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MIA Case Files #2
Blood Relations
Agent Cooper Wallace doesn’t expect meet the love of his life while hunting an Umbrae-possessed vampire. Nor does he expect a scorching one night stand to lead to a lasting relationship. Meeting Frazer Nyland challenges a lot of Cooper’s expectations, though. Unfortunately, Cooper also doesn’t expect his investigation of missing men to lead him to Frazer’s home town and the discovery that the disappearances can all be connected to Frazer.
The police suspect Frazer is a serial killer. Cooper’s agency suspects Frazer is a vicious, bloodthirsty vampire. Cooper is determined to prove them wrong, despite an obsessive cop who’ll stop at nothing to take Frazer down. But the clues mount up, and Cooper begins to believe Frazer might be the killer. The realization comes too late, because Cooper’s already done the unforgivable -- he’s fallen in love with an Umbrae.
If Cooper does his job and closes the Umbrae’s portal, at best, he will destroy Frazer’s memories of their love. At worst, Cooper’s action will kill Frazer. Can Cooper do what’s right and save the lives of nameless, faceless innocents if the price is the death of the man he loves?
The police suspect Frazer is a serial killer. Cooper’s agency suspects Frazer is a vicious, bloodthirsty vampire. Cooper is determined to prove them wrong, despite an obsessive cop who’ll stop at nothing to take Frazer down. But the clues mount up, and Cooper begins to believe Frazer might be the killer. The realization comes too late, because Cooper’s already done the unforgivable -- he’s fallen in love with an Umbrae.
If Cooper does his job and closes the Umbrae’s portal, at best, he will destroy Frazer’s memories of their love. At worst, Cooper’s action will kill Frazer. Can Cooper do what’s right and save the lives of nameless, faceless innocents if the price is the death of the man he loves?
203 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 2010
195 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
July 28, 2011
I really liked this story. I found it to be better written than the first book and I never found myself confused about the paranormal aspects of it like I did previously. The plot was extremely predictable and I was hoping for a huge twist the entire time, but unfortunately it never came. I had the bad guy picked out almost from the very begining. But it still kept me interested and I never got bored.
I really liked both of the MCs, Frazer and Cooper. They were both really sweet and insecure and so hopeful of finally finding "the one". Their biggest issues were all the secrets and mis-communications between each other. Sometimes I wanted to scream, though, because anytime something bad would happen, each guy would immediately think the worst of the other guy. Then without even communicating, think that the relationship was doomed and over. That got annoying. But it was hot every time they made up, so I can't complain too much!
Finally, I loved getting to see Adam again. He plays a pretty big role in this book as Cooper's partner at MIA. He was hilarious!!
I'm really looking forward to the next book of the MIA series.
I really liked both of the MCs, Frazer and Cooper. They were both really sweet and insecure and so hopeful of finally finding "the one". Their biggest issues were all the secrets and mis-communications between each other. Sometimes I wanted to scream, though, because anytime something bad would happen, each guy would immediately think the worst of the other guy. Then without even communicating, think that the relationship was doomed and over. That got annoying. But it was hot every time they made up, so I can't complain too much!
Finally, I loved getting to see Adam again. He plays a pretty big role in this book as Cooper's partner at MIA. He was hilarious!!
I'm really looking forward to the next book of the MIA series.
July 28, 2011
I liked this one much better than the first one.
Cooper and Frazer were both really likable characters even if I wanted to smack both of them a time or two and tell them to stop assuming something. They are perfect for each other, though, and both want the same thing together they just had a hard time communicating what they wanting in the beginning. It all works out, though, when they finally lay it all out what they want.
I pegged the mystery right from the beginning. I mean, like literally two pages into the first chapter and I knew who the killer was. It was a very predictable mystery and story but very entertaining. I liked it a lot especially since we got to see a bit more of Adam and Carmichael.
The only thing I had a problem with was the sex. There's not an overabundance of it, it just didn't interest me at all. Completely personal opinion and I bet nobody else agrees with me on that. Lol. Oh, and I also still have a few questions from the first book that were never answered but this one was much easier to follow along with than Wolfsbane was.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. Much better than the first in the series and I can't wait to see what happens in the next one. Recommended.
Cooper and Frazer were both really likable characters even if I wanted to smack both of them a time or two and tell them to stop assuming something. They are perfect for each other, though, and both want the same thing together they just had a hard time communicating what they wanting in the beginning. It all works out, though, when they finally lay it all out what they want.
I pegged the mystery right from the beginning. I mean, like literally two pages into the first chapter and I knew who the killer was. It was a very predictable mystery and story but very entertaining. I liked it a lot especially since we got to see a bit more of Adam and Carmichael.
The only thing I had a problem with was the sex. There's not an overabundance of it, it just didn't interest me at all. Completely personal opinion and I bet nobody else agrees with me on that. Lol. Oh, and I also still have a few questions from the first book that were never answered but this one was much easier to follow along with than Wolfsbane was.
Overall, I enjoyed the story. Much better than the first in the series and I can't wait to see what happens in the next one. Recommended.
November 30, 2010
This is the second in the MIA Case Files series. I enjoyed the characters, even though Frazer drove me a bit crazy with his insecurity resulting in keeping secrets that should have been let out, saving everyone some grief. But then we wouldn't have a story, would we? :)
It's been a while since the first book, but I think this one has a bit less of the technical stuff centering around the portals and the agency and all that. But I don't think you'd have to read the first one to understand it. I liked that it focused on the men and their quickly developing relationship, and the roadblocks that came up due to Cooper's need to keep his job out of the public eye as well as Frazer's difficult circumstances when he's a person of interest in a series of murders. The hateful characters were easy to hate. It was easy to predict the outcome, but I second-guessed myself on it a number of times.
It's been a while since the first book, but I think this one has a bit less of the technical stuff centering around the portals and the agency and all that. But I don't think you'd have to read the first one to understand it. I liked that it focused on the men and their quickly developing relationship, and the roadblocks that came up due to Cooper's need to keep his job out of the public eye as well as Frazer's difficult circumstances when he's a person of interest in a series of murders. The hateful characters were easy to hate. It was easy to predict the outcome, but I second-guessed myself on it a number of times.
October 14, 2012
2.5 Stars
Agent Cooper Wallace and professional house-sitter Frazer Nyland are two lost, lonely souls looking for something more meaningful than a one-night-stand. Fortunately, they find each other at Bar None and never look back. K.C. Burn has a talent for creating engaging MCs; Coop and Frazer are no exception. I really liked both MCs and rooted for their HEA.
Coop and his partner (Adam) are on the hunt for a Umbrae-possessed vampire in Frazer's home town of Brinton. As the investigation develops, more men turn up missing and all can be connected to Frazer. The police suspect Frazer is a serial killer; the MIA suspects Frazer is a vicious, bloodthirsty vampire. Coop is determined to prove them wrong, but as the clues mount, Coop has little choice but to believe that Frazer may be the killer. Ultimately, Coop is faced with the very real possibility that if he does his job and closes the Umbrae's portal, he will either lose the love of his life or, at the very least, destroy Frazer’s memories of their love.
In this book, Burn fills in some of the gaps in the MIA-Umbrae-portal back story but sadly leaves much to be desired. For example, we now know that gay men are genetically more attuned to the emanations from portals. And, gay men are genetically predisposed to better survive the work of an MIA agent. Um ... okaaaaay. As far as explanations go, those are pretty cheezy but I'll roll with them. Unfortunately, I am no closer to understanding what the Umbrae are or how a portal works. And, what the heck are sonic charges? (BTW, sonic charges just make me think of Sonic the Hedgehog ... remember him? Did I just date myself? *sigh*) In book 2, we get a glimpse of what working in the MIA is like from Coop's standpoint and that's sorta helpful but it also raises more questions: Who are the other agents? Are Oliver, Carmichael, Adam, and Coop it? Who's the boss? Who does the MIA answer to? Is it the president? Why was the MIA created? Why are the Umbrae called Umbrae? What are they??? Alien life form? Evil spirits? What the eff is going on?!?
Coop and Frazer's romance was very sweet but I disliked that the tension/suspense of this book is based solely on a lack of communication.
My advice: overlook the sad plot device and focus on the sweetness between Coop and Frazer.
Agent Cooper Wallace and professional house-sitter Frazer Nyland are two lost, lonely souls looking for something more meaningful than a one-night-stand. Fortunately, they find each other at Bar None and never look back. K.C. Burn has a talent for creating engaging MCs; Coop and Frazer are no exception. I really liked both MCs and rooted for their HEA.
Coop and his partner (Adam) are on the hunt for a Umbrae-possessed vampire in Frazer's home town of Brinton. As the investigation develops, more men turn up missing and all can be connected to Frazer. The police suspect Frazer is a serial killer; the MIA suspects Frazer is a vicious, bloodthirsty vampire. Coop is determined to prove them wrong, but as the clues mount, Coop has little choice but to believe that Frazer may be the killer. Ultimately, Coop is faced with the very real possibility that if he does his job and closes the Umbrae's portal, he will either lose the love of his life or, at the very least, destroy Frazer’s memories of their love.
In this book, Burn fills in some of the gaps in the MIA-Umbrae-portal back story but sadly leaves much to be desired. For example, we now know that gay men are genetically more attuned to the emanations from portals. And, gay men are genetically predisposed to better survive the work of an MIA agent. Um ... okaaaaay. As far as explanations go, those are pretty cheezy but I'll roll with them. Unfortunately, I am no closer to understanding what the Umbrae are or how a portal works. And, what the heck are sonic charges? (BTW, sonic charges just make me think of Sonic the Hedgehog ... remember him? Did I just date myself? *sigh*) In book 2, we get a glimpse of what working in the MIA is like from Coop's standpoint and that's sorta helpful but it also raises more questions: Who are the other agents? Are Oliver, Carmichael, Adam, and Coop it? Who's the boss? Who does the MIA answer to? Is it the president? Why was the MIA created? Why are the Umbrae called Umbrae? What are they??? Alien life form? Evil spirits? What the eff is going on?!?
Coop and Frazer's romance was very sweet but I disliked that the tension/suspense of this book is based solely on a lack of communication.
My advice: overlook the sad plot device and focus on the sweetness between Coop and Frazer.
April 12, 2011
With just enough worldbuilding to give readers an idea of the background, this story focuses mainly on the two heroes and their quickly developing relationship. I found both characters well worked out, particularly Cooper, who finds himself shaken to the core when he finds out that he’s fallen in love with the very thing he’s sworn to fight and yet has it in him to do what he perceives as his duty, to do what is right, at all cost. Frazer drove me a little crazy with his insecurities and doubts, but he was still a likeable character with enough of an edge to avoid being a wimp. Frazer’s bite fetish added a bit of kink to their lovemaking, of which there was quite a lot – not always essentially necessary to forward the plot, but hot enough to singe the pages, thus I won’t complain.
The relationship went from lust to love pretty fast, but with them both looking for long-term in the first place, this didn’t bother me much – it didn’t feel like insta-love, more like finding “the one and only”, which is a legitimate romance element, particularly when it comes to paranormal stories, after all.
From the secondary cast, Adam was Cooper’s voice of reason and everything that makes a good work partner and friend. Adam and his lover Carmichael were nicely drawn without stealing the show away from the main pairing. The policeman, Goodson, was the most interesting secondary character; hopefully, he’ll get his own story later in the series.
There was actually not much of a mystery, the outcome was pretty predictable. This was okay with me because the focus of the story was on the relationship, and the author managed to create tension even with the baddie revealed early on. The final showdown had me on the edge of my seat even though I knew what was going to happen – which is a testament of skillfull writing, in my opinion.
After reading a number of books with unusual, painfully realistic or even unhappy plots, I was delighted to find in “Blood Relations” something I’ve come to think of as “traditional” paranormal m/m romance. It had enough original elements to avoid being formulaic but was still “adherent to the rules” enough to read familiar, a concept that should appeal to both new m/m readers and those who’ve been around a while. I really enjoyed this entertaining read.
Read the full review at reviewsbyjessewave.com
The relationship went from lust to love pretty fast, but with them both looking for long-term in the first place, this didn’t bother me much – it didn’t feel like insta-love, more like finding “the one and only”, which is a legitimate romance element, particularly when it comes to paranormal stories, after all.
From the secondary cast, Adam was Cooper’s voice of reason and everything that makes a good work partner and friend. Adam and his lover Carmichael were nicely drawn without stealing the show away from the main pairing. The policeman, Goodson, was the most interesting secondary character; hopefully, he’ll get his own story later in the series.
There was actually not much of a mystery, the outcome was pretty predictable. This was okay with me because the focus of the story was on the relationship, and the author managed to create tension even with the baddie revealed early on. The final showdown had me on the edge of my seat even though I knew what was going to happen – which is a testament of skillfull writing, in my opinion.
After reading a number of books with unusual, painfully realistic or even unhappy plots, I was delighted to find in “Blood Relations” something I’ve come to think of as “traditional” paranormal m/m romance. It had enough original elements to avoid being formulaic but was still “adherent to the rules” enough to read familiar, a concept that should appeal to both new m/m readers and those who’ve been around a while. I really enjoyed this entertaining read.
Read the full review at reviewsbyjessewave.com
January 5, 2012
3.5 stars.
Blood Relations is the second installment in the MIA Case Files series which chronicles secret agents fighting supernatural beings named the Umbrae. In this novel, Cooper Wallace is hunting a vampire who is killing seemingly random people, the only link between the victims? Frazer Nyland. Cooper doesn’t expect to fall in love with his suspect, especially when he thinks Frazer might be possessed by an Umbrae, but that’s what happens.
This series continues to surprise me, taking the standard paranormal trope and flipping it around by adding a special paranormal unit that fights the bad guys. While each book is self-contained, reading them in order would help give the reader a sense of continuity and background. In Blood Relations, we get the unusual twist of an agent falling in love with someone he believes might be evil and despite his misgivings, Cooper starts a relationship with Frazer. As the killings get more frequent, Cooper has to decide between his lover and his job.
As a fan of any type of vampire novels, Blood Relations was a treat. While I did guess who the bad guy was early on, that did not deter me from enjoying the story of love, lust and murder. Cooper and Frazer have become my favorite couple in this series so far and I look forward to the next installment to see what supernatural creature shows up.
Dark Divas Reviews
Blood Relations is the second installment in the MIA Case Files series which chronicles secret agents fighting supernatural beings named the Umbrae. In this novel, Cooper Wallace is hunting a vampire who is killing seemingly random people, the only link between the victims? Frazer Nyland. Cooper doesn’t expect to fall in love with his suspect, especially when he thinks Frazer might be possessed by an Umbrae, but that’s what happens.
This series continues to surprise me, taking the standard paranormal trope and flipping it around by adding a special paranormal unit that fights the bad guys. While each book is self-contained, reading them in order would help give the reader a sense of continuity and background. In Blood Relations, we get the unusual twist of an agent falling in love with someone he believes might be evil and despite his misgivings, Cooper starts a relationship with Frazer. As the killings get more frequent, Cooper has to decide between his lover and his job.
As a fan of any type of vampire novels, Blood Relations was a treat. While I did guess who the bad guy was early on, that did not deter me from enjoying the story of love, lust and murder. Cooper and Frazer have become my favorite couple in this series so far and I look forward to the next installment to see what supernatural creature shows up.
Dark Divas Reviews
October 30, 2010
While Cooper and Frazer have that instant electric attraction and they quickly jump the sheet and there are a number of lovemaking scene ... I can't help to loving this story so much.
It is so sweet knowing that both Cooper (the 32-year old MIA agent who is quite sensitive) and Frazer (the 26-year old house sitter) are both looking for a relationship. I enjoy their attraction and their sex sessions -- it's pretty hot. I find Frazer's bite fetish is kind of kinky, but entertaining to read (Coop ends up calling him Toothy). Imagine Cooper with bite marks on his body!! I don't even mind the more sensitive side of Cooper, though I usually more drawn to a cold hard guys in stories I read.
The "mystery" is not as strong as the first book, though. I mean, you will know who is the bad guy and why he is doing it. No guessing needs to be done.
Love the appearance of Carmichael and Adam in this book too - Adam is now an MIA agent too, and he's Cooper's partner. Now I wonder if there is a further book on the horizon. Simply because I think Oliver is intriguing (what's HIS story?!?) and that detective, Luis Goodson, is a good material for a main character.
It's a fast read for me. I wholeheartedly enjoy reading it.
It is so sweet knowing that both Cooper (the 32-year old MIA agent who is quite sensitive) and Frazer (the 26-year old house sitter) are both looking for a relationship. I enjoy their attraction and their sex sessions -- it's pretty hot. I find Frazer's bite fetish is kind of kinky, but entertaining to read (Coop ends up calling him Toothy). Imagine Cooper with bite marks on his body!! I don't even mind the more sensitive side of Cooper, though I usually more drawn to a cold hard guys in stories I read.
The "mystery" is not as strong as the first book, though. I mean, you will know who is the bad guy and why he is doing it. No guessing needs to be done.
Love the appearance of Carmichael and Adam in this book too - Adam is now an MIA agent too, and he's Cooper's partner. Now I wonder if there is a further book on the horizon. Simply because I think Oliver is intriguing (what's HIS story?!?) and that detective, Luis Goodson, is a good material for a main character.
It's a fast read for me. I wholeheartedly enjoy reading it.
January 28, 2012
Blood Relations, the second book in Ms. Burn's MIA Case Files, was as watery as Wolfsbane, the first book in the series. My main complaint lays with the underdeveloped paranormal world that Ms. Burn was presenting. Too often we were spoon fed information about the "Umbrae" without any further explanation or clarification that would have added some much needed substance to the story. If the Umbrae are the foe then we should know something about them, something that will make us root for the good guys. There were too many missed opportunities to enhance this story and make it shine. And that's a shame. Unlike the characters in the first book, I found the two MCs in Blood Relations to be marginally likable, overly needy and clingy. Characteristics that kill a character for me.
I could forgive the weak world building in the book if the two MCs were stronger and more likable, but that wasn't the case. I give Blood Relations two and a half stars, rounded up to three because of the draconian star rules of GoodReads.
July 4, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. The main characters, Cooper and Frazer, made a great couple. Both had bad luck with romance and were looking for Mr. Right not Mr. Right Now. It was refreshing to read a book in which both MC's were looking for a permanent relationship not just a one night stand. So often in romance books one of the MCs just isn't ready to settle down and struggles to commit to one person.
Although I figured out who the bad guy was early on I still enjoyed seeing the mystery unfold. Because the story alternated between both MC's point of view you got to see how each man felt as the events unfolded. It was especially heartbreaking to watch Cooper struggle with the knowlege that doing his job could cost him the love of his life. As a side note for anyone who dislikes dual POV, I found the POV changes easy to follow.
I read the first book in the series some time ago and have a hard time remembering the story line. Adam, one of the MC's from that book, is Cooper's MIA partner and figures fairly prominently in this book. He's very funny. I wish I remembered more of his book. Obviously I don't think it's necessary to read the first book to enjoy this book.
Although I figured out who the bad guy was early on I still enjoyed seeing the mystery unfold. Because the story alternated between both MC's point of view you got to see how each man felt as the events unfolded. It was especially heartbreaking to watch Cooper struggle with the knowlege that doing his job could cost him the love of his life. As a side note for anyone who dislikes dual POV, I found the POV changes easy to follow.
I read the first book in the series some time ago and have a hard time remembering the story line. Adam, one of the MC's from that book, is Cooper's MIA partner and figures fairly prominently in this book. He's very funny. I wish I remembered more of his book. Obviously I don't think it's necessary to read the first book to enjoy this book.
September 27, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. Not so much guessing where the case was concerned compared to the first book, but I didn't miss it. The twist with the cop was good.
Love that both MCs were concerned about being clingy, but unlike most m/f books I've read they actually TALKED. So refreshing. (ugh personal peeve there)
The only minor teeny tiny detail I would change was in the beginning few chapters. There are maybe 5 years between the characters, but there was a lot of 'the younger man' and 'the older man' and even a 'I bet he doesn't feel the aches that I do at my age' (that's not a direct quote, but close). Um. This wasn't a May/December romance. No need to harp on the ages. But... it may be said that since I'm in my 30s now I don't like to consider someone that is 26 as being SO much younger. But that's a whole other review.
p.s. buy this one. It's great.
Love that both MCs were concerned about being clingy, but unlike most m/f books I've read they actually TALKED. So refreshing. (ugh personal peeve there)
The only minor teeny tiny detail I would change was in the beginning few chapters. There are maybe 5 years between the characters, but there was a lot of 'the younger man' and 'the older man' and even a 'I bet he doesn't feel the aches that I do at my age' (that's not a direct quote, but close). Um. This wasn't a May/December romance. No need to harp on the ages. But... it may be said that since I'm in my 30s now I don't like to consider someone that is 26 as being SO much younger. But that's a whole other review.
p.s. buy this one. It's great.
May 17, 2014
Well...the sex was fun. I kinda liked seeing Frazer and Cooper together but the lack of trust and self-assurance with their relationship kinda took the fun out of everything. Became quite pathetic at times. And Frazer's naiveté regarding his twin was grating on my nerves too. Not to mention the way Cooper fell apart when he thought Frazer was guilty. If only they'd talked about it, but, no. Cooper couldn't tell anything because of his job and Frazer was too damn chicken to be honest and explain things. So, while I liked them together, I don't see how they managed to fall in love when they were all so busy not trusting each other. What kind of relationship is that anyway? A depressing one I think.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 6, 2014
I enjoyed this book more than the first in the series. This one fleshed out more of the back story begun in the first book concerning the MIA, the Umbrae and the portals.
I found Cooper and Frazer a likeable couple although again the heavy dose of Instalove was a bit much. My one problem with this book was
Overall it is a nice easy read, hot sexy scenes and good characters. I will finish the series.
I found Cooper and Frazer a likeable couple although again the heavy dose of Instalove was a bit much. My one problem with this book was
Overall it is a nice easy read, hot sexy scenes and good characters. I will finish the series.
January 23, 2012
Three strikes and she's out. I've read three books by KC Burn and they've all gone from a great start to a frustrating middle that lasts way too long before a resolution at the end. The misunderstandings and miscommunications and coincidences pile up past my waist (and I'm pretty tall!). They could be great, but they're too annoying. Frazer's evil twin? Adam's secret identity as an uber-responsible academic? You're killing me, here.
September 3, 2014
Another entertaining read! *Possible Spoilers
Really, really liked this one! Getting to know Frazier and Coop was fun. This addition to the MIA Case Files was more involved than the first case and that added to my enjoyment. Yes there was a communication problem between the two MC's but this time it fit. Frazier had good reason to not tell Coop about Julian.
Also got to spend more time with Adam & Carmichael from MIA Case File 1!
Really, really liked this one! Getting to know Frazier and Coop was fun. This addition to the MIA Case Files was more involved than the first case and that added to my enjoyment. Yes there was a communication problem between the two MC's but this time it fit. Frazier had good reason to not tell Coop about Julian.
Also got to spend more time with Adam & Carmichael from MIA Case File 1!
February 1, 2011
2.5 stars. Ok paranormal m/m romance about another MIA agent who gets involved with a young man who seems too good to be true. I didn't enjoy the second book in this series nearly as much as I did the first - it was just too predictable.
June 15, 2012
I do get frustrated with people who keep secrets, especially things that seem like common knowledge, like sharing the knowledge you have a twin, that's a pretty normal thing you talk about with a new boyfriend, however I loved the couple together. Very spicy.
July 29, 2019
Enjoyable story, although I liked the first one better. This one has a good plot, an evil twin, and features the same secret government agency. MIA = Metaphysical Intelligence Agency--kind of an X-files deal. Plan to read the next one in series right away.
August 22, 2013
3.5 rounded up to 4
December 4, 2012
Good story. More well rounded than the 1st in the series. Now I'm off the read the 3rd book.
January 3, 2013
3.75 stars
October 2, 2015
4.25' This was really interesting, and lead characters were so sweet, good seeing Adam and Carmicheal again too' stars.
January 22, 2015
Book two: again insta-lust and insta-love, followed by , again boners everywhere, but also again quite a lot of fun to read and overall hotness.
March 21, 2012
Nice follow-up to the first MIA story.
April 25, 2017
2nd read 2/24/2015, 3rd read 04/2017
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews