Most people look at a corpse and see an ending. I see the truth.
When Tyler Graham's body lands on my embalming table, the coroner calls it an overdose. But something doesn't add up. He deserved better than to be written off as another dead addict—and someone's going to pay for making him one.
Then Hunter Song breaks into my funeral home looking for answers. Ex-ER nurse. Current addict. Grieving, furious, and beautiful in the kind of raw, unvarnished way that makes my instincts snarl. He thinks I'm an obstacle.
He doesn't know he's already mine.
I was sculpted into something elegant and lethal by the serial killer who raised me. Designer suits. Perfect smiles. A hunger for justice that wears a mask of civility. Hunter is all rough edges and ragged loyalty, a survivor the world left behind. Together, we're predators from opposite worlds—united by grief, fury, and the need to make someone bleed for what they've done.
Tyler's killer thinks no one will come looking. That he can hide behind money, power, and intimidation tactics.
He's about to learn what it means to be hunted.
Hunter's addiction doesn't make him weak. It makes him desperate. And desperate men are dangerous. Almost as dangerous as the man who's decided to keep him.
I have loved this series and I was looking forward to Misha’s story. It doesn’t delve any deeper into his story than what we already know. He does talk about his trauma a bit when explaining to Hunter who he is. But I’d say the majority of the couple’s story is centred more around Hunter than Misha.
Their beginning is very fast-paced. They’re declaring their love within days and because the majority of the focus is on Hunter’s addiction, there is very little time for us as readers to feel their connection as much as I’ve felt for the previous couples.
I have no complaints about how dark it is or anything regarding the plot; you know what you’re getting into with this book if you’ve read any of the others. But the author has a great way of bringing the goodness out even when bad shit is happening all around these couples. The way that the couple became dedicated to each other, became a team, and helped each other through was touching and it was a pleasure to read. Misha is accepted by everyone around him now and wants the same for Hunter.
Unlike the previous couples who are complete polar opposites of each other, Hunter and Misha have similar personalities and issues and use that to bond. Their common goal in getting justice for Tyler just cements their relationship. In the second half, once Hunter is sober, the hunt for the people behind Tyler’s death is on, but I felt like it was again a little too rushed. The justice they got felt a little anticlimactic compared to previous books.
It was still a great ending and it was nice to see War receiving the baton. I just wish there had been more even spread between Tyler’s story and Hunter’s addiction.
MM Romance Vigilante Mafia Trans Rep Addiction Found Family Hurt/Comfort
‼️ PLEASE CHECK TRIGGERS. THIS BOOK COVERS TOUGH TOPICS‼️
1️⃣ **Overall Rating:** ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
2️⃣ **Overview/Synopsis:**: Misha has found a place in the Laskin family. When a body shows up on their table and it brings with it a man who could bring more darkness to Mishas life, he has to choose his demons. But maybe their darkness is made for each other
3️⃣ **Favorite Character:**: Tyler. We don’t get to know him but the compassion and loyalty be brings to the story is awe inspiring. Also Shepard. Because I love that man so much.
4️⃣ **Most Memorable Scene:**: the Walmart Parking lot. I don’t want to give it away 😅
5️⃣ **Favorite Quote or Line:**: “I’m going to show you exactly how much missing you destroyed me. I’m going to worship every inch of skin that almost burned, kiss every place I thought I’d never touch again.”
6️⃣ **Overall Review Summary:**: This is the final story in the Wayward Sons series 😢 but wow has it been a ride.
This book is no different in that it packs an emotional punch and covers some sensitive topics. And as always they are handled with grace and respect. Addiction is such a hard one to read and I’ve read some books that don’t handle writing it well. But Eveland did a wonderful job weaving through it with the care and understanding needed. The same needs to be said for the Trans Rep. I can relate from the aspect of previously being the partner of. So I want to thank them.
This story is dark and I felt I had a personal connection with Hunter as a nurse and my massive dislike for pharmaceutical companies. And the disgusting truth of it. Made me a tad happy for the ending.
While I have enjoyed the other books in this series I am very disappointed in this last book. While the author does warn readers about the drug references it wasn't stated that one MC helps the other MC to use. It is preachy and while there is the initial deal made out of the whole gender misjudgment 30 percent in and tada, oh my the way I'm trans evolves and there wasn't a warning. Most authors of this world will state trans or mm or, or, or in their books to make sure that the readers are well informed before they start reading and unfortunately this author conveniently skipped that part. I read this in KU so I don't have extra dollars on the line here but if I paid for this book because I loved this author and I discovered the disappointment I would be very annoyed because it felt like bait and switch. Word to.the wise, make sure readers are well informed if you are going to put warnings out there not just what you think you want to know. Will I read another from this author? I don't know. It feels like they just wanted to make a political statement not write a great novel.
What a way to ruin an otherwise awesome series. This book was awful and I almost didn't finish it because of how bad it was. Even appearances by characters from the previous books couldn't save this train wreck.
Overly and unnecessarily dramatic, full of plot holes and inconsistencies and so many utterances seemed to come out 'harsher than expected'. It almost feels as though the author wrote this under duress.
The first half was one giant cliché, a veritable PSA of 'Don't do dr*gs, kids!' The second half had somewhat of a story, but not enough to carry the whole book.
This book is not dark romance! This is preachy and repetitive. If this book needed to be written, at least release it as a spin-off and not as the finale for what was otherwise one of the best dark romance series.
I am so disappointed. I didn't think it could get worse than 'Hero Worship' but then this unmitigated disaster is released.
I don't even know if I want to read anything else by this author now after this fiasco. But if I do, l will be borrowing from KU. This was my last one-click purchase by this author. Such a shame.
I was really looking forward to Misha's story since he was introduced in Hero Worship, and this book did him great justice. His character and how he interacted with everyone and the world made complete sense to me. I enjoyed his relationship with Hunter that was a bit of a whirlwind and come with a lot of challenges off the bat but the support and compassion they had was
I will say past couples were more opposites in a way that balanced out each other's differences but with Misha and Hunter they are more similar souls who have overlapping experiences, so their love comes with the understanding of I know what you have been through and I am here with you until the end. It was very sweet and touching.
I will say this book took off right to the races with the attraction/relationship between Hunter and Misha as well as when it came to the conflict of the book. I do wish there had been more of a buildup because the first part felt a little rushed. But the 2nd half's pacing leveled out and felt appropriate for where they were in the story.
Another element I enjoyed in the book is that this book showcased that even close family members can disagree but just because your angry and disagree doesn't mean you don't show up for your family when they truly need you because you love them. This series has had amazing found family vibes and I have loved it.
I think this was a great way to close out the wayward son's series and I can't wait to see what happened in the connected books.
----- This book is about Misha who has found a new life and family when he came to America escaping from Paris. He now works in the family's funeral home and for most people they see corpses and an ending but for Misha he sees the truth. So, when Tyler's body comes to the funeral home misgendered and labeled as an overdose Misha knows something is off, he just doesn't know what, but he is going to get to the bottom of it because Tyler deserves more than just being written off as another dead addict. But it's not just Misha who thinks something is off because in the middle of the night Hunter Song tries to break into the funeral home looking for his own answers. As an Ex-Er nurse and current addict he knew Tyler was not an addict and didn't overdose. Seeing Hunter's rage and beauty does something to Misha that makes him stand up and take notice and want to keep Hunter for himself. Because beneath the designer suits and beautiful smile is a man who was sculpted by a serial killer into a predator. While they may from different worlds they are both predators driven by a need for justice and are united in their grief and fury and someone will bleed for what they have done. Thankfully they don't have to wait long as Tyler's killer comes looking for his body and thinks that he can hide behind his money, power and intimidation tactics to take what he wants. But this killer is about to learn what it is like to be hunted by real predators.
This is Book 7 in the Wayward Sons Series and the final story. These are written as stand alones so you don't need to read them in order but it's best if you do to get the family dynamics. I would at least recommend reading book 6 Hero Worship before this one to get Misha's background.
🌶🌶🌶.5
This is also a dark vigilante Romance so check the TWs before heading in. A big one to make note of is the on page drug abuse and addiction struggles. There is also on page withdrawal/relapse. So please please don't skirt around them just take a peek!
Misha is finding his place in the Laskin Family after they took him in. When Tyler, a young homeless man, comes across his table at the morgue Misha takes an interest in finding out his story because there are some red flags in his file. Hunter was a friend of Tyler's and also wants to get to some answers regarding his death, so after being busted by Misha when trying to break into the funeral home the two decide to work together to get to the bottom of this. Hunters current state and addiction issues make him a liability more then an asset to the other Laskins but Misha doesn't waver he see's a kindred soul in Hunter. These two go through it man. I think I read a whole chapter through my fingers at one point. Misha and Hunter are just 2 broken guys finding that they can be whole together. I will say I absolutely love how even though Tyler is gone, he sorta isn't through the story. L. Eveland never let's you forget what's driving these two and it could be me all mushy but I feel like he was there with Hunter in the bond they had. I'm sad to see the series end but it was so amazing and gave representation to almost everyone through this family. It will always be a series I recommend I'm glad to see so many spin off ideas happening because I just can't get enough!
This book, what a journey and the perfect ending to The Wayward Sons series. I will miss all these men and their fierce family. The story actually begins with Xander and Ash's book, Hero Worship. Here we meet Misha(Michael) a stunning trans man kept by the horrendous Roche as a specimen of beauty, a model who is being slowly drugged and collected as a butterfly would be. Xander and Misha kill Roche. And Misha is taken in by the Laskins, saved? and given a place as a Mortician. Vital Signs starts as Tyler dies in the snow. He was a bright homeless but hopeful trans man using drug trials to earn money for top surgery and a better life, his last thought that no one will know who he is. So begins the most incredible book about two men who build a life from broken pieces and not only remember Tyler but create a whole very large space in the world so that no one like him will ever be forgotten. Vital Signs gets it's name because it is Hunter's love language for Misha, for Hunter from Misha, and for people that are saved throughout this book L. writes a note at the end telling how The Waywards Sons took them through dark times and how dark times still exist for trans people today but they end it on a hopeful note. I only hope they are right about the future and keep on writing astounding, meaningful and riveting stories like this book.
I really enjoyed this book. Both Hunter & Misha have been through so much and they are exactly just what the other needs, as they’re both messed up in their own ways but they definitely understand each other. When Hunter’s friend Tyler dies and ends up on Misha’s table it’s the catalyst that brings these two together, they both decide to team up to get justice for Tyler and takedown those responsible for his death. I did find that their relationship definitely moved at warp speed but I suppose with what they’ve both been through why wouldn’t they take any moment of good and understanding where they could.
This book focuses more of Hunter’s addiction than what Misha went through, he did tell Hunter about what happened and he had a couple of flashbacks but apart from that we don’t learn anything new than we learnt about in Hero Worship. I wish that the sick f*cks that were running the drug trial got off way too easily but that could just be me lol. I’m looking forward to reading more books from this universe, as well as more books from L Eveland in the future. I’d definitely recommend this book, series, universe and author to everyone.
I have been wanting this story ever since Hero Worship after Xander and Ash rescued Misha from the clutches of Roche. Now Misha helps at the family funeral home as a mortician. When Tyler a young trans man was found dead, Misha vows to give him the justice he deserved. Hunter, Tyler's best friend, an ex nurse and whilst he is an addict he looked out for Tyler, teaming up with Misha, it was them against the world. Running throughout the current investigation, we learn more about what happened to Misha in Paris and why Hunter walked away from nursing. Whilst this is the last in this series, this was the one that hit me, the emotional read involving addiction and homelessness was realistic and there were times that I had to take a moment as I watched this two strong men battle family and authority to get what Tyler deserved and whilst it is bittersweet to finish this series, I am pleased to see there will be future books set in this world and what a way to finish having the whole family make an appearance, wanting me to start all over again .
3.5 stars rounded up because of the overall series.
I have hugely enjoyed the Wayward Sons series and was very much looking forward to Misha - the rescued victim, broken but not beaten, from book 6 - getting his own story. This book is very much Hunter's however. Misha is there, as are the Laskin family, but this is mostly about Hunter, his friend, his addiction, his battle. I loved parts of it, there are some real heart tugging moments, and others less so. Despite the overall dark theme (and some dark scenes) this isn't really a dark romance, though the way many of the characters (both protagonist and antagonist) are very dark.
Oh and if you haven't spotted it in the content advisory, Misha is trans. I've seen people rate the book down for this not being clearly enough signalled. I don't agree that it isn't. I'd really recommend reading the previous books, or at least book 6 in any case, before Vital Signs, it will make so much more sense!
A good series makes you sad the ride is over. An excellent series makes you want to go back to the beginning and start the ride all over again. (I'm currently trying to talk myself out of that, but only because my TBR is already out of control.) Misha may not be a brother, but he has more than earned his place in the Laskin family. Eveland doesn't make it easy on anyone, though, giving us plenty of unexpected conflict to escalate the initial tension. Even Misha and Hunter's connection is put through a significant trial, allowing Eveland to create truly three-dimensional characters who must fight for their happily ever after. I appreciate all the risks Eveland has taken with this series, and I highly recommend it to any reader looking for a darker romance that highlights the good that exists in the world instead of merely reveling in the shades of gray.
Disclaimer: I received a digital review copy of this book from the author.
I really enjoyed the depth of these characters and all the emotions that came with it. At the same time everything else about this book seemed so rushed and was lacking compared to the other books in the series. While I love Misha and Hunter I do feel like this could have been a novella cause it ruined this being the end of the series for me. There story didn’t bring anything to the table when it came to the Laksins as a whole and honestly this book made them seem more judgmental in a way. We could have stopped at Xavier’s book because now I don’t feel any sort of closure with the series and the characters which sucks. I also wish there were more interactions from the other characters within the series.
Even though I had some issues with this series ending with this book; I will say I liked the raw emotions that came from Misha and Hunter which played a big part in my 4 ⭐️ rating.
Vital Signs, Wayward Sons #7, by L. Eveland, is the final installment in the Wayward Sons series. The first book in the series, Body Count, was my introduction to this author and this series. I have thoroughly enjoyed this series and counted down the days to the release of each installment. Vital Signs was a bit slower in some respects, as extra time was taken to explore the life and recovery of an addict, and exploration of the transgender aspect of the MC. The resolution of the story was satisfying, and I look forward to the peripheral spin-offs of this great universe. I purchased an advance copy of this book, in addition to participating in the ARC. DISCLAIMER: I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Vital Signs is the 7th and I believe final book in the Wayward Sons series. It can be read as a standalone but in my opinion it is better to read the series in order. As with the other books in the series please read the trigger warnings before you start this book as it contains dark themes. This is the story of Misha and Hunter. These two are both broken in their own way but learn they can still work together. I loved the steam, action, and plot of the book. So much emotion in this book and I loved it all. I love L Eveland's story telling and world building. I truly hate seeing this series come to an end. I look forward to reading whatever L Eveland writes next. I would definitely recommend this book and series as 5 star reads. received a free review copy
Hunter and Misha story was heartbreaking and loving at the same time. These two have been through so much and deserve a happy ending. This book was an amazing way to end a series. I like how Misha never gave up on Hunter. He stood by Hunter side while he thought through withdrawals. That Hunter thought his demons for happiness he believed he did didn’t deserve. Both of them are justice and revenge for Tyler. Or anyone that was hurt by the villain in the story. The family is amazing always there standing by each other side. That they will go to war for their family when in danger. I’m happy that these two found their happiness in their dark lives. I cannot wait to see what else L Eveland writes next.
I'm a little sad that I have to say goodbye to the Laskin family with this book. But L. Eveland has created a very worthy conclusion with Vital Signs.
Misha and Hunter's story takes us once again into the darkest depths of humanity. I love this couple. Misha has evolved so much since Hero Worship! Hunter's story is a deeply sad one. What I particularly appreciate about this book is that it stands up for people on the margins of society and highlights the almost unbearable working conditions for nurses during the Covid pandemic.
I'm already very curious to see if there will be cameo appearances by the Laskin family in other books!
Thank you for the book, here is my honest opinion: 4.5⭐️A fitting ending to the excellent series. I enjoyed this the whole way through and especially the parts focused on this very compelling family. Misha and Hunter are such well written characters, flawed, fierce, layered, and immensely human. I really was invested in their story, not so much in their romance, which was maybe a little underdeveloped. The last third was especially compelling and heartbreaking, and I loved when the family finally gets involved in finding justice for Tyler. I am happy to say, the author gives this series the ending it deserves. It’s at one a perfect endings for the series and a promise of new beginnings, and new characters. Loved it❤️
Misha the Paris model that was horrible abused previously. He is now part of the Laskin's family. Hunter was a nurse, but now he is an addict for the last 4 years. A body comes into the morgue and is identified wrong. The two of them need to find out what happened and how to avenge his death. Great ending to the series. Fast paced with a good action story. Finally see Misha's HEA. You don't have to read the whole series but you really should read the previous book. It has Misha's back story in it. Please check the triggers.
Misha at the Laskin Funeral Home received a misgendered body and called a contact on owner's phone, a homeless man, Hunter. Oh, my gosh! A tragic and pitiful opening scene. An intense conspiracy right off the bat. This is L at their finest as the finale of the Wayward Sons series unwinds in a gripping thriller with your favorite murderous family. Both Misha and Hunter- one trans, one cis both queer, broken men with strengths within and passionate senses of justice uniting to balance the scales. I'm sorry to see this dark m/m ride end but it's a fitting one, redemption.
I received an ARC copy of this book. Hunter is a ex nurse turned junky, who meets Misha, ex model turned mortuary assistant/visual anti. They work together to bring down a pharmaceutical company who targets homeless people one of which was Hunters friend Tyler, a transgender man trying to save money to better his life. While investigating the fall for eachother. This is a very dark romance, covering addiction,death, corruption and even torcher. I absolutely love this whole series, but please heed all trigger warnings.
A very satisfying last book in this excellent series. Misha is still struggling with his past in Paris, featured in the previous book. Hunter, a former nurse now homeless due to addiction, tries to get dignity and justice for Tyler. There are some heavy topics, all treated with great sensitivity. Unlike the couples formed in the other books, Misha and Hunter are a lot more alike than opposites. Tyler had a big influence on the whole, which he much deserved. The ending was very touching and, at the same time, promised a great future in spin-off series.
I already loved Misha and was so excited for his book. I was a little torn about Hunter at first. His addiction had the potential to cause Misha pain and almost did. I was glad that he fought to get clean and worked so hard to stay clean. I am not at all surprised that Misha wanted justice for Tyler. It was a little to close to his history. I loved these two and am glad that the family came to accept them. I was a little peeved at them for a bit.
This is Mischa's story. He meets Hunter when a body is bought into the funeral home. The body is that of Tyler and he was Hunter's friend. It seems Hunter died after being part of a drug trial. Mischa decides to investigate and when initially the family tell him to not get involved, they fall out. However, eventually the family does help and Mischa and Hunter get revenge for Tylers death. Apparently this was the last book in the series. Which is a shame as I enjoyed meeting the LArkin family.
I'M NOT CRYING ABOUT THE END OF THIS SERIES, YOU ARE!!! It is always such a bittersweet feeling when a series that you love so much finally comes to an end, but I think this is such a great ending to this dysfunctional family. I was so excited when I found out that Misha was getting a book, but I also had no idea what to expect going into it because he was such a new character. But this book cemented him as not only a member of the Laskins but also as one of my favorite characters in this world. Hunter was also a really good character; I think the way his addiction was portrayed was very real and raw, and it really helped me become attached to him. Overall, I think this book was an amazing addition to this series, and although I'm sad to say goodbye to this family, I can't wait for the spin-offs and to see what comes next from this world.
Taken in by the Laskins, Misha is finding his place and works as a mortician. When he comes across a body with a cause of death that intrigues him, he can’t let it go. Hunter shared a bond with Tyler and Tyler’s death hits him hard, looking for answers he stumbles into Misha. Together they decide to get the answers they both are seeking and the draw between them becomes something neither of them can ignore.
A story of intrigue, of learning to fight for what you want and finding your place in life. Do heed the trigger warnings in this one as substance abuse plays a big role in this story. A story best enjoyed when read in order of series. I’m truly going to miss these guys and the world they have created for themselves.
I was so pleased that this final book dealt with some of the real and gritty aspects of homelessness and addictions. Hunter was strong and determined but also struggling. Working with Misha gave Hunter the chance to seek answers and help with his health. It was not an easy journey, but I loved the way this unlikely pair emotionally bonded in their search for truth and answers.
If you have been following this series as I have, you will notice this book reads just a bit different. The ending will require Kleenex and will give you all the feels!
I was really looking forward to Misha's story and I'm so glad we finally got it. I really appreciate how well this author intersperses light and love within the arguably very dark plots. What a good series with great characters, I've loved getting to know all of the Laskin brothers.