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Through Hell and Back #2
After the Fire
A single bullet destroyed the dreams of Dr. Jordan Peterson. With his lover dead, Jordan descends into an endless spiral of self-destruction that nearly costs him his friends, his career, and his life. When Jordan finds himself working closely with the aloof Lucas Conover, the investment banker’s mysterious past and unexpected kindness shocks him back into a life and emotions he’d thought lost forever.
The betrayal by the foster brother he’d worshiped taught Lucas Conover never to trust or believe in anyone. Living a solitary life couldn’t free him of the nightmare of his former life; it reinforced his belief that he would never fall in love. When the death of one of his clients forces him to work closely with Dr. Jordan Peterson, he meets a person whose suffering exceeds his own. Though Jordan rejects his effort to help, something within Luke pushes him discover more about the first man to ever get under his skin.
As Luke lets down his guard and Jordan lets go of his pain, desire takes control. Each man must come to terms with past struggles if they are to create a future together. And learning to trust in themselves and love again after tragedy and a lifetime of pain may be the only thing that saves them in the end.
The betrayal by the foster brother he’d worshiped taught Lucas Conover never to trust or believe in anyone. Living a solitary life couldn’t free him of the nightmare of his former life; it reinforced his belief that he would never fall in love. When the death of one of his clients forces him to work closely with Dr. Jordan Peterson, he meets a person whose suffering exceeds his own. Though Jordan rejects his effort to help, something within Luke pushes him discover more about the first man to ever get under his skin.
As Luke lets down his guard and Jordan lets go of his pain, desire takes control. Each man must come to terms with past struggles if they are to create a future together. And learning to trust in themselves and love again after tragedy and a lifetime of pain may be the only thing that saves them in the end.
253 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 23, 2015
77 people are currently reading
675 people want to read
About the author
Felice Stevens
100 books1,711 followersFelice Stevens writes romance because what is better than people falling in love? Her favorite part of a romance novel is that first kiss…sigh. She loves creating stories of hopes and dreams and happily ever afters. Her stories are character-driven, rich with the sights, sounds and flavors of New York City and filled with men who are sometimes deeply flawed but always real.
Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.
Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.
Felice writes M/M romance because she believes that everyone deserves a happily ever after. Having traveled all over the world, she can safely say that the universal language that unites people is love. Felice has written in a variety of sub-genres, including contemporary, paranormal and has a mystery series as well.
Felice is a two-time Lambda Literary Award nominee and the Lambda award-winner for Best Gay Romance for her book, The Ghost and Charlie Muir, as well as the e-Lit gold medal winner in romance for Broken Silence.
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October 14, 2024
RATING 4.5 STARS
After the Fire is the second book in a series by Felice Stevens. This is Jordan and Lucas’s book. It definitely deals with some deep and dark issues but also, finally seeing a light of hope.
Dr. Jordan Peterson is thirty five years old and is an orthopedic surgeon. He also works at Drew’s clinic for teens who need medical help and have no where else to go. In the first book, we met Jordan and Keith who were madly in love and engaged. But at the end of the book, Jordan lost Keith tragically. Now it’s been nine months since the tragedy. Jordan is not doing well. He’s lost weight and pushes everyone away. He’s drinking way more than he should and is also finding escape in another unhealthy way. Jordan has been receiving messages regularly from Keith’s financial advisor that they need him to help get a project off the ground that Keith had set up before his death. A center for kids to go for after school care and a safe place to land. Jordan has never met Keith’s financial advisor and begrudgingly makes the appointment, not realizing the impact this man was going to have on his life.
Lucas Conover is thirty years old. He is a very successful financial advisor and is also the missing foster brother of Ash from the first book. He knows Ash has been looking for him but has no interest in seeing him, ever. Luke keeps himself apart from everyone. No friends, rarely engages in any interactions with anyone at all. He has secrets of his own, a past he wishes he could forget. When Jordan walks into his office, he wasn’t what Luke expected at all and he feels a strange connection to him, one he can’t seem to let go.
Both of these men have known such pain and are somehow drawn to one another. Jordan has his secrets he keeps well hidden, and also feels guilty for feeling attracted to another man after losing Keith. But their connection grows stronger and neither can deny what they feel.
This is the story of finally letting the past go, of healing and being better for it. Of getting a second chance at life and love. I loved spending more time with Drew and Ash from book one and loved Jordan and Luke. I admit that in book one and at times in this book, I struggled with Jordan a bit. He was a tough one. But as the book progressed, I couldn’t help but to love him. And the man he grew to be was so much stronger and more open, more loving than ever. This series truly has won my heart and now I can’t wait to read the next book, Embrace the Fire, Brandon and Tash’s book.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
After the Fire is the second book in a series by Felice Stevens. This is Jordan and Lucas’s book. It definitely deals with some deep and dark issues but also, finally seeing a light of hope.
Dr. Jordan Peterson is thirty five years old and is an orthopedic surgeon. He also works at Drew’s clinic for teens who need medical help and have no where else to go. In the first book, we met Jordan and Keith who were madly in love and engaged. But at the end of the book, Jordan lost Keith tragically. Now it’s been nine months since the tragedy. Jordan is not doing well. He’s lost weight and pushes everyone away. He’s drinking way more than he should and is also finding escape in another unhealthy way. Jordan has been receiving messages regularly from Keith’s financial advisor that they need him to help get a project off the ground that Keith had set up before his death. A center for kids to go for after school care and a safe place to land. Jordan has never met Keith’s financial advisor and begrudgingly makes the appointment, not realizing the impact this man was going to have on his life.
Lucas Conover is thirty years old. He is a very successful financial advisor and is also the missing foster brother of Ash from the first book. He knows Ash has been looking for him but has no interest in seeing him, ever. Luke keeps himself apart from everyone. No friends, rarely engages in any interactions with anyone at all. He has secrets of his own, a past he wishes he could forget. When Jordan walks into his office, he wasn’t what Luke expected at all and he feels a strange connection to him, one he can’t seem to let go.
Both of these men have known such pain and are somehow drawn to one another. Jordan has his secrets he keeps well hidden, and also feels guilty for feeling attracted to another man after losing Keith. But their connection grows stronger and neither can deny what they feel.
This is the story of finally letting the past go, of healing and being better for it. Of getting a second chance at life and love. I loved spending more time with Drew and Ash from book one and loved Jordan and Luke. I admit that in book one and at times in this book, I struggled with Jordan a bit. He was a tough one. But as the book progressed, I couldn’t help but to love him. And the man he grew to be was so much stronger and more open, more loving than ever. This series truly has won my heart and now I can’t wait to read the next book, Embrace the Fire, Brandon and Tash’s book.
For more about this book and so many others, come and visit me at Carol's Crazy Bookish World.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/Carol...
February 27, 2017
***4 Second Chance Stars***
"We all need someone. There are those nights when the dark is so black and thick, you can't see yourself, and all you wish for is someone to hold on to. So you reach across those empty sheets of silence, groping and grasping, hoping you'll touch something, anything warm and alive."
This is quite the addictive series! I usually don't binge read series where each book is about a different couple, but after finishing A Walk Through Fire, I just couldn't get these characters out of my head.
I really didn't like Jordan in the first book and wasn't sure I'd ever be interested in a book about him, but after the devastating events at the end of A Walk Through Fire, I needed to know how he was doing. And it turns out, Jordan's not doing too well. He's withdrawn from his friends and his life. Spending his time indoors grieving, drinking and popping pills. Basically, barely existing.
When Jordan comes face to face with Lucas Conover, Ash's foster brother, both men are a little shaken by their instant attraction. Initially, neither intends to act on this...Jordan doesn't know if he can love again, while Lucas isn't sure he's even capable of love. However, as the men grow closer, they both begin to realize that there is no way to deny the connection. Perhaps they were put in each other's lives for a reason?
Lucas hasn't had a lot of love in his life, with the one person he loved and admired most betraying and abandoning him. He's confused by his sudden and larger than life feelings for Jordan because those emotions don't come easily for him. Not only is he coming to grips with possibly falling in love for the first time in his life, but he doesn't want to have to compete with the ghost in Jordan's life.
Both men needed the other. Needed the other in a way that was both unfamiliar and comforting. However, Jordan carried a secret that hung like a dark cloud over their relationship. I was on pins and needles wondering how everything would turn out. Would he finally have the courage to face his issues? How will Lucas react when he finds out that Jordan has been lying to him? And will Lucas finally be able to face Ash and discover the truth about their childhood?
"Life isn't ever definite. When you think you have it all figured out, it bites you in the ass, letting you know not to take anything for granted."
Felice Stevens does a great job of drawing you into a story. The characters are flawed, yet relatable. Their emotions and actions are authentic to their journey. Every person in this series has their place, and they're there for a reason. This is a group of people that you feel connected to, wanting each to find their way and get their happily ever after. And what I enjoy most is that though at times there's cheesy, eye-rolling dialogue, it doesn't feel corny. These stories are so full of heart, that you can't help but love even the cheesiest of moments.
I really enjoyed the first book, but I liked this one even more. I'm excited to see what's in store in the third book. Dr. Tash dropped some nice breadcrumbs here and I'm very interested in his backstory. But more importantly, where the hell has Brandon been?
***I will add one grievance that has stuck out to me in this series and that is that both books I've read are in need of some editing. I'm not sure if they are being beta read prior to publication, but there are some careless issues here (duplicate words in sentences, use of wrong character name, etc...). Just one run through by a fresh set of eyes is all it takes to erase most of these errors.
Update 2/27/17 - My review is for the first edition, so please note that the editing may have been fixed in the re-release.
May 5, 2017
POSSIBLE SPOILERS!!!
Things ended pretty horrific for Jordan at the end of the last book. I will admit that this man was hard to like in the last book and I wasn't sure if that was going to be any different when I started this book. But you would have to be made out of stone not to feel any sympathy for this man who lost his person. It was devastating reading about it in the last book and that devastation followed into this book.
Jordan is a mess. He's drinking too much and popping Xanax's like they're mints. He's just not coping well nor is he moving on. He's stuck in the misery and heartbreak of losing his fiancé. His friends try their best to try and get him to let them in or to let them take him out. But he just wants to be left alone. Plus he is still dealing with some anger towards Drew that he feels guilty about. He can't help but blame some of what happened on Drew since he believes it was his actions that left him without his fiancé. So he keeps himself secluded and only does the minimum of what needs to be done to keep his job. But when he gets a letter from the board of his fiancé's charity that they will be releasing him from his duties since he refuses to contact them and do the work he gets angry. So he makes an appointment to see the man who dared to remove him. This is were he meets his future, Lucas.
Lucas is very alone. He has no family nor any friends. He has his work and his apartment. He doesn't associate with his co-workers and only lets them know he isn't a complete block of stone by wearing ties with cartoon characters on it. It's ironic considering his standoffish attitude but he doesn't wear the ties for them or him. He wears them for, Brandon. The younger foster brother that disappeared with his foster family the night he was left alone in a hospital after being beaten by his foster father. He's been alone since that night. Everyone he's ever cared for has left him behind. To get to where is now didn't come easy and has left emotional scars that he is still trying to work through.
When Lucas and Jordan finally meet and try to work together it doesn't start out smoothly. Jordan is a mess and Lucas is struggling with the feelings the man invokes within himself.
Both men are broken. Both are struggling. But they find themselves healing from being with each other. Lucas makes Jordan feel alive again. Jordan makes Lucas feel loved and not alone. But their love doesn't come without struggles. Jordan keeps a secret from Lucas that he's sure will end up pushing the man away. Lucas has a hard time opening up about his past. They both struggle but in the end love conquers all.
I liked this one more than the last book. I just liked the relationship between these men more. The angst wasn't as strong so I think that helped. Plus this one had a much lesser dose of the cheese that the last book seemed to be full of.
This was a great addition to the series.
Happy reading, dolls! xx
Things ended pretty horrific for Jordan at the end of the last book. I will admit that this man was hard to like in the last book and I wasn't sure if that was going to be any different when I started this book. But you would have to be made out of stone not to feel any sympathy for this man who lost his person. It was devastating reading about it in the last book and that devastation followed into this book.
Jordan is a mess. He's drinking too much and popping Xanax's like they're mints. He's just not coping well nor is he moving on. He's stuck in the misery and heartbreak of losing his fiancé. His friends try their best to try and get him to let them in or to let them take him out. But he just wants to be left alone. Plus he is still dealing with some anger towards Drew that he feels guilty about. He can't help but blame some of what happened on Drew since he believes it was his actions that left him without his fiancé. So he keeps himself secluded and only does the minimum of what needs to be done to keep his job. But when he gets a letter from the board of his fiancé's charity that they will be releasing him from his duties since he refuses to contact them and do the work he gets angry. So he makes an appointment to see the man who dared to remove him. This is were he meets his future, Lucas.
Lucas is very alone. He has no family nor any friends. He has his work and his apartment. He doesn't associate with his co-workers and only lets them know he isn't a complete block of stone by wearing ties with cartoon characters on it. It's ironic considering his standoffish attitude but he doesn't wear the ties for them or him. He wears them for, Brandon. The younger foster brother that disappeared with his foster family the night he was left alone in a hospital after being beaten by his foster father. He's been alone since that night. Everyone he's ever cared for has left him behind. To get to where is now didn't come easy and has left emotional scars that he is still trying to work through.
When Lucas and Jordan finally meet and try to work together it doesn't start out smoothly. Jordan is a mess and Lucas is struggling with the feelings the man invokes within himself.
Both men are broken. Both are struggling. But they find themselves healing from being with each other. Lucas makes Jordan feel alive again. Jordan makes Lucas feel loved and not alone. But their love doesn't come without struggles. Jordan keeps a secret from Lucas that he's sure will end up pushing the man away. Lucas has a hard time opening up about his past. They both struggle but in the end love conquers all.
I liked this one more than the last book. I just liked the relationship between these men more. The angst wasn't as strong so I think that helped. Plus this one had a much lesser dose of the cheese that the last book seemed to be full of.
This was a great addition to the series.
Happy reading, dolls! xx
August 2, 2022
4.5 stars
Felice Stevens has quickly become a must read for me. I liked this one even better than A Walk Through Fire. If you haven't read that story first, then stop here because there will be spoilers and you really can't go into this book without having read the first.
Jordan was not very likable in A Walk Through Fire, but losing his fiance Keith so suddenly and violently at the end of that was gut wrenching. After the Fire picks up nine months after that event and Jordan is continuing so spiral into his grief and depression, using Xanax and alcohol to numb his feelings as he holes up in his home. Lucas Conover was Keith's financial adviser and a part of a foundation that Keith set up to help keep kids away from guns and drugs, with Jordan to be a board member. Lucas is also one of Ash's foster brothers and he has been ignoring all of Ash's attempts at contact, still reeling from being left behind when they were teenagers. Jordan and Lucas meet and bond over the foundation, but as their attraction simmers, neither believes there is any real future for a relationship in their lives.
Both Jordan and Lucas have serious issues. Jordan has stopped any counselling and has not dealt with his grief or his feelings of resentment and blame towards his best friend Drew for his role in the events leading up to Keith's death. His drug dependency is growing and affecting every aspect of his life. Lucas is dealing with his inability to trust and the shame of what he had to do to survive after being beaten and abandoned by his abusive foster father, as well as the loss of the foster brothers he loved and his fear of what happened to the youngest brother Brandon.
The story was very emotional and the chemistry between Lucas and Jordan was amazing. Nothing about them getting together was easy, but they manage to really bring the other back to life. All of the characters from the first story are back, including Drew's amazing grandmother, and Drew and Ash are important parts in this story as well, not just mere background. There are also a few new characters, the one stand out being Tash, who hopefully will be playing a lead role in the next book, as Lucas and Ash continue to search for Brandon.
Felice Stevens has quickly become a must read for me. I liked this one even better than A Walk Through Fire. If you haven't read that story first, then stop here because there will be spoilers and you really can't go into this book without having read the first.
Jordan was not very likable in A Walk Through Fire, but losing his fiance Keith so suddenly and violently at the end of that was gut wrenching. After the Fire picks up nine months after that event and Jordan is continuing so spiral into his grief and depression, using Xanax and alcohol to numb his feelings as he holes up in his home. Lucas Conover was Keith's financial adviser and a part of a foundation that Keith set up to help keep kids away from guns and drugs, with Jordan to be a board member. Lucas is also one of Ash's foster brothers and he has been ignoring all of Ash's attempts at contact, still reeling from being left behind when they were teenagers. Jordan and Lucas meet and bond over the foundation, but as their attraction simmers, neither believes there is any real future for a relationship in their lives.
Both Jordan and Lucas have serious issues. Jordan has stopped any counselling and has not dealt with his grief or his feelings of resentment and blame towards his best friend Drew for his role in the events leading up to Keith's death. His drug dependency is growing and affecting every aspect of his life. Lucas is dealing with his inability to trust and the shame of what he had to do to survive after being beaten and abandoned by his abusive foster father, as well as the loss of the foster brothers he loved and his fear of what happened to the youngest brother Brandon.
The story was very emotional and the chemistry between Lucas and Jordan was amazing. Nothing about them getting together was easy, but they manage to really bring the other back to life. All of the characters from the first story are back, including Drew's amazing grandmother, and Drew and Ash are important parts in this story as well, not just mere background. There are also a few new characters, the one stand out being Tash, who hopefully will be playing a lead role in the next book, as Lucas and Ash continue to search for Brandon.
May 3, 2022
Another Incredible story by Felice Stevens and a wonderful reading by Kale Williams. It has thought-filled characters, emotional and heartfelt feelings, and well done hot sexiness. Life is complicated and we all have issues. It's how we deal with them and who we surround ourselves with that matters. Honesty, understanding, patience, compassion, acceptance and true love are all here to enjoy. Realistic characters and a heart wrenching tale are so vividly written and will hold your attention to the end. I loved Asher and Drew, in the first book, plus the family and friend, so it was great to see them again, because the story is richer if you know the characters deeply. Dr. Jordan Petersen, and Investment Banker, Lucas Conover each have issues, each a different upbringing, and they have to work out those issues, let go, be open and honest to let new hopes, new desires, and new love in. Lucas presented Jordan with the Trust that Keith left him to take care of abused young kids and to get guns of the streets. Jordan has heavy problems with the anti-anxiety meds, and hides it from everyone. He's wallowed in sorrow over Keith's death for nearly a year. The Trust and community center give him hope, and Lucas gives him hope for love, also. Dr. Tash is introduced, and we will see more of him in book three. I really enjoyed the journey of this story.
March 20, 2017
Well this is an intense series - there is so much hurt & angst, page after page of emotions. It really is not for the faint hearted reader or for someone who wants fluffy ! This is Lucas' book and while he found love with Jordan, who was recovering- badly, from Keith's death, for me this was about his eventual reunion with his brother Ash. I know this was secondary to the romance and rebuilding of Jordan but I spent my whole time waiting for the unveiling of pain and for Ash to get his chance to explain. It didn't get as much time as I wanted but Ash got his point across. Really looking forward to Brandon's book so that the circle can close.
February 26, 2015
Fabulous. Felice crafts such wonderful love stories.
December 16, 2019
***Second read/listen 12/13/19-12/14/19***
Same thoughts as before. I enjoyed revisiting with these folks, it's a bit on the heavy with 'issues', but none fake or contrived. My only 'take-back' would be that how soon Jordan moves on or not from his loss is none of my business. Presumptuous of me to judge how a human heart can heal from loss. Who am I to say?
***First read/listen 8/3/17 -8/6/17***
This is book 2 in the “Through Hell and Back” series narrated by the excellent Kale Williams. I’d say that one star is for his performance. The choice of narrative speed and voices is exactly on point and lends poignancy and grit to the story while also grounding it. The book works fairly well as a stand-alone but I’d say having book one in your pocket enhances the experience as far as character development and emotions.
This is a story about mourning, second chances, and forgiveness. Forgiving others and perhaps the hardest thing, forgiving ourselves. So … a little on the heavy but not overwhelmingly so.
The story picks up nine months or so after tragic events at the end of book one and Dr. Jordan Peterson is still a walking shell. Existing but not living. Enter Lucas Conover, one of the financial advisors left in place to help steer the foundation Jordan is meant to be to be heading. Lucas threatens to wrest control of said foundation due to Jordan’s lack of interest. It turns out that calling the good Doctor out on his failings is exactly what he needs to kick him back into gear. Lucas and Jordan meet and though it’s not lust or much less love at first sight there certainly is a spark.
I liked that Jordan and Lucas, even though they had a growing attraction, got to know each other over the course of some months working together on matters for the foundation and that the relationship evolved from that base. I liked that Lucas and Jordan had to revise or adjust attitudes and beliefs and that they were open to change. I liked that both had to overcome more than the usual “will they/won’t they” scenario but rather some pretty authentic problems, particularly Jordan. I felt like the author presented a solution to his problems that was evidently well researched and narratively well executed. I liked the participation of friends and family introduced in Book 1, particularly Drew and of course Ash, though the Lucas and Ash “conversation” was left for far too late in the book for my liking but that’s a minor niggle.
My major niggles are more personal. There were perhaps one too many “issues” in this book and at times these seemed to tip the scales: mourning, grief, addiction, childhood abuse, the failures of the foster system, homelessness, drug dealers, illegal guns etc. One or two of these would have been sufficient for one book.
The other thing is really personal and perhaps irrelevant. I’m giving nothing away by saying that Jordan is grieving the abrupt violent loss of his long term partner and fiance and yet about a year out he’s IN LOVE with another guy? I dunno … seems sudden or that the Doc’s affections may be fickle. We know he’s not. So maybe, for moi, a little more time might have eased the way? Unless we’re going with Keith, the dead fiance, left this man, Lucas, to keep Jordan sane, loved, and safe? Would Patrick Swayze do that for Demi Moore at the end of Ghost? Maybe. Let’s be generous and go with that.
If you’re in the mood for an issues book with some serious sexy times on the side this will fit the bill nicely, but I’d go with the audio because it will surely enhance your enjoyment of the story.
Same thoughts as before. I enjoyed revisiting with these folks, it's a bit on the heavy with 'issues', but none fake or contrived. My only 'take-back' would be that how soon Jordan moves on or not from his loss is none of my business. Presumptuous of me to judge how a human heart can heal from loss. Who am I to say?
***First read/listen 8/3/17 -8/6/17***
This is book 2 in the “Through Hell and Back” series narrated by the excellent Kale Williams. I’d say that one star is for his performance. The choice of narrative speed and voices is exactly on point and lends poignancy and grit to the story while also grounding it. The book works fairly well as a stand-alone but I’d say having book one in your pocket enhances the experience as far as character development and emotions.
This is a story about mourning, second chances, and forgiveness. Forgiving others and perhaps the hardest thing, forgiving ourselves. So … a little on the heavy but not overwhelmingly so.
The story picks up nine months or so after tragic events at the end of book one and Dr. Jordan Peterson is still a walking shell. Existing but not living. Enter Lucas Conover, one of the financial advisors left in place to help steer the foundation Jordan is meant to be to be heading. Lucas threatens to wrest control of said foundation due to Jordan’s lack of interest. It turns out that calling the good Doctor out on his failings is exactly what he needs to kick him back into gear. Lucas and Jordan meet and though it’s not lust or much less love at first sight there certainly is a spark.
I liked that Jordan and Lucas, even though they had a growing attraction, got to know each other over the course of some months working together on matters for the foundation and that the relationship evolved from that base. I liked that Lucas and Jordan had to revise or adjust attitudes and beliefs and that they were open to change. I liked that both had to overcome more than the usual “will they/won’t they” scenario but rather some pretty authentic problems, particularly Jordan. I felt like the author presented a solution to his problems that was evidently well researched and narratively well executed. I liked the participation of friends and family introduced in Book 1, particularly Drew and of course Ash, though the Lucas and Ash “conversation” was left for far too late in the book for my liking but that’s a minor niggle.
My major niggles are more personal. There were perhaps one too many “issues” in this book and at times these seemed to tip the scales: mourning, grief, addiction, childhood abuse, the failures of the foster system, homelessness, drug dealers, illegal guns etc. One or two of these would have been sufficient for one book.
The other thing is really personal and perhaps irrelevant. I’m giving nothing away by saying that Jordan is grieving the abrupt violent loss of his long term partner and fiance and yet about a year out he’s IN LOVE with another guy? I dunno … seems sudden or that the Doc’s affections may be fickle. We know he’s not. So maybe, for moi, a little more time might have eased the way? Unless we’re going with Keith, the dead fiance, left this man, Lucas, to keep Jordan sane, loved, and safe? Would Patrick Swayze do that for Demi Moore at the end of Ghost? Maybe. Let’s be generous and go with that.
If you’re in the mood for an issues book with some serious sexy times on the side this will fit the bill nicely, but I’d go with the audio because it will surely enhance your enjoyment of the story.
March 26, 2015
I finished this late last night and needed to let it settle before writing anything down.
First, if you're not reading Felice Stevens books, you need to fix that pronto and go grab one! :)
Second... as book 2 in this series, please read book 1 A Walk Through Fire or you'll not only miss out on a wonderful book, but you'll miss out on some of the details that help explain things in this book.
As someone who has lost the love of their life (thankfully not so tragically as Jordan lost Keith), I could relate to the despair and depression Jordan felt. You wake up one day after everything was normal and just plodding along and everything has changed for you, but the rest of the world just keeps spinning and moving forward. There's no way to describe that :(
I don't post spoilers, so I won't go through the book and summarize it, but it's a sometimes difficult story about some real problems and the consequences that sometimes come from just trying to do the best you can.
I was happy to have more of the MCs from the first book and also the secondary characters from the first book too.
This is not the book to pick up if you're looking for light and fluffy, but when you're in the mood for a book that will grab hold of you and not let go until the end, this is definitely one to pick up!
First, if you're not reading Felice Stevens books, you need to fix that pronto and go grab one! :)
Second... as book 2 in this series, please read book 1 A Walk Through Fire or you'll not only miss out on a wonderful book, but you'll miss out on some of the details that help explain things in this book.
As someone who has lost the love of their life (thankfully not so tragically as Jordan lost Keith), I could relate to the despair and depression Jordan felt. You wake up one day after everything was normal and just plodding along and everything has changed for you, but the rest of the world just keeps spinning and moving forward. There's no way to describe that :(
I don't post spoilers, so I won't go through the book and summarize it, but it's a sometimes difficult story about some real problems and the consequences that sometimes come from just trying to do the best you can.
I was happy to have more of the MCs from the first book and also the secondary characters from the first book too.
This is not the book to pick up if you're looking for light and fluffy, but when you're in the mood for a book that will grab hold of you and not let go until the end, this is definitely one to pick up!
September 14, 2022
I was underwhelmed. It did not feel realistic to me. I thought the dialogue focused on analyzing emotions and behavior too much to believe these were men talking. And Luke not knowing addicts lie did not fit with his past. And the casual meeting with a psychiatrist in a coffee shop, where they talk about several issues in a quarter of an hour, where normally people take weeks to finish an intake, is ludicrous.
February 9, 2018
Audio book second time through and loved this story just as much as the original time ~ 5 stars!
July 3, 2018
Well I'm glad I finally read this one. I started with book three, then one, now I finally get the full picture.
Jordan's heartbreak and easy slide into addiction from his Xanax dependency in his grief over Keith's death (in book one) is very easy to understand. However, I hated the lack of communication with Lucas. Not that I believe an addict is going to readily admit their addiction, but it didn't all ring true to reality. There was so much emotional damage and poor communication in this book that I wanted to literally toss it on the floor a few times. Good thing I'm too cheap to ruin my Kindle.
Lucas was a great character, but I lost my patience with him as well. My God, Ash has been trying to reach him since the beginning of book one and it isn't until almost the end of this story before the two finally communicate and end their hostility. There were so many missed opportunities and postponements it was frustrating.
If you want to read this, be sure to read book one first. Contrary to what I was told about book three, which is why I read it first, these books are not standalone. They rely much too heavily on other characters and previously started story lines.
It is a good story, with lots of loving, lots of angst, emotional struggles, and sex scenes. Yes, many sex scenes so if that's your thing, you'll like this one. I'm going to read book three again now that I've made my way through the first two. I suspect it will be much more enjoyable now that I know the whole cast of characters and what they've been through.
BTW, yes, Jordan and Luke have their HEA and there's a really nice scene at the cemetery at Keith's gravesite. Recommended for lovers of MM romance.
Jordan's heartbreak and easy slide into addiction from his Xanax dependency in his grief over Keith's death (in book one) is very easy to understand. However, I hated the lack of communication with Lucas. Not that I believe an addict is going to readily admit their addiction, but it didn't all ring true to reality. There was so much emotional damage and poor communication in this book that I wanted to literally toss it on the floor a few times. Good thing I'm too cheap to ruin my Kindle.
Lucas was a great character, but I lost my patience with him as well. My God, Ash has been trying to reach him since the beginning of book one and it isn't until almost the end of this story before the two finally communicate and end their hostility. There were so many missed opportunities and postponements it was frustrating.
If you want to read this, be sure to read book one first. Contrary to what I was told about book three, which is why I read it first, these books are not standalone. They rely much too heavily on other characters and previously started story lines.
It is a good story, with lots of loving, lots of angst, emotional struggles, and sex scenes. Yes, many sex scenes so if that's your thing, you'll like this one. I'm going to read book three again now that I've made my way through the first two. I suspect it will be much more enjoyable now that I know the whole cast of characters and what they've been through.
BTW, yes, Jordan and Luke have their HEA and there's a really nice scene at the cemetery at Keith's gravesite. Recommended for lovers of MM romance.
April 9, 2015
I received a copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads
3 stars.
I had a difficult time reading After The Fire. I began it immediately after reading its predecessor, and it's taken me weeks to finish it. Well-written, with an intriguing, well-thought-out storyline, with a diverse set of characters, Felice Stevens pulled me in. But at some point, the grasp lessened and I drifted away.
My main issue is consistency with the characterization. The protagonists are gay professionals in their thirties, yet if the dialogue was quoted without adding who was speaking, it would have a feminine flavor to it.
Jordan had the makings of a brooding, broken character who was grieving, dealing with pain, and struggling with addiction. Which could have developed into a second-chance romance. Lucas was intriguing- an enigma. Together, they should have set my world on Fire. Yet it fell flat for me, after hooking me over and over again.
Both Jordan and Lucas made my head spin, how their actions and reactions contradicted their monologue and dialogue. Scene after scene, it was push-pull. Jordan would have these irrational, knee-jerk reactions that reminded me of a hormonal female. Angry at Lucas for not being attentive enough, hanging up on him, not answering messages or phone calls, and trying not to answer the door. This wasn't the actions of a 35 yo, widowed, MALE doctor who had been in a committed relationship. I would have expected this from Lucas, who had never had a relationship, nor a family, so he didn't know how to behave.
In that same scene, Jordan goes from anger, to pure lust, to clingy and over-emotional, to borderline interrogating Lucas about his painful past, with absolutely no flow in between. I suffered emotional whiplash how quickly it would go from fight, to f*ck, to heart-to-heart in the same scene, on repeat. It left me reeling with talks of love and forever, when moments ago Jordan never wanted to see Lucas again and was still mourning Keith's passing.
This is what my comment on a feminine flavor was toward: how this felt like the actions and reactions of an insecure, young woman who had never been in a relationship before, and was lashing out for the attention she didn't know how to ask to receive. Jordan had been in a committed, loving and functioning, long-term relationship. He was 35 yo, highly educated, and born into a happy, nuclear family. This belied his core personality traits. Also, in book 1, Jordan was portrayed as an alpha male protector, but now he is shown in a weak light- and I don't mean from his grief and addiction.
There were parts of After the Fire I absolutely adored, where I was hooked and clicking to turn the page to see what happened next. I liked seeing tidbits of past characters, the addition of the pooch, and Grandma. So I'm just going to say I was obviously not the intended audience for this book.
After the Fire is 100% romance. Sweet. Tender. Guilty pleasure romance. It will appeal to readers who adore the warm and fuzzies without a lot of buildup, tension, or angst. While the story is propelled by emotion, it's mis-communication and a lack of communication that are the main conflicts. There is a dark thread weaved into the storyline that appeals to the angst-lover in me. But just as in the first book, it always feels under-developed to maintain the light and fluffy romance feel instead of delving deeper.
Jordan and Lucas are attracted to each other immediately, both lonely and believing the other is their remedy. Jordan is a highly emotional romantic, while Lucas is a quiet brooder who easily professes his feelings.
A roller coaster of emotions for the reader, as they ride the journey with two men who seem to switch back and forth on how they truly feel. When you think the characters are solid and happy, time passes quickly, and they are now on a shaky ground again. Then the reader has to go up and down the roller coaster with the characters.
I was drawn in repeatedly by this trope, so I can see how it would appeal and dazzle many a romance fan. In the end, After the Fire wasn't my type of read.
Genre tags: Romance | Warm & Fuzzy | Saccharine | LGBT | Male/Male Romance | Second-chance romance | Abuse survivor | Foster care | Widower | Professional men | Romantic, highly-emotional men |
Recommended: Romance Fans | Male/Male Romance fans |
Would I read more by this author: No, as this sub-genre is not to my tastes, which has no bearing on the author's abilities to write a good story. Just my opinion.
3 stars.
I had a difficult time reading After The Fire. I began it immediately after reading its predecessor, and it's taken me weeks to finish it. Well-written, with an intriguing, well-thought-out storyline, with a diverse set of characters, Felice Stevens pulled me in. But at some point, the grasp lessened and I drifted away.
My main issue is consistency with the characterization. The protagonists are gay professionals in their thirties, yet if the dialogue was quoted without adding who was speaking, it would have a feminine flavor to it.
Jordan had the makings of a brooding, broken character who was grieving, dealing with pain, and struggling with addiction. Which could have developed into a second-chance romance. Lucas was intriguing- an enigma. Together, they should have set my world on Fire. Yet it fell flat for me, after hooking me over and over again.
Both Jordan and Lucas made my head spin, how their actions and reactions contradicted their monologue and dialogue. Scene after scene, it was push-pull. Jordan would have these irrational, knee-jerk reactions that reminded me of a hormonal female. Angry at Lucas for not being attentive enough, hanging up on him, not answering messages or phone calls, and trying not to answer the door. This wasn't the actions of a 35 yo, widowed, MALE doctor who had been in a committed relationship. I would have expected this from Lucas, who had never had a relationship, nor a family, so he didn't know how to behave.
In that same scene, Jordan goes from anger, to pure lust, to clingy and over-emotional, to borderline interrogating Lucas about his painful past, with absolutely no flow in between. I suffered emotional whiplash how quickly it would go from fight, to f*ck, to heart-to-heart in the same scene, on repeat. It left me reeling with talks of love and forever, when moments ago Jordan never wanted to see Lucas again and was still mourning Keith's passing.
This is what my comment on a feminine flavor was toward: how this felt like the actions and reactions of an insecure, young woman who had never been in a relationship before, and was lashing out for the attention she didn't know how to ask to receive. Jordan had been in a committed, loving and functioning, long-term relationship. He was 35 yo, highly educated, and born into a happy, nuclear family. This belied his core personality traits. Also, in book 1, Jordan was portrayed as an alpha male protector, but now he is shown in a weak light- and I don't mean from his grief and addiction.
There were parts of After the Fire I absolutely adored, where I was hooked and clicking to turn the page to see what happened next. I liked seeing tidbits of past characters, the addition of the pooch, and Grandma. So I'm just going to say I was obviously not the intended audience for this book.
After the Fire is 100% romance. Sweet. Tender. Guilty pleasure romance. It will appeal to readers who adore the warm and fuzzies without a lot of buildup, tension, or angst. While the story is propelled by emotion, it's mis-communication and a lack of communication that are the main conflicts. There is a dark thread weaved into the storyline that appeals to the angst-lover in me. But just as in the first book, it always feels under-developed to maintain the light and fluffy romance feel instead of delving deeper.
Jordan and Lucas are attracted to each other immediately, both lonely and believing the other is their remedy. Jordan is a highly emotional romantic, while Lucas is a quiet brooder who easily professes his feelings.
A roller coaster of emotions for the reader, as they ride the journey with two men who seem to switch back and forth on how they truly feel. When you think the characters are solid and happy, time passes quickly, and they are now on a shaky ground again. Then the reader has to go up and down the roller coaster with the characters.
I was drawn in repeatedly by this trope, so I can see how it would appeal and dazzle many a romance fan. In the end, After the Fire wasn't my type of read.
Genre tags: Romance | Warm & Fuzzy | Saccharine | LGBT | Male/Male Romance | Second-chance romance | Abuse survivor | Foster care | Widower | Professional men | Romantic, highly-emotional men |
Recommended: Romance Fans | Male/Male Romance fans |
Would I read more by this author: No, as this sub-genre is not to my tastes, which has no bearing on the author's abilities to write a good story. Just my opinion.
February 25, 2015
#love #mustclick #powerful and #hot http://amzn.to/1Artbze
4.5 stars
I adore this series from author Felice Stevens and I truly believe it should be read in order so if you have not read book 1 A Walk Through Fire (Through Hell and Back) please stop reading this review and 1-click it because as the blurb for
After the Fire (Through Hell and Back ) book 2 reveals an event in book 1 that shapes the Dr Jordan Peterson the reader meets in this story.
This book opens with a heart wrenching scene as Jordan’s dear from Drew and his lover Ash try to pull Jordan from his depression. Given that Jordan lost his lover Keith a cop to a shooting the reader can feel his pain and anguish, such an amazing job by the author here!
The first meeting between Jordan and Lucas Conover the investment banker is again something that plays off events in book 1. Jordan and Lucas start off with a spark, an attraction neither truly sees a place for in their live. As Jordan struggles with letting go of the life he thought he would have; his downward spiral felt so real my heart broke for them.
Yes, folks Jordan losses his way, Jordan almost loses everything, as this story is not a simple as love lost and love found but you know what it felt so real so pure to the man Jordan is that it kept me glued to my kindle.
The supporting cast of this book added to the story, I loved seeing Ash and Drew from book 1, I adoring watching these men continue their mission to help homeless and trouble youth.
This book also brings with it some new characters, I loved Dr. Sebastian “Tash” Weber. He plays a central role in Jordan’s moving forward one.
Luke is deeply effected by the loss of his foster brother Ash, yes Ash the star of book 1. I will pause here and say when these two men finally come to blows over that past, it is so powerful and emotional. My heart broke for both Luke and Ash as the pain of childhood comes full circle here.
Each book in this series is about one couple but the lives of the characters are very interconnected so we highly recommend reading in order. I truly adored this cast and watching the men fall in love but more than that watching these men find family truly warmed my soul. Oh, and I love Nana!
The happy Luke and Jordan find so fit them; it took work so much work to come to this happy but for me this journey was perfect for them and love fought for is even sweeter.
I am very much looking forward to book 3 (as of yet unnamed) the final book in this series as Ash and Lucas push forward in their search for Brandon their foster brother still out there!
4.5 stars
I adore this series from author Felice Stevens and I truly believe it should be read in order so if you have not read book 1 A Walk Through Fire (Through Hell and Back) please stop reading this review and 1-click it because as the blurb for
After the Fire (Through Hell and Back ) book 2 reveals an event in book 1 that shapes the Dr Jordan Peterson the reader meets in this story.
This book opens with a heart wrenching scene as Jordan’s dear from Drew and his lover Ash try to pull Jordan from his depression. Given that Jordan lost his lover Keith a cop to a shooting the reader can feel his pain and anguish, such an amazing job by the author here!
The first meeting between Jordan and Lucas Conover the investment banker is again something that plays off events in book 1. Jordan and Lucas start off with a spark, an attraction neither truly sees a place for in their live. As Jordan struggles with letting go of the life he thought he would have; his downward spiral felt so real my heart broke for them.
Yes, folks Jordan losses his way, Jordan almost loses everything, as this story is not a simple as love lost and love found but you know what it felt so real so pure to the man Jordan is that it kept me glued to my kindle.
The supporting cast of this book added to the story, I loved seeing Ash and Drew from book 1, I adoring watching these men continue their mission to help homeless and trouble youth.
This book also brings with it some new characters, I loved Dr. Sebastian “Tash” Weber. He plays a central role in Jordan’s moving forward one.
Luke is deeply effected by the loss of his foster brother Ash, yes Ash the star of book 1. I will pause here and say when these two men finally come to blows over that past, it is so powerful and emotional. My heart broke for both Luke and Ash as the pain of childhood comes full circle here.
Each book in this series is about one couple but the lives of the characters are very interconnected so we highly recommend reading in order. I truly adored this cast and watching the men fall in love but more than that watching these men find family truly warmed my soul. Oh, and I love Nana!
The happy Luke and Jordan find so fit them; it took work so much work to come to this happy but for me this journey was perfect for them and love fought for is even sweeter.
I am very much looking forward to book 3 (as of yet unnamed) the final book in this series as Ash and Lucas push forward in their search for Brandon their foster brother still out there!
March 18, 2015
Originally posted on http://mikkysworldofbooks.blogspot.fr...
I’m so happy Felice decided to make the second installment in this series Jordan’s story. The way A Walk through Fire ended left me heartbroken for him.
Losing someone you care about is never easy but losing your lover, the person you were planning to spend the rest of your life with it’s devastating.
Jordan is spiraling out of control and no one is able to pull him out of that vicious circle.
Lucas “Luke” has shut himself out from all kind of feelings since the day his older brother abandoned him and their younger brother and never came back. He doesn’t believe in relationships and doesn’t want one either.
Him and Jordan so different but perhaps their differences will bring them together.
A lot of new details emerge and secrets are unveiled.
The writing is good and you’ll be hooked from the beginning but something didn’t worked out for me with this book.
It’s not that I didn’t liked the characters or their story but is just couldn’t connect with either of them.
I wasn’t expecting this since I fell in love so fast with Drew and Ash.
Yes, I felt sorry for Jordan and there were moments when I wanted to hug him and hold him tight until all the pain went away but it didn’t went further than that.
Nonetheless I enjoyed this novel and I can’t wait to read the next one.
Happy Reading!!
I’m so happy Felice decided to make the second installment in this series Jordan’s story. The way A Walk through Fire ended left me heartbroken for him.
Losing someone you care about is never easy but losing your lover, the person you were planning to spend the rest of your life with it’s devastating.
Jordan is spiraling out of control and no one is able to pull him out of that vicious circle.
Lucas “Luke” has shut himself out from all kind of feelings since the day his older brother abandoned him and their younger brother and never came back. He doesn’t believe in relationships and doesn’t want one either.
Him and Jordan so different but perhaps their differences will bring them together.
A lot of new details emerge and secrets are unveiled.
The writing is good and you’ll be hooked from the beginning but something didn’t worked out for me with this book.
It’s not that I didn’t liked the characters or their story but is just couldn’t connect with either of them.
I wasn’t expecting this since I fell in love so fast with Drew and Ash.
Yes, I felt sorry for Jordan and there were moments when I wanted to hug him and hold him tight until all the pain went away but it didn’t went further than that.
Nonetheless I enjoyed this novel and I can’t wait to read the next one.
Happy Reading!!
December 31, 2015
Another Great Sory by Felice
♥Romance Was Perfect ✔
♥Characters Are Awesome ✔
♥Brilliant Story Plot ✔
♥Romance Was Perfect ✔
♥Characters Are Awesome ✔
♥Brilliant Story Plot ✔
May 31, 2020
Mi è piaciuto molto più del primo.
A breve la recensione per il blog
A breve la recensione per il blog
November 5, 2016
*This book was provided to me by the author/publisher via Enticing Journey Book Promotions in exchange for an honest review*
I am so glad Felice wrote this story. I was so heartbroken for Jordan at the end of "A Walk Through Fire".
After 4 years of being in a loving relationship Jordan's Fiancé Keith is taken from him by a bullet. Even after 9 months Jordan is still so heartbroken, lost, barely existing or functioning. The only thing that holds Jordan on this earth and stops him from ending it all, is the guilt of putting his parents through facing his own death.
Lucas has pulled himself up from nothing to become a successful financial advisor. He was abandoned by his foster brother and left to try to protect himself and another younger foster brother from their abusive foster father. When he is left alone and abandoned by everyone in Georgia, he makes his way to NYC, finds a shelter and works hard to make himself the man he is today.
Jordan and Lucas are forced to work together to get the community center up and running. When Lucas sees Jordan for the first time he can't help but feel sympathy for the broken man who stands before him.
Jordan is attracted to Lucas, but is he ready to move on? Can he get past the guilt he feels for wanting another man?
Jordan and Lucas want each other, but first they have to face their demons. Will they do it together or apart?
I LOVED this book. I couldn't put it down. I loved both Lucas and Jordan and together, they were electric!! When they came together sparks flew and the pages of my iPad lot up like a The Fourth of July! They had an amazing chemistry from their very first meeting. This book takes you through so many emotions.
It was heartbreaking to see Jordan so grief stricken over the loss of Keith, to spiral so far out of control and hit rock bottom. And later confused and a little guilty about his feelings for Lucas.
It was also heartbreaking to hear of Lucas' past. To relive the horrific things he suffered through alone and abandoned. Lucas has resigned himself to living a life alone and no one is more shocked than him at how strong his feelings for Jordan are.
It was heartwarming to watch these two men fall in love, and face their demons together. To see Lucas get the things he never thought he would, and for Jordan to get the things he never though he would have again, love and a home.
I have read everyone of Felice's books and I haven't been disappointed yet. I can't wait for more in the future from her!
I am so glad Felice wrote this story. I was so heartbroken for Jordan at the end of "A Walk Through Fire".
After 4 years of being in a loving relationship Jordan's Fiancé Keith is taken from him by a bullet. Even after 9 months Jordan is still so heartbroken, lost, barely existing or functioning. The only thing that holds Jordan on this earth and stops him from ending it all, is the guilt of putting his parents through facing his own death.
Lucas has pulled himself up from nothing to become a successful financial advisor. He was abandoned by his foster brother and left to try to protect himself and another younger foster brother from their abusive foster father. When he is left alone and abandoned by everyone in Georgia, he makes his way to NYC, finds a shelter and works hard to make himself the man he is today.
Jordan and Lucas are forced to work together to get the community center up and running. When Lucas sees Jordan for the first time he can't help but feel sympathy for the broken man who stands before him.
Jordan is attracted to Lucas, but is he ready to move on? Can he get past the guilt he feels for wanting another man?
Jordan and Lucas want each other, but first they have to face their demons. Will they do it together or apart?
I LOVED this book. I couldn't put it down. I loved both Lucas and Jordan and together, they were electric!! When they came together sparks flew and the pages of my iPad lot up like a The Fourth of July! They had an amazing chemistry from their very first meeting. This book takes you through so many emotions.
It was heartbreaking to see Jordan so grief stricken over the loss of Keith, to spiral so far out of control and hit rock bottom. And later confused and a little guilty about his feelings for Lucas.
It was also heartbreaking to hear of Lucas' past. To relive the horrific things he suffered through alone and abandoned. Lucas has resigned himself to living a life alone and no one is more shocked than him at how strong his feelings for Jordan are.
It was heartwarming to watch these two men fall in love, and face their demons together. To see Lucas get the things he never thought he would, and for Jordan to get the things he never though he would have again, love and a home.
I have read everyone of Felice's books and I haven't been disappointed yet. I can't wait for more in the future from her!
May 27, 2015
AFTER THE FIRE:Through Hell And Back #2
This is Dr. Jordan Peterson's story, who we met in book one. This book starts off nine months after where book one leaves off with Jordan still mourning the loss of his fiancé Keith.
I'll have to admit I wasn't a fan of him before but in this book we see a different side to him, he's so broken and basically given up his will to live.
Jordan has pushed his friends aside and he is caring guilty with him that is preventing him moving forward.
I love how we get to catch up on all the characters from book 1 in here and the banter between Ash and Jordan is still strong with no love loss between them both which in turn puts a riff between Jordan and Drew.
Jordan has hit rock bottom until a letter in the mail comes forcing him to leave the house and get his act together. This is where you won't want to put this book down, here, we meet Lucas Conover: if you read the first book the name is very familiar it's the foster brother Ash has been looking for for years. Jordan has been appointed President of his fiancé Keith's center to keep guns and drugs off the streets, which Lucas is helping in the financial side.
From here on in we get to witness these two go through being forced to work together then both unable to deny the feelings they have for each other. I will say it's not easy ,they are both broken men in different ways but watching their journey trying to heal each other is one you have to experience. A lot goes on, tension flares but Ms. Stevens has written this so brilliantly you feel as though you are experiencing every emotion these characters are going through. I will say you will need tissues in some parts but it's so worth it, and I have to admit I really fell in love with Jordan while ready this book. I recommend that you read Book one A Walk Through Fire first so you get a better understanding of all the characters who also play an important role in this story . This definitely is a Five Star Read for me highly recommended and I'm so looking forward for more books from this series.
This is Dr. Jordan Peterson's story, who we met in book one. This book starts off nine months after where book one leaves off with Jordan still mourning the loss of his fiancé Keith.
I'll have to admit I wasn't a fan of him before but in this book we see a different side to him, he's so broken and basically given up his will to live.
Jordan has pushed his friends aside and he is caring guilty with him that is preventing him moving forward.
I love how we get to catch up on all the characters from book 1 in here and the banter between Ash and Jordan is still strong with no love loss between them both which in turn puts a riff between Jordan and Drew.
Jordan has hit rock bottom until a letter in the mail comes forcing him to leave the house and get his act together. This is where you won't want to put this book down, here, we meet Lucas Conover: if you read the first book the name is very familiar it's the foster brother Ash has been looking for for years. Jordan has been appointed President of his fiancé Keith's center to keep guns and drugs off the streets, which Lucas is helping in the financial side.
From here on in we get to witness these two go through being forced to work together then both unable to deny the feelings they have for each other. I will say it's not easy ,they are both broken men in different ways but watching their journey trying to heal each other is one you have to experience. A lot goes on, tension flares but Ms. Stevens has written this so brilliantly you feel as though you are experiencing every emotion these characters are going through. I will say you will need tissues in some parts but it's so worth it, and I have to admit I really fell in love with Jordan while ready this book. I recommend that you read Book one A Walk Through Fire first so you get a better understanding of all the characters who also play an important role in this story . This definitely is a Five Star Read for me highly recommended and I'm so looking forward for more books from this series.
March 3, 2015
The saying "Through Hell and Back" is what Jordan Peterson has dealt with the last nine months after losing his finance Keith Hart tragically. For Jordan trying to pick up the pieces of his now broken life is virtually unbearable for him, and let alone to move forward-impossible.
That is until Luke Conover is brought into his life and now Jordan who never in a million years thought that he would feel for another person or feel at all has come full fledged. A meeting that Jordan has been left as Keith's beneficiary to start the Keith Hart Fund to help keep boys and girls off the streets and away from drugs and guns this is where new life will enter into Jordan's veins.
Lucas which is what Jordan likes to call him has had is own demons to deal with in life. Push into the foster care system at a young age with his brother Brandon and left by the abandonment of his older brother. You can guess who that may be non other than Asher Davis who you met in book 1 A Walk Through Fire. It appears that people still take a disliking to poor Ash even in this book accept Drew Klein his boyfriend. Poor Ash I really like him and he really has come along way.
So the story is about taking second chances and learning to move ahead but the true depth of the book is about being honest and true to yourself and others that surround your life and knowing that whatever it takes to make this happen they will be there. Jordan knows that he must make a move that will make or break the relationship between him and Lucas or go back to living in the hell that he came from. Keith would never has wanted this for Jordan and now he has to fight to it.
I recommend that you read book one first" A Walk Through Fire" so you will understand the characters positions in this book. It's a great new series from Felice and I am looking to read more in the future.
That is until Luke Conover is brought into his life and now Jordan who never in a million years thought that he would feel for another person or feel at all has come full fledged. A meeting that Jordan has been left as Keith's beneficiary to start the Keith Hart Fund to help keep boys and girls off the streets and away from drugs and guns this is where new life will enter into Jordan's veins.
Lucas which is what Jordan likes to call him has had is own demons to deal with in life. Push into the foster care system at a young age with his brother Brandon and left by the abandonment of his older brother. You can guess who that may be non other than Asher Davis who you met in book 1 A Walk Through Fire. It appears that people still take a disliking to poor Ash even in this book accept Drew Klein his boyfriend. Poor Ash I really like him and he really has come along way.
So the story is about taking second chances and learning to move ahead but the true depth of the book is about being honest and true to yourself and others that surround your life and knowing that whatever it takes to make this happen they will be there. Jordan knows that he must make a move that will make or break the relationship between him and Lucas or go back to living in the hell that he came from. Keith would never has wanted this for Jordan and now he has to fight to it.
I recommend that you read book one first" A Walk Through Fire" so you will understand the characters positions in this book. It's a great new series from Felice and I am looking to read more in the future.
March 31, 2017
Gag....
This book goes from 0-100 every damn chapter.. I swear to God. One big mindf*ck.
And there is so much drama that at the end I was almost crying and mumbling to myself 'please, no more.. please'.. Dead lover, drug abuse, angst, drama, mention of sexual abuse, rape, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, more drama and can't exactly remember but I think there was sth about suicide attempt.. doesn't matter. Next we have assault and battery and cherry on top - big convo between Ash and Luke. In other words - big battle 'who had it worse'.
I can't understand because first book wasn't that bad.. But with this one I was rolling my eyes to the point of (almost) permanent damage to my eyesight. Each scene looked - give or take - like that: Luke and Jordan were fine, then something happend so they're yelling at each other and a) Luke run away, or b) some sappy bulls*it was thrown and everything ended with make out session. And those sessions were just dull if I have to be honest. Sex encounters were boring af and there was noting hot about them. I never thought that I'd say something like that..
Now I'm wondering what to do with third book. I'm seriously curious what will happen with Sebastian and Brandon but I can already see those doubtful rates and dnf's soooo... maybe not now.
This book goes from 0-100 every damn chapter.. I swear to God. One big mindf*ck.
And there is so much drama that at the end I was almost crying and mumbling to myself 'please, no more.. please'.. Dead lover, drug abuse, angst, drama, mention of sexual abuse, rape, self-harm, suicidal thoughts, more drama and can't exactly remember but I think there was sth about suicide attempt.. doesn't matter. Next we have assault and battery and cherry on top - big convo between Ash and Luke. In other words - big battle 'who had it worse'.
I can't understand because first book wasn't that bad.. But with this one I was rolling my eyes to the point of (almost) permanent damage to my eyesight. Each scene looked - give or take - like that: Luke and Jordan were fine, then something happend so they're yelling at each other and a) Luke run away, or b) some sappy bulls*it was thrown and everything ended with make out session. And those sessions were just dull if I have to be honest. Sex encounters were boring af and there was noting hot about them. I never thought that I'd say something like that..
Now I'm wondering what to do with third book. I'm seriously curious what will happen with Sebastian and Brandon but I can already see those doubtful rates and dnf's soooo... maybe not now.
May 7, 2018
This book totally wrecked me... there were a few times where I just had to stop and take some time away from reading it because it literally just hurt too much. I read book one of this series alittle more than a year ago. It killed me so much that evern though I had bought all three books in the series at the same time it took me this long to come back to this series again. Ms. Stevens is hands down my absolute favorite m/m author. She makes me feel like no other author. Reading this book was not easy... but it was a billion times worth it, worth every moment of anguish and every tear. Having just finished this book I am wrung out and exhausted in the very best way. I am happy to say that I won't be taking a year tobegin reading Tash and Brandon's story, I'm in a much better place right now and can't wait to read it. Ms. Stevens is so incredibly talented not only in the creation of people who are beyond real to the reader, but who feel like family.
March 2, 2015
A hard book to read but well worth the effort.I liked the fact that there was no magical cure for the trauma that was endured by any of the characters in this series & that every day that dawned for them was a blessing & a testimony of their will to survive & love.
March 4, 2015
What an emotional ride this book was, so worth the tears though!! Well Done Felice & I'm hoping for book 3! ;)
November 11, 2017
all in all a good story but I had troubles with the characters. not so much Jordan but Lucas, who was difficult as a partner and brother
now I am curious to read Brandon story
now I am curious to read Brandon story
June 6, 2020
Leggi qui la mia RECENSIONE:
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https://mmedintorni.blogspot.com/2020...
March 20, 2015
4.5 star Review by Jen Skewes
After The Fire is the second installment in the Through Hell and Back Series. I think you could technically read this one as a stand alone but I think reading the first book A Walk Through Fire would give you a better understanding of the characters and their relationships. If you have not read A Walk Through Fire yet then please note that this review may contain spoilers.
Dr Jordan Peterson had it all. A fantastic career, two best friends that he lovess and an amazing man by his side. Until one day his world completely falls apart and he loses Keith, the love of his life. This book starts at about 8 months after losing his love. It opens up with a very real and very touching scene. We see the pain and the hurt that Jordan is going through. You see how devastated he is and how losing the one person in this world that you loved can completely shatter a person. Keith was his world and his heart and in an instant they were both completely torn apart.
Lucas Connover is a successful financial planner who has had a horrific childhood. While he has a great job and hook ups here and there he has never allowed himself to love someone or be loved. When he was younger the one person he loved and looked up to left him. Lucas has his own issues with hurt and pain. He has tried so hard to move on from his past but it still continues to haunt him.
When Luke and Jordan meet there is no denying the physical attraction. But Luke sees him as a preppy, snotty rich kid. And Jordan feels too guilty even looking at another man. These two men are forced to work together on a project that will keep Keith’s memory alive. As they continue to work together towards the same goal they realize the attraction and connection between the two of them continues to grow. They are both attracted to each other and maybe Luke was wrong about who Jordan really is.
They both have struggles that they are facing. Jordan has managed to shut out his friends and is coping with his lover’s death the only way he knows how. He needs help but for someone who has always been the one to help others he finds it difficult to ask anyone for the help that he needs. Luke is still trying to move on from his past which isn’t easy when he is faced with the one person who he never wants to see again. And given their circumstances at some point he will need to face his brother. In order for Jordan to truly move on from the loss of Keith and be happy he needs to be honest with himself and the people around him. Luke on he other hand needs to let people in and come to terms with what happened all those years ago and the real reason why his brother left. Sometimes the truth will set you free. And even if he cannot ever forgive his brother, the truth will help him find the closure he needs.
I loved Jordan and Lucas together. But what I really loved about this story is how real it was. Jordan didn’t meet Luke and instantly fall in love and all of a sudden everything he had been through was forgotten. He was still grieving and even when he found comfort in Luke it didn't mean that he was instantly cured. He still struggled with the loss every day, and he still coped in his own way just without anyone knowing.
Jordan and Luke together were sweet, and hot and sexy. But it was also at times heart breaking. They have both been through so much in their life and both deserved to find happiness. I felt the emotions with this book. I hurt for the both of them. I wanted to see them be happy and get past the pain and the guilt. They deserved. I was on pins and needles waiting for that moment between Luke and his brother Asher. There was certainly a build up to that very moment and when you finally get to it, it was just perfect. They finally had the talk that Asher so desperately needed. It was such an emotional scene, knowing the real reason why Luke left him all those years and being able to fell his pain as he told his side of the story. It was both heart breaking to see what they went through but comforting at the same time to finally see these two brothers finally make some strides in their relationship. I loved this book and all of the emotions it brought out. It was real and true to life which is what I loved. Another amazing job by Felice Stevens.
After The Fire is the second installment in the Through Hell and Back Series. I think you could technically read this one as a stand alone but I think reading the first book A Walk Through Fire would give you a better understanding of the characters and their relationships. If you have not read A Walk Through Fire yet then please note that this review may contain spoilers.
Dr Jordan Peterson had it all. A fantastic career, two best friends that he lovess and an amazing man by his side. Until one day his world completely falls apart and he loses Keith, the love of his life. This book starts at about 8 months after losing his love. It opens up with a very real and very touching scene. We see the pain and the hurt that Jordan is going through. You see how devastated he is and how losing the one person in this world that you loved can completely shatter a person. Keith was his world and his heart and in an instant they were both completely torn apart.
Lucas Connover is a successful financial planner who has had a horrific childhood. While he has a great job and hook ups here and there he has never allowed himself to love someone or be loved. When he was younger the one person he loved and looked up to left him. Lucas has his own issues with hurt and pain. He has tried so hard to move on from his past but it still continues to haunt him.
When Luke and Jordan meet there is no denying the physical attraction. But Luke sees him as a preppy, snotty rich kid. And Jordan feels too guilty even looking at another man. These two men are forced to work together on a project that will keep Keith’s memory alive. As they continue to work together towards the same goal they realize the attraction and connection between the two of them continues to grow. They are both attracted to each other and maybe Luke was wrong about who Jordan really is.
They both have struggles that they are facing. Jordan has managed to shut out his friends and is coping with his lover’s death the only way he knows how. He needs help but for someone who has always been the one to help others he finds it difficult to ask anyone for the help that he needs. Luke is still trying to move on from his past which isn’t easy when he is faced with the one person who he never wants to see again. And given their circumstances at some point he will need to face his brother. In order for Jordan to truly move on from the loss of Keith and be happy he needs to be honest with himself and the people around him. Luke on he other hand needs to let people in and come to terms with what happened all those years ago and the real reason why his brother left. Sometimes the truth will set you free. And even if he cannot ever forgive his brother, the truth will help him find the closure he needs.
I loved Jordan and Lucas together. But what I really loved about this story is how real it was. Jordan didn’t meet Luke and instantly fall in love and all of a sudden everything he had been through was forgotten. He was still grieving and even when he found comfort in Luke it didn't mean that he was instantly cured. He still struggled with the loss every day, and he still coped in his own way just without anyone knowing.
Jordan and Luke together were sweet, and hot and sexy. But it was also at times heart breaking. They have both been through so much in their life and both deserved to find happiness. I felt the emotions with this book. I hurt for the both of them. I wanted to see them be happy and get past the pain and the guilt. They deserved. I was on pins and needles waiting for that moment between Luke and his brother Asher. There was certainly a build up to that very moment and when you finally get to it, it was just perfect. They finally had the talk that Asher so desperately needed. It was such an emotional scene, knowing the real reason why Luke left him all those years and being able to fell his pain as he told his side of the story. It was both heart breaking to see what they went through but comforting at the same time to finally see these two brothers finally make some strides in their relationship. I loved this book and all of the emotions it brought out. It was real and true to life which is what I loved. Another amazing job by Felice Stevens.
July 15, 2017
I decided to continue with this series even though I had misgivings about the execution of the first book. I really did not care for this one put it down for a while at about sixty percent. I thought that I would like to know more about Jordan and his reasons for hating Asher. Not much to tell here. He doesn’t seem to care much more for him but he accepts him as Drew’s partner so not really addressed at all except for his admission of dislike for emotionless sex.
Jordan lost his partner, Keith, in the last book and I think I made my thoughts on what happened pretty clear in my review of the first book. I still think that would have been a better beginning to this book. I also think that the author should have spent a little more time with Jordan in his grief instead of skipping ahead with the relationship with Luke. An introduction with animosity would have been fine but then a lengthy time period of grieving that could be felt would have been a better way to go about it in my opinion.
I’ve read several books about grieving spouses and partners in the last year and I did not cry one tear for Jordan in this book. Faith & Fidelity it was not. I did cry at the end of the last book when Keith died. Hate to sound like a record here, but that would have been a better start to this book about a grieving partner, especially since I read them back to back. No tears in the first chapter for me is a warning sign that this story wasn’t being handled correctly. I’m a sap. I felt like I was told that Jordan was grieving, going off the rails, pushing away his best friend, taking too many pills, but I didn’t feel it. I was told.
Luke just felt like dopel-Asher without the cutting and a different history of sexual abuse except that he went from ‘I don’t do relationships’ to insta-relationship with Jordan. ? Then he finds out that Jordan was lying to him about taking the pills and he throws a fit about trust. Umm. Why did he trust Jordan in the first place? Insta-trust too I guess. All grieving fiancés are trustworthy. All drug addicts are telling the truth when they say they’ve given up the drugs. He works with homeless people and all this is news to him, I guess. It also did not occur to him that Asher was abused by their foster father as well? I just do not buy that all of these educated individuals who have all this personal experience with abuse and with helping others with abuse can be so dense about their own loved ones.
What was up with the sudden addition of the character Troy at 95%? He was the guy in charge of collecting the guns which I thought was a huge part of the program that they were setting up at the community center but just seemed to be thrown in at the end to make a token political statement about illegal guns similar to the sudden outburst by Asher at the very end of the last book. If you want to make a political statement, own it. Don’t drop it in as a sole paragraph or sentence on the last page.
And I gotta say, I really wish I had the time all these professionals in these books seem to have. Doctors and lawyers and wall street types that have time to go to the gym, work 10+ hour days, walk their dogs and pet their cats, visit with their family and friends, plenty of hours spent with a romantic partner, volunteering and running clinics for abused youth, setting up and running community centers for wayward youth. I mean wow. I must really have time organization issues that I can’t manage all of this in my own life. Seriously.
Jordan lost his partner, Keith, in the last book and I think I made my thoughts on what happened pretty clear in my review of the first book. I still think that would have been a better beginning to this book. I also think that the author should have spent a little more time with Jordan in his grief instead of skipping ahead with the relationship with Luke. An introduction with animosity would have been fine but then a lengthy time period of grieving that could be felt would have been a better way to go about it in my opinion.
I’ve read several books about grieving spouses and partners in the last year and I did not cry one tear for Jordan in this book. Faith & Fidelity it was not. I did cry at the end of the last book when Keith died. Hate to sound like a record here, but that would have been a better start to this book about a grieving partner, especially since I read them back to back. No tears in the first chapter for me is a warning sign that this story wasn’t being handled correctly. I’m a sap. I felt like I was told that Jordan was grieving, going off the rails, pushing away his best friend, taking too many pills, but I didn’t feel it. I was told.
Luke just felt like dopel-Asher without the cutting and a different history of sexual abuse except that he went from ‘I don’t do relationships’ to insta-relationship with Jordan. ? Then he finds out that Jordan was lying to him about taking the pills and he throws a fit about trust. Umm. Why did he trust Jordan in the first place? Insta-trust too I guess. All grieving fiancés are trustworthy. All drug addicts are telling the truth when they say they’ve given up the drugs. He works with homeless people and all this is news to him, I guess. It also did not occur to him that Asher was abused by their foster father as well? I just do not buy that all of these educated individuals who have all this personal experience with abuse and with helping others with abuse can be so dense about their own loved ones.
What was up with the sudden addition of the character Troy at 95%? He was the guy in charge of collecting the guns which I thought was a huge part of the program that they were setting up at the community center but just seemed to be thrown in at the end to make a token political statement about illegal guns similar to the sudden outburst by Asher at the very end of the last book. If you want to make a political statement, own it. Don’t drop it in as a sole paragraph or sentence on the last page.
And I gotta say, I really wish I had the time all these professionals in these books seem to have. Doctors and lawyers and wall street types that have time to go to the gym, work 10+ hour days, walk their dogs and pet their cats, visit with their family and friends, plenty of hours spent with a romantic partner, volunteering and running clinics for abused youth, setting up and running community centers for wayward youth. I mean wow. I must really have time organization issues that I can’t manage all of this in my own life. Seriously.
March 23, 2015
4 star review by Amber
This author was not joking when she named this series “Through Hell and Back.” Damn, these men are tortured souls. When book #1 ended I really didn’t know how Jordan was going to survive that huge loss. I knew it was going to be bad but I wasn’t prepared for how bad it actually was. This series is so painful, but it also has these incredibly beautiful, hopeful moments too.
Dr. Jordan Peterson lost the man he was going to marry to horrible violence. It’s been months and he still hasn’t been able to move on with his life. He’s also been drinking more heavily and has noticed his dependency on anti-anxiety medication. His life is spiraling out of control and he’s at a loss on how to stop it. One day he gets a letter from his late partner’s financial advisor letting him know he’s needed to finalize Keith’s plans on opening a center that helps control illegal guns on the streets. The letter sparks a fire in Jordan he thought long dead.
Lucas Conover has spent his whole life rising up through poverty and horrible abuse from his childhood. He’s now a successful financial advisor in New York City and he oversees millions of dollars. He’s also in mourning. One of his clients and friends, Keith, died from gun violence but one of his wishes was to take some of his money and open a center. In order to do that he needs to get his late friends partner, Jordan to respond to his letters. One day he’s surprised to learn that Jordan has made an appt to see him and discuss Keith’s plans.
Lucas and Jordan’s first meeting is fiery, explosive, and passionate. Jordan feels threatened by Lucas. Lucas feels Jordan isn’t taking Keith’s wishes seriously. They both have to learn to work together and the attraction between the two is immediate and electric.
Jordan has been morning Keith for almost a year and he feels like he is betraying him with his interest in Lucas. Lucas wants Jordan to let go and love again. But Jordan is still drinking heavily and his doctor stopped prescribing him anti-anxiety meds so he’s resorted to getting them illegally.
With the help of Lucas’s love and his strong support system of close friends and family he makes the effort of putting his life back together. We also get to see Ash reunite with one of his long lost foster brothers. It’s angsty but amazing and right
Like I said before this book was painful but necessary for Jordan to heal and have a life again.
This book was really good, but at times I felt the mushy gushy moments were all too frequent. It almost got overdone which made it seem a little forced. Other than that this was very enjoyable and a great addition to this series. A must read but make sure you read book 1 first!!!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
This author was not joking when she named this series “Through Hell and Back.” Damn, these men are tortured souls. When book #1 ended I really didn’t know how Jordan was going to survive that huge loss. I knew it was going to be bad but I wasn’t prepared for how bad it actually was. This series is so painful, but it also has these incredibly beautiful, hopeful moments too.
Dr. Jordan Peterson lost the man he was going to marry to horrible violence. It’s been months and he still hasn’t been able to move on with his life. He’s also been drinking more heavily and has noticed his dependency on anti-anxiety medication. His life is spiraling out of control and he’s at a loss on how to stop it. One day he gets a letter from his late partner’s financial advisor letting him know he’s needed to finalize Keith’s plans on opening a center that helps control illegal guns on the streets. The letter sparks a fire in Jordan he thought long dead.
Lucas Conover has spent his whole life rising up through poverty and horrible abuse from his childhood. He’s now a successful financial advisor in New York City and he oversees millions of dollars. He’s also in mourning. One of his clients and friends, Keith, died from gun violence but one of his wishes was to take some of his money and open a center. In order to do that he needs to get his late friends partner, Jordan to respond to his letters. One day he’s surprised to learn that Jordan has made an appt to see him and discuss Keith’s plans.
Lucas and Jordan’s first meeting is fiery, explosive, and passionate. Jordan feels threatened by Lucas. Lucas feels Jordan isn’t taking Keith’s wishes seriously. They both have to learn to work together and the attraction between the two is immediate and electric.
Jordan has been morning Keith for almost a year and he feels like he is betraying him with his interest in Lucas. Lucas wants Jordan to let go and love again. But Jordan is still drinking heavily and his doctor stopped prescribing him anti-anxiety meds so he’s resorted to getting them illegally.
With the help of Lucas’s love and his strong support system of close friends and family he makes the effort of putting his life back together. We also get to see Ash reunite with one of his long lost foster brothers. It’s angsty but amazing and right
Like I said before this book was painful but necessary for Jordan to heal and have a life again.
This book was really good, but at times I felt the mushy gushy moments were all too frequent. It almost got overdone which made it seem a little forced. Other than that this was very enjoyable and a great addition to this series. A must read but make sure you read book 1 first!!!
A copy of this book was provided in exchange for an honest review. Please visit www.lovebytesreviews.com to see this and many more reviews, author interviews, guestposts and giveaways!
November 22, 2017
*~~*ARC kindly provided by the author to me in exchange for an honest review *~~*
When I read the snipped at the end of A Walk Through Fire I knew this book won’t be easy. We have the story of Jordan, the friend of Drew who lost his fiancé in a gunshot. As the reader we knew the reason from the book, but I can say you can read the book without former knowledge and still be captured.
It is hard to see Jordan so devastated at the beginning of the book. You really suffer with him but you have also the minor character – and former main character – in mind. You really connect to the displayed figures. They feel real, the suffering is understandable and reasonable.
Jordan is mourning and has no interest in seeing another man, he isn’t able to let go or to get his drive back. He more and more struggles and is in danger to be lost in the dark of his minds.
Lucas is the one who helped him out of this struggle – though the start of their relationship isn’t the easiest. Lucas is astonished to see a similar soul in Jordan. And soon he can’t help himself to be thinking more and more about the doctor who seems to have lost it all.
The book is a mix of ups and downs and some parts are hard for the reader. At a personal note I can say sometimes I wanted to smack Lucas because of his anger towards his brother Ash, the hero of A Walk Through Fire. Maybe this is the reason I couldn’t connect this much to him than with Ash or Drew.
On the other hand, Felice Stevens did again a great job in showing ambivalence character in her books. They are real, they are honest and because of several reason they are in some parts at their bottom point.
It is really good to see how well the cracked parts are put together, how hearts can heal and be saved when the right person is by your side.
Jordan and Lucas had troubles to go through – individual reason not to move on – but at the end the connection between the guys and through all the pages palpable.
What I really love about Felice’s story is the heavyness mixed with the happy ends, the good revelations and outcomes.
Again a great book, a book where you suffer with the character, where you laugh and cry with.
5 out of 5 stars. And I can tell the last book in the series will be as awesome. The snipped at the end was amazing and Tash, who we got introduced is a charming person but also troubling with dark emotions.
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
When I read the snipped at the end of A Walk Through Fire I knew this book won’t be easy. We have the story of Jordan, the friend of Drew who lost his fiancé in a gunshot. As the reader we knew the reason from the book, but I can say you can read the book without former knowledge and still be captured.
It is hard to see Jordan so devastated at the beginning of the book. You really suffer with him but you have also the minor character – and former main character – in mind. You really connect to the displayed figures. They feel real, the suffering is understandable and reasonable.
Jordan is mourning and has no interest in seeing another man, he isn’t able to let go or to get his drive back. He more and more struggles and is in danger to be lost in the dark of his minds.
Lucas is the one who helped him out of this struggle – though the start of their relationship isn’t the easiest. Lucas is astonished to see a similar soul in Jordan. And soon he can’t help himself to be thinking more and more about the doctor who seems to have lost it all.
The book is a mix of ups and downs and some parts are hard for the reader. At a personal note I can say sometimes I wanted to smack Lucas because of his anger towards his brother Ash, the hero of A Walk Through Fire. Maybe this is the reason I couldn’t connect this much to him than with Ash or Drew.
On the other hand, Felice Stevens did again a great job in showing ambivalence character in her books. They are real, they are honest and because of several reason they are in some parts at their bottom point.
It is really good to see how well the cracked parts are put together, how hearts can heal and be saved when the right person is by your side.
Jordan and Lucas had troubles to go through – individual reason not to move on – but at the end the connection between the guys and through all the pages palpable.
What I really love about Felice’s story is the heavyness mixed with the happy ends, the good revelations and outcomes.
Again a great book, a book where you suffer with the character, where you laugh and cry with.
5 out of 5 stars. And I can tell the last book in the series will be as awesome. The snipped at the end was amazing and Tash, who we got introduced is a charming person but also troubling with dark emotions.
Review originally posted on my blog with added content Mikku-chan / A world full of words
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