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finishorforget's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I have putting book off cause I didn't want this to end. I really love these characters and will really miss them. I know there is a tie in book but dang it. These books constantly screw me up and make me cry in the best way. Recommend.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Injury/Injury detail, Child abuse, Emotional abuse, Grief, Domestic abuse, Rape, Murder, Abandonment, Sexual assault, Physical abuse, and Death
Moderate: Drug use, Gun violence, Animal death, and Bullying
explorebooks's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
acaprice20's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
krin's review
5.0
bookish_notes's review against another edition
4.0
Initial Reaction:
WHAT IS JOY. WHAT IS HAPPINESS.
yes, this has a HFN but AT WHAT COST
Review:
This book did me in. This book does end with an uplifting enough HFN where it doesn't seem like a cliffhanger, but at the same time it was like the joy got sucked out of me. This story goes to some very, very dark places and this might be THE Gregory Ashe book that had me sobbing the most? And that's saying something since the likes of the Hollow Folk series and the DuPage Parish Mysteries are also what I would consider very, very dark reads. I mean, all of his books contain a certain level of angst, but remember how I felt about the despair of the first book in this series - The Same Breath? This is that times 100. I was thankfully reminded that there IS a short story that takes place after this book in a short story book collection, which I will definitely check out because I definitely need to see Jem and Tean be happy and feasting on McDonalds or something to make up for this ending.
Content notes include sexual harassment, mentions and graphic description of rapes, assault, emotional abuse, manipulation, ableism, mutilation, mentions of animal cruelty, violence, PTSD, police corruption, homomisia, death, and depression.
This book is about people from Jem's past who comes back to haunt him. He met these guys back when he was in Decker, a group home. There have been small mentions about the likes of Tanner, Blake, and Antonio in the previous books, enough for readers to guess what they did to Jem. But in this book, it gets very, very graphic. So, do take care when reading this book and put it down if it gets to be too much. Because this is a LOT.
The mystery aspect of this book is confusing, because there's so many moving parts and people, and lies. And when you're trying to balance all that out with the love triangle (but not really because we knew the entire time who's the endgame here), then there's a lot going on at the same time. Even though I got confused between all the cops and detectives (or whoever) was getting tangled up in this mess, the climactic scene at the end is INTENSE. Very dark, very frightning for Jem and Tean, and just...a lot. This book has a lot of violence and death in it.
You might think, "hey, maybe Ammon wises up and is less evil now that he's come out." BUT NO. He's still a shit to Jem and a manipulative asshole to Tean. Sure, he's their contact with the cops when it comes to solving these mysteries (and quite frankly, doing Ammon's job for him every single time). But Ammon hiding behind JUST being diagnosed as a "sex addict" isn't the full story and until he gets help from a therapist that can unpack his anger management and abusive nature, I'm going to need him to back off and stay away. Ammon has been so awful this entire series, but seeing him manipulate Tean's family into thinking he's some great guy is THE WORST. The absolute breaking point for me (and thankfully Tean as well) is when Ammon wouldn't take no as an answer until Tean literally ran from him because of commotion with Jem, and then Ammon not letting Tean have his glasses back and proceeding TO BREAK THEM? That was the LAST STRAW. It was so heartbreaking because who breaks someone else's glasses except a complete and utter asshole? I thought Tucker from the Borealis Investigations books was the most abusive piece of shit ever, but NOPE. Here I present Ammon. They would be friends.
This puts into perspective that anytime there's a sexual scene (even if it's just a kiss), Jem ALWAYS asks Tean for consent. Which is growth from the uncomfortable hugs Jem was always pulling Tean into in the last book. It's been interesting how this book and the relationship between these two men is somewhat backwards than how most romance books play out. There were probably more sex scenes in the first book? And then Jem and Tean became best friends (or JUST normal friends as Tean would say), and then they FINALLY learned to love one another for real.
Tean might've come out to his friends and family many years ago, but he's never really had the support of his family and his closest friend was always Ammon, who used him for his own gain without any consideration for Tean's feelings. So, obviously Tean had a lot of baggage and self-doubt to unpack, but I'm just glad we finally get to see him choosing Jem and realizing what a piece of work Ammon really is. Every time Tean yelled at Jem for something Jem didn't even DO made me sad. But at least Tean finally found out the truth and apologized to Jem.
This is even more reason for me to read the short story that follows after this book! It's unknown at this moment whether we'll really get a sequel series with these two since I know the author is constantly juggling a lot of books and a lot of series at the same time, but I hope we DO get to see more of Jem and Tean. I just want them to be crime solving sleuths and fully in love and in a relationship (and whatever angst that means between them because Gregory Ashe always knows how to work in some angst in an established relationship).
I think it's super cute how we see Jem warm up to Scipio (Tean's dog) throughout the series. We know that animals have a very keen sense in detecting people who are pure in heart (Jem) versus people who mean harm (Ammon). Scipio always growls when Ammon is at the door, but flies towards Jem and almost knocks him down for pats on the head or belly scratches whenever Jem walks through the door. In this series, Scipio is the smartest one of all.
I really hadn't listened to J.F. Harding as a narrator too much before starting this series, but I really like him? It's been awhile since I listened to anything by him because he just doesn't really narrate audiobooks I was interested in reading. But he does do the First Quarto books by Gregory Ashe, so I'll definitely be listening to those. There ARE some instances where I think the voices J.F. Harding does winds up getting confused between the narration of the characters and who's actually speaking, but it's probably not too noticeable? It's just here and there throughout the audiobooks but doesn't last very long before the voice is correct to the person speaking or thinking again.
Kind of off-topic, but I think this series should be sponsored by McDonald's due to all the free advertisement they're getting from Jem here. Makes me crave some fries!
Overall, I think this book is sad, and this series is sad. There are great moments between Jem and Tean, and I'm just happy that they finally realized how fantastic they are together and admitted their feelings for one another. I would be delighted if we get a sequel series, because I would love to see more of them!
***Thanks to the author for giving me an e-ARC and audiobook to read and review!***
WHAT IS JOY. WHAT IS HAPPINESS.
yes, this has a HFN but AT WHAT COST
Review:
This book did me in. This book does end with an uplifting enough HFN where it doesn't seem like a cliffhanger, but at the same time it was like the joy got sucked out of me. This story goes to some very, very dark places and this might be THE Gregory Ashe book that had me sobbing the most? And that's saying something since the likes of the Hollow Folk series and the DuPage Parish Mysteries are also what I would consider very, very dark reads. I mean, all of his books contain a certain level of angst, but remember how I felt about the despair of the first book in this series - The Same Breath? This is that times 100. I was thankfully reminded that there IS a short story that takes place after this book in a short story book collection, which I will definitely check out because I definitely need to see Jem and Tean be happy and feasting on McDonalds or something to make up for this ending.
Content notes include sexual harassment, mentions and graphic description of rapes, assault, emotional abuse, manipulation, ableism, mutilation, mentions of animal cruelty, violence, PTSD, police corruption, homomisia, death, and depression.
This book is about people from Jem's past who comes back to haunt him. He met these guys back when he was in Decker, a group home. There have been small mentions about the likes of Tanner, Blake, and Antonio in the previous books, enough for readers to guess what they did to Jem. But in this book, it gets very, very graphic. So, do take care when reading this book and put it down if it gets to be too much. Because this is a LOT.
The mystery aspect of this book is confusing, because there's so many moving parts and people, and lies. And when you're trying to balance all that out with the love triangle (but not really because we knew the entire time who's the endgame here), then there's a lot going on at the same time. Even though I got confused between all the cops and detectives (or whoever) was getting tangled up in this mess, the climactic scene at the end is INTENSE. Very dark, very frightning for Jem and Tean, and just...a lot. This book has a lot of violence and death in it.
You might think, "hey, maybe Ammon wises up and is less evil now that he's come out." BUT NO. He's still a shit to Jem and a manipulative asshole to Tean. Sure, he's their contact with the cops when it comes to solving these mysteries (and quite frankly, doing Ammon's job for him every single time). But Ammon hiding behind JUST being diagnosed as a "sex addict" isn't the full story and until he gets help from a therapist that can unpack his anger management and abusive nature, I'm going to need him to back off and stay away. Ammon has been so awful this entire series, but seeing him manipulate Tean's family into thinking he's some great guy is THE WORST. The absolute breaking point for me (and thankfully Tean as well) is when Ammon wouldn't take no as an answer until Tean literally ran from him because of commotion with Jem, and then Ammon not letting Tean have his glasses back and proceeding TO BREAK THEM? That was the LAST STRAW. It was so heartbreaking because who breaks someone else's glasses except a complete and utter asshole? I thought Tucker from the Borealis Investigations books was the most abusive piece of shit ever, but NOPE. Here I present Ammon. They would be friends.
This puts into perspective that anytime there's a sexual scene (even if it's just a kiss), Jem ALWAYS asks Tean for consent. Which is growth from the uncomfortable hugs Jem was always pulling Tean into in the last book. It's been interesting how this book and the relationship between these two men is somewhat backwards than how most romance books play out. There were probably more sex scenes in the first book? And then Jem and Tean became best friends (or JUST normal friends as Tean would say), and then they FINALLY learned to love one another for real.
Tean might've come out to his friends and family many years ago, but he's never really had the support of his family and his closest friend was always Ammon, who used him for his own gain without any consideration for Tean's feelings. So, obviously Tean had a lot of baggage and self-doubt to unpack, but I'm just glad we finally get to see him choosing Jem and realizing what a piece of work Ammon really is. Every time Tean yelled at Jem for something Jem didn't even DO made me sad. But at least Tean finally found out the truth and apologized to Jem.
This is even more reason for me to read the short story that follows after this book! It's unknown at this moment whether we'll really get a sequel series with these two since I know the author is constantly juggling a lot of books and a lot of series at the same time, but I hope we DO get to see more of Jem and Tean. I just want them to be crime solving sleuths and fully in love and in a relationship (and whatever angst that means between them because Gregory Ashe always knows how to work in some angst in an established relationship).
I think it's super cute how we see Jem warm up to Scipio (Tean's dog) throughout the series. We know that animals have a very keen sense in detecting people who are pure in heart (Jem) versus people who mean harm (Ammon). Scipio always growls when Ammon is at the door, but flies towards Jem and almost knocks him down for pats on the head or belly scratches whenever Jem walks through the door. In this series, Scipio is the smartest one of all.
I really hadn't listened to J.F. Harding as a narrator too much before starting this series, but I really like him? It's been awhile since I listened to anything by him because he just doesn't really narrate audiobooks I was interested in reading. But he does do the First Quarto books by Gregory Ashe, so I'll definitely be listening to those. There ARE some instances where I think the voices J.F. Harding does winds up getting confused between the narration of the characters and who's actually speaking, but it's probably not too noticeable? It's just here and there throughout the audiobooks but doesn't last very long before the voice is correct to the person speaking or thinking again.
Kind of off-topic, but I think this series should be sponsored by McDonald's due to all the free advertisement they're getting from Jem here. Makes me crave some fries!
Overall, I think this book is sad, and this series is sad. There are great moments between Jem and Tean, and I'm just happy that they finally realized how fantastic they are together and admitted their feelings for one another. I would be delighted if we get a sequel series, because I would love to see more of them!
***Thanks to the author for giving me an e-ARC and audiobook to read and review!***
niegle's review against another edition
funny
hopeful
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
holl3640's review
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.0
aimora's review against another edition
5.0
Something about this series made my chest ache. I wanted Tean to stand up for himself. I wanted Jem to see a therapist. I wanted to go back in time and prevent Ammon from being such a selfish dick. I wanted so much for the characters. I'm hoping that this will be a continuing series. I love that the characters are morally ambiguous at times.
Scipio is my favorite.
Scipio is my favorite.
kellylayne's review
adventurous
dark
emotional
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.0
I really shouldve just stopped with this series but other peoples glowing reviews made me feel that the payoff would be worth it to continue. For me, it was not. I found the characters behaviors random and that the leads were overly harsh with each other regularly. There also seemed to be some mistakes in the plotting, but its possible i just misunderstood something.
downtown_kb's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.75
4.75 stars rounded up for my love of Jem and Tean
The primary suspect in a murder investigation is demanding to speak with Jem. It turns out that the victim is one of Jem’s childhood friends and the accused is claiming he’s innocent and asking for Jem’s help to clear his name. He’s pointing fingers at a man who made Jem’s childhood a nightmare.
This was a great conclusion to the trilogy. The suspense plot was complex and interesting. Things get pretty dangerous and they both get beat up quite a few times. Jem and Tean really turn into a “dynamic duo” of crime solving.
I adored Jem in this book and my heart was breaking for him. I was a little frustrated by the storyline with Ammon. By the end, I felt it was getting dragged out to build angst just for the sake of angst and not because we got any inner monologue from Tean explaining himself. He was just stuck in a cycle until all of a sudden he changed his mind. It makes sense, ultimately but I felt a little tricked for the sake of plot.
When these two finally figure it out, the banter goes from so good to the best I’ve ever read! I really wish we got more time with these two happy together before the ending, it felt abrupt and open ended and maybe that is on purpose. I know we get some more from them in The Face in the Water and I'll just have to read that one I guess.
This is again a wonderful audio book by JF Harding.
The primary suspect in a murder investigation is demanding to speak with Jem. It turns out that the victim is one of Jem’s childhood friends and the accused is claiming he’s innocent and asking for Jem’s help to clear his name. He’s pointing fingers at a man who made Jem’s childhood a nightmare.
This was a great conclusion to the trilogy. The suspense plot was complex and interesting. Things get pretty dangerous and they both get beat up quite a few times. Jem and Tean really turn into a “dynamic duo” of crime solving.
I adored Jem in this book and my heart was breaking for him. I was a little frustrated by the storyline with Ammon. By the end, I felt it was getting dragged out to build angst just for the sake of angst and not because we got any inner monologue from Tean explaining himself. He was just stuck in a cycle until all of a sudden he changed his mind. It makes sense, ultimately but I felt a little tricked for the sake of plot.
When these two finally figure it out, the banter goes from so good to the best I’ve ever read! I really wish we got more time with these two happy together before the ending, it felt abrupt and open ended and maybe that is on purpose. I know we get some more from them in The Face in the Water and I'll just have to read that one I guess.
This is again a wonderful audio book by JF Harding.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Sexual content, Rape, Violence, Gaslighting, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Injury/Injury detail