So I have had this ARC sitting on my kindle for months even though I loved the first in the series and I was so excited to see this up on NetGalley.
All because of 4 little letters that had me clutching at my pearls.
BDSM

I finally picked it up because I wasn’t done with these boys. So I put on a brave face. (Not kink-shaming, just clueless and terrified over here.)
And I loved this book so much.

”Guy says that when people try to tell you that your feelings are wrong it’s because they’re describing how their feelings are.”

This relationship was tender, tangible, and so fucking fluffy.

It stole his breath. The possibility of it all. The potential happiness waiting to be grabbed.

Bell has shed some light on the inner workings of bdsm in the bedroom and educated me, for one. It’s not about violence or demeaning someone and man, can it be done with love.
I so adored Sullivan and how crazy smart and intuitive he was, and how wonderfully he took care of Tobias. I loved how Tobias grew a spine and became completely himself.
Their relationship was just adorable and I loved how amazing their communication always was. I loved the serious moments where I could see them falling for each other, and I loved the silly moments where they were being ridiculous. And man, was I a sucker for how soft they are with each other.

He didn’t want to be afraid that the people he loved would lie or leave simply because he wasn’t easy anymore.

So absolutely would recommend this and cannot wait to start Ghosts story because he needs some goddamn love.

Since I had already read book 1, I was emotionally invested in Tobias’s story from the start. I was anxious for him to be free of his parents expectations and obligations. By being Sullivan’s sub he could find that freedom. Their D/s relationship was hot and kinky, while their romance was both passionate and sweet. I couldn’t wait to read Ghost’s story next. I have read all of Sidney Bell’s books to date and look forward to reading her upcoming novels.

While I know a couple of people who unknowingly skipped book 1 and weren’t lost in this story, I don’t think this is a standalone. At first glance this appears to be an unrelated case for PI Sullivan and the only tie-in is Tobias hiring him to find Ghost, both of whom are side characters in book 1. BUT, the Krayev ‘mafia’ family ARC, which his apparently going to be spread out over the entire series, continues to be unraveled here. If you haven’t read book 1 yet, stop what you’re doing and read it first. You won’t regret it and it will make this book even better as Ms. Bell shows off her story web-weaving talent.

When this book was originally recommended to me, I had just finished reading a particularly bad BDSM book and I needed a palate cleanser. For one reason or another, I wasn’t able to read the book then and I forgot that minor detail until I started reading…and oh, what a pleasant surprise because I just finished another not so awesome BDSM book and this one was perfect for me. I’m usually not a big fan of pain play and while it is necessary for Tobias it’s not part of every scene with them and the scenes that do involve pain were so well written that I wasn’t bothered by them.

Sullivan is my favorite character in this series and it’s going to take something major to change that. He is the perfect mix of badass, wit, charm, dominance, vulnerability, intelligence and romance. From his first interaction with Tobias until the utterly perfect epilogue (which I’ll touch on later), he is everything Tobias didn’t know he needed. Well, I guess they need each other. Tobias helped Sullivan be himself and shed his insecurities about being a Dom.

Tobias is a pleaser and there is nothing wrong with that unless you sacrifice yourself when doing that…which Tobias has done his entire life. When that sacrifice becomes too much, Tobias breaks and decides it’s time for an overhaul. If he didn’t pull at your heartstrings in book 1, he definitely will in this book. His strength of character is astounding, and he surprised me more than once which is hard to do.

In case it isn’t obvious, I love these guys together.

The epilogue…I just…I was a little disappointed and then I teared up a little and then I smiled and then I teared up a little again and then it was all perfect. I’m not sure I’ve ever run through that gamut of emotions in an epilogue.

Just like book 1, this book is long. And I’m usually prone to skim parts of longer books that bore me or don’t see important (even my favorites that I read more than once) so hear me when I say I READ EVERY WORD of both books. And I will probably read every word of book 3.

These are not light, fluffy reads. They are emotionally heavy. The main story ARC is started in book 1, further develops in book 2 and I’m assuming will conclude in book 3…it’s complicated. The romance both in book 1 and in this book are intricate. The characters are so complex I almost want to recommend taking notes.

Ghost is next. And I KNOW he had a horrible childhood – even without knowing anything about it. The little, tiny bit of foreshadowing we’ve had about his past is going to make it awful. But I do not like him (yet?). And yes, I know most of what we see is an act. I still don’t like him. Ms. Bell is either going to break me with her writing sorcery or I’m going to be really, really sad.

I did like this book but it didn't live up to the first one. I can't wait to whatever else she writes though! THe suspense in her books always puts me at the edge of my seat and this was no different.

Male friendships are sometimes hard to read. Too much bro love and I'm out. Too much macho posturing and I'm out. But Tobias's love and affection for Ghost - who's so hard to love - feels very real and authentic. I loved his love for Ghost - and his fascinating backstory and relationship to his family. Sullivan is similarly well written - although like Tobias and this story, he isn't who I presumed he would be when we are first introduced to him.

Once this pair meets, this novel simply sparkles. I liked their snarky early partnership - and the power dynamic with Tobias somewhat in the drivers seat, and Sullivan forced along for the ride - and then the abrupt shift, when it becomes clear that Tobias needs to submit and Sullivan needs/wants to dominate. The D/s relationship in this novel is well done, supremely believable - and, sexy. The relationship between Tobias and Sullivan is wonderful.

Sometimes in RS only one side of the equation works - the romance or the suspense. In this case, as I've already mentioned, the romance works. It's terrific. Fortunately, the suspense elements are also excellent. Ghost - and the mystery of his disappearance and ties to Mama - makes for compelling reading. I was completely sucked into the investigation into their disappearance, and I loved his interactions with the pair once he's discovered. Ms. Bell masterfully layers the romance with the mystery and I loved everything about this terrific second novel in the Woodbury boys.

I can't wait for book 3.

I wish I could go back and read it again for the first time!

I LOVED this story! Beautiful, raw and honest, it touched me emotionally in a way I did not expect. This may be one of the Top 5 MM romances I've read to date. Another one of my Top 5 MM Romances to date is by Sidney Bell as well it is Loose Cannon Woodbury Boys Book 1.
Hard Line has an excellent story line, and best of all? The author did a stellar job with character development-- which unfortunately falls flat in so many MM stories. The erotic scenes were sexy and descriptive but not overbearing, but woven so expertly into Tobias and Sullivan Tate's complicated and angsty yet honest personalities, the reader feels invited to experience the two men discovering their attraction for each other while working closely to help Tobias friend. Very well written.
I need book 3 ASAP. This Series Is One OF MY ALL TIME FAORITE SERIES.

4.5

I really enjoyed this book! It was sweet and seeing the commitment towards finding what had happened to his friend and how both Mcs relationship grew was the best part of he book for me! This was a new author for me I will definitely keep my eyes out for future books by this author.

Of the Woodbury trio, the one that really stole my heart in book 1 was Tobias. He's incredibly smart and kindhearted, and so different from Church and Ghost. Where Ghost and Church have broken childhoods and complicated pasts, Tobias grew up in a loving and wealthy home.

But it was clear in book 1 that Tobias had his own hangups, and a bunch of issues that he hadn't even started unpacking.

'Hard Line' is where the shit hits the fan for Tobias. Readers see him break out of his constraints, and the resulting meltdown and gradual re-building. I loved seeing him go from someone with the barest interest in life, to someone with confidence and a sense of purpose.

And a big part of that change is Sullivan, the private investigator Tobias blackmails into helping him look for Ghost. Though the two start off on the wrong foot, the attraction between them is undeniable.

It doesn't take long for them to give into the physical pull, and for the two start getting creative. If you're into D/s, spankings, and dirty talk, this book will deliver! Sullivan and Tobias were hot, hot, hot.

But beyond the sex, Sullivan gives Tobias the support he needs to break out of the mold he's been stuck in. While the two fall in love pretty quickly, this is one of those books were the two MCs just fit together so perfectly that the quick change from strangers to lovers makes complete sense.

And while Tobias and Sullivan are falling in love, the two are also busy looking for Ghost. The mystery plot is highly entertaining, and kept me hooked waiting to see what would happen next. It made me see Ghost in a new light. And while I'm still not entirely sold on him, the revelations in book 2 really explain a lot.

Overall, this was a great read. The characters are complex, the romance is sweet, the sex is hot, and the mystery was captivating. The epilogue was the cherry on top for an excellent character-driven read!

Tobias Benton is a former Woodbury boy, the facility where he met his two best friends, Church and Ghost. Tobias’ backstory is a huge part of this novel—how he came into the world, how he fits into his family, who he believes he’s expected to be, and how that all led to him being institutionalized at Woodbury after a nervous breakdown. It’s also why it’s imperative that Tobias be the one to find Ghost after his enigmatic friend disappears (not that Ghost doesn’t have a history of being in the wind, mind you. If ever there were a character whose name suits him, it’s Ghost). For Tobias, the search for Ghost is about self-respect, it’s about Tobias taking ownership and action over the situation, something that has been denied him in the past by people who have attributed a fragility to him that he’s determined to prove unwarranted, and all of this together serves to inform his relationship with private investigator Sullivan Tate.

Sullivan’s job as a process server for American Secure Investigations isn’t exactly fulfilling, but he’s absorbing everything he can as a stepping stone to owning his own agency someday. When the unsolved case of a child who disappeared from the scene of a murder in 1992 tweaks Sullivan’s natural curiosity, he begs for the chance to work the case and prove himself to his tough-as-nails boss. Little does he know the extent of the crime would be so far-reaching, nor could he have predicted the effect the investigation would have on him personally. While Sullivan’s backstory isn’t as deeply layered as Tobias’, it’s who he is now, at his core, that matters most when Tobias gives Sullivan an ultimatum to allow him to work the case as Sullivan’s partner.

Needless to say, their relationship doesn’t begin well, but this is what Bell does so capably. She begins her character relationships against what may seem impossible odds and then spends the rest of the story convincing readers that her protagonists fit together like lock and key. In this instance, it’s Tobias’ need to be dominated, to calm the noise inside himself that threatens to overwhelm him, which serves Sullivan’s desire to dominate. Bell then proceeds to dole out those scenes with a visceral intensity that made me wish there had been more of them to savor, even though more wouldn’t have added anything significant to the story.

The BDSM elements of this book aren’t meant as, or written as, a cure-all for Tobias’ depression and anxiety, which I appreciated for its realism. Sullivan’s dominance wasn’t based in his need to be the alpha male, he didn’t need to be Tobias’ Dom outside of the bedroom, nor did Tobias want or need a full-time Dom, but the sexual component of their complementary desires was perfection in its passion, and Bell wrote each of their scenes with an attention towards how they served Tobias more so than towards how much Sullivan loved to serve him. It also wasn’t written as a tidy answer to their relationship or the underlying problem of why Tobias has insinuated himself in Sullivan’s hip pocket on the quest to find Ghost.

As they get closer to the truth of Ghost’s disappearance and find answers to the original case Sullivan was investigating, and how it intersects with who Ghost is working for, Bell’s talent for plotting out a few great twists and an effective climax emerges in full display. Everything that happens leading to the crucial moment between Sullivan and Tobias shows how much Tobias has grown in the short time since he’d met, and subsequently blackmailed, Sullivan, giving Tobias the courage to express what he wants from Sullivan in a way he would never have had the strength or emotional wherewithal to do before.

Sidney Bell impressed me greatly with her debut novel, Bad Judgment. She then went on to awe me with her second novel, Loose Cannon, book one in this series. And now, she’s pulled a threepeat with Hard Line, not a direct sequel in the series but continuing a story arc that does makes it recommendable enough, in my opinion, to read book one first. Hard Line brings us one step closer to Ghost’s novel in the Woodbury Boys series, and Bell allowing her readers a glimpse of who this character is when he isn’t being the mercurial and enigmatic twenty-year-old who’s dangerous when provoked. And dangerous when he isn’t provoked, really, and it stands to reason there may be so many versions of Ghost that we will never know him fully.

One thing I do know is that Bell writes with such a fluid proficiency and with an attention to detailing multifaceted characters and layered storylines. Each of her books is its own experience, and it’s so great to chew through the scenery she creates to get to the heart of her characters and the mysteries they become involved in.

Readers met Tobias in the first book in Sidney Bell’s Woodbury Boys series, Loose Cannon. I really loved Miller and Church’s story and Sullivan and Tobias’ story was just as good, if not a little bit better.

Tobias crossed pretty much every line he had drawn for himself in Hard Line. It started with his need to find Ghost and make sure he was okay, but the more he got to know Sullivan, the harder it became to keeping that line drawn. His relationship with Ghost was complicated and he even questioned his dedication to him at times. He felt a loyalty to him because of their time together in Woodbury. Ghost was Tobias’ unsolicited and unexpected protector. Tobias wasn’t the typical resident of Woodbury. His adoptive parents were supportive, but strict and had very high expectations for all their adopted children. Tobias had a hard time handling the pressure and he cracked. His parents felt like they had no choice but to send him to Woodbury so they get him the help they thought they needed. By the time he met Sullivan, he was still just going through the motions, but not facing the real issues.

Sullivan had his own past to come to terms with. The last thing he needed was someone pushing him into taking a case with threats of blackmail. He was risking a lot by giving into Tobias, and not just his job. He had sworn he would never be part of a D/s relationship because of a bad experience. The attraction between him and Tobias was too strong for either one of them to resist.

This book wasn’t just about the heat between Tobias and Sullivan though. There was the mystery of what actually happened to Ghost and why. There were quite a few twists and turns and readers learned a lot about both Tobias and Sullivan. Not to mention the fact that the set-up for Ghost’s story made me want to get there sooner rather than later. He’s a mystery that readers have been teased with since Loose Cannon. I have to admit, I have no idea how Sidney Bell is going to pull it off, but I can’t wait to get to know him – and maybe understand him just a little bit better.

Hard Line is the second book in the Woodbury Boys series by author Sidney Bell. This is written in parts.
The first part is about the early childhood and establishing Tobias’s state of mind. In his late teens, he had a breakdown and was committed for a while. He has felt his family doesn’t understand him. He feels pressured to be what they want not what he wants out of himself.
When he gets his life semi together and is back in the real world. He still is living his parent’s dream for him. He is studying pre med, doing well on the outside a mess inside.
Ghost his friend he met when he was committed. Has always understood him. The one-person Tobias feels safe with. When Ghost goes missing he will do what takes to find his friend.
Sullivan is a private investigator. He too is friends with Ghost. They meet while they are both looking for Ghost. What I liked is Sullivan is lighter to Tobias’ darkness.
Some notes I had on this story. This story deals with self-harm, mental instability, and violence. Just a prewarning there.
I did like this one. I like my stories with a little angst and edge. This one fits the bill. I will definitely be looking for more from this author in the future. I love the style of writing and vivid characters they bring to life in the books.


Five Shooting Stars

Tobias is a consummate good boy. The perfect people pleaser. After announcing at a young age that he would become a doctor like his Papa, he's now stuck in premed classes he hates, but can't tell anyone. Struggling with abandonment issues all his life, after being found in a dumpster as a baby and having been adopted by a Haitian couple who provide a loving but strict home, he has tried and tried and tried to be the perfect son, the perfect friend - because if only he's perfect, people won't leave him. He remembers what happened the last time he tried to break free of his parents' expectations. It earned him a trip to the Woodbury Center, where he met Ghost and Church (whom we met in the first book). Yes, Tobias is a good boy.

Until he isn't.

When Ghost goes missing and Tobias realizes that he may be in trouble, he will do whatever it takes to find his friend. Including blackmailing a PI to help him.

Sullivan is that PI. He's working an old case that his boss took over from the previous owner of the firm, and he is pursuing a new trail that puts him in Tobias' path. Blackmailed into helping the younger man find his friend, he reluctantly begins to spend time with Tobias while gathering clues.

It becomes clear quickly that Sullivan possesses a quality Tobias craves. He craves it without knowing what to call it. Soon, they spend their days searching for clues and their nights exploring their mutual kink.

This book is really a character study wrapped in a mystery/suspense plot. The author cleverly weaves Tobias' growth as a person, as an individual, as someone who figures out his own needs and wants compared to what he's been told to need and want, into the plot and provides Sullivan as the key to give Tobias wings to fly.

Of course, standing up for yourself isn't an easy thing to do when you've been indoctrinated all your life to do for others, to sacrifice your own wants and needs, to stay the course laid out for you by someone else, while grappling with crushing guilt and fears of abandonment. All too often, we attempt to change ourselves, only to be told by those we love to change back. To revert to who and what we were, because change is hard. It's difficult, not only for the person changing, but also for the people in your lives who may not understand your need to become someone different. Some people will withhold their affection because you've decided to become a truer version of yourself, and if you fear losing them, if you don't meet their expectations - well.... That takes a lot of strength to overcome.

Tobias learns that people don't always leave because he's not perfect. Tobias learns to trust himself. Tobias learns to trust Sullivan.

And Sullivan learns to trust Tobias. It takes him a bit longer to see the younger man clearly, but eventually, he does.

The mystery/suspense - yeah, not going to give anything away here. I will say though that it had some twists and turns I didn't expect, and it kept me glued to the pages until the very end.

I really enjoyed this book. I enjoyed it even more so than the first one. While it could be read as a standalone, I think it would make more sense to someone who's read the first one - there is some background info that should be present for this book to have the full impact.

And, honestly, why wouldn't you read both? Sidney Bell has written a fabulous follow-up to the first book, and they are both well worth your time!

I really liked the first book in this series so I had high hopes for this book. Thankfully it didn't disappoint. We met Church, Tobias and Ghost in book one. The three met as teenagers in a treament facility. They're all adults now and are out and trying to put their lives back together. This book focuses on Tobias.

Tobias is part of a large family and while he knows they love him but they're driving him crazy. His parents are both doctors and they expect the same from him. They're involved in every little aspect of his life and he does what they tell him to all the while he's unhappy and has a pressure inside that is constantly building. (And in a unique twist Tobias is a white kid who's been adopted by a Haitian family) When Ghost goes missing Tobias tries to break into his apartment. That leads him to meeting private investigator Sullivan who is trying to break in at the same time. Sullivan isn't looking for Ghost but his apartment plays into a case he's working. The two men get off to a bad start but end up working together to try to figure out what's going on.

There are two parts to this story. There's the mystery as to where Ghost is and then there's the romance. I absolutely loved these two together. Sullivan was so yummy (a mohawk, tattooed, snarky, kind & a kinky mofo *heart eyes*) and I loved watching Tobias finally take charge of his life. Their relationship was well done and I loved the bdsm aspect. Bdsm books aren't really my thing generally but it was done so well here and it felt like a very realistic thing. I also appreciated that the author made Sullivan a well adjusted guy with a loving family. He's not a Dom and into kink so some deep emotional reason. It just turns his crank.

I've seen other reviews that say this can be read as a standalone but I'm not sure I agree. The connection between Church, Tobias and Ghost is important and the events in book one factor into the events in this one. I really think you'd be best starting with the first story.

We see a bit of Church in this and a lot of Ghost. What an enigma Ghost is. The author can't write his book fast enough for me. It will be really interesting to see how that plays out. I can't even imagine what kind of man will be his partner.

Sidney Bell is a new author for me and quite a surprise. Her latest book, Hard Line, is the second book in the Woodbury Boys series. This book is a M/M contemporary romance that will leave readers feeling both excited and satisfied. Hard Line is equal parts steamy and suspenseful. One minute you're on the edge of your seat, the next minute you want to dive into your own inner inhibitions. I wasn't expecting the very emotional angle this book brings out. An exceptional foray into the lighter side of BDSM!


First let me say, sometimes I hesitate to review books that I know may make some of my readers squirm. This is an M/M romance. If you have an issue with that it's best not to read further. Also, if you have issues with BDSM or kink, time to go for the day.


What I liked:


I haven't read the first book in this series, but I probably will. It's not necessary to this book, but I can tell that I would enjoy Church's story. Tobias, Church and Ghost meet in a bit of an unorthodox way in a rehabilitation center, Woodbury and the series follows their journeys. Hard Line is Tobias' story. I didn't really know what to expect from Sidney Bell because she was new to me, but I will say I'm very impressed. From the first description of Tobias on the first page of the book, I was hooked. I was so drawn to this young man who seems to want nothing more than to please the people around him.


Bell's character development with Tobias and then Sullivan was amazing. I felt I knew these two characters intimately after reading their stories and that doesn't happen often. I read a lot of books and when characters stick with me after the fact they were very well drawn. I like characters that don't fit the mold. Tobias is a quiet, gentle sort but he really comes alive as he starts to explore his desires with Sullivan. And Sullivan is such a unique person. I loved getting to know them both and their chemistry was off the chart. It wasn't the BDSM aspect that made it that way either. They just worked.


BDSM is one of those topics that is generally a bit taboo. You might be interested but you don't want people to know you are. You might have some inner desires that you don't even know how to express that get brought out when you read books like this one. BDSM doesn't have to be this big scary thing. Bell shows that in this book. It is just something that works for some people. And it works for these characters in a big way. It brings so much out of them. I loved the way Bell portrays this part of the book and felt it was very realistic.


The suspenseful part of the book was well written and engaging. I wanted desperately to know what in the world Ghost had gotten himself mixed up in. I loved the relationship that Bell brings out between Ghost and Tobias. I related to them so hard. I have a friendship that is exactly like this one. It's very intimate in a friend kinda way lol... I really enjoyed the fact that Bell choose to bring Sullivan into Tobias' life in this way. Sullivan needs to do well on this case and Tobias needs to find Ghost. The bad guys were bad and the good guys were good. But there were some actions and situations that made for a gray area or two. Ghost you little manipulator you!


What I didn't like:


This was a very good book. I wanted a little more out of Ghost. He was kind of jerk here and there, but that's just a personal preference thing. Bell's writing was spot on. Not a bad thing to say about it.


Bottom Line:


At the risk of bothering some readers... Love is Love. This book will be too much for some because it's an LGBTQ romance. In my humble opinion you are really missing out if that's all that's holding you back from reading this one. Bell is an excellent writer. Her powers of description are simply put, amazing. I loved how she seemed to get to the heart of these characters and help me as reader to understand them. I want to get to know these guys for real, and that's big. The BDSM aspect of the book was not overwhelming or scary and I think might open the eyes of many readers. The suspense and action was well done, but I think the romance was what put it over the top.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Sarah – ☆☆☆☆
I love the complex characters in this book. Tobias is a star pupil struggling with his adoptive parents’ high expectations. Sullivan is an ambitious private investigator with unconventional methods. They shouldn’t work at all – but these two are fabulous together.

As with the first book, the Russian storyline doesn’t completely work for me. We get more background information and less mafia action in this second book, but the storyline doesn’t really conclude. The book starts when Tobias and Sullivan team up to look for Ghost – but after a complicated investigation, the ending left me with more questions than answers. I found this book slightly more plausible and I’m glad there is less time spent with the caricature-like Russian baddies.

This story’s strength is its characters and I especially loved the way Tobias finds the confidence he needs to assert himself and make choices for himself. I loved the culture clash between affluent Tobias and blue-collar Sullivan, and I really enjoyed some of the reflections on adoption race and family relationships. I enjoyed this story more than I did the first one and I’m looking forward to the next book.

This is a hard review to write. I absolutely loved the first book in this series so the fact that I just can't get into this one really puzzles me. I'm leaving it for now as a DNF at around 25% in.

I just scanned some of the reviews on Goodreads and I am definitely in the minority so I have to think that it's something going on with me and not the writing. I do think that a big part of it is that it's been over a year since I read the first book (and I said I couldn't wait to read the next one).

I read too many books to remember the specifics of them, even if it's a book that I love. I do think if I had time to go back and read book one again, and then started book two right away, that I'd feel much differently. Unfortunately, I just don't have time to do that right now.

I'm not leaving a star rating as I do hope that I will finish this book at a later time.

A review copy was provided by the publisher via NetGalley but this did not influence my opinion or rating of the book.

While this can be read as a standalone novel, I suggest reading book one for context and deeper understanding of the issues these MCs are facing.

You know when you start a series and at the end of book one you hope really hard that two characters from that book will get together in the next? Yeah, I know that feeling too. And do you know when the second book comes out and those two characters are not together, are not going to get together, and all your dreams are shattered? Yeah, that's another feeling I'm familiar with. But, do you know that when all of that happens, and you read that second book, and you see that the author made a better decision and your dreams were just dumb? Well, that is what happened to me with Hard Line. And I'll admit, it took me a while to see it. I needed to be convinced that Tobias and Ghost were not right for each other. But when it started to happen, when I saw just how much Tobias needed someone else, someone different, I was so happy.

Tobias is not who I thought he was in book one of The Woodbury Boys series. When I think back to that book now, I realize I really don't now where my opinions of him came from. He's still a fierce and loyal friend. He's still that guy who could be counted on, dutiful son, hard worker, smart and ambitious. But the new things about him that I learned in Hard Line include him being very stressed out. Tobias has a weight on his shoulders, expectations and plans for the future that he just might not be 100% sure about. He's also got some serious kink... that was fun to experience.

When Tobias meets Sullivan, I was not sure about them. Sullivan is kind of an ass, but he was also put in a position of working with Tobias and finding Ghost that is not ideal. This is where blackmail and manipulation comes in... something else I had no idea that Tobias was good at.

When Tobias and Sullivan find that they share an interest in kink, their relationship takes a turn. Honestly, I was worried about this for a little bit, but I ended up loving the power exchanged between them. Their kink got pretty heavy at times, but not so heavy that I feel like it should be an issue for most readers. They had to communicate to develop clear boundaries and that communication was key to them becoming friends as well as lovers. I loved them together. Sullivan became a hero in my eyes, and Toby his perfect match.

Something to note is Toby and his family. Toby was adopted by a Haitian family and I'm not sure I remember that being mentioned in the first book of this series.  The family, his adoption, and his relationship with his parents plays a big part of this story, and while I loved it, I felt it did take away a little bit from that hunt for Ghost and everything I'd been looking forward to. I came to terms with that, and I ended up really loving not only his siblings, but his parents too. They love their son something fierce and they're prepared to do anything to help him in his goals and life.

This book is not what I expected it to be, but that's okay because it turns out that the way the story goes is better than where I wanted it to. At times I wished for something different, and an ending that did not leave me hanging, but as far as the story goes between Toby and Sullivan, I couldn't be more pleased... or more ready for book three. Crossing my fingers that the wait won't be long for Ghost's book.

4.75 Stars

Tobias is working hard on his premed degree. He lives with his family and has always followed the rules. He had a setback those years ago when his parents sent him to a treatment center, but Tobias is coping, mostly. When his best friend, Ghost, is missing, Tobias knows immediately he will do whatever it takes to find him. He also knows he needs help and when he encounters PI Sullivan Tate, Tobias feels a little amateur blackmailing will help his cause.

Sullivan is tired of serving subpoenas and is ready for a real case. When his boss agrees to give him a decades old unsolvable case, Sullivan immerses himself in the task. When he meets Tobias, he has little choice but to form an alliance with the college student. Working through the details of a case that keeps intersecting on itself has the men spending a lot of time together, and when their interests become more than professional, it could send the men down just one more slippery slope. Sullivan knows Tobias is not the guy he should be fooling around with, but when their kinks align, it’s impossible for Sullivan to resist.

Through days of stakeouts and nights of exploring their D/s relationship, Sullivan and Tobias have to come to terms with their need for each other, all the while against a ticking clock. Because Ghost is still missing, and the answers could certainly bring all kinds of danger to their door.

It’s been almost a year since I read, Loose Cannon, the first book in the Woodbury Boys series. I was really looking forward to Ghost’s full story, which will be the third book, and anticipated that Tobias’ story and Hard Line would be a stepping stone to get to that book three, but that was not at all the case. While I knew there was more to Tobias than we were shown in the first book, this story came together so well for me.

We met Tobias in the first book when he was a resident at the treatment facility and it was where he met Ghost and Church. We never knew what sent Tobias to the facility and here his story is unraveled. This book is incredibly layered with both Tobias’ personal story as well as the larger story involving Ghost and the Russians. It’s so well layered and it’s not easy to talk about specific plot points. Tobias’ story goes back to his family and the expectations he has for himself and the expectations he thinks they have for him. He has spent his whole life preparing to be a doctor like his parents and it’s all spiraled out of control on him.

Tobias and Sullivan are a study in contrasts, but Sullivan is the perfect balm to this soul. The meeting is by chance and not under the best of circumstances. Sullivan is trying to prove himself in the PI world and he has a methodical work ethic that helps him connect links that weren’t seen before. He also is struggling with his sexual needs as he likes to be dominant and likes to be the cause of the pain that his partner needs. This backfired on him in his last relationship and he hasn’t dated since then and believes Tobias is not at all what he needs, but Tobias surprises him at every turn.

The personal relationship between the men does not start out as the focus of the book. Sullivan and Tobias are each searching for someone and those paths connect and intersect and overlap in a well-crafted way that makes Bell’s writing style shine through. Ghost has been an exceedingly intriguing character since he was first introduced and even when he’s off page for the first part of the book and only being talked about, it’s a credit to the writing skill that he still remains fascinating.

Sullivan and Tobias go through a lot and share a lot and while the romance isn’t always the focus, ultimately their relationship was well placed within the story. They have their own sense of romance and are able to create a relationship that gives them both everything they need. While we are able to get a great feel for what it is that they need, the BDSM descriptions of their time together was on the milder side.

Hard Line is not a book that I would suggest reading as a standalone as the larger storyline really dictates the entire series. The relationship between Tobias and Sullivan is in a great place at the end, but there is still much more to come with Ghost and the larger storyline. Sidney Bell offers great characters with an absorbing plot that made this book difficult to put down and I am definitely ready for the story to continue.

This is a strong balance of crime mystery and romance. Neither takes precedence and both mesh seamlessly. Spending a couple of weeks in a car with another person will certainly let you know pretty quickly your compatibility, so the quickness of intensity and intimacy between Sullivan and Tobias felt genuine.

They still hide feelings even if their kink suitability lets us know how perfect they are for each other, but so many demons haunt them. They need to resolve their own personal drama before they can confront the truth about the depth of their emotion for each other.

And while Ghost is missing, Tobias can't let himself look to the future anyway. This Ghost character is one of the most enigmatic I have read and look forward to seeing him front and centre on the page. This is an author who is not pushing out books often, so there is deliberation here in plotting and characterisation. The kink is hot but not overplayed. Sullivan's devotion is lovely to watch, and Tobias's realisation of what he's been missing is glorious.

Look, I loved this a lot. I think you should find this series if you haven't already and dive in. Both books are excellent. Thanks Netgalley and publisher for advanced copy. Out on April 2nd.