Review: Pressure Head by J.L Merrow

Pressure Head by JL Merrow
Samhain Publishing
Novel: 279pgs
4 Pants Off

Blurb:

To most of the world, Tom Paretski is just a plumber with a cheeky attitude and a dodgy hip, souvenir of a schoolboy accident. The local police keep his number on file for a different reason—his sixth sense for finding hidden things.

When he’s called in to help locate the body of a missing woman up on Nomansland Common, he unexpectedly encounters someone who resurrects a host of complicated emotions. Phil Morrison, Tom’s old school crush, now a private investigator working the same case. And the former bully partly responsible for Tom’s injury.

The shocks keep coming. Phil is now openly gay, and shows unmistakable signs of interest. Tom’s attraction to the big, blond investigator hasn’t changed—in fact, he’s even more desirable all grown up. But is Phil’s interest genuine, or does he only want to use Tom’s talent?

As the pile of complicated evidence surrounding the woman’s murder grows higher, so does the heat between Tom and Phil. But opening himself to this degree exposes Tom’s heart in a way he’s not sure he’s ready for…while the murderer’s trigger finger is getting increasingly twitchy.

Warning: Contains a flirtatious plumber with hidden talents, a cashmere-clad private investigator with hidden depths, and an English village chock full of colourful characters with plenty to hide.

Review:
Firstly, let’s start out by talking about that amazing cover. I just love it so much, it is just so light and fun just like the book. J.L Merrow is a master at making me laugh, and falling head over heels for her characters. She has taken a spot as one of my fave authors, my go to when I want a fun read with a side of hot loving.

Tom Paretski isn't your ordinary plumber he also has a talent for finding hidden things, stuff hidden out of guilt or hiding a dirty secret. The talent first made an appearance when he was a young boy and found the body of a little girl, not the most ideal experience for a young boy but it is a gift that comes in handy. So, when the cops can’t find something they call in Tom. He finds himself searching for a missing woman and the outcome isn’t a pleasant one. Now it seems his town has a got a killer on their hands, and to make things a little worse for him. He runs into his high school crush and bully. Phil is still as gorgeous as ever but seeing him, the past comes rearing its ugly head.

Now Phil has need of Tom's little finders’ keepers’ skill, and the men begin an investigation of their own. It’s a surprise they got anything done, when they fight like cats and dogs, and constantly butt heads. Underneath all their bitching, the sexual tension was crackling and I kept thinking "so when are you guys gonna get naked already?"

Seriously, this book is a lot of fun. The murder-mystery was done well and kept me guessing up to the end. The highlight of the story is the town folks; I kept anticipating who would be next on Phil and Tom's list of suspects. The slow developing relationship between Phil and Tom was nice to read about, but I found myself getting frustrated with both their attitudes. I understood that they had old hurts to get pass, but man did they take their time >.<

Overall, I really liked it and enjoyed the variety in characters a lot. J.L has a gift in introducing new characters and having them play some part whether it is small or important, (that’s no small feat). So yes, please do check this one out, lots of mystery (I kept it all mysterious), surprises, and most of all fun.

4 Pants Off