cattatonically 's review for:

Paternal Instincts by Nicky James

5.0

emotional inspiring mysterious 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: No

---

The end of a series is always a little bittersweet. On the one hand, I got to watch these characters grow, change, adapt, and find their happy endings (innuendo more or less intended). On the other, I never feel quite ready to let them go. This is definitely true for Quaid Valor and Aslan Doyle. 

I need to try to keep this short and sweet, because the love and adoration I have for this series and these characters is overwhelming. 

Quaid and Aslan have had one hell of a time coming together. They've been through a hell of a lot over the course of their relationship, but they've always managed to make it through. They've grown both as a couple, and individually. They've supported each other unconditionally, but have never been afraid to call each other out on their shit. And now they're preparing for their greatest challenge yet - fatherhood. 

Quaid has known for as long as he can remember that he's wanted to be a father. And Aslan has known that he'd do anything to ensure Quaid's happiness. Even though they're both more than ready for this, they have to get through one thing first - one hell of a case. 

The case is twisty, turny, and honestly rather horrifying. As one question is answered, three more pop up to take its place. At no point did I truly feel like I had a grasp of what was going on, and I sure as hell did not see most of the revelations unfolding the way they ultimately did. 

This was one hell of a cathartic ending to this series. A lot of themes and details concluded in a very satisfying manner for me. And I also loved the small hints at what was going on in the spin-off series - which is on my TBR (and we do not need to discuss just how massive my TBR is, please and thank you). 

I love these characters. I love their journeys. I love everything about this series. I'm not quite ready to let them go just yet. And thankfully, I have the Shadowy Solutions series to look forward to! But I can also revisit this series over, and over again. And this is one of those series where I will most likely be doing that, time and again.