Just when I think this amazing romantic suspense series has reached the peak of story telling, Jay Hogan drops the final instalment and wow, just wow. The continued growth in Nick and Madigan’s relationship is very real and at times very raw. Then there’s Nick’s traumatic past coming back to cause so much havoc and pain before it’s metamorphosis into healing and recovery for all concerned.
With villains who do villain things without a touch of remorse, throwing Nick and Madigan into another twisted and tangled situation seemingly without hope, I had to keep turning the pages desperate to find what would happen next. This is the perfect combination of action and drama, sweet and spice with strong relationship growth for two wonderful mature aged men who love each other faults and all. I highly recommend this book and the entire series which is one of my favourites by this amazing author.

Even though I read the content warning I wasn’t prepared for how this book started out and what happened in the Prologue. But it was so well done and so necessary to the rest of the book. I can’t even find the words to describe how much this book made me feel things. I don’t think I’m even going to address much about the story itself other than to say it’s told in first person with Gil and Holden taking turns telling the story.

I was bawling my eyes out the last couple of chapters of this story but they were happy tears. Gil had suffered so much but he had also come so far in his healing journey that when I saw the HEA coming it just did something to me that’s hard to explain. Maybe it was just the mood I was in while reading it but I think most of the credit goes to the incredible storytelling / writing that is the hallmark of a Jay Hogan story.

The attraction that Gil and Holden feel for each other is acknowledged by each man to themselves but it’s more than 40% into the story before they acknowledge it to each other. So, I think this this is properly considered a slow-burn romance. 😊 However, once things heat up, they really heat up. 😊

While so much of this book deals with serious subject matter and feelings, Jay Hogan still manages to lighten things up from time to time and the following was one of my favorite bits. This is from a conversation that Holden and his employees are having. Charlie is a woman and Alek is Russian, both are shepherds who work for Holden. After Charlie makes a reference to budgie smugglers, Alek asked what they are.

Charlie pushed her hair off her face and regarded Alek with a widening smirk. “They’re speedos, gorgeous. Those tight nylon swimming togs guys wear in competition. The ones that hug every nook and cranny of a man’s—” She cleared her throat. “—wet appendages.”
“Oh.” Alek flushed to the roots of his black hair and the furrows on his brow deepened. “Why . . . budgie smuggler?”
“Well.” Charlie clapped her hands together far too gleefully. “A budgie is a small soft bird about this big, right?” She made a budgie-sized shape with both her hands. “And if you shove that sucker down the front of a nylon swimsuit . . . and maybe even imagine it moving—”
“Ooooooh!” Alek’s blue eyes flew wide and his mortified expression caused everyone to crack up. He scowled, muttered a string of Russian expletives, and lugged his pile driver on to the next upright. “But—” He looked directly at Charlie with his finger pointing downward. “Al-ba-tross, not budgie.”
Which left us all gaping in stunned silence.

I can’t forget to say how emotional and wonderful the epilogue is; it’s set 6 months after the main story concludes and I absolutely love it when authors write epilogues like this one. I was also very happy to learn that Zach and Luke will be the featured couple in the next book, The Mechanics of Lust. So that’s it from me other than to say again that I loved this book.

★彡 5 Stars 彡★

I think I should start off by saying that this book isn’t a standalone. It’s the final book in a fantastic trilogy where Nick and Mads finally get their HEA – but not without going through some tough stuff first.

I have loved this series so much and I’m sad to see it come to an end. I’m not going to rehash the blurb I just want to say that this book is amazing and complicated and filled with nail-biting suspense.

Nothing ever seems to be easy for Mads and Nick. I probably should have expected this story to be just as complicated, with nail-biting suspense, as the first two but I admit to being somewhat shocked at how much so this story was. (That was absolutely not a complaint or criticism because I loved all of it.) After all of the suspenseful things were resolved, I was happy that Nick was finally able to resolve things with the mother who abandoned him.

I’d love to see one more book in this series or related to it. Mads assistant, Gazza needs a story. There were some hints in the last two books that something could be happening between him and Lee and I’d love to read that story.

An advanced copy of this book was provided to me at my request; my review was voluntary and not influenced by the author.

What a great way to end the trilogy of Nick and Mads, though I wish it had not concluded with just the three novels! I loved Jay Hogan's focus on suspense and action in this series, and the romance? Emotional support and connection galore, with the occasional steam. I don't need constant steamy scenes to prove the relationship is great and this story shows the strength of their love in so many other ways. Nick is raw and open to Mads about his traumatic childhood and fear of abandonment and Madigan is there for him to offload and offer emotional support at every turn.

The suspense came with Nick's reunion with his ailing mother Chloe, who had abruptly left him behind to cope with his wife-beating, controlling father when he was an impressionable child. No word from her for 47 years and then Chloe makes contact! But when they do meet during the couple's visit to the South Island for a book auction, it stirs up a whole kettle of emotions and uncovers trouble for Chloe that Mads and Nick weather (mostly together).

Nick and his mother's story are the central focus, but I was so happy to find a special carve-out in the plot for rare book lover Madigan. He's actually my favorite of the two guys because he's so low key and patient, a great listener, but with the fear that he's "boring" and just not enough. He so is enough and more!

I also love the cover! And the story's conclusion had all the good, happy vibes I needed. A truly enjoyable read. (Guess I've learned I like the drama and danger to give extra zest to the romance).

I read a complimentary advance copy of the book but I'll be buying it for my personal library; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.

This is a beautifully written Finale in this bittersweet romantic suspense. You do need to read all books in order to fully understand as this follows one couple as they meet, build and grow a relationship.
I absolutely love this book and dont say it much since how do you actually pick favorites or rate books in order of favorites when your constantly reading... but its safe to say this series is way way up there on that list. I rarely reread books but occasionally listen to tge audios of some I've read after some time... again I listen to this one as soon as it comes on audio. It's that good.
What makes it so good?
The characters are older... like in mid fifties... both of them.
They are opposites, very opposite.
One was married and recently lost his husband the other hasn't had many real relationships.
I love the setting... it's in New Zealand.
There is an ongoing mystery through the first two books.
There is a slight mystery in this one.
Fabulous side characters.
Speaking of which...I hope Lee, Gaza and Lee's brother even Luther that we just meet here get books. I'm all in.

This is a beautifully written Finale in this bittersweet romantic suspense. You do need to read all books in order to fully understand as this follows one couple as they meet, build and grow a relationship.
I absolutely love this book and dont say it much since how do you actually pick favorites or rate books in order of favorites when your constantly reading... but its safe to say this series is way way up there on that list. I rarely reread books but occasionally listen to tge audios of some I've read after some time... again I listen to this one as soon as it comes on audio. It's that good.
What makes it so good?
The characters are older... like in mid fifties... both of them.
They are opposites, very opposite.
One was married and recently lost his husband the other hasn't had many real relationships.
I love the setting... it's in New Zealand.
There is an ongoing mystery through the first two books.
There is a slight mystery in this one.
Fabulous side characters.
Speaking of which...I hope Lee, Gaza and Lee's brother even Luther that we just meet here get books. I'm all in.

I have all of Jay's books in audiobook. Love her work!

Jay Hogan is an auto buy for me and this series did not disappoint!

Jay is a master storyteller and every word, every twist, every moment being carefully curated to keep you hooked, open your heart and fall with each and every character.

Together with exceptional narration, with voices, nuisances and easy differentiation of each character, Gary's performance elevates the story to new levels!!

Mads and Nick grow together and face so many hurdles both personally and in their quest for answers in this story. They're thrown together in book one and the balance and nuisances of their lives, personalities and desires are put to the test here. Stubborn and set, closed and guilty, scared and hopeful, both Mads and Nick face it all and are stronger for it!
I loved Gazza and hope so much that he gets his happy ending and am so intrigued by the ending! What could the letter say for Nick to be able to face his past!! Gah I need it all now!

I got my wish for the audio. Loved it just as much as the first read through, if not more. Gary Furlong always gives a great performance and this is no exception.
Book 2 of the series and it follows straight on from the end of the previous book. It’s essential that you read it before tackling this one.
Another excellent read from Jay Hogan.
Older MCs. Jay writes believable older MCs. These guys are 50+ and it shows. They aren’t physically perfect, no abs and smooth unblemished skin. Grey hair, soft bits, wrinkles, and natural body hair abound. And they are both set in their ways and sometimes reluctant to concede.
Which leads me on to the Relationship Progression. In this book the slow burn ramps up a tad as the relationship moves forward. We get their first intimate scene. Always hot - it is Jay Hogan, after all- but age appropriate. We also get several clashes as these two stubborn men butt heads and don’t want to give ground.
Or they allow Nick’s deceased husband into the relationship. Occasionally Madigan is jealous of the part he played in Nick’s life or Nick feels guilty about learning to love again. But thankfully they handle things like grownups and talk about him rather than ignoring his presence in their relationship.
The suspense plays a big part again and I loved it even though it was necessary to suspend disbelief on occasions. Doesn’t the best thrillers ask us to do just that and it is the quality of the creative’s expertise that allows us to do this. Here it is handled just the right side of that line, and in keeping with the characters.

I can’t wait for the next instalment.

🎧 Audiobook Review 🎧
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️(⭐️) 4,5
Performance: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️️
Story: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Nick Fisher and Madigan Church are back, and I was very excited to see how things would continue for them. Before reading this book, I highly recommend reading volume 1 of the Fisher & Church series, “The Meaning of You,” as the story picks up right where that one left off.
Nick is still reeling from the past and what they accidentally uncovered, and Madigan has become his rock.
The first part of the story focuses on their relationship. It's incredibly complicated, which I could understand as a reader. And their communication is just as complicated at times. I would have loved to shake them both and then lock them in a room where they could talk things out.
But apart from their relationship, they can't forget the young man they initially freed, only to return him to the wrong people. And so, with the help of Mad's assistant Gazza, our amateur detectives set out to find Lee, because they are determined to help him. The two have a strong sense of justice and a plan they are pursuing. From here on, it gets super exciting, because of course not everything goes as planned, and I was rooting for the two of them and hoping that everything would turn out well.
But apart from their relationship, they cannot forget the young man they initially freed, only to return him to the wrong people. And so, with the help of Mads' assistant Gazza, our amateur detectives set out to find Lee, because they are determined to help him. The two have a strong sense of justice and a plan they are pursuing. From here on, it gets super exciting, because of course not everything goes as planned, and I was rooting for the two of them and hoping that everything would turn out well.
As I said, the story was different than I expected at first, but still good. Very entertaining, with lots of suspense and even more emotion. A big plus for me was the age of the protagonists: 50+, which I found very refreshing.
I listened to the audiobook, and Gary Furlong did an incredibly good job, bringing this exciting story to life perfectly with the distinctive voices of Nick and Mads. It's a pleasure to listen to him. I can highly recommend this series, especially to audiobook lovers!
I'm now eagerly awaiting the next volume with Nick and Mads!

I am absolutely obsessed with this series and this instalment has been no different.

I LOVE the characters in this - obviously Nick and Mads, but I honestly can’t get over the other characters - a really well fleshed out villain that you love to hate can’t be forgotten and both Freddie and Marty have stayed in my brain long after the book is finished, which you know makes it a good book! I tried not to race through the story and savour it, but I just couldn’t leave it alone.

Have to say though, that ending now has me clamming for the next book - going to have to go back and listen again until then!

I loved The Meaning of You, and I knew I’d grab The Question of Us as soon as I could get my hands on it.

And I did!

To no one’s surprise, I loved it.

Okay. So I had Madison (Mads) and Nick. Nick is slowly recovering from his grief over losing his husband and Mads is recovering from his kidnapping. What neither man – Madison especially – can get over is that they inadvertently handed a young man back to his abuser.

They think. That knowledge is driving them nuts so they embark on an adventure to Australia to determine, once and for all, if they’ve hurt someone who didn’t deserve it.

Except they are a forensic accountant and a restorer of old books. Who bring along Madison’s assistant in the book restoring business. Three men are determined to do the right thing, but with very few skills to help them out. A friend of Madison’s assistant gives the men makeovers, which are hilariously described and I would’ve loved to see, but they’re still risking a lot to help someone who might not want the help.

They quickly discover, though, that their worst fears have come true and there is a young man in need of help. Oh, and he’s a guy whose younger brother now needs rescuing as well.

So what do the Kiwi crew do? Try to initiate a rescue.

I knew disaster was coming, but I had to go along for the ride.

And what a ride it was. I’m not going to say more because I don’t want to give stuff away, but Mads and Nick might just survive. They might just come home to find another mystery. There might just be a third book coming my way.

OMG – please, Jay. Get it to me as quickly as you can. Because I’m truly loving this series!

Shout out to Gary Furlong who is one of my favorite narrators. He’s able to do that subtle differentiation between Aussie and Kiwi accents that just proves how damn talented he is. I can’t wait for the final instalment of this great trilogy! Obviously, I highly recommend this book!

About the story: I loved the first book and was waiting for this one impatiently and oh my.... I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed being be back with Madigan and Nick, I loved them in the first book, and still love them in this one.
The story and the suspense is very good, the interactions between Nick and Madigan, their thoughts and feelings feel so real. I love reading books about more mature men. It's very well written and I read it in one sitting, I couldn't put it down until I finished and I want more of them.

Regarding the audio: I listened to it after reading the book and I really enjoyed it. As for the first book of the series the narration is spectacular! Gary Furlong does such a wonderful job. I highly recommend and can't wait for next book.

I got an ALC and this is my honest review.

THE QUESTION OF US is the second installment in the Fisher & Church series. It cannot be read as a standalone as you will miss a ton of important information!

The Question of Us picks up right where The Meaning of You ends. You are thrust right into the aftermath of the traumatic experience they found themselves in. They are trying to figure out what they are to each other and what they want. Nick is still grieving Davis but wanting so much more with Madigan. He finds himself at odds with himself over what he should do. When he finally gets himself together he knows he'll be tagging along with Madigan to find the answers to the questions Madigan has about Lee and the men that kidnapped him.

I loved the suspense that is weaved into this. I was on the edge of my seat yet again. The moment Madigan and Nick gave into their physical desires it was truly explosive.

This is seriously one of the best audio series I have listened to. Gary Furlong does an amazing job bringing these characters to life. I find myself lost in this world that was created and not wanting to stop when real life makes me. It's a real problem when you listen at work and don't want to do the work your getting paid to do!!

I can't wait for what's next!