Elijah has always been able to see what no one else could. He made a life in a town where every shadow hides a secret, but as a lover of nature desperate for silence and cursed with visions he can’t control, he remains in his own slice of safety away from everyone. Elijah is no stranger to darkness, but when his ex-lovers start turning up dead in brutal, unthinkable ways, every shadow, every whispered suspicion, pushes him closer to the edge.
Mason returns to Brooks Glen with fire in his veins and demons on his back. Once Elijah’s best friend and his first heartbreak, now a detective running from a tragedy that haunts him, Mason is desperate for redemption and carries a fierce determination to protect the one person he never stopped loving. He finds that the boy he used to know is now a man tormented, isolated, and in danger, but can he face the mistakes of their past while their attraction ignites like wildfire?
As the killer closes in and suspicion tightens, Mason is Elijah’s only shield against the shadows. Every glance, every touch, every word sparks reminders of the past they can’t undo, and the desire they can’t ignore. Survival isn’t just staying alive, it’s holding onto each other even when trust is fragile, love comes at a cost, and second chances are worth fighting for.
Obsessed with coffee, cats, books, and broken boys getting their HEAs.
My boys might go through trouble, but I promise lots of sweet and spicy moments in between, and even if it's a tough road getting there, HEA guaranteed.
I loved this! The suspense, the mystery and through it all working on coming back from an epic fallout in their senior year in high school. This story hooked me from the start. Elijah and Mason have history, and I mean a lot of it. They were best friends until everything changed while they were in middle school. Their senior year brought en epic fallout that left a lot of hurt in its wake. Mason left, but now he's back and weird things have been happening in Brooks Glen. There is so much hurt and tension between these two, so it was great to see Mason try and mend the relationship and take care of Elijah. Mason basically turned into an unofficial guard dog and I loved his protectiveness. The suspense and mystery was so well done! I had my guesses but I kept second guessing myself. It was so interesting to find out the answer to the conundrum. I really enjoyed the psychic element the story had! I loved the slightly creepy and scary vibes the book had at times. I kept reading and trying to prepare for a jump scare. I loved that through it all, Elijah and Mason could still mend their bridges and focus on their relationship. I loved their heartfelt discussions and how Mason explained himself, even if the hurt he caused was huge. I loved how Elijah's cat, Enyo saved the day. She was also the one to openly approve of Mason, thus helping Elijah feel safer with him.
If you love suspense, mystery, psychic elements and a journey from best friends to enemies to lovers, then this is the book for you.
Another amazing book by Calliope Rhys. Loved Elijah & Mason. They got their second chance that didn’t seem like it would ever happen. The suspense element was on point! This story kept me on the edge of my seat for most of the book. And I screamed so loud when I figured out the twist!!
Calliope Rhys is definitely an author I am continuously looking forward to when I hear about their new works! I've only read two of her works so far but I am already well on my way to obsessed 🤫. This book gripped me from the start! I mean I was reading it as I was vacuuming the carpet at work. (shh don't tell my boss 🤣👀)
Mason is a police detective forced back to his own town by his own wounded soul, and there he has to face his past choices. He is truly such a complex and well-written character. He's like an onion that had so many layers. He has done a lot of harm in his life, particularly as a teenager, when his fear of being outed forced him to belittle and punish his former best friend Elijah. There will be moments where you WANT to hate him, and you might even a little bit, but you'll love him too. Because at his core he is a good person, who's as lost as the rest of us in this world, but made some awful mistakes along the way. When I say he is a complex fella, I meant it 🥹.
Elijah is also such a special character, his ability for compassion, caring and eventually forgiveness are not traits to take lightly. He's as brave and courageous as Mason. He's been dealt a lot of terrible things in life, and ultimately betrayed by someone he trusted most in this world but still bounces back and holds his own 💜.
I adored Mason & Elijah's relationship SO much. I loved how Elijah made Mason WORK for his forgiveness. Thankfully it was work Mason needed and wanted, as they both fell into a whirlwind situationship that not only affected their hearts but their lives 😈.
The spice between these two was AMAZING 🥵🔥 and you could physically feel the feelings from both characters, as Elijah battles with his feelings of betrayal and Mason deals with his guilt, and ultimately love for both MC's. I am obsessed with these characters and this world! The plot was phenomenal and had me at the edge of my seat just trying to figure out WHO the bad guy was and why it was happening to begin with 🫶. Truly epic! I am so sad to have finished it, just as I'm glad I had the opportunity to read it to begin with. Definitely don't sleep on this murder-mystery, second chance love story between two beautifully fleshed out characters 💜.
Okay, I ended up loving the book, but, I have to be honest, it took me a little while to get into it. I'm not sure where to begin to explain it, because with this author's previous books, it was an instant hook, especially The Night I Lost Him, which is still my favorite (I simply fell in love with that story and its main characters).
Anyway, I did enjoy this book. This author has a way of describing/writing his characters as perfectly imperfect, which makes them less one-dimensional and more relatable, or rather, more human, perhaps? And maybe that's also what made it hard for me to connect with them at first. I mean, how many red flags does Elijah have to see in a partner/lover/boyfriend to distance himself from them, or to never get close to them at all? The best example is Mason. Perhaps the one who betrayed him the most, since he was first his best friend, then became the one who bullied him, and when he comes back, it's almost like Elijah forgives him instantly? I would have liked Elijah to toughen up a bit more, and for Mason to have to work harder for his forgiveness.
However, I have to say that the story is really good, well-written, and has a little bit of everything. For those who like not only romance, but also some suspense and mystery with a paranormal touch, along with some sexy moments, this has all of that and more. It's certainly an emotional rollercoaster, where at times you can barely breathe, at others you want to shake Elijah, and at another moment, to yell at Mason with all your might, only to then feel the atmosphere heat up a bit and suddenly there you are, swooning a little with them.
So, obviously, I ended up, as I said at the beginning, loving it and, of course, recommending it to everyone who reads this!
I was given an advanced copy and voluntarily wrote a review.
This completely hooked me and it’s my first book by this author.
From the start, I was pulled into the mystery and trying to piece everything together. I had my suspicions early on, but that didn’t stop me from being fully invested… and yelling at Mason and Elijah to get with the program.
Their history adds so much tension. Best friends, first love, past hurt, and now thrown back together in the middle of a murder investigation where Elijah is the main suspect? The angst was real. Mason returning, trying to make up for the past while also protecting Elijah, brought this intensity that worked so well against Elijah’s vulnerability.
I also loved how Elijah’s psychic abilities were handled. It wasn’t just a cool extra, it actually shaped his life and the way people treated him, which made everything feel more grounded and emotional.
The mix of romance, mystery, and paranormal elements was really well balanced. The ghost, the shadows, even the cat all added to the atmosphere without taking over the story. It kept things eerie but still focused on the plot and their relationship.
The chemistry between Mason and Elijah is messy, intense, and impossible to ignore… and yes, those “good boy” moments absolutely got me.
Overall, this was gripping, emotional, and kept me guessing the whole time. I definitely need more from this world.
This is a mystery / suspense paranormal romance, featuring Elijah and Mason, and is a standalone book.
Elijah has visions of his future and becomes trapped in a nightmare when his ex-lovers start being brutally murdered. As danger closes in, his ex-best friend and first crush Mason returns home and steps in to protect him, forcing them to face their past and lingering feelings while trying to catch the killer.
This was such an addictive read, I couldn’t put it down. It probably wasn’t a good decision to read it before bed, I had to weirdest dreams ha ha. I loved that Elijah had psychic vibes and Mason’s growly protective vibes going on. The mystery and suspense worked well, I was guessing all the way through it, it’s not too spooky either.
Things to expect in this book are: Standalone book MM romance Check CW Small town Murder mystery / Suspense Ex best friends reunited Detective x vet nurse Psychic visions Hurt/comfort High school bullies Paranormal activity Protective Serial killer threat Forced proximity Angst & trauma Spicy times & dirty talk Hate s*x & Dubcon Handcuffs/restraints S*x toys & marking Outdoor s*x & edging Carries him Touch him and 💀 vibes Second chance HEA
I am so excited to receive another ARC copy from this author! They are one of my favorites
It unfortunately took me a little longer than usual to get through this book because of my busy schedule but I finally had time to finish it This book was really good and the story was well crafted and unique while ensuring that none of the story or character development was lost because of it.
Elijah and Mason were very interesting characters. They had their own stories while continuing to exist together which I really liked. I also loved the kinda enemies to lovers thing they had going on ON that note I do kinda wish the enemies to lovers went on a little longer than it did. They sort of slept together once and from then on Mason decided that they were gonna continue to and he was gonna atone for his past mistakes at the same time.
I do also wish Enyo played a bigger role as this supernatural creature than she did? She was kinda just always at the right place at the right time until the end and that was the extent of her supernatural influences I just felt like her presence was hyped up more in the blurbs than the roll she played.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
I went into this thinking I had it all figured out… I was wrong 😅 I did not put it together who it was until it was way too late, and by then I was screaming at both Mason and Elijah to get with the program!
Mason returns to Brooks Glen with his tail between his legs and is determined to help Elijah stay safe as a way to make up for the hurt he caused in the past. The history between the two holds so much; best friends, first love, and now all this unresolved pain between them. Mason, dealing with his own demons while trying to protect Elijah, brings this intensity that balances Elijah’s fragility really well.
I mean, the chemistry between them? Messy and impossible to ignore. Throw in a couple “Good boys” and I was hooked! I loved how the suspense and romance balanced each other throughout, it kept me guessing and invested the whole time. Definitely worth it if you like a mystery that keeps you on edge and doesn’t give itself away too easily.
What would you do if your childhood best friend (that you lowkey had a crush on) used to bully you, then years later you meet again and he's now a detective handling your case because your ex was murdered and you're the main suspect?
That's literally Elijah's situation and I was losing it the whole time! you already know I love a good murder mystery and this one had me hooked!
Elijah's psychic ability actually mattered to the story. It's not just there to be cool, it really affects how he lives and how people see him, which made me feel for him more. Mason also felt very real to me. He's not perfect, you can tell he's carrying things from the past, and it shows in how he acts. Their history added tension, especially with everything going on in the present. I also liked how the mystery and paranormal elements were balanced. The ghost, the cat, even the shadows all added to the story without taking over it. It kept the vibe a bit eerie but still focused on the plot and their relationship.
Oh my goodness, I have been so excited for thins since Calliope started teasing the story! My heart was RACING!! What an amazing story.
What an amazing second chance story!! Elijah was such a unique character. I just loved him, he was so sweet and caring, trying his best to deal with everything going on around him. I loved the way animals reacted to him. I also really liked that he made Mason work for it. Mason, I wanted to be upset with him more than I was but he also just broke my heart. I couldn’t imagine dealing with what he was dealing with. The two of them go through so much together. I love the way Mason continuously reassures Elijah and is constantly what he needs. Their love story will stick with me for a long time. Also, Mason’s mom was so sweet!!
The suspense and mystery aspect was so good!! I loved how it was a perfect mix of romance and mystery, you got both. I want more!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐½ This book is doing several things at once: romance, mystery, and paranormal — and pulls all three off.
Elijah's psychic abilities are treated with real weight, not as a quirky character trait but as something that isolates him, burdens him, and ultimately becomes central to everything. Mason comes home broken in ways that feel authentic rather than melodramatic. Watching these two navigate old wounds alongside a very present danger makes for gripping reading.
The mystery plot is tightly constructed and the paranormal thread — including a one-eyed cat, a ghost, and shadows that may or may not be friendly — is handled with surprising restraint and genuine emotional payoff.
My only hesitation keeping this from a full five stars is pacing in the middle section. A few scenes run long. But the ending more than delivers.
Elijah has abilities that feel like a curse, a burden that leaves him isolated. Mason, his childhood friend, has returned home with some heavy trauma that leaves him feeling broken. Both men have to fight their demons amidst a killer circling ever closer to Elijah while suspicion mounts in his direction.
Elijah is a clairvoyant of sorts — he has visions, and his current one is that he is going to d*e. His ex-bestie and former crush Mason, now an ex-detective, who hurt him for being gay in high school and became his mortal enemy. Mason has returned to their hometown where Elijah's ex has been murdered. And so it begins.
the writing. Fine. Flows well. Technically competent. And yet I could not feel a single thing for a single person in this book and I genuinely cannot fully explain why. The emotional connection just never arrived. [I kept waiting. It did not come. We move on.]
elijah. Has a problem with collecting every red flag this universe has to offer on a platter and going back for seconds. I just cannot take him seriously because the returning is a choice he keeps actively making. [That's my problem with him and I'm owning it.]
Also, their first meeting after everything ends with Elijah projectile vomiting after getting drunk and them having s*x. Under the 20% mark. While he was completely inebriated. [Both willing participants, sure, but yeah. No. Eww. We are not doing this.] It set a tone I never quite recovered from.
the romance. They keep f*cking throughout while Elijah is simultaneously the prime suspect because his exes are getting offed one by one. And at one point they get hot and heavy right outside one of those dead ex's place. [BUT SERIOUSLY. WHAT IS THE READING OF THE ROOM HERE. WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU? WHY ARE YOU SO PROUD OF IT MASON?!!!] I cannot.
overall. The premise is genuinely interesting, paranormal mm, where a clairvoyant who foresees his own death, a murder mystery, a complicated history between the leads and the writing is technically solid enough to carry it. But the emotional flatness, Elijah's exhausting pattern of red flag collection, and the complete absence of situational awareness from both leads dragged it down. The bones were there. The execution just didn't land for me.
Thank you Calliope Rhys for this early copy. This review is entirely my own.
Elijah and Mason were best friends growing up but then Mason became a stranger overnight. Years later Mason is back in town trying to heal and Elijah wants nothing to do with him. Especially since he is dealing with his own ghosts. Mason wants to make things right between them but Elijah is hesitant to allow him back in his life. But as Elijah's dead ex boyfriends keep piling up, these two are thrown together to face not just the mystery behind who or what is killing the ex boyfriends but they also have to face their past if they want to have a future.
This story is filled with mystery, some supernatural elements and spice. Seeing Mason and Elijah find their way back to each other was heartfelt and had just a little angst. This author knows how to build a world and draw the reader in. From the moment you start to the end, you are enthralled. By the time I finished, I sat and could only stare. The twist at the end had me nearly shouting. This book was amazing and I loved every moment.