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The Milvus Files #2
The Bait
When three men turn up in their sleepy little town of Tallowwood, Harry and Asher know something’s wrong. Not because someone could find them, but the fact that Asher’s informant and oldest friend, Yunho, failed to alert them. Messages and phone calls unanswered; Harry and Asher go to Thailand to find Yunho is missing.
Harry and Asher find themselves thrown back into the game of shadows and murder, in a race across the globe to find him and find who’s behind the kidnapping.
The list of their enemies is long, their web of entanglement even longer, and Harry and Asher are about to find out once and for all who is predator and who is prey.
Harry and Asher find themselves thrown back into the game of shadows and murder, in a race across the globe to find him and find who’s behind the kidnapping.
The list of their enemies is long, their web of entanglement even longer, and Harry and Asher are about to find out once and for all who is predator and who is prey.
316 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2024
207 people are currently reading
432 people want to read
About the author
N.R. Walker
133 books5,291 followersAuthor also writes as A. Voyeur
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
October 6, 2024
I did not expect to absolutely bawl my eyes out at Harry and Asher's new story!!!
I swear when they were separated my heart fucking hurt so much 😭 I rarely get emotional at third person POV either so this was definitely worthy of 5 stars for me.
I loved the corruption and all of the secrets that came out; Harry is an absolute beast when it comes to keeping Asher safe and happy; and I love when Asher gets feral if anyone even breathes wrong near Harry!
I'm excited for more books to come in this series now. I'm already a fan of Captain and I'm intrigued to find out what's next, although I'll be so sad if this is the last we see of Harry and Asher!
I swear when they were separated my heart fucking hurt so much 😭 I rarely get emotional at third person POV either so this was definitely worthy of 5 stars for me.
I loved the corruption and all of the secrets that came out; Harry is an absolute beast when it comes to keeping Asher safe and happy; and I love when Asher gets feral if anyone even breathes wrong near Harry!
I'm excited for more books to come in this series now. I'm already a fan of Captain and I'm intrigued to find out what's next, although I'll be so sad if this is the last we see of Harry and Asher!
October 14, 2024
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
They were supposed to grow old together in their little house with their little cat.
This book is the first book about an established couple I’ve been excited about reading in a long, long time. I really enjoyed The Kite, and Asher and Harry were such awesome characters that I was stoked about another adventure with these boys.
It was really nice to read a solid suspense novel again. It didn’t hold back on the brutality and grittiness at all, and at one point I even cringed a little, quickly followed by a big smile (yes, I have issues, rest assured, I’m not working on it).
“It’s all I want. A quiet life with you. I don’t even care where, as long as I have you. You’re my home, Harry.”
We got a different look at Asher this time around. His walls are down after living as a safe civilian for two years, and he is not prepared to come face to face with trauma from his past. It’s neat to see a character in a different way—less snark and humor—but still have that character feel ‘true’. Harry is his stoic, protective, badass self still, and whenever he goes full beast-mode, it makes me happy.
I freaking *loved* meeting August and Jake again. Tallowwood is one of my favorite N.R. books, and it felt like visiting old friends. I could read endless books about them.
A really good follow-up to The Kite and can definitely recommend it. I’m deducting half a star for what was maybe the most intense tease of switching it up in the bedroom I’ve ever read, lol. Asher saying he’s gonna bone his much bigger man when he’s usually the greediest bottom ever, and then not doing it on page? Straight to jail!
“I don’t know what I ever did to deserve you.” “You didn’t shoot me that day in Madrid, remember? And after that, you annoyed me until I fell in love with you, remember?”
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Action and suspense
Established couple
Sequel
Size difference
Fighting as foreplay
Rescue mission
Political themes
Breath play
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mentions of past child abuse (MC and others, not detailed)
Graphic violence
On-page murder
Gun violence
Fighting as foreplay
Penetration without lube or stretching
Choking/breath play
Brief mentions of MC being disowned (past)
SC kidnapped off page
On-page torture of bad guy (detailed, graphic)
Explicit sexual content
Anxiety-induced epileptic seizures (SC, on page)
MC stabbed and beaten (injured)
Some details of medical treatment
MC hospitalized
Mentions of intravenous drugs
Severely injured side character
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, multi
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Hinting at versatile (no switching on page)
Main characters’ age: 36 and 38
Series: Duology, book 2
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 316
Happy ending: Yes
“Your eyes were never dead,” Harry whispered. “They were,” Asher replied. “Before you.”
Leaving his unit always felt wrong. Like leaving Asher felt wrong. Asher was his unit now. His partner. His entire fucking world.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
They were supposed to grow old together in their little house with their little cat.
This book is the first book about an established couple I’ve been excited about reading in a long, long time. I really enjoyed The Kite, and Asher and Harry were such awesome characters that I was stoked about another adventure with these boys.
It was really nice to read a solid suspense novel again. It didn’t hold back on the brutality and grittiness at all, and at one point I even cringed a little, quickly followed by a big smile (yes, I have issues, rest assured, I’m not working on it).
“It’s all I want. A quiet life with you. I don’t even care where, as long as I have you. You’re my home, Harry.”
We got a different look at Asher this time around. His walls are down after living as a safe civilian for two years, and he is not prepared to come face to face with trauma from his past. It’s neat to see a character in a different way—less snark and humor—but still have that character feel ‘true’. Harry is his stoic, protective, badass self still, and whenever he goes full beast-mode, it makes me happy.
I freaking *loved* meeting August and Jake again. Tallowwood is one of my favorite N.R. books, and it felt like visiting old friends. I could read endless books about them.
A really good follow-up to The Kite and can definitely recommend it. I’m deducting half a star for what was maybe the most intense tease of switching it up in the bedroom I’ve ever read, lol. Asher saying he’s gonna bone his much bigger man when he’s usually the greediest bottom ever, and then not doing it on page? Straight to jail!
“I don’t know what I ever did to deserve you.” “You didn’t shoot me that day in Madrid, remember? And after that, you annoyed me until I fell in love with you, remember?”
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Action and suspense
Established couple
Sequel
Size difference
Fighting as foreplay
Rescue mission
Political themes
Breath play
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Mentions of past child abuse (MC and others, not detailed)
Graphic violence
On-page murder
Gun violence
Fighting as foreplay
Penetration without lube or stretching
Choking/breath play
Brief mentions of MC being disowned (past)
SC kidnapped off page
On-page torture of bad guy (detailed, graphic)
Explicit sexual content
Anxiety-induced epileptic seizures (SC, on page)
MC stabbed and beaten (injured)
Some details of medical treatment
MC hospitalized
Mentions of intravenous drugs
Severely injured side character
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 3rd person, multi
Genre: Contemporary romance
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Hinting at versatile (no switching on page)
Main characters’ age: 36 and 38
Series: Duology, book 2
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 316
Happy ending: Yes
“Your eyes were never dead,” Harry whispered. “They were,” Asher replied. “Before you.”
Leaving his unit always felt wrong. Like leaving Asher felt wrong. Asher was his unit now. His partner. His entire fucking world.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
July 11, 2025
~3.5~
The Kite and Tallowood: Christmas Crossover was a depressing mess. The Bait is better but far from perfect.
The Tallowwood tie-in, with August narrating a few chapters, is pointless. August trusts "Michael" and "Joshua" enough to warn them of incoming danger, then turns around and calls the ASIO (Australian equivalent of the FBI) when he finds their secret weapons stash. Pick a side, dude.
Harry and Asher are solid, their connection strong and unyielding. They really work as a couple, and their relationship saved the book for me.
The rest is all violence, gore, and muddled political mayhem that doesn't hold up to scrutiny.
I read mysteries and thrillers but stay away from horror and war. I don't care if the devil himself is being tortured. I don't want to see it on page.
Tal Bauer writes far better political intrigue without the gruesome descriptions of suffering and pain.
Also, unless I'm missing something, there's a glaring hole in the plot:
Finally, the epilogue is from the POV of a secondary character, with a detailed description of said character fucking his partner, which why? Quite the obvious (and odious!) way of setting up future MCs.
But I do love Harry and Asher and cried over Yunho and Lucas. Not knowing if Yunho was friend or foe did my head in.
The Kite and Tallowood: Christmas Crossover was a depressing mess. The Bait is better but far from perfect.
The Tallowwood tie-in, with August narrating a few chapters, is pointless. August trusts "Michael" and "Joshua" enough to warn them of incoming danger, then turns around and calls the ASIO (Australian equivalent of the FBI) when he finds their secret weapons stash. Pick a side, dude.
Harry and Asher are solid, their connection strong and unyielding. They really work as a couple, and their relationship saved the book for me.
The rest is all violence, gore, and muddled political mayhem that doesn't hold up to scrutiny.
I read mysteries and thrillers but stay away from horror and war. I don't care if the devil himself is being tortured. I don't want to see it on page.
Tal Bauer writes far better political intrigue without the gruesome descriptions of suffering and pain.
Also, unless I'm missing something, there's a glaring hole in the plot:
Finally, the epilogue is from the POV of a secondary character, with a detailed description of said character fucking his partner, which why? Quite the obvious (and odious!) way of setting up future MCs.
But I do love Harry and Asher and cried over Yunho and Lucas. Not knowing if Yunho was friend or foe did my head in.
April 9, 2025
What the hell!! This book completely floored me—in the best way possible. I’ve been in a bit of a slump when it comes to second books in a series. Normally, once I finish the first installment, I feel like I’ve had my fill of the universe and the characters. But not this time. I stuck with the sequel because I was already head over heels for Asher and Harry, and wow, am I glad I did. Their story just got deeper, bolder, and even more emotionally charged.
What truly impressed me was how the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. I usually pride myself on being able to predict where a story is headed, but this one? I was clueless—in the best way. I didn’t start piecing things together until the protagonists themselves did, which made the unraveling of the mystery that much more satisfying. The pacing was tight, the twists landed perfectly, and the stakes felt real.
The action scenes were stellar—intense, cinematic, and well-executed. But what really stuck with me was the emotional core of the book. Asher and Harry’s fierce loyalty to one another, their absolute refusal to leave the other behind, was written with such tenderness and urgency that I definitely got choked up more than once. Their bond felt raw and authentic, adding so much weight to every choice they made.
That said, I do wish a few minor plot threads had been tied up a bit more cleanly. Nothing major, just small things that left me with some lingering curiosity. And okay, personal gripe time: I will never be into dry sex scenes or unprepped nether region action. Asher might be enthusiastically consenting, and if that’s your thing, more power to you—but it’s always going to be a squick of mine. Just not my jam, and it pulled me out of the moment a bit.
Still, none of that was enough to dim how much I loved this book. It’s hands-down one of my top reads of the year, and a rare example of a sequel that not only lives up to the first book but actually surpasses it. If you’re hesitant to dive into book two of a series, let this be the exception. Asher and Harry are more than worth it.
What truly impressed me was how the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. I usually pride myself on being able to predict where a story is headed, but this one? I was clueless—in the best way. I didn’t start piecing things together until the protagonists themselves did, which made the unraveling of the mystery that much more satisfying. The pacing was tight, the twists landed perfectly, and the stakes felt real.
The action scenes were stellar—intense, cinematic, and well-executed. But what really stuck with me was the emotional core of the book. Asher and Harry’s fierce loyalty to one another, their absolute refusal to leave the other behind, was written with such tenderness and urgency that I definitely got choked up more than once. Their bond felt raw and authentic, adding so much weight to every choice they made.
That said, I do wish a few minor plot threads had been tied up a bit more cleanly. Nothing major, just small things that left me with some lingering curiosity. And okay, personal gripe time: I will never be into dry sex scenes or unprepped nether region action. Asher might be enthusiastically consenting, and if that’s your thing, more power to you—but it’s always going to be a squick of mine. Just not my jam, and it pulled me out of the moment a bit.
Still, none of that was enough to dim how much I loved this book. It’s hands-down one of my top reads of the year, and a rare example of a sequel that not only lives up to the first book but actually surpasses it. If you’re hesitant to dive into book two of a series, let this be the exception. Asher and Harry are more than worth it.
October 13, 2024
Audio: 5 stars for Glen Lloyd, I thought he did a great job with the narration! Can be found on NR Walkers website currently!
Book: 4-4.5 stars
This was a great addition to “The Kite” and “Tallowwood”! I loved seeing August and Jake again along with Asher and Harry!
I can’t wait for Medic and Captains story next year!
But this book was full of adventure, it does have more torture than “The Kite” but it went with what they had to go through! It had a well won ending for Harry and Asher which I loved!
I can’t wait to see what happened with the rest of the Milvus Files! I hope Asher and Harry make an appearance with those books too!
Book: 4-4.5 stars
This was a great addition to “The Kite” and “Tallowwood”! I loved seeing August and Jake again along with Asher and Harry!
I can’t wait for Medic and Captains story next year!
But this book was full of adventure, it does have more torture than “The Kite” but it went with what they had to go through! It had a well won ending for Harry and Asher which I loved!
I can’t wait to see what happened with the rest of the Milvus Files! I hope Asher and Harry make an appearance with those books too!
September 28, 2024
~2.5
Too many things didn't make sense. And I hate epilogues written from a non-MCs perspective. Why do authors think it's a good idea? And having those non-MCs having sex while I don't know/care about them one bit was a new kind of WTF. I also don't get a point in Tallowood crossover. Deeply disappointed.
Too many things didn't make sense. And I hate epilogues written from a non-MCs perspective. Why do authors think it's a good idea? And having those non-MCs having sex while I don't know/care about them one bit was a new kind of WTF. I also don't get a point in Tallowood crossover. Deeply disappointed.
November 16, 2024
1 star deducted for the cross over of a book I haven’t read and another for a spin-off I have no intention of reading. 3 stars for the story that took place between the first chapter and the last. I was really disappointed not getting the epilogue from
October 2, 2024
3.5 stars / B-
After I read (and was disappointed by) N.R. Walker's The Men From Echo Creek earlier this year, I decided it was probably time for the author and I to part ways, as so few of her recent books have worked for me. In fact, the last one was probably The Kite - so when I saw there was a sequel coming, I thought I'd pick it up - given what the characters do (or did) for a living, I thought there was little chance the book would wall-to-wall fluff. Thankfully, it isn't - it's got a decent plot and everything! :P And there are some scenes of violence, although no more than you'd probably see in any action movie.
Harry and Asher are living quietly in the small town of Tallowwood (I didn't read the The Kite and Tallowwood: Christmas Crossover, but I don't think it's necessary) when they're alerted - by August and Jake (Tallowwood) to the presence of three Croatian men who are asking around for information about them. This sends the two of them off to see Asher's contact, Yunho, on his private island in the Pacific to see if he knows what's going on - but when they get there it's to find Yunho and his partner have been kidnapped.
Having been out of the game for a couple of years, they're both feeling somewhat rusty and without Yuhno to run the intelligence side for them, they're going in blind, but Yuhno has been like an older brother or father to Asher and he's determined to find him and then kill whoever is responsible.
Their search takes them to Bosnia, somewhere that holds many truly horrible memories for Asher, and he and Harry make some potentially game-(and life)-changing discoveries along the way which make them question exactly who they've been trusting all this time, and whether they can afford to continue to trust them.
I enjoyed the story - it's fast-paced, with plenty of action and steam, and Harry and Asher make a good couple; solid in their love for each other and in their determination to be whatever the other needs and to have each other's backs. The plotting is good, and while the ending is perhaps a little bit convenient, it could easily have come from the pages of an espionage thriller, so I'm not going to complain.
The one thing that puzzled me, however, is the inclusion of a chapter near the end headed "outtake" - which is basically an extended sex scene between two of the secondary characters in the book, who are introduced in the last couple of chapters . I get that it's an "outtake" but it adds nothing to the overall story - unless the author is planning to turn The Milvus Files into a longer series? No idea, but it was an odd thing to do.
Anyway. I enjoyed The Bait and wish NRW would write more romantic/military suspense, because she clearly knows how to spin a cracking adventure yarn.
After I read (and was disappointed by) N.R. Walker's The Men From Echo Creek earlier this year, I decided it was probably time for the author and I to part ways, as so few of her recent books have worked for me. In fact, the last one was probably The Kite - so when I saw there was a sequel coming, I thought I'd pick it up - given what the characters do (or did) for a living, I thought there was little chance the book would wall-to-wall fluff. Thankfully, it isn't - it's got a decent plot and everything! :P And there are some scenes of violence, although no more than you'd probably see in any action movie.
Harry and Asher are living quietly in the small town of Tallowwood (I didn't read the The Kite and Tallowwood: Christmas Crossover, but I don't think it's necessary) when they're alerted - by August and Jake (Tallowwood) to the presence of three Croatian men who are asking around for information about them. This sends the two of them off to see Asher's contact, Yunho, on his private island in the Pacific to see if he knows what's going on - but when they get there it's to find Yunho and his partner have been kidnapped.
Having been out of the game for a couple of years, they're both feeling somewhat rusty and without Yuhno to run the intelligence side for them, they're going in blind, but Yuhno has been like an older brother or father to Asher and he's determined to find him and then kill whoever is responsible.
Their search takes them to Bosnia, somewhere that holds many truly horrible memories for Asher, and he and Harry make some potentially game-(and life)-changing discoveries along the way which make them question exactly who they've been trusting all this time, and whether they can afford to continue to trust them.
I enjoyed the story - it's fast-paced, with plenty of action and steam, and Harry and Asher make a good couple; solid in their love for each other and in their determination to be whatever the other needs and to have each other's backs. The plotting is good, and while the ending is perhaps a little bit convenient, it could easily have come from the pages of an espionage thriller, so I'm not going to complain.
The one thing that puzzled me, however, is the inclusion of a chapter near the end headed "outtake" - which is basically an extended sex scene between two of the secondary characters in the book, who are introduced in the last couple of chapters . I get that it's an "outtake" but it adds nothing to the overall story - unless the author is planning to turn The Milvus Files into a longer series? No idea, but it was an odd thing to do.
Anyway. I enjoyed The Bait and wish NRW would write more romantic/military suspense, because she clearly knows how to spin a cracking adventure yarn.
October 12, 2024
When I take three days to read a book instead of one, so I can put it down and savor it, you know that it is a good one. I would think about Harry and Asher and their relationship in between reading. The passion they have for each other jumps off each page. This is a couple who live for each other and when Harry said to Asher that he would eat his gun if he lost Asher, I believed him.
The author did a wonderful job with the continuing story of two former assassins who are settled down and enjoying the quiet life in Tallowwood, Australia, only to get dragged back into their former life when Asher's dear friend, Yunho and his lover, Lucas, go missing and there is left behind murder and violence at Yunho's private island.
Asher is at his wits end trying to figure out where his friend is when it has always been Yunho telling Asher where everyone is. The writing was so good at drawing the reader into Asher's frustration and deep fears for his friends. I wondered where Asher would begin with finding two needles in a haystack.
He gets his thoughts and emotions together with the solid presence of Harry every step of the way, supporting Asher and aiding in the search with his lethal gun and fighting skills. This was a harrowing story with a lot of violence from the bad guys who are waiting for Asher to figure out where his friend is and to come for him. I knew it was going to work out, but sometimes I was worried that it wouldn't because many of the scenes were edge of your seat.
I am enjoying these action adventure stories, but, only if they are heavy on the romance, if the MCs have a deep relationship. Asher and Harry have the deepest, emotionally and physically. I have to give a shout out for the primal sex. The sex scenes were chef's kiss and the author was generous with them.
This was a very well crafted story with twists and turns. It was evident that a great deal of care was taken with the plotting and writing. I was thinking after I finished of who are my favorite MM writers, mentally listing my Top 10, and N.R. Walker is in there and up there with this excellent book.
The author did a wonderful job with the continuing story of two former assassins who are settled down and enjoying the quiet life in Tallowwood, Australia, only to get dragged back into their former life when Asher's dear friend, Yunho and his lover, Lucas, go missing and there is left behind murder and violence at Yunho's private island.
Asher is at his wits end trying to figure out where his friend is when it has always been Yunho telling Asher where everyone is. The writing was so good at drawing the reader into Asher's frustration and deep fears for his friends. I wondered where Asher would begin with finding two needles in a haystack.
He gets his thoughts and emotions together with the solid presence of Harry every step of the way, supporting Asher and aiding in the search with his lethal gun and fighting skills. This was a harrowing story with a lot of violence from the bad guys who are waiting for Asher to figure out where his friend is and to come for him. I knew it was going to work out, but sometimes I was worried that it wouldn't because many of the scenes were edge of your seat.
I am enjoying these action adventure stories, but, only if they are heavy on the romance, if the MCs have a deep relationship. Asher and Harry have the deepest, emotionally and physically. I have to give a shout out for the primal sex. The sex scenes were chef's kiss and the author was generous with them.
This was a very well crafted story with twists and turns. It was evident that a great deal of care was taken with the plotting and writing. I was thinking after I finished of who are my favorite MM writers, mentally listing my Top 10, and N.R. Walker is in there and up there with this excellent book.
October 2, 2024
3.5 stars
I enjoyed the tying in of the Tallowwood series (especially after the Christmas novella) and the introduction of the Milvus connection, even if I felt like it was shoehorned in there. I do wonder I was just surprised.
I enjoyed the tying in of the Tallowwood series (especially after the Christmas novella) and the introduction of the Milvus connection, even if I felt like it was shoehorned in there. I do wonder I was just surprised.
April 10, 2025
Holy Moly! This cranked the action even higher and the tension tighter. This book is a plethora of twists and you never know what’s coming. Omg I could not put it down, I just gobbled this up. We are back with Asher and Harry, they are risking everything to save Yunho and Lucas but they are not prepared for what they find out on the way. Their banter and their dynamic is still fire and I love them! Honestly I didn’t think I could love Asher more but I do after what we find out he needs to be protected at all costs and Harry will not fail at that which makes me love Harry even more. Ugh these two 🥹🥹🥹.
Old enemies with even deeper roots are back and the past needs to be reckoned with and boy do they bring the reckoning. We also see some of Jake and August whom I also love and I would highly recommend reading both Tallowwood and The Kite.. they are both amazing so you know.. do it.
You want a high action, suspense thriller with lies and deceit and a romance for the ages with MCs who are soulmates and will set everything on fire for each other then this is the book (series) you should definitely read
Also, I really hope there are more books to come in this world! I would love to keep reading more of the Milvus files and if we keep seeing Asher and Harry and Jake and August I really wouldn’t mind 😁
Expect:
* Established couple
* Suspense, thriller
* Epic swoony romance
* Hurt comfort
* Found family
* Assassins (maybe ex but are they ever ex)
* Some lols
* Tons of fast paced action
* Reveals you never in your wildest dreams saw coming
* Death violence and all sorts of grey lines
Old enemies with even deeper roots are back and the past needs to be reckoned with and boy do they bring the reckoning. We also see some of Jake and August whom I also love and I would highly recommend reading both Tallowwood and The Kite.. they are both amazing so you know.. do it.
You want a high action, suspense thriller with lies and deceit and a romance for the ages with MCs who are soulmates and will set everything on fire for each other then this is the book (series) you should definitely read
Also, I really hope there are more books to come in this world! I would love to keep reading more of the Milvus files and if we keep seeing Asher and Harry and Jake and August I really wouldn’t mind 😁
Expect:
* Established couple
* Suspense, thriller
* Epic swoony romance
* Hurt comfort
* Found family
* Assassins (maybe ex but are they ever ex)
* Some lols
* Tons of fast paced action
* Reveals you never in your wildest dreams saw coming
* Death violence and all sorts of grey lines
December 28, 2024
I’m going to be super honest: I didn’t completely follow all the details about the Milvus files, what they were, or how Asher and Harry’s deal with the Australian government came about. But honestly? I didn’t care too much because I was here for the vibes.
I mainly read this to get more of Harry and Asher being badass and ridiculously in love with each other, and it absolutely delivered on that front.
Also, I would 10/10 devour a short story about Medic and Captain. Just putting that out there 👀
I mainly read this to get more of Harry and Asher being badass and ridiculously in love with each other, and it absolutely delivered on that front.
Also, I would 10/10 devour a short story about Medic and Captain. Just putting that out there 👀
October 24, 2024
Love this series and the crossover with Tallowwood. One of my favorite genres are alpha, military with lots of action. We get that in spades and I’m looking forward to more.
November 2, 2024
"Your eyes were never dead," Harry whispered. "They were," Asher replied. "Before you."
I loved THE BAIT just as much as I hoped I would. Rereading The Kite and then the novella got me ready for what I knew would be a roller coaster of emotions and this book didn't let me down. We get to know more about Asher and where he comes from as painful as that is. And we get to see more of the love, banter and bond Harry and Asher share. Their love is the definition of what it should be, and I was rooting for them every step of the way.
We get little glimpses of Jake and August from Tallowwood, which was a treat. And when the book ended, I imagined the four of them BBQing on Harry and Asher's back deck sharing stories and enjoying the simple things in life, that they all worked hard for.
The Milvus Files series holds a special place in my heart, and I adore these characters so much. The story isn't always easy, but from page one of The Kite I was invested in Harry and Asher's journey and I see myself visiting them again in the future.
Memorable Quotes
"I love you. I love the you you've let yourself be these last two years. Happy, carefree. But right now, I need the old Asher Garin back. The Asher who could be anyone he needed to be and then gone in a blink of an eye. A shadow in the dark. No emotions, no mistakes."
"Hidden scars that ran deep, that the last few years of peace and quiet did not do enough to heal."
"You look like my bodyguard," Asher said. Harry shrugged. "Kinda am." "Bodyguard with benefits," Asher mused. "Not really feeling the funnies right now."
"Like leaving Asher felt wrong. Asher was his unit now. His partner. His entire fucking world."
Harry skidded to a stop. "Jesus Christ, can I kill one fucking person?" he yelled.
"Six out of twenty-two," Harry grumbled. "That's all I got. Twenty-seven percent strike rate. You know what that does to my average?"
Asher looked at him like he'd lost his damned mind. "You have wood chips in your hair from where they hit the tree by your head, Harry. By your head!" Harry brushed the bits of wood from his hair and sighed. "You could have let me get more kills than twenty-seven percent."
"No matter what happens today, or tomorrow, next week or ten years from now. You and me, always."
"That's his actual name. Asher Garin." Asher looked up at him, his eyes warm. "My real name. The only name I've ever known."
"There on the patio, as the sun was setting over the ocean, palm trees swaying against a pastel sky, Harry and Asher were married. It was an honor to witness. The way Harry held Asher's face with such tenderness. The way the big man teared up as Asher said, "I do". The way he kissed him softly and swore, in front of us all, that he would love him every day of forever."
I loved THE BAIT just as much as I hoped I would. Rereading The Kite and then the novella got me ready for what I knew would be a roller coaster of emotions and this book didn't let me down. We get to know more about Asher and where he comes from as painful as that is. And we get to see more of the love, banter and bond Harry and Asher share. Their love is the definition of what it should be, and I was rooting for them every step of the way.
We get little glimpses of Jake and August from Tallowwood, which was a treat. And when the book ended, I imagined the four of them BBQing on Harry and Asher's back deck sharing stories and enjoying the simple things in life, that they all worked hard for.
The Milvus Files series holds a special place in my heart, and I adore these characters so much. The story isn't always easy, but from page one of The Kite I was invested in Harry and Asher's journey and I see myself visiting them again in the future.
Memorable Quotes
"I love you. I love the you you've let yourself be these last two years. Happy, carefree. But right now, I need the old Asher Garin back. The Asher who could be anyone he needed to be and then gone in a blink of an eye. A shadow in the dark. No emotions, no mistakes."
"Hidden scars that ran deep, that the last few years of peace and quiet did not do enough to heal."
"You look like my bodyguard," Asher said. Harry shrugged. "Kinda am." "Bodyguard with benefits," Asher mused. "Not really feeling the funnies right now."
"Like leaving Asher felt wrong. Asher was his unit now. His partner. His entire fucking world."
Harry skidded to a stop. "Jesus Christ, can I kill one fucking person?" he yelled.
"Six out of twenty-two," Harry grumbled. "That's all I got. Twenty-seven percent strike rate. You know what that does to my average?"
Asher looked at him like he'd lost his damned mind. "You have wood chips in your hair from where they hit the tree by your head, Harry. By your head!" Harry brushed the bits of wood from his hair and sighed. "You could have let me get more kills than twenty-seven percent."
"No matter what happens today, or tomorrow, next week or ten years from now. You and me, always."
"That's his actual name. Asher Garin." Asher looked up at him, his eyes warm. "My real name. The only name I've ever known."
"There on the patio, as the sun was setting over the ocean, palm trees swaying against a pastel sky, Harry and Asher were married. It was an honor to witness. The way Harry held Asher's face with such tenderness. The way the big man teared up as Asher said, "I do". The way he kissed him softly and swore, in front of us all, that he would love him every day of forever."
November 8, 2025
Another winner! Absolutely loved this one. And I’m still wrapping my head around this being NR Walker. Not your sweet everyday romance and the edginess and brutality is right up my alley. Bravo!
August 17, 2025
The saga of the grumpy and sunshine assassins continues!
I feel for these two just trying to live happily ever after in the middle of nowhere with their cat and small town, only to be dragged back into having to be assassins for plot reasons.
I enjoyed the first book in this series more, and this one felt more like Walker wanted to bridge together the leads from book 1 and the book 3 couple that's introduced in this one. Suffered a bit from the "second book" syndrome in fantasy series where it's more of setting up the world for some future thing rather than feeling satisfying.
This one also just had a lot of gratuitous violence and sex scenes for the sake of reading about the guys getting horny, which is fine, just got boring over time. There's mystery to be solved! Quit boning!! /j
Great narration, I'm not sure if it was something on my end or not but there were repeat phrases/the same couple of paragraphs repeated a couple times throughout this that felt really out of place and confusing.
I really stuck it out just to read the next book with new leads, lol.
I feel for these two just trying to live happily ever after in the middle of nowhere with their cat and small town, only to be dragged back into having to be assassins for plot reasons.
I enjoyed the first book in this series more, and this one felt more like Walker wanted to bridge together the leads from book 1 and the book 3 couple that's introduced in this one. Suffered a bit from the "second book" syndrome in fantasy series where it's more of setting up the world for some future thing rather than feeling satisfying.
This one also just had a lot of gratuitous violence and sex scenes for the sake of reading about the guys getting horny, which is fine, just got boring over time. There's mystery to be solved! Quit boning!! /j
Great narration, I'm not sure if it was something on my end or not but there were repeat phrases/the same couple of paragraphs repeated a couple times throughout this that felt really out of place and confusing.
I really stuck it out just to read the next book with new leads, lol.
December 30, 2024
On its own, this is a very good story. But it suffers in comparison to the first. I'm glad for the opportunity to spend more time with these two, but I guess there's no matching the exhilaration of The Kite.
September 30, 2024
Skimmed a bit towards the end. Enjoyed it but would have been happy with The Kite being a one and done for Harry and Asher since that felt like their story was wrapped up nicely.
January 3, 2025
This was incredible!
December 11, 2025
4,5⭐️
Väääry good!!!
Väääry good!!!
October 22, 2024
Asher and Harry 4eva 🥹 One of my all time fav couples. The audio is fiiiiire
October 4, 2024
This book was absolutely everything I wanted it to be and so so much more, I cannot recommend this enough.
The Kite is one of my favourites from N. R. Walker so, when I heard she was writing a second book for Harry & Asher I was ridiculously excited. I had no idea what to expect from the plot other than knowing I was going to be thrown back in to their world again and I could not have been happier about it. These 2 are just perfect. Their combination of the hardness of their professions with the softness of their love for each other is stunning to read and you really can't stop turning the page, saying "just 1 more chapter" because you cannot get enough of them.
This also takes us back to Tallowwood (another of my favs) and ties in the ending of The Kite & the Christmas special so perfectly. I highly recommend reading both these before starting this one. Not only will everything fit in to place perfectly but they're bloody good reads too!
Spoiler free review but Harry & Asher are thrown back in to the life they thought they'd left behind when Yunho goes missing. Naturally they stop at nothing as they try to find him but, as well as being on a rescue mission, they find out so much about themselves as well. The past comes back to haunt them (in an epic way!!) and it's clear that these 2 will stop at nothing to save each other.
The ending was perfect, the set up for the new series has me already checking for release dates, number of books in the series... anything I can get my hands on!!!
The Kite is one of my favourites from N. R. Walker so, when I heard she was writing a second book for Harry & Asher I was ridiculously excited. I had no idea what to expect from the plot other than knowing I was going to be thrown back in to their world again and I could not have been happier about it. These 2 are just perfect. Their combination of the hardness of their professions with the softness of their love for each other is stunning to read and you really can't stop turning the page, saying "just 1 more chapter" because you cannot get enough of them.
This also takes us back to Tallowwood (another of my favs) and ties in the ending of The Kite & the Christmas special so perfectly. I highly recommend reading both these before starting this one. Not only will everything fit in to place perfectly but they're bloody good reads too!
Spoiler free review but Harry & Asher are thrown back in to the life they thought they'd left behind when Yunho goes missing. Naturally they stop at nothing as they try to find him but, as well as being on a rescue mission, they find out so much about themselves as well. The past comes back to haunt them (in an epic way!!) and it's clear that these 2 will stop at nothing to save each other.
The ending was perfect, the set up for the new series has me already checking for release dates, number of books in the series... anything I can get my hands on!!!
March 31, 2025
Ohhh, The Bait was a ride! If you thought The Catch had you on edge, buckle up because Harry and Asher are back, and this time? The stakes are even higher. Our boys just wanted a little peace, maybe a quiet life, but nope—the universe said, “Let’s make things messy.”
When their friend Yunho goes missing, Harry and Asher get dragged right back into the danger they were trying to leave behind. And let me tell you, the tension? Chef’s kiss. There’s action, there’s suspense, and there’s that perfect mix of oh sht* moments and aww, they love each other so much moments.
Harry is still his snarky, badass self, and Asher? That quiet, deadly, unwaveringly loyal protector energy is everything. Their chemistry is off the charts—one minute, they’re in the middle of some high-stakes drama, and the next, they’re looking at each other like they hung the damn moon. The balance of heart-pounding action and soft-but-searing romance is just so good.
N.R. Walker knows exactly how to pull you in and keep you invested. This book is fast-paced, thrilling, and full of those moments that make you pause just to feel them. If you love suspense with a side of “I’d burn the world for you” romance, The Bait is calling your name.
When their friend Yunho goes missing, Harry and Asher get dragged right back into the danger they were trying to leave behind. And let me tell you, the tension? Chef’s kiss. There’s action, there’s suspense, and there’s that perfect mix of oh sht* moments and aww, they love each other so much moments.
Harry is still his snarky, badass self, and Asher? That quiet, deadly, unwaveringly loyal protector energy is everything. Their chemistry is off the charts—one minute, they’re in the middle of some high-stakes drama, and the next, they’re looking at each other like they hung the damn moon. The balance of heart-pounding action and soft-but-searing romance is just so good.
N.R. Walker knows exactly how to pull you in and keep you invested. This book is fast-paced, thrilling, and full of those moments that make you pause just to feel them. If you love suspense with a side of “I’d burn the world for you” romance, The Bait is calling your name.
October 14, 2024
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.75 stars
The Bait is the second novel in N.R. Walker’s The Milvus Files series and wow is it good! The story follows directly from the excellent first book, The Kite, so you are definitely going to want to read these in order. I think reading the connecting story, The Kite and Tallowwood Christmas Crossover, is a fun addition, as it introduces Harry and Asher to August and Jake from Tallowwood and those two men do play a side role here early on, but it is not essential. Here we see Asher and Harry two years into their retirement, living quiet lives under assumed names. Neither man expected to survive into old age, and neither ever dreamed of finding love and the sense of peace and comfort of their current lives together. Then, suddenly, their lives are threatened and their friends are kidnapped and they are thrust right back into the middle of the chaos.
This story is exciting and intense and thrilling and terrifying.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.75 stars
The Bait is the second novel in N.R. Walker’s The Milvus Files series and wow is it good! The story follows directly from the excellent first book, The Kite, so you are definitely going to want to read these in order. I think reading the connecting story, The Kite and Tallowwood Christmas Crossover, is a fun addition, as it introduces Harry and Asher to August and Jake from Tallowwood and those two men do play a side role here early on, but it is not essential. Here we see Asher and Harry two years into their retirement, living quiet lives under assumed names. Neither man expected to survive into old age, and neither ever dreamed of finding love and the sense of peace and comfort of their current lives together. Then, suddenly, their lives are threatened and their friends are kidnapped and they are thrust right back into the middle of the chaos.
This story is exciting and intense and thrilling and terrifying.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
February 6, 2025
Wow wow wow. What an action packed ride! Way better than any movie coming out nowadays.
After leaving Harry and Asher in their sleepy town we thought that was it, their happily ever after had arrived, but no, too many lose ends, too many bad people, it caught up to them.
Bad decisions, tempers, heartbreak, and deceit, but also the constant of Harry having Asher’s back and vice versa.
The search for 4 is on, and oh what a ride! Absolutely loved it.
Also adored seeing August and Jake from Tallowwood.
And I’m already in love with Captain and Medic, don’t know if they’re getting a book, but I loved them!
Audio narration: 9/10
After leaving Harry and Asher in their sleepy town we thought that was it, their happily ever after had arrived, but no, too many lose ends, too many bad people, it caught up to them.
Bad decisions, tempers, heartbreak, and deceit, but also the constant of Harry having Asher’s back and vice versa.
The search for 4 is on, and oh what a ride! Absolutely loved it.
Also adored seeing August and Jake from Tallowwood.
And I’m already in love with Captain and Medic, don’t know if they’re getting a book, but I loved them!
Audio narration: 9/10
September 30, 2024
We meet the retired professional hit man MM couple, living peacefully in Australia. A kidnapping and some would-be assassins start a bloody adventure. The local MM police couple from a previous book are also featured, as well as a handler who's been kidnapped.
Too much violence, too much talking, too much graphic sex, and too much convoluted back story for me.
Typos: Is "robes" Aussie slang for "wardrobes"? That's what it seemed in context. Either that, or it's an error. One sentence fragment (Do you have an appointment? The woman asked), one "lay in bed" for lie in bed.
Too much violence, too much talking, too much graphic sex, and too much convoluted back story for me.
Typos: Is "robes" Aussie slang for "wardrobes"? That's what it seemed in context. Either that, or it's an error. One sentence fragment (Do you have an appointment? The woman asked), one "lay in bed" for lie in bed.
November 4, 2024
Another tense, fast paced thriller from N.R. Walker. It was interesting noting the dementions added and the shifting of the main characters after two years of peace. I had wondered how on earth this story could be woven so there was a HEA as I did not think it was possible without leaps of faith and holes, but the author delivered.
September 21, 2025
4.5 stars rounded down. Well, this was a wild wild ride, everybody. I loved how action packed this book was. Also, Harry and Asher are just so precious together. Maybe it's not the best romantic suspense book out there, but I still had lots of fun reading it!! 🩷
Also, it reminds me of the "Death and the Devil" series, which I'm currently on my way to re-read!!🩷
Also, it reminds me of the "Death and the Devil" series, which I'm currently on my way to re-read!!🩷
October 25, 2024
So, I'm not warmed up at this second book. I don't know, but Harry and Asher not make it for me. Nor the story.
October 28, 2024
Actual rating: 4.3/5
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