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Ever Green #2
Seeing Red
Detective Niko Spruce’s life is falling apart. The high-profile Courtiers he accused in his last case have gone unpunished. No one wants to believe his testimony. And he's under investigation for his conduct on the case thanks to a complaint from convicted felon Sade Hemlock. To top it all off, the Court keeps pressing Niko for information on Cobalt Sincloud’s whereabouts…information Niko doesn’t have.
He hasn’t seen Cobalt in three months. The Selkie promised to return “soon,” but without a single word from him, Niko has lost hope. His heart hardening, he turns all his focus to proving the criminal conspiracy known as the Woods is still active. But when news comes that Sade has been released from prison, Niko shifts priorities to keep Sade under surveillance. A decision that leads Niko to an empty warehouse and Sade strung up—dead.
The world turns on its head, and Niko is on the run, the police accusing him—him—of the murder. Niko is forced to race against the entire police force to uncover the truth about the killing and the Woods. But when Cobalt reappears out of nowhere with another Selkie in tow, Niko finds he’s got too many questions and not enough answers.
What Niko really needs is the help and support of a partner, but as he and Cobalt try to reconnect, Niko fears they lost what they had. Facing a web of widespread corruption in his Court, Niko has nowhere to turn. With all the secrets lingering between them, can Niko trust Cobalt? Or is the question—can Cobalt trust Niko?
Seeing Red is a 180,000 word M/M romance-mystery set in in the fantasy world of the Three Courts. It features explicit BDSM scenes between two men, including edgeplay, making it appropriate for mature readers aged 18 and up. There are also instances of gore, violence, and coarse language. Trigger warnings for descriptions of sexual assault and torture. It is the second novel in the Ever Green Series and best enjoyed following the first novel, Out of the Blue.
He hasn’t seen Cobalt in three months. The Selkie promised to return “soon,” but without a single word from him, Niko has lost hope. His heart hardening, he turns all his focus to proving the criminal conspiracy known as the Woods is still active. But when news comes that Sade has been released from prison, Niko shifts priorities to keep Sade under surveillance. A decision that leads Niko to an empty warehouse and Sade strung up—dead.
The world turns on its head, and Niko is on the run, the police accusing him—him—of the murder. Niko is forced to race against the entire police force to uncover the truth about the killing and the Woods. But when Cobalt reappears out of nowhere with another Selkie in tow, Niko finds he’s got too many questions and not enough answers.
What Niko really needs is the help and support of a partner, but as he and Cobalt try to reconnect, Niko fears they lost what they had. Facing a web of widespread corruption in his Court, Niko has nowhere to turn. With all the secrets lingering between them, can Niko trust Cobalt? Or is the question—can Cobalt trust Niko?
Seeing Red is a 180,000 word M/M romance-mystery set in in the fantasy world of the Three Courts. It features explicit BDSM scenes between two men, including edgeplay, making it appropriate for mature readers aged 18 and up. There are also instances of gore, violence, and coarse language. Trigger warnings for descriptions of sexual assault and torture. It is the second novel in the Ever Green Series and best enjoyed following the first novel, Out of the Blue.
448 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 22, 2019
11 people are currently reading
49 people want to read
About the author
Lyra Evans
14 books95 followersLyra Evans has been making up stories since she was a kid and writing them down since her best friends informed her that was actually a career. Though plot and fantasy are what drive her worlds, she's got a particular love for M/M romance that she can't quite kick (though who would want to?). She tries her best to mix those three elements in her novels. A lover of books, games, food, and travel, she's always excited to try something new.
For updates on her novels and what inspires her, follow her on Twitter.
If you'd like to receive an email alert every time one of her books goes live, you can subscribe to the newsletter here: eepurl.com/cm-Af2 (you'll only receive emails for new books, no spam).
For updates on her novels and what inspires her, follow her on Twitter.
If you'd like to receive an email alert every time one of her books goes live, you can subscribe to the newsletter here: eepurl.com/cm-Af2 (you'll only receive emails for new books, no spam).
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
May 3, 2025
✅ Smut
✅ Characters
✅ Intrigue / Plot
✅ World-building
✅🆗 Pace
✅🆗 Action
✅🆗 Romance
❗️❗️ Trigger warnings: mention of sexual and physical abuse, and explicit BDSM scene with a torture device
3.5 stars
It's been 3 months since the end of Out of the Blue, and Niko can’t let go of the Woods investigation, even though it’s officially solved and closed. He has been receiving anonymous tips on his phones about cases that might be related to the organization, and the more he investigates, the more he gets in trouble because some very important people do not want him to figure out what is really going on. When he is framed for a murder he didn’t commit and a “shoot on sight” order is issued against him, he has only minutes to flee and he is now on the run with no resources and no idea who to trust. Even when Cobalt magically reappears in his life, he’s not entirely sure how he feels about him and what are Cobalt’s intentions once this is all over.
As in the first book, my main issue with this book is the pace. The intrigue is good and complex, but the pace… This book felt so long at times. The beginning is interesting and I was super involved in the plot, but then between 30% and 60% it just dragged on and on and while Niko and Cobalt were on the move and they were trying to escape the police and figure out what was happening, it felt as if not much happened. There are a lot of descriptions, which is not bad but added to the pace that dragged on, it made it hard to stay involved in the plot. The first part is intriguing and hooks us into the story, and the last 15% are full of revelation and action, but in between, it’s rather long.
The BDSM aspect is lighter in this book in the sense that it takes less room in the plot. There is one particular BDSM scene with torture and physical pain, but besides that, the few sex scenes in this book are involving Pet Niko and Master Cobalt in a not too intense BDSM setting. It was kind of funny actually how Niko would start off angry and aggressive and would end up having rough sex… It went a little like this :
Niko: I’m pissed off and I want to hit you hard in the face
Cobalt: You hit me? I’ll push you back and get violent too.
Niko: Aggressivity? Hitting me? I’m turned on now.
Cobalt: You’re turned on? Good thing, I am too. Let’s have sex now.
*Sex scene*
*End of the fight. Let's not talk about it again.*
There are some relationship issues between Niko and Cobalt in this book, mainly because Cobalt promised to “be back real quick” and didn’t show up until 3 months later when Niko’s life was going up in flames. I’m a sucker for angst, but I feel that the issues were not really resolved here. They fought, they made out, Niko talked about his feelings, but there was no real “sit down and talk about it” moment. Still, there is one book left in this trilogy so I’m hoping to see more of them together, I feel that the romance aspect was lacking a little bit due to the whole “running from the police and trying to stay alive” situation they were in.
I was happy to see more of Preston in this book. He was an intriguing character in the first book, and I hope that he will remain an important secondary character in the last book of this trilogy. We saw a little bit of what’s hiding under the shiny surface and I’m even more intrigued now. He had a rough childhood and seems to only be looking for a group to belong to. He did bad things but is not bad deep down so I hope he gets a happy ending too .
1. Out of the Blue ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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✅ Characters
✅ Intrigue / Plot
✅ World-building
✅🆗 Pace
✅🆗 Action
✅🆗 Romance
❗️❗️ Trigger warnings: mention of sexual and physical abuse, and explicit BDSM scene with a torture device
3.5 stars
He felt submerged in something thicker than water—maybe nitroglycerine—clear enough to see through, but the slightest movement could destroy everything. Niko wondered if maybe that was the goal of this exercise, to set everything on fire and rebuild anew from the ashes. Because watching the institution he’d devoted his life to turning so viscerally on him felt much like watching his house burn down. He just wished he understood why it was on fire. And who set it alight.
It's been 3 months since the end of Out of the Blue, and Niko can’t let go of the Woods investigation, even though it’s officially solved and closed. He has been receiving anonymous tips on his phones about cases that might be related to the organization, and the more he investigates, the more he gets in trouble because some very important people do not want him to figure out what is really going on. When he is framed for a murder he didn’t commit and a “shoot on sight” order is issued against him, he has only minutes to flee and he is now on the run with no resources and no idea who to trust. Even when Cobalt magically reappears in his life, he’s not entirely sure how he feels about him and what are Cobalt’s intentions once this is all over.
As in the first book, my main issue with this book is the pace. The intrigue is good and complex, but the pace… This book felt so long at times. The beginning is interesting and I was super involved in the plot, but then between 30% and 60% it just dragged on and on and while Niko and Cobalt were on the move and they were trying to escape the police and figure out what was happening, it felt as if not much happened. There are a lot of descriptions, which is not bad but added to the pace that dragged on, it made it hard to stay involved in the plot. The first part is intriguing and hooks us into the story, and the last 15% are full of revelation and action, but in between, it’s rather long.
The BDSM aspect is lighter in this book in the sense that it takes less room in the plot. There is one particular BDSM scene with torture and physical pain, but besides that, the few sex scenes in this book are involving Pet Niko and Master Cobalt in a not too intense BDSM setting. It was kind of funny actually how Niko would start off angry and aggressive and would end up having rough sex… It went a little like this :
Niko: I’m pissed off and I want to hit you hard in the face
Cobalt: You hit me? I’ll push you back and get violent too.
Niko: Aggressivity? Hitting me? I’m turned on now.
Cobalt: You’re turned on? Good thing, I am too. Let’s have sex now.
*Sex scene*
*End of the fight. Let's not talk about it again.*
There are some relationship issues between Niko and Cobalt in this book, mainly because Cobalt promised to “be back real quick” and didn’t show up until 3 months later when Niko’s life was going up in flames. I’m a sucker for angst, but I feel that the issues were not really resolved here. They fought, they made out, Niko talked about his feelings, but there was no real “sit down and talk about it” moment. Still, there is one book left in this trilogy so I’m hoping to see more of them together, I feel that the romance aspect was lacking a little bit due to the whole “running from the police and trying to stay alive” situation they were in.
Preston shook his head. “Everyone has a price,” he said. “It’s a matter of finding it. But you—your price is the truth. And that doesn’t work for blackmail purposes.”
I was happy to see more of Preston in this book. He was an intriguing character in the first book, and I hope that he will remain an important secondary character in the last book of this trilogy. We saw a little bit of what’s hiding under the shiny surface and I’m even more intrigued now. He had a rough childhood and seems to only be looking for a group to belong to. He did bad things but is not bad deep down so I hope he gets a happy ending too .
1. Out of the Blue ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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December 26, 2025
3.5 stars
Rounding up because the author really took on a LOT in this book. MMC Sparks is framed for a murder and is trying to solve the case while also dealing with his hurt feelings over his fated mate leaving him alone for three months, and also trying to avoid the police who have been instructed to SHOOT HIM ON SIGHT and untangle a huge criminal web in a very corrupt court. In many ways, I am living in similar circumstances in the US at this very moment (as far as the widespread corruption and the inability of the police or FBI to arrest people involved in a huge pedo ring). I still found the "shoot on sight" order to be a little extreme, and also the releasing of an predator from prison right in the beginning because his rights were violated while he was in prison.... seemed like a stretch.
Beyond that, the story was pretty good, and the smut was as good as it was in the first book. However, I was getting a little tired of Niko's internal monologues, and I really wish we could have gotten a POV from someone else like Cobalt or Preston. ALSO, Preston had a ton of charisma in this one! Way way way outshining the love interest Cobalt who has been a pretty flat character since the beginning. I also felt frustrated that the author did not Oh well.
Finally... the ending was pretty ridiculous. I'm rounding up on the stars though, because, even though I found myself more frustrated than happy while reading this... I do think the author deserves an A for effort. And I guess I'm willing to forgive a lot if there's some good kink 🤷♀️
Rounding up because the author really took on a LOT in this book. MMC Sparks is framed for a murder and is trying to solve the case while also dealing with his hurt feelings over his fated mate leaving him alone for three months, and also trying to avoid the police who have been instructed to SHOOT HIM ON SIGHT and untangle a huge criminal web in a very corrupt court. In many ways, I am living in similar circumstances in the US at this very moment (as far as the widespread corruption and the inability of the police or FBI to arrest people involved in a huge pedo ring). I still found the "shoot on sight" order to be a little extreme, and also the releasing of an predator from prison right in the beginning because his rights were violated while he was in prison.... seemed like a stretch.
Beyond that, the story was pretty good, and the smut was as good as it was in the first book. However, I was getting a little tired of Niko's internal monologues, and I really wish we could have gotten a POV from someone else like Cobalt or Preston. ALSO, Preston had a ton of charisma in this one! Way way way outshining the love interest Cobalt who has been a pretty flat character since the beginning. I also felt frustrated that the author did not Oh well.
Finally... the ending was pretty ridiculous. I'm rounding up on the stars though, because, even though I found myself more frustrated than happy while reading this... I do think the author deserves an A for effort. And I guess I'm willing to forgive a lot if there's some good kink 🤷♀️
April 9, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
I’ve been looking forward to this book since I finished the first one, Out of the Blue. And they really do need to be read in order, as this is really a continuation of that story. The big bad gets their comeuppance in the end, and the whole mystery that has swirled since the beginning of the series is tied up. But the author skillfully leaves an opening for more in this series, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing what happens next.
First things first. I’ll be honest and say that when I saw the length of this book, my first thought was that there were going to be section where the pacing lagged and the actions dragged. But in a wonderful surprise, that didn’t happen. Which is a feat in and of itself, considering the length of this story. Every thing is perfectly placed, nothing drags out too much, and the action moves well throughout the story.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
4 stars
I’ve been looking forward to this book since I finished the first one, Out of the Blue. And they really do need to be read in order, as this is really a continuation of that story. The big bad gets their comeuppance in the end, and the whole mystery that has swirled since the beginning of the series is tied up. But the author skillfully leaves an opening for more in this series, and I’m very much looking forward to seeing what happens next.
First things first. I’ll be honest and say that when I saw the length of this book, my first thought was that there were going to be section where the pacing lagged and the actions dragged. But in a wonderful surprise, that didn’t happen. Which is a feat in and of itself, considering the length of this story. Every thing is perfectly placed, nothing drags out too much, and the action moves well throughout the story.
Read Kris’ review in its entirety here.
February 25, 2019
Really enjoyable sequel! 3.5 rounded up.
I thought the mystery and plot here was great and super fascinating, and I continue to adore Niko! I will say, I did feel like the relationship feels were a smidge lacking though. There was a lot of angsty tension between Niko and Cobalt, which I loved, but I felt like there wasn't quite enough focus on those issues throughout. They were continuously mentioned, but then the plot had them moving on before any solid resolution could come about, to the point that I didn't quite feel that they were solid at the end of the book, even though I think I was supposed to. Also, all of their sex scenes felt a little conflicted because of this tension, and though they were enjoyable, it was harder for me to really get into them because there was so much shit for them to work out. IDK, I know there's still another book coming, so I'm hoping we get more actual relationship development and resolution there.
I thought the mystery and plot here was great and super fascinating, and I continue to adore Niko! I will say, I did feel like the relationship feels were a smidge lacking though. There was a lot of angsty tension between Niko and Cobalt, which I loved, but I felt like there wasn't quite enough focus on those issues throughout. They were continuously mentioned, but then the plot had them moving on before any solid resolution could come about, to the point that I didn't quite feel that they were solid at the end of the book, even though I think I was supposed to. Also, all of their sex scenes felt a little conflicted because of this tension, and though they were enjoyable, it was harder for me to really get into them because there was so much shit for them to work out. IDK, I know there's still another book coming, so I'm hoping we get more actual relationship development and resolution there.
December 27, 2019
If I could give 10 stars, I would. I loved Out of the Blue and I love this. They should be read in order to fully enjoy the story. I could gush all day about this book because the story is perfect. I love the characters, even Nico, who definitely has a boatload of issues. This is a mind movie!
January 28, 2024
I quite enjoyed this, especially the politics and corruption.
But certain aspects of Cobalt and Niko’s relationship felt… contrived. Even so, the conclusion was fitting and I can’t wait to get to the next one.
But certain aspects of Cobalt and Niko’s relationship felt… contrived. Even so, the conclusion was fitting and I can’t wait to get to the next one.
May 2, 2019
3,5*, porque la historia romántica deja paso a la trama de intriga pero tan enrevesada que acabas perdiéndote un poco y a la mitad del libro un momento que ya no sabes a quién persiguen ni casi por qué.
Mucho menos escabroso (que no dark) que el primero, pero en cualquiera de los dos se podía ahorrar las descripciones tan pormenorizadas de ropas y lugares, nos ahorraríamos casi 100 pg y no perderíamos nada de la trama.
Queda todo preparado para un tercer libro, pero sin clifhanger, pero o sale pronto o lo hace muy bien, porque va a ser complicado leerlo si uno no recuerda bien los personajes y el mogollón de cosas que pasan en estos dos anteriores.
Mucho menos escabroso (que no dark) que el primero, pero en cualquiera de los dos se podía ahorrar las descripciones tan pormenorizadas de ropas y lugares, nos ahorraríamos casi 100 pg y no perderíamos nada de la trama.
Queda todo preparado para un tercer libro, pero sin clifhanger, pero o sale pronto o lo hace muy bien, porque va a ser complicado leerlo si uno no recuerda bien los personajes y el mogollón de cosas que pasan en estos dos anteriores.
January 20, 2020
4.5/5
Wow. Yea... I love this series. XD
Wow. Yea... I love this series. XD
July 21, 2024
Pretty enjoyable read but there were some pacing issues. The middle was dragging a bit.
The relationships still complicated and I liked that aspect, it seems more real that way considering Niko’s past.
Smut was questionable sometimes and bit repetitive but still delicious.
Some twists and turns felt a bit to convenient but overall it was pretty cohesive.
I liked that we had more of Starla and Preston, especially Preston. He is quite interesting character and I has my sights on him from the first book.
The relationships still complicated and I liked that aspect, it seems more real that way considering Niko’s past.
Smut was questionable sometimes and bit repetitive but still delicious.
Some twists and turns felt a bit to convenient but overall it was pretty cohesive.
I liked that we had more of Starla and Preston, especially Preston. He is quite interesting character and I has my sights on him from the first book.
February 26, 2019
More
I read this in one day. I read book one in two days. I need the next book soon. I'm supposed to be reading other books, but I was intrigued by the blurb for book one and held all the way to the end of book two. There is so much going on, but in a good way. The story and characters pull you in. There as much sexy time in this book, but I enjoyed what is there.
I like that while this book continues from the last one, it isn't the same story going on. Everything is evolving and changing before Niko's eyes.
Great book and series. O.k.following this author to see what is next.
I read this in one day. I read book one in two days. I need the next book soon. I'm supposed to be reading other books, but I was intrigued by the blurb for book one and held all the way to the end of book two. There is so much going on, but in a good way. The story and characters pull you in. There as much sexy time in this book, but I enjoyed what is there.
I like that while this book continues from the last one, it isn't the same story going on. Everything is evolving and changing before Niko's eyes.
Great book and series. O.k.following this author to see what is next.
May 21, 2021
* Review for all 3 books in the trilogy
Wow. These books left me breathless. The world they are written in is vast, complex, detailed, and so compelling. The story was just fantastic. There is romance and sex and mystery in each novel with some turns and twists I just didn't expect. They are also long, over 400 pages each and each page seemed completely necessary for the tale. I understand that this is the third trilogy the author has written in this world and I will absolutely be going back to read everything else
Wow. These books left me breathless. The world they are written in is vast, complex, detailed, and so compelling. The story was just fantastic. There is romance and sex and mystery in each novel with some turns and twists I just didn't expect. They are also long, over 400 pages each and each page seemed completely necessary for the tale. I understand that this is the third trilogy the author has written in this world and I will absolutely be going back to read everything else
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February 24, 2020I cannot wait for the next book
This is such an amazing world created and the plot was so intricate and fresh.. Niko and Cobalt are such complex characters and their relationship is not easy because of their past experiences.. It is absolutely so worth reading this series and watch the layers of who all these characters are being revealed in each new chapter.. Absolutely love
This is such an amazing world created and the plot was so intricate and fresh.. Niko and Cobalt are such complex characters and their relationship is not easy because of their past experiences.. It is absolutely so worth reading this series and watch the layers of who all these characters are being revealed in each new chapter.. Absolutely love
March 23, 2019
I love this series so much. The characters, the murder mysteries, the action and the world building.
I like this series even better than the worth series.
Lyra Evans is definitely my new auto buy author <3 I cannot wait for the next installment!
I like this series even better than the worth series.
Lyra Evans is definitely my new auto buy author <3 I cannot wait for the next installment!
August 24, 2019
So happy to see this
I really wanted to see more of Cobalt and Nico. This book has lots of twists and fake outs. The characters are complex, not simple tropes.
Eagerly waiting for the next book!
I really wanted to see more of Cobalt and Nico. This book has lots of twists and fake outs. The characters are complex, not simple tropes.
Eagerly waiting for the next book!
January 18, 2026
This was a great follow-up to Out of the Blue - I really enjoyed it.
February 28, 2019
Holy cow!
I just love these characters. I need more. Full of action, suspense and I’m a sucker for a good mystery. I was on the edge of my seat and just couldn’t stop reading.
I just love these characters. I need more. Full of action, suspense and I’m a sucker for a good mystery. I was on the edge of my seat and just couldn’t stop reading.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews