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A review by evethingiread
Defying Logic by Nicky James
3.0
I just wrapped up "Defying Logic," the fifth book in Nicky James' Valor and Doyle mystery romance series, and this one had me on an emotional rollercoaster. The story was deeply moving, particularly in the moments shared between Valor and Doyle. Doyle's struggle, stemming from his actions in book 4, dealing with the shooting of the young psychopath, felt incredibly real and relatable. It's Doyle's human flaws and his battle with his conscience that make him one of the most compelling characters I've come across in literature.
Valor's handling of the situation was commendable; he managed to be supportive while showing vulnerability and fear, all while caring for Doyle in the best way he knew how. The emotional depth in this book was astounding, and it touched me deeply. The characters' struggles and growth felt authentic, and I really appreciated how the author portrayed their relationship.
Doyle's gradual journey towards making a lifelong commitment to Valor was heartwarming. You could see him wrestling with the decision throughout the book. It was a lovely development in their relationship. Also, the character development of side characters like Ruiz was handled with finesse. The growth in their friendship, particularly the vulnerable moment when Valor asked if they were friends, was truly touching.
However, there were a few disappointments. I missed seeing more of Valor's ex-partner, Eden, and his dad in the last two books. It felt somewhat jarring not to have them more involved or explained.
Now, onto the mystery part of the story. The title "Defying Logic" suits this aspect because it felt lackluster, even pointless, for a considerable portion of the book. The resolution was really silly and was disappointing. The mystery was the weak point of the story, and if it weren't for the outstanding relationship development and character growth, this book might have fallen flat.
Despite the lackluster mystery, I'd rate this book a solid three stars. The romance and character development are exceptional, and the new partnership between Valor and his new colleague adds another layer of depth. While the mystery may have fallen short, the richness of the character interactions and emotions more than compensates. I'm eagerly awaiting the final book in the series, where Doyle is set to propose to Valor, but I'm also sad to see the series coming to an end.
Valor's handling of the situation was commendable; he managed to be supportive while showing vulnerability and fear, all while caring for Doyle in the best way he knew how. The emotional depth in this book was astounding, and it touched me deeply. The characters' struggles and growth felt authentic, and I really appreciated how the author portrayed their relationship.
Doyle's gradual journey towards making a lifelong commitment to Valor was heartwarming. You could see him wrestling with the decision throughout the book. It was a lovely development in their relationship. Also, the character development of side characters like Ruiz was handled with finesse. The growth in their friendship, particularly the vulnerable moment when Valor asked if they were friends, was truly touching.
However, there were a few disappointments. I missed seeing more of Valor's ex-partner, Eden, and his dad in the last two books. It felt somewhat jarring not to have them more involved or explained.
Now, onto the mystery part of the story. The title "Defying Logic" suits this aspect because it felt lackluster, even pointless, for a considerable portion of the book. The resolution was really silly and was disappointing. The mystery was the weak point of the story, and if it weren't for the outstanding relationship development and character growth, this book might have fallen flat.
Despite the lackluster mystery, I'd rate this book a solid three stars. The romance and character development are exceptional, and the new partnership between Valor and his new colleague adds another layer of depth. While the mystery may have fallen short, the richness of the character interactions and emotions more than compensates. I'm eagerly awaiting the final book in the series, where Doyle is set to propose to Valor, but I'm also sad to see the series coming to an end.