crtsjffrsn's review against another edition
3.0
It's great to see what is happening next for Tony and Mac. I really found myself starting to like them in the first book in this series. Of course, I'm not at all surprised to see them wrapped right up in trouble again, though.
The tone of this book, the characters and their interactions, and the word in which they live had a seamless consistency with the first book - something I haven't always seen in series. Even though it's been a while since I read the first book, I was able to jump back in and re-immerse myself rather easily.
My only complaints would be that this one probably goes on a bit longer than necessary and that too many things happened that just seemed overly convenient for the story. This happened a bit in the first book, but they were close enough to feeling natural that it didn't throw me too much. I started to feel otherwise here, and am hoping I'm on the wrong path and it's not where the rest of the series is headed.
The tone of this book, the characters and their interactions, and the word in which they live had a seamless consistency with the first book - something I haven't always seen in series. Even though it's been a while since I read the first book, I was able to jump back in and re-immerse myself rather easily.
My only complaints would be that this one probably goes on a bit longer than necessary and that too many things happened that just seemed overly convenient for the story. This happened a bit in the first book, but they were close enough to feeling natural that it didn't throw me too much. I started to feel otherwise here, and am hoping I'm on the wrong path and it's not where the rest of the series is headed.
___tamara___'s review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.75
The narration is still excellent, as are the boys ❤️
I love the progression of Mac & Tony's relationship here. Dire circumstances made both of them reconsider their life choices (more so for Mac).
I love the progression of Mac & Tony's relationship here. Dire circumstances made both of them reconsider their life choices (more so for Mac).
loulou87's review against another edition
4.0
I quite enjoyed this second book.
I liked how Mac accepted who is, even though it came a bit too late.
Loved Tony's devotion to everyone he loves, including Mac.
The case was interesting, the steam was good and I loved the ending.
JF Harding did a great job with the audio as always.
I liked how Mac accepted who is, even though it came a bit too late.
Loved Tony's devotion to everyone he loves, including Mac.
The case was interesting, the steam was good and I loved the ending.
JF Harding did a great job with the audio as always.
runningonbooks's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
5.0
reedkaye's review against another edition
5.0
I’m reviewing the audio edition. This is a continuing story with Mac and Tony’s. These guys are both so likable. Their dealing with daily issues it is so easy to picture. Mac and Tony are somewhat together until there is a problem with Ben. A situation happens that causes Tony to have to examine his lifestyle and Ben’s future. This causes a bump in the road of their relationship. Meanwhile Mac is busy trying to find a serial killer. He is still not out. He has this sort of fear of what will happen at his job and what will happen with his daughter’s aunt. Brenda, Anna’s aunt has watched Anna for years while Mac works. Brenda is a strictly religious person who doesn’t like Mac without knowing about him being gay.
As Tony and Mac resolve their situation Mac is forced to deal with the killer and Brenda. He has sort of partially come out. Standing up for Tony makes their relationship known only to a few. A few always means the word spreads and Mac has to deal with the “rumors” that he is gay.
I feel this author has an exceptional way of making the characters believable and the situations so true to life. The emotions and the events are so well described that I could not help but be anxious and heart warmed by them. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
As Tony and Mac resolve their situation Mac is forced to deal with the killer and Brenda. He has sort of partially come out. Standing up for Tony makes their relationship known only to a few. A few always means the word spreads and Mac has to deal with the “rumors” that he is gay.
I feel this author has an exceptional way of making the characters believable and the situations so true to life. The emotions and the events are so well described that I could not help but be anxious and heart warmed by them. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
notguilty's review against another edition
4.0
Breaking cover is book 2 in the serial of Mac and Tony. It’s another emotional story with a lot of tension around Mac being in the closet. He’s a detective in an openly homophobic precinct. His child is being raised by an uber-religious aunt. The world is a scary place to come out in.
And to be honest, Tony is a jerk in this book. Don’t get me wrong, I understand it’s frustrating not being open with their relationship, I feel that. But he is unforgiving and cruel at times. I loved him in the first book, he was kind and understanding. Obviously, there are highs and lows with these two, and with a killer on the loose, and two children to worry about, emotions are high, so they aren’t always at their best. I guess I’m a little protective of Mac.
At this point, I’m fully invested in their story, and I need the next 2 books because I need more than a HFN, I need their HEA!
This works well as an audiobook. JF Harding is a really good narrator and lends well to the story and characters.
And to be honest, Tony is a jerk in this book. Don’t get me wrong, I understand it’s frustrating not being open with their relationship, I feel that. But he is unforgiving and cruel at times. I loved him in the first book, he was kind and understanding. Obviously, there are highs and lows with these two, and with a killer on the loose, and two children to worry about, emotions are high, so they aren’t always at their best. I guess I’m a little protective of Mac.
At this point, I’m fully invested in their story, and I need the next 2 books because I need more than a HFN, I need their HEA!
This works well as an audiobook. JF Harding is a really good narrator and lends well to the story and characters.
ccgwalt's review against another edition
5.0
4.5 story A-
5 for the narration by J.F. Harding A
I was unsure whether to continue with this series but after reading the review my friend wrote, I decided to give it a try. I'm happy to say I loved this book. I enjoyed the first book and thought the romance and suspense were both well done, but the background of strong homophobia wasn't appealing. That's still here and often difficult for me to take. I'm angered by the amount of homophobic abuse in the police department and from the aunt who is helping to raise Mac's daughter. At the same time, the story is so well written, and so emotional, that I couldn't help but get caught up in it.
It's been several months since the end of the first book, and Mac and Tony are together, although Mac is still firmly in the closet with no signs of coming out. Tony is starting to feel the strain and wonders how it's going to work. When tragedy strikes, Tony becomes guardian of his best friend's son, Ben, who he's been helping to raise for several years. While fighting to retain custody of Ben, Tony ends his relationship with Mac. Meanwhile Mac is in turmoil, unable to see a way clear to be out at work, or with his right-wing religious aunt. At the same time he's trying to solve a string of murders that hit close to home.
Kaje Harper hits an almost perfect balance of relationship and suspense in this book. Both are well-developed and captivating. I'm both excited and apprehensive about the final book in the trilogy. These guys still have so much to navigate.
I can't find a flaw in J.F. Harding's narration. He gets the emotions right: the passion, the anger, the fear. And his voices are clear and distinct, including his voices for the two children.
5 for the narration by J.F. Harding A
I was unsure whether to continue with this series but after reading the review my friend wrote, I decided to give it a try. I'm happy to say I loved this book. I enjoyed the first book and thought the romance and suspense were both well done, but the background of strong homophobia wasn't appealing. That's still here and often difficult for me to take. I'm angered by the amount of homophobic abuse in the police department and from the aunt who is helping to raise Mac's daughter. At the same time, the story is so well written, and so emotional, that I couldn't help but get caught up in it.
It's been several months since the end of the first book, and Mac and Tony are together, although Mac is still firmly in the closet with no signs of coming out. Tony is starting to feel the strain and wonders how it's going to work. When tragedy strikes, Tony becomes guardian of his best friend's son, Ben, who he's been helping to raise for several years. While fighting to retain custody of Ben, Tony ends his relationship with Mac. Meanwhile Mac is in turmoil, unable to see a way clear to be out at work, or with his right-wing religious aunt. At the same time he's trying to solve a string of murders that hit close to home.
Kaje Harper hits an almost perfect balance of relationship and suspense in this book. Both are well-developed and captivating. I'm both excited and apprehensive about the final book in the trilogy. These guys still have so much to navigate.
I can't find a flaw in J.F. Harding's narration. He gets the emotions right: the passion, the anger, the fear. And his voices are clear and distinct, including his voices for the two children.
relly's review against another edition
4.0
4 Stars
Audio Review
Great addition to the series.
Here we see the guys working together to keep their relationship going, yes there are some cracks and Mac's case brings that right to the front. To be honest I can see both sides of the equation, yes Tony knew Mac was closeted when they got together but the hiding was starting to drag, and with Tony's new responsibilities it was no longer possible. I felt for them both here.
The case was entertaining as I didn't remember too many details so it was like going through the book the first time.
On to the next one
Audio Review
Great addition to the series.
Here we see the guys working together to keep their relationship going, yes there are some cracks and Mac's case brings that right to the front. To be honest I can see both sides of the equation, yes Tony knew Mac was closeted when they got together but the hiding was starting to drag, and with Tony's new responsibilities it was no longer possible. I felt for them both here.
The case was entertaining as I didn't remember too many details so it was like going through the book the first time.
On to the next one
ezichinny's review against another edition
5.0
★★★★1/2. Really good sequel.
This book had the things I enjoy most when I read--Growth and Courage!
We start of this book with Tony Hart and Jared "Mac" MacLean continuing their relationship in secret because of Mac's fear for his career. It was really hard for Tony who has been out for a really long time. In fact, being forced back into the closet was taking a toil on him and the relationship. In Tony's mind, Mac was choosing The Closet over him and that was just not something he could accept.
When tragedy strikes close to home, Tony has to step up to the plate for Ben. This new reality forces Mac and Tony to re-evaluate the secrecy of their relationship, is it even feasible anymore? What are they willing to risk for love and family?
Boy, I found this one satisfying. There were a lot of hard choices and "confrontations" in this one. But there was a lot of eventual truths to come out (pun intended) even if they were not easily accepted.
Tony was so brave. Stronger than I remember him in book 1. He was solid, patient and loving. I am hoping his consideration of Mac will give Mac the courage to finally open up about the past he is hiding. I am excited about the new family set-up. I am happy about Aunt Brenda the wicked witch of the west. She should pray for revelation about her perpetual unhappiness, anger and jealousy. She should also ask since she is sooo good, why is she completely alone? I am concerned about the workplace, but that is another battle for book 3 to tackle. For now, I am happy that everyone was home where they belong.
This book had the things I enjoy most when I read--Growth and Courage!
We start of this book with Tony Hart and Jared "Mac" MacLean continuing their relationship in secret because of Mac's fear for his career. It was really hard for Tony who has been out for a really long time. In fact, being forced back into the closet was taking a toil on him and the relationship. In Tony's mind, Mac was choosing The Closet over him and that was just not something he could accept.
When tragedy strikes close to home, Tony has to step up to the plate for Ben. This new reality forces Mac and Tony to re-evaluate the secrecy of their relationship, is it even feasible anymore? What are they willing to risk for love and family?
Boy, I found this one satisfying. There were a lot of hard choices and "confrontations" in this one. But there was a lot of eventual truths to come out (pun intended) even if they were not easily accepted.
Tony was so brave. Stronger than I remember him in book 1. He was solid, patient and loving. I am hoping his consideration of Mac will give Mac the courage to finally open up about the past he is hiding. I am excited about the new family set-up. I am happy about Aunt Brenda the wicked witch of the west. She should pray for revelation about her perpetual unhappiness, anger and jealousy. She should also ask since she is sooo good, why is she completely alone? I am concerned about the workplace, but that is another battle for book 3 to tackle. For now, I am happy that everyone was home where they belong.