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Nine Tenths of the Law #1
Mutual Possession
Kendrick
Work partner. Life partner. Complicated.
Mine.
That’s how I describe Spencer. The most important thing being that he’s mine. I may not get all of him, but I get as much of him as he can give me. That’s all I need. But the want, the desire, it lives under the surface, longing for something, for more, but knowing that more is about as likely as me walking away from him. Never. Gonna. Happen.
Spencer
The only thing that exceeds my obsession with possessing Kendrick is my love for the man—and my ability to do my job. Well, as long as he’s not clouding my thoughts.
His existence fuels me. His presence energizes me. His touch grounds me. I need him. And I want him to need me the same way. The thought of him getting the one thing I can’t give him from someone else? Death would be more merciful than I would be to whomever had him that way. He’s mine. No one touches what’s mine.
Then a case falls in our laps. One that shouldn’t exist. One that can’t exist. One that needs what we do best. One that changes everything.
Mutual Possession is a heart-pounding story involving a crime that doesn’t exist but needs to be solved and an established couple whose relationship teeters between everything and nothing. Determined to make each other see what they see in the other, neither are prepared for what happens next. Other themes in this romantic suspense story are a sex-positive gray-ace, jealousy, adorable toxicity, possessiveness, slow burn, bi-awakening, and an explosive HEA.
Work partner. Life partner. Complicated.
Mine.
That’s how I describe Spencer. The most important thing being that he’s mine. I may not get all of him, but I get as much of him as he can give me. That’s all I need. But the want, the desire, it lives under the surface, longing for something, for more, but knowing that more is about as likely as me walking away from him. Never. Gonna. Happen.
Spencer
The only thing that exceeds my obsession with possessing Kendrick is my love for the man—and my ability to do my job. Well, as long as he’s not clouding my thoughts.
His existence fuels me. His presence energizes me. His touch grounds me. I need him. And I want him to need me the same way. The thought of him getting the one thing I can’t give him from someone else? Death would be more merciful than I would be to whomever had him that way. He’s mine. No one touches what’s mine.
Then a case falls in our laps. One that shouldn’t exist. One that can’t exist. One that needs what we do best. One that changes everything.
Mutual Possession is a heart-pounding story involving a crime that doesn’t exist but needs to be solved and an established couple whose relationship teeters between everything and nothing. Determined to make each other see what they see in the other, neither are prepared for what happens next. Other themes in this romantic suspense story are a sex-positive gray-ace, jealousy, adorable toxicity, possessiveness, slow burn, bi-awakening, and an explosive HEA.
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 15, 2025
33 people are currently reading
216 people want to read
About the author
Aurora Crane
15 books132 followersAurora Crane is an Australian author who loves to write romance with a healthy serving of banter, snark and all the swoon.
Her books are a mix of MM and MM+. She loves to write men in suits, sprawling universes with a plethora of side characters, and an abundance of steamy situations.
You can find all her links here: https://linktr.ee/auroracrane
Her books are a mix of MM and MM+. She loves to write men in suits, sprawling universes with a plethora of side characters, and an abundance of steamy situations.
You can find all her links here: https://linktr.ee/auroracrane
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
February 18, 2025
Sebastian and Kendrick. These two are mutually obsessed with each other, possessive , co-dependent and all the good stuff but without the sex.
“Are we in a relationship?” Spencer asks breathlessly.
“Yeah, baby, we are.” Lack of sex doesn’t make that any less true. We’ve been in one from the moment our eyes met for the first time, all those years ago.”
I am soooo confused and I spent over half the book being confused. They’ve known each other 6 years - it was love at first sight but one is straight and one is gay. I’m sorry what? So because they are in love but not sexual they haven’t had a sexual relationship with anyone since meeting each other. They both get intensely jealous too.
“The question comes completely out of left field and floors me. “What?” What’s with his fixation on sex lately? Is he trying to kill me? There are quicker, cleaner ways to do it.”
Spencer , who previously always didn’t rise to the occasion whenever things were intimate between them, wants to try the gay sex.
“I want to,” he insists. “I just—I’m scared, Ken. What if we do it, and I can’t? What if nothing happens?”
Kendrick is all jealous and hurt because Spencer has successfully had sex with females but is all soft downstairs when it comes to him.
“The point is him and me. And that’s it.
He opens the shower door, and I blurt out, “I’m gay.”“His mouth parts, half in amusement and half in surprise, his grip tightening on the glass. “You’re not even bisexual, Spence.”
The words make me stiffen indignantly. “Me not getting hard has nothing to do with my sexuality.”
Seriously these two are hilariously crazy about each other and Spencer is kinda adorable all the ways he suddenly tries to make Kendrick even more his. Let’s get matching tattoos and mark each other permanently! Let’s move in! Let’s get married!
“I love you,” Spencer whispers, “and occasionally, I even want to sleep with you.”
“This is so romantic.” I’m not even lying. He always knows how to get my heart racing, in so many ways. “I love you too.”
They confused me but I couldn’t help adoring their crazy in love selves .
The plot isn’t just about these two, there’s a murder mystery, characters from I’m guessing other books by the author, and perhaps a hint of a future book with Xavier and Hunter.
Oh wait - this is a duet? And the second book is with Hunter and Xavier's story, Mutual Obsession , slated release 8th February 2026
“Are we in a relationship?” Spencer asks breathlessly.
“Yeah, baby, we are.” Lack of sex doesn’t make that any less true. We’ve been in one from the moment our eyes met for the first time, all those years ago.”
I am soooo confused and I spent over half the book being confused. They’ve known each other 6 years - it was love at first sight but one is straight and one is gay. I’m sorry what? So because they are in love but not sexual they haven’t had a sexual relationship with anyone since meeting each other. They both get intensely jealous too.
“The question comes completely out of left field and floors me. “What?” What’s with his fixation on sex lately? Is he trying to kill me? There are quicker, cleaner ways to do it.”
Spencer , who previously always didn’t rise to the occasion whenever things were intimate between them, wants to try the gay sex.
“I want to,” he insists. “I just—I’m scared, Ken. What if we do it, and I can’t? What if nothing happens?”
Kendrick is all jealous and hurt because Spencer has successfully had sex with females but is all soft downstairs when it comes to him.
“The point is him and me. And that’s it.
He opens the shower door, and I blurt out, “I’m gay.”“His mouth parts, half in amusement and half in surprise, his grip tightening on the glass. “You’re not even bisexual, Spence.”
The words make me stiffen indignantly. “Me not getting hard has nothing to do with my sexuality.”
Seriously these two are hilariously crazy about each other and Spencer is kinda adorable all the ways he suddenly tries to make Kendrick even more his. Let’s get matching tattoos and mark each other permanently! Let’s move in! Let’s get married!
“I love you,” Spencer whispers, “and occasionally, I even want to sleep with you.”
“This is so romantic.” I’m not even lying. He always knows how to get my heart racing, in so many ways. “I love you too.”
They confused me but I couldn’t help adoring their crazy in love selves .
The plot isn’t just about these two, there’s a murder mystery, characters from I’m guessing other books by the author, and perhaps a hint of a future book with Xavier and Hunter.
Oh wait - this is a duet? And the second book is with Hunter and Xavier's story, Mutual Obsession , slated release 8th February 2026
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 10, 2025
This is exactly the type of possessive/obsessive love that i'm ALWAYS looking for. There's no hate-sex, no confusion about why they feel like they want to crawl into eachother's skin, they know they're in love and that's what fuels the possessiveness. They always need to be touching, lots of kisses and cuddles. The OTT jealousy of previous partners before they had even met, or people who aren't a threat to them, the jealousy that's easily simmered down by reassurance. The title of this book fits so perfectly, the intense feelings for each other are perfectly mutual even tho one character seems to be on the ace spectrum. And unfortunately that leads me to why this wasn't a 5 star read for me although I LOVE their relationship, possibly the closest I've ever read to what I'm always craving in my romance books.
I didn't enjoy how repetitive it got from Ken's perspective that Spencer didn't physically respond to him because he was a man. Even though these two have been doing a weird tango for a while, 6 years? It took a good portion of the book for Kendrick to realize that Spencer's need for intimacy are just different and not a reflection of gender. For characters that are supposed to be intelligent, it didn't feel fitting for that to be a plot point in their relationship.
I also didn't care much for all the information about characters who i'm assuming have their own books. It was a bit hard to keep up with some of them, especially since one of them has ...5(?) boyfriends?
Anyway. The relationship was AMAZING for me, it's literally the all consuming love I want to read about all the time. The type of love that if one of them dies, the other is going to die too. They'll be together in all ways.
Most books that claim to have the 'possesive' trope don't always include marriage which was always weird to me since it definitely adds to the possessiveness. But this book did have it! Possessive in all ways, emotionally, physically, tattoos and engravings in their wedding rings. It's like the author went into my brain and picked out my favorite microtropes and added them in there. The only thing that could've made it better was if there had been an on-page marriage with them calling eachother husbands. 🥰
If I seem overly enthusiastic about this, it's because I am. I'm odd in my likes and dislikes and it's always a joy to find a book that aligns with that.
The only downside is the inevitable slump that comes after reading something really good. 😭
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 15, 2025
Mutual Possession is this author's first attempt at first person POV but you'd never know. You're immersed into the love story of Spencer and Kendrick and their adorably toxic relationship. Is there jealousy? Yes. Is there toxicity? Yes and no. They're not toxic together, but their relationship very much isn't normal. And that's what I loved about it. Because you get to see two people who love each other so much that they need to be together, but through it all they only want what's best for one another. Even if it's what "normal" people don't do. It's a wonderful story of love that will make you smile and shake your head at how two people who are so in love can be such idiots sometimes.
February 9, 2025
Have you ever loved someone so much you wished you could open them up, crawl inside of them, and live in them? Been so obsessed with them that there’s nothing you don’t want to know about them? Been so possessive of them that you wish you could surgically attach yourselves to one another and never spend a moment apart?
Probably not, at least not literally.
Not Spencer and Kendrick. Two psychotic private black ops agent peas in a pod, these two men embody “emotionally unhealthy relationship”. They’re everything to each other and yet every single wire of what “everything” includes is coated in a casing of misunderstandings, misinterpretations, ignorance, and omissions. Toss in a hefty amount of guilt, fear, and doubt as the result of events that happened in interconnected books prior to this one (this series is spun off from Crane’s Chain Reaction series), and both of these men are constantly clinging to one another even as they obsess that the other is pulling away.
I’m not going to pretend I care about the plot of this book, because I don’t. I didn’t. It provides a good enough framework for the romance to work, with its themes of obsession gone wrong and the things we do for love, but I have to tell you I was 100% in this book for Spencer and Kendrick.
🩶 What to Expect 🩶
🍒 Cute aggression (look that up)
💣 Cute aggression dialed to 11
🍒 Adorable in their toxicity
💣 Gray-ace bi-awakening
🍒 Sex positivity all around
💣 Medium burn
🍒 1st-person dual POV
💣 They treat each other like their favorite stuffy
🍒 Treating one another like the most precious thing
💣 You’re my entire world
🍒 You’re the best looking thing I’ll ever see
💣 Platonic kisses
🍒 Definitively non-platonic kisses
💣 A ton of snuggles
🍒 Lots of lap time just about everywhere
💣 Platonic bed sharing
🍒 That’s not platonic bed sharing
💣 Pining like a forest
🍒 You go, I go
💣 Why do we even live in different places?
🍒 Pancakes at all hours
💣 I only wear my glasses when he tells me it pleases him
🍒 Talking shop with my boss while he’s bending someone over his desk
💣 You need to belong to me in every way
🍒 There will be no one else, ever
💣 Property of
🍒 We need therapy
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
File Under: Book Series/Contemporary Romance/Found Family/LGBTQ Romance/Spice Level 2
Probably not, at least not literally.
Not Spencer and Kendrick. Two psychotic private black ops agent peas in a pod, these two men embody “emotionally unhealthy relationship”. They’re everything to each other and yet every single wire of what “everything” includes is coated in a casing of misunderstandings, misinterpretations, ignorance, and omissions. Toss in a hefty amount of guilt, fear, and doubt as the result of events that happened in interconnected books prior to this one (this series is spun off from Crane’s Chain Reaction series), and both of these men are constantly clinging to one another even as they obsess that the other is pulling away.
I’m not going to pretend I care about the plot of this book, because I don’t. I didn’t. It provides a good enough framework for the romance to work, with its themes of obsession gone wrong and the things we do for love, but I have to tell you I was 100% in this book for Spencer and Kendrick.
🩶 What to Expect 🩶
🍒 Cute aggression (look that up)
💣 Cute aggression dialed to 11
🍒 Adorable in their toxicity
💣 Gray-ace bi-awakening
🍒 Sex positivity all around
💣 Medium burn
🍒 1st-person dual POV
💣 They treat each other like their favorite stuffy
🍒 Treating one another like the most precious thing
💣 You’re my entire world
🍒 You’re the best looking thing I’ll ever see
💣 Platonic kisses
🍒 Definitively non-platonic kisses
💣 A ton of snuggles
🍒 Lots of lap time just about everywhere
💣 Platonic bed sharing
🍒 That’s not platonic bed sharing
💣 Pining like a forest
🍒 You go, I go
💣 Why do we even live in different places?
🍒 Pancakes at all hours
💣 I only wear my glasses when he tells me it pleases him
🍒 Talking shop with my boss while he’s bending someone over his desk
💣 You need to belong to me in every way
🍒 There will be no one else, ever
💣 Property of
🍒 We need therapy
I was provided a copy of this title by the author. All thoughts, opinions, views, and ideas expressed herein are mine and mine alone. Thank you.
File Under: Book Series/Contemporary Romance/Found Family/LGBTQ Romance/Spice Level 2
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August 31, 2025DNF at 80% which pains me!! I tried to finish but I just couldn’t. I loved the romance part. I loved how obsessed these two with each other and how codependent they were. It was everything else I couldn’t deal with. The author wrote this book as if it was guaranteed everyone has read the other books with the side characters. I did not so I was super lost because no one was introduced they were just brought onto the page without the reader even knowing who they were. Past things were talked about but not explained. Also how have these men been in this weird relationship for 6 years and they are just now making it a physical thing. That made no sense to me. I have no interest in reading any of the other books because all of them seem to be MMM, MMMMM or some version of multiple Ms…
February 20, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Mutual Possession by Aurora Crane starts off the Nine-Tenths of the Law series. It takes place within the author’s larger Chain Reaction universe, and while we have met Kendrick and Spencer in prior books, this series appears to be giving us focus on their shadow team who gets their hands dirty in things the regular police can’t do. The investigation showcases the nature of the team, as we see how they work outside of the law, along with their willingness to take justice into their own hands if needed.
The intensity between these guys is a lot, but I did find myself with a soft spot for them nonetheless. This may be a vibe you need to be in the mood for, but I found it worked for me and I enjoyed Spencer and Kendrick together. I am intrigued by this series and the focus on more members of this team, and I am looking forward to the next story to come.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Mutual Possession by Aurora Crane starts off the Nine-Tenths of the Law series. It takes place within the author’s larger Chain Reaction universe, and while we have met Kendrick and Spencer in prior books, this series appears to be giving us focus on their shadow team who gets their hands dirty in things the regular police can’t do. The investigation showcases the nature of the team, as we see how they work outside of the law, along with their willingness to take justice into their own hands if needed.
The intensity between these guys is a lot, but I did find myself with a soft spot for them nonetheless. This may be a vibe you need to be in the mood for, but I found it worked for me and I enjoyed Spencer and Kendrick together. I am intrigued by this series and the focus on more members of this team, and I am looking forward to the next story to come.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
February 8, 2025
Ever have a book it takes days to finish, cos you dont want if to ever end?????? Meet Kendrick and Spencer ... I kept putting this book down, cos I was getting closer and closer to the end. I NEVER WANTED THIS BOOK TO END
There was something about how they each wanted to rip themselves open for the other, that I adored. Neither could refuse what the other wanted, as a couple they hit ALL my obsessive qualities, as for the story it caught me a few times. Something this author has done before... not saying that as a bad thing. But this author has a way of mixing serious and humorous to keep you engaged.... to the point that I never want the books to end, but want the next one there right now.
Kendrick and Spencer are definately an obsessive couple, and having previous characters showing up now and then was great. However, I think these two are so obsessed with eachother, that we barely needed the rest of the storyline. How they felt about eachother, how previous storylines impacted on them, made them as a couple more obsessive and enough for their story alone.....
There was something about how they each wanted to rip themselves open for the other, that I adored. Neither could refuse what the other wanted, as a couple they hit ALL my obsessive qualities, as for the story it caught me a few times. Something this author has done before... not saying that as a bad thing. But this author has a way of mixing serious and humorous to keep you engaged.... to the point that I never want the books to end, but want the next one there right now.
Kendrick and Spencer are definately an obsessive couple, and having previous characters showing up now and then was great. However, I think these two are so obsessed with eachother, that we barely needed the rest of the storyline. How they felt about eachother, how previous storylines impacted on them, made them as a couple more obsessive and enough for their story alone.....
July 27, 2025
DNF @ 70%
While I liked the clinginess, the plot was boring and kept getting in the way. Once they started hooking up the suspense was gone and all o was left with was a shitty plot.
While I liked the clinginess, the plot was boring and kept getting in the way. Once they started hooking up the suspense was gone and all o was left with was a shitty plot.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 20, 2025
Obsession at first sight is a favorite trope, and though we jump in to this book 6 years after they met, the obsession holds strong as they navigate changes to their relationship.
March 4, 2025
It’s hard for me to describe what i feel about this book.
Ok first of all i was very confused when i start the book, it feel like i have miss out reading the first book? So i try to find the book? Because legit this book started out with them already in 6 years of their relationship with little progress and also in a mission + the whole conversation that they have with other people make me feel like i have missed out reading a chuck of plot regarding everything! 😭😭
But nope this is the first book and that just how it is.. bit hard to work around it at first, yet halfway through I just got information that they already 6 years in relay😭🤦🏽♀️ but the amount of angst that they have & the progression in the relationship feel like they just begin a relay. Yet the intimacy and closeness they have scream GOAL such a uniques writting👏🏼
I mean i am not complaining but just baffled because it is very unique setting, i never read a book where the couple already in relationship from the start of the book + that longg! Also i never read a book where they are still that amount of angst, yearning, wanting & tons of missed communication? (Hard to describe) even after in a relationship for quite so long… what i can conclude from reading this is that they just didn’t have a well communication regarding it (sex) with kinda seems like the main issues in their relationship. I mean after a while i think Spencer is Asexual with his lack of wanting to be in action but still he do love Kendrick.
To me this is a first i have truly read a book heavily representing Asexual character, it was a bit weird at first (not negatively) just confuses because i was so into what was wrong with both of them…and to find out it was actually due to the lack of action in their relationship… with how touchy they both are with each other I didn’t even think that is the issues at first. Also with all the “mission” & “mystery” that happening, I didn’t even care 😭 i skip every moment of that plot because i just so consumed with wanting to know more about them and see how they will work it out…
So yeah it was a good read for me for a first timer reading a book that both couple already crazy in love with each other for a long time, fill with lots of angst yet still have a major conflict that actually can be settle if they talk it out years before 🫠 but i do agree with Kendrick that being with Spencer are complicated.. the amount of whiplash i also get from him 😂😂 the sudden crazy request, sudden everything from him yet also Kendrick greatly love him vice versa for them both ❤️ they got 6⭐️ for the amount of love they both have for each other, the intimacy portrayed in this book is top tier ✨ & the constant reinsurance they give for each other 💖
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
“I am looking at you,” I murmur. I’m always looking at him. There’s nothing about him that’s not worth looking at. Nothing that could ever make me look away.
“Don’t ever stop.” His next kiss is more insistent, lips moving with urgency. For a breathless moment I almost think it’s more, that it’s different. That there’s meaning behind it there’s never been before.
Except the smile in his eyes when he lifts his head is the same as it always is.
Warm, loving, and missing that last spark.
€
He’s still gliding his fingers through my hair, and I want to enjoy it for a few minutes more. I like the feel of his hands on me. I like everything about him. No, that doesn’t adequately describe any of it. I love everything about him. He’s the other half of my soul. Just because my dick stays soft when he touches me doesn’t mean that’s any less true. There’s nothing platonic in the way I feel about him. I don’t need to want to have sex with him to validate my feelings or prove them.
€
He sobers and turns his head, still resting against the back of his seat. “I’m hard as a rock, Spence. That’s what you do to me. You make me want to do so many goddamn depraved things to you. Do you understand that? There’s nothing friendly about the thoughts I have. I want to strip you and make you scream for me.”
I swallow around a lump in my throat. We’ve never explicitly talked about this before. Not like this. “I know.” Of course I know. I provoke it because it makes me feel good. Because knowing he wants me means that I have all the pieces of him. And I’m greedy enough to thrive on it.
“And you—” Another short, sharp laugh. “You’re not even hard.”
“I—” I don’t know what to say to that. Is that a deal breaker? That kiss was worlds better than any sex I’ve ever had. Any soft woman I’ve ever touched. It’s the most pleasurable experience I’ve ever had. Even the chaste ones are because they’re a connection to him that’s mine alone. Why does it matter if it made me hard or not?
Ok first of all i was very confused when i start the book, it feel like i have miss out reading the first book? So i try to find the book? Because legit this book started out with them already in 6 years of their relationship with little progress and also in a mission + the whole conversation that they have with other people make me feel like i have missed out reading a chuck of plot regarding everything! 😭😭
But nope this is the first book and that just how it is.. bit hard to work around it at first, yet halfway through I just got information that they already 6 years in relay😭🤦🏽♀️ but the amount of angst that they have & the progression in the relationship feel like they just begin a relay. Yet the intimacy and closeness they have scream GOAL such a uniques writting👏🏼
I mean i am not complaining but just baffled because it is very unique setting, i never read a book where the couple already in relationship from the start of the book + that longg! Also i never read a book where they are still that amount of angst, yearning, wanting & tons of missed communication? (Hard to describe) even after in a relationship for quite so long… what i can conclude from reading this is that they just didn’t have a well communication regarding it (sex) with kinda seems like the main issues in their relationship. I mean after a while i think Spencer is Asexual with his lack of wanting to be in action but still he do love Kendrick.
To me this is a first i have truly read a book heavily representing Asexual character, it was a bit weird at first (not negatively) just confuses because i was so into what was wrong with both of them…and to find out it was actually due to the lack of action in their relationship… with how touchy they both are with each other I didn’t even think that is the issues at first. Also with all the “mission” & “mystery” that happening, I didn’t even care 😭 i skip every moment of that plot because i just so consumed with wanting to know more about them and see how they will work it out…
So yeah it was a good read for me for a first timer reading a book that both couple already crazy in love with each other for a long time, fill with lots of angst yet still have a major conflict that actually can be settle if they talk it out years before 🫠 but i do agree with Kendrick that being with Spencer are complicated.. the amount of whiplash i also get from him 😂😂 the sudden crazy request, sudden everything from him yet also Kendrick greatly love him vice versa for them both ❤️ they got 6⭐️ for the amount of love they both have for each other, the intimacy portrayed in this book is top tier ✨ & the constant reinsurance they give for each other 💖
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
“I am looking at you,” I murmur. I’m always looking at him. There’s nothing about him that’s not worth looking at. Nothing that could ever make me look away.
“Don’t ever stop.” His next kiss is more insistent, lips moving with urgency. For a breathless moment I almost think it’s more, that it’s different. That there’s meaning behind it there’s never been before.
Except the smile in his eyes when he lifts his head is the same as it always is.
Warm, loving, and missing that last spark.
€
He’s still gliding his fingers through my hair, and I want to enjoy it for a few minutes more. I like the feel of his hands on me. I like everything about him. No, that doesn’t adequately describe any of it. I love everything about him. He’s the other half of my soul. Just because my dick stays soft when he touches me doesn’t mean that’s any less true. There’s nothing platonic in the way I feel about him. I don’t need to want to have sex with him to validate my feelings or prove them.
€
He sobers and turns his head, still resting against the back of his seat. “I’m hard as a rock, Spence. That’s what you do to me. You make me want to do so many goddamn depraved things to you. Do you understand that? There’s nothing friendly about the thoughts I have. I want to strip you and make you scream for me.”
I swallow around a lump in my throat. We’ve never explicitly talked about this before. Not like this. “I know.” Of course I know. I provoke it because it makes me feel good. Because knowing he wants me means that I have all the pieces of him. And I’m greedy enough to thrive on it.
“And you—” Another short, sharp laugh. “You’re not even hard.”
“I—” I don’t know what to say to that. Is that a deal breaker? That kiss was worlds better than any sex I’ve ever had. Any soft woman I’ve ever touched. It’s the most pleasurable experience I’ve ever had. Even the chaste ones are because they’re a connection to him that’s mine alone. Why does it matter if it made me hard or not?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 12, 2025
I hate the idea that anyone ever thought they had a right to touch him, even before I met him. They should have known that he's off limits. That he's belonged to me his entire life.
That if I find out who they are, their life is forfeit.
Even his dreams belong to me, and no one gets to invade them or take up any space.
It is the truth, you psychotic asshole. I don't miss it, I don't want it, because it can't compare to what you make me feel and what you give me. It never will, and it's not worth losing you over. Nothing is."
Recently?" The rage spreads until it's all I can see. I tear at his shirt, roughly yanking it open. Some buttons fly off, and I don't care. I need to see his chest, see where they touched him. Put my mouth over the top and remove any traces of them until I'm all that's left.
There'll never be a time where I don't trust Spencer implicitly. If he wants something, I'll move heaven and earth to give it to him.
Those people don't get to have him, because he's mine. He's been mine our entire lives, even when we didn't know each other. Time is meaningless when it comes to what's between us.
"I need him to want me." I can't live without him needing me. Without him looking for me first when he walks into a room. I need his heartbeat to match mine. When I die, I want him to die too. We have to go at the same time. There's no me without him, no him without me.
Nothing. I love you." Too much. It consumes me until he's the only thought that matters. The entire world can go to hell, so long as he's in my arms.
SPENCER & KENDRICK🫀🧠
This was probably one of the best things I’ve ever read. This type of possessiveness for another human is completely unhinged and I fucking love it. The way they both felt about each other is something you just don’t see in the real world. Despite Spence being asexual, Ken didn’t even give a crap about that he just wanted Spence for him and nothing else😭😭😭. MAY THIS LOVE AND POSSESSIVNESS FIND ME. I just loved loved this sooo much and I don’t think I’ve ever read something so beautiful like this before.
♾️/100⭐️
"I love you so much that I hate it, Ken. I want to chain you to me so that you can never move more than a foot away from me. I want to put a tracker on you so I know where you are every second you're not with me. I want to walk around having you smell of me. I want the entire world to know I'll skin them alive if they even think about laying claim to you."
That if I find out who they are, their life is forfeit.
Even his dreams belong to me, and no one gets to invade them or take up any space.
It is the truth, you psychotic asshole. I don't miss it, I don't want it, because it can't compare to what you make me feel and what you give me. It never will, and it's not worth losing you over. Nothing is."
Recently?" The rage spreads until it's all I can see. I tear at his shirt, roughly yanking it open. Some buttons fly off, and I don't care. I need to see his chest, see where they touched him. Put my mouth over the top and remove any traces of them until I'm all that's left.
There'll never be a time where I don't trust Spencer implicitly. If he wants something, I'll move heaven and earth to give it to him.
Those people don't get to have him, because he's mine. He's been mine our entire lives, even when we didn't know each other. Time is meaningless when it comes to what's between us.
"I need him to want me." I can't live without him needing me. Without him looking for me first when he walks into a room. I need his heartbeat to match mine. When I die, I want him to die too. We have to go at the same time. There's no me without him, no him without me.
Nothing. I love you." Too much. It consumes me until he's the only thought that matters. The entire world can go to hell, so long as he's in my arms.
SPENCER & KENDRICK🫀🧠
This was probably one of the best things I’ve ever read. This type of possessiveness for another human is completely unhinged and I fucking love it. The way they both felt about each other is something you just don’t see in the real world. Despite Spence being asexual, Ken didn’t even give a crap about that he just wanted Spence for him and nothing else😭😭😭. MAY THIS LOVE AND POSSESSIVNESS FIND ME. I just loved loved this sooo much and I don’t think I’ve ever read something so beautiful like this before.
♾️/100⭐️
"I love you so much that I hate it, Ken. I want to chain you to me so that you can never move more than a foot away from me. I want to put a tracker on you so I know where you are every second you're not with me. I want to walk around having you smell of me. I want the entire world to know I'll skin them alive if they even think about laying claim to you."
February 25, 2025
Kendrick and Spencer are adorably toxic together and that works perfectly for them. Their relationship could not be written in any other way to be true to the characters, it's in their nature. But it's a beautiful caring toxicity, their priority and only goal is to make their partner happy.
Kendrick and Spencer have been each other's shadows for so long, secure in their role. But something has rocked the boat and doubts began to creep in, shaking that security. However, they don't see anything wrong with their extreme possessiveness, jealousy, or codependency. That is the only thing that feels right and remains the same. It's the "title" of the type of relationship they have that's now questionable.
Spencer struggled the most with his "role title". He always wanted the cuddles, hugs, and attention but never needed anything more (sex never on his radar). But he thinks Kendrick might need more so he does some soul searching to find answers to his complex sexuality, not giving up no matter how confusing or difficult it becomes. He wants ALL of Kendrick and cannot handle Kendrick not being completely happy in their relationship.
Kendrick fully accepts Spencer as he is and knows that Spencer gives him what he never gives to anyone else ..love, trust, intimacy, and his undivided attention. However, he still goes out of his way to support Spencer on his journey of self reflection and reminding Spencer that he is already Kendrick's world when needed.
And while trying to find a new balance in their relationship, they also need to help solve a murder and capture a possible serial killer. The suspenseful, action packed, and tense moments are perfectly woven with moments of humor (Spencer's inner thoughts are hilarious), self discovery, sweetness, and steam. Even though one of the MC is not sex-driven, there is still plenty of steam. It also makes some their moments very intimate, creating a beautiful window into their souls.
Kendrick and Spencer have been each other's shadows for so long, secure in their role. But something has rocked the boat and doubts began to creep in, shaking that security. However, they don't see anything wrong with their extreme possessiveness, jealousy, or codependency. That is the only thing that feels right and remains the same. It's the "title" of the type of relationship they have that's now questionable.
Spencer struggled the most with his "role title". He always wanted the cuddles, hugs, and attention but never needed anything more (sex never on his radar). But he thinks Kendrick might need more so he does some soul searching to find answers to his complex sexuality, not giving up no matter how confusing or difficult it becomes. He wants ALL of Kendrick and cannot handle Kendrick not being completely happy in their relationship.
Kendrick fully accepts Spencer as he is and knows that Spencer gives him what he never gives to anyone else ..love, trust, intimacy, and his undivided attention. However, he still goes out of his way to support Spencer on his journey of self reflection and reminding Spencer that he is already Kendrick's world when needed.
And while trying to find a new balance in their relationship, they also need to help solve a murder and capture a possible serial killer. The suspenseful, action packed, and tense moments are perfectly woven with moments of humor (Spencer's inner thoughts are hilarious), self discovery, sweetness, and steam. Even though one of the MC is not sex-driven, there is still plenty of steam. It also makes some their moments very intimate, creating a beautiful window into their souls.
February 18, 2025
I don't think I've ever loved an Aurora Crane book more, and that's saying something considering my obsession with her one and only co-write book.
Mutual Possession is...everything I love in Crane's writing and then some. The romance, the feels, the characters, the banter, the FEELS. I couldn't put this book down and never wanted it to end because damn, it hit all the right places.
Spencer and Kendrick are perfect together. It may not seem that way from the outside, since there is a toxicity to their relationship, but it works. The level of co-dependency didn't seem weird or too off base, but instead, it brought something to the table for both of them to hold on to. Here are two people who don't trust easily for various reasons and yet they have each other, and that is a certain type of beautiful. Just because we may not understand it doesn't mean it's wrong or that they shouldn't be together.
Spencer's sexuality is complicated. And I loved the author for portraying someone who loves sensuality and touching his partner but doesn't really do sex. There's a lot of quiet intimacy in this book and I think it really highlights the difference between sex and intimacy. As an ace person, I loved Spencer. He was figuring himself out, and while it's hard and confusing for him, he doesn't let it stop him from wanting Kendrick. And Ken...he was perfect. He never pushed, he made sure Spencer knew he could stop at any time, and he was just supportive in a way I wish to have one day. It was beautiful, and the tension between them was so real even though they didn't fall into the norm of sexual intercourse, their feelings, touches, and love were intimate enough.
This book is one of my favorites of the year, and I so cannot wait for more in this world.
Mutual Possession is...everything I love in Crane's writing and then some. The romance, the feels, the characters, the banter, the FEELS. I couldn't put this book down and never wanted it to end because damn, it hit all the right places.
Spencer and Kendrick are perfect together. It may not seem that way from the outside, since there is a toxicity to their relationship, but it works. The level of co-dependency didn't seem weird or too off base, but instead, it brought something to the table for both of them to hold on to. Here are two people who don't trust easily for various reasons and yet they have each other, and that is a certain type of beautiful. Just because we may not understand it doesn't mean it's wrong or that they shouldn't be together.
Spencer's sexuality is complicated. And I loved the author for portraying someone who loves sensuality and touching his partner but doesn't really do sex. There's a lot of quiet intimacy in this book and I think it really highlights the difference between sex and intimacy. As an ace person, I loved Spencer. He was figuring himself out, and while it's hard and confusing for him, he doesn't let it stop him from wanting Kendrick. And Ken...he was perfect. He never pushed, he made sure Spencer knew he could stop at any time, and he was just supportive in a way I wish to have one day. It was beautiful, and the tension between them was so real even though they didn't fall into the norm of sexual intercourse, their feelings, touches, and love were intimate enough.
This book is one of my favorites of the year, and I so cannot wait for more in this world.
February 8, 2025
This is Aurora's first foray into writing in first person, and I have to say I think she did a great job. Spencer and Kendrick's relationship is a bit of an odd one, they are very codependent on each other and are attached at the hip. While I wasn't on board with their relationship in the beginning, overtime I got to better understand both of the men and see how they are truly each other's person.
In the beginning there seemed to be quite a bit of back and forth, yes they were attached to each other but it seemed as though Spencer got close only to then hold Kendrick at arms length.. But! As the story goes on we get to see him realize how he truly feels about Kendrick and see his actions in proving how much he cares about his partner in crime.
I really appreciate how Aurora showcases how you can have a meaningful relationship without having to have sex be the main priority. I love how both Spencer and Kendrick were happy and satisfied by simply spending time together, and by cuddling. They didn't need to have sex to be happy or prove their love for one another, and I loved how that was highlighted.
The case that these two men are investigating will have you eager to uncover the secrets right alongside them. As soon as they think they might have a lead, it leads to a dead end, and they have to start over once more. I enjoyed how the case was written and I liked being able to go on that investigative journey with these characters.
All in all, a great start to a brand new series. I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes!
In the beginning there seemed to be quite a bit of back and forth, yes they were attached to each other but it seemed as though Spencer got close only to then hold Kendrick at arms length.. But! As the story goes on we get to see him realize how he truly feels about Kendrick and see his actions in proving how much he cares about his partner in crime.
I really appreciate how Aurora showcases how you can have a meaningful relationship without having to have sex be the main priority. I love how both Spencer and Kendrick were happy and satisfied by simply spending time together, and by cuddling. They didn't need to have sex to be happy or prove their love for one another, and I loved how that was highlighted.
The case that these two men are investigating will have you eager to uncover the secrets right alongside them. As soon as they think they might have a lead, it leads to a dead end, and they have to start over once more. I enjoyed how the case was written and I liked being able to go on that investigative journey with these characters.
All in all, a great start to a brand new series. I'm looking forward to seeing where this goes!
February 21, 2025
I’ve read this author before - The Chain Reaction trilogy - and I was interested in the characters that Jericho worked with. So when I saw the author had written this I decided to read it. To confirm you get background context for Spencer and Kendrick’s trauma - that makes them extra codependent- but you don’t have to have read them to enjoy this book.
Now I love an unhealthy red flag codependent relationship, as long as there’s no non/dub con (which there isn’t any). These two are basically in a relationship but there’s no sex. Now apart from a murder plot in the background this book explores the definition of sexual desire and the requirements of this as being what’s needed for the concept of a relationship vs friendship.
Spencer is not labelled at all in this book, he loosely calls himself straight but to be blunt he’s had sex twice and has literally no desire, so is he actually straight? He admittedly doesn’t want or need to have sex, he prefers the comfort and connection of kissing/cuddling. Kendrick does have sexual desires and he knows Spencer doesn’t. So there a lot of thought processes and how to work around this. I liked it, as it didn’t try to stick a definition on sexuality, they just made it work for them.
I thought the murder plot was a bit out there, like the bad guy was just really random, no hints or clues, they just worked it out near the end. I’d say the book is like 50/50 on plot vs relationship.
I’m actually more invested in the next book, as we got hints of this super codependent/toxic relationship in the Chain Reaction trilogy, so I’m really looking forward to the next book in this duet.
Now I love an unhealthy red flag codependent relationship, as long as there’s no non/dub con (which there isn’t any). These two are basically in a relationship but there’s no sex. Now apart from a murder plot in the background this book explores the definition of sexual desire and the requirements of this as being what’s needed for the concept of a relationship vs friendship.
Spencer is not labelled at all in this book, he loosely calls himself straight but to be blunt he’s had sex twice and has literally no desire, so is he actually straight? He admittedly doesn’t want or need to have sex, he prefers the comfort and connection of kissing/cuddling. Kendrick does have sexual desires and he knows Spencer doesn’t. So there a lot of thought processes and how to work around this. I liked it, as it didn’t try to stick a definition on sexuality, they just made it work for them.
I thought the murder plot was a bit out there, like the bad guy was just really random, no hints or clues, they just worked it out near the end. I’d say the book is like 50/50 on plot vs relationship.
I’m actually more invested in the next book, as we got hints of this super codependent/toxic relationship in the Chain Reaction trilogy, so I’m really looking forward to the next book in this duet.
February 11, 2025
I didn't read the Chain Reaction series, so this is the first time I'm meeting Kendrick and Spencer. Perhaps if I had, I wouldn't be as disturbed by' their odd, distinctly odd relationship. I did enjoy the mystery plot trajectory. Which is why this didn't end up a DNF with apologies to the author. As their friend. (non friend for Kendrick) Sebastian called it, the two have a toxic codependency (p 133).
Possessive, obsessed, unable to function without the other. They profess their love, they are constantly touching and Spence really turns Kendrick's crank. But Spence doesn't become erect. It makes Ken insecure. Both mains doubt the other. "He's going to lose interest... I can't hold onto him."
I got halfway through, DNF was no longer on the table. I was starting to like these two angsty psychotics. The way they worked the case more so than their bedroom behavior. There was a bit of sizzling steam, but the mental dialog, of the" if anyone else touches him, I'll kill them" variety usually took me out of the scene.
The entire black ops team was slightly bent. But they did make for interesting secondaries. Some of them were mains in the earlier series.
While I prefer the stories of Ms Crane's other nom de plume, Zarina Aston, this book did hold my attention. And it makes me curious for the earlier books.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
Possessive, obsessed, unable to function without the other. They profess their love, they are constantly touching and Spence really turns Kendrick's crank. But Spence doesn't become erect. It makes Ken insecure. Both mains doubt the other. "He's going to lose interest... I can't hold onto him."
I got halfway through, DNF was no longer on the table. I was starting to like these two angsty psychotics. The way they worked the case more so than their bedroom behavior. There was a bit of sizzling steam, but the mental dialog, of the" if anyone else touches him, I'll kill them" variety usually took me out of the scene.
The entire black ops team was slightly bent. But they did make for interesting secondaries. Some of them were mains in the earlier series.
While I prefer the stories of Ms Crane's other nom de plume, Zarina Aston, this book did hold my attention. And it makes me curious for the earlier books.
I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my review.
February 17, 2025
Kendrick & Spencer 😍 Where do I even start on how these two men make feel.
I was already in love/intrigued when they were introduced in Chain reaction series and they’re even better than what I was expecting.
I love the possessiveness they both had for each other. I love it, it’s the best thing in the world when two people are so obsessed with each other and nobody else matters. Some might call it toxic but it was perfect in my eyes.
They’re both partners in every sense in the world. From working together to being life & romantic partners, they spend every moment together.
After the incident of Kendrick getting injured and Spencer getting kidnapped which is the prologue of the book, both of them realise how fragile life is and they’re both trying so hard to keep each other safe. A bit unhealthy, yes, but it works for them. Especially Spencer, he’s having a hard time. Also, since Spence is ace, sex is not really something he cares or needs so he’s starting to get worried whether Kendrick needs more. While all Kendrick wants in life is Spencer. Their relationship evolves and changes throughout the book. It’s a turn for the better as they start living together and plans to get married as well.
I love their story, it was amazing to read and I couldn’t keep the book down. Also the cameos from other characters is always appreciated and makes me wanna re read some book and patiently waiting for others.🥳
I was already in love/intrigued when they were introduced in Chain reaction series and they’re even better than what I was expecting.
I love the possessiveness they both had for each other. I love it, it’s the best thing in the world when two people are so obsessed with each other and nobody else matters. Some might call it toxic but it was perfect in my eyes.
They’re both partners in every sense in the world. From working together to being life & romantic partners, they spend every moment together.
After the incident of Kendrick getting injured and Spencer getting kidnapped which is the prologue of the book, both of them realise how fragile life is and they’re both trying so hard to keep each other safe. A bit unhealthy, yes, but it works for them. Especially Spencer, he’s having a hard time. Also, since Spence is ace, sex is not really something he cares or needs so he’s starting to get worried whether Kendrick needs more. While all Kendrick wants in life is Spencer. Their relationship evolves and changes throughout the book. It’s a turn for the better as they start living together and plans to get married as well.
I love their story, it was amazing to read and I couldn’t keep the book down. Also the cameos from other characters is always appreciated and makes me wanna re read some book and patiently waiting for others.🥳
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 17, 2025
I have only read a couple of books by the author previously but none were from the Chain Reaction series, so I think I have missed a bit of the start of the relationship between these two. However, because of the nature of the relationship I don't feel like I have missed much. Could be wrong but going with it anyway.
This was kind of a slow burn but at the same time not as they had been together for a while. I love slow burns so it was right up my alley. I am not sure how to take the sex parts because it's such an individual thing - it's never actually said in the book but I am thinking Spencer is asexual or on the spectrum of. Because of this I feel inadequate to say anything about it, but my personal take on it is that even though Spencer could mostly leave the sex part part of their relationship, he gets a lot of enjoyment out of making Kendrick feel good and even enjoys it a lot himself, so it did not feel forced.
However, these two are so obsessed with each other that it made for some weird reading here and there. But because it was from both sides, I think it actually worked. Maybe. I did enjoy seeing them both together, so I guess it did work in the end.
The crime side of it was quite predicable, especially at the end, and I mostly did not care for it. I just wanted to see Kendrick and Spencer together. And mostly I got it, so I was happily satisfied.
This was kind of a slow burn but at the same time not as they had been together for a while. I love slow burns so it was right up my alley. I am not sure how to take the sex parts because it's such an individual thing - it's never actually said in the book but I am thinking Spencer is asexual or on the spectrum of. Because of this I feel inadequate to say anything about it, but my personal take on it is that even though Spencer could mostly leave the sex part part of their relationship, he gets a lot of enjoyment out of making Kendrick feel good and even enjoys it a lot himself, so it did not feel forced.
However, these two are so obsessed with each other that it made for some weird reading here and there. But because it was from both sides, I think it actually worked. Maybe. I did enjoy seeing them both together, so I guess it did work in the end.
The crime side of it was quite predicable, especially at the end, and I mostly did not care for it. I just wanted to see Kendrick and Spencer together. And mostly I got it, so I was happily satisfied.
June 10, 2025
Dear Alessandra-Hazard-Readers and Lovers of All Things Codependent and Possessive: this book only has 41 reviews currently and many other books by Aurora also seem to be slept on. Dive in and enjoy the insane codependency that this book delivers!
Some quotes
I fucking love it every time he gets like this. Growly, possessive, mine. He may not want to sleep with me, but that doesn’t mean every part of him doesn’t belong to me. No one else gets to have any of him. p. 12
He’s the other half of my soul. Just because my dick stays soft when he touches me doesn’t mean that’s any less true. There’s nothing platonic in the way I feel about him. I don’t need to want to have sex with him to validate my feelings or prove them. p. 48
I’d sink into him if I could. Become one and live inside him forever. p. 93
"...want to be covered in you, smell so strongly of you that no one will ever mistake that you own me.” His growl reverberates through me like a lightning bolt, and then his teeth sink into my skin further, pain lancing down my spine. He pulses in my hand, coating me with his cum. p.99
NSFW infos:
Best friends and partners.
Both White Australian
One is out and gay the other on the ace-spectrum
Some quotes
I fucking love it every time he gets like this. Growly, possessive, mine. He may not want to sleep with me, but that doesn’t mean every part of him doesn’t belong to me. No one else gets to have any of him. p. 12
He’s the other half of my soul. Just because my dick stays soft when he touches me doesn’t mean that’s any less true. There’s nothing platonic in the way I feel about him. I don’t need to want to have sex with him to validate my feelings or prove them. p. 48
I’d sink into him if I could. Become one and live inside him forever. p. 93
"...want to be covered in you, smell so strongly of you that no one will ever mistake that you own me.” His growl reverberates through me like a lightning bolt, and then his teeth sink into my skin further, pain lancing down my spine. He pulses in my hand, coating me with his cum. p.99
NSFW infos:
Best friends and partners.
Both White Australian
One is out and gay the other on the ace-spectrum
February 16, 2025
This is the first book in the Nine Tenths of the Law series. These characters were first introduced in the Chain Reaction series. While I was able to enjoy reading it as a standalone read, you may feel lost in the beginning. I checked that it said book 1 in the series as I felt kind of like I was dropping into the middle of one. But that said, I was able to fully embrace and enjoy this book. It is written well and is easy to read. I loved the entire premise of the black ops team that tries to right the wrongs. This is the story of Kendrick and Spencer. The two are completely head over heels in love with each other. A reference from the book describes their relationship perfectly - the two have a toxic codependency. Each fear losing the other. And beside their developing relationship, there is a murder mysteries to solve. I enjoyed the mysteries very much. I can't wait to read more about this team!
I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a complementary advanced review copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 28, 2025
With this book, Crane not only sets a new record high for possessive characters, she obliterates the competition. The way Kendrick and Spencer think of each other isn't necessarily sane, but that doesn't stop their connection from being at turns hot and poignant. They've found their forever person in each other, but since the status quo wasn't necessarily working anymore, neither man lets a pesky thing like sexuality get in the way of furthering their claim on each other. Most characters might have detoured to some introspection about the nature of attraction and demisexuality, but these guys have more important things to do, like solving a murder while operating in the gray area of the law. They fit seamlessly into the greater world of the fascinating interconnected characters that make up Crane's books. I can't wait to see more of them in further works promised by this author, especially since she never disappoints.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
February 15, 2025
Overall, I enjoyed this book. But I do have mixed feelings about it.
The mutual possessiveness was a lot of fun. Okay, that got this book the three stars.
There was a mystery, I guess, but it didn't get a lot of attention. More focus there would have been nice. (I wasn't interested, but I don't think the author or the characters were particularly interested, either.)
Way too much time was spent on characters from previous books. I don't mind when they make an appearance, but there was so much discussion of their relationships and their sex lives and even walking in on them having sex... They have their own books, do we really need to go there? So exhausting.
Ace rep is great, but... I dunno. So often it's written as such a big deal, and that happened here, too. I wish authors would help to normalise it instead of it always being a major drama.
The mutual possessiveness was a lot of fun. Okay, that got this book the three stars.
There was a mystery, I guess, but it didn't get a lot of attention. More focus there would have been nice. (I wasn't interested, but I don't think the author or the characters were particularly interested, either.)
Way too much time was spent on characters from previous books. I don't mind when they make an appearance, but there was so much discussion of their relationships and their sex lives and even walking in on them having sex... They have their own books, do we really need to go there? So exhausting.
Ace rep is great, but... I dunno. So often it's written as such a big deal, and that happened here, too. I wish authors would help to normalise it instead of it always being a major drama.
February 25, 2025
This was a fun addition to the Chain Reaction world, I really had a good time reading their possessive, codependent, and uniquely sweet relationship. I love romances set around established couples, and Kendrick and Spencer are definitely tangled all together. I’m not sure they really know what their relationship is honestly - other than being absolutely essential to them both. I loved how that kept this a bit off kilter and intriguing to read. I loved the messy dynamics, and was totally on board with the epic levels of pining and possessiveness. The background of the off the books black ops group they work for was fun addition, but my main interest was Spencer and Kendrick beating the odds and finding a happy ending that works for them both. They did not disappoint!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this audiobook
February 17, 2025
It's important to note that this is a spinoff from the Chain Reaction series.
Highly recommend reading this afterwards.
Kendrick and Spencer are partners who begin as coworkers and their attraction is slowly burning hotter and more complex as time goes by. While helping their team with a secret murder case, they are battling their extreme codependency. This romance takes off like a rocket and leaves a trail of confusion and experimentation in its wake. I loved the interesting case that really kept me guessing and the way the whole group worked together to collar the bad guy.
Bonus: Wonderful Grey/Ace representation.
Minus: Extremely short fuses abound. Sheesh.
Looking forward to book two with Hunter.
Highly recommend reading this afterwards.
Kendrick and Spencer are partners who begin as coworkers and their attraction is slowly burning hotter and more complex as time goes by. While helping their team with a secret murder case, they are battling their extreme codependency. This romance takes off like a rocket and leaves a trail of confusion and experimentation in its wake. I loved the interesting case that really kept me guessing and the way the whole group worked together to collar the bad guy.
Bonus: Wonderful Grey/Ace representation.
Minus: Extremely short fuses abound. Sheesh.
Looking forward to book two with Hunter.
March 15, 2025
Kendrick and Spencer are partners in work and life, bound by a deep, possessive connection. Kendrick accepts the parts of Spencer he can have, while Spencer's love and obsession with Kendrick fuel his every move. Their relationship is complicated by unspoken desires and insecurities, but their bond is unwavering. When an extraordinary and impossible case lands in their laps, it challenges their skills and their dynamic, changing everything for them both.
This was an addictive story with the obsession dialled up past maximum. One of the men was ace and the other was happy to be with him no matter what. Their story of their relationship was skilfully merged into their investigation of a murder. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
This was an addictive story with the obsession dialled up past maximum. One of the men was ace and the other was happy to be with him no matter what. Their story of their relationship was skilfully merged into their investigation of a murder. Easy to read, feel and understand. This was an MM story with mature content.
dnf
April 4, 2025Established relationships are my thing, toxic relationships are my thing, so this one here was pretty interesting. However, this is one of the most repetitive books I’ve ever read. Not sure if Spencer is ace or if they’re both possessive af or if they haven’t had sex for years, it’s not like they mentioned it several times in every single chapter!
I liked the mystery, but that’s definitely not the focus of this book. And I curse at spin-off series!! Can we please go back to individual stories and characters? I don’t wanna have to read who-knows-how-many previous books to get the reference, and I absolutely don’t care about characters I don’t know.
Anyway. Interesting dynamic, didn’t like the execution, still have a long way to go. DNF @ 58%
I liked the mystery, but that’s definitely not the focus of this book. And I curse at spin-off series!! Can we please go back to individual stories and characters? I don’t wanna have to read who-knows-how-many previous books to get the reference, and I absolutely don’t care about characters I don’t know.
Anyway. Interesting dynamic, didn’t like the execution, still have a long way to go. DNF @ 58%
February 15, 2025
There’s a bit of “put the fun in dysfunctional” here— the relationship between the main characters is intense, beyond co-dependent, and works for them in ways it takes a moment or two (or at least took me a moment or two) to really appreciate. Kendrick and Spencer are in all ways the heart of the story here, and there are intense emotions, intense moments, and lots to get caught up in as the story goes along. There’s also a mystery of sorts that has its own compelling moments and some cameos from characters who will be familiar to readers of the authors’ previous works.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
*I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
February 7, 2025
I liked the concept of this one. Both characters are fiercely loyal and committed to the other. Their insecurities were valid and made their characters all the more endearing to read. I wish we got more of the beginning of their relationship vs 6 years in but it was still easy to follow. The only dock on this one was the repetitive inner monologue for both characters where they would repeated the same thoughts over and over again. Overall a good read with my most favorite Aurora Crane characters
February 10, 2025
The chemistry & closeness & bond between these two was evident from the first time we met them in the Chain Reaction saga. Their relationship appears (potentially) toxic to outsiders, but it totally works for them. Kendrick & Spence are two halves of the same coin & needed to end up happily together. The murder plot & those action scenes were intense, nail-biting, especially how the last one went. Looking forward to dipping further into this universe, these characters, this series. Another winner!
February 12, 2025
The closeness of both Spencer and Kendrick was adorable but also creepy. They both could not live without each other, practically in each other’s skin. I enjoyed the development of their relationship and the discovery of their deeper feelings for each other. I wish there were more spicy scenes and I also wish that the mystery/investigation was drawn out a little more. The camaraderie amongst the team was great to see. I thought I would see more characters from the Chain Reaction series but it was fine without it. I’m excited to see who’s next for a story.
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