Disrupted Engagement

Valor and Doyle, Book 6

By: Nicky James

Narrated by: Nick J. Russo

The ring has been bought, and all Aslan has to do is create the perfect setup for a proposal. No problem. Nothing to it. Quaid deserves the best, and he plans to deliver.

After choreographing a romantic evening to officially pop the question, Aslan is ready.

But things don’t go as planned, and the evening is ruined. Quaid’s insecurities rear their ugly head, making him suspicious. He knows Aslan is hiding something, but pessimism insists it isn’t a good thing.

When Aslan gets called out of town to hunt down a long-acting serial killer, there is no time to soothe his over-anxious boyfriend’s worries or make a new attempt to propose.

Torn between a complicated case and figuring out the perfect way to ask Quaid to marry him, Aslan is left scrambling. Every idea falls flat. Every scrambling attempt fails. The more pressure he puts on himself, the more unsuccessful his efforts, and Quaid’s fears grow.

Aslan needs to solve this serial killer case and get home to straighten the mess he’s made.

Disrupted Engagement is the sixth book in the Valor and Doyle mystery series. It is a same-couple series that should be listened to in order. Although each book has a self-contained mystery with no cliffhangers, the romance is overarching.

©2023 Nicky James (P)2023 Nicky James

I Love This Series More and More With Every Book

Loved it. This book has an interesting mystery and captivating development of Quaid and Aslan's relationship, and gives us more insight into both MC's personalities and quirks. For me this was a perfect installment in the series I enjoy very much. Narrator did a great job, his talent added another component to the story and made this book a perfect listening experience.

Another great book!

Nicky, Nicky, Nicky! I want Aslan and Quaid to have their happy ending. Man, are you making these guys work for it! But…I loved it. Every time I think, that book was the best, you up your game and give me something even better.

The underlying premise for this book is that Aslan wants to propose to Quaid. Should be relatively simple, right? Yeah, but things never quite work out. And while Aslan’s trying to find the perfect moment to pop the question, Quaid’s imagination is going into overdrive as to why his partner – and the love of his life – is acting so strange. Although I was frustrated, I understood the men’s motivations. For Aslan, he wants to prove his love is real. For Quaid, Aslan’s weird behavior brings memories of all the crap that happened to him in the past.

Okay, then throw in a mystery that drags Aslan out of town, and you have recipe for disaster. Been to Cornwall, by the way, great place to set a book.

Now, I caught onto the murderer a bit earlier in this book than I normally do, but that didn’t detract from my enjoyment. I had another ‘Oh my God, Quaid, are you really doing that?!?’ moment, but I always forgive Nicky those because they move the plot along. Great suspense. Great mystery. Great book. And, not to spoil things, but the epic proposal scene was one for the record books. (Am I giving too much away? You had to know by the end of the book the relationship would have moved forward…)

So…when’s book 7? Am I going to get an epic wedding? Okay, maybe intimate, but I’m expecting shenanigans and chaos. I’m going to get that…right? Also, shout out to the secondary characters who truly make this book – and series – great.

Finally, Nick J. Russo. He’s just so perfect for these guys. I’m excited to see where the craziness goes next.

Fantastic, Wild Ride

Oh I adore these boys and I love see them heading towards their HEA. I will admit that Quaid broke my heart some in this book. But what makes Aslan & Quaid so good together is that one can pick up the pieces of the other and help to make them stronger. The mystery is thoroughly engaging and watching Aslan and Torin work the case, then Quaid joining in... it kept me involved in the story. But what was most compelling in this book was Quaid & Aslan, always. Nick J Russo is an excellent narrator and he provides a fantastic performance, especially during the most emotional scene. Nick and Nicky are one of my favorie narrator/author pairings. Bring on the wedding! 😊

it just keeps getting better

I absolutely adore this book, but if I thought I loved reading it, I loved listening to it even more. Nick J Russo has done an absolutely stellar job bringing Valor and Doyle to life. As the title suggests, the men we've come to love and adore are getting engaged, but it's not all sunshine and roses. Quaid is so authentically himself that he disrupts every attempt Aslan makes to propose and somehow manages to break my heart a little more. They work it all out while working together to solve a serial murder. Like always, Nicky writes the absolute best plot twists, which had me on the edge of my seat. I 1000% recommend any book by Nicky James whether in print or audio.

LOVED IT!

Nick J. Russo does an outstanding job of bringing this story to life.
This series just keeps on getting better and better with each addition. Disrupted Engagement had me feeling all the feels! These two are so perfectly imperfect for each other. While still navigating their way forward in their relationship they are solid in their commitment and love for each other.

When Aslan is called away for a case he leaves a very insecure Quaid behind. All of Quaid’s anxieties, insecurities and worst case scenario thoughts appear when he sees that Aslan is hiding something from him. He imagines the very worst and Aslan isn't there to bring him down from his spiralling.

Add in a very intriguing serial killer mystery and I was glued to the pages. I devoured this book in one sitting and then immediately began a reread. The depth of character that Nicky James has written is top notch, from our favorite couple to all the supporting characters.

I loved this latest Valor and Doyle series instalment and can’t wait for Matrimonial Merriment!

Nicky James is a genius.

I am in love with this series, obsessed really. I go into binge listening every time a new book comes out to refresh my memory and it's a different experience every time. I love how the story evolves and grows and so do the characters.

The way I silently screamed (because I was at work) at how much Nicky James was doing her own version of edging her readers with every attempt Az makes was brilliant and brutal at the same time. So so good.

The mystery, the plot -- engaging and the balance is always there. Making us swoon, scream, giggle and making us grip the edge of our work desk.

Nicky James and Nick Russo combo is always a five star in my book.

Loved it

I have loved the entire series and where it has gone. Also love Nick .J Russo for keeping the voices alive. I always hope for more of the story but not sure how far the story will go! 🤞

07/2024 Valor and Doyle: overall series review

Did each book keep me engaged: yes
Was I invested in the characters: yes
Was it worth investing in the 7 books and 70+ hours: yes
Would I listen to it again: at this stage i'm not sure

📖 Series comment: Overall each book has a good pace, the characters are likeable, the underlying cases are interesting and tie in well with the relationship growth as the series progresses.

🎧 Narrator comment: I enjoy Nick Russo as a narrator, he suits the characters, has good cadence, inflections and intonations and it's easy to distinguish the characters from each other. Overall an enjoyable and consistent performance and he bought the series to life

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📌 Where does the series fall on my personal scale? 5
Note to self: First listen was the full series: all 7 books back to back.
Quaid's constant insecurities through the first half of the series grated on my nerves and by Book 7, I wasn't in the right head-space for his neuroticism and I just wanted it over - not even Aslan's calming demeanour of a personality was enough to balance it out.

• 1 not my thing • 2 didn't like the narration • 3 didn't keep my attention • 4 was good, but once was enough [3⭐] • 5 enjoyed it [4⭐] • 6 will listen again if i'm in the mood for the narrator [4⭐] • 7 goes on the "re-listen" list [4⭐] • 8 kept me up past bed-time [4.5⭐] • 9 recommended to family/friends [4.75⭐] • 10 own it in all formats [5⭐] • 11 keep a copy with me at all times [5⭐]

So In Love!

Another awesome and compelling mystery solved. Six books in, and I still can't get enough of Quaid and Aslan! I hope this series never ends. I can't fully express all the feels I experienced from this book/ series, but I'm just so in love with it, and Aslan and Quaid. As well as all the side characters. The hilarious banter between everyone, the relationships evolving, and the cases they work are all spectacular! Nick J Russo is truly amazing in their performance and captures all the characters perfectly! I'm beyond excited for the next book!

More voices than Mel Blanc?

Nick produces a wide array of voices and each is as unique and individual as the characters they represent. He's truly a master at bringing the authors creation to life.