By far one of the best sexy, thrilling and romantic reads I’ve ever read. I didn’t want this story to end to be honest. I’m grateful to have found this novel and be able to give feedback so if you like family crime, m/m romance which is light not heavy as there is suffering on who the main character wants to be vers who he actually is. Family ties and family drama with loyalty to question and finding happiness.

This was fine, honestly I don't know why I went in pretending it would be more then it was. Just a pretty fast fun romance.

I'm on a bit of a BL mafia/bad boy obsession at the moment, so this was right up my street! I loved that it was three books in one, all following the same characters so I could really get stuck in and see how Peter and Nik grow together and over come everything the world throws at them.

Shady characters falling in love, despite the world they live in, really is my downfall!

Hot Wire: The Complete Collection by Kat Cassidy was a lot to get through but I did really enjoy it. As it contains 3 books, be prepared to settle in for a long reading session! I appreciated the extra time and effort Kat has put into building the characters, especially the side characters giving them real depth.

I have a weird love for everything related to garage and car repair book. I don't have a car and dont fancy ever have one but I think this love is coming from The Raven Cycle and it never left me since. So I was soooooo intrigued by this book. I wanted to find this ambiance so badly.
This is a collection of three books, all following the SAME couple from their "meeting" to their HEA.
It's a mafia, bad guys, beautiful fast car and gasoline smell kind of ambiance and a "bad guys try to turn good' kind of plot. If you fancy that go for it cause it is really great.
I love the main interest/lover the best.
But for the ambiance... I don't know. I don't think I found in this what I was looking for and I know it's not a issue, it just me. I would have loved it a little darker and athmospheric but the lack of what I fancy doesnt make it a bad book at all. I am sure a love of people would love this serie so much more than I did.
The romance is great, the couple battle to happiness and freedom is really entertaining. I will keep an eye on what this author wrote next for sure.

Be gay, do crimes is one of my favorite sub-genera's, so this one ticked all the boxes for me.

I don't know much about cars, nor did I ever really understand the appeal other than the fact that they make life easier, but the criminal underworld and all that entails is explained perfectly that it allows you to jump right into the story and understand everything that's going on. It's highly descriptive, sleek, and almost sexual the way the cars are described, starting from the very first scene.

The characters are tough to fall in love with, they all have a lot of jagged edges and dark histories, but once you do you're fully in with them. You don't always agree with their choices, and they mess up more times than not, but they're beautifully written and beautifully flawed. The antagonists made my blood boil, I hated every single time any of them were on the page, and that's how you know they're well written. I hadn't felt this amount of loathing for a particular antagonist since the first time I read the All for the Game series, which is about as high as a compliment as I can give. The family dynamics are rough and hard to read, but I enjoyed them the most out of everything the book had to offer. It reminds me of the show Animal Kingdom in a way, which I was pleasantly surprised by.

Being three books in one, you can tell that they fall into the usual trilogy trappings, which is expected and comfortable. The first book, Night Moves, has a quieter ending, while the second book, Backstreet, goes full Empire Strikes Back, and the third book, Breakdown, weaves together portions of both to lead to a satisfying ending that the characters definitely had to work hard for.

Of course, I did have my problems with the book, though they were few and far between. The romance didn't jump out at me too much, which is of course the reason I wanted to read this in the first place, but I was willing to overlook my slight disappointment because I loved everything else the book had going for it. I was more on board with it by the end at least, and was happy for their happy ending.

Overall, the book (or books) were a fantastic read and I enjoyed the time I spent with it. I'd not read anything by Kat Cassidy before but they will for sure be on my watch list from now on.

This book was one of my favorites I've read this year. The plot is engaging, the characters are likable and compelling, and the ending was satisfying. Review copy provided by NetGalley.

This book is full of everything I love most - crime, sex, and characters who know what they're doing when they get into trouble. Nik, Olivia, and Peter are so insanely, intriguingly fun. They're all firecrackers you'll want to take some of their spark with you for your daily life. Peter and Nik's relationship is sexy and sweet - an absolutely brilliant read that never dulls.

I loved this book!

From the start to finish this book captured me.

It was very well written with characters that you could really feel for

This was made up of the three books released by the author previously but with some extra additions – it was a really good collection and a fantastic read!

It was a 5 star read for me, very highly recommended!!

REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hot Wire: The Complete Collection by Kat Cassidy is a compilation of three Peter Bauer novels along with several limited release short stories. These stories take the reader through the world of organized crime, twisted family dynamics and romance. Peter Bauer is a car thief working for his cruel and ruthless father who is a major player in Los Angeles’ underworld. Nik is a mechanic forced to work in a chop shop to repay a debt, but yearns to be out from under and to spend a normal and legitimate life with Peter. With a gang war brewing, will Peter and Nik live long enough to find love?⠀
⠀
This dark romance takes place against a bloody and violent backdrop of the criminal⠀
underworld. If you are looking for a romance filled with hearts and flowers, you won’t find it here. Instead, be prepared for a gritty and suspenseful tale of two broken souls and their fight for freedom, redemption and the ability to stay alive. The action packed plot moves at bullet speed and is full of drama and angst. Within the first few pages you will be swept into the lives of these two characters and their desperate attempt to escape the world in which they were born. This is definitely a unique m/m romance that is well worth a read. ⠀

This book has some of that Breaking Bad and Sopranos feel and vibe to it and I have some pretty mixed feelings about that. It's not the author's fault but more of a personal preference as I don't really jibe with those type of story and tone in general unless I am in the right mood to consume that type of content.

Night Moves: I really enjoyed this book. I don't think I have ever read a book that had "interludes" for us to get to know some secondary characters that we would not normally get any background on, and I really liked it. We get to learn what happened to Helena, Nikos' wife & brother-in-law, Mark, which leads to why he is working for Erik, Peter's POS dad. We get to see some of Olivia, Peter's twin sister, and what I think might have been the first time that Erik abused Peter, and he did a lot of physical abuse over the years. I would have liked a physical confrontation between Peter & Erik with Peter putting Erik in his place. But I guess I will just have to picture him getting his licks in prison. The last interlude is Nina who was Nikos' brother-in-law’s wife. I don't know if I really liked her or not. Yes, I understand what happened was a horrible thing but and I don't know, maybe she will grow on me in future books. So, Peter decides to boost a Shelby, not a car that is easily chopped, and which really sets his father off. I loved the reasoning why he did it though. He must hide the vehicle until it’s not so hot & Nikos volunteers his garage. While taking the car over, they finally give in to what they both want. I guess we are supposed to get the feeling that there has been a slow sexual burn between these two for a long time but I didn't really get that feeling. Even though these two don't get a lot of page time together, they do end on a pretty strong HFN, I can' wait to see more of them in future books. There are some things left open that I would like to get answers to. What really happened to their mother? I know we are supposed to assume one thing but I would like that confirmed. What exactly is Olivia doing? Is the business the same as what it was under Erik? I was a little confused on that. There are some other shady players just hanging & I would like to see closure with them as well. I really can't wait to see more of these two in future books. This is also a new to me author & I can't wait to see what else she has in store for us both with this series & outside of this series.

Backstreets: In this latest addition we see Peter and Nikos struggling as a couple. Nik is still mourning his wife and the house is like a shrine to her. He hasn't gotten rid of anything. Peter doesn't even have a drawer and is basically living out of his duffel bag. All Peter wants is have a place in Nik's life, center stage, and not feel like the condolence prize. Instead of sitting down and discussing this, there is a yelling confrontation and Nik asks for some space. Of course, Peter hears it as being let go. After all the years that his POS father made him feel like the lowest form of life, he doesn't think he is worthy of being loved and wanted. In the last book I was on the fence with Nina. In the beginning of this book I was like, she isn't so bad & think I kind of like her. But when Mia goes missing, the first person she blames is Peter & accuses him of taking her. Not sure to what ends but nevertheless she does and I'm back to not liking her. To find Mia, Peter has to slip back into his criminal side and does some things that he shouldn't have. They do finally find Mia and the reasoning why she was taken. Peter pisses off a bunch of people and his sister takes the brunt of that. But in the end, Nikos finally starts to move forward and starts to put away everything that is Helena. You are never going to totally be over a loss of a loved one, but you will be able to live. These two had a real struggle to live as a couple but they are slowly moving forward now in the right direction. I like that they are portrayed as normal, flawed individuals and not magically healed and living in a fairytale world.

Breakdown: I had forgotten how much I really enjoyed this series. In this final book, the trial for Stravos Giannopoulos for the murder of Nik's wife and brother-in-law. It was brutal seeing him retell that night. On top of that, Olive, Peter's sister, has asked him (insert told him) to pull off one more job by stealing Volkov's vehicle, though she doesn't tell him the full reason why. She took over the criminal side when their father was sent to jail. Also, someone pops up that I didn't think we would ever see as they walked away a long time ago. So much happened in this last book & it was a wild ride. I am glad that things are finalized and our boys have gotten their hard won HEA. Now they can be a happy family with Mia. I am saddened that this story is now over.

Hot Wire by Kat Cassidy is a heavy/ intense book. It contains 3 books.

Make sure you read the trigger warning. It's no joke. There were a few scenes where I had a hard time reading & closed the app to return to it after 3 days, so keep that in mind if you decide to read it.

Kat Cassidy is a new author for me & I'm impressed with the writing. It grabs you from the start. I also found the interlude between the chapters unique didn't read that in any other books.

Book 1 Night Moves:

Now our main characters are Peter & Nikos. Peter works for his dad, where he steals cars & Nikos is the mechanic in the garage who works for Peter's dad.

They start off as friends, but then one night, that changed their friendship into something more. The book is a slow burn that I like just fine, but I didn't like the romance & intimacy. I found it kinda lacking & I wish there was more.

Book 2 Backstreet.
Is where the book picks up. The angst (I just love an angsty book) Ahhh Love how these 2 in the 2ed book try to work their relationship. It made me root for their HEA. The 2ed book is packed with a lot of surprises.

Book 3 Breakdown.
This book wrapped up really well. The ending was satisfyingly sweet.

There is no doubt Kat Cassidy is a talented author & I look forward to reading more from her.

*Received ARC through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review

I wasn’t expecting this. There was some male/male love, sure, but it was so much more than that. The story was, first and foremost, about Peter’s redemption and his road to recovery.

Seen mostly through his point of view–though there are several chapters from other characters–Peter’s story starts when he’s a car thief working for his abusive father, and recovering from his addictions. He’s the main character, but it is his relationships with the other characters, and how they change throughout the story, that is at the center of this collection. His missing mother, his abusive father, his twin sister, his buddy slash human puppy Jordan and, of course, Nikos, the sexy mechanic. It’s basically a crime family saga centered on the weakest link.

It was well written. Peter’s wit shone through the author’s words. The images and life considerations were deep and smart, inviting to reflection, and helping to define who Peter was and what he felt. I loved the plot–theft and murders and betrayal. It was gripping and very well done, and the twists kept coming. The romance wasn’t too sexy, but showed intimacy in another way.

And cars! Nuff said.

Through three novels and three short stories–not essential but they offer some insight or lighter moment in an overall heavy story–the author makes you fall in love with a little guy who’s learning to be a better version of himself, and to let go of his past. Can you relate?

Quickie

- Series: Hot wire (3 novels + short stories)
- Hashtags: #MM romance #crime #single dad #car thief #family
- Triggers: parental abuse, psychological abuse, violence, murders, substance abuse, cheating
- Main couple: Peter Bauer & Nikos Petrakis
- Hotness: 2/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + Peter’s redemption arc
- – Peter’s father was such a mastermind, why wasn’t he king of the underworld?

A spicy series full of ups and downs. Moments that left me upset and moments that were as spicy as it gets. A good binge read for sure.

I really enjoyed this collection!

I loved the fact that it was based in LA, since I was born and raised here and I recognized some of the places and names.

I really enjoyed how Nik and Peter’s relationship developed throughout the book and really, how Peter himself grew as an individual as well. His character development was amazing. We got to see him battle addiction, get out of a crime ridden life and start fresh, and redevelop himself. Nik could see through all his bullshit and was by his side throughout the whole thing.

I really liked how the book was written in one characters point of view but there were “interludes” throughout the story of small chapters from other characters point of views. I think the interludes really helped tie the story together and helped us understand what was happening.

What happened with Liv wasn’t my cup of tea… as much as she messed up, I don’t think she deserved that. I wish we got to see redemption for her.

I also wish we got to see a little bit more of life for Nik and Peter after the ending.

Peters relationship with Mia was so nice to see as well after he and Nik had been together for so long and Mia was older now. It was so wholesome to see that Peter assumed the role of a father with her, which is something he didn’t think he was capable of.

I was provided an ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

MM romance
Cheating
Addiction
Crime families
Daddy issues

This book was provided by Netgalley, but all opinions are my own.

At first, I was not sure I was going to like this series. I do not handle reading about child abuse very well, and this book sort of revolves around the abusive and awful childhood of Peter and his sister Olivia.

That said, Peter and Nik are so sweet and I did end up enjoying the series. The tense situations and the need to fight for a happy ending is a favorite story arc of mine.

I did feel that the relationship between Peter and Nik was could have been developed a bit more. I can't explain what was missing, but it wasn't until the 3rs book that I truly felt the intensity or a emotional connection to the characters. That isn't entirely true. I did feel incredibly sad for Peter and his life, but the happy emotions or anything pertaining to the relationship were not strong until the 3rd book.

Overall, the series is great and I'd recommend it

Hot Wire, The Complete Collection has everything you could ever want -- cunning and plotting individuals who know how to always stay two steps ahead, a sizzling relationship filled with angst, drama, and tragedy, plus the innerworkings of organized crime in the greater downtown Los Angeles area.

I stayed up way past my bedtime to read this whole saga and to write this review.

The Good:
I liked that throughout the books, Peter really did grow as a character and start realizing how his trauma affected him and his actions.
I enjoyed some of the twists that took place in the latter half of the book, because I did not expect or see them coming.


The Bad:
As the story went on, I become increasingly more disinterested in Olivia. I really thought I was going to love her, because she seemed to encapsulate being a #bossbabe but then she just became...unlikable, ruthless, and I feel like overall her character took a turn from what she was originally portrayed as.


Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and thought the concepts were something I haven't seen a lot of in M/M Romantic fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kat Cassidy for providing an advance copy of this book for me to enjoy. As always, this book was read and reviewed voluntarily, and the opinions stated above are completely my own.