Shawn Lane's book The Other Side

Okay, so I am officially addicted to Shawn Lane's work. I always wait patiently (not) for her newest release, knowing that I am about to read a story that is always emotionally charged with characters that jump off of the pages and into my imagination so vividly, that I can't stop reading until the last page. Of course, then I become upset with myself because I didn't take my time with it, so now I have to wait AGAIN until the next book is out. I just can't win...lol Dr. Ray Carmichael is on a mission. When his brother was beaten by some dirty LAPD police officers for no reason, except being racially motivated, he has made it his top priority to bring the dirty cops to justice. When the Internal Affairs Detective Nick Sorenson, refuses to answer any of his calls, Ray decides to take matters into his own hands, and meet the Detective Sorenson at his office to find out more about the case. To Ray's surprise, Nick isn't what he was expecting. Of course, Nick was closed mouthed about the investigation just like he expected he would be. What he didn't expect is to be so immediately attracted to the man. Nick is nothing like Ray usually dates. Between Nick's casual style and the fact he is a police officer, who Ray thinks most of them are corrupt-even before his brother's attack, it is obvious that they come from different ends of the social scale. Despite this, Ray can't fight his immediate connection with Nick, so he decides to do what he can to get Nick to go out with him. Even if it means getting Nick taken off of his brother's case, after all it would be unethical if he didn't. Nick is furious when he is taken off of the Carmichael case. Despite Dr. Carmichaels insistance that all police are corrupt, Nick knows otherwise, but some people will never be convinced. When Ray asks Nick out, Nick is surprised to say the least. Ray is self assured, educated, sexy, elegant and so obviously different than anyone he has ever gone out with, or been attracted too. Despite his concerns, he agrees to a date because even though Ray is infuriating, he can't fight his attraction to him. What I really liked about Ray and Nick's relationship is that it wasn't an easy sell for me. What I mean by that is, I myself wondered if these two were going to be able to find some stable, common ground that would be able to keep these two connected to one another. I wondered if Ray's hate for the LAPD, and his innocence about others who weren't necessary born with a silver spoon in their mouths would keep them apart. Not to mention, Nick's troubled past and some self esteem issues he has because his world is so different than the educated, rich world that Ray lives in. I should have never doubted their relationship. I loved watching these two men find a common ground. I appreciated the fact that they had to find a way to communicate with one another, that it isn't always easy. Most of us have to work hard and fight for what we want even in our relationships. Ray and Nick are no different. I thought both Nick and Ray both grew as people in this book. Watching them change and make efforts to not give up on one each other, even when it just might be easier, so that they can have their happily ever after was a beautiful thing to read. I LOVED every awkward moment they had to achieve the love and connection they found with one another. I liked the people they came to be with each other. I loved this book!

I have literally waited all weekend to read this book. It was well worth the wait! Shawn is always willing to stick her neck out there and not always make the relationships between her heroes easy, and I really appreciate that. I can't recommend this book enough. It was great!