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A Matter of Time #5
Bulletproof
Sequel to A Matter of Time Vols: I & II
Jory Harcourt doesn't have to go looking for trouble. Wherever he goes, it seems to find him—particularly when his partner, Sam Kage, is working undercover on a federal task force.
After the recession forces him to close his business, Jory goes to work as a matchmaker and event planner. From there, it's only a matter of time before his big mouth and up-front attitude make him the rope in a tug-of-war between a trust fund baby and a drug-smuggling criminal. Then, as if that situation weren't delicate enough, Jory's undercover lover shows up working for the smuggler.
Between the men who want him and the men who just want him dead, Chicago is getting a little crowded for Jory, so on the advice of his brother, his boyfriend, and the FBI task force, he heads for Hawaii... where a serious accident threatens his quality of life. Can Sam and Jory keep the faith and prove that their relationship really is bulletproof?
Jory Harcourt doesn't have to go looking for trouble. Wherever he goes, it seems to find him—particularly when his partner, Sam Kage, is working undercover on a federal task force.
After the recession forces him to close his business, Jory goes to work as a matchmaker and event planner. From there, it's only a matter of time before his big mouth and up-front attitude make him the rope in a tug-of-war between a trust fund baby and a drug-smuggling criminal. Then, as if that situation weren't delicate enough, Jory's undercover lover shows up working for the smuggler.
Between the men who want him and the men who just want him dead, Chicago is getting a little crowded for Jory, so on the advice of his brother, his boyfriend, and the FBI task force, he heads for Hawaii... where a serious accident threatens his quality of life. Can Sam and Jory keep the faith and prove that their relationship really is bulletproof?
260 pages, ebook
First published September 1, 2011
149 people are currently reading
1,233 people want to read
About the author
Mary Calmes
122books4,947followersMary Calmes believes in romance, happily ever afters, and the faith it takes for her characters to get there. She bleeds coffee, thinks chocolate should be its own food group, and currently lives in Kentucky with a six-pound furry ninja that protects her from baby birds, spiders and the neighbor’s dogs. To stay up to date on her ponderings and pandemonium (as well as the adventures of the ninja) follow her on Twitter @MaryCalmes, connect with her on Facebook, and subscribe to her Mary’s Mob newsletter.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 435 reviews
April 1, 2024
Re-read 4/22/21 2/27/20 2/2/19 7/13/18... still makes me feel so good ;)
Reread June 26 2016...I still love the crap out of Jory !! One of my favorite characters ever !! <3
23-05-2015
What can I say. I like everybody else in this book, have a thing for Jory. I just can't help myself.
5 stars from me because I just love Jory, but it did piss me off that there was so little interaction in this one between him and Sam. Hope the next one will give me some more Jory and Sam together.
It was way ott and at times ridiculous as usual, but what can I say....in this case, it just works for me :)
Reread June 26 2016...I still love the crap out of Jory !! One of my favorite characters ever !! <3
23-05-2015
What can I say. I like everybody else in this book, have a thing for Jory. I just can't help myself.
5 stars from me because I just love Jory, but it did piss me off that there was so little interaction in this one between him and Sam. Hope the next one will give me some more Jory and Sam together.
It was way ott and at times ridiculous as usual, but what can I say....in this case, it just works for me :)
October 3, 2011
If you don't have anything nice to say you shouldn't say anything at all, or so I have heard but don’t really listen to what people say. Plus I do have something nice to say, so eat that bitches. I should also point out that this is all just my modest opinion and that I already strongly disliked Jory, also overall this book while frustrating was not the complete suckfest the previous book was.
I think Mary did a great job writing this, she writes great first person POV and I was amazed at her ability to get in Jory’s head (although we all know there is lots of space in his empty head). She really brings Jory to life, and even though I hate Jory I appreciate the author’s ability to give him such details and really develop him as a character.
That said what was the point of this story? Did I miss the plot or was there no plot to miss? That said the rest of this review will just be things that bugged me and there will be no order to this so don’t expect much.
I think Mary did a great job writing this, she writes great first person POV and I was amazed at her ability to get in Jory’s head (although we all know there is lots of space in his empty head). She really brings Jory to life, and even though I hate Jory I appreciate the author’s ability to give him such details and really develop him as a character.
That said what was the point of this story? Did I miss the plot or was there no plot to miss? That said the rest of this review will just be things that bugged me and there will be no order to this so don’t expect much.
June 25, 2024
|| 4.5 stars ||
I feel like I need to start this review out by really taking a moment to voice how much I adore Jory. This character is so unique, and, although I’m aware he will not be everyone’s cup of tea, he sure is mine. His bluntness cracked me up, his scattered-brain constantly put a smile on my face and his overall vibe just made me happy. The way he simply breezes through life, shaking everything and everyone up in his wake will never fail to thoroughly entertain me.
I’m not sure what makes Jory tick the way he does; maybe it’s ADHD mixed with a heavy dose of charm and wit, but I truly adore him.
This was definitely my favourite book in the series so far, with the previous book coming as a close second. Is it a coincidence that both of my favourite books hardly featured Sam and mostly left Jory to do his own thing? I think not. The main romance of this series is just not what is driving my love for it (even though I no longer dislike Sam); it is Jory and his crazy life and his many intriguing meetings with people that completely draws me in. The way he interacts with others just fascinates me, and I’m always so happy whenever someone in the book is completely enraptured with him as well.
This book in particular had a lot of men falling head over heels in love with Jory. It genuinely felt like true admiration and adoration from them rather than just lust, which I really appreciated.
We had men like Cristo Liron, Hayes Fisher, Aaron Sutter; and I just loved each of their obsessions with Jory. All three of them had tons of chemistry with him and I just swooned over every scene they were in. All of their seperate storylines and relationships with Jory had me completely hooked. Of course I always knew it wouldn’t go anywhere (because Jory will always love Sam and all that), but damn if I didn’t thoroughly enjoy him being flirted with, obsessed over, and completely and utterly adored. These men were basically all fighting for him, or, at least, they were all very much prepared to do so if only Jory would give them a chance. It made me feel all giddy.
This book genuinely just had me read it in its entirety with a big ass smile on my face, and I couldn’t ask for more than that. I love Jory and I love all his interactions with other people. I do not think I will ever get bored of it.
'A Matter of Time' series:
1. Book I - 3.5 stars
2. Book II - 3.5 stars
3. Book III - 2.5 stars
4. Book IV - 4.0 stars
5. Bulletproof - 4.5 stars
6. But for You - 2.0 stars
7. Parting Shot - dnf
8. Piece of Cake - 2.5 stars
Short Stories:
5.5. Just Jory - 4.0 stars
6.5. Ears, Eggs and Bunnies - 3.0 stars
I feel like I need to start this review out by really taking a moment to voice how much I adore Jory. This character is so unique, and, although I’m aware he will not be everyone’s cup of tea, he sure is mine. His bluntness cracked me up, his scattered-brain constantly put a smile on my face and his overall vibe just made me happy. The way he simply breezes through life, shaking everything and everyone up in his wake will never fail to thoroughly entertain me.
I’m not sure what makes Jory tick the way he does; maybe it’s ADHD mixed with a heavy dose of charm and wit, but I truly adore him.
This was definitely my favourite book in the series so far, with the previous book coming as a close second. Is it a coincidence that both of my favourite books hardly featured Sam and mostly left Jory to do his own thing? I think not. The main romance of this series is just not what is driving my love for it (even though I no longer dislike Sam); it is Jory and his crazy life and his many intriguing meetings with people that completely draws me in. The way he interacts with others just fascinates me, and I’m always so happy whenever someone in the book is completely enraptured with him as well.
This book in particular had a lot of men falling head over heels in love with Jory. It genuinely felt like true admiration and adoration from them rather than just lust, which I really appreciated.
We had men like Cristo Liron, Hayes Fisher, Aaron Sutter; and I just loved each of their obsessions with Jory. All three of them had tons of chemistry with him and I just swooned over every scene they were in. All of their seperate storylines and relationships with Jory had me completely hooked. Of course I always knew it wouldn’t go anywhere (because Jory will always love Sam and all that), but damn if I didn’t thoroughly enjoy him being flirted with, obsessed over, and completely and utterly adored. These men were basically all fighting for him, or, at least, they were all very much prepared to do so if only Jory would give them a chance. It made me feel all giddy.
This book genuinely just had me read it in its entirety with a big ass smile on my face, and I couldn’t ask for more than that. I love Jory and I love all his interactions with other people. I do not think I will ever get bored of it.
'A Matter of Time' series:
1. Book I - 3.5 stars
2. Book II - 3.5 stars
3. Book III - 2.5 stars
4. Book IV - 4.0 stars
5. Bulletproof - 4.5 stars
6. But for You - 2.0 stars
7. Parting Shot - dnf
8. Piece of Cake - 2.5 stars
Short Stories:
5.5. Just Jory - 4.0 stars
6.5. Ears, Eggs and Bunnies - 3.0 stars
August 14, 2021
Re-read 14th August 2021
Re-read 29th April 2019.
Re-read 8th - 10th September 2018
There’s not much to say that hasn’t already been said. I’m completely hooked on this series.
Yes it’s crazy, totally unbelievable and so OTT it leaves your head spinning. But I love these guys and I can’t get enough.
In this one Sam’s undercover and has been for 3 months. Jory is missing him like crazy. And talking of crazy ... Jory gets himself into the same crazy situations. The problem is these crazy situations bring him face to face with an undercover Sam.
It’s another Jory adventure and I’m off to start the next one now.
Re-read 29th April 2019.
Re-read 8th - 10th September 2018
There’s not much to say that hasn’t already been said. I’m completely hooked on this series.
Yes it’s crazy, totally unbelievable and so OTT it leaves your head spinning. But I love these guys and I can’t get enough.
In this one Sam’s undercover and has been for 3 months. Jory is missing him like crazy. And talking of crazy ... Jory gets himself into the same crazy situations. The problem is these crazy situations bring him face to face with an undercover Sam.
It’s another Jory adventure and I’m off to start the next one now.
March 17, 2018
If you've been following me as I have read through this series, you know that:
1. I love Jory. I love his quirky, clueless ways. I can totally see why some people don't like him. I get it. He's too perfect and everyone likes him or wants to be with him and he has no clue until it's too late. He's too trusting. He makes stupid decisions that get him in trouble time and time again. But he's also vulnerable. He doesn't see in himself what other people see. He was seeking and seeking to find something. And as much as I hated it in the beginning, he found that something in Sam.
2. I hate Sam Kage and want to stab him with a rusty dull knife. Well...I used to. Then, it was just a sharp knife so it didn't hurt so much. Now, well, color me surprised, I'm actually digging him.<---Yep, I just said that. I LOVE how possessive and obsessed he is with Jory. After everything that has happened that I hated about him, I get it now. No one else but Jory will do. I mean he still does some shitty stuff. And in the beginning of this book, I was back to pulling out my rusty dull knife and getting it ready because I just knew he was on his road to one of my most hated heroes again. But he came through. I think he finally got it. Nothing else matters in his life but Jory and if he can't have him or has to be away from him, he doesn't want anything. And oh man, he actually had me SWOONING in this one...yes, swooning.
So, I will continue on with this series. I've got invested in these two and I want to see how it goes. I'm still keeping my knives handy, both the rusty and sharp ones just in case. So, we shall see...
1. I love Jory. I love his quirky, clueless ways. I can totally see why some people don't like him. I get it. He's too perfect and everyone likes him or wants to be with him and he has no clue until it's too late. He's too trusting. He makes stupid decisions that get him in trouble time and time again. But he's also vulnerable. He doesn't see in himself what other people see. He was seeking and seeking to find something. And as much as I hated it in the beginning, he found that something in Sam.
2. I hate Sam Kage and want to stab him with a rusty dull knife. Well...I used to. Then, it was just a sharp knife so it didn't hurt so much. Now, well, color me surprised, I'm actually digging him.<---Yep, I just said that. I LOVE how possessive and obsessed he is with Jory. After everything that has happened that I hated about him, I get it now. No one else but Jory will do. I mean he still does some shitty stuff. And in the beginning of this book, I was back to pulling out my rusty dull knife and getting it ready because I just knew he was on his road to one of my most hated heroes again. But he came through. I think he finally got it. Nothing else matters in his life but Jory and if he can't have him or has to be away from him, he doesn't want anything. And oh man, he actually had me SWOONING in this one...yes, swooning.
"To me, Jory," he said, "you‘re more beautiful now than you ever have been, and I can‘t wait to see what you‘re gonna look like at forty and fifty and sixty, and God willing a lot more numbers after that."
"Many after that," I assured him as my eyes drifted open so I could look up into his smoky-blue ones.
"The most important thing is that you‘re mine, you belong to me..."
So, I will continue on with this series. I've got invested in these two and I want to see how it goes. I'm still keeping my knives handy, both the rusty and sharp ones just in case. So, we shall see...
April 27, 2019
3.5 Stars
In this fifth installment of Mary Calmes� A Matter of Time series, we finally see Jory and Sam in a much more settled and mature place in their relationship, now having been together, committed, and madly in love for years. The only problems lately, at least where Jory is concerned, is that his man is off on an undercover mission, separating them for over four loooong months, all while Jory deals with his fierce dissatisfaction with his current professional life.
As per usual, Jory constantly finds himself in outrageous situations and is romantically (see: aggressively) pursued by several men who don’t seem to understand the word no. Jory is still fairly oblivious to a lot of this attention, just happy to make new friends and to be there for those around him that seem to need the support. He’s flirted with a lot, but, as far as I’m concerned, he doesn’t flirt back, constantly making it clear that he’s taken and not interested. Unsurprisingly, though, Jory’s relationship status never seems to register with his admirers, to the point that their dogged pursuit becomes increasingly annoying as the story goes on.
For me, there was a lot of filler here. The plot surrounding Sam’s undercover mission and how Jory unwittingly becomes involved in the situation was all very entertaining, but when I think back on the book, there were so many scenes and events that took place that (once again) served absolutely zero purpose to the plot, other than to hammer in the point that Jory is a unicorn and is loved/wanted by absolutely everyone he comes into contact with. I could practically write a page long list of all the things that happened here that were completely unnecessary, but that would also serve no purpose, other than to frustrate me more.
What I did enjoy were Jory and Sam. Both characters seemed to have grown some, which I greatly appreciated. Jory is still typical Jory, but he’s a little less befuddling than he once was. I’ve grown to truly adore the guy, and I find that most of the time when I’m frustrated with these books, it’s now more to do with the shit that’s happening around his character, as opposed to something annoying the character himself does. I also quite like Sam now, too � which may be a shock to anyone who saw me reading the first four books (or maybe all those people are not surprised in the slightest?).
I do wish Sam had been more present in this story, though. Instead, he kind of sporadically makes small appearances until practically the last 20%. When he’s in it, HE’S IN IT, but I’m greedy and will always wish for my book couples to share more page time.
Overall, this was perhaps a little bit more enjoyable for me than the previous stories, mostly due to the fact Jory and Sam are now super solid in their relationship and I no longer feel on edge with their on/off crap. I honestly look forward to seeing how their relationship and love grows even more in the next installment.
In this fifth installment of Mary Calmes� A Matter of Time series, we finally see Jory and Sam in a much more settled and mature place in their relationship, now having been together, committed, and madly in love for years. The only problems lately, at least where Jory is concerned, is that his man is off on an undercover mission, separating them for over four loooong months, all while Jory deals with his fierce dissatisfaction with his current professional life.
As per usual, Jory constantly finds himself in outrageous situations and is romantically (see: aggressively) pursued by several men who don’t seem to understand the word no. Jory is still fairly oblivious to a lot of this attention, just happy to make new friends and to be there for those around him that seem to need the support. He’s flirted with a lot, but, as far as I’m concerned, he doesn’t flirt back, constantly making it clear that he’s taken and not interested. Unsurprisingly, though, Jory’s relationship status never seems to register with his admirers, to the point that their dogged pursuit becomes increasingly annoying as the story goes on.
For me, there was a lot of filler here. The plot surrounding Sam’s undercover mission and how Jory unwittingly becomes involved in the situation was all very entertaining, but when I think back on the book, there were so many scenes and events that took place that (once again) served absolutely zero purpose to the plot, other than to hammer in the point that Jory is a unicorn and is loved/wanted by absolutely everyone he comes into contact with. I could practically write a page long list of all the things that happened here that were completely unnecessary, but that would also serve no purpose, other than to frustrate me more.
What I did enjoy were Jory and Sam. Both characters seemed to have grown some, which I greatly appreciated. Jory is still typical Jory, but he’s a little less befuddling than he once was. I’ve grown to truly adore the guy, and I find that most of the time when I’m frustrated with these books, it’s now more to do with the shit that’s happening around his character, as opposed to something annoying the character himself does. I also quite like Sam now, too � which may be a shock to anyone who saw me reading the first four books (or maybe all those people are not surprised in the slightest?).
I do wish Sam had been more present in this story, though. Instead, he kind of sporadically makes small appearances until practically the last 20%. When he’s in it, HE’S IN IT, but I’m greedy and will always wish for my book couples to share more page time.
Overall, this was perhaps a little bit more enjoyable for me than the previous stories, mostly due to the fact Jory and Sam are now super solid in their relationship and I no longer feel on edge with their on/off crap. I honestly look forward to seeing how their relationship and love grows even more in the next installment.
July 1, 2019
Re-read June 2019
I will never re-read the first 4 books in this series, but the rest of the books are total re-read material.
-------------------------------
4.5 stars
I read the first 4 books a couple of months ago and even though I loved Jory and Sam, they broke my heart. I stopped reading after that because I just couldn’t do anymore of the push and pull between them.
But people started harassing me to please continue, and because Iam weak listen to my friends, I caved.
And thank god I did!! I loved this installment! What I wanted all along was for Jory and Sam to be solid. Just that. I wanted them to just love each other. And throw in some pining because they are apart, some gangster related violence, and of course some hot possessive sex, and we had ourselves a winner!
I still hate what they did to each other in the first 4 books, but I really did like this one.
And Jory:
I will never re-read the first 4 books in this series, but the rest of the books are total re-read material.
-------------------------------
4.5 stars
I read the first 4 books a couple of months ago and even though I loved Jory and Sam, they broke my heart. I stopped reading after that because I just couldn’t do anymore of the push and pull between them.
But people started harassing me to please continue, and because I
And thank god I did!! I loved this installment! What I wanted all along was for Jory and Sam to be solid. Just that. I wanted them to just love each other. And throw in some pining because they are apart, some gangster related violence, and of course some hot possessive sex, and we had ourselves a winner!
I still hate what they did to each other in the first 4 books, but I really did like this one.
And Jory:
June 10, 2022
First, I just want to start with how much I love this book cover! I mean, don't get me wrong, I love the book too...but that cover really does it for me.
Anyway, this installment in the Matter of Time series takes place three (or so) years after Matter of Time Part IV. Jory and Sam are still happily married, Jory is still a trouble magnet, and he's still as zoned out, snarky and wonderful as always.
So Jory's got a new job at a matchmaker and event planning business, which he doesn't love but has thrown himself into, particularly now as Sam has been gone for four months on an undercover assignment and being without Sam, as always, weighs heavily on Jory.
The blurb really does give you a great idea of what's happening in the story, so I won't rehash. Even though Sam and Jory are separated for 2/3rds of the book, I didn't actually mind because the story flows so effortlessly. As always, Jory, being Jory, manages to find trouble in the most unlikely of scenarios, which ends up bringing him in a direct conflict of paths with Sam's undercover assignment.
“Jory, most people, when hit men come after them, they get killed. You’re lucky, spontaneous, and your guardian angel is overworked and way underpaid.�
“I know, right? My angel walks into a bar and the other angels are like, ‘Oh shit, that’s the poor sap that’s got Jory Harcourt. Look at him, he started drinking again.’�
What I loved more than anything else? Jory actually saves Sam's ass, not once, but three times. Ha! Actually, Jory saves the day quite a lot in this one to my everlasting joy.
I reached a hand out for him, and he crossed the room fast to take it. I pressed his warm palm to my heart. “You need me.�
“I more than need you,� he said, trembling. “I don’t work without you. I just don’t.�
“Same here,� I told him, closing my eyes.
One thing that did annoy me about the story was the inconsistent use of "boyfriend", "partner" and "husband" to refer to their relationship. I mean, we know that at the end of Part IV they got married in Canada in a civil union - so I didn't understand the weird referencing to Sam as his "boyfriend".
For the narration, I love the character voices Jeff Gelder uses for Jory and Dane, but I'll admit I definitely prefer Paul Morey's growly Sam character voice. That being said, Jeff Gelder just doesn't do a great job with the narration. In parts he loses inflection and his reading becomes flat at times. Worse, he self-corrects and mispronounces words often (example: saying "prostrate" instead of prostate.) Argh!
Though this is my second favorite story in the Matter of Time series, it's my least favorite audio. The flubs and issues aren't enough to nix it and it's still a good listen, but you should definitely be aware before buying if that sort of thing drives you bonkers. For me, my love of the story outweighs my annoyance with a few parts of the audio, so it's not an issue, and I re-listen to the audiobook every few months. I just love this story, and Sam and Jory, so much!
“You’re a fuckin� gift, I swear to God,� he said, closing his eyes. “Whatever I need, you give me. I’m so fuckin� lucky.� It was said not as praise, because he wasn’t even looking at me, but simply from his heart, because to him, I was everything.
This review has been cross-posted at .
Read 05/2014 (2), 06, 07, 08, 09, 10, 11, 12/2014 (2), 01/2015, 02, 03, 04, 05, 06, 07, 09, & 11/2015
June 20, 2012
Casting of A Matter of Time (Bulletproof). Written review to follow
Jory: Mathias Lauridsen (The only guy pretty enough to make a straight man gay....)
Sam: This gorgeous unknown man...
Or....
Chris Hemsworth (Blonde,brown hair, check. Slate blue eyes, check. 6"3 inches, close enough...and hot,hot hot!!!)
Dane: Hugh Jackman (Hansome, debonair and damn sexy in a tux!).
Dane's expression when Jory does something stupid....
Jory: Mathias Lauridsen (The only guy pretty enough to make a straight man gay....)
Sam: This gorgeous unknown man...
Or....
Chris Hemsworth (Blonde,brown hair, check. Slate blue eyes, check. 6"3 inches, close enough...and hot,hot hot!!!)
Dane: Hugh Jackman (Hansome, debonair and damn sexy in a tux!).
Dane's expression when Jory does something stupid....
May 19, 2017
***3.5 Stars***
Damn this is a hard one to rate...
All the stars for every scene with Sam and Jory together....unfortunately, that's only about 20-25% of the book.
I wanted more! MORE DAMNIT!!
Because every scene with them together was so full of longing and love and need and desire and passion and intimacy and SO MUCH DAMN LOVE!!!
They're so damn wrapped up in each other. It doesn't matter what's going on around them...as long as they're together, everything will be okay.
What happens when they're not together, you ask? Sigh...we get about 75-80% of the book filled with Jory's shenanigans.
- Jory getting fired
- Jory getting a new job
- Jory deciding he wants to start his own company
- Jory helping his brother, Dane, find a new assistant
- Jory saving the life of a guy who happens to be the brother of a well-known criminal
- Jory running into his ex who's still obsessed with him
- Jory becoming the obsession of a former client
- Jory becoming the obsession of the aforementioned well-known criminal
- Jory getting tangled up with an undercover job that Sam is involved in
- Jory nearly getting Sam killed
- Jory nearly getting himself killed
But even with all this unnecessary crap that I really didn't care about, I couldn't stop reading. I'll read about whatever Jory gets himself into, just so I can have a glimpse of him and Sam together.
Because, seriously, these two as a couple make my heart smile.
Damn this is a hard one to rate...
All the stars for every scene with Sam and Jory together....unfortunately, that's only about 20-25% of the book.
I wanted more! MORE DAMNIT!!
Because every scene with them together was so full of longing and love and need and desire and passion and intimacy and SO MUCH DAMN LOVE!!!
"I know you worry about getting older, about not being the prettiest guy in the room anymore. But there will never come a time when that will be the case," he said, pressing soft kisses to the side of my neck.
"To me, Jory, you're more beautiful now than you ever have been, and I can't wait to see what you're gonna look like at forty and fifty and sixty, and God willing a lot more numbers after that."
They're so damn wrapped up in each other. It doesn't matter what's going on around them...as long as they're together, everything will be okay.
What happens when they're not together, you ask? Sigh...we get about 75-80% of the book filled with Jory's shenanigans.
- Jory getting fired
- Jory getting a new job
- Jory deciding he wants to start his own company
- Jory helping his brother, Dane, find a new assistant
- Jory saving the life of a guy who happens to be the brother of a well-known criminal
"Is this what it's like living in your world? It's like a goddamn rollercoaster."
What was I going to do? Lie? "Yeah, a little."
- Jory running into his ex who's still obsessed with him
- Jory becoming the obsession of a former client
- Jory becoming the obsession of the aforementioned well-known criminal
- Jory getting tangled up with an undercover job that Sam is involved in
- Jory nearly getting Sam killed
- Jory nearly getting himself killed
"Jory, most people, when hit men come after them, they get killed. You're lucky, spontaneous, and your guardian angel is overworked and way underpaid."
"I know, right? My angel walks into a bar and the other angels are like, 'Oh shit, that's the poor sap that's got Jory Harcourt. Look at him, he started drinking again.'"
But even with all this unnecessary crap that I really didn't care about, I couldn't stop reading. I'll read about whatever Jory gets himself into, just so I can have a glimpse of him and Sam together.
Because, seriously, these two as a couple make my heart smile.
"You need me."
"I more than need you. I don't work without you. I just don't."
"Same here."
October 31, 2011
So very much fun. The thing I loved about this book is that, while Jory stayed much the same entertaining, irritating gold-fish-in-a-bowl that charmed us in the first two books, in Bulletproof he actually showed a few signs of character maturity. He'd come to the point where he'd rather be alone than with a group of people he didn't know well. He actually admitted that there were situations where he could have acted better, and he kept his own ego out of some tight moments when it could have been devastating to both him and Sam if he'd let it get in the way. In the end, he was still very much the smart, goofy, big-hearted flibbertigibbet that we've loved from the very beginning, and, as with most good men, the signs of age only served to make him look better. And as for Sam? Sam showed some cracks in the armor, some chinks in the "Sam does everything right" that, once again, served to let us see that the only thing bigger than Sam's ability to be a hero is his absolute love for Jory. High class, enjoyable, charming and exciting--I really adore this series and I couldn't have asked for a better read to make me feel better about the world in general.
December 4, 2017
3 1/2 stars
March 5, 2020
Reread March 2020
Gosh I needed those laughs.
*
I agree with one of Jory's co-workers Michelle who said: "Jory, you maul people into submission". I got mauled by Jory and loved every moment. Can he be more adorable and funny?! Yes, he can! His escapades are hilarious, his friendships are solid, his love is passionate, and Jory himself is one of a kind. I adore his sweet disposition and attention span of a gnat, his unwavering devotion to his family, his zest for life and positive attitude.
Sam Kage keeps getting better and better. " I more than need you. I don't work without you. I just don't". Sam can be very bossy and arrogant but nobody can love Jory like he does, and so he is golden for that. I liked how he showed vulnerability, how he was not afraid to show his feelings and be there for Jory.
In this book Jory is trying to sort his life, is figuring out the direction his career is going to go and making new friends along the way. Nobody can stand the Jory effect and not love him - bad guys, mothers, boyfriends, brothers - they fall under his spell. But as always Jory manages to piss off wrong people, and while fighting for his life and keeping Sam safe he finally finds his confidence and knows what he wants to do. Sam and Jory are on the same page, life is good and about to get even better! I loved this book and can't wait to read the next one! I am addicted to Jory! I highly recommend it!
Gosh I needed those laughs.
*
I agree with one of Jory's co-workers Michelle who said: "Jory, you maul people into submission". I got mauled by Jory and loved every moment. Can he be more adorable and funny?! Yes, he can! His escapades are hilarious, his friendships are solid, his love is passionate, and Jory himself is one of a kind. I adore his sweet disposition and attention span of a gnat, his unwavering devotion to his family, his zest for life and positive attitude.
Sam Kage keeps getting better and better. " I more than need you. I don't work without you. I just don't". Sam can be very bossy and arrogant but nobody can love Jory like he does, and so he is golden for that. I liked how he showed vulnerability, how he was not afraid to show his feelings and be there for Jory.
In this book Jory is trying to sort his life, is figuring out the direction his career is going to go and making new friends along the way. Nobody can stand the Jory effect and not love him - bad guys, mothers, boyfriends, brothers - they fall under his spell. But as always Jory manages to piss off wrong people, and while fighting for his life and keeping Sam safe he finally finds his confidence and knows what he wants to do. Sam and Jory are on the same page, life is good and about to get even better! I loved this book and can't wait to read the next one! I am addicted to Jory! I highly recommend it!
April 13, 2017
3.5 Stars for the story - Audio Edition
What can I say that you don't already know?? This was yet another roller coaster ride on the Jory train!
I found this to be a bit more explicit than the previous installments, though the onscreen time with our favorite couple was quite less than usual, as Sam worked undercover and Jory continued to find himself in unbelievable situations. Truly, really, unbelievable situations - I kid you not.
What stayed the same though was their love for each other. Sam is such a possessive badass and Jory continues to hold court with just his presence alone. You either love him� or love him. There's obviously no choice in the matter.
---------
This audio installment was by a different narrator than the first two volumes. Jeff Gelder's performance made it hard to distinguish different characters thus creating confusion for me at times.
What can I say that you don't already know?? This was yet another roller coaster ride on the Jory train!
I found this to be a bit more explicit than the previous installments, though the onscreen time with our favorite couple was quite less than usual, as Sam worked undercover and Jory continued to find himself in unbelievable situations. Truly, really, unbelievable situations - I kid you not.
What stayed the same though was their love for each other. Sam is such a possessive badass and Jory continues to hold court with just his presence alone. You either love him� or love him. There's obviously no choice in the matter.
---------
This audio installment was by a different narrator than the first two volumes. Jeff Gelder's performance made it hard to distinguish different characters thus creating confusion for me at times.
September 30, 2011
***Mild Spoilers***
I've seen some of the reviews on here, those that lament Jory and his seeming inability to change who he is, or "grow" as a character. While I don't disagree with this completely, I figure that if Jory was who he was through the first four books, I would expect there wouldn't be a drastic overhaul of his character. He still cracks me up and I enjoyed reading Bulletproof.
Mary Calmes does write a specific type of character, and I've can definitely see the comparison between Jory and Stef from Timing and its sequel, but I don't think that's a detriment to that story nor this one. I enjoy the snark and the disconnect between how a person would REALLY act in a given situation, because to me, it's not necessarily about reality, but what shennanigans Jory gets into next.
Why four stars?
Two things:
1) Jory gets manhandled WAY to much, and it seems like he doesn't really do anything about; better yet, he invites it upon himself (apparently he doesn't hear me shouting at him to stop being such an idiot--I've found that most characters don't. Funny thing, that.) If so many people were grabbing onto me like that, I probably would have shit a brick and karate chopped some faces off.
2) Not enough Sam Kage. No where near enough. He could be in every scene and I'd think it wasn't enough. He's one of my favorite alpha males, and I was slightly disheartened that he was absent through large sections of the book. Anytime he showed up, Bulletproof was lifted to a whole other level for me.
Recommended. Books three and four are still my favorite, but this is a great read as well.
I've seen some of the reviews on here, those that lament Jory and his seeming inability to change who he is, or "grow" as a character. While I don't disagree with this completely, I figure that if Jory was who he was through the first four books, I would expect there wouldn't be a drastic overhaul of his character. He still cracks me up and I enjoyed reading Bulletproof.
Mary Calmes does write a specific type of character, and I've can definitely see the comparison between Jory and Stef from Timing and its sequel, but I don't think that's a detriment to that story nor this one. I enjoy the snark and the disconnect between how a person would REALLY act in a given situation, because to me, it's not necessarily about reality, but what shennanigans Jory gets into next.
Why four stars?
Two things:
1) Jory gets manhandled WAY to much, and it seems like he doesn't really do anything about; better yet, he invites it upon himself (apparently he doesn't hear me shouting at him to stop being such an idiot--I've found that most characters don't. Funny thing, that.) If so many people were grabbing onto me like that, I probably would have shit a brick and karate chopped some faces off.
2) Not enough Sam Kage. No where near enough. He could be in every scene and I'd think it wasn't enough. He's one of my favorite alpha males, and I was slightly disheartened that he was absent through large sections of the book. Anytime he showed up, Bulletproof was lifted to a whole other level for me.
Recommended. Books three and four are still my favorite, but this is a great read as well.
August 4, 2022
I don't care what anyone else says, I flipping LOVE Jory and Sam!!
June 5, 2017
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Might contains spoilers*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
Four year time jump. That's how this book starts. What a disappointed beginning. I feel like we're not a part of Jory Harcourt (30) and Samuel “Sam� Thomas Kage (42) journey. But what to expect when the series feel like a TV show and each book is an episode with some time jumps. Sure, there's action, love and friendships, but really most of the books is a déjà vu from the previous ones. And Sam was barely in this one, being undercover and all, and Jory doing something that ends up with him being in trouble. Again. Oh and the ex is back, wanting to fuck and own Jory, and more people, again/also, want to fuck and own Jory. Also, the "quote" under completely describes Jory. It's annoying how true it is... And btw, since Jory and Sam are married, why don't they have the same last name?
I also need to check occasionally to make sure that something that I‘ve said was okay, really is. I tend to be too accepting of situations and circumstances. Like if a good friend of mine asked me to keep a gun for them, I would probably do it simply because it‘s my friend; why would I question it?
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M)
Series: - Series, Book Five
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Dane Harcourt (even though he's barely in it).
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure.
Will I read this again in the future? - No.
Rating - 1.5/2 stars
October 23, 2012
Too much of a good thing.
Don’t get me wrong: I love Sam & Jory.
But they weren’t even together for 2/3 of this book and when they’re not together, they actually annoy the crap out of me. Jory flirts w/ men and leads them on. And every man wants him and he has no idea why it turns bad. He’s a tease. Sam makes stupid, selfish decisions and leaves Jory alone to fend for himself.
Annoying! Grrrrr�.
But, together? Sheesh…so freaking sweet and loving and tender and beautiful and sexy.
The undercover story: decent
The mob boss in love w/ Jory: annoying
The new guy in love w/ Jory: boring
The ex-boyfriend in love w/ Jory: stalkerville
The vacation in Hawaii: kinda fun
Sam & Jory in Hawaii: loved it
I do this…I have only myself to blame � I grab a book, hold on for dear life, and go mach 10 through the entire series…one after the other. If I had taken a break, I may not have been this…ummm…bored. Live and learn. Or maybe not learn…because I’m on to read book 6. Sam & Jory and their sickly sweetness are like crack.
February 3, 2019
RR January 2019
__________________
Re-read June 2017
__________________
Re-read June 2017
July 2, 2015
The cover of this kinda says it all, a lonely Jory in bed without Sam. This book should have been called "The one where Jory and Sam are apart more than together" or "Everyone loves Jory STILL, but Jory finally grows the fuck up".
This was good. Though I was ticked there was less Sam time and Jory seemed to be bouncing off the walls like a super ball, it was necessary. We needed to see selfish, self absorbed and clueless Jory grow up. It's time and it was done in pure Jory fashion. I loved seeing him finally get it and do what's right. The man belongs to Sam Kage and he will do whatever it takes to respect his marriage and keep his man safe.
Again, it was over the top but I am used to that with this series, it wouldn't be the same if it wasn't and I am still stupidly in love with it all.
I loved Jory being in Hawaii. You can tell the author knows her stuff and lived or lives there. Having lived there myself, it was fun to read pidgin and hear the locals talk.
That end? I had to turn the page back and read it a few times to make sure I was reading it correctly because for once, I was a clueless as Jory. But YAY and bring on the babies for these boys!
So, another one under is my belt and I am ready to sink into the quicksand and continue to be absorbed by all that is Jory and Sam.
This was good. Though I was ticked there was less Sam time and Jory seemed to be bouncing off the walls like a super ball, it was necessary. We needed to see selfish, self absorbed and clueless Jory grow up. It's time and it was done in pure Jory fashion. I loved seeing him finally get it and do what's right. The man belongs to Sam Kage and he will do whatever it takes to respect his marriage and keep his man safe.
Again, it was over the top but I am used to that with this series, it wouldn't be the same if it wasn't and I am still stupidly in love with it all.
I loved Jory being in Hawaii. You can tell the author knows her stuff and lived or lives there. Having lived there myself, it was fun to read pidgin and hear the locals talk.
That end? I had to turn the page back and read it a few times to make sure I was reading it correctly because for once, I was a clueless as Jory. But YAY and bring on the babies for these boys!
So, another one under is my belt and I am ready to sink into the quicksand and continue to be absorbed by all that is Jory and Sam.
August 21, 2024
**Audio Re-Read, 2024**
Quick note at the start...I seriously dislike the new narrator for this one. His voice and just the way he reads the story. I honestly almost feel like reading the book instead of listening, it is that bad this go round. Ugh. I'd love Mary to have these all redone.
Ok, so I finished it and no lie, it is a testament to just how much I love this series, because like I mentioned above, the audio for this is AWFUL. The flat reading, no emotion, no change in tone is terrible. Coming from the first four beautifully narrated to this is a huge punch to the gut. But, I love this series so very much that I still adore having it read to me, if that makes any fucking sense.
I'd probably bump this one up a star this time. Maybe it has just grown on me but the stuff I expected to bother me, the stuff that sort of always does, just rolled off me this time. And one more time just in case you missed it, aside from the audio, this was an essential addition to this series and I loved it, again.
**
**Audio Re-Read**
It looks like I never review this one, whether reading or listening. I can see that. Jory bugged me just a bit in this one. Sam being gone again bugged me just a little bit. But overall, a great addition that did finally get to show the strength and true foundation. I still am fascinated by my change in tune about Aaron Sutter later on because this one made me dislike him all over again.
About the audio…the new narrator really threw me, but not nearly as much as the next one (which I just started), ugh. I really like the original voice for Sam, Jory and Dane.
Anyway, I’m still in love with Jory and again, can’t believe but can believe, I got sucked in, AGAIN.
Quick note at the start...I seriously dislike the new narrator for this one. His voice and just the way he reads the story. I honestly almost feel like reading the book instead of listening, it is that bad this go round. Ugh. I'd love Mary to have these all redone.
Ok, so I finished it and no lie, it is a testament to just how much I love this series, because like I mentioned above, the audio for this is AWFUL. The flat reading, no emotion, no change in tone is terrible. Coming from the first four beautifully narrated to this is a huge punch to the gut. But, I love this series so very much that I still adore having it read to me, if that makes any fucking sense.
I'd probably bump this one up a star this time. Maybe it has just grown on me but the stuff I expected to bother me, the stuff that sort of always does, just rolled off me this time. And one more time just in case you missed it, aside from the audio, this was an essential addition to this series and I loved it, again.
**
**Audio Re-Read**
It looks like I never review this one, whether reading or listening. I can see that. Jory bugged me just a bit in this one. Sam being gone again bugged me just a little bit. But overall, a great addition that did finally get to show the strength and true foundation. I still am fascinated by my change in tune about Aaron Sutter later on because this one made me dislike him all over again.
About the audio…the new narrator really threw me, but not nearly as much as the next one (which I just started), ugh. I really like the original voice for Sam, Jory and Dane.
Anyway, I’m still in love with Jory and again, can’t believe but can believe, I got sucked in, AGAIN.
September 28, 2011
This book is all over the place. It meanders through Jory's mind and travels with hardly any (crime) plot at all.
Plus, Jory spends way too much time with other men, letting them pat his hair, rub is abdomen. It made me decidedly unhappy. It seems to show him how much he needs Sam. Whatever.
Plus, I never realized how much alike this series and were. Jory and Stefan are practically the same character. Rand and Sam are practically the same character. Stef/Jory do the same hairbrained things all the while everyone around loves the heck out of them and all the women want their mates.
It's been a long time since I read the first of this series but I remembered it being kind of gritty. This one is not at all gritty, the criminals are a joke and they even both end up with Sam/Rand wanting
I'm afraid that if irritated you then this will drive you batshit crazy.
But I kept right on reading so...
Plus, Jory spends way too much time with other men, letting them pat his hair, rub is abdomen. It made me decidedly unhappy. It seems to show him how much he needs Sam. Whatever.
Plus, I never realized how much alike this series and were. Jory and Stefan are practically the same character. Rand and Sam are practically the same character. Stef/Jory do the same hairbrained things all the while everyone around loves the heck out of them and all the women want their mates.
It's been a long time since I read the first of this series but I remembered it being kind of gritty. This one is not at all gritty, the criminals are a joke and they even both end up with Sam/Rand wanting
I'm afraid that if irritated you then this will drive you batshit crazy.
But I kept right on reading so...
December 4, 2024
I didn't want this book to end. I just love Jory. I love everything about him and it was so great to visit him again and I really do hope it's not the last time. Great great book!
June 19, 2016
Sam and Jory... *dreamy sigh*
Read 8/7/2015, 6/18/2016
Read 8/7/2015, 6/18/2016
February 21, 2022
I truly can not get enough of this series , I want it to go on and on perfection at its best
October 25, 2015
I how I love these men
September 28, 2018
Re read and still love them to bits
Second read
I just love these two so much - It's nice to go back and to just feel them again
15 June 2015
I just love this series
Full review to follow at the end of the series
Second read
I just love these two so much - It's nice to go back and to just feel them again
15 June 2015
I just love this series
Full review to follow at the end of the series
Shelved as 'dnf-not-4-me'
October 31, 2014I decided to stop with book 4 in this series.
May 4, 2016
probably my favorite of this series so far.
March 5, 2020
I didn't really read this whole thing. I've read it before many times and didn't need to read every word or page. I just wanted to know if the story played out the way I remembered. Yep, it did. On to book 6. This one has the kids so I will possibly read more of the one. 😊
If you want to know my full thoughts on Jory, Sam, and gang, read my review here: /review/show...
It's the same for the first 4 books.
If you want to know my full thoughts on Jory, Sam, and gang, read my review here: /review/show...
It's the same for the first 4 books.
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