terriaminute's review against another edition
reflective
medium-paced
2.5
This one is... convoluted. It works because it maintains mystery. But Sean is still the most annoying MC I've stayed with to the end. The ending is weaker than it should've been. I'm glad I got these two books on sale, is what I'm saying. Not the worst story. Not the best, either.Â
bookcraft's review
4.0
I think this is arguably Josh Lanyon's best story to date. The sequel to The Dark Horse (and sprinkled with flash-backs to the case that brought Sean and Dan together in the first place, making it also a prequel of sorts), this is both a tightly plotted mystery and a strong relationship story, the two so intertwined that it would be impossible to separate them.
If you've read The Dark Horse (and you should!), you're already invested in Sean and Dan's relationship, so it's easy to be immediately drawn into the conflict here and to ache for both of them as they try to navigate through an awkward and complicated situation. I literally could not put the book down until I'd finished, and there were several points where I was nearly in tears on behalf of the characters—something that rarely happens to me.
I think Lanyon's choice to put specific scenes in third-person POV was an excellent one; it not only shows Sean's state of mind and his desperate need to put emotional distance between himself and certain events, but it also allows the reader enough emotional distance from those same events to keep them from being overwhelming.
If you've read The Dark Horse (and you should!), you're already invested in Sean and Dan's relationship, so it's easy to be immediately drawn into the conflict here and to ache for both of them as they try to navigate through an awkward and complicated situation. I literally could not put the book down until I'd finished, and there were several points where I was nearly in tears on behalf of the characters—something that rarely happens to me.
I think Lanyon's choice to put specific scenes in third-person POV was an excellent one; it not only shows Sean's state of mind and his desperate need to put emotional distance between himself and certain events, but it also allows the reader enough emotional distance from those same events to keep them from being overwhelming.
jerseygirl2912's review
5.0
A great sequel to Dark Horse. It's a prequel and sequel in one. And I loved it. Great characters, great story.
annen's review
4.0
At the beginning of this book I thought Sean was dreaming when the narration changed from first to third person only to find out that the entire book is alternating between the two throughout. It was a little confusing at first especially because after reading the first book in first person narration I expected the same for this one too.
I did manage to switch with the view points and it was just as good as the first book even though this is really a backstory to the first book in a way although it's mixed with the present.
I did get a little annoyed with Sean and his constant insecurities even though Dan was nothing but supportive and committed but I also understand how much emotional baggage can affect our realities.
I love that Josh manage to squeeze in an intriguing suspense to this story too even with all the retelling of the old one and the romance drama that was involved.
The story itself is short but packed and fast paced and as per the usual Josh Lanyon style, greatly delivered.
I did manage to switch with the view points and it was just as good as the first book even though this is really a backstory to the first book in a way although it's mixed with the present.
I did get a little annoyed with Sean and his constant insecurities even though Dan was nothing but supportive and committed but I also understand how much emotional baggage can affect our realities.
I love that Josh manage to squeeze in an intriguing suspense to this story too even with all the retelling of the old one and the romance drama that was involved.
The story itself is short but packed and fast paced and as per the usual Josh Lanyon style, greatly delivered.
shelbanuadh's review
4.0
Oops... I read this one without realizing it was the second in the series.
But, I also realized that I actually knew this and had just forgotten.
Though, from other reviews, it seems that it actually sandwiches the timeline in Dark Horse...
so I don't think I completely screwed up. And I wasn't so lost that I didn't enjoy it.
I probably would have given this 3 stars, because I was thinking that there was a serious issue that wasn't addressed, and a few smaller details that I felt I was missing part of the story, but that was my bad for reading assuming it was a standalone.
So, now I'm off to read The Dark Horse.
But, I also realized that I actually knew this and had just forgotten.
Though, from other reviews, it seems that it actually sandwiches the timeline in Dark Horse...
so I don't think I completely screwed up. And I wasn't so lost that I didn't enjoy it.
I probably would have given this 3 stars, because I was thinking that there was a serious issue that wasn't addressed, and a few smaller details that I felt I was missing part of the story, but that was my bad for reading assuming it was a standalone.
So, now I'm off to read The Dark Horse.