Parting Shot (A Matter of Time Book 7)

Hagen says it's no big deal, but a chance encounter with Mitch Thayer's two cute sons puts him directly in the path of the only guy he's never gotten out of his head. Life takes delight in stabbing Gus Scott in the back when he least expects it. After Gus spends years running from his past, present, and the dismal future every social worker predicted for him, karma delivers the one thing Gus could never - would never - turn his back on: Returning to San Francisco and to Ink, his family's tattoo shop, gave him the perfect shelter to battle his personal demons and get himself together When my ex walks into the resort bar with his new husband on his arm, I want nothing more than to prove to him that I've moved on.

Thankfully, the sexy stranger sitting next to me is more than willing to share a few kisses in the name of revenge. It gets even better when those scorching kisses turn into a night of fiery passion. Turns out the stranger's brother is marrying my sister later this week. Maddox - The reason I rarely go home is three simple words: When the pressure to marry my childhood sweetheart became too much, I told her I was gay and then fled to New York like my ass was on fire. Now, five years later and after a drunken encounter, I find myself invited to her wedding. And I have to bring my boyfriend-the boyfriend who doesn't exist because I'm straight.

At least, I think I am. Meeting the guy I'm bribing to be my boyfriend for the weekend makes me question everything about myself. Geoffrey Ralse is known for being the life of the party. He loves the club scene, hanging with his friends, and flirting with whomever catches his eye. But it all changes when Geoffrey is drugged and wakes up half naked in his own home with a new message from his stalker. Life has never been easy for Duncan Stiel.

His childhood was the stuff of nightmares, and his day job as an undercover police officer forces him to hide his true self and occasionally lands him in the hospital. So when he finally meets the perfect man, it comes as no surprise that everything falls apart around him.

What Duncan doesn't expect is that the hardest hurdle to get over before he can make a life with Aaron Sutter is the one inside himself. Everyone thinks Aaron has it all - looks, money, fame, and success beyond measure. Everyone, that is, except Aaron. At the end of the day, the cameras stop flashing, friends go back to their own lives, company business is handled, and Aaron is always alone. The moment he meets Duncan Stiel, Aaron knows he'll do anything to hold onto the larger-than-life detective.

But when he realizes money won't buy him the ultimate happiness, Aaron needs to find the strength to give Duncan something much more important - his heart. First let me say This is book 7 of the Matter of Time series Also if u want some back history on Duncan then get Acrobat which is also on here.. Now we all remember Aaron Sutter, Jory's ex In this, Aaron alphaness was subtle Money really can buy anything!

Duncan was like another version of Sam, after he realised he was in love with Jory. Two alphas coming together but willing to submit to each other! Would you consider the audio edition of Parting Shot to be better than the print version? I'd have to say yes in this case. The narrator did a great job bringing Duncan Stiel to life and a lot of the time it really felt like you were actually sitting there, listening to this guy telling his story.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Parting Shot? When Duncan was hurt and Aaron broke their cover because of it. Also, the moment Duncan unintentionally declared his love for Aaron while they were stuck in the security tower. Which character — as performed by Tristan James — was your favorite? Who was the most memorable character of Parting Shot and why? He's just such an interesting guy. Powerful and dominant on the surface, but submissive behind closed doors. He's a lot more interesting than Jory was. I kind of wish this narrator could have done the a Warder series Just when you were getting tired of the Jory plot line, along comes this little gem.

I'm always a fan of Mary Calmes and this book doesn't disappoint. I'm sure I've got nearly all the books in the series. If you're looking for sex, this is it. But if you're looking for story, do not bother. I am going to return this one Tristan you were as always, in my opinion, good. The only saving grace to this book. Mary, the sex scenes were good, but what happened to the story!? Listener, I have been thru this series, and this was a definite disappointment. Aaron and Duncan's story was great but only references to Sam and Jory Tristan did a great job narrating BUT his pronunciation of Jory changed to Yory for part of book with even Aaron's character making that mistake My ocd caused me to not finish book first time.

But second time I realized he corrected himself in last part of book. Welcome to the world of Aaron and Duncan. Aaron billionaire, Duncan local cop - no way you say. Oh yes these guys are not joking they have what it takes and are willing to give it all. I loved that this started off being truthful. No games, their attraction is brutally honest. They quickly realize issues they have had in their past relationships like Duncan not living openly and Aaron not feeling he could - just can't apply this time.

They get on the same page quickly so we get to enjoy the story and their adventure and steamy love life. Loving Tristan as narrator. Mary Calmes feel free to continue their story I'm sure we will follow. What other book might you compare Parting Shot to and why? How does this one compare? I have listen to a lot of his performances and this one is one of his top ones! Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

This book just clicked for me from start to finish and was totally great! Plot -was good and kept your interest, narrator was good as well- all the pieces fit together perfectly for a really great listen! Finished it in one go and am now doing my second listen at a more leisurely pace! What did you love best about Parting Shot? Duncan and Aaron's story, all of it! When Aaron shows up at Duncan's apartment after the 4 month misunderstanding. Tristan James is a good narrator, but he read a little slow and sometimes it was hard to decipher which character he was doing.

Sometimes it was hard to tell if it was Aaron or Duncan. I have read this book so I knew, but change in inflection would have helped some. Overall great read and audio. Does anyone know if a book for Terrence Moss is in the works? See 1 question about Parting Shot…. Lists with This Book. Jun 19, Susan rated it really liked it. I mean, in all honesty, you read MC for the formula. And when the formula is there, her fans enjoy her book. And when she strays, well, the results can be disastrous.

I, in all honesty, did NOT like Aaron in the past. I thought he was a jerk and basically wanted him to get out of the way of our power couple. So, I was hesitant to read this. This can NOT possibly go well. Aaron and Duncan are 2 alphas well, kinda…in their own ways , 2 tops usually…first time for everything…switch! There is a Sam Kage sighting early on in the book happpppyyyy! And it was just good to get some more of our power couple.

And there is definitely bend-you-in-half sex throughout…good stuff. This book could possibly work as a stand-alone…but quite frankly, it will be the fans of MC and more specifically, the fans of the MoT series that will enjoy this the most. I just know…well, I did.

Full review can also be found at: View all 20 comments. God, where do I even begin? Of course I loved this book. I adored this book. I want to marry this book and have its babies. Except this time she did. And it was awesome! There were the eye squints and the topcoats and the easy dialogues. But then she threw in all the extras and the new stuff. I kinda liked him by the end of Bulletproof but not really.

I thought he was way too arrogant.

Parting Shot: A Matter of Time, Book 7 (Unabridged)

These two were a match that came completely out of left field. I loved their banter. Yes, there was a lot of sweet moments but remember, these are two tough guys. Guh and unf and all those other words to describe the hotness. I am so glad that I was gifted with this tale.

My only wish is that there was more. Please Mary, please will you write a ton more books like this? View all 13 comments. Re-read 10th - 11th September Having just read all the previous books in this series I thought I knew Aaron pretty well. But despite all the money and all his faults there was something there, he seemed desperate for someone to love him for him not his money.

I a Re-read 10th - 11th September It turns out I really enjoyed this book. Together they are beautiful and sweet and I really hope they get another book. I think it's time for a reread. Picked up the audiobook to keep me company during my commute. I can't wait to revisit Duncan and Aaron! These two were off the charts on fire. I'm talking about desperate, rip your clothes off, growling and begging passion and desire.

She shall provide it Both men, who were somewhat in the closet, tried to make it work with others They needed someone who understood.

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Someone who was an equal. Someone who clicked, who got it, who simply fell into stride. It wasn't supposed to happen like that, that fast, that hard. No one fell like that. I didn't believe in love at first sight, first fuck, or first anything. So why did I feel like Aaron Sutter had just been walking around waiting for me his whole life? I have to be honest, after reading this whole series I wasn't sure how I was going to feel about Mr. I mean, we've seen over the previous books how desperately he still longed for Jory.

But after seeing him here and truly getting to know him, Jory was never the one. Aaron wanted Jory for what he had with Sam. Not really the man himself. He liked the chase of Jory, the need to take care of someone and God knows that Jory definitely needs taking care of , but Duncan was the complete opposite. He was in it. He was willing to compromise about Aaron's lifestyle. He wanted a partnership, a relationship And that's exactly what Aaron didn't know he truly, deeply wanted.

You like cute little twink boys. I saw you, and I can't see anybody else anymore. I can't find it in me to care. Duncan realized that for the right person, everything you worry about seems worth it. So why not just let happen whatever will happen. Let's not forget that we also have a wacky suspense element here that is kinda far-fetched and naturally over the top, but Duncan was just the right protective and possessive man to balance out Aaron's protective and possessive side.

Did I mention that they're both versatile? Even though this book is part of a series, it can still easily be read as a standalone. Not fully knowing the history that Aaron has with Jory won't affect your enjoyment of this book. View all 10 comments. Aaron Stutter is a rich man. He can have anything he wants.

He thought he wanted Jory but Jory was having none of it. Imagine his surprise when, after years, he meets someone who is exactly what he needs. Duncan and Aaron met in the last book and hit it off immediately. Duncan had to leave to go undercover in NY but Aaron soon followed.

• Made in China versus Made in the USA;
• 2013 Magnificat Lenten Companion.
• Twelve Lieder, Op. 9, No. 6: Parting (Scheidend);

Crazy plots and OTT drama follow but these two remain true to each other. I seriously wasn't convinced I wanted to read this book and almost skipped it. See, I lo Aaron Stutter is a rich man. See, I loathed Aaron in previous books. He was a rich entitled bastard who thought he could own Jory and got pissed when he didn't get his way. I had zero use for him until book 6.

I even almost pulled out my rusty knives that were reserved for Sam at one point but luckily it wasn't what it seemed. Then we get a little peek at his softer more vulnerable side This includes Jory and Sam and their children. So, I decided to give this a shot and boy am I glad I did. OMG how I loved this book. Duncan and Aaron were perfect for each other. We get to see Aaron's softer, vulnerable side more in this one and Duncan is just what Aaron needs Aaron had me swooning like crazy. I could do it for hours if you let me.

Heart, head, and body all aligned——finally——at once. This is my favorite so far and I hope that we will get to see these two again in future books. View all 21 comments. This was actually the first Mary Calmes book I ever read. But I didn't need to be. What I love is this story can easily be read as a standalone without being lost for one moment about the characters or where they came from, and it does it all without losing any of the sexiness or awesomeness of the series. Truth be told, this is the book that made me fall in love with Mary Calmes and her univer This was actually the first Mary Calmes book I ever read.

Truth be told, this is the book that made me fall in love with Mary Calmes and her universe. It's this book that made me addicted to Calmes.

Parting Shot

Duncan and Aaron are both so hot and so possessive When the person who is being possessed wants it just as badly. Otherwise it's just creepy. Here their possession is mutual, lovely, sensual, passionate, and oh-so-right.

I adore Tristan James' narration for this. With the tiny exception of Tristan calling Jory "Yory" a bunch of times and saying the wrong word a couple of times example: James infuses a lot of emotion and humor into his narrative storytelling and his character voices are great. I do so love Tristan James's voice; it's like rich chocolate: This review has been cross-posted at Gay Book Reviews. Jul 24, Amy Lane rated it it was amazing.

Duncan's macho swagger was a perfect foil for Aaron's assumption that HE was master of the universe. And can I just talk about the sex? NOBODY writes better sex than Mary Calmes--it's neither too detailed nor too cliched, but it just leaves me shaking with the feeling of want. I loved this couple--and even though Sam and Jory are my Duncan's macho swagger was a perfect foil for Aaron's assumption that HE was master of the universe. But once he's found a real match for himself, in temperament and force of will, he allowed himself to be vulnerable--and much more human.

Jory's hummingbird disposition was not what Aaron needed. Duncan's battered tomcat was a much better fit. View all 4 comments.

I think I'm going to Hell for loving this one. View all 9 comments. Jan 18, Lightreads rated it did not like it Shelves: It's the first grudge read of ! Grudge read, btw, meaning a book you desperately want to throw across the room less than halfway through, but you continue on to the bitter end just for the satisfaction of knowing for sure that it really is that terrible. And also so you can slam it in full knowledge. This book is an unholy mess — disorganized, confused about who its unlikeable protagonists are, full of random BDSM content It's the first grudge read of !

This book is an unholy mess — disorganized, confused about who its unlikeable protagonists are, full of random BDSM content with no accuracy or emotional context or, uh, sexiness. A bad book is a bad book. Here's what's offensively bad about this one. So both our heroes were closeted, right, very purposefully and to the detriment of previous relationships. Until — you can see this one coming — they meet each other and that all changes.

Here's what our narrator, the cop, has to say about it: That was crazy, but I felt like I owed someone an apology. A queer person staying in the closet is failing to be brave and stand up. Coming out being, you see, entirely a function of the queer person's courage and also whether he is in real love rather than, say, oh just some random options — physical safety, job security, maintaining familial stability, I could go on.

Staying in the closet isn't a failure of courage. It is often a carefully calculated decision, and an essential or very smart one. This book and it's repeated refrain of how coming out was so much easier than expected — the executive board doesn't care! The police captain doesn't care! Queer people aren't in the closet as a random cultural artifact! The closet exists because of a vast and terrifying history of oppression and violence which is still alive and well today!

But, well, if only those queer people would be braver. View all 5 comments. I did not like him early in the series. He would piss me off with how he was with Jory. I've only read her Matter of Time series and the quasi spinoff All Kinds of Tied Down , so these characters are all interwoven and very familiar to me. Of course they hit if off immediately - it IS insta-love on a grand scale but are you suprised??

However unlike the initial Sam and Jory stories, this was pretty high in 3. However unlike the initial Sam and Jory stories, this was pretty high in the smex with just a touch of kink. The over the top ridiculousness and the hijinks were not as blatant but just enough to lend a little hilarity and fun. Aaron is a successful and powerful billionaire, always in control. Duncan is a badass homicide detective, always dominant.

Parting Shot: A Matter of Time, Book 7 (Unabridged) by Mary Calmes on iTunes

If the idea of two alpha men who are used to being in charge in and out of bed but let their guard down, show their vulnerabilities only to each other, flips your switch - then this is the perfect story for you. To make the pot that much sweeter, I would say that this was the hottest Calmes book I've read to date. It was pretty hot, I admit, but I've also got to say that it is not my preferred way for a book to start. I like the build up and seeing and experiencing just what the MC's see in each other. I want to feel their attraction. Everything was very 'insta', here.

Sometimes I can buy that, but not terribly often. It comes back to wanting to see and experience their attraction and build up to giving in 3. It comes back to wanting to see and experience their attraction and build up to giving in. I found both MC's likable and though I've read that Aaron was, in previous books, kind of an asshole, he at least tried to keep it in check. And Duncan love that name was very determined to not be a kept man.

Being a detective and very used to being independent, he was not willing to just be Aaron's partner. He was his own man. The side mystery plot didn't overtake the story too much, which I appreciated.

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I did find that I had to suspend my disbelief more than a little, though. It was a touch over the top. And the part where they are undercover at the resort wasn't believable at all. No amount of belief suspension could help me there. This is my second Mary Calmes book, and the last one left me wanting, too, for some of the same 'insta' reasons. I did enjoy Parting Shot more, though, and it was hella hot, so I call that a win, even though the writing style doesn't really mesh with my tastes.

View all 8 comments. First and foremost, if you are worried about reading this book and haven't read the others in the series, don't be! This book can definitely be read as a stand-alone that is what I did! Moving on, this book grabbed from the first page and would not let go; I could not put it down. This was my first book by Ms. Calmes, and boy, did she blow me away.

Her writing was superb and engaging and utterly entertaining and gritty. I felt like this book was really written by a 6'4", lb cop. And her di First and foremost, if you are worried about reading this book and haven't read the others in the series, don't be! And her dialogue was one of the best I had seen in a while.

I definitely had no complaints about the writing regarding this book. Since I had not read the previous books in the series, I am not sure exactly how Aaron was portrayed, but I absolutely adored him in this book. He could definitely be a tough guy and go full alpha-male, hulk mode on somebody, but he was also vulnerable. It was so endearing to see how shaken he got when he thought Duncan wasn't as interested in him as he was in Duncan. I also loved seeing his possessiveness of Duncan and his complete unwillingness to ever hurt Duncan, be it under the bedroom or when they were both working undercover.

I also loved Duncan. How could I not since he is the consummate alpha male? He could get the crap beat out of him and still bounce back up and go for another round. He could get a little obtuse sometimes in his relationship with Aaron and unintentionally hurt him, but he always figured it out and made it better. He was exactly what Aaron needed: Duncan was a little reluctant of coming out of the closet but quickly realized that he would rather be with the love of his life than worry about anybody finding out. These two were just amazing as a couple and complemented each other so well!

As for the plot, there is murder and some mystery, but it was never really a whodunnit since we know pretty much from the beginning who committed the crime. But do not let this put you off! This book was still action-packed and fast-paced. There was never a dull moment. I definitely recommend picking up this book if you want to be sucked in and not let go until the very end.

I just cannot praise it enough. View all 14 comments. Good-bye Sam and Jory. Hello Aaron and Duncan We've met both of these characters in previous books in this series an 4.