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Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
“You okay?” “I think so.” A more accurate response would have been clinically alive but dead inside, but that probably wasn’t appropriate with strangers.
I’m not quite sure how Sophia Soames does it, but she has somehow made a book with very heavy themes and contents feel hopeful and uplifting. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t difficult or uncomfortable to read at times, because it was, but I ended the book with a smile on my face and laughed out loud several times while reading. Her writing style is so witty and refreshingly real. That realness also means you feel the angst and characters’ turmoil in a different way than a lot of other books, but it is so worth it.
I wasn’t after sex or whatever else people did in relationships. I wanted hugs, affection, someone to love me back.
I loved Hugo, but Benjamin unexpectedly stole the show for me. He looks like the biggest grump, but that man is 100% marshmallow and sweetness. He loves taking care of his loved ones, and he deserves all the best in the world. There is (of course) a lot of focus on Hugo and his story, but Ben has some intense trauma in his past as well. I wanted to give them both massive hugs.
I’m not going to speak on behalf of ace/grey people, but I thought that part of the book was handled really well. I liked how it wasn’t this black and white, definitive thing, but something they talked about, and they had to figure out what would work for them.
“Then we will just…be us. There are no rules saying we can’t be boyfriends and just sleep, cuddle and kiss.”
Definitely take a peek at the list of content warnings, as there is a few scenes that are full on, not at all romanticized or glossed over, so take care of yourself first and foremost while reading. If you feel comfortable to read it though, please do. It’s a beautiful, well-written story.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Ace/grey MC
Slow burn
Former athlete
Coworkers
All the cuddles
Hurt/comfort
Forced proximity
Past trauma
Recovery from eating disorder
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Eating disorder
Graphic abuse
Domestic abuse
Rape (on page, past and present)
Physical, emotional, and verbal abuse (on page)
Past traumatic injury (detailed)
MC with brain injury
Implied cheating (not between MCs)
Obsessive thoughts
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Drug use (side character, off page)
Injured MC
Hospitalization
Hospitalization related to eating disorder (off page, present)
*Disclaimer: None of the abuse occurs between main characters.
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other man/other woman drama: No. Ben has a codependent (and cuddly) relationship with his best friend, but there’s no drama.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: N/A
Main characters’ age: 41 and 30
Pages: 270
It was called attraction, and I hadn’t felt it for years. Which was strange, but then this was my Ben, who held my hand and fed me and looked after me and said things that made me all warm on the inside and kissed my forehead and hugged me.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
“You okay?” “I think so.” A more accurate response would have been clinically alive but dead inside, but that probably wasn’t appropriate with strangers.
I’m not quite sure how Sophia Soames does it, but she has somehow made a book with very heavy themes and contents feel hopeful and uplifting. That doesn’t mean it wasn’t difficult or uncomfortable to read at times, because it was, but I ended the book with a smile on my face and laughed out loud several times while reading. Her writing style is so witty and refreshingly real. That realness also means you feel the angst and characters’ turmoil in a different way than a lot of other books, but it is so worth it.
I wasn’t after sex or whatever else people did in relationships. I wanted hugs, affection, someone to love me back.
I loved Hugo, but Benjamin unexpectedly stole the show for me. He looks like the biggest grump, but that man is 100% marshmallow and sweetness. He loves taking care of his loved ones, and he deserves all the best in the world. There is (of course) a lot of focus on Hugo and his story, but Ben has some intense trauma in his past as well. I wanted to give them both massive hugs.
I’m not going to speak on behalf of ace/grey people, but I thought that part of the book was handled really well. I liked how it wasn’t this black and white, definitive thing, but something they talked about, and they had to figure out what would work for them.
“Then we will just…be us. There are no rules saying we can’t be boyfriends and just sleep, cuddle and kiss.”
Definitely take a peek at the list of content warnings, as there is a few scenes that are full on, not at all romanticized or glossed over, so take care of yourself first and foremost while reading. If you feel comfortable to read it though, please do. It’s a beautiful, well-written story.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Ace/grey MC
Slow burn
Former athlete
Coworkers
All the cuddles
Hurt/comfort
Forced proximity
Past trauma
Recovery from eating disorder
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Eating disorder
Graphic abuse
Domestic abuse
Rape (on page, past and present)
Physical, emotional, and verbal abuse (on page)
Past traumatic injury (detailed)
MC with brain injury
Implied cheating (not between MCs)
Obsessive thoughts
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Drug use (side character, off page)
Injured MC
Hospitalization
Hospitalization related to eating disorder (off page, present)
*Disclaimer: None of the abuse occurs between main characters.
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other man/other woman drama: No. Ben has a codependent (and cuddly) relationship with his best friend, but there’s no drama.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Genre: Contemporary romance, M/M
Strict roles or versatile: N/A
Main characters’ age: 41 and 30
Pages: 270
It was called attraction, and I hadn’t felt it for years. Which was strange, but then this was my Ben, who held my hand and fed me and looked after me and said things that made me all warm on the inside and kissed my forehead and hugged me.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
I love Mariana Zapata with my whole-ass heart. I don’t actually know how many times I’ve read/listened to this one, but I had to check out the new audio with duet narration. While I loved both narrators’ voices, the person voicing Vanessa was sort of high-pitched monotone which really grated after a while.
Anyway. I’m usually *not* a fan of anything resembling fake relationships or marriage of convenience, but I really love this one. I love Vanessa the most. Aiden is a douchebag and a grump with honestly pretty few redeeming qualities, lol, but he genuinely comes around. It’s *not* love at first sight or a smooth ride. Sometimes it takes time for feelings to change and grow, and while I’m sure we all wanted to strangle Aiden a time or two, he has pretty good development throughout the book.
I’m such a sucker for the Zapata slow burn and slowly building tension, and this book has it in spades.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Marriage of convenience
Enemies to lovers
Boss/employee
Football star
Sports romance
Size difference
Past trauma
Glacial burn
Grumpy/grumpier
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Fatphobic comment (SC)
Run over by car on purpose (past, sibling driving)
Explicit sexual content
Details of past child abuse and neglect (from parent and siblings)
Off-page alcohol consumption
SC intoxicated on page
Details of childhood with alcoholic parent
SC victim of domestic abuse (off page)
On-page panic attack
Mentions of MC being physically abused as a child
Mentions of pregnancy and birth/c-section (epilogue)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Aiden’s teammate hits on Vanessa/acts creepy
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/F
Strict roles or versatile: N/A
Main characters’ age: 26 and 30
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 476
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
I love Mariana Zapata with my whole-ass heart. I don’t actually know how many times I’ve read/listened to this one, but I had to check out the new audio with duet narration. While I loved both narrators’ voices, the person voicing Vanessa was sort of high-pitched monotone which really grated after a while.
Anyway. I’m usually *not* a fan of anything resembling fake relationships or marriage of convenience, but I really love this one. I love Vanessa the most. Aiden is a douchebag and a grump with honestly pretty few redeeming qualities, lol, but he genuinely comes around. It’s *not* love at first sight or a smooth ride. Sometimes it takes time for feelings to change and grow, and while I’m sure we all wanted to strangle Aiden a time or two, he has pretty good development throughout the book.
I’m such a sucker for the Zapata slow burn and slowly building tension, and this book has it in spades.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Marriage of convenience
Enemies to lovers
Boss/employee
Football star
Sports romance
Size difference
Past trauma
Glacial burn
Grumpy/grumpier
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Fatphobic comment (SC)
Run over by car on purpose (past, sibling driving)
Explicit sexual content
Details of past child abuse and neglect (from parent and siblings)
Off-page alcohol consumption
SC intoxicated on page
Details of childhood with alcoholic parent
SC victim of domestic abuse (off page)
On-page panic attack
Mentions of MC being physically abused as a child
Mentions of pregnancy and birth/c-section (epilogue)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Aiden’s teammate hits on Vanessa/acts creepy
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, single
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/F
Strict roles or versatile: N/A
Main characters’ age: 26 and 30
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: No
Pages: 476
Happy ending: Yes
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
“You’re it for me, Quaid. This right here is everything I’ll ever need in this lifetime.” He held me tight, not letting go. “I love you too.” I smiled against his throat because, for once, he heard me.
It was really, really nice to read a book in this series where my heart wasn’t constantly in my throat because of the shaky relationship between Quaid and Aslan. They were pretty solid in this, and feeling safe and gaining trust is doing wonders for Quaid.
The murder mystery in this book? Freaking chef’s kiss. 10/10. I really genuinely had no idea who’d killed the girl until it was revealed. I spent so much of the book speculating, thinking I had it all figured out. At the same time it all made lots of sense in the end. Nicky James can write the hell out of a mystery and would have a good career as a crime writer if she wanted, I’m sure.
“Cuddle me, dammit. I demand cuddles. It’s ten after four in the morning. You don’t have to be anywhere except in bed. With me. Now. End of story.”
SPOILER ALERT, I need to yell at Aslan again:
I was *this* fucking close to crawling through the screen of my kindle and into this story so that I could choke Aslan. His inability to tell Quaid he loves him when Quaid clearly, obviously needs to hear it? Made me feel so upset on his behalf. Quaid was cheated on repeatedly and emotionally and psychologically manipulated by his ex over a long period of time. His self esteem and self worth was pretty much destroyed. He is also a massive romantic who wants the husband and kids and the pretty house, and somehow Aslan is shocked Quaid needs to hear he is loved!? God, he’s got the emotional intelligence of a four year old sometimes. And then when Quaid ended up being the first to say ‘I love you’ because Aslan was busy being an idiot? I was ready to murder someone, lol.
Anyway, here’s the update:
Quaid: honestly can do no wrong, I love him so much
Aslan: kind and committed (finally) but also an absolute fucking idiot
Quaid’s dad: dead for all I know, barely mentioned
Torin: a cutie patootie
Ruiz: a new contender! Previously homophobic enemy of Quaid, now hilariously good friends
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Established couple
Law enforcement
Recovering addict
Police procedural
Murder mystery
Grumpy/sunshine
Life changes
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Detailed autopsy
Details of dead body and injuries
Underage pregnant murder victim
Explicit sexual content
Mild exhibitionism (supply room shenanigans)
Alcoholic minor character intoxicated on page
Off-page alcohol consumption (not by addict MC)
On-page gun violence
Side character stabbed and shot
MC fatally shooting child while defending SC (on page, graphic)
On-page CPR on child (not successful)
MC treated for shock
Disordered eating (skipping meals, eating too little, extreme focus on health)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 36 and 42
Series: Series
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 426
Happy ending: Mild HFN
I caught Quaid’s arm before he got too far and dragged him back to the table. I pushed my chair back and encouraged him to straddle my lap. When he did, I laced my fingers against the small of his back, holding him in place. Quaid drew my head against his chest, and I closed my eyes, listening to his heartbeat as he stroked fingers through my hair.
Torin whistled and shook his head. “Shit, man. Valor is a badass motherfucker in an interview. I’ve got goose bumps.” Torin held up his arm, proving it. “That kid’s gonna need new drawers when he’s done.” “I’m so turned on right now.” Torin jabbed me with an elbow and a snort. “Don’t be gross.” “Seriously. I’m getting hard.”
If you want to hurt your own feelings by reading Quaid’s love declaration:
When he spoke, his words were choked and quiet. “I am so madly in love with you it’s crippling. It terrifies me most days because of how vulnerable it makes me feel to hand over my heart again after it was so utterly destroyed by Jack. Trust is not easy for me. But I’m doing it anyway, and I don’t know if you realize the kind of power that gives you. I love you, Aslan. I’ve loved you since the day you stood in my driveway and told me you couldn’t walk away and wanted to give up your old ways simply to have a chance to date me. And yeah, I’m a softy, I read too many romance novels, and I dream too big, but those words from you got me right in the chest. I was a goner. Most days, these characteristics embarrass me.” He shrugged. “But it’s who I am, and yeah, maybe it’s lame, maybe it’s needy, and maybe I’m too emotional, but it would be nice to hear it once from your mouth without you being stoned out of your mind. I’m sorry if that makes me pathetic.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
“You’re it for me, Quaid. This right here is everything I’ll ever need in this lifetime.” He held me tight, not letting go. “I love you too.” I smiled against his throat because, for once, he heard me.
It was really, really nice to read a book in this series where my heart wasn’t constantly in my throat because of the shaky relationship between Quaid and Aslan. They were pretty solid in this, and feeling safe and gaining trust is doing wonders for Quaid.
The murder mystery in this book? Freaking chef’s kiss. 10/10. I really genuinely had no idea who’d killed the girl until it was revealed. I spent so much of the book speculating, thinking I had it all figured out. At the same time it all made lots of sense in the end. Nicky James can write the hell out of a mystery and would have a good career as a crime writer if she wanted, I’m sure.
“Cuddle me, dammit. I demand cuddles. It’s ten after four in the morning. You don’t have to be anywhere except in bed. With me. Now. End of story.”
SPOILER ALERT, I need to yell at Aslan again:
Spoiler
I was *this* fucking close to crawling through the screen of my kindle and into this story so that I could choke Aslan. His inability to tell Quaid he loves him when Quaid clearly, obviously needs to hear it? Made me feel so upset on his behalf. Quaid was cheated on repeatedly and emotionally and psychologically manipulated by his ex over a long period of time. His self esteem and self worth was pretty much destroyed. He is also a massive romantic who wants the husband and kids and the pretty house, and somehow Aslan is shocked Quaid needs to hear he is loved!? God, he’s got the emotional intelligence of a four year old sometimes. And then when Quaid ended up being the first to say ‘I love you’ because Aslan was busy being an idiot? I was ready to murder someone, lol.
Anyway, here’s the update:
Quaid: honestly can do no wrong, I love him so much
Aslan: kind and committed (finally) but also an absolute fucking idiot
Quaid’s dad: dead for all I know, barely mentioned
Torin: a cutie patootie
Ruiz: a new contender! Previously homophobic enemy of Quaid, now hilariously good friends
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Established couple
Law enforcement
Recovering addict
Police procedural
Murder mystery
Grumpy/sunshine
Life changes
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Detailed autopsy
Details of dead body and injuries
Underage pregnant murder victim
Explicit sexual content
Mild exhibitionism (supply room shenanigans)
Alcoholic minor character intoxicated on page
Off-page alcohol consumption (not by addict MC)
On-page gun violence
Side character stabbed and shot
MC fatally shooting child while defending SC (on page, graphic)
On-page CPR on child (not successful)
MC treated for shock
Disordered eating (skipping meals, eating too little, extreme focus on health)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 36 and 42
Series: Series
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 426
Happy ending: Mild HFN
I caught Quaid’s arm before he got too far and dragged him back to the table. I pushed my chair back and encouraged him to straddle my lap. When he did, I laced my fingers against the small of his back, holding him in place. Quaid drew my head against his chest, and I closed my eyes, listening to his heartbeat as he stroked fingers through my hair.
Torin whistled and shook his head. “Shit, man. Valor is a badass motherfucker in an interview. I’ve got goose bumps.” Torin held up his arm, proving it. “That kid’s gonna need new drawers when he’s done.” “I’m so turned on right now.” Torin jabbed me with an elbow and a snort. “Don’t be gross.” “Seriously. I’m getting hard.”
If you want to hurt your own feelings by reading Quaid’s love declaration:
Spoiler
When he spoke, his words were choked and quiet. “I am so madly in love with you it’s crippling. It terrifies me most days because of how vulnerable it makes me feel to hand over my heart again after it was so utterly destroyed by Jack. Trust is not easy for me. But I’m doing it anyway, and I don’t know if you realize the kind of power that gives you. I love you, Aslan. I’ve loved you since the day you stood in my driveway and told me you couldn’t walk away and wanted to give up your old ways simply to have a chance to date me. And yeah, I’m a softy, I read too many romance novels, and I dream too big, but those words from you got me right in the chest. I was a goner. Most days, these characteristics embarrass me.” He shrugged. “But it’s who I am, and yeah, maybe it’s lame, maybe it’s needy, and maybe I’m too emotional, but it would be nice to hear it once from your mouth without you being stoned out of your mind. I’m sorry if that makes me pathetic.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
“This is real, Quaid. You and me. Yes, it’s only been a month, and I know we haven’t found our groove. We are perfectly imperfect, but there isn’t a day that goes by that I regret asking you out to dinner. I don’t regret making this commitment to you and shedding my old life. This is far better.”
Dude, this book stressed me out something fierce. You’d think it would be a relatively chill book since Quaid and Aslan are finally together, but their relationship is definitely rocky. Quaid is plagued (kinda rhymes) by insecurities and low self-esteem and nonexistent self-worth after the relationship with his cheating and manipulative ex and being abandoned by a parent, and has pretty extensive trust issues. Thankfully Aslan is well aware, is full of understanding and has endless patience with Quaid. No, it hasn’t been a smooth ride by any means, but you can tell they are good together and for each other.
“You are worthy, and I’m not going anywhere. I will tell you every day until you believe me.”
They dealt with so many external challenges as well in this book, so it was plenty angsty and stressful. I really enjoyed seeing them get closer and stronger, even if it was minuscule. I am really hoping for less relationship angst in book 4, because there’s only so much I can handle, lol.
Update on my feelings on everyone:
I like Aslan now (I stand by him being a douche canoe in book 1 and most of book 2)
Quaid is baby and I love him still
Torin can get fucked less (actually made me lol in this one)
Quaid’s dad might be old and fragile but he can get fucked the most — hug your child back you ass
He scratched his fingers up and down my chest through the fabric of my dress shirt. There was a softness in his eyes. A wanting. A desperation. “Will you kiss me?” he breathed. “I’m stressed.”
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Established couple
Law enforcement
Police procedural
Coworkers
Rocky relationship
Solving crimes
Found family vibes
Recovering addict
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Themes of missing children
Child describing being abducted
Drugged and held captive
MC’s sister missing since childhood
Explicit sexual content
Alcoholic MC almost relapses (buys alcohol, does not drink)
SC recounting killing someone as a child
Alcohol cravings detailed
Detailed murder scenes
MC drugged (on page)
MC abducted
Mentions of abusive bad guy (physical, past)
Gun violence (no shots fired)
MC’s sister’s dead body recovered
Disordered eating (skipping meals, eating too little, extreme focus on health
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: A female reporter is pushy and while Aslan isn’t remotely interested, Quaid’s insecurities and a couple situations that look suspicious leads to a couple fights. No ‘actual’ OW drama, but can be stressful and uncomfortable.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 36 and 42
Series: Series, book 3
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 464
Happy ending: Mild HFN
“You also have romance novels behind your collection of thriller books.” Aslan winked. “Very sneaky.” “They aren’t romance novels.” “You think I don’t know who Nora Roberts is? I have a romance-novel-obsessed sister.” “She writes diverse stories with rich plotlines and characterization. I… Dad! Stop laughing and defend me.”
Despite wanting to admit it, Quaid was an emotional being deep, deep inside where he thought no one could see.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
“This is real, Quaid. You and me. Yes, it’s only been a month, and I know we haven’t found our groove. We are perfectly imperfect, but there isn’t a day that goes by that I regret asking you out to dinner. I don’t regret making this commitment to you and shedding my old life. This is far better.”
Dude, this book stressed me out something fierce. You’d think it would be a relatively chill book since Quaid and Aslan are finally together, but their relationship is definitely rocky. Quaid is plagued (kinda rhymes) by insecurities and low self-esteem and nonexistent self-worth after the relationship with his cheating and manipulative ex and being abandoned by a parent, and has pretty extensive trust issues. Thankfully Aslan is well aware, is full of understanding and has endless patience with Quaid. No, it hasn’t been a smooth ride by any means, but you can tell they are good together and for each other.
“You are worthy, and I’m not going anywhere. I will tell you every day until you believe me.”
They dealt with so many external challenges as well in this book, so it was plenty angsty and stressful. I really enjoyed seeing them get closer and stronger, even if it was minuscule. I am really hoping for less relationship angst in book 4, because there’s only so much I can handle, lol.
Update on my feelings on everyone:
I like Aslan now (I stand by him being a douche canoe in book 1 and most of book 2)
Quaid is baby and I love him still
Torin can get fucked less (actually made me lol in this one)
Quaid’s dad might be old and fragile but he can get fucked the most — hug your child back you ass
He scratched his fingers up and down my chest through the fabric of my dress shirt. There was a softness in his eyes. A wanting. A desperation. “Will you kiss me?” he breathed. “I’m stressed.”
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Established couple
Law enforcement
Police procedural
Coworkers
Rocky relationship
Solving crimes
Found family vibes
Recovering addict
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Themes of missing children
Child describing being abducted
Drugged and held captive
MC’s sister missing since childhood
Explicit sexual content
Alcoholic MC almost relapses (buys alcohol, does not drink)
SC recounting killing someone as a child
Alcohol cravings detailed
Detailed murder scenes
MC drugged (on page)
MC abducted
Mentions of abusive bad guy (physical, past)
Gun violence (no shots fired)
MC’s sister’s dead body recovered
Disordered eating (skipping meals, eating too little, extreme focus on health
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: A female reporter is pushy and while Aslan isn’t remotely interested, Quaid’s insecurities and a couple situations that look suspicious leads to a couple fights. No ‘actual’ OW drama, but can be stressful and uncomfortable.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 36 and 42
Series: Series, book 3
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 464
Happy ending: Mild HFN
“You also have romance novels behind your collection of thriller books.” Aslan winked. “Very sneaky.” “They aren’t romance novels.” “You think I don’t know who Nora Roberts is? I have a romance-novel-obsessed sister.” “She writes diverse stories with rich plotlines and characterization. I… Dad! Stop laughing and defend me.”
Despite wanting to admit it, Quaid was an emotional being deep, deep inside where he thought no one could see.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
“We have to stop doing this.” “I know.” But Aslan kissed me again. Raw and claiming kisses that sang through my body and made my toes curl.
This book summed up for me:
F*ck Aslan
Protect Quaid at all cost
F*ck Torin too, don’t be mean to Quaid
F*ck Aslan less
Protect Quaid at all cost
F*ck Jack the most
Where is Quaid’s dad??
Protect Quaid at all cost
Okay I’m ready to give Aslan a chance
end scene
Anyway. Nicky James always makes me feel strongly about one thing or another which is always fun, if not painful. This book is no exception. The murder mystery and police procedural was, as always, a gosh darn treat. I love a well written whodunnit. It kept me guessing all the way through, and even when I thought I had it all figured out, I really hadn’t, yet seeing how it all fit together in the end? Chef’s kiss.
Aslan being a playboy through and through while Quaid wants a connection and forever with someone is just a recipe for tears for me. They were shed, I tell you. But it’s like a wreck I can’t look away from, because their chemistry is just so good. The little looks, small touches and caught smiles? Ugh, I love it, unfortunately. The tension is electric. Also, what is it about almost-kisses, lips-hovering-while-trying-to-hold-back?? I’m a puddle every time.
“You’ve chased that dream of family since you were a little boy. You want that unbreakable bond. The unity. That’s not a bad thing. I wish it for you more than anything. But you can’t force it, and I think, as you’ve gotten older, it’s made you desperate. You clung to that awful man because you were convinced he was your last chance at a husband and a family and love.”
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Series
Hookups to more
Romantic suspense
Police procedural
Coworkers
Law enforcement
Enemies to lovers
Reformed manwhore (eventually)
Commitment issues
Trust issues
Emotional slow burn
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mention of MC crashing car while intoxicated (past)
Explicit sexual content
MC is a recovering alcoholic (no relapse
Detailed graphic murder scene
MC’s ex severely beaten and hospitalized
Details of past manipulation and emotional abuse by MC’s ex
Details of MC being cheated on by ex (past)
Details of SC filming porn without consent (not with MC)
MC abandoned by parent as a child
Themes of non-consensual porn
Off-page physical child abuse between SCs
Gun violence (no shots fired)
MC injured (minor)
Physical violence between MC and bad guy
Disordered eating (skipping meals, eating too little, extreme focus on health)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Aslan briefly mentions having hooked up with other people during the 6 weeks off page between book 1 and 2, after sleeping with Quaid in book 1. There are no details about it. They are not in a relationship at the time.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 35 and 42
Series: Series, book 2
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 426
Happy ending: Very mild HFN relationship-wise. Cliffhanger plot
“We aren’t built the same. You’re okay having casual sex with many people. I’m not judging. To each his own. At least you’re honest about it. I… I can’t do that.” “But you have. Six weeks ago, we hooked up. No strings attached.” And I’d been suffering the consequences ever since. How many times had I run a finger over that groove Aslan had cut into my bedpost? How many times had I allowed my feelings to be hurt when he’d pass me in the parking lot or in the office without a second glance?
His baby-blue orbs were fathomless. Dangerous. I’d tumbled into them once and was still trying to find my way out.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
“We have to stop doing this.” “I know.” But Aslan kissed me again. Raw and claiming kisses that sang through my body and made my toes curl.
This book summed up for me:
F*ck Aslan
Protect Quaid at all cost
F*ck Torin too, don’t be mean to Quaid
F*ck Aslan less
Protect Quaid at all cost
F*ck Jack the most
Where is Quaid’s dad??
Protect Quaid at all cost
Okay I’m ready to give Aslan a chance
end scene
Anyway. Nicky James always makes me feel strongly about one thing or another which is always fun, if not painful. This book is no exception. The murder mystery and police procedural was, as always, a gosh darn treat. I love a well written whodunnit. It kept me guessing all the way through, and even when I thought I had it all figured out, I really hadn’t, yet seeing how it all fit together in the end? Chef’s kiss.
Aslan being a playboy through and through while Quaid wants a connection and forever with someone is just a recipe for tears for me. They were shed, I tell you. But it’s like a wreck I can’t look away from, because their chemistry is just so good. The little looks, small touches and caught smiles? Ugh, I love it, unfortunately. The tension is electric. Also, what is it about almost-kisses, lips-hovering-while-trying-to-hold-back?? I’m a puddle every time.
“You’ve chased that dream of family since you were a little boy. You want that unbreakable bond. The unity. That’s not a bad thing. I wish it for you more than anything. But you can’t force it, and I think, as you’ve gotten older, it’s made you desperate. You clung to that awful man because you were convinced he was your last chance at a husband and a family and love.”
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Series
Hookups to more
Romantic suspense
Police procedural
Coworkers
Law enforcement
Enemies to lovers
Reformed manwhore (eventually)
Commitment issues
Trust issues
Emotional slow burn
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mention of MC crashing car while intoxicated (past)
Explicit sexual content
MC is a recovering alcoholic (no relapse
Detailed graphic murder scene
MC’s ex severely beaten and hospitalized
Details of past manipulation and emotional abuse by MC’s ex
Details of MC being cheated on by ex (past)
Details of SC filming porn without consent (not with MC)
MC abandoned by parent as a child
Themes of non-consensual porn
Off-page physical child abuse between SCs
Gun violence (no shots fired)
MC injured (minor)
Physical violence between MC and bad guy
Disordered eating (skipping meals, eating too little, extreme focus on health)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Aslan briefly mentions having hooked up with other people during the 6 weeks off page between book 1 and 2, after sleeping with Quaid in book 1. There are no details about it. They are not in a relationship at the time.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 35 and 42
Series: Series, book 2
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 426
Happy ending: Very mild HFN relationship-wise. Cliffhanger plot
“We aren’t built the same. You’re okay having casual sex with many people. I’m not judging. To each his own. At least you’re honest about it. I… I can’t do that.” “But you have. Six weeks ago, we hooked up. No strings attached.” And I’d been suffering the consequences ever since. How many times had I run a finger over that groove Aslan had cut into my bedpost? How many times had I allowed my feelings to be hurt when he’d pass me in the parking lot or in the office without a second glance?
His baby-blue orbs were fathomless. Dangerous. I’d tumbled into them once and was still trying to find my way out.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
Loneliness had substance. It had the power to consume me. It ate at my core. It crawled into the tiny cracks left behind in my heart from Jack’s lies and betrayal.
It’s a good thing I love Nicky James as much as I love romantic suspense, because Aslan Doyle is absolutely insufferable, lol. A manwhore who brags one minute and gets angry for being called out on his promiscuous ways the next. The emotional maturity of a 10 year old. Purposefully commenting hurtful things. Super crude. Honestly, during this book, he’s the exact opposite of a catch.
It’s my second time trying to read this series (don’t think I finished book 2 last time), and I know he gets better, but a character like that would normally make me give up. But in Nicky James we trust, and I’ll try to stick around long enough to get to the good stuff (i.e. character development) this time.
Quaid is not a perfect character by any means, but I have a much easier time understanding and empathizing with him. I mostly just hurt for him, and want him to stand up for himself with his awful ex. He’s lonely and hurting, and he’s got tall-ass walls and mostly just seems cold to others.
I studied the ceiling, wondering how the next ten minutes would play out. I imagined Aslan would come back into the room, dress, and tell me to have a nice life. “And that’s fine,” I said under my breath. “I knew that going in.”
I really love how the police case is built up and solved. Super clever, and even when you think you know what’s going on, you don’t actully know.
I know I’m gonna kinda dislike both main characters in book 2, so here’s for book 3, lol.
And yes, even after this shitshow review, it’s 5 stars. I might think Aslan is a used wetwipe, but it’s so well written.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Series
Romantic suspense
Police procedural
Coworkers
Law enforcement
Enemies to lovers
Reformed manwhore (eventually)
Commitment issues
Trust issues
Emotional slow burn
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
MC recovering alcoholic (no relapse)
MC experiencing cravings
Infant kidnapped (off page)
Some details of SC with chronically ill child (hospitalized)
Sexual harassment
Details of MC being cheated on by ex
Themes and details of infertility (side character)
Mentions of parent suffering a stroke (past, off page)
MC harassed by ex (texts, calls)
On-page dissociation
Alcoholic MC tasting alcohol through kiss
Alcohol consumption (not by addict MC)
Explicit sexual content
Low self-esteem and sense of self-worth
Brief mention of SC having miscarriages (past, off page)
MCs using guns (no shots fired)
MC’s sibling gone missing as a child (not found)
Disordered eating (skipping meals, eating too little, extreme focus on health)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Quaid is harassed by his cheating ex throughout the book
Breakup: N/A, not actually together yet
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 35 and 42
Series: Series, book 1
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 357
Happy ending: No (not yet)
“Go.” “Sorry. Got caught up in all your beauty. Sue me.” My comment earned me his trademark sneer and the finger. I chuckled. If only he knew that was not a turnoff.
Another tiny bead of precum formed on his tip right before my eyes, and I caught it on my tongue, slowly drawing away and letting the clear bead stretch between us. Quaid groaned loud enough I cast a glance up. He stared down with parted lips and yearning. “That is so hot.”
I was too easily manipulated. I must have had the word desperate tattooed on my forehead for every jerk on the planet to see.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Loneliness had substance. It had the power to consume me. It ate at my core. It crawled into the tiny cracks left behind in my heart from Jack’s lies and betrayal.
It’s a good thing I love Nicky James as much as I love romantic suspense, because Aslan Doyle is absolutely insufferable, lol. A manwhore who brags one minute and gets angry for being called out on his promiscuous ways the next. The emotional maturity of a 10 year old. Purposefully commenting hurtful things. Super crude. Honestly, during this book, he’s the exact opposite of a catch.
It’s my second time trying to read this series (don’t think I finished book 2 last time), and I know he gets better, but a character like that would normally make me give up. But in Nicky James we trust, and I’ll try to stick around long enough to get to the good stuff (i.e. character development) this time.
Quaid is not a perfect character by any means, but I have a much easier time understanding and empathizing with him. I mostly just hurt for him, and want him to stand up for himself with his awful ex. He’s lonely and hurting, and he’s got tall-ass walls and mostly just seems cold to others.
I studied the ceiling, wondering how the next ten minutes would play out. I imagined Aslan would come back into the room, dress, and tell me to have a nice life. “And that’s fine,” I said under my breath. “I knew that going in.”
I really love how the police case is built up and solved. Super clever, and even when you think you know what’s going on, you don’t actully know.
I know I’m gonna kinda dislike both main characters in book 2, so here’s for book 3, lol.
And yes, even after this shitshow review, it’s 5 stars. I might think Aslan is a used wetwipe, but it’s so well written.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Series
Romantic suspense
Police procedural
Coworkers
Law enforcement
Enemies to lovers
Reformed manwhore (eventually)
Commitment issues
Trust issues
Emotional slow burn
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
MC recovering alcoholic (no relapse)
MC experiencing cravings
Infant kidnapped (off page)
Some details of SC with chronically ill child (hospitalized)
Sexual harassment
Details of MC being cheated on by ex
Themes and details of infertility (side character)
Mentions of parent suffering a stroke (past, off page)
MC harassed by ex (texts, calls)
On-page dissociation
Alcoholic MC tasting alcohol through kiss
Alcohol consumption (not by addict MC)
Explicit sexual content
Low self-esteem and sense of self-worth
Brief mention of SC having miscarriages (past, off page)
MCs using guns (no shots fired)
MC’s sibling gone missing as a child (not found)
Disordered eating (skipping meals, eating too little, extreme focus on health)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Quaid is harassed by his cheating ex throughout the book
Breakup: N/A, not actually together yet
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 35 and 42
Series: Series, book 1
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 357
Happy ending: No (not yet)
“Go.” “Sorry. Got caught up in all your beauty. Sue me.” My comment earned me his trademark sneer and the finger. I chuckled. If only he knew that was not a turnoff.
Another tiny bead of precum formed on his tip right before my eyes, and I caught it on my tongue, slowly drawing away and letting the clear bead stretch between us. Quaid groaned loud enough I cast a glance up. He stared down with parted lips and yearning. “That is so hot.”
I was too easily manipulated. I must have had the word desperate tattooed on my forehead for every jerk on the planet to see.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
I felt like a computer that had tripped over a string of code and malfunctioned. During all my years, I’d never experienced attraction to another person before.
I was pretty stoked about reading Alaric’s book after seeing him as a strong side character throughout the series, but I was kinda disappointed with this story. It’s just not going anywhere? It took me ages to finish it. Maybe I’d built way too high expectations. Also, even if it was (mostly) said in a joking tone, all the kink shaming made me uncomfortable. The unnegotiated kink practice didn’t help.
I’m still excited about Poppy’s book tho. I assume he’s being paired with Viol, and unfortunately my expectations for that story are sky high. Oops.
Fun series tho.
“Do you like being helpless for your omega?” I asked. A muffled whimper escaped him. “Yes, I do,” he said fervently.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Reality dating game show
Omegaverse
Dragon shifter
Cat shifter
Mpreg
Heterochromia
Latex fetish
Size difference
Fated mates
Purring
Praise kink
Subspace
Bondage
Virgin dragon
Half-shifted sex
Cat tongue shenanigans
Shifted sex
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mpreg
Explicit sexual content
Latex/vinyl fetish
Kink-shaming
MC gaslighting SC
Slick
Breath play
Bondage
Unnegotiated kink
Shoe play
Half-shifted sex
Shifted sex
On-page birth of egg
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Shifter romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 31 and not specified
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 230
Happy ending: Yes
My fingers itched to rip his clothes off, but Alaric treated his belongings with care, and I knew he’d turn me into a dragon-hide rug if I did that.
“Are you... purring?” I asked. Alaric’s eyes snapped open. “No! You think I’d purr just because I’m a cat?” I chuckled at his flustered reaction. “It’s all right, I was only asking. But if you did purr, that would be very cute.” He cleared his throat. In a small voice, he mumbled, “Fine, then. Maybe I was purring.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
I felt like a computer that had tripped over a string of code and malfunctioned. During all my years, I’d never experienced attraction to another person before.
I was pretty stoked about reading Alaric’s book after seeing him as a strong side character throughout the series, but I was kinda disappointed with this story. It’s just not going anywhere? It took me ages to finish it. Maybe I’d built way too high expectations. Also, even if it was (mostly) said in a joking tone, all the kink shaming made me uncomfortable. The unnegotiated kink practice didn’t help.
I’m still excited about Poppy’s book tho. I assume he’s being paired with Viol, and unfortunately my expectations for that story are sky high. Oops.
Fun series tho.
“Do you like being helpless for your omega?” I asked. A muffled whimper escaped him. “Yes, I do,” he said fervently.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Reality dating game show
Omegaverse
Dragon shifter
Cat shifter
Mpreg
Heterochromia
Latex fetish
Size difference
Fated mates
Purring
Praise kink
Subspace
Bondage
Virgin dragon
Half-shifted sex
Cat tongue shenanigans
Shifted sex
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mpreg
Explicit sexual content
Latex/vinyl fetish
Kink-shaming
MC gaslighting SC
Slick
Breath play
Bondage
Unnegotiated kink
Shoe play
Half-shifted sex
Shifted sex
On-page birth of egg
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Shifter romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles
Main characters’ age: 31 and not specified
Series: Interconnected standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 230
Happy ending: Yes
My fingers itched to rip his clothes off, but Alaric treated his belongings with care, and I knew he’d turn me into a dragon-hide rug if I did that.
“Are you... purring?” I asked. Alaric’s eyes snapped open. “No! You think I’d purr just because I’m a cat?” I chuckled at his flustered reaction. “It’s all right, I was only asking. But if you did purr, that would be very cute.” He cleared his throat. In a small voice, he mumbled, “Fine, then. Maybe I was purring.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
“What are you thinking?” Quaid asked, breaking into my musing. “About how lucky I am.” I brushed the hair off his forehead and pressed my lips to his warm skin underneath, inhaling and closing my eyes. Savoring. “I’m so in love with you.”
Y’all best believe I cried my way through this wedding. I am so sad it’s over and that I have to say goodbye to these characters. 7 books and many pages later, and I don’t want to leave their little world.
I really adored how this book just toned down the action and focused on our boys and their nuptials (can’t believe I said that), but it was really nice to just focus on their love after everything they’ve been through. That doesn’t mean it was a smooth ride by any means, considering we had the neurotic bridezilla of the century trying to plan a wedding he’s dreamed of for 26 years in three months, but everyone survived, and Quaid got the fairy-tale wedding he wanted.
You ever read a book or a series with a relationship so good and a romance so real that it makes you sad about your own life? No? Just me? Oof. Anyway, I adored this series through every heartache, every murder mystery, missing persons case and every fuckup from Aslan. Can’t recommend it enough.
I also splurged on the audiobook for this last book, and apart from being traumatized by how Nick J. Russo pronounces the name ‘Ruiz’, it was perfect.
“[…] every day by your side has been better and better and better. It’s like we came together and knew all the dance moves without anyone teaching us.”
Feelings update:
Quaid: finally accepted he needs extensive therapy. Good on ya, hot stuff/lover boy. He’s perfect either way.
Aslan: is the best boyfriend for realizing that the wedding was super important to Quaid and went all out to make his dreams come true. At least he didn’t fumble it like he did the blasted proposal.
Quaid’s dad: actually for once showed up for his hurting son. Only 30 years too late.
Ruiz: I love Rooess. Going from bigoted and nasty to slow dancing with his gay best friend = exceptional character development.
Aslan’s parents: couldn’t even remember if they existed as this is the first time we meet them — and thank god for that. Annoying, chatty, OTT people, lol.
Torin: how did he manage to get a fiancé?? A good guy, but man is he tiring on every level.
Vows:
“So I vow to you, Aslan Ronan Doyle, that from this day forward, I will remain faithfully by your side as your husband. I will love you, laugh with you, cry with you, and give you strength when yours is depleted. No matter the obstacles we encounter, I will remain your friend, your companion, your lover, and your soul mate until we are someday parted by death. And even then, I’ll find you in the afterlife, and we can go on from there because this love we share is eternal.”
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Established couple
Wedding
Police procedural
Detectives
Case solving
Recovering addict
Bridezilla MC
Changing room quickie
Holiday themed
Neurotic MC
Found family
Grumpy/sunshine
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Mild exhibitionism (changing room sex)
Penetration without lube or prep
Mentions of minor SC being disowned (homophobic parent, past)
MC visiting emergency room — health problems because of stress
Use of homophobic slur (SC)
Alcohol consumption (not addict MC)
Disordered eating and extreme focus on health
Throat-fucking
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 36 and 43
Series: Series
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 372
Happy ending: Yes
God, I loved that insufferable man. Planning this wedding may be the death of him—and me—but I’d give him anything his heart desired if it made him smile for one day.
Aslan chuckled. “Consider it a department social. The purpose being that we spend an hour each week between now and Christmas getting to know people outside our department and forming new friendships and bonds.” That time, I did roll my eyes. “Sounds awful. I hate socializing.”
“From today until tomorrow and until time stops, we are one. I love you.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
“What are you thinking?” Quaid asked, breaking into my musing. “About how lucky I am.” I brushed the hair off his forehead and pressed my lips to his warm skin underneath, inhaling and closing my eyes. Savoring. “I’m so in love with you.”
Y’all best believe I cried my way through this wedding. I am so sad it’s over and that I have to say goodbye to these characters. 7 books and many pages later, and I don’t want to leave their little world.
I really adored how this book just toned down the action and focused on our boys and their nuptials (can’t believe I said that), but it was really nice to just focus on their love after everything they’ve been through. That doesn’t mean it was a smooth ride by any means, considering we had the neurotic bridezilla of the century trying to plan a wedding he’s dreamed of for 26 years in three months, but everyone survived, and Quaid got the fairy-tale wedding he wanted.
You ever read a book or a series with a relationship so good and a romance so real that it makes you sad about your own life? No? Just me? Oof. Anyway, I adored this series through every heartache, every murder mystery, missing persons case and every fuckup from Aslan. Can’t recommend it enough.
I also splurged on the audiobook for this last book, and apart from being traumatized by how Nick J. Russo pronounces the name ‘Ruiz’, it was perfect.
“[…] every day by your side has been better and better and better. It’s like we came together and knew all the dance moves without anyone teaching us.”
Feelings update:
Quaid: finally accepted he needs extensive therapy. Good on ya, hot stuff/lover boy. He’s perfect either way.
Aslan: is the best boyfriend for realizing that the wedding was super important to Quaid and went all out to make his dreams come true. At least he didn’t fumble it like he did the blasted proposal.
Quaid’s dad: actually for once showed up for his hurting son. Only 30 years too late.
Ruiz: I love Rooess. Going from bigoted and nasty to slow dancing with his gay best friend = exceptional character development.
Aslan’s parents: couldn’t even remember if they existed as this is the first time we meet them — and thank god for that. Annoying, chatty, OTT people, lol.
Torin: how did he manage to get a fiancé?? A good guy, but man is he tiring on every level.
Vows:
Spoiler
“So I vow to you, Aslan Ronan Doyle, that from this day forward, I will remain faithfully by your side as your husband. I will love you, laugh with you, cry with you, and give you strength when yours is depleted. No matter the obstacles we encounter, I will remain your friend, your companion, your lover, and your soul mate until we are someday parted by death. And even then, I’ll find you in the afterlife, and we can go on from there because this love we share is eternal.”
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Established couple
Wedding
Police procedural
Detectives
Case solving
Recovering addict
Bridezilla MC
Changing room quickie
Holiday themed
Neurotic MC
Found family
Grumpy/sunshine
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Mild exhibitionism (changing room sex)
Penetration without lube or prep
Mentions of minor SC being disowned (homophobic parent, past)
MC visiting emergency room — health problems because of stress
Use of homophobic slur (SC)
Alcohol consumption (not addict MC)
Disordered eating and extreme focus on health
Throat-fucking
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 36 and 43
Series: Series
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 372
Happy ending: Yes
God, I loved that insufferable man. Planning this wedding may be the death of him—and me—but I’d give him anything his heart desired if it made him smile for one day.
Aslan chuckled. “Consider it a department social. The purpose being that we spend an hour each week between now and Christmas getting to know people outside our department and forming new friendships and bonds.” That time, I did roll my eyes. “Sounds awful. I hate socializing.”
“From today until tomorrow and until time stops, we are one. I love you.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
At that moment, I didn’t care how needy it looked, I collapsed in his arms, and my topsy-turvy world righted itself. All the anxious thoughts that had taken up residence in my brain without permission vanished. The constantly moving negative energy swirling around my daily life, causing chaos and distortion, settled. Aslan centered me like no one else had ever been able to do. I closed my eyes and absorbed the sensation of his tender, loving arms surrounding me.
Okay. So. 6 books in and I finally cried like a baby. If you’ve read this book you likely know which part got me. I wasn’t excited about going back to more relationship angst, but it ended up being one of my favorites in the series. The touch of angst made things interesting, and I thought the murder mystery was way more exciting and intriguing than the case they solved in book 5.
I love Quaid a lot. Like so much. He’s one of my favorite book characters ever, probably. So it goes without saying that he can do no wrong in my eyes, and whenever there’s a problem, I take Quaid’s side in the fight, lol. Aslan really has had some great character development throughout the series, but sometimes… My god, he goes from a 43 year old intelligent homicide detective to a blob of goo with zero emotional intelligence.
I loved him to death, but some days, I wished he wasn’t so overanxious and prone to vulnerable moments like this.
Like, what do you mean?? Of fucking course he’s anxious and vulnerable, you just lied to his face! You’re literally the problem here!
At that moment, I didn’t care how needy it looked, I collapsed in his arms, and my topsy-turvy world righted itself. All the anxious thoughts that had taken up residence in my brain without permission vanished. The constantly moving negative energy swirling around my daily life, causing chaos and distortion, settled. Aslan centered me like no one else had ever been able to do. I closed my eyes and absorbed the sensation of his tender, loving arms surrounding me.
Okay. So. 6 books in and I finally cried like a baby. If you’ve read this book you likely know which part got me. I wasn’t excited about going back to more relationship angst, but it ended up being one of my favorites in the series. The touch of angst made things interesting, and I thought the murder mystery was way more exciting and intriguing than the case they solved in book 5.
I love Quaid a lot. Like so much. He’s one of my favorite book characters ever, probably. So it goes without saying that he can do no wrong in my eyes, and whenever there’s a problem, I take Quaid’s side in the fight, lol. Aslan really has had some great character development throughout the series, but sometimes… My god, he goes from a 43 year old intelligent homicide detective to a blob of goo with zero emotional intelligence.
I loved him to death, but some days, I wished he wasn’t so overanxious and prone to vulnerable moments like this.
Like, what do you mean?? Of fucking course he’s anxious and vulnerable, you just lied to his face! You’re literally the problem here!
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
“You’re such a shit. I fucking love you.”
I’m enjoying this series so freaking much. The slow development of the relationship that feels very real, imperfect characters who you love anyway, going to therapy for help with trauma, slowly making friends, changes at work, etc. It might sound mundane and boring, but combined with criminal mysteries that are incredibly well-written and thought out, it feels super realistic yet entertaining. Can’t recommend this series enough.
I am so here for the building friendship between Ruiz and Quaid. Watching Quaid try befriend people is like watching an alien trying to communicate with raccoons. He’s not very good at it, lol. I wasn’t as invested in the actual case this time around as the previous books, but I was still invested in everything else.
“Can I offer some advice?” Quaid’s brows rose in question. “I know it’s not your style, but you’ll get further with people if you offer a bit of honey instead of drowning them in vinegar.” His brows dropped, meeting in the middle, and I chuckled. “Are you implying I’m sour and that’s why she doesn’t like me?” “I’m not implying it. I’m stating it flat out, hot stuff. You’re about as cuddly as a porcupine.”
Update on my feels:
Aslan: has been through it lately and deserves some love. He didn’t piss me off in this book. Win.
Quaid: met his match in his new work partner. Did I mention Quaid has shit social skills? He’s adorable tho. Perfect man
Oscar: stole the show. 10/10 fluff
Ruiz: graduated from homophobic asshole to a truce and now Quaid’s best friend who makes sex jokes. I dig it
Frawley: insufferable but also badass and guarded. Rookie, queer and a woman in law enforcement? Try not to be defensive. Loved seeing her and Quaid figure shit out
Quaid’s dad: wait, did he die for real? I can’t remember hearing anything about him in like two books, lol. With how chummy daddy Quaid and son Quaid was early on in the series it’s a bit strange. Oh well. Couldn’t stand his fucking face in book 3, lol.
“You’re not weak.” “I’m also not the confident prick I’m used to being.” “I think you’re pretty confident with your prick. If you weren’t, I don’t think I’d bottom as much as I do.”
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Established couple
Recovering addict
Grumpy/cocky
Law enforcement
Missing person cases
New work partner
Cat dads
Therapy
Healing from trauma
Half-dressed quickie
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mentions of past fatal shooting of a child
Addict MC buying alcohol (no relapse)
MC excessively exercising because to trauma
Explicit sexual content
PTSD symptoms
Aggressive sex
Disordered eating (skipping meals, eating too little, extreme focus on health)
Mentions of SCs being drugged and abducted
Themes of gun use (on page)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 36 and 43
Series: Series
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 481
Happy ending: HFN
“Hey, hey,” Torin interrupted, slapping me on the back. “Time to go, big guy. We’ve got things to do and people to—” Quaid slugged him in the arm. Hard. Torin stumbled back, grabbing the wounded appendage as he both laughed and winced in pain. “Ow. What the hell is your problem, lover boy?” “You do not get a say in whether or not my boyfriend has a beard.” Torin’s grin widened. “Is that what this is about? Come on. It looked terrible.” “It looked amazing.” “He looked like a ragtag country boy.” Quaid threw his hands up. “Exactly. And that is sexy as hell. Unless you’re sleeping with him, you have no say, understand?”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
“You’re such a shit. I fucking love you.”
I’m enjoying this series so freaking much. The slow development of the relationship that feels very real, imperfect characters who you love anyway, going to therapy for help with trauma, slowly making friends, changes at work, etc. It might sound mundane and boring, but combined with criminal mysteries that are incredibly well-written and thought out, it feels super realistic yet entertaining. Can’t recommend this series enough.
I am so here for the building friendship between Ruiz and Quaid. Watching Quaid try befriend people is like watching an alien trying to communicate with raccoons. He’s not very good at it, lol. I wasn’t as invested in the actual case this time around as the previous books, but I was still invested in everything else.
“Can I offer some advice?” Quaid’s brows rose in question. “I know it’s not your style, but you’ll get further with people if you offer a bit of honey instead of drowning them in vinegar.” His brows dropped, meeting in the middle, and I chuckled. “Are you implying I’m sour and that’s why she doesn’t like me?” “I’m not implying it. I’m stating it flat out, hot stuff. You’re about as cuddly as a porcupine.”
Update on my feels:
Aslan: has been through it lately and deserves some love. He didn’t piss me off in this book. Win.
Quaid: met his match in his new work partner. Did I mention Quaid has shit social skills? He’s adorable tho. Perfect man
Oscar: stole the show. 10/10 fluff
Ruiz: graduated from homophobic asshole to a truce and now Quaid’s best friend who makes sex jokes. I dig it
Frawley: insufferable but also badass and guarded. Rookie, queer and a woman in law enforcement? Try not to be defensive. Loved seeing her and Quaid figure shit out
Quaid’s dad: wait, did he die for real? I can’t remember hearing anything about him in like two books, lol. With how chummy daddy Quaid and son Quaid was early on in the series it’s a bit strange. Oh well. Couldn’t stand his fucking face in book 3, lol.
“You’re not weak.” “I’m also not the confident prick I’m used to being.” “I think you’re pretty confident with your prick. If you weren’t, I don’t think I’d bottom as much as I do.”
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Established couple
Recovering addict
Grumpy/cocky
Law enforcement
Missing person cases
New work partner
Cat dads
Therapy
Healing from trauma
Half-dressed quickie
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mentions of past fatal shooting of a child
Addict MC buying alcohol (no relapse)
MC excessively exercising because to trauma
Explicit sexual content
PTSD symptoms
Aggressive sex
Disordered eating (skipping meals, eating too little, extreme focus on health)
Mentions of SCs being drugged and abducted
Themes of gun use (on page)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 36 and 43
Series: Series
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 481
Happy ending: HFN
“Hey, hey,” Torin interrupted, slapping me on the back. “Time to go, big guy. We’ve got things to do and people to—” Quaid slugged him in the arm. Hard. Torin stumbled back, grabbing the wounded appendage as he both laughed and winced in pain. “Ow. What the hell is your problem, lover boy?” “You do not get a say in whether or not my boyfriend has a beard.” Torin’s grin widened. “Is that what this is about? Come on. It looked terrible.” “It looked amazing.” “He looked like a ragtag country boy.” Quaid threw his hands up. “Exactly. And that is sexy as hell. Unless you’re sleeping with him, you have no say, understand?”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?igsh=MWZ3azhkdDc2Y2ludg%3D%3D&utm_source=qr