The Professional (The Killough Company #2) by M.D. Gregory

The Professional (The Killough Company #2) Reviews

• 
  Skirmish

  Book Reaction:
  https://neverhollowed.com/2020/05/08/...
  Rating: 3.5 Stars – that place between like and love
• 
  Santy

  3.5 Stars
  
  I really enjoyed this.
  
  Forrest was such a baddie and a sweetheart all wrapped up in one and even though Rourke annoyed me in the beginning, I eventually came to like him and the way his affections for Forrest developed.
  
  This book was better than the first in my opinion simply because there was no brattiness (looking at you Conall..lol!) and I felt the emotions were better developed in this one.
  
  On to the next!
• 
  ♡ cal ♡

  One of the easiest 5 stars from me. Rourke and Forrest killed me in this one. This author nailed it with the world buildup and characterization. I thought middle books are cursed and this proved me wrong.
• 
  Chris

  Enjoyed this read... gritty and a fast moving pace. Rourke & Forrest were a unique pairing of stoic & tough, sassy & flirty. They clearly adored each other in their own way and I’m glad Forrest persisted with his desire for Rourke. I liked that Sloane & Connell remained central to the continuing story as this helped build the connections. I like this series .. a good read ❤️
• 
  haletostilinski

  I didn't enjoy this one as much as the first one, but it was still good an enjoyable.
  
  We met Forrest in book 1, as a prostitute at the whorehouse Conall worked at, and who Conall would sleep with from time to time. But by the end of book 1, Forrest is pretty smitten with Rourke, the man that takes over shaping up the Virtue to become a better place that earns more profits.
  
  They obviously want each other, but Rourke is resistant to starting something, citing his rules about not sleeping with the prostitutes that work for him.
  
  I think that's what dragged this rating down a little for me. Rourke resisted for like ever, so much so that we really only got two full on penetrative sex scenes between these two and even before that not a ton happened between these two. I felt as frustrated as Forrest whenever Rourke would cite his "rules" and would "we shouldn't do this" and blah blah blah.
  
  That said, I did enjoy these two together and there was chemistry. I just think if Rourke hadn't been so resistant for so long, there could have been more room for romance, and the "I love you" at the end would feel more earned than it did.
  
  The plot was interesting, as Diaz, the detective from the first book, becomes more of a problem in this as she specifically targets the virtue first.
  
  Forrest is a prostitute for most of this book, but thankfully that's all off screen. Although there is one client who is clearly abusive that has to be dealt with in this, which is another plot line throughout this.
  
  Overall, this could have been better (if Rourke hadn't resisted for so long with his ~rules~) but I did enjoy it and I did enjoy these two for the most part, and it's definitely worth a read if you liked and enjoyed the first book in this series. Just that, so far, this is my least favorite - don't know how the last book will go, but I'm looking forward to it.
• 
  Lori¸¸¸.•*❀Ɍɛɑɗs̱LɪƙɛIʈs̱H̱ɛɍJɔɓ 유❤유

  Ugh, I was really not fond of this book. I felt like I was dragging through mud reading the first 80% or so. Nothing was really happening and like I said in my update, the MCs were extremely mercurial. It seemed like they had multiple personalities and their characters weren't consistent in my opinion. I honestly didn't feel a connection beyond sex between the two MCs until around the end. The ending was also wrapped up in a little bow as to how things worked out.
  
  The writing was odd and there were a lot phrases that seemed wrong grammatically or least not natural. I also got tired of the sex workers being called whores. I mean it was used 96 times. I think I had a problem with it in the first book in the series as well. I remember having a LOT of issues with the first book but I still enjoyed it quite a bit more than this one. I am not sure if I will continue on with the series or not.
• 
  Jazzysmum

  I really enjoy this series and loved finding out about Forrest and revisiting Conall and Sloan. Conall's character continues to grow and his solution to Rourke and Forrest's problem was enlightened.
  Rourke had been a shadowy figure and it was great to get to know him.
  My only complaints were typos and sentences that didn't make sense ( just a few not as many as in other stories!) And the ending came a little too soon it would have been nice to read a bit more about how they bought down Diaz and how Rourke and Forrest adjusted to their new roles. Plus what happened with Alice
  
  I hope for more in this series and/ or another Connall/ Sloan book or even another Rourke/ Forrest book but there are other characters singing out for their stories.
• 
  Devoted❤️Reader

  Boss me around
  
  "Like I said...everyone wants to feel a connection..." I definitely feel connected to this series. I love it and all the main characters, even when they frustrate me. I was so happy to see Conall and Sloan again. I do love it when men will do anything for the guys they care about and Rourke epitomizes that, so sexy. He has a deep well of passion that’s waiting to be let loose and Forrest is just the guy he needs. Speaking of Forrest, he simultaneously made me laugh with his antics (and pouts) and broke my heart with all the secrets he kept hidden. Never underestimate him. Rourke and Forrest both kept a piece of my heart after this book. Plus, they have major chemistry and I think they could melt the permafrost. When it comes to this series, they break all the rules and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
• 
  P Leslie

  I’ve been looking forward to reading Forrest and Rourke’s story but was it worth the wait? Hell yeah!
  
  There were times I could have smacked Rourke. His cruel words were like bullets to the heart and every time it happened, the fire in Forrest’s eyes dimmed.
  
  Forrest was a sweetheart who truly deserved his own HEA.
  
  Sloane and Connell were as sweet and sexy as ever.
  
  Fantastic book and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it.
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  Salty Fish

  Forrest was the only likable thing about this book.
  The romance in this book was 95% lust and 5% love and even then, the resultants of the lust were disappointing.
  
  The plot was so incredibly boring and uneventful, there was no progression within the story. The climax of the book was so brief and underwhelming and I’m only referring to it as ‘the climax’ because it was the only time something interesting happened. This book honestly felt like a preview to some of the characters this author plans on writing about in the future. I wish I could say more about the plot but I cannot and I’m unsure whether this is because of how forgettable it was or because of the lack of build up.
  
  The relationship between the MCs was so underwhelming too. At the beginning of the book, the characters were already smitten with one another and it doesn’t make any sense because it was implied that their interactions prior to the present were kept at a minimum. Even if it was a love at first sight kinda thing, their relationship doesn’t really develop at all throughout the book. They were supposedly in love yet it felt like neither of them knew anything about each other by the end of the book. Almost all of the chapters with them together were mainly focused on the sex or them dirty talking. I felt that Rourke didn’t have any personality traits. Forrest was likable though, he was the only thing that drove me to carry on reading. Him and my dedication to finish all the books I start.
  
  And the ‘villain’? So poorly written, had no effect on the plot and characters. Absolutely useless and overhyped. We only see them twice in the book and they’re mentioned about 5 times yet for some reason they’re being made out to be an important, threatening character despite being easily forgotten (I’m talking about the detective btw not the client).
  
  The workers were so horribly objectified too. This would’ve been fine if it was acknowledged more but it was so normalized and like the rest of the book, the way they were treated didn’t progress at all. If the rest of the book was realistic, I would’ve let this detail pass as I’m sure many prostitutes are generally treated badly but no, this accessory felt like the authors bad attempt at being angsty.
  
  I’m not even going to bother talking about the boring sex scenes and cringe-y dirty talk.
  
  I’m also not not going to talk about the amount of random, completely unnecessary details in this book (like why mention a potential twin brother at the end? And the random bomb at the beginning?). My guess is that the author wrote this book purely to indirectly introduce the future MCs of this series.
  
  The ending felt like a forced, unrealistic HEA. Everything just magically works out for the MCs. Wouldn’t be surprised at all if I found this book on Wattpad.
• 
  Cole

  The few niggles I had out of the way first:
  
  I did notice a few errors, particularly mix-ups between third and first person (there were two occasions I can recall off the top of my head where it switched from using a character's name to "I" in a sentence). I also found the author name-dropping a co-writer in a scene where Forrest and Rourke were discussing books to be a little immersion-breaking; it completely took me out of the scene for a few minutes. That definitely seemed like the kind of little in-joke/reference that would be funny between friends in the drafts, but should've been left out of the final product, especially as it added nothing to the conversation and felt unnatural as it was.
  
  The abrupt throw-in of a 'secret identical twin' plot right at the end of the book was jarring to me, especially when they introduced (presumably, as there was no mention of him potentially being the brother) another character who looked identical to Forrest to abruptly resolve another plot point out of left field. If those two things were going to be included, tie them in and make them related to one another, as well as bringing the whole twin brother plot up earlier in the book so it would be more spread out and not feel so sudden and random.
  
  However, I really enjoyed this. I loved Forrest - the shit with Montague had me tense and on the edge of my seat (and I admit to some skipping ahead to make sure it would turn out okay before going back to where I was and reading through it properly because I was so badly hoping that someone would find them in time). I also loved Nadene becoming a maternal figure to everyone at the Virtue at the end and preparing brunch for them.
  
  Forrest/Rourke was more slow-burn than the pairings in the other books from this author I've read, which differentiated them, and I enjoyed that element of it. Their first sex scene was hot, too (as were the rest of them, obviously).
  
  Details: Alternating POVs, third-person, past tense
  Favourite character: Forrest
  Happy ending?: Yes
  Content warnings: Drugs and overdose deaths, violence, physical abuse and a near attempted rape (not between MCs), homophobia and homophobic slurs
  
  Favourite quotes:
  

  “Trust me, as someone who’s been a Catholic since birth, I’ve seen bigger sinners than you, Forrest.”
  “Like the boss?” He peered up at Rourke, eyes shining a little brighter.
  Rourke grunted, but it sounded more like a little laugh. “Yeah, like the boss. He’s killed a lot of people in his life, done a lot of things God wouldn’t approve of, but he confesses his sins at church and he’s forgiven.”
  Forrest gaped at him. “The boss is Catholic too?”
  “We’re Irish, it’s, like, a requirement,” Rourke laughed.

  
  
  

  “Yes, sir, I can be there. I’d like to bring the whore who talked to the client, too. Forrest. You remember him, don’t you?”
  Sloan sounded amused when he said, “Yes, I remember him. He used to fuck my pet.”
  Rourke winced again. Shit. Of course. This couldn’t get any more awkward.
  “Nooo. Conall fucked me, I didn’t fuck him,” Forrest yelled to the sky.
  Sloan laughed. He must have heard Forrest’s outburst.

  
  
  

  Once the maids placed the wide variety of food on the table, the blonde maid winked at him. She smiled and both maids left again. Forrest stared at the spread with wide eyes.
  “Like what you see?” Conall teased.
  “Have I died and gone to heaven?”
  “In your heaven, Forrest, I’d expect more naked men serving the food,” Conall laughed.
  Forrest nodded. “True. At the very least, Rourke would be naked and feeding me these figs. Want to try figging, Rourke?”
  The flirty comment made Rourke knock the edge of the glass he’d been pouring wine into and it nearly tumbled over. He grabbed it just in time.
  Conall and Killough laughed at the startled look Rourke sent Forrest.
  Forrest nudged him with his elbow. “I was joking. Or was I?” He attempted to do an eyebrow wiggle but failed drastically. His reflection in the mirror made it look like he was having a stroke.
  “You nearly made me stain Sloan’s expensive tablecloth,” Rourke reprimanded with a teasing smile.
  “Conall says he’s into a good spanking from the boss, maybe you should give me one too?” Forrest retaliated.
  “Really?” Rourke glanced at Conall.
  Conall’s cheeks burned, and he glared at Forrest. “What kind of friend are you?”
  Killough kissed his cheek and chuckled. “Pet, you get spankings in front of my men. It’s not a well-kept secret.”

  
  
  

  A cough that sounded a lot like a laugh came from the other side of the table, but Forrest ignored Conall. He took another bite of the strawberry, and another, moaning louder with each one.
  “Have I just stepped into a porno?” Killough asked.
  Conall backhanded his arm. “You better not be fantasizing about Forrest and that strawberry.”

  
  
  

  “Forrest, being in love with the boss’s pet isn’t a good idea.”
  Forrest paused in surprise just as he took another drink. He lowered it again, frowning. “What?”
  “I said—”
  “I know what you said.” He dropped the glass on the table-like console between them. “Do you honestly believe I’m in love with Conall?”
  “It’s not hard to figure out. You used to fuck, and you look at him like he’s the most important person in the world.”
  “He’s my best friend!” Forrest laughed at the absurdity. “Yes, we used to fuck, and sure, I probably was half in love with him once, but Conall didn’t return my feelings. When he left, I wasn’t as devastated as I thought I would be. Then you came along and… fuck! Are you that blind and dumb, Rourke? How many times do I have to nearly hump your leg for you to get how much I want you?”

  
  
  

  Angel had always been intuitive, the kind of person who analyzed things as they unfolded—probably a Virgo.

  
  
  

  “You’re both disgusting.” Conall paused and then grinned and fell into the wingback chair in front of Rourke’s desk. “Disgustingly adorable, but disgusting nonetheless.”
  “Says the one with a collar around his neck, and who has public sex.” Forrest blew a kiss at Conall.
  “Didn’t see you complaining when you watched us at the party.” Conall winked.
  Forrest opened his mouth and then shook his head. “I have no comeback. I did watch you very intently. You’re both hot.”

  
  
  

  “I love you.”
  Rourke’s expression softened and he clasped at Forrest’s ass, moving him to drag their clothed cocks together in a slow grind that had Forrest whimpering. “Yeah? Good. I love you too.”
  “How much?” Forrest whispered.
  Rourke grinned wickedly. He lowered his voice as he said, “Enough to kill for you.”
• 
  Patricia Hoffstaetter

  I really enjoyed reading this captivating, slightly dark MM romance & it is a perfect addition to the “The Killough Company” series. There are characters crossovers from the previous book “The Boss” but this book can be read as a standalone. The characters are complex individuals & are perfectly emotional flawed, one of the main characters (the acting boss of Virtue, Rourke Tormey) is quite attracted to a male sex-worker (Forrest Brassard) but is determined to resist him. The ultimate mafia boss (Sloan Killough) & his lover/pet (Conall Morrisey), a Detective (Diaz) determined to take down Sloan & everything connected to him. The plot is well-written, interesting & intriguing with unexpected situations & events.
  There is: mafia, law enforcement, a Irish mobster (Rourke), a mischievous young man (Forrest), twists & turns, intrigue, drama, deceit, threats, danger, enemies, violence, drugs, set-ups, friendship, family issues, action, secrets, memories, prostitution, death, attempted manipulation, defiance, jealousy, humiliation, abuse, a unexpected offer, steamy scenes, affection, emotional feelings, contentment & a well-deserved satisfying conclusion. I enjoyed reading this MM romance & would recommend it to people who enjoy reading this genre.
  
• 
  Belinda Zamora

  I really enjoyed this book.
  Forrest has had a tough life but he isn't some damsel in distress, thank you very much.
  He's witty, sassy, smart and has a heart of gold.
  He just wants to be seen and heard, to have value as a human being, not simply a commodity, as the Virtue's top earner.
  He doesn't have family, so the brothel he works for is exactly that for him, a family.
  Rourke has been brought in to be in charge of the Virtue, the Killough company's top end brothel and clean it up.
  He's very strait-laced and adheres to the rules with a ruthless grip.
  His family life has lead to some very dark deeds in order to protect his family.
  They begin an illicit affair and these men have chemistry that sizzles, they're so deliciously naughty.
  As they develop their relationship, outside forces are working to bring the Killough company to it's knees and there's a threat to Forrest that's nearly the unmaking of Rourke before it's swiftly and viciously resolved.
  I'm definitely looking forward to more from this world.
  
  
• 
  LateciaJ

  This story hooked me from the start. It has sex money,drugs, violence and romance. I loved mafia romances and since this had gay elements it made it more interesting. Forrest was the highest paid "professional" at the brothel owned by the Irish mafia.Lately he has been questioning if this what he wants to keep doing...he loves sex but he wants the hot boss more. Rourke who is the designated boss of the brothel is obsessed with rules. He notices Forrest...he is attracted to the hot, sexy and beautiful Forrest but he will not touch...it's against the rules. Forrest doesn't care about those rules..he wants Rourke and he intends to have him. Drama and mayhem ensues. It has a very satisfying HEA... the guys get what they both want in the end. This was really a page turner and I couldn't put it down. I had to keep reading until I finished in one sitting. This is the second book I read from this author and it didn't disappoint.
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  K.R. Phoenix

  So much angst!
  
  So many twists and turns, angst and chemistry while keeping true to the exotic profession.
  I really like getting to know Forest better, and the overarching Diaz storyline kept me guessing.
  Rouke and Forest have so much chemistry and are so hot together! (Fans self) The give and take between these two was hot and frustrating but the tenseness, fire and danger kept the story fresh and intriguing.
  Sloan and Conall's cameos were great and the ever expanding world has me hooked. I'm so glad I've gone back to read the books to start Sloan Killough's story and world. It gives you so much background and opens up the world Meg (and Ki) have created and the slow and steady whispers if war and unrest are even present this early in the stories...can't wait for more as we ramp up for the epic conclusion. Omg so good.
• 
  Eve

  I had been waiting for this book since I finished the first one and I was definitely not disappointed!
  I loved Forrest in the first book, he just stood out and I'm glad that this was his story...I'm love his attitude...so snappy ... muah.
  Rourke the guy that took charge of the Virtue to clean it up, he's follows the rules like his life depends on it which it kinda does.
  The two start an affair and yes sir it's hot but not all sunshine and rainbows though. It gets dark and gritty, there's some things in this book that some people might not like or might trigger them.
  I can't wait for the next one, I love this authors writing!
  
  I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
• 
  Demi

  Forrest has worked in the whorehouse since he was 18. Proud to be the top earner and enjoying the benefits that come with it. When Rourke is brought in to manage the house things begin to change. The mob owns the house and the whores. Rourke is forever proving himself to the Mob boss. But what happens when Rourke and Forrest can't stay away from one another? Forrest is considered property. Behind this issue is the gritty life of the mob. People are killed, tortured and abused. But through all of this there are characters that really care for one another. They are their own "family" I really enjoyed this story and the two that precede it. Looking forward to more!
  
  
• 
  Cynthia Brooks

  Rourke's father betrayed the Killough Mob but the mob's boss leniency kept the rest of Rourke's family alive. Rourke ended up running the Exotic Virtue for the mob. He was going to do everything right to prove himself. Forrester is the highest paid professional at the Virtue. When he sees Rourke he knows he wants him and it seems like Rourke want him. Rourke tries to keep things professional and not romantic but its getting harder to do. I enjoyed this book.
  
• 
  June

  Sweet loving rule based professional
  
  Loved this story. Enjoyed the blossom relationship between Rourke, a rule based sometimes a bit stiff, and Forrest, a big heart loving caring sweet professional. I enjoyed the sense of humor throughout though there were anguish, dark moments in the midst. Can’t wait to read next. Also curious about how Forrest and his twin brother, Hunter, from authors another series, king’s Men series, may reunite in the books to come.