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Hunter #2
Absolution
The would-be highwayman killer’s case is closed, and Luis has been cleared to return to work. He and Donovan are starting their new life together, and while they’re both a little new at this whole “stable relationship” thing they’re determined to make things work. When people start dying at Assonet Ledge, it seems like a typical case for Donovan until one of the victims turns out to be a missing person from out of state, bringing the FBI into one of Donovan’s cases yet again.
The park ranger at the site is everything Donovan isn’t, and Donovan finds himself wondering if his partner isn’t falling into old habits. Luis struggles to understand Donovan’s jealousy, which puts a strain on their relationship and the case. To top things off, there may be forces at work here that go back long before humans showed their faces, forces Luis can’t hope to understand. Will those forces propel the case, and Luis and Donovan’s rekindled romance, off a cliff?
The park ranger at the site is everything Donovan isn’t, and Donovan finds himself wondering if his partner isn’t falling into old habits. Luis struggles to understand Donovan’s jealousy, which puts a strain on their relationship and the case. To top things off, there may be forces at work here that go back long before humans showed their faces, forces Luis can’t hope to understand. Will those forces propel the case, and Luis and Donovan’s rekindled romance, off a cliff?
398 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2019
26 people are currently reading
134 people want to read
About the author
J.V. Speyer
32 books105 followersJ J. V. Speyer writes LGBTQ+ romance novels heavily flavored with suspense, mystery, and adventure. She has lived in upstate New York and rural Catalonia before making the greater Boston, Massachusetts area her permanent home. She currently lives just south of Boston in a house old enough to remember when her town was a tavern community with a farming problem.
J. V. finds most of her inspiration from music. Her tastes run the gamut from traditional to industrial and back again. When not writing she is a baseball fan, a hockey mom, and a devotee of all things weird and creepy about New England.
J. V. finds most of her inspiration from music. Her tastes run the gamut from traditional to industrial and back again. When not writing she is a baseball fan, a hockey mom, and a devotee of all things weird and creepy about New England.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
April 27, 2019
4.5 Stars!
Absolution is book 2 in the Hunter series and it needs to be read in order.
I was warned that this book focused on Donovan a lot and that I might still not like him. In my review for the first book in the series, Hunter, I mentioned that it took me a long time to warm up to him, and by the end, it wasn't like that had changed all that much. Frankly, I don't think I could ever love him as much as I love Luis and this installment only served to show me how weak and easy to manipulate Donovan is. I complained that he ran to his mommy in Hunter, well, this time he ran to his evil, very manipulative father, who I absolutely hated. And while it was obvious there was more going on than what met the eye, the way Donovan behaved with Luis just made me want to deck him. Donovan's jealousy was just so ugh and blah and grrr! (I know, I'm so eloquent, right? LOL) I was so frustrated with him, although I will admit that after all was said and done, I like him just a tad better now, at least enough that I might not mind if he and Luis end up together at the end of the series.
Luis has got to be one of my favorite characters ever and I was happy to catch up with him. He's so strong and caring, especially considering his upbringing. I loved that he had more of a support system in Alicia, Nick, Kevin, and even Donovan's mother this time around. It was nice to see that he'd been working with a counselor and that while he loved Donovan, he was definitely not a pushover.
The case was intriguing and I liked that we found out who the bad guy was gradually, right along with Luis, as he pieced everything together. As with the previous book, I loved the fact that Luis can see and speak with ghosts, and I was glad we got to see Captain Lightfoot again.
Overall, I found Absolution to be a very interesting read, and while Hunter is a very good book, I found this second book much more enjoyable, despite me wanting to throttle Donovan and his dear old dad more than a few times. ;) Very recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Absolution is book 2 in the Hunter series and it needs to be read in order.
I was warned that this book focused on Donovan a lot and that I might still not like him. In my review for the first book in the series, Hunter, I mentioned that it took me a long time to warm up to him, and by the end, it wasn't like that had changed all that much. Frankly, I don't think I could ever love him as much as I love Luis and this installment only served to show me how weak and easy to manipulate Donovan is. I complained that he ran to his mommy in Hunter, well, this time he ran to his evil, very manipulative father, who I absolutely hated. And while it was obvious there was more going on than what met the eye, the way Donovan behaved with Luis just made me want to deck him. Donovan's jealousy was just so ugh and blah and grrr! (I know, I'm so eloquent, right? LOL) I was so frustrated with him, although I will admit that after all was said and done, I like him just a tad better now, at least enough that I might not mind if he and Luis end up together at the end of the series.
Luis has got to be one of my favorite characters ever and I was happy to catch up with him. He's so strong and caring, especially considering his upbringing. I loved that he had more of a support system in Alicia, Nick, Kevin, and even Donovan's mother this time around. It was nice to see that he'd been working with a counselor and that while he loved Donovan, he was definitely not a pushover.
The case was intriguing and I liked that we found out who the bad guy was gradually, right along with Luis, as he pieced everything together. As with the previous book, I loved the fact that Luis can see and speak with ghosts, and I was glad we got to see Captain Lightfoot again.
Overall, I found Absolution to be a very interesting read, and while Hunter is a very good book, I found this second book much more enjoyable, despite me wanting to throttle Donovan and his dear old dad more than a few times. ;) Very recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
May 3, 2019
Luis and Donovan are taking steps to work on their relationship. When things start to look up and a new serial killer case presents itself, their relationship takes a nosedive. Luis is really trying to adjust but Donovan has become a really jealous and obnoxious person to the point they can’t even work the case together. Donovan has taken to connecting with his father, Fred, who is a really nasty, vindictive, slimy person. Fred has pretty much brain-washed Donovan.
Luis has to make a very difficult decision for himself. Tables have turned because he has gained support from Donovan’s family. But for now, Luis has a goal and must stay focused on one of the most horrific serial murders. In Freetown State Park there’s a place known as the “Ledge”. Needless to say, the area is over populated with ghosts from different eras but the “Ledge” has a dark history of suicides. Even though it’s a strain on Luis to help ghosts that have not moved on, this time he finds a beautiful side to helping them find peace. For Luis, he no longer has the one person he can share those moments with.
So glad to see a sequel to “Hunter”. J.V. Speyer twists a variety of the paranormal with an interesting look into the investigation and the different types of obsessions serial killers have. Gradually the killer is revealed but there’s still a mystery in what lurks on the “Ledge”.
Luis again, steals the show for me. He stood by his moral principles and struggled through the moments when he really needed Donovan for support. I liked that Luis also keeps that unique connection with Captain Lightfoot and hope to see more of that.
From the first “Hunter” novel my opinion has shifted. Donovan’s Mom, Patricia, really comes through this time and a solid bond seems to form with her and Luis. Kevin, Luis’ partner also has changed and is very supportive as he sees Luis struggle through a bad time. Alicia and Nick also gave Luis a new look at what family really means.
I highly recommend reading “Hunter” it’s the first novel in this series and introduces Luis Gomez, Donovan Carey and Captain Lightfoot. Excited to hear there’s more sequels in the works for the “A Hunter Novel” series.
Luis has to make a very difficult decision for himself. Tables have turned because he has gained support from Donovan’s family. But for now, Luis has a goal and must stay focused on one of the most horrific serial murders. In Freetown State Park there’s a place known as the “Ledge”. Needless to say, the area is over populated with ghosts from different eras but the “Ledge” has a dark history of suicides. Even though it’s a strain on Luis to help ghosts that have not moved on, this time he finds a beautiful side to helping them find peace. For Luis, he no longer has the one person he can share those moments with.
So glad to see a sequel to “Hunter”. J.V. Speyer twists a variety of the paranormal with an interesting look into the investigation and the different types of obsessions serial killers have. Gradually the killer is revealed but there’s still a mystery in what lurks on the “Ledge”.
Luis again, steals the show for me. He stood by his moral principles and struggled through the moments when he really needed Donovan for support. I liked that Luis also keeps that unique connection with Captain Lightfoot and hope to see more of that.
From the first “Hunter” novel my opinion has shifted. Donovan’s Mom, Patricia, really comes through this time and a solid bond seems to form with her and Luis. Kevin, Luis’ partner also has changed and is very supportive as he sees Luis struggle through a bad time. Alicia and Nick also gave Luis a new look at what family really means.
I highly recommend reading “Hunter” it’s the first novel in this series and introduces Luis Gomez, Donovan Carey and Captain Lightfoot. Excited to hear there’s more sequels in the works for the “A Hunter Novel” series.
April 11, 2021
** 3.5 Stars **
February 15, 2021
This book picks up shortly where the first installment leaves off, and Luis and Donovan have a chapter or two of domestic bliss before a serial killer and a malignant supernatural force complicate both their professional and personal lives. The mystery is gripping, as is what happens to Donovan. lI spent a lot of this novel incredibly frustrated with Donovan, whose insecurities make him jealous and petty beyond belief with Luis, who is trying unbelievably hard in ways he should not have to be. By the millionth time Luis reassured Donovan about his fidelity, or his intentions, or his love, I wanted him to find a new boyfriend. Emotionally abusive behavior is not a good look, and the author does a great job writing his descent into irrational jealousy, and leaves you wondering—is this really him? Is there another explanation— before answering that question without letting him off the hook for his choices. I love how Donovan’s family and Luis’s partner rally to support Luis, and I felt like both murder investigation and relationship ended up exactly where they should be by the end of the novel, in a bittersweet, but good, place. I am so hooked on this series, so hopeful for Donovan and Luis’s future, and so ready to read the next installment.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 27, 2019
Excellent
This was an emotional rollercoaster! I loved that whatever lurked in the state forest only exacerbated what was already there, simply because I loved that Donavan had to face some daunting realizations about himself that he may never have done otherwise.
Fred was absolutely despicable, and it's no wonder why he's ended up miserable and alone. I felt like cheering during the epilogue when we got a glimpse at his life after this story.
Luis proved that, once again, he was stronger and more capable than he gives himself credit for. He has surrounded himself with good people and is learning how to open up again.
This was an emotional rollercoaster! I loved that whatever lurked in the state forest only exacerbated what was already there, simply because I loved that Donavan had to face some daunting realizations about himself that he may never have done otherwise.
Fred was absolutely despicable, and it's no wonder why he's ended up miserable and alone. I felt like cheering during the epilogue when we got a glimpse at his life after this story.
Luis proved that, once again, he was stronger and more capable than he gives himself credit for. He has surrounded himself with good people and is learning how to open up again.
July 3, 2019
Serial killers don’t rest
Luis and Donovan have sort of settled in to being together. Another serial killer emerges and their relationship just might not survive.
Donovan’s insecurities lead directly to the heart of their issues. He was pretty much a jerk and I don’t think it can all be blamed entirely on outside influences.
Although they were separate for part of the book I think down deep they still belong together. I would recommend reading the first book in the series
Luis and Donovan have sort of settled in to being together. Another serial killer emerges and their relationship just might not survive.
Donovan’s insecurities lead directly to the heart of their issues. He was pretty much a jerk and I don’t think it can all be blamed entirely on outside influences.
Although they were separate for part of the book I think down deep they still belong together. I would recommend reading the first book in the series
November 13, 2019
Excellent story, just as good as 1st book
Another fantastic story by J. V. Speyer. FBI profiler, his partner Kevin and detective Donovan. The love implodes, nasty father, wonderful mother, and cousin plus nephew,, the family still loves him and would really like to kick Donovan to the curb. A purple presence and more ghosts. Murders not suicide at a quarry. Enough helpful hints, just read to enjoy.
Another fantastic story by J. V. Speyer. FBI profiler, his partner Kevin and detective Donovan. The love implodes, nasty father, wonderful mother, and cousin plus nephew,, the family still loves him and would really like to kick Donovan to the curb. A purple presence and more ghosts. Murders not suicide at a quarry. Enough helpful hints, just read to enjoy.
February 13, 2021
First of all I believe these books must be read in order. This story starts shortly after the ending of the first. Luis and Donovan hare working on their relationship. Luis gets a new serial killer case. Donovan is a jealous idiot! I absolutely hated Fred, Donovan’s father. This story was sooo good, kept me glued to the pages. It was an emotional roller coaster! I loved that Luis kept his connection to Captain Lightfoot. I’m voluntarily reviewing from an advanced copy that I received.
February 21, 2021
Within a few pages and I’m laughing out loud, this storyline held my fascination, scarry ghosts and so attuned and deep in to the story I at times felt unhinged. So much pain brought on by insecurities I had to stop reading as I couldn’t see the writing for my tears. Jaye certainly knows how to weave the suspense. Brilliant.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an arc of this book for my honest opinions of which I’m under no obligation to do so. I absolutely recommend this book.
March 3, 2021
I enjoyed the continuing story of Luis and Donovan's struggles with their relationship. It's a mix of their personal demons, trying to catch a serial killer and a bit of the para-normal thrown in. I am looking forward to book 3 and see how their relationship unfolds.
I received this book as an Advanced Readers Copy.
I received this book as an Advanced Readers Copy.
September 1, 2021
Murders, FBI, police, ghosts, love, hate, love - complicated
Oddly easy to read, considering some of the grisly subject matter. I read ‘Hunter’ first, this is a great follow up book, Luis and Donovon are a complicated couple, and don’t make life easy for themselves for most of the story, thankfully common sense prevails in the end.
Oddly easy to read, considering some of the grisly subject matter. I read ‘Hunter’ first, this is a great follow up book, Luis and Donovon are a complicated couple, and don’t make life easy for themselves for most of the story, thankfully common sense prevails in the end.
October 18, 2020
Luis is an interesting character so I had to know more. I visualize the story as a movie in my head. If I get absorbed it is a good thing. The character development continues, which is important to me.
September 20, 2020
Outstanding!
Another thought provoking, intelligent, emotional, and memorable story! Luis is a character I wish was real. I love him! Highly recommended!
Another thought provoking, intelligent, emotional, and memorable story! Luis is a character I wish was real. I love him! Highly recommended!
September 23, 2021
An Awesome Read
This series has been intense from the start and book two Absolution was a thrilling and bumpy ride. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
This series has been intense from the start and book two Absolution was a thrilling and bumpy ride. I’m looking forward to reading the rest of this series.
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May 31, 2019Okay so idk what to say here. I didn’t like that they were fighting/broken up for most of the book. At. All. I had to skim a lot because Donovan was awful. Truly awful. And his father is disgusting.
I would read a book three with the hopes that they work together and stay together. But I’m worried because book one = awful Kevin and book two = awful Donovan so does this mean book three would be awful Luis?
I would read a book three with the hopes that they work together and stay together. But I’m worried because book one = awful Kevin and book two = awful Donovan so does this mean book three would be awful Luis?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews