Re-read: Jan/20 - 5 stars

Riley is on the run from his ex-boyfriend, who is a hitman for the Russian mob. On the way, he picks up a hitchhiker, although he doesn't know it at first. Aliens with built in armour systems crashed on earth, and one of the sentient armour systems didn't die with its host. Because it needs a body to live, it invades Riley. When Riley first finds out about the system, he naturally starts thinking about all the science fiction movies he's seen, but the entity assures him that won't happen. In order to bond with his temporary passenger, Riley suggests that it name itself, and the entity chooses McClane, as in John McClane from "Die Hard". Unfortunately, Riley and McClane don't have a lot of time to get to know one another, because unbeknownst to them, the military is after McClane, and Riley's ex is after Riley.

Okay, I don't say this that often ever, but GAH!!!!! This was a re-read for me, and I really enjoyed it the first time. Usually, with a re-read, even if you enjoy it as much upon re-reading, you know what is going to happen, so the anticipation of a new discovery isn't there. I did not find that the case with this book. I was still giggling at McClane and Riley and their comments to each other, still upset for Misha when he first sees Riley again, still following the progression of the military with bated breath.
This story is such a unique concept, and was definitely a wild ride. There were a lot of POVs, and each one managed to add to the story, instead of adding to the confusion. All of the characters were well thought out and fleshed out, and you just want to find out what happens to all of them, including the mob guys that you only meet for a few sentences. ( )

I did not want this book to end, I loved it SO MUCH. It felt like it was written for readers like me, conversant in tropes of romance, m/m romance, and science fiction, as well as gangster tropes, military tropes, and the art of giving the reader more than one or two points of view. The characters are great, the plot's compelling, and although the author says no, I'm hoping for a short story some day letting us drop in on them years later.

The only content warning I'd want to see is about the on-page body count, even though it is justified, since the love interest is a Russian syndicate killer; his lover inadvertently hosts an alien the government's after, and the whole mess got off on the wrong foot.

I saw a review complaining about the "unnecessary" points of view, like Misha's sister. Because this story is a complex melding of First Contact, relationship in trouble/broken, authorities hunting an escaped body-grabbing alien thing -- anyway, because it's complex, I knew she was in there for a reason. Sure enough, it made the epilogue carry more weight. You can trust this author to give you a whole story, and so yes, read this one. I am so impressed. ( )

This was something else. I would say that it gave me the impression of a fantastic sci-fi action movie, but I honestly can't. Movies are so overrated. This book was a real deal.
I was very curious what would transpire in a story that had thrown together cowboys, aliens, hit men and soldiers. Can't say I expected it all to fit in so nicely, though, so imagine my amazement when after only the first few chapters I ended up completely engrossed. By the time I reached the second half of the book, I couldn't put it down. I'm very grateful every time a story grips me like that, because I tend to have the attention span of a rodent and often, when in most books the action tends to wind down a bit before the big reveal, I begin to lose interest.
No such thing as winding down here, though. What a relief. The book was full of surprises. It made me laugh in inappropriate places, too. I absolutely loved the changing POVs - in my opinion it's the best choice of narration, and it lets the readers get so much more out of the story.
It was a great read and I enjoyed myself very much. Corny? A bit, but I wouldn't change a thing. And how cute was that ending? I needed that. ( )

It has been said before - this book reads like an action movie. It was fun and engaging but not something I like in my books. If I wanted an action flick I would have went to the theater or re-watched Lethal Weapon for the n-th time and had the same kind of fun only less time consuming. ( )

Yes, I am giving this action flick 5 stars for what it is - McClane/T-100/Robocop/alien/Russian mafia/Military pile-up.

It doesn't have to be realistic


And there are a few hiccups,

but so what?

As long as there is

a hunky cowboy


a studly Russian mafia hit man со товарищи


a cool gay alien armour system with a McClane crush


all of whom survived the US Military


and a surprisingly decent Russian (however little), I am a very very happy camper.

More, please :D

( )