Now available in audio!
BOOK 2, Fisher & Church series
The Question of Us
The nightmare is over. Or so I keep telling myself. I should be grateful. Grateful that my captors are in custody. Grateful that Nick and I have finally taken a step toward something more than friendship. And I am, grateful.
But life isn’t simple. And peace of mind is elusive in the face of unbearable guilt.
BOOK 1, Fisher & Church series
The Meaning of You
We’d shared a forever love. For fourteen years Davis was my world. Then it was all ripped away in the blink of an eye.
We’d told each other everything, or so I thought. The husband I’d believed in was a lie. Or was he?
I have to find out. And Madigan Church is right there to help me. A complicated man. Madigan makes me feel things I’m not ready for. Want things I don’t deserve. Not now. Maybe not ever again.
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Let customers speak for us
from 197 reviewsThe second book in the series… after the mess at the end of book one, Nick and Mads are quite busy. A bit of figuring out things between them and A LOT of putting themselves in danger, AGAIN! Granted, their goal is both granted and noble, but, man, do they have to be reckless all the time? My heart couldn’t take it!
And the ending? Let’s just say I need the next book like air!
Amidst all the chaos at least things between Nick and Madigan are settling down and taking form, be it because they are getting better at communicating or because the constant threats to their lives make them realise how deeply they feel about the other.
This book kept me glued to my Kindle the first time I read it, holding my breath for the action and smiling like a loon for the romance; now, with Gary Furlong's spectacular narration, it was even more amzing!
Audiobook Review:
Overall – 5
Performance – 5
Story – 5
After reading The Question of Us with my eyes, I knew the only thing that would make me like it even better would be to listen to Gary Furlong perform the audiobook. His voice acting is superb; he conveys all of the emotions the characters are feeling so much better than I imagined them in my head when I first read the book. There isn’t anything else I can say that I didn’t already say in my original review which is shown below.
*•.¸♡ 𝟓 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬 ♡¸.•*
This book is amazing but you really need to read The Meaning of You before you read The Question of Us. The series follows the same couple as they unravel the mysteries surrounding the death of Nick’s husband. There is no cliffhanger for the relationship in this story but readers are left with a humdinger of a teaser for the next book. 😊
The Question of Us had me on the edge of my seat and holding my breath almost from start to finish. If an angsty book isn’t your thing you might need to skip this one but just know that if you do, you’ll be missing a fantastic romantic suspense story.
This book is 105,000 words and for me that is a big book but I consumed this in one day with only short breaks. This story flowed so well that I thought it was much less than 105,000 words. (I mean this in the best way.) My sweet spot is usually 50,000-75,000 words because I know I can finish reading in one day so I was almost surprised that I blew through this one so quickly. I shouldn’t have been though…because I’ve devoured every Jay Hogan book I’ve read (I still need to read two of them). Jay’s writing is so richly descriptive that I could clearly see everything in my mind as I read.
I nearly forgot to say that Nick and Madigan finally get it on but they have to go through some hard stuff before they do. This book has a solid HFN and if it wasn’t for the teaser/cliffy I’d call it an HEA. I loved everything about this book!
An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.
This book was amazing. The series is but the narration ups the emotions tenfold. I highly recommend the listen
Gary Furlong brings this suspenseful story and the distinct voices of Nick and Mads to life so perfectly. I highly recommend this series, especially for fellow audiobook lovers!
If you thought the tension in book one was high, this is a whole new level!
We're back with our favorite heroes: Nick is still healing from a past full of secrets, and Madigan has become his unexpected anchor. This time, they aren't just running from danger—they’re running towards it. We follow them as they try to rescue a young man from a dangerous situation, with incredibly high stakes.
What I love most about this series is that these are mature men dealing with real baggage. Their relationship isn't perfect. It's messy, confrontational, and deeply honest. Watching them learn to trust each other while navigating intrigue and high-stakes action is incredibly rewarding.
MM Romance - MCs 50+ - Sleuthing Together - Location New Zealand and Australia - Dual POV/1st POV - Same Couple Series - Fantastic Narration
It's been a while since I listened to The Meaning of You, luckily there were enough walks down memory lane to bring it all back.
I wasn't a big fan of the fight at the beginning. More specifically, I wasn't a fan of Mads' behavior towards Nick. I thought he was unnecessarily harsh and hurtful, as if he was the only one who's feelings had been hurt. Then I remembered, these two were both actually written as real human beings. They were set in their ways, one of them a bit of a bulldozer, the other one seemingly an indifferent grump. Having the life experience of more than a decade will do that.
And that also meant they were flawed, made mistakes and every now and then displayed less flattering qualities. But they also took responsibility and were realistic about their shortcomings. Even if they first had to overcome old habits and stubbornness. 🤪
I loved seeing how their relationship developed and how their chemistry increased naturally. It wasn't always pretty or easy but the way forward was never really in question. While getting closer emotionally they also took some huge steps intimacy wise, about bloody time if you ask me! 🤪 These moments were scorching hot and also sweet and precious. The tenderness, the appreciation and the trust was palpable.
Nick's late husband, Davis, was never forgotten and Mads really made a point of neither wanting nor expecting Nick to forget about him and the life they once had together. That was heartwarming and another indicator of the solid foundation they were building.
Mads and Nick, really well developed, complex characters acting and looking their age. They weren't perfect, they made mistakes and that made them believable and relatable. I'm a huge fan!
It's of course madness that a forensic accountant and two book conservators go off on an adventure to take down a violent sex trafficking ring. I don't think any of them should make sleuthing their day job. Some of their actions were almost comically OTT. As it ended on a cliffhanger I'm pretty sure there will be some questionable decisions and situations in the third and last book, too!
Oh, and then there was Gazza, Mads' assistant. Though younger than Nick and Mads he sometimes felt like the only adult. I really hope he will also get a HEA at some point, the signs were certainly there.
Favorite quote gotta be: "He who tops, mops." 😂
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CAWPILE-inspired rating system (original CAWPILE system by Book Roast on YouTube).
Characters 10/10
Relationships 10/10
Plot & Structure 8/10
Atmosphere & Setting (Worldbuilding) 8/10
Writing Style & Language 9/10
Intrigue & Interest 9/10
Logic & Conclusion 8/10
Enjoyment & Experience 10/10
Average Score 9/10
The StoryGraph Rating ☆ 4.75/5*
*Rounding up to 5 because of Gary Furlong's absolutely fantastic voice acting!
Narration 5/5
Cover 5/5
Amount of Steam 4/5
Listened to through: Bookfunnel
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I love this series and this one picks up very soon after the first. These have to be listened to in order as the events build upon what happened previously and you will be lost. I love how Mads does not let Nick get away with his hot/cold behavior. Nick, for all his dickishness, does truly appreciate Mads for all that he is. There's a great amount of danger as Mads, Nick, and Gazza travel to Australia to check up on Lee...getting much more than they bargained for. Gary Furlong does an incredible job of narrating and bringing all these amazing characters to life. This story had me on the edge of my seat hoping everyone comes out in one piece. I can't wait to see what's in store for these me next, and hopefully I think they've earned a bit of much needed quiet time.
So much going on! I need to stop listening to these as they come out because I crave more immediately. The way every character is written I am fully invested. My Heart, Lee's story was emotional. I respect and adore all that is Madigan! He never gives up when it matters. The way Nick is still dealing with his grief feels so real it hurts. But I would not change a thing about this romance so far. Being in my 50's this second chance at life story hits home! I cannot even express in words how much Gary Furlong's narration brings out all the feels.
I love how Jay Hogan can take a couple of auld blokes, make them as sexy as sin, and then offer a refreshing and poignant look at love later in life. Mind you, this isn't just a sweet story about two silver foxes finding one other and falling in love. It's a gripping action packed thriller in which two older guys work together, with their merry men to blow apart a sex scandal involving young men.
The development of their relationship isn't all plain sailing. Nick is still reeling from the sudden death of his husband, Davis. If you've read the first book in the series, you'll be aware that his husband was secretly working to help free these young men from sexual and domestic abuse. Also, it was in the last book that Nick met Madigan, and almost immediately, there was a palpable attraction between them. However, both are as stubborn as the other, and there is a lot of heart searching that they need to overcome before they are even close to becoming a couple.
It's Davis's actions that originally pulled them into the dangerous world of high stakes human trafficking. This plot made me so delighted that Jay has ventured back into writing crime and adventure. Her action sequences are so intense and well organised. They show that these two guys, despite their age, are more than capable of handling themselves. I loved how the dynamic between them shifted from the quiet tentative romance, at the end of the first book to a thrilling partnership, with Nick's grief fueling his determination. Mad's pigheaded, mulish, and dogged bloody minded stubbornness pushes them on to safety, with a little help from the beleaguered Samuel, Nick's brother in law, who I happen to love.
The story succeeds on so many levels. It's masterfully written, Jay (who never ceases to amaze me!), has produced a touching love story, with a tense and thrilling plot. You find yourself rooting for everyone involved, not just to succeed in their mission but to find love and happiness with one another. All the characters are well written and have a role within the story. Gazza, Lee, Aaron Samuel, and Aunt Shirley are immense! If you're looking for a book that proves love stories can be exciting and dangerous, as well as romantic and sweet, this is a must read. It isn't a standalone, by the way. It follows straight on from book one, The Question of You.
Having just finished the audible of this, I'm just blown away. Gary Furlong really is one of the best narrators out their. Gary Furlong doesn't just read the story; he performs it with a level of empathy that mirrors Hogan’s writing style. If you are a fan of slow burn romances where the character growth is just as important as the plot, this audiobook is gold. Gary just brings the story/characters to life. In this case the audio version might be superior to the print version because of the sheer warmth/strength/ humour Gary brings to the story.
What an ending! I'm so happy there's going to be a third book. Sqeee 🤯🥰❤️
TW: This story features discussion of the death of a spouse who is not a main character and references to domestic and sexual abuse.
Always love Jay's books. I've loved them all. I like when authors take secondary characters from different series and give them there HEA in another series.
I love Jay Hogan’s books and this one is a comfort re-read that makes me happy every time I take the journey again. The narrator, Gary Furlough, hits it out of the park handling the American and NZ accents deftly so each character is instantly recognizable - and he gets the snark and tenderness just right for the spirited characters.
I love the series. All the books are so well-written and exciting. The audiobooks are also excellent, and the narrator does a fantastic job. Highly recommended.
Jay Hogan does it again. This book was a mystery, an unexpected love story, and a healing journey for Davis and Madigan. I cannot encourage you enough to select this book as your next listen or read. And as always,Gary Furlong’s narration was spot on. I can’t wait for the next one!
This story is absolutely fantastic, and Gary Furlong has a way of bringing it to life that is simply wonderful. I cannot wait to see what happens next with these silver foxes. Highly recommend.
How refreshing to listen to MC’s that are over 50.
The cover made me want to listen so when i got the chance to review i didn’t hesitate.
Nick and Mads were thrown together by an unfortunate series of events they weren’t exactly amicable to each other especially Nick who was the epitome of the grump MC but he had his reasons. Eventually circumstances throw them together even when both of them were hesitant of trusting the other but when one of them is in peril the other goes out of the way to make sure he is safe.
I am eagerly looking forward to book 2 and hope there will be more Nick and Mads in the future.
First, I've read every one of Jay Hogan's books, I think! And I love them all! But this one was on the next level of heartbreaking, intrigue, and story telling. I loved every minute of it. I don't think I've ever cried in the first 30 minutes of a book. It took me a minute to get over that. But I trust this author 100% so I knew the hurt would be worth it. Gary Furlong did a wonderful job, as usual.
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About Jay
Heart, Humour, & Keepin' It Real
Jay is a two-time Lambda Literary Award finalist for her books Digging Deep and The Art of Husbandry in 2020 and 2024. Her book Off Balance was the 2021 New Zealand Romance Book of the Year.
She is a New Zealand author writing mm romance and romantic suspense, primarily set in New Zealand. She writes character driven romances with lots of humour, a good dose of reality and a splash of angst. She's travelled extensively, lived in many countries, and in a past life she was a critical care nurse, nurse educator and counsellor.
Jay is owned by a huge Maine Coon cat and a gorgeous Cocker Spaniel.