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Tenebrae Cove #2
In Too Deep
Fraser Gorman finds comfort in unrequited love. It’s predictable, safely distant, and forever unobtainable. Zero risk, all the feels. That’s how he’s lived for years. But then the object of his affection plucks at those feelings, pulling at threads that threaten to unravel everything, and Fray has nowhere left to turn but straight into the truth.
Tobin Tiller is broken. Has been for as long as he can remember. He keeps himself distant, building his carefully constructed walls against the rejection he knows is coming. But when he recognises the signs of the bond and who his mate is, he tries to resist. After all, rejecting the bond before Fray can reject him is what he does best.
But the threat of Lusca makes it all inevitable because that’s how fate plays the game. And the men of Tenebrae Cove are about to learn that fate will always win, regardless of their best intentions, and regardless of the rules. Changes are coming, revelations will be made, and the truth is something else entirely.
Fray and Tobin are in too deep for this to play out any other way.
Tobin Tiller is broken. Has been for as long as he can remember. He keeps himself distant, building his carefully constructed walls against the rejection he knows is coming. But when he recognises the signs of the bond and who his mate is, he tries to resist. After all, rejecting the bond before Fray can reject him is what he does best.
But the threat of Lusca makes it all inevitable because that’s how fate plays the game. And the men of Tenebrae Cove are about to learn that fate will always win, regardless of their best intentions, and regardless of the rules. Changes are coming, revelations will be made, and the truth is something else entirely.
Fray and Tobin are in too deep for this to play out any other way.
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 14, 2026
About the author
N.R. Walker
116 books5,411 followersAuthor also writes as A. Voyeur
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance. She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn't have it any other way.
She is many things; a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who she gives them life with words.
She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things...but likes it even more when they fall in love. She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.
She’s been writing ever since...
https://www.facebook.com/N.R.WalkerAu...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
May 25, 2026
At this point, Walker is just embarrassing herself.
Because what even is this book?
The first 40% or so was a rather predictable romance (with obligatory tentacles): besties to lovers, scared of rejection, pining, fated mates, yada yada yada.
Around the halfway mark, a weird blend of juvenile dick humor with intense "end of the world" vibes was introduced. It was bizarre and out of place, but okay.
Unfortunately, that's when the author ran out of steam. There was nothing to fill the second half of the book, so Walker improvised, and no, NOPE, terminate!!, cease & desist immediately:
- The romance between Fraser and Tobin was essentially dropped.
- Random POVs, skipping from one character's head to the next.
- The Norwegian consortium arrived (they were supposedly hiding a secret, but probably not because this "secret" was never revealed, like Walker is storing it in her pocket in case she runs out of ideas again).
- The Maori consortium arrived (dear god, why, though; they were just matchsticks characters who brought nothing to the story, oh, except the woman who was pilfered as a love match).
- A plethora of uninspired secondary characters, all flat and uninteresting (as per my point above).
- New pairings, left and right, including an M/F couple and a throuple who crawled out of the woodwork (which fine, but REALLY?).
- The whole terrifying-but-not-really Lusca thing, which imploded with barely a whimper
- New deceptions and out-of-nowhere reveals and ancient gods and cats ... what the fuck is Walker even thinking?
I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs. This book is such an unholy mess, I honestly can't.
Maybe Walker is going through a mid-life crisis or has been abducted by aliens. She's certainly not the same author who wrote the Red Dirt, Tallowwood, Blind Faith, Imago, and Turning Point series, as well as numerous standalone novels that captured my heart (Galaxies & Oceans, Switched, The Dichotomy of Angels, Evolved, Finders Keepers, Davo, On Davis Row, just to name a few).
I can no longer pretend Walker's current work is up to par, because it's not. It's tired, disjointed, riddled with typos, and not fit for publishing. I'm out.
Because what even is this book?
The first 40% or so was a rather predictable romance (with obligatory tentacles): besties to lovers, scared of rejection, pining, fated mates, yada yada yada.
Around the halfway mark, a weird blend of juvenile dick humor with intense "end of the world" vibes was introduced. It was bizarre and out of place, but okay.
Unfortunately, that's when the author ran out of steam. There was nothing to fill the second half of the book, so Walker improvised, and no, NOPE, terminate!!, cease & desist immediately:
- The romance between Fraser and Tobin was essentially dropped.
- Random POVs, skipping from one character's head to the next.
- The Norwegian consortium arrived (they were supposedly hiding a secret, but probably not because this "secret" was never revealed, like Walker is storing it in her pocket in case she runs out of ideas again).
- The Maori consortium arrived (dear god, why, though; they were just matchsticks characters who brought nothing to the story, oh, except the woman who was pilfered as a love match).
- A plethora of uninspired secondary characters, all flat and uninteresting (as per my point above).
- New pairings, left and right, including an M/F couple and a throuple who crawled out of the woodwork (which fine, but REALLY?).
- The whole terrifying-but-not-really Lusca thing, which imploded with barely a whimper
- New deceptions and out-of-nowhere reveals and ancient gods and cats ... what the fuck is Walker even thinking?
I wanted to scream at the top of my lungs. This book is such an unholy mess, I honestly can't.
Maybe Walker is going through a mid-life crisis or has been abducted by aliens. She's certainly not the same author who wrote the Red Dirt, Tallowwood, Blind Faith, Imago, and Turning Point series, as well as numerous standalone novels that captured my heart (Galaxies & Oceans, Switched, The Dichotomy of Angels, Evolved, Finders Keepers, Davo, On Davis Row, just to name a few).
I can no longer pretend Walker's current work is up to par, because it's not. It's tired, disjointed, riddled with typos, and not fit for publishing. I'm out.
May 19, 2026
EDIT: changed my rating, because why was I even feeling generous?
What the f did I just read?
This book is an absolute mess.
We started where the 1st book stops with the main plot, but here as MCs we have Fray and Tobin... their relationship and bond are wrapped up pretty quickly after a little pining/resistance, and then the absolute nonsense starts: we get a parade of new characters (Fray's Norwegian relatives and Otis' ones from New Zealand), then the plot goes out the window, multiple POVs, the Lusca storyline gets wrapped up very quickly, and the book ends in another cliffhanger that is absolutely ridiculous.
Seems like the author originally planned one book for each couple, but she didn't have enough plot and decided to throw everything into this book.
It's a mess. Book #1 wasn't good, but this is another level of nonsense. I can't even say if there will be another book with Salem's story or if this series ends here.
How this is the same author who's written some of my fav books is beyond me.
What the f did I just read?
This book is an absolute mess.
We started where the 1st book stops with the main plot, but here as MCs we have Fray and Tobin... their relationship and bond are wrapped up pretty quickly after a little pining/resistance, and then the absolute nonsense starts: we get a parade of new characters (Fray's Norwegian relatives and Otis' ones from New Zealand), then the plot goes out the window, multiple POVs, the Lusca storyline gets wrapped up very quickly, and the book ends in another cliffhanger that is absolutely ridiculous.
Seems like the author originally planned one book for each couple, but she didn't have enough plot and decided to throw everything into this book.
It's a mess. Book #1 wasn't good, but this is another level of nonsense. I can't even say if there will be another book with Salem's story or if this series ends here.
How this is the same author who's written some of my fav books is beyond me.
May 16, 2026
Too Much Chaos, Too Many Couples
I love NR Walker, but maybe fantasy / paranormal isn’t my favorite of theirs. This book and book one had good elements and interesting characters, but everything feels just off. The relationships are quick and without a lot of connection beyond the “fated mates we have no choice” aspect. There are so many secrets and conversations that only allude to things but never give us answers. Each story feels half complete with a rushed plot and fast paced romance.
Whereas book one concentrated on one couple, this book is false advertising with the blurb only being about Fray and Tobin. Yes, there story is in here but it’s shared with about four other couples and there are so many chapters from other people’s perspectives.
This book should have either been 200 pages longer or split up into multiple books. I didn’t mind some of the other couples being discovered and bonded in the background but for all of them to be was strange. The plot itself is interesting but again, the resolution came too quickly and without enough details.
This series is interesting but forgettable and for an NR Walker book that’s pretty rare and disappointing.
If the next book is about Salem then maybe I’ll check it out but otherwise I already feel done with this series.
Tropes: Fated Mates, Shifters, Multiple POV, Multiple Couples, Found Family
Rating: ⭐️⭐️ 2/5
Spice: 🌶️ 1/5
Relationship: MM / MMM / MM / MF
I love NR Walker, but maybe fantasy / paranormal isn’t my favorite of theirs. This book and book one had good elements and interesting characters, but everything feels just off. The relationships are quick and without a lot of connection beyond the “fated mates we have no choice” aspect. There are so many secrets and conversations that only allude to things but never give us answers. Each story feels half complete with a rushed plot and fast paced romance.
Whereas book one concentrated on one couple, this book is false advertising with the blurb only being about Fray and Tobin. Yes, there story is in here but it’s shared with about four other couples and there are so many chapters from other people’s perspectives.
This book should have either been 200 pages longer or split up into multiple books. I didn’t mind some of the other couples being discovered and bonded in the background but for all of them to be was strange. The plot itself is interesting but again, the resolution came too quickly and without enough details.
This series is interesting but forgettable and for an NR Walker book that’s pretty rare and disappointing.
If the next book is about Salem then maybe I’ll check it out but otherwise I already feel done with this series.
Tropes: Fated Mates, Shifters, Multiple POV, Multiple Couples, Found Family
Rating: ⭐️⭐️ 2/5
Spice: 🌶️ 1/5
Relationship: MM / MMM / MM / MF
May 15, 2026
Tbh, I don’t know how to rate this. I’m not even sure how to put my thoughts into words. This was . . . a fucking j o u r n e y. And so, so fucking different from the first. It felt like if you crammed multiple complete books, all cut-and-pasted in weird pieces with huge missing chunks, into one book, and then still had yourself a very confusing cliffhanger and odd sort of ending rolled into the backend for funsies. This did not pass the vibe check, for sure, and at this point the only reason I’d continue into another book—or series, or whatever tf is up next for this little world—would be to see Aurin and Salem. And maybe I’d just skim it. Because I love my brain, and I think she’s tired and wants me to prove my love by not doing the blender thingie on purpose. Babe, I gotchu. 2/5**. Respectfully?
**I changed my mind, and I can’t do 3. This wasn’t mid.
**I changed my mind, and I can’t do 3. This wasn’t mid.
May 16, 2026
Walker packed a ton in this book, but managed to leave some unanswered questions.
I want answers to this questions!
I want answers to this questions!
May 15, 2026
This book was a mess. It was just mish mashed together and then spat out.
The only saving grace was the first 25% when there was burning tension between Fray and Tobin. But once they got together it was basically game over.
The multiple POV cutting in. And different stories. And the introduction of gabillion new characters - my brain my brain!
And then left us with a cliffhanger at the end?!?!
I don’t know what happened or where this is going but I’m out.
May 15, 2026
This is a paranormal romance, featuring Tobin Tiller and Fraser Gorman (Fray), and is book two in the Tenebrae Cove series.
Fray has always had an impossible crush on Tobin but it starts to become impossible to ignore. Tobin tries to fight their fated mate bond out of fear of rejection and not being good enough, while danger in Tenebrae Cove feels like it is closing in.
I seriously dove into this book the second it was released, I needed to know what happened and boy a lot happens in this book. Frat and Tobin are so cute together, Tobin fights the dared mate bond but once he gives in, he realises just how much Fray loves him. The mystery / suspense ramps up with the full found family and we saw more characters be introduced.
I don’t know if there will be more books yet, I have so many questions. If you have read this please DM me so we can debrief.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 in series
MM paranormal romance
Small town
Cephamorph Shifters
Opposites attract
Hurt / Comfort
Guarded MC
Unrequited love
Fated mates
Spicy times
Tentacle kink
Found family
Mystery / suspense
HEA hint
Fray has always had an impossible crush on Tobin but it starts to become impossible to ignore. Tobin tries to fight their fated mate bond out of fear of rejection and not being good enough, while danger in Tenebrae Cove feels like it is closing in.
I seriously dove into this book the second it was released, I needed to know what happened and boy a lot happens in this book. Frat and Tobin are so cute together, Tobin fights the dared mate bond but once he gives in, he realises just how much Fray loves him. The mystery / suspense ramps up with the full found family and we saw more characters be introduced.
I don’t know if there will be more books yet, I have so many questions. If you have read this please DM me so we can debrief.
Things to expect in this book are:
Book 2 in series
MM paranormal romance
Small town
Cephamorph Shifters
Opposites attract
Hurt / Comfort
Guarded MC
Unrequited love
Fated mates
Spicy times
Tentacle kink
Found family
Mystery / suspense
HEA hint
May 22, 2026
DNF ~32%
The first book was... readable, and I was intrigued by this pairing, but alas, I am reminded why I rarely read this author anymore. The characters, particularly Tobin, but Fraser as well, felt entirely different from how they were portrayed in book 1. I understand that seeing an outside perspective via internal POV is going to have some differences, but here it felt super jarring and the dynamic just wasn't what I was wanting/looking forward to. Meh writing, and just not for me. I'll give the rest of this series a pass.
The first book was... readable, and I was intrigued by this pairing, but alas, I am reminded why I rarely read this author anymore. The characters, particularly Tobin, but Fraser as well, felt entirely different from how they were portrayed in book 1. I understand that seeing an outside perspective via internal POV is going to have some differences, but here it felt super jarring and the dynamic just wasn't what I was wanting/looking forward to. Meh writing, and just not for me. I'll give the rest of this series a pass.
May 17, 2026
TBH, I was a bit disappointed at first, it'd identity have the grab me and don't let go of the first book. Then the second half started...
OMG!! What a ride!!
Can't wait for book 3!
OMG!! What a ride!!
Can't wait for book 3!
Read
May 19, 2026So... this was weird. The first book was interesting and, just as importantly, it made sense. A police officer experiences something paranormal, he accepts a transfer to a remote village, meets a guy, and there's all the mystery of what is happening and slowly putting the clues together while finding a way into his love interest's... heart. It's nothing eart-shaterring but I like Walker and the first book delivered a different brand of her solid writing.
This one? Is a mess. It's both too short and too long, spending time on trivial things then skipping important stuff to have more sex or something completely new to happen. Spoiler warnings but it's hard to describe otherwise because it's the plot that suffered from paying too much attention to all the wrong things and packing up the main plot in like, two chapters.
We start with the previously teased couple - the two dorks who need to stop hiding behind their fears and have, like, a conversation. It takes them forever but at the same time, after just a few chapters of very annoying emoting of the annoying and frustrating kind, they talk, they "bond" and, guess what, time for a new one! We get a triad. We change POV's. There are some new guests and one of them bonds with one of the residents. We completely gloss over it. They make a random errand that turns out pointless. They make remarks about the cat, who was mentioned before and I thought: a feline shifter, how cute except I was wrong but the actual revelation is thrown in at the weirdest moment and doesn't really get any proper build-up or explanation. Which applies to almost everything.
We got the angst pinning, sex scenes, a new bond to watch just to get jerked back to Imminent danger! then back to personal interactions that really felt more like banter that went nowhere...
I don't get it. Walker is a good writer. This could have been at least two separate books, the main plot could have been the main plot instead of something that never took actual shape before being swept under the rug after one intense scene that felt too easy for what it was supposed to do...
There should be another book, though the main "bad guy" or plotline is basically finished, not that the book actually needed it...? Honestly, it feels like Walker handed it to some random fan with too many ideas or she wrote three books, cut out pieces and put them together in chronological order... Can you tell I am still confused?
Something just didn't mesh about the sequence of events here and I while I enjoyed some parts, I was mostly confused and felt like nothing was happening. Compared to the first book, this one was... bad. I don't like to use this word, because there are books I don't like but I respect that someone else does but this one should have been good and it all went wrong. The romance, that should have saved it? The first one I didn't like, the second one was over before it began and the last one, that could have been even more interesting than the threesome, never actually happened.
I am repeating myself at this point. Can't properly recommend? I'll definitely read the next book if there is one.
This one? Is a mess. It's both too short and too long, spending time on trivial things then skipping important stuff to have more sex or something completely new to happen. Spoiler warnings but it's hard to describe otherwise because it's the plot that suffered from paying too much attention to all the wrong things and packing up the main plot in like, two chapters.
We start with the previously teased couple - the two dorks who need to stop hiding behind their fears and have, like, a conversation. It takes them forever but at the same time, after just a few chapters of very annoying emoting of the annoying and frustrating kind, they talk, they "bond" and, guess what, time for a new one! We get a triad. We change POV's. There are some new guests and one of them bonds with one of the residents. We completely gloss over it. They make a random errand that turns out pointless. They make remarks about the cat, who was mentioned before and I thought: a feline shifter, how cute except I was wrong but the actual revelation is thrown in at the weirdest moment and doesn't really get any proper build-up or explanation. Which applies to almost everything.
We got the angst pinning, sex scenes, a new bond to watch just to get jerked back to Imminent danger! then back to personal interactions that really felt more like banter that went nowhere...
I don't get it. Walker is a good writer. This could have been at least two separate books, the main plot could have been the main plot instead of something that never took actual shape before being swept under the rug after one intense scene that felt too easy for what it was supposed to do...
There should be another book, though the main "bad guy" or plotline is basically finished, not that the book actually needed it...? Honestly, it feels like Walker handed it to some random fan with too many ideas or she wrote three books, cut out pieces and put them together in chronological order... Can you tell I am still confused?
Something just didn't mesh about the sequence of events here and I while I enjoyed some parts, I was mostly confused and felt like nothing was happening. Compared to the first book, this one was... bad. I don't like to use this word, because there are books I don't like but I respect that someone else does but this one should have been good and it all went wrong. The romance, that should have saved it? The first one I didn't like, the second one was over before it began and the last one, that could have been even more interesting than the threesome, never actually happened.
I am repeating myself at this point. Can't properly recommend? I'll definitely read the next book if there is one.
May 15, 2026
Here's NR Walker's "In Too Deep." It's the second novel in the Tenebrea Cove series.
["Fraser Gorman finds comfort in unrequited love. It’s predictable, safely distant, and forever unobtainable. Zero risk, all the feels. That’s how he’s lived for years. But then the object of his affection plucks at those feelings, pulling at threads that threaten to unravel everything, and Fray has nowhere left to turn but straight into the truth.
Tobin Tiller is broken. Has been for as long as he can remember. He keeps himself distant, building his carefully constructed walls against the rejection he knows is coming. But when he recognises the signs of the bond and who his mate is, he tries to resist. After all, rejecting the bond before Fray can reject him is what he does best.
But the threat of Lusca makes it all inevitable because that’s how fate plays the game. And the men of Tenebrae Cove are about to learn that fate will always win, regardless of their best intentions, and regardless of the rules. Changes are coming, revelations will be made, and the truth is something else entirely.
Fray and Tobin are in too deep for this to play out any other way."]
The first few chapters were angsty hell. Not gonna lie. It was rough, from both of them.
Until they got shoved into the water to figure out their shit. Literally. Then it was all heart-eyes and matching (ish) tattoos and love declarations.
Until more shit hit the fan. Not necessarily between them. Spoiler alert. The whole consortium got slapped with drama.
Not sure if I like that aaallllll of it was in one book instead of multiple (or a companion novella)to be perfectly honest. But it was written really well. And we do have at least one more book in the series. Maybe?
But I loved these two. Actually all of everyone in the town. They all deceased the happiness and sass and found family and home that they found at Tenebrea and with their fated mates.
#underthesurface #intoodeep #tenebreacove #tenebreacoveseries #nrwalker #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
["Fraser Gorman finds comfort in unrequited love. It’s predictable, safely distant, and forever unobtainable. Zero risk, all the feels. That’s how he’s lived for years. But then the object of his affection plucks at those feelings, pulling at threads that threaten to unravel everything, and Fray has nowhere left to turn but straight into the truth.
Tobin Tiller is broken. Has been for as long as he can remember. He keeps himself distant, building his carefully constructed walls against the rejection he knows is coming. But when he recognises the signs of the bond and who his mate is, he tries to resist. After all, rejecting the bond before Fray can reject him is what he does best.
But the threat of Lusca makes it all inevitable because that’s how fate plays the game. And the men of Tenebrae Cove are about to learn that fate will always win, regardless of their best intentions, and regardless of the rules. Changes are coming, revelations will be made, and the truth is something else entirely.
Fray and Tobin are in too deep for this to play out any other way."]
The first few chapters were angsty hell. Not gonna lie. It was rough, from both of them.
Until they got shoved into the water to figure out their shit. Literally. Then it was all heart-eyes and matching (ish) tattoos and love declarations.
Until more shit hit the fan. Not necessarily between them. Spoiler alert. The whole consortium got slapped with drama.
Not sure if I like that aaallllll of it was in one book instead of multiple (or a companion novella)to be perfectly honest. But it was written really well. And we do have at least one more book in the series. Maybe?
But I loved these two. Actually all of everyone in the town. They all deceased the happiness and sass and found family and home that they found at Tenebrea and with their fated mates.
#underthesurface #intoodeep #tenebreacove #tenebreacoveseries #nrwalker #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks
May 18, 2026
What a disappointment. I was so looking forward to this book because I loved the first book so much, but this one was a huge mess.
Mild spoilers ahead, but I kept everything as vague as possible.
Fray and Tobin got together super early on. Their relationship was completely unearned and I kept waiting for something to pull them apart so that they would have to work for and prove their love. But nope. It just felt super gratuitous.
Then suddenly we're in the heads of a bunch of other characters we barely know as they also get mates. Which was not the book I was expecting to read. And half of it was about how they didn't want the bond and how it changed their personalities. So I expected some kind of resolution about choice and consent and self, but nope. It just left me feeling icky about the bonds.
And then there was the whole deal with Lusca. From the way it was set up in the first book I expected it to be the running conflict for another 3 books but it was resolved at the end of this book. I at least expected the mate bonds to somehow play a large role in the final battle since that was the implication, but nope. All it did was hold some people back from joining the fight at all.
So I guess that's it? The main conflict was resolved and everyone got mates. It left some weird details open-ended that suggested this might actually be sci-fi and not paranormal, wtf. But otherwise it feels like the series has ended after only 2 books.
There's a lot more I found wrong with the book but those were the biggest disappointments. The only thing I loved was the idea of octopus shifters because it's such a novelty.
Mild spoilers ahead, but I kept everything as vague as possible.
Fray and Tobin got together super early on. Their relationship was completely unearned and I kept waiting for something to pull them apart so that they would have to work for and prove their love. But nope. It just felt super gratuitous.
Then suddenly we're in the heads of a bunch of other characters we barely know as they also get mates. Which was not the book I was expecting to read. And half of it was about how they didn't want the bond and how it changed their personalities. So I expected some kind of resolution about choice and consent and self, but nope. It just left me feeling icky about the bonds.
And then there was the whole deal with Lusca. From the way it was set up in the first book I expected it to be the running conflict for another 3 books but it was resolved at the end of this book. I at least expected the mate bonds to somehow play a large role in the final battle since that was the implication, but nope. All it did was hold some people back from joining the fight at all.
So I guess that's it? The main conflict was resolved and everyone got mates. It left some weird details open-ended that suggested this might actually be sci-fi and not paranormal, wtf. But otherwise it feels like the series has ended after only 2 books.
There's a lot more I found wrong with the book but those were the biggest disappointments. The only thing I loved was the idea of octopus shifters because it's such a novelty.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ok! I am officially obsessed with this series! I am convinced NR Walker is an author who can write anything at all and o will read it with joy.
And Fray getting his HEA with Tobin is an absolute joy to read. Literally years and years of pining, a valiant effort to reject a bond and an eventual giving in done fabulously- all at a perfect pace no suffering in this low angst book only heat romance and swoon!
Tobin’s story broke my heart! Ah he was just so young and alone! And Fray is just perfect for him - he understands him, gets him, supports him, makes him believe in himself. Fray is goals!!
And a mystery of the paranormal variety in the over arching plot thickens, new characters from other consortiums are here because the threat is now spreading and imminent
We learn some more about the bonds we see more bonds we learn a whole bunch more about the threat omg the ending was insane!!! So fantastic and we finally learn about Salem - it is spectacular
This series just absolutely epic, I was not expecting the multi POVs but it was glorious. The blurb does not even hit at what to expect I can to tell how phenomenal the world we explore in this book is.
Highly recommend.
Ps I can’t believe how much NR Walker fit into this book without making it lengthy or wordy but also keeping it totally organic and comprehensible - I am in awe!
And Fray getting his HEA with Tobin is an absolute joy to read. Literally years and years of pining, a valiant effort to reject a bond and an eventual giving in done fabulously- all at a perfect pace no suffering in this low angst book only heat romance and swoon!
Tobin’s story broke my heart! Ah he was just so young and alone! And Fray is just perfect for him - he understands him, gets him, supports him, makes him believe in himself. Fray is goals!!
And a mystery of the paranormal variety in the over arching plot thickens, new characters from other consortiums are here because the threat is now spreading and imminent
We learn some more about the bonds we see more bonds we learn a whole bunch more about the threat omg the ending was insane!!! So fantastic and we finally learn about Salem - it is spectacular
This series just absolutely epic, I was not expecting the multi POVs but it was glorious. The blurb does not even hit at what to expect I can to tell how phenomenal the world we explore in this book is.
Highly recommend.
Ps I can’t believe how much NR Walker fit into this book without making it lengthy or wordy but also keeping it totally organic and comprehensible - I am in awe!
May 15, 2026
4.5! This wasn't exactly what I was expecting, but in a good way! I knew I would love Tobin and Fray and I absolutely did. So much happened in this book but none of it felt rushed. Honestly, it felt a little bit relieveing to me that some of the conflict didn't stretch out. The fight with the Big Bad was great! I also didn't mind all the changing perspectives, I think it really added to the story. I was a little surprised that we actually got more pairings than just Tobin and Fray as I expected them all to get thier own book but again I kind of liked how nothing was dragged out. I definitely would have liked to see more of Dylan's story though. And now i'm definitely curious about Aurin. I'm also curious where it goes from here if it does. New things were introduced but it also could be left alone.
It was short and it was fun. I was hooked and it was packed with stuff going on; not a lull in sight. If you want complexity you won't find it here, but if you just want an easy to absorb cute fun story this is perfect.
It was short and it was fun. I was hooked and it was packed with stuff going on; not a lull in sight. If you want complexity you won't find it here, but if you just want an easy to absorb cute fun story this is perfect.
May 16, 2026
Very happy we got book 2 so soon after book 1! I was beyond curious about Fray and Tobin after what we learned about them in book 1, and we get a decent amount of pining before we get the love story and the background info on Tobin and why he is the way he is.
We got more POVs than I expected in this story, and it threw me at first, but I’m not mad about it. I think it worked for this story and getting the info we got when we got it. I do wish we got more of Kellan and Dylan and Hendrix though… but maybe in a future book??
I really enjoy how the Lusca storyline played out. I was a little stressed there at one point, but I thought it has some interesting twists. Excellent action, reasonable danger to the characters, but a satisfying conclusion, even though there are definitely things I’m still curious about!
I don’t know whether more books are coming. Currently, this one listed as book 2/2 of Tenebrae Cove, but I really feel like there’s more material to work with here and I definitely don’t want to say goodbye to these characters so soon!
We got more POVs than I expected in this story, and it threw me at first, but I’m not mad about it. I think it worked for this story and getting the info we got when we got it. I do wish we got more of Kellan and Dylan and Hendrix though… but maybe in a future book??
I really enjoy how the Lusca storyline played out. I was a little stressed there at one point, but I thought it has some interesting twists. Excellent action, reasonable danger to the characters, but a satisfying conclusion, even though there are definitely things I’m still curious about!
I don’t know whether more books are coming. Currently, this one listed as book 2/2 of Tenebrae Cove, but I really feel like there’s more material to work with here and I definitely don’t want to say goodbye to these characters so soon!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I purchased this book from the Author's website ahead of standard release.
This book was fast paced and full of tense, gripping moments which had me hooked. And yes, the tentacle puns are intentional!
Might be a bit of a spoiler, but this book is more than one love story. It's a community love story which was a surprise to me, but very welcomed. There are a lot of new characters introduced but only in a relatively superficial way - but I never had any issue following along with who was saying or doing what. Nic always writes by showing rather than telling and that shone in this story.
I'm really hungry to learn more about some of the peripheral characters - Salem, Cern, Sawyer's boss, etc - so I'm hoping Nic has a few more stories up her sleeve for this world!
As in my review for book 1, I'll say that readers who loved the Cronin's Key Series will adore this. It has a similar vibe with it's pace and intrigue and I am completely here for it!
This book was fast paced and full of tense, gripping moments which had me hooked. And yes, the tentacle puns are intentional!
Might be a bit of a spoiler, but this book is more than one love story. It's a community love story which was a surprise to me, but very welcomed. There are a lot of new characters introduced but only in a relatively superficial way - but I never had any issue following along with who was saying or doing what. Nic always writes by showing rather than telling and that shone in this story.
I'm really hungry to learn more about some of the peripheral characters - Salem, Cern, Sawyer's boss, etc - so I'm hoping Nic has a few more stories up her sleeve for this world!
As in my review for book 1, I'll say that readers who loved the Cronin's Key Series will adore this. It has a similar vibe with it's pace and intrigue and I am completely here for it!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2026
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
In Too Deep is the second book in N.R. Walker’s Tenebrae Cove series and it picks up fairly soon after the ending of book one. They read almost as one long story and both the seeds of Tobin and Fray’s relationship, as well as the larger world building, begin in Under the Surface. I really loved the first book and I have been eagerly awaiting this second installment. I think this one is definitely a worthy follow up, though the story didn’t quite unfold the way I had expected and the pace threw me a little bit.
If you enjoy paranormal stories, particularly in a small town setting or with some interesting world building twists, definitely check out this series.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
In Too Deep is the second book in N.R. Walker’s Tenebrae Cove series and it picks up fairly soon after the ending of book one. They read almost as one long story and both the seeds of Tobin and Fray’s relationship, as well as the larger world building, begin in Under the Surface. I really loved the first book and I have been eagerly awaiting this second installment. I think this one is definitely a worthy follow up, though the story didn’t quite unfold the way I had expected and the pace threw me a little bit.
If you enjoy paranormal stories, particularly in a small town setting or with some interesting world building twists, definitely check out this series.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
May 16, 2026
Yowza! I loved everything about this book, but now I have to hide the rest under spoilers… 😆
May 20, 2026
The blurb of this book is misleading. We're lead to believe we'll get a bonded fated mates romance with one who doesn't want the bond so there will be angst and pain, etc. And we get that, for 30% of the book, then they have three days of steamy smutty times, then the book becomes a mess. A chaos of other couples finding their mates in the background, and the main couple, the one who is supposed to be the protagonist of this story, starts feeling as a side character, so much that there's no more sexy times, which was much expected from newly horny bonded mates. We get pov from other characters plus more bonding of others and the fight, the much anticipated fight, leaves you with so many questions. I guess there's going to be another book. I will read it, only because I want to find out about those hinted secrets and I'm curious.
May 17, 2026
I very much enjoyed going back to Tenebrae Cove to see this lovely cast of characters. This book is quite different from the first book, as it features a number of matings in quick succession, with a large focus on Fray and Toby, likely tied to the rising of the mysterious deep ocean creature. There is mystery, plenty of action, danger, and paranormal activity. While the book ends completely and in a very good place, it leaves room for offshoots to other groups and people. I hope we get to revisit Tenebrae Cove again or one of the other locations mentioned. There also is the possibility of other creatures emerging from the deep. Can't wait!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This dropped into my kindle this morning and I've spent today reading book 1, then this!
I loved the last book, which set up this one well, with Sawyer and Ciaran's story. This book was better, because we got the whole village romance, not just Fray and Tobin. The last book led to this very well, with the mystery from the deep which made for more characters from other places coming to help Tenebrae Cove.
I am hoping we get more from Tenebrae Cove in the future as there's so much more to unpack! Oh and did I mention tentacles? Lots and lots of tentacles!
I loved the last book, which set up this one well, with Sawyer and Ciaran's story. This book was better, because we got the whole village romance, not just Fray and Tobin. The last book led to this very well, with the mystery from the deep which made for more characters from other places coming to help Tenebrae Cove.
I am hoping we get more from Tenebrae Cove in the future as there's so much more to unpack! Oh and did I mention tentacles? Lots and lots of tentacles!
May 16, 2026
Wow
I loved book one, and as soon as I started this I knew id love it.
The MCs were amazing! Loved their story, the pacing and development was perfect.
I was so invested, trying to not read it too quickly as I didn't want it to end.
This world is so good!
I enjoy that we get to see all the previous characters and get some extra POV.
So much happened, it was so exciting!
I enjoy the hints and intrigue and have finished this book excited for the next.
These will definitely make it onto my bookshelf.
Highly recommend 👌
I loved book one, and as soon as I started this I knew id love it.
The MCs were amazing! Loved their story, the pacing and development was perfect.
I was so invested, trying to not read it too quickly as I didn't want it to end.
This world is so good!
I enjoy that we get to see all the previous characters and get some extra POV.
So much happened, it was so exciting!
I enjoy the hints and intrigue and have finished this book excited for the next.
These will definitely make it onto my bookshelf.
Highly recommend 👌
May 18, 2026
🩵🩵🩵🩵🩵
This is a paranormal story with mm romance, it’s the second book in a series that has to be read in order. Book two starts off where book 1 left us in Tenebrae Cove with an other worldliness of mysteries happening. This story is told from multiple perspectives and I love that as it’s important to understand what’s happening in a particular character’s mind at that point! The characters are fantastically developed and the worldbuilding makes me feel like I was dropped right into the story! I so rarely get surprised with a story and this one really delivers!!
This is a paranormal story with mm romance, it’s the second book in a series that has to be read in order. Book two starts off where book 1 left us in Tenebrae Cove with an other worldliness of mysteries happening. This story is told from multiple perspectives and I love that as it’s important to understand what’s happening in a particular character’s mind at that point! The characters are fantastically developed and the worldbuilding makes me feel like I was dropped right into the story! I so rarely get surprised with a story and this one really delivers!!
May 20, 2026
Wow… There was a lot in this book. I thought it would only be about Fray and Tobin, but nope. Not only did Fray and Tobin pair up after awhile of Tobin denying bond then he finally accepts it and Fray couldn’t be happier and then it’s a lot of s@x. Then the Cove has visitors(family) coming to help when Lusca comes to help fight,but then every one of guys get mated and we find out what Salem is and Lusca finally comes and a lot of stuff happens, a page turner for sure, and the ending…. Not expecting that at all… I so hope there’s a book coming for that person ;) .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 24, 2026
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
I was so excited that we got the second book of the Tenebrae Cove series so soon after the release of the first, Under the Surface, because I was so curious about Tobin and Fray.
This book begins with so much pinning and heartache, which we were given a glimpse into from the first book. Fray has been so hopelessly in love with his best friends for years and Tobin has his own cross to bear and learning about why he has guarded his heart was heartbreaking, fortunately for us the universe has a plan because these two are perfect for each other.
The paranormal plotline thickens in this book and things move very quickly. Due to the imminent threat we are joined by members from ally consortiums, however we are left wondering who are friends and who may be hiding secrets. We are given some unexpected point of views from other members of the consortium as bonds only continue to grow.
There is so much action in the final third of the book and some unexpected turns. We learn more about some characters and I am even more curious about others.
This series is ongoing and just be warned that this book will leave you many, many questions! I cannot wait for answers and to discover more from this world in the next book.
I was so excited that we got the second book of the Tenebrae Cove series so soon after the release of the first, Under the Surface, because I was so curious about Tobin and Fray.
This book begins with so much pinning and heartache, which we were given a glimpse into from the first book. Fray has been so hopelessly in love with his best friends for years and Tobin has his own cross to bear and learning about why he has guarded his heart was heartbreaking, fortunately for us the universe has a plan because these two are perfect for each other.
The paranormal plotline thickens in this book and things move very quickly. Due to the imminent threat we are joined by members from ally consortiums, however we are left wondering who are friends and who may be hiding secrets. We are given some unexpected point of views from other members of the consortium as bonds only continue to grow.
There is so much action in the final third of the book and some unexpected turns. We learn more about some characters and I am even more curious about others.
This series is ongoing and just be warned that this book will leave you many, many questions! I cannot wait for answers and to discover more from this world in the next book.
May 19, 2026
Felt rushed
I was so invested up until the point where a bunch of characters were paired off out of nowhere, with no true development. That's where the book lost me for a while. It felt rushed, forced, and choppy. It also took away from Fray and Tobin, as well. The sudden POVs from other characters also felt out of place. The book picked up again after that, when we returned to Tobin and Fray, but it still felt a bit rushed.
I was so invested up until the point where a bunch of characters were paired off out of nowhere, with no true development. That's where the book lost me for a while. It felt rushed, forced, and choppy. It also took away from Fray and Tobin, as well. The sudden POVs from other characters also felt out of place. The book picked up again after that, when we returned to Tobin and Fray, but it still felt a bit rushed.
May 23, 2026
Fabulous!
I loved this second book that continues the story of Tenebrae Cove. Fray and Tobin are fabulous together and getting more of all the other characters was terrific. It has everything, intrigue, suspense, emotion, heat and surprises, and I devoured it from the first page to the last.
I can’t recommend it highly enough and the reference to K-Mart had me in stitches. Loved it!
I loved this second book that continues the story of Tenebrae Cove. Fray and Tobin are fabulous together and getting more of all the other characters was terrific. It has everything, intrigue, suspense, emotion, heat and surprises, and I devoured it from the first page to the last.
I can’t recommend it highly enough and the reference to K-Mart had me in stitches. Loved it!
Did Not Finish
May 24, 2026I will not give it a rating since I lasted till 20% into the book. And 20% was just miscommunication to a level I was baffled. These characters are adults …. I like some miscommunication here and there but damn man, just sit down and talk WTF was happening here…
So disappointed as I did enjoy book one. Book one also had some issues here and there but overall it was fun so I was looking forward to this book but … yeah no thank you.
So disappointed as I did enjoy book one. Book one also had some issues here and there but overall it was fun so I was looking forward to this book but … yeah no thank you.
May 14, 2026
good!
I read it in a day so definitely loved it. Only issue is, it felt like three books in one. I was hoping for each couple to get a book so if that’s still happening I like this book more. If not it felt rushed. It didn’t feel like it was the end though so I’m guessing there are more books coming or at least one more. I hope I don’t have to wait too long!
I read it in a day so definitely loved it. Only issue is, it felt like three books in one. I was hoping for each couple to get a book so if that’s still happening I like this book more. If not it felt rushed. It didn’t feel like it was the end though so I’m guessing there are more books coming or at least one more. I hope I don’t have to wait too long!
May 17, 2026
I liked the first book very much and thought it was going to be a long series until all the gay boys in Tenebrae Cove had their fated mates, one book per person.
This is not the case - here in book two we start with our couple Fray and Tobin, but suddenly things happen and we have a multiple point of view story with quite some surprises. I am very much looking forward to book 3!
This is not the case - here in book two we start with our couple Fray and Tobin, but suddenly things happen and we have a multiple point of view story with quite some surprises. I am very much looking forward to book 3!
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