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ellelainey's review
5.0
Book – Vice Enforcer (Vice #2)
Author – S.A. Stovall
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 250
Cover – Perfect!
POV – 1st person, present tense, one character
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – Crime, Noir, Contemporary, Mob/Mafia, May/December
Triggers – violence, criminal activities, Dom/sub elements, dub/con (if you squint)
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
Wow! Another rollercoaster ride with my favourite mob enforcer.
The story jumps right into the action, with Pierce a PI in training. And, honestly, I never knew the rules of becoming a PI, but I love the attention to detail that Stovall added here, showing us how complicated it could be, and all the hoops Pierce had to jump through to make it happen, and start his new, clean, life.
There's still that gritty, almost underground feel to the writing that I really love. It feels like a crime noir, a mobster story, without being over the top or lack the detail. It was something that I loved in book one and that is still there in this book, too. I can't say how happy I am about that, because sometimes sequels don't really do a great first book justice. This one does. So much!
The story basically picks up not far from the end of book 1. We see Pierce and Miles maybe a few months or a year after all those events, and, at first, we don't really know the consequences of all that happened. We don't know what really went down between Pierce and Jeremy – though it's easy to guess, knowing Jeremy – until nearly halfway, when Miles manages to find the right encouragement.
When it comes to characters, I'll admit that I loved the old ones just as much – and loathed Jeremy just as much! – but I also loved the new ones. I loved how Pierce handled Lacy, Shannon and especially Jayden, even the cranky old Ms Timo from next door! It really showed a side to his personality I hadn't thought was there. And I'm thrilled to see that they, and probably Rhett, will be a part of the next book. Because, there is a next book, right? I have to see Miles take on Jeremy. I HAVE to!
What I really loved was that the writing style, the flavour of the story, and the way the plot was put together, was all the same as book one. Nothing had really changed, which can often happen with a sequel, as characters do need to grow and adapt after their experiences. But, the key to this series is that they grow, but they're still essentially the same people. They just grew up a bit. Miles is still the same submissive person, with a slight dominant streak that means there's a limit to what Pierce gets away with, and he's become stronger, smarter, and more assertive. But he still supports Pierce in all the ways he never knew he needed to be supported. And Pierce is the same; he's still the same gruff personality, still doesn't like people, life or romance, but he's a little more subdued, a little angrier and off balance after his experiences with Jeremy. There's a part of him that's broken, but it's reassuring to see that both he and Miles are still the same people down at the core.
Pierce and Miles definitely have a rough-around-the-edges relationship, but that's part of the charm, for me. It's not brutal or violent, but it's not cuddly and soft, either. They have moments of both, they have tempers and different views on things, and they both have their issues. None of that is masked under a fairy-bright facade. They are who they are, without shame. But they really get each other, in a way that means they say things without totally understanding the meaning (such as what happens in this book) and I love that. They have a real connection that is palpable. Despite all the power plays and the one instance of dub-con (where they basically broke the house fighting before sex) they're aware of who they are, each other, and their limits. And, despite everything, they talk – no matter how uncomfortable it makes Pierce. Because he knows that it's necessary.
When it comes to the writing, I'll never get bored of this series. It's got clear and distinct characterisation, a well thought out and formatted plot, great attention to detail, and an incredible amount of storytelling that shows rather than tells. Any background info is given organically, rather than info dumps, and I always find out what I need to know by the end of the book.
In short, it was just as brilliant as book one. It was a crazy adventure and the fight at the end made me cry, but I couldn't ask for anything better. I need to get these in paperback. Pronto!
~
Favourite Quotes
“Jesus Christ. The Pope himself would be tempted to kick this kid's ass. I swear he has the situational awareness of a cucumber. Just when I thought I might not hate his guts...”
““I got your back.”
He grips me tight. “I love you too.”
The statement catches me off guard. Is that what we've been saying to each other this entire time?”
“I wish I was half the person he thinks I am. I'd be a goddamn superman.”
Author – S.A. Stovall
Star rating - ★★★★★
No. of Pages – 250
Cover – Perfect!
POV – 1st person, present tense, one character
Would I read it again – Yes!
Genre – Crime, Noir, Contemporary, Mob/Mafia, May/December
Triggers – violence, criminal activities, Dom/sub elements, dub/con (if you squint)
** I WAS GIVEN THIS BOOK FOR MY READING PLEASURE **
Reviewed for Divine Magazine
Wow! Another rollercoaster ride with my favourite mob enforcer.
The story jumps right into the action, with Pierce a PI in training. And, honestly, I never knew the rules of becoming a PI, but I love the attention to detail that Stovall added here, showing us how complicated it could be, and all the hoops Pierce had to jump through to make it happen, and start his new, clean, life.
There's still that gritty, almost underground feel to the writing that I really love. It feels like a crime noir, a mobster story, without being over the top or lack the detail. It was something that I loved in book one and that is still there in this book, too. I can't say how happy I am about that, because sometimes sequels don't really do a great first book justice. This one does. So much!
The story basically picks up not far from the end of book 1. We see Pierce and Miles maybe a few months or a year after all those events, and, at first, we don't really know the consequences of all that happened. We don't know what really went down between Pierce and Jeremy – though it's easy to guess, knowing Jeremy – until nearly halfway, when Miles manages to find the right encouragement.
When it comes to characters, I'll admit that I loved the old ones just as much – and loathed Jeremy just as much! – but I also loved the new ones. I loved how Pierce handled Lacy, Shannon and especially Jayden, even the cranky old Ms Timo from next door! It really showed a side to his personality I hadn't thought was there. And I'm thrilled to see that they, and probably Rhett, will be a part of the next book. Because, there is a next book, right? I have to see Miles take on Jeremy. I HAVE to!
What I really loved was that the writing style, the flavour of the story, and the way the plot was put together, was all the same as book one. Nothing had really changed, which can often happen with a sequel, as characters do need to grow and adapt after their experiences. But, the key to this series is that they grow, but they're still essentially the same people. They just grew up a bit. Miles is still the same submissive person, with a slight dominant streak that means there's a limit to what Pierce gets away with, and he's become stronger, smarter, and more assertive. But he still supports Pierce in all the ways he never knew he needed to be supported. And Pierce is the same; he's still the same gruff personality, still doesn't like people, life or romance, but he's a little more subdued, a little angrier and off balance after his experiences with Jeremy. There's a part of him that's broken, but it's reassuring to see that both he and Miles are still the same people down at the core.
Pierce and Miles definitely have a rough-around-the-edges relationship, but that's part of the charm, for me. It's not brutal or violent, but it's not cuddly and soft, either. They have moments of both, they have tempers and different views on things, and they both have their issues. None of that is masked under a fairy-bright facade. They are who they are, without shame. But they really get each other, in a way that means they say things without totally understanding the meaning (such as what happens in this book) and I love that. They have a real connection that is palpable. Despite all the power plays and the one instance of dub-con (where they basically broke the house fighting before sex) they're aware of who they are, each other, and their limits. And, despite everything, they talk – no matter how uncomfortable it makes Pierce. Because he knows that it's necessary.
When it comes to the writing, I'll never get bored of this series. It's got clear and distinct characterisation, a well thought out and formatted plot, great attention to detail, and an incredible amount of storytelling that shows rather than tells. Any background info is given organically, rather than info dumps, and I always find out what I need to know by the end of the book.
In short, it was just as brilliant as book one. It was a crazy adventure and the fight at the end made me cry, but I couldn't ask for anything better. I need to get these in paperback. Pronto!
~
Favourite Quotes
“Jesus Christ. The Pope himself would be tempted to kick this kid's ass. I swear he has the situational awareness of a cucumber. Just when I thought I might not hate his guts...”
““I got your back.”
He grips me tight. “I love you too.”
The statement catches me off guard. Is that what we've been saying to each other this entire time?”
“I wish I was half the person he thinks I am. I'd be a goddamn superman.”
virginiacjacobs's review
5.0
If possible, I enjoyed this book MORE than Vice City.
Pierce is trying to start a new life with Miles...as a law abiding citizen and a PI in training. He's trying to smoke less, and has even started gardening, but trouble seems to find him--even in suburbia.
Pierce's new boss assigns him a case involving human traffickers--how's a former mob enforcer supposed to solve the case while staying within the confines of the law?
He can't even relax in his own home because Miles's siblings live with them. The next-door neighbor won't keep her nose out of his garden, and one of Miles's instructors has been asking very delicate questions about Pierce's past.
Of course the only luck Pierce has is bad luck, and it's about to get worse when Jeremy Vice finds out Pierce is still alive.
The suspense and action in this book kept me turning pages way past my bedtime!
Pierce is trying to start a new life with Miles...as a law abiding citizen and a PI in training. He's trying to smoke less, and has even started gardening, but trouble seems to find him--even in suburbia.
Pierce's new boss assigns him a case involving human traffickers--how's a former mob enforcer supposed to solve the case while staying within the confines of the law?
He can't even relax in his own home because Miles's siblings live with them. The next-door neighbor won't keep her nose out of his garden, and one of Miles's instructors has been asking very delicate questions about Pierce's past.
Of course the only luck Pierce has is bad luck, and it's about to get worse when Jeremy Vice finds out Pierce is still alive.
The suspense and action in this book kept me turning pages way past my bedtime!
the_novel_approach's review
5.0
~ 4.5 Stars ~
To escape what’s left of the notorious Vice family in Noimore, Illinois, Nicholas Pierce finds himself with a new identity as Percy Adams. He now has a new life, along with Miles, in Joliet, where he’s now working with the Michael Shelby Private Investigative company to get his PI license. His boss, Shelby, has Pierce and Miles out on a case that turns into a shocker for Pierce—and that says a lot after what he’s seen and done. When the police get involved, Shelby is willing to give Pierce his PI license if he continues with the case. But, not before Shelby warns Pierce not to get the police involved.
Miles is still the best thing that’s ever happened to Pierce, and sometimes he tries not to really think about it. Miles has been more than a support system to Pierce and has stuck with him through some dangerous times. With their new start, Miles is now in training at the police academy, doing well, and has caught the eye of Lieutenant Rhett Walker, his instructor. That doesn’t sit well with Pierce; he doesn’t trust Rhett at all.
Besides dealing with Miles’ irritating brother, young sister, a little neighbor girl, and a garden that doesn’t grow, Pierce finds himself and Miles in danger. They continue with the weird and horrific trafficking case—but not without Pierce being accused of a murder as well as the fear of being sent back into the clutches of Jeremy Vice.
I really got into this sequel to Vice City mostly because of Pierce, and I honestly have to say this was even better than the first book—and that one was very good. Pierce still portrays himself as a tough guy, but he’s gradually changing. He’s really trying to be strong, but Miles has a way that breaks him down. It’s interesting to watch Pierce go through so many emotions that encompass his feelings for Miles. Miles has a somewhat calm personality and is just low-key, but he and Pierce certainly have a unique chemistry. I like the idea of Pierce being a PI and Miles always being part of the crime solving. His knowledge of the law sort of keeps Pierce on the straight and narrow, which he’s not used to.
This is definitely a page-turner. I liked the danger, grit, the snark and things do get bloody. The plot and action scenes are intense and well written. This is one wild ride, and there was no way to guess what was going to happen next.
I highly suggest reading Vice City before tackling Vice Enforcer. There’s a lot to learn about Pierce and his connection to the notorious Vice family of Noimore. I’m hooked on this series and S.A. Stovall’s unique storytelling, and can’t wait to see what she creates for the next installment.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach
To escape what’s left of the notorious Vice family in Noimore, Illinois, Nicholas Pierce finds himself with a new identity as Percy Adams. He now has a new life, along with Miles, in Joliet, where he’s now working with the Michael Shelby Private Investigative company to get his PI license. His boss, Shelby, has Pierce and Miles out on a case that turns into a shocker for Pierce—and that says a lot after what he’s seen and done. When the police get involved, Shelby is willing to give Pierce his PI license if he continues with the case. But, not before Shelby warns Pierce not to get the police involved.
Miles is still the best thing that’s ever happened to Pierce, and sometimes he tries not to really think about it. Miles has been more than a support system to Pierce and has stuck with him through some dangerous times. With their new start, Miles is now in training at the police academy, doing well, and has caught the eye of Lieutenant Rhett Walker, his instructor. That doesn’t sit well with Pierce; he doesn’t trust Rhett at all.
Besides dealing with Miles’ irritating brother, young sister, a little neighbor girl, and a garden that doesn’t grow, Pierce finds himself and Miles in danger. They continue with the weird and horrific trafficking case—but not without Pierce being accused of a murder as well as the fear of being sent back into the clutches of Jeremy Vice.
I really got into this sequel to Vice City mostly because of Pierce, and I honestly have to say this was even better than the first book—and that one was very good. Pierce still portrays himself as a tough guy, but he’s gradually changing. He’s really trying to be strong, but Miles has a way that breaks him down. It’s interesting to watch Pierce go through so many emotions that encompass his feelings for Miles. Miles has a somewhat calm personality and is just low-key, but he and Pierce certainly have a unique chemistry. I like the idea of Pierce being a PI and Miles always being part of the crime solving. His knowledge of the law sort of keeps Pierce on the straight and narrow, which he’s not used to.
This is definitely a page-turner. I liked the danger, grit, the snark and things do get bloody. The plot and action scenes are intense and well written. This is one wild ride, and there was no way to guess what was going to happen next.
I highly suggest reading Vice City before tackling Vice Enforcer. There’s a lot to learn about Pierce and his connection to the notorious Vice family of Noimore. I’m hooked on this series and S.A. Stovall’s unique storytelling, and can’t wait to see what she creates for the next installment.
Reviewed by Maryann for The Novel Approach
jpjackson's review
5.0
Back in 2017, I had a chance to read Vice City, which is the first book in this series. I had read that book in a few short days and was instantly hooked with the gritty and dark underground of Stovall's crime-ridden, mob family novel.
I'm not a detective fiction kind of guy, but the main character, Pierce, just seemed to latch onto me - and the fact that a mob enforcer was also gay? Here...take my money.
And now we have book two! Stovall does a fantastic job creating her crime underworld - complete with bad neighborhoods, rotten cops, even more rotten criminals, and derelict cityscapes. Pierce, once a brutal enforcer for a violent mob family, is now trying to make it 'straight' by becoming a Private Investigator. He clings onto the scraps of what's left of his human decency, an honor code if you will, of his own making, that served him well in book one, and also in book two. However, in this new installment, Pierce begins to grow as a respectable human being by questioning his past, what it means for him now, how that might influence his future. Most notably, Pierce constantly judges his relationship with his boyfriend Miles and the possible ramifications of his sordid past sullying Miles potential career as a cop.
But Miles is the glue. He holds everything together, confident and yet, still young and learning how to spread his own wings and be his own person. Miles is the 'don't worry, everything will be okay' kind of guy, and he's fiercely loyal. Pierce is trying so hard to be 'the good guy', but inevitably falling short. There are a few times throughout the story where his self deprecating evaluation of his abilities and worth gets to be a bit much - but then, it truly makes you feel for the guy. And that's commendable. After all - how do actually feel bad for someone whose special skill was back alley assassinations and sharp shooting gun fights?
And yet, here I am, rooting for Pierce, the once bad guy now turned sort-of good guy, the gay anti-hero, an ex-mob enforcer who loves his guy and will sacrifice himself to ensure a better life for his better half.
And then there's the whole human trafficking thing woven through this tale too! Honestly, Stovall did such a good job of making this seem as dirty and creepy and utterly disgusting as it really is...and makes me wonder - how DO you do research for that kind of story-telling? How do you become an expert in that?
This is not a warm and fuzzy read. This is gritty, dark, and violent (even the sex between Pierce and Miles is rough). But WOW, what a ride, and what a story.
Pick this up, and its predecessor. You won't be disappointed. Promise.
I'm not a detective fiction kind of guy, but the main character, Pierce, just seemed to latch onto me - and the fact that a mob enforcer was also gay? Here...take my money.
And now we have book two! Stovall does a fantastic job creating her crime underworld - complete with bad neighborhoods, rotten cops, even more rotten criminals, and derelict cityscapes. Pierce, once a brutal enforcer for a violent mob family, is now trying to make it 'straight' by becoming a Private Investigator. He clings onto the scraps of what's left of his human decency, an honor code if you will, of his own making, that served him well in book one, and also in book two. However, in this new installment, Pierce begins to grow as a respectable human being by questioning his past, what it means for him now, how that might influence his future. Most notably, Pierce constantly judges his relationship with his boyfriend Miles and the possible ramifications of his sordid past sullying Miles potential career as a cop.
But Miles is the glue. He holds everything together, confident and yet, still young and learning how to spread his own wings and be his own person. Miles is the 'don't worry, everything will be okay' kind of guy, and he's fiercely loyal. Pierce is trying so hard to be 'the good guy', but inevitably falling short. There are a few times throughout the story where his self deprecating evaluation of his abilities and worth gets to be a bit much - but then, it truly makes you feel for the guy. And that's commendable. After all - how do actually feel bad for someone whose special skill was back alley assassinations and sharp shooting gun fights?
And yet, here I am, rooting for Pierce, the once bad guy now turned sort-of good guy, the gay anti-hero, an ex-mob enforcer who loves his guy and will sacrifice himself to ensure a better life for his better half.
And then there's the whole human trafficking thing woven through this tale too! Honestly, Stovall did such a good job of making this seem as dirty and creepy and utterly disgusting as it really is...and makes me wonder - how DO you do research for that kind of story-telling? How do you become an expert in that?
This is not a warm and fuzzy read. This is gritty, dark, and violent (even the sex between Pierce and Miles is rough). But WOW, what a ride, and what a story.
Pick this up, and its predecessor. You won't be disappointed. Promise.
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