning God and Hart were like teenage girls, and I loved it! These big tough guys can be romantic and sentimental because they love so big, and I love that too.
I cannot…. I mean, CANNOT wait for Fox and Bull…
I love this series, I love all of the guys and I’m going to be so impatient waiting for the next one. 5 stars from me!
I loved how different these two were from the rest of the guys in this series.
Hart, having denied himself his whole life because he was stuck in a loveless marriage with a woman who abused him mentally, emotionally, verbally and even physically… he was very insecure when it came to wanting Free, and his opinion of himself. As a SWAT leader, he’s the boss… he even put God in his place, that was hot…he’s sure of himself and his team, but when it comes to anything else… he’s been beaten down so much, that he has major self-esteem issues. I enjoyed seeing such a different subject line because it isn’t often that we see the shoe on the other foot, and the woman in any relationship being the abuser especially to such a big and strong, alpha-man. It just goes to show the kind of heart that Hart has, because not only did he endure it, but he tried to change so much of himself for his ex-wife…. You will not like her and I hated that she got off so easily with what she did and what she put Hart through, but… meh.. I’m petty and bitter, so it actually worked out well for all involved I reckon.
Free, as we got a small feel for him in Tech’s book, is probably the most dangerous hacker in the world. I knew was going to be a tough nut to crack, but he never wavered in his feelings for Hart and he was honest from the very beginning. He was actually the uncomplicated one. He knew what he wanted and he went after it. He showed Hart so much about himself and didn’t allow the insecurities to wedge between them. He was so sweet and affectionate and patient with Hart, he was everything Hart had wanted but never gotten in a relationship. I was so glad that he gave him that, and in return, Hart gave him security and made him feel safe and most important, loved. He’d come from a bad situation before Tech called him in to take over his job in the last book… If you haven’t read it yet… go do it! What’s the matter with you?
I also loved getting to see the rest of the guys, I don’t think anyone will ever top Green and Ruxs for me, they’re my favorite… but it was fun to see a softer side to God, I swear in the beginning God and Hart were like teenage girls, and I loved it! These big tough guys can be romantic and sentimental because they love so big, and I love that too.
I cannot…. I mean, CANNOT wait for Fox and Bull…
I love this series, I love all of the guys and I’m going to be so impatient waiting for the next one. 5 stars from me!
April 4, 2020
5 stars audio
4 stars story.
4 stars story.
September 7, 2022
RECENSIONE A CURA DI EVELYNE
“Ai suoi ordini” è il sesto volume della serie “Nothing special” di A. E. Via pubblicata dalla Triskell Edizioni.
Di chi voi ha letto i volumi precedenti conoscerà già Lennox Freeman e Ivan Hart.
L’hacker e il capitano della SWAT sono due personaggi che abbiamo già avuto modo di conoscere grazie a Tech e God. Free è il migliore amico del tecnico informatico e sappiamo già che la loro amicizia ha portato Tech ad essere contattato dalle forze dell’ordine, ma non sappiamo perché. Così come conosciamo God e quanto l’amicizia di Hart sia importante per lui, ma non sappiamo quanto la loro vicinanza sia stata importante per il capitano e come lo abbia aiutato ad uscire da un matrimonio opprimente.
Sappiamo che si sono spinti l’uno verso l’altro dal primo incontro, ma come riusciranno a venire a patti con l’attrazione che provano e a conciliare il lavoro e l’amore?
Continua sul nostro blog!
“Ai suoi ordini” è il sesto volume della serie “Nothing special” di A. E. Via pubblicata dalla Triskell Edizioni.
Di chi voi ha letto i volumi precedenti conoscerà già Lennox Freeman e Ivan Hart.
L’hacker e il capitano della SWAT sono due personaggi che abbiamo già avuto modo di conoscere grazie a Tech e God. Free è il migliore amico del tecnico informatico e sappiamo già che la loro amicizia ha portato Tech ad essere contattato dalle forze dell’ordine, ma non sappiamo perché. Così come conosciamo God e quanto l’amicizia di Hart sia importante per lui, ma non sappiamo quanto la loro vicinanza sia stata importante per il capitano e come lo abbia aiutato ad uscire da un matrimonio opprimente.
Sappiamo che si sono spinti l’uno verso l’altro dal primo incontro, ma come riusciranno a venire a patti con l’attrazione che provano e a conciliare il lavoro e l’amore?
Continua sul nostro blog!
April 4, 2021
Reread April 2021
Reread before getting into Fox & Bull’s book.
Still love these two together.
Reread October 2019
Still love these two.
4.5 stars
Omg. I very rarely venture away from KU due to my budget sucking right now but just from the sample I knew this book was right up my alley and too good to pass up. I 2.5 starred the last book because the main couple seemed like an afterthought built around the "awesomeness" of these sexy alpha men. But this book was very couple-centric. And it was almost perfect.
These two men are self-assured and confident in their jobs, but personally, they are gun shy and scared of putting themselves out there again. They are unsure about every move they make toward each other and so very real that I was cheering them both on right from the start. I had a goofy grin on my face every time they were on the page. I loved it.
And Day and God and the gang are all still here, and all still "awesome" but in a more subdued way. A gentler way. A better way. A way that let me see just how funny they were and just how good a friends they could be, but still kept them in the background and not taking over the romance. But believe me, as Hart's best friend, God still steals every scene he's in.
And the romance? The sex? It was smoulderingly slow and subtle...every time. The intensity of these two men just kissing had me reeling. I loved how they were with each other. *swoon*
I really hope this is the direction the author takes with the rest of this series. The action and romance were balanced really well. (Of course if she brings back the group sex with Day and God I'm totally down for that too.)
Reread before getting into Fox & Bull’s book.
Still love these two together.
Reread October 2019
Still love these two.
4.5 stars
Omg. I very rarely venture away from KU due to my budget sucking right now but just from the sample I knew this book was right up my alley and too good to pass up. I 2.5 starred the last book because the main couple seemed like an afterthought built around the "awesomeness" of these sexy alpha men. But this book was very couple-centric. And it was almost perfect.
These two men are self-assured and confident in their jobs, but personally, they are gun shy and scared of putting themselves out there again. They are unsure about every move they make toward each other and so very real that I was cheering them both on right from the start. I had a goofy grin on my face every time they were on the page. I loved it.
And Day and God and the gang are all still here, and all still "awesome" but in a more subdued way. A gentler way. A better way. A way that let me see just how funny they were and just how good a friends they could be, but still kept them in the background and not taking over the romance. But believe me, as Hart's best friend, God still steals every scene he's in.
And the romance? The sex? It was smoulderingly slow and subtle...every time. The intensity of these two men just kissing had me reeling. I loved how they were with each other. *swoon*
I really hope this is the direction the author takes with the rest of this series. The action and romance were balanced really well. (Of course if she brings back the group sex with Day and God I'm totally down for that too.)
February 5, 2020
3.5 ⭐'s 😊
February 17, 2023
Loved this opposites attract romance
This was another excellent entry in the Nothing Special series featuring two men who are total opposites.
We've met Hart before, he's God's brat friend, Captain of the SWAT team and a kick a** commander who always has the gang's back.
Free, on the other hand, is a tech genius, he's had a hard life and he's had to hide a lot of himself away.
Their connection grows from the start as each one helps the other to heal from past hurts inflicted by those who should have had their backs.
The team ends up grounded after a shoot-out with some goons in public and Len and Ivan take the time to find out more about each other.
They're super sweet together and the pacing here is slower, with no real case pulling the action until SWAT gets called to a hostage situation.
Free's pioneering new tech helps save Ivan's life and all is well in the Atlanta PD!
This was another excellent entry in the Nothing Special series featuring two men who are total opposites.
We've met Hart before, he's God's brat friend, Captain of the SWAT team and a kick a** commander who always has the gang's back.
Free, on the other hand, is a tech genius, he's had a hard life and he's had to hide a lot of himself away.
Their connection grows from the start as each one helps the other to heal from past hurts inflicted by those who should have had their backs.
The team ends up grounded after a shoot-out with some goons in public and Len and Ivan take the time to find out more about each other.
They're super sweet together and the pacing here is slower, with no real case pulling the action until SWAT gets called to a hostage situation.
Free's pioneering new tech helps save Ivan's life and all is well in the Atlanta PD!
May 7, 2022
3 siendo generosa, entretenidillo.
November 19, 2019
So few people write alpha men as well as A.E. Via. Coupled with the whiskey smooth tones Aiden Snow lays down and I had a wonderfully delightful audio experience, especially with Snow's great range of character voices and how well Via intersperses the action sequences with the romantic ones. And I love how there is plenty of romance here!
It's impressive how well Snow keeps up with this huge cast of characters, only using some repetition of tone with lesser secondary and tertiary characters. But where Snow shines is in his pacing, making eight+ hour audio performances fly by.
His Hart's Command is one of my favorites in the series. I love the action, romance, and the great hurt/comfort.
His Hart's Command is the sixth book in the Nothing Special series and introduces new characters who make up a S.W.A.T. team who work closely with God and Day's team of detectives in the Atlanta Police Department. While it's part of the series and contains previously mentioned characters, it could be read as a standalone...but since I love this series I'm recommending you definitely pick up the others as well.
Read my full ebook review here.
4.5 stars
Audio copy of His Hart's Command provided by the author in exchange of an honest review.
This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews.
January 29, 2021
4 stars
well, I had written a really good long review to this book but I don't know why it didn't get saved... So now it will just be a short one.
I loved this book, I love A.E Via and everything she writes. This book was so much more than just about Free and Hart, it was about there teams and friends, about being defeated but still keep going on and how if you just have the right people in your life everything will be okay. I loved seeing this new side to God and how he was an amazing friend to Hart.
This book was a perfect add-on to this series.
I can't wait for the next one!
well, I had written a really good long review to this book but I don't know why it didn't get saved... So now it will just be a short one.
I loved this book, I love A.E Via and everything she writes. This book was so much more than just about Free and Hart, it was about there teams and friends, about being defeated but still keep going on and how if you just have the right people in your life everything will be okay. I loved seeing this new side to God and how he was an amazing friend to Hart.
This book was a perfect add-on to this series.
I can't wait for the next one!
August 15, 2020
3.5 Stars. I love this series but honestly I missed the action that the other books have. This one had a few scenes but not near as much. I do love all the characters and I liked Hart's insecurities but I think the author beat a dead horse on the whole ex-wife is a complete bitch who hated Hart's body hair thing. I also didn't buy her turn around at the end but it was interesting to have a book where an alpha male was abused by a woman and why he would put up with it intrigued me. I wish Free's backstory had come into play a bit more but overall I really enjoyed this. Can't wait for the next one - cops and cowboys - yum!
Read
August 24, 2020DNF @ 40%. Yeah. No.
Odd gal out because so many of my friends rated this so highly, but I couldn't get into this couple at all. Hart was this big, buff SWAT leader that acted like an insecure 15yr old. His vulnerability should have made him endearing but it was, to me, just off-putting. He mentioned his ex wife every third sentence! The villainizing of the (prudish) ex wife is such a tired trope in late bloomer stories, cause the exes are always so extra ridiculous. Like how are you even a functioning human being? Did Hart have a growth spurt after she married him? Wasn't he always big and tall? Was he not hairy then? Speaking of, the obsession with Hart's body hair was creepy. I don't care about it either way but it was harped on so much it was kind of nauseating.
Don't get me started on Free. My issues weren't with the character's actions but with the representation of the character itself and no one needs to hear that rant.
There is slow burn and then there's 'ok, but can we leave a pilot on?' The sexual tension was initially delicious but the momentum kept getting interrupted by situations that just felt forced and added to increase page count. How many times can they 'not kiss now' but keep kissing each other's fingers and palms? Are you 12? All the talking and talking. By 25% I was already skimming. This literally did not feel like two grown men to me. I felt like I was reading YA.
I'm still in shock because this is literally the first book by this author that I haven't given at least 4 stars, let alone not even finished. Guess it was bound to happen at least once. Still one of my favorite authors in the genre but this one was a miss.
Odd gal out because so many of my friends rated this so highly, but I couldn't get into this couple at all. Hart was this big, buff SWAT leader that acted like an insecure 15yr old. His vulnerability should have made him endearing but it was, to me, just off-putting. He mentioned his ex wife every third sentence! The villainizing of the (prudish) ex wife is such a tired trope in late bloomer stories, cause the exes are always so extra ridiculous. Like how are you even a functioning human being? Did Hart have a growth spurt after she married him? Wasn't he always big and tall? Was he not hairy then? Speaking of, the obsession with Hart's body hair was creepy. I don't care about it either way but it was harped on so much it was kind of nauseating.
Don't get me started on Free. My issues weren't with the character's actions but with the representation of the character itself and no one needs to hear that rant.
There is slow burn and then there's 'ok, but can we leave a pilot on?' The sexual tension was initially delicious but the momentum kept getting interrupted by situations that just felt forced and added to increase page count. How many times can they 'not kiss now' but keep kissing each other's fingers and palms? Are you 12? All the talking and talking. By 25% I was already skimming. This literally did not feel like two grown men to me. I felt like I was reading YA.
I'm still in shock because this is literally the first book by this author that I haven't given at least 4 stars, let alone not even finished. Guess it was bound to happen at least once. Still one of my favorite authors in the genre but this one was a miss.
June 17, 2020
Ok I have loved all the other books, this one was good but not as good. It is still a 4 star but something was missing for me I am not sure what it was.
I loved Free and his skills dang he is going to be one heck of an asset to the team that is for sure.
I also love Hart and how manly he is. I think maybe its how he let his ex’s treated him for soooo many years it just didn’t sit well with me. I know you can’t choose how someone treats you but he was in the kind of relationship for too long. It just didn’t feel right.
I loved the staycation. That was interesting and I can’t freaking wait for the next audiobook. ONLY like a month more to wait!!!! Ahhck
I loved Free and his skills dang he is going to be one heck of an asset to the team that is for sure.
I also love Hart and how manly he is. I think maybe its how he let his ex’s treated him for soooo many years it just didn’t sit well with me. I know you can’t choose how someone treats you but he was in the kind of relationship for too long. It just didn’t feel right.
I loved the staycation. That was interesting and I can’t freaking wait for the next audiobook. ONLY like a month more to wait!!!! Ahhck
December 21, 2021
4-4.5 stars
Keeps getting better and better! Can’t wait for Bull and Fox’s book!! But that’s not until book 8! So. Is it’s Ex and Meridians book, totally new characters… I think haha haven’t heard of them before!
Keeps getting better and better! Can’t wait for Bull and Fox’s book!! But that’s not until book 8! So. Is it’s Ex and Meridians book, totally new characters… I think haha haven’t heard of them before!
November 2, 2019
4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this one so much! I glad Hart and Free got their HEA. Also loved the banter that the two squads had with each other. Looking forward to Fox and Bull's book.
I really enjoyed this one so much! I glad Hart and Free got their HEA. Also loved the banter that the two squads had with each other. Looking forward to Fox and Bull's book.
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