Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.

I’m so goddamn in love with this series and all of the characters, it’s crazy. Ait, let me set the scene (go grab a snack, this might take a moment).

“I remember I promised you forever. I meant it then. I mean it now. I'm gonna work my ass off to be the man you deserve. Reckon you can be patient with me while I do, baby?”

April 29th, 2023, I finished book one of this series, Whisper into the Night, for the first time. I was instantly in love and it landed on my favorites of the year immediately. Not long after that I was lucky enough to get a spot on Jay Leigh’s ARC team. I have been equally excited for every subsequent book released in the series and have spammed my friends with quotes and highlights, even though they’ve never read any of the books. If I like it, y’all will too, damnit. Lol. Anyway, this series is pretty much all of my favorite things combined, and it felt like finding the Holy Grail. It certainly helps that Jay Leigh is just a cool person. And then *DUN DUN DUN*

Imagine my horror when I spotted the tropes ‘second chance’ and ‘relationship in crisis’ for this book. Theo and Connor, the couple from book 1, my beloved favorite boys, were gonna have problems, and I just about died. I’m not even slightly exaggerating when I tell you I lost sleep over this several weeks before Jay ever even sent out the ARCs. I had a nightmare about it, and I made my friends comfort me, lol. Let’s just say I bonded with these characters hardcore and the thought of them struggling hurt so bad. *Not* reading the book wasn’t even an option, as I’m so deeply invested in the overarching plot, and I love the other POV characters just as much. Jay Leigh talked me off the ledge, and I somehow found the strength to start the book. You know what happened? I fucking loved it. The tears starting falling at 1% into the book. It broke my heart, but it was so worth it.

Connor stepped backward until their fingertips were the only thing still tethering them together. “Don't forget—I love you.” Tears pricked in his eyes and blurred the sunset silhouette of his lover. Their connection broke and pulled the words from his lips without any second thoughts or hesitation. “Love you too, babe. Never stopped. Never will.”

You might wanna call me dramatic, and you’d be so right, lol, but not a lie in sight. Six POV characters, and not a single thing was missing. The way this author has managed to weave this story and plot together is incredible. I think I’ve mentioned this before (probably many times), but my favorite part of these books is how the different POVs allows us to really see how multifaceted and complex every single character is. To see them be husband/boyfriend/girlfriend; coworker; father; brother; friend, and to have all of these roles and dynamics feel true to the character? I don’t think I’m explaining it very well, but it impresses me to no end.

Now, even though we have a lot of different characters getting time on page, the romantic focus is on Theo and Connor. Like I mentioned, these guys are struggling for a chunk of the book. There’s no doubt in anyone’s mind that these boys are meant to be, but trauma, grief, survivor’s guilt, suddenly parenting two children and so much more will put a strain on a relationship. Thankfully they have a strong wish to make things work, they have amazing friends that help and encourage them, and they go to therapy both alone and together. If you know me outside of Goodreads, chances are you’ve heard me (loudly) say how much I dislike second chance romance, but I loved this so much (to be fair it’s like Second Chance Lite, but still). Sorcery, I tell you.

We got some crazy unexpected revelations in the thriller mystery situation, and I can’t wait to read the next book and see what happens. It’s like everyone, characters and readers alike, took a big breath of relief at the end of this book, but we’re also just waiting for the other shoe to drop. Personally, as someone who feels giddy with happiness when there’s mortal peril and action, I can’t wait.

Full five stars again, of course. Did I mention I love this series?

This book includes:
• Lovely and badass female characters
• Fantastic mental illness rep
• Political intrigue that will keep you hooked
• The most satisfying nose-crunching punch in all the
lands
• Keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat action
• A character you can channel all your negative
thoughts and feelings into hating
• Aggressive twink calling his older silver fox husband a
‘good boy’
• The hottest fingering scene you ever did read
• Imperfect kids acting their age (and being cute)
• Soulmates going through a rough patch
• A diverse group of friends who would do
anything for each other, including hugs and forehead
kisses
• Awkward and hilarious sex talks with your boyfriend’s
ex boyfriend who is now your friend’s boyfriend

He tried to reach out as Connor moved past him toward the door while brushing a hand over his cheeks as he stormed away with the duffel bag in hand. Theo took a step to chase after him, but his knees buckled with the sudden movement. They hit the floor as the echo of a door slamming in the distance shattered through the sound of Theo's blood rushing too loud in his ears.

Me:




PS: if you read this entire review you might be entitled to compensation.

⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️

⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Multi POV
Established couple
Second chance
Political thriller
Found family
Mental illness rep
Crop tops
Panic disorder rep
Diverse cast of characters
Suspense & action
Therapy
Size difference
Southern boy

⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Most of this list is copied from the book, as the author did a fantastic job with the warnings:

Kidnapping/hostage situation (on-page, MC and child)
Violence resulting in serious injury (MCs, on-page)
Hospitalizations (MCs, on-page)
Asthma attacks (MC)
Concussion/symptoms/recovery (MC)
Blood/knife injuries
Blood/fist fight
Stalking
Threats of violence via text
Molotov cocktails
Relationship in crisis
Drinking/binge-drinking/drunk MC
Use of firearms
Impersonation of a federal agent
Discussions of past death of antagonists
Mentions of therapy (MCs and side characters/children)
Anxiety/panic attacks/dissociation
Depression
Explicit sexual content
Stimming/emotional dysregulation/masking in POV character with mild autism not explicitly stated on page
Dysfunctional family dynamics/parental abandonment/long term effects of parentification
Threats against children
House fire (MCs and children inside, no injuries)
Unhealthy coping mechanisms (drinking, mostly off page, stops early in the book)
Unhealthy coping mechanism (excessive exercising)
PTSD symptoms
Moments of disordered eating during stressful periods (lack of appetite)

⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Sort of; a separation, relationship in crisis
POV: 3rd person, multi
Genre: Political thriller/romantic suspense
Pairing: Main couple: M/M. Side characters/POV characters in FF relationship.
Strict roles or versatile: No switching during book but will switch in the future
Main characters’ age: 22 and 28 (I think)
Series: Series
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 352
Happy ending: Yes

“I love you, Connor.” Theo whispered the words softly into Connor’s hair. That tiny little touch and those words were what broke the dam. Connor completely fell apart in Theo's arms and he held him through every single sob that tore from his chest. He was breathless. He was broken. He was beautiful. And Theo would never, ever let him suffer alone again.

You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr