Review of BOUND BY LAW (Men of Honor #2) by S.E. Jakes

BOUND BY LAW (Men of Honor #2)
By S.E. Jakes
Samhain Publishing, Ltd.
August 9, 2011
ISBN: 9781609285081
Genre: M/M Contemporary Erotic Romance
Ebook, 157 pages
Author Requested Review
S.E. Jakes Website

The one man he can’t forget is the one whose memories could destroy them all.

After the one man he trusted disappeared, it took Law Connor ten years to take a chance on another relationship. Trouble is, right about the time he’s finally ready to let go of the past, the past stages a hostile takeover.

Back when they were teens, Styx was the boy with no memory. He and Law had each other’s backs until he was forced to leave to keep Law safe. Now a CIA agent, he’s finally discovered who he is, and why he’s a hunted man.

Detective Paulo McMannus has almost succeeded in helping Law forget his lost love when Styx comes plowing back into their lives. No way is Paulo giving up his lover without a fight.

Suddenly Law finds himself on the run with Styx, the man who can still bring him to his knees...and with Paulo, the man who brought him back to life. The worst part? He can’t choose between them. And it’s getting harder to remember why he should.

Product Warnings: Contains rough language, rougher sex and warriors who fall hard for one another.

My Ratings
Review

Sexual

We were introduced to LC “Law” Connor and Paulo, with a glimpse of Styx, in BOUND BY HONOR. The story continues here when Law takes the plunge on another chance at love with Paulo, only to have Styx come bursting back onto the scene after being absent for 10 years (or was that 16 years?).

Because of his past connection to Styx, Law’s life is being threatened. CIA Agent Styx shows up out of nowhere and tells Law they, (Law and Paulo) are in deadly danger and need to move to a safe house. Well, this goes over like a ton-o-bricks with Paulo, but as circumstances stand, they have no other choice.

It’s during this time at the safe house(s) where you learn the backstory of the men and what motivates them. Especially what has happened to jog Styx’s memory and have him take action. Styx initially left all those years ago to protect the one he loved, and has been doing it ever since. Law finally found love again after many years in Paulo and doesn’t want to lose it, but is torn between the two men. Paulo knows what he has with Law and is ready to fight for it, but an attraction to Styx catches him by surprise.

There is an element of suspense woven throughout the book as Styx, Law and Paulo stay one step ahead of the goons. (Oh yeah, they’re all alphas: Styx – CIA; Law - former Delta Force; Paulo - Detective.) The sorrow is also tangible when their past comes to light. The main story is during the time spent in the safe house(s) and the conflict the men have coming to terms with the love they have for one another. During this time, Paulo demonstrates his love for Law by making the ultimate sacrifice.

After being dazzled by Damon and Tanner in BOUND BY HONOR, I couldn’t wait to read Law’s story. Unfortunately, there were times that I was plain bumfuzzold by this book. I would lose track of who said what. Take this passage for instance:

“You don’t know what I did. What kind of guy I was. What if what you know is only what you think you know? I might not be who you think I am.”
Styx looked so troubled at his own words that Law could hardly stand it. “I know enough,” he told Styx fiercely.
“I’m dangerous.”
“So am I.”
Styx pushed away. “You and Paulo should hide. Away from me.”
“No.”
“I’m not giving you the choice.”
“I’m through letting you push me away for my own good. That’s just as dangerous and it’s obviously not working.” Styx was protecting him again – the fucking asshole.

And the 10 years (or was that 16 years?) thing? Who intentionally waits in this day and age that long to find love? Yes, I have a real problem with that. Continuing with that same conversation above, I give you:

“I’ve been ruining your life for ten years.”
“Don’t flatter yourself,” Law scoffed, the truth of that statement hitting him harder than it should, because although he’d never considered his pining for Styx something that ruined him, he’d definitely been pining. Hoping. Waiting, like a fucking girl.
Jesus Christ.
It had taken ten years – actually, sixteen if he counted when Styx originally left – to open himself up.

One more, then I quit, promise. These guys have Daddy (and Mommy) issues. Not your run-of-the-mill, “My son is a homosexual so I am going to disown him,” issues – OH NO. Nothing that simple. They included a bigoted pervert, a mafia assassin and a child abuser. Of course, all were homophobic and have more issues that what I’ve listed here.

Oh, and in case you are interested, BOUND BY LAW IS surging with manlove. You’ll find yourself occupied with D/s, bondage, DP, anal, oral and, of course, ménage a trios.

These three men may be bound by Law, but their HEA is cemented by Paulo.