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  • Elusive Relations

  • Valor and Doyle, Book 2
  • By: Nicky James
  • Narrated by: Nick J. Russo
  • Length: 11 hrs and 37 mins
  • 4.8 out of 5 stars (60 ratings)
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Elusive Relations cover art

Elusive Relations

By: Nicky James
Narrated by: Nick J. Russo
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Summary

Life was easier when rival detectives Quaid Valor and Aslan Doyle kept to their own sides of the building. They could forget the one glorious night they’d shared and move on.

But when Aslan is called to a homicide and discovers one of the victims has a personal history with Quaid, he knows a confrontation is inevitable.

When news about the case spreads, Quaid can’t help but get involved. He wants answers; if not for himself, then for the families of the victims.

Joining Aslan and his partner, Quaid uncovers more than he bargained for—too many secrets and lies in a case that is dangerously personal.

Plus, the more time he spends with Aslan, the harder it is for Quaid to ignore his attraction to the playboy detective.

Aslan, who doesn’t believe in repeats, can’t seem to stop flirting with the grumpy MPU detective, and his rules go out the window as they’re drawn deeper into the case.

But what happens when one more night turns to two, and two turns into three?

Does Quaid want to risk his heart again?

Has Aslan developed feelings?

Can they put a stop to their fun and walk away?

Do they want to?

The Valor and Doyle mysteries are a same-couple ongoing series and should be enjoyed in order. The main mystery plot of each book will be resolved within the story, but there are elements that are overarching throughout the series.

©2022 Nicole James (P)2022 Nicole James

What listeners say about Elusive Relations

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great series

I absolutely loved thies series - Valor and Doyle are great characters and the story is exciting.
Highly recommended!

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Brilliant standalone investigation story and continuation of the series

Brilliant standalone investigation story and continuation of the series. Well read and paced. Manageable level of suspense and angst for someone with anxiety! Story is detailed and satisfying with protagonists HFN and a cliffhanger signalling the next case’s direction. Well with listening and can’t wait for the next book.

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Absolutely Magnificent ❤️

WOW.......Absolutely outstanding hooked from the start love the books by Nicky James and in audio Nick J Russo as nailed it again truly superb narration love how he brings Quaid and Aslan to life the mystery that gets them working together again unable to deny the chemistry between them they can't stay away from each other the teasing, flirting and the banter is so much fun they are so perfect together love these two can't wait for more recommend so much. ❤️

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Fantastic listen.

Nick J Russo always gives a captivating performance and this audio is no exception. I binge listened to the first 9 hrs and only stopped as my ear was tender from my ear buds. Each and every character was easily distinguishable from the others and Nick J Russo never faulted throughout the entire audio maintaining the tone and cadence to the very end.
This was a binge worthy listen that had me hooked from the very start to the jaw dropping final line. A great cast of characters combined with an intriguing plot blended together perfectly by the story telling ability of Nicky James makes for a remarkable experience.

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Addictive series

I am devouring this series!
I love the ongoing developing storyline and adore Valor and Doyle.
The narration is really good and I can't wait to see how the rest of the series develops.
I'm now about to start listening to the next one.
Highly recommended.

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The story continues

I like this one better than the first, probably because I know a lot of the characters now. It’s fun and easy as well as serious.

Nick is amazing as usual. With the accents in the last book, this time it’s the emotional parts that impress me! Making a sobbing, blubbering mess sounds believable isn’t a walk in the park!

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Sharp drop in my interest ….

📚 The central investigation was interesting with fun twists and turns. Unfortunately, the redundant reminder of that May hookup and the MPU/Homicide rivalry was boring. Aslan continued with his sexual banter at crime scenes and Valor was part of an investigation involving his abusive ex-boyfriend. Goodness! He was not a person of interest but surely was there not a conflict of interest? I snapped up Books 1 to 4 of this series because credits needed to be used up and reviews suggested it would be a Canadian version of the excellent (American) Seven of Spades Series by Cordelia Kingsbridge or fresh (Australian) Death & the Devil Series by LJ Hayward. Valor + Doyle is out-classed and l have this sinking feeling.

🎧 Nick Russo did too little to distinguish Quaid (a reserved, deeply feeling character who thinks before he speaks) from Aslan (a fly by the pants, impulsive, man-child). It is possible to explain pitching their voices the same with a slightly different accent but why, dear lawd, did the narrator then not infuse their vocals with their different emotional make up? Russo’s vocal choices for the MCs is unfortunate.

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Amazing story!

The story is super compelling and I can’t wait to know what happens. The ending was satisfying relationship wise and it got me hooked to listening to the next book. As usual, Nick J Russo did an amazing job, love his voice and the way he reads the book.

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Amazing!!!

I absolutely love the hijinks and shenanigans between Quaid and Aslan.

This series keeps getting better!!

I absolutely love how we see Quaid and Aslan's relationship further evolve.

The mystery is an added layer of suspense and spice to the romantic plot.

Definitely recommend this series

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Simply fabulous

Nothing Nicky James writes could ever be described as run-of-the-mill. She continually surprises and enthrals me with her fabulous writing and unique storylines. So memorable are her characters that I remember each and every one of them with affection long after finishing her books. I’ve already returned for comfort re-reads/re-listens of much of her work despite having only discovered her in the past year and I’ve devoured her entire backlist with relish. There’s nothing bland about this talented lady’s writing - it’s gritty and has totally commanded my attention. I’m in awe of the fascinating and diverse subjects she has so far covered with such obvious attention to research detail.

In this instalment of Nicky James’s Valor and Doyle series there is a violent attack on two men to investigate which leads to the death of one of them, with the other left clinging to life in ICU for many weeks. It’s not in Valor’s normal remit as he is a detective in the Missing Persons Unit, but the crime is personal to him and he therefore sets out to persuade homicide detective, Aslan Doyle, and his partner, Torin Fox, to allow him to join forces with them and consult using his insider knowledge of one of the victims in his argument to their compliance. Before the end of Elusive Relations is reached we are also given a hint that a MPU cold case is to be re-opened. I really hoped for this and am salivating with anticipation.

It’s difficult to write a review of an ongoing series without giving away spoilers. I know there are some who prefer to wait for completion and then read or listen back-to-back… myself included generally - so it’s these people I’m considering by not giving too much of the story away. However, so addictive is this series and the developing attraction between Nicky James’s two fabulous detectives that I simply couldn’t wait for the series to be completed and I had to jump in, to both read and listen as soon as the books and audio books were released. Do yourself a favour, if you love a clever mystery with many twists and turns, fabulous writing, two perfectly imperfect men who are poles apart but who just can’t stay away from each other then you’ve found the perfect series.

Nick Russo does a fabulous job with the narration of this book. His portrayal of Doyle’s partner, Torin Fox, stands out in particular; I can totally see this Jack-the-lad character in my mind’s eye… cocky and sure of himself he throws every obstacle in the way of Valor’s attempts to join their team. He’s also astonished to see that his normally promiscuous partner, Doyle, is apparently falling hard for their MPU nemesis. I really loved Torin and thought Nick Russo totally nailed him. I again found the fact that he didn’t give Valor and Doyle’s voices enough differences to distinguish between them a slight problem. But so slight that I adapted and listened carefully; the more upbeat, flirty tone he gave to Doyle helped when the two were in conversation. Also, there are dialogue tags, so my enjoyment wasn’t spoilt. And as I’m now more used to the differences in these two detectives simply from Nicky James’s description and development of them I’m not marking Nick Russo down.

Never have I waited with so much anticipation for the next book in an ongoing series. Quaid Valor and Aslan Doyle have carved a place in my heart and I can hardly wait to see where the author takes them on their journey. Highly recommended.

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