Reviews

Don't Let Go by Harper Fox

kaje_harper's review against another edition

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5.0

In this third book in the series, Gideon Frayne, the village police officer, and Lee Tyack, psychic and performer, share a home and a life. They are still working out the details. Lee seems to be haunted by a presence he doesn't want to discuss, but which Gideon occasionally can hear. And Gideon's job may be changing as he receives a promotion.

When Gideon is injured on the job, simmering concerns come to a head. Lee is determined to deal with his own issues and not put Gideon at further risk. At the same time, Gideon is as protective as ever, and unwilling to admit his limitations. And there is an evil out there, which involves them both and will have to be faced.

The plots in these stories are a little murky, but the two men, their relationship, the setting and atmosphere, and the secondary characters, particularly Gideon's brother Ezekiel, all come together in a story that really appealed to me. The slightly longer story let me become more enmeshed in the situation and connect more deeply with the characters. I love seeing an established couple battling to make it through, and these two men are great together. And the ending to the mystery was something of a surprise, giving the plot a little twist. A wonderful installment in this short series, and although I suspect it is the last, I would gladly read another story about these two MCs.

vanoralawless's review against another edition

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5.0

Where, WHERE, has this series been all my life?? I am literally dying, DYINNGG, that's how good it is. I have other things to do this week, and I'm going to get exactly none of them done because I'm too busy reading this freaking beautifully written series.

the_novel_approach's review against another edition

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5.0

Now that’s what I’m talking about! If ever there was a book with a flawless balance of danger, tension, a delicious sense of otherness, and all the romance you can handle, Don’t Let Go is that book. Let’s bask in the perfection that is this short novel for just a moment, shall we?

My obstinate tendency to remain on the emotional fringes of Gideon Frayne and Lee Tyack’s romance in the first two books of this series was obliterated by Don’t Let Go. Why? Because Harper Fox found a way to bring both a real and surreal connection to this relationship, and oh my god, it’s almost tangible. When Gideon is injured in the line of duty, nearly losing his life in the process, it not only throws Lee into an emotional and physical tailspin, but it threw into perspective how much these two men need each other not only as lovers but as touchstones to the reality that is their life together. Everything in this book was one big open emotion—love, fear, pain, grief, and joy—and it worked to perfection to weave their bond into the supernatural elements in this book, which culminated in a way that nearly broke my heart for both Lee and Gideon.

Ms. Fox has allowed us to get to know Lee’s backstory in this book, a past that transfigured him entirely from a boy whose future was altered in a single moment by a very real and human monster, to the man who has the unique ability to touch the other. There is a common monster in this story, one that preyed on Gideon’s own fears all while preying on Lee’s very being when they were both mere boys. Learning more about Lee’s family, his Uncle Jago, his relationship with his deceased father, and the way his village rallied to protect Lee—an event that culminated in a very real skeleton in the Tyack family closet—came to light in a spiritual and entirely romantic way in this installment of the series.

I got my wish and Gideon’s brother Ezekiel, the uptight and upright minister, was back for more of his particular brand of disapproving opinions and grudging acceptance, or, maybe I should say his grudging concession to Lee and Gideon’s relationship. He’s realized that his beliefs hold no bearing on the fact that the love and devotion Gid and Lee feel for each other is as real as any sanctioned from his pulpit, and I’m not exactly sure how Harper Fox has managed to make me like the man, but she’s succeeded in spades. There’s no doubt he’s judging the sin while loving (or at least liking them a little) the sinners, though he may never admit to loving them out loud, and it showcases the author’s talent for writing very real and multi-dimensional characters.

I have loved, from book one, the way in which the pagan wheel of the year has been worked into each of these stories, adding to the spirit lore and offering the perfect time and setting for each supernatural event to occur. Don’t Let Go has ended with Imbolc and I, for one, am anxious to dig right into the Midsummer intrigue.

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jce's review

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emotional hopeful mysterious

5.0

“My sweet lad. My beautiful Lee.” 😭 
Fully addicted to this series now. On to the next. 

ifihadatail7's review against another edition

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5.0

i can't even begin to express what brilliant bloody series this is. exceptional ghost stories, and Gideon & Lee are fast becoming one of my favorite couples to read about.

nening's review against another edition

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adventurous emotional informative mysterious reflective 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

3.5

kaity_b's review against another edition

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4.0

4 stars

this book was the best so far!!

Okay in all honesty i have to be the one to say it, since listening to these on Audible Plus (which is awesome) i have come to the realization the the narrator makes Gideon sound like Geoffrey Rush aka Captain Barbosa from Pirates of the Caribbean hahah. I literally can't think of anyone else when Gideon is talking, but i make it work, even though it takes me out of the story sometimes haha

But besides that I really loved this book, it was great and I cannot wait to continue with these two! they make a perfect couple.

giulia_24's review

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adventurous dark emotional mysterious tense fast-paced

4.0

claudia_is_reading's review against another edition

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4.0

Lee and Gideon are living together in Dark, and, at first, this seems to be a very rare and very lovely story about a gay couple finding their way into their relationship, struggling with family and work promotions. But 'ordinary life' is never a long-lasted state for these two.

This time it's Gideon who breaks the calm: he goes and gets himself stabbed. And, of course, stranger things begun to happen. We learn more about Lee's pasts, and some events become even more intriguing.

I love how the author can submerge us in the setting, how easily we can lose ourselves in the story... Nothing seems forced, and even when in the midst of paranormal happenings everything seems almost rational in a very surreal way.

So, yes, I keep enjoying this series and can't wait to begin with the next one.

clak5686's review against another edition

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5.0

Another great book in this series. It really gets better and better. The writing is still high quality. This entry puts a little more pressure on the Lee & Gideon. Gideon has a serious injury. Lee finally explains what is going on with him. And, it advances the story and their love and commitment to each other. They mystery in the story was very well done. The paranormal elements were well crafted.