Roughed Up

Title: Roughed Up

Author: Hank Edwards

Publisher: Loose Id

Publisher URL: www.loose-id.com

ISBN: 978-1-62300-283-1

Genre: {M/M} Suspense Series

Rating: 4.5 Nymphs

Literary Nymphs Reviewer: Chocolate Minx 

Vacationing on the beaches of Barbados Island does not impede Mark Beecher’s curiosity. However, Mark’s curiosity is the source of his being kidnapped and his lover, FBI Special Agent Aaron Pearce rushing to Mark’s rescue, along with capturing a sex slavery ring.

Roughed Up is the third book in the Up to Trouble series. Mark and Pearce first met in Holed Up when Pearce is assigned to protect Mark Beecher, who was a witness to an attempted terrorist attack in Detroit. The time they spent together evolved into Mark and Pearce becoming lovers. Shacked Up features Mark who is a chef, moves into Pearce’s Washington, DC apartment, as well as getting a job catering prestigious parties. The catering company’s criminal activities lead to Mark’s unemployment and Pearce’s suspension. Pearce, who has never been in an actual relationship, is still learning to take into account Mark’s feelings before making judgmental statements. Mark worries Pearce will end their relationship. Drugged and held hostage for two days, Mark has more reasons than ever to be anxious about the endurance of their commitment. 

Hank Edwards’ Roughed Up features the dangers of traveling outside of the United States.  For example the laws of Barbados prohibit public displays of homosexuality. Slavery investigations are not fully enforced unless a possible worldwide embarrassment is likely to occur.  Roughed Up is an intriguing consciousness saga that I thoroughly enjoyed.