Review: Sadistic Sherlock by Jocelynn Drake & Rinda Elliott (Ward Security #4)

Note: An advanced reader copy (ARC) was provided by the authors via IndiGo Marketing & Design.

“Love isn't just an extra layer of feelings. Love is the feeling.”

He searched those brown eyes, and what saw in response chased away the disappointment instantly. That swell in his chest turned warm and welcoming, and he was glad for the water on his face, because his eyes teared up. “The feeling, huh? Like the big kahuna?” 

Abe smirked. “That and the whole shebang.”

“The grand poobah?”

“And the top banana.”

Just when I thought this series couldn't get any better...IT DOES! I did the whole fangirl flail thing after reading the fourth and latest novel in Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliott's epically awesome Ward Security series because Abe and Dom's story was everything I didn't know I needed. Sadistic Sherlock is all about thirty-two-year-old Dominic Walsh and forty-nine-year-old Abraham Stephens, and boy, oh boy, but how these two worked the whole slow burn thing and proved how true the notion of "delayed gratification" really was. This book is the best one...so far!

Dom can admit that his reputation as a player was well-earned, but when he was tasked to watch over a particular silver fox who's more than adept at working his way around wood, Dom realized that the time for playing the field was over. The only man he wants is Abe, but how can he convince the guy that he's not looking for a hookup--that he wants the same thing Abe wants: something long-lasting; something permanent. But even before they can make a firmer push towards a relationship, Dom realizes dead men do--and must--tell tales if the dead man is him.

This! This story is the perfect example of how romance and suspense can be finely balanced when put in the hands of an able author, and Drake and Elliott have proven time and again just how capable they are. From their Unbreakable Bonds series to their Ward Security spin-off, they've assembled the kind of cast of characters that you want to get to know, because even when they're "just" supporting characters, you're already all curious and interested to find out what kind of stories they've got waiting for the authors to unleash upon all of their readers.

With Dom and Abe, there was this honest-to-goodness connection that they shared, and while there may have been some hesitation on Abe's part, it wasn't this overly drawn out thing that made me want to scream in frustration. I loved these two together, but I also liked who they were apart, i.e. as individuals, and their bonds with those who were closest to them were clearly strong and that highlighted the kind of people they were. Dom and Abe were sweet, but goodness, when things heated up, it was absolutely sizzling between them and I loved it!

The suspense part of the story had me at the edge of my seat. I honestly can't recall a book that I've read in all my years that shared any similarity to the angle here. I don't want to give anything away, but suffice it to say that I was anxious to see how everything would be resolved and when I got to that part, I was a bit torn because I could imagine how difficult of a situation everyone had found themselves in, Dom especially. This has set the bar even higher than before, and I'm already all antsy to find out how Drake and Elliott are going to top this particular story.

Naturally, we've still got the rest of the guys from Ward Security and even a few from the authors' original series, and as always, they added that bit of punch to the book. I do wonder, though, if we'll be seeing Trent Elrige sometime in the (near) future... Hint, hint, Jocelynn and Rinda! And Rowe Ward did mention that a particular event has led to "a serious influx of new business" and needing to hire more people... So, can I look forward to the Ward Security series heading into double digit numbers? Yes? Please? For now, I'm giving Sadistic Sherlock five-plus stars. ♥

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Read my reviews for the Ward Security series:

Psycho Romeo (book one) - five-plus stars - My Review

Dantés Unglued (book two) - five stars - My Review

Deadly Dorian (book three) - five-plus stars - My Review
Jackson (novella) - five stars - My Review
Sadistic Sherlock (book four) - five-plus stars - My Review (posted above)

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Date Read: 30 September 2018

Learn more about Jocelynn Drake and Rinda Elliott.

Purchase Sadistic Sherlock on Amazon.