Friends in Low Places

The Hunter and the Spider #2

by E.M. Jeanmougin, Jay S. Wright

No one ever said being a Hunter would be easy, but Jasper Craig is finding it much more difficult these days.

Following the events of an eye-opening summer spent in the field, Jasper is back within the walls of St. James Academy - New York City’s world-renowned Hunting agency and training school.

And he’s hating every minute of it.

Unfortunately, the only way out is through, and so, with all eyes on him, Jasper once again rejoins the ranks of Hunters keeping the city “safe” from demonic threat.

But St. James’ dogma has lost its luster for Jasper. Not every demon deserves to die due to their inhumanity. Jasper’s (ex?) boyfriend, Crimson Apocalypse, taught him that.

Speaking of Crimson, when a series of mutilated corpses bearing Jasper’s name begin showing up around town, the Hunters suspect the three-thousand-year-old werespider may be to blame. Even worse, there’s plenty of evidence to support the claim. Only Jasper, who knows the man within the monster, believes otherwise. But can he slip through St. James’ iron-clad grip and catch the real culprit before it’s too late?

Genres: M M Romance, Fantasy, Paranormal, Shapeshifters, Urban Fantasy, Romance, LGBT

400 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 18, 2020

About the author

E.M. Jeanmougin started writing as a little kid and never stopped.

When not working on "The Hunter and the Spider" with co-writer Jay S. Wright, EM likes to write short stories and poetry. Favorite genres include cozy mysteries, classic whodunits, cheesy sci-fis, and campy fantasies. Other pastimes include tabletop games, video games, photography, coloring, doodling, sewing, and cinema.

Official Webpage:
www.hunterandspider.com

Follow On Amazon:
amazon.com/author/emjay

Buy us a Coffee:
https://ko-fi.com/jeanmouginwright

Reviews

[juli✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️ 4.25 ➡ 4.5 Stars ⭐️

  He rejected the idea that the people he knew, the people he loved, were the monsters that St. James said they were. That anyone could be judged simply by what they were rather than who they were.

✰ ✰ Initial Thoughts ✰ ✰


Here's a clue as to what my faced looked like as I was reading Friends in Low Places -





I'm going to be frank, I put off reading this book for a while because I very much dislike the separation-for-half-the-book trope. What can I say I'm very impatient! However, we as readers know there is nothing better than that moment when your two babies reunite. There is NOTHING better - fight me on this I dare you. Now I'm kicking myself for waiting so long to check back in with my boys, Crimson Apocalypse and Jasper Craig.





With Friends in Low Places authors E.M. Jeanmougin and Jay Wright have added more layers to the The Hunter and the Spider world. We meet more characters and future key players (at least I hope), we get to see both sides of the argument so to speak, and we get that awesome beginning scene with Crimson's house of horror. This is hands down one of the best urban fantasy/supernatural romance series I've read. And if you like this genre then you know once you find a series that speaks to you there's nothing left to do but swear fealty to the book Gods as a thank you.


✰ ✰ Summary? ✰ ✰


Okay I was going to write a summary butttttttttt. . .I don't want to spoil anything. So I'll just say this, Crimson Apocalypse is my love and if anyone hurts him I WILL CUT THEM . Everyone just needs to leave Jasper alone. Alcander needs to go to his happy place with Max, that is all I want for him. Joey needs to calm down. Leon. . .well we'll be seeing you soon baby boy. Reggie?? Is it bad that I'm hella attracted to this deranged serial killer?? Alan and Abby, kids you keep doing you. Charlie can go fuck himself. Oh and Connor, you best be in the third book! There. If you read the book then you'll understand and if not well then you best read books 1 and 2 ;)


✰ ✰ The Highlights! ✰ ✰


❤ Crimson Apocalypse - The Spider ❤





♥ MY LOVE ♥ Did I say I liked Crimson in book 1?? Well I freaking loved my slightly unhinged, gooey marshmallow, of a Spider. I just wanted to hug this man so damn much. My heart truly went out to him. I think in book one we only got a glimpse of how much his long life has taken a toll on him. However in this book we get to spend a lot of time with Crimson at a real low point. It turns out that Crimson is really. . .lonely and a bit heartbroken.

  “You’re three thousand years old. You don’t get to lie here and whine and pule over some…some boy. A Hunter, no less. Wake up and do what you gotta do, and for fuck’s sake, stop being such a godsdamned baby.”

What I really like about what the authors did with Crimson's character is that they didn't just tell us that he's 3,000 years old. More often than not you'll meet a supernatural entity (i.e. vampire, werewolf, fae, etc.) and they'll tell the reader (and anyone they encounter) that they're old as dirt. Yet they never really act like they've been around the block. Here you can really feel that all the things that Crimson has experienced in his long life really affect him. He's seen a lot of shit, and when good things do happen to him they tend to be temporary. He's heartbroken over losing Jasper, he's still not over the death of his old pack, and the years of being alone have really affected him. So when he exhibits all the symptoms of someone who has depression/is depressed I wasn't that surprised. Thus me wanting to give him all the hugs and wanting to annihilate all who dared cause him pain.

  He felt heavy. Not just physically, but mentally. The checklist of what needed to be done was extensive.

And I'm going to be honest this just broke my heart -

  Jasper Craig had taken his hand and told him that he wouldn’t have to be alone anymore. . .It was the sort of memory a person should be able to lock away in their heart, drawing it out only when the path grew darkest. But now, it was poison. It turned his already bad mood worse.

You know what get in here Crimson -





Crimson is by far my favorite character in this series and yet there is still so much we have to learn about this guy. In short this were-spider is snarky, slightly terrifying, a bit of a softie, very romantic, tends to trust the wrong people, acts first and thinks later, and is extremely loyal to those he includes in his pack.

  The first card represents you.” Crimson tilted his head to see over Alan’s shoulder. “And I’m…what? A drunk Bengal cat riding a unicorn?”

❤ Jasper Craig - The Hunter ❤





Awwwhhh Jasper. . .he's my sad boy. This kid has had it tough and he doesn't get a break in this book either. He, like Crimson, spends a lot of the book pretty depressed and just going through the motions. Back with the Hunters at St. James he's convinced that this is the only way to keep Crimson & Co. safe. I personally thought his logic was a bit dumb, but I gave him a pass because he's only 19. My heart also really went out to Jasper as well. He's stuck in between a rock and a hard place with Charlie & The Hunters on one side and Crimson & The Demons on the other.

  So here it was; if Jasper told them about the safe houses, people would die, and it would be his fault. If he didn’t tell and the vampire was cozied up in one of them, snug and sound, people would still die. And it would still be his fault.

I'm loving all the growth that Jasper is displaying and he truly has come a long way from the naive, almost fanatical guy we met at the beginning of the series. While Crimson is my favorite between the two of them I still root for Jasper as well!!


❤ The Romance ❤ As much as I like Crimson and Jasper seperately I love them even more together. These two really complement each other and honestly they're both mopey sad sacks without each other. But, what I liked was that while Crimson freely admitted his love for Jasper he, and let's say it together, 👏 KNEW 👏 HIS 👏 DAMN 👏 WORTH 👏! He wasn't going to wait around for Jasper to decide if he wanted to be with Crimson.

  "Will you wait for me?". . ."No. Probably not.". . ."I'm sorry, Jazz. I love you, and if you need me, I'll be there. But I can't just sit around waitin' for you to need me either. That's not fair.". . ."Don't get it confused. You already have my heart, and you can have the rest of me whenever you want, but not unless I can have the rest of you too."

I really appreciated this sentiment because Crimson has proven himself to Jasper over and over and now he needed Jasper to stop holding himself back. While the romance might not be the main focus when it does get the spotlight it is pretty sweet and romantic. The boys are great on their own but together they're even better.


❤ The World-building ❤ The world of The Hunter and the Spider is so creative and interesting. The authors have included so many different demons that I am just dying to know more about. There is so much about the demon world that we don't know but have given hints too. I'm hoping that the authors explore this vibrant world they have created more in book 3.


❤ The Violence ❤ Man I must be one bloodthirsty chick because I adored all the violence in this book. The beginning scene where Crimson systematically hunted down each of the Hunters who broke into his house? PERFECTION! The fact that said house is really one giant booby trap? EXCELLENT! The violence fits with the world and while there is a lot of death I feel like it's done well. Plus I just love when Crimson goes full Spider and eats people. That's a dream man right there.


❤ The Two Sides ❤ In book 1 there was a lot of POV hopping and I didn't really get it nor did I like it. I wanted to get back to Crimson and Jasper. However, I realized something in book 2. By allowing the Hunters to get their own POV while Crimson is systematically killing them allows a couple things to happen -


✧ 1. ✧ It allows us to empathize with the Hunters and it humanizes them. We're with them in their last moments and we feel the brutality of their deaths.


✧ 2. ✧ We get to see that the fight between the Hunters and Demons is not black and white. I think the Demons have valid reasons for hating the Hunters and wanting them dead. Yet on the other hand the Demons are capable of very fucked up things as well. I found myself torn between the two sides because I could see where they both were coming from.


✧ 3. ✧ By putting the reader into another characters POV we get to see how freaking scary and badass Crimson (or any other demon) really is. Being in the Hunter's POV I felt this growing anxiety because I knew what Crimson was capable of and that no one was going to survive that encounter.


Overall, I'm liking how the authors don't clearly favor one side over the other. Both groups have their issues and in between them you have Jasper caught in the middle. E.M. Jeanmougin and Jay Wright ended this book with a few loose threads. There's a couple different directions book 3 can go in and I'm really excited.


✰ Why Not 5 Stars? ✰


✦ That Separation ✦ Ahhhh I know I know I said I didn't mind and I really didn't mind, much. Crimson and Jasper don't really reunite until 56% and once they do it felt like we were rushing to the end. I wanted more time to see them back together as a couple and re-establishing that connection. Instead it was pretty much go, go, go. Also, that separation though. I liked the first 50% but I had to hold in my impulse to just skip to the page where they reunited. This is a total me problem but it's how I feel. I'm really hoping in book 3 Crimson and Jasper will stay together for the duration of the book. I can only deal with so many slightly necessary separations.


✰ In Closing! ✰


This was such a great follow up to one of my surprise favorites of the summer!! My love for Crimson Apocalypse has been reaffirmed, I'm dying to see what direction the next book is going to go, and I'm hoping we'll be able to see Crimson and Jasper's relationship further develop. Overall, this is a really solid urban fantasy series that I highly recommend! I mean who could resist a cuddly were-spider??

  “I want you more than anything else,” he said. When he said it like that, Jasper could only believe him. “That’s what I want too,” Jasper whispered. “You, I mean.”

[Kit (Metaphors and Moonlight) · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars

Review:
I have to admit I was disappointed that Jasper and Crimson were apart for so much of this book, I missed their chemistry and growing relationship, but this was still a great, well-written book!

I understood the necessity of having the two MCs be separated and, for all intents and purposes, on opposing sides. It caused certain events and built up things that will affect the story in the next book. And it really highlighted the differences between hunters and demons and some of the differences between Jasper and Crimson and their lives, as well as the similarities and the ways in which lines could blur. It provided a lot of context to the overall story and world, a way to view things from multiple perspectives.

This one didn't have as much romance and sweetness as the first book, but it still had all the action and interesting supernaturals. We got to learn about some different types of demons (what they call supernaturals) and about their ways, since Crimson spent a lot of time around others. And we got to learn more about the hunters, how they work, what their training is like, etc. There were also some new characters introduced, plus some new plot threads.

I felt for both main characters and the struggles they were going through, being miserable in their situations and still wanting each other. I felt worse for Jasper, even if his decisions were frustrating sometimes, because he was doing this all for those he cared about, knowing they probably hated him, and he had the added struggle of feeling trapped and trying to balance pretending to be a good hunter while also not actually killing any innocents.

Overall, I missed the dynamic between Jasper and Crimson while they were apart, but this was still a great story! And now that some things have been set up, I think things will be even more exciting in the next book. Both Jasper and Crimson are interesting, complex characters, their romance has great chemistry, the werespider thing is cool, and I'm looking forward to more!

*Rating: 4 Stars // Read Date: 2021 // Format: eBook*

Recommended For:
Fans of Book 1 in The Hunter and the Spider Series by E.M. Jeanmougin & Jay Wright. Anyone who likes slow burn mlm romance with a bit of angst, good ol' urban fantasy action, complex characters, love interests who are equal parts charming and obnoxious, and scary but cute werespiders!

Original Review @ Metaphors and Moonlight

[PaperMoon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another gripping read in the series ... and the authors don't pull any punches when it comes to detailing the seemingly eternal struggle-to-the-death between paranormals and humans; the very first startling chapter sets the mood/scene with a vicious attack in the basement of a hospital. I do have a fairly low tolerance for graphic 'ickiness' but managed to get past several harrowing fight sequences as well as victim/torture ones. Crimson and Jasper's relationship continues to be worked out amidst an escalation in paranormal persecution with the arrival of a new and sociopathic figure from both Alcander's as well as Crimson's long history. My wish to see more of Alcander/Max being featured was unfortunately unrealized but I live in hope for the next book(s). 4.5 stars.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

These authors really have a handle on making me acare about the characters, because not only did I care about our main characters I also started to worry about the new secondary ones who get introduced in this book.

This book also really did a good job of showing the difference it makes that our Hunter has been so sheltered his whole life and that he is so young. I also like that this book seems to be setting some things up for later and it makes me curious to see how that plays out in the next book.

The epilogues seem to be specifically to set up the next book in the series, so I was perhaps right to let the one for this book sit until I was ready for the next book.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series have never appealed to me. They're usually full of ill-conceived, contrived events, with which the author tries to string the reader along. This is the first one that breaks that mold (for me). The story is tight. Characters interesting. Events logical. I absolutely love it. Thank you for your hard work.

[Patusza · Rating 5 out of 5]

I pulled an all-nighter and read 70% of it. No regrets.

[dave faccenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Worth waiting for!!

Finally the next chapter in jasper and crimson story with no disappointment! I couldn't put it down. Now the wait is on for the next chapter! Thanks !

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m feeling a lack of backstory in this one- it really needs more explanation and world building in it. I still enjoyed the story though, so will probably read the next one.

[Tünde Kasza tóth · Rating 3 out of 5]

"Will you wait for me?"
Crimson made a thoughtful noise. "No. Probably not." Jasper looked at him, stung, and the werespider tilted his head, expression apologetic. "I'm sorry, Jazz. I love you, and if you need me, I'll be there. But I can't just sit around waitin' for you to need me either. That's no fair."

THANK YOU!

This is how you know it's an adult book. There are no unrealistic promises based on momentary feelings. They do stupid things for the other, they even risk their lives, but when it seems like that love is not gonna be enough, they accept it.

I liked this one a little bit less than the previous book. It was because on one hand they spent more than half the book apart and I prefer them together, on the other Jasper showed some unbelievable behaviour patterns. It may be Stockholm sindrome or maybe he was brainwashed, but doing what you are told when you are a legal adult, stronger, faster and they tell you to do something that you don't want to do, then you just don't do it. And kick anyone's ass who tries to force you.

The second book was better in the plot department. A clear villain that had to be defeated. Or maybe not that clear of a villain, but nonetheless, he had to be stopped. I also liked that there were no good guys. Yeah, the Hunters and assholes for killing innocent monsters just because they are monsters, but there are also monsters killing humans left and right.

Unfortunately everything other than the plot fell a little bit flat after the first book. The new characters were shallow, didn't feel as well rounded as in the previous installment, more like props. Jasper standing up for himself also felt like a letdown. He seemed a much more self sufficient character before. Despite Al being one of the linchpins of the plot he himself or Max had very little screen time here. Crimson was the only one who didn't disappoint, he was his awesome self thoughout the whole book. What I liked better in this one is that we got to see a lot more POVs other than Jasper's.

This is still a very good series. I can't wait to find out what Jasper is or what happened to his parents. I'm hoping that the third book is not the last one.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part two finds us back in the thick of things. Jasper has been misled into thinking that returning to St. James will protect not just him, but his friends: Crimson, an ancient werespider/badass; Alcander, the brainiest Doctor/vampire ever to tremble delicately with big pink eyes; Max, Alcander's human "familiar" who has a story brewing quietly behind him as well. It quickly becomes apparent just how naïve Jaspar has been, when Charlie (the pseudo foster father figure) demands that he return to being a hunter. New characters join the ensemble on both sides of the action. Regan Knightly and his crew of vamps arrive in town looking for his missing brother. Joey Arcuri, a freshman Hunter partners with Jasper. Does she really desire to be friends, or is she been asked to keep tabs on him? Conner, a fox boy guitarist, an ancient Lich that really shouldn't be trifled with, and someone Crimson finds might change his life forever. A must read for urban fantasy aficionados, especially if you love m/m romance as it does heat up if this book.

[Heather Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another awesome instalment

Absolutely love this series, the characters are such a great blend of fantastical and relatable! I'm feeling totally invested in crimson and jasper's relationship but they are backed by a superbly diverse and interesting supporting cast that I'm desperate to know more about too!

Can't wait for the next book!

[Robyn Macdonald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Immediately took you back into Jasper and Crimson’s world and flowed perfectly from Strangers in the Night. The characters are beautifully written and feels like meeting up with old friends. Can’t wait to see what happens in Part 3!!

[Sadie Forsythe · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I enjoyed this, though not as much as book one, and more in the second half than the first. The problem, for me, was that the two main characters aren't together in the book until the 55% mark. They are apart and miserable that whole time, and it felt longer than need be to make the point it was making. However, once they got back together and the pace picked up, I was a happier camper. The whole thing wrapped up satisfactorily, but with several open threads. I look forward to finding out what happens in the next book (whenever it comes out).

[Aurore Doignies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Totally loved it

Very great book ! I can’t wait to read the next book of this serie and Why not even more after that !

[F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Glad I remembered to catch some more of this series. A great sequel to book 1. Looking forward to the next.

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed the second book. i did miss the chemistry and interesctiong between jasper and Crimson, but it really let you get to know more about them as individuals. I absolutely hate jaspers dad. I wished him nothing but death. cannot wait to start the next one.

[Merreille · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just knew it was going to be great! Even better than the first book!
Dear sequel, I wish you were in my hands already 🙏

[Joelle Mendes · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm glad I didn't have to wait too long for this book

The ending of Strangers in the Night killed me. I was gutted and I needed some resolution.

I really like Jasper and Crimson and I'm intrigued by the whole werespider thing. Even more so after what Crimson revealed in Alcander's lab. I can't wait to see how that storyline will play out. But I'm getting way ahead of myself.

The story picks up with Jasper back at St. James and Crimson on his own. I spent the beginning of this book railing at how Charlie was treating Jasper. That man makes me so stinkin' angry. I keep hoping that he'll redeem himself but I don't think he can. It sucked seeing Jasper so down. I was glad when finally let Joey in and they became friends. He needed someone in his corner.

I really liked getting to see Crimson in his element. He plays it cool but he's very likeable. I couldn't wait for him and Jasper to run into each other again.

There was a lot going on in this book and a bunch of new characters. The story was good and there were some good action scenes. I liked the ending. It gave me closure while setting up for the next book.

[Stephanie Sirois · Rating 5 out of 5]

The melody that is the relationship between Jasper and Crimson has definitely been kicked up a couple of notches in Friends in Low Places.

Jazz has returned to Hunter territory and is stumbling through life a ghost of his previous self while Crimson does his damndest to drown himself in booze to forget their relationship ever happened.

Both of their plans go exceedingly well, until Charlie, Jazz’s erstwhile foster father, forces him to go through Hunter training again. Jazz meets a friend, Joey, and they’ve been sent out into the world to take on demons, something Jazz can’t make himself do now that he’s seen what lives on the other side of the equation.

Friends in Low Places is an excellent title for this book, really pinpointing how conflicted Jazz is now in his life choices and how unhappy he is overall. He’s been told this group of people has been bad all his life, and they have taken on the faces of friends and acquaintances and people. He can’t simply shoot first and ask questions later anymore.

The song title is referenced regularly throughout the book, mostly in Crimson’s derisive responses to people wanting to hear it often. The song has been stuck in my head for ages too, so I get it.

The musical chapter titles continue, practically a playlist, and I’ve caught myself wondering if the meanings or themes of each song are represented in the chapter as well. I wouldn’t put it past the authors either, they’re wily like that.

Something to note about this book is that Jazz and Crimson both are constantly in action and constantly moving until the end of the book when they’ve (spoilers) chosen a place to be together in, settling down literally. The plot moves ahead at full force at all times and scenes don’t last long past their initial introduction, giving a big sense of change, movement and inertia to the entire book. It’s an effective and brilliant writing technique to inspire the same types of feelings the characters may be having in the reader, and maybe even get them to sympathize with the characters.

For the full review, check out my website www.ablankpage.ca

[Raj · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you have to capture/evade an cunning cult of hunters, a spider will patiently weave an extremely strong blood silk trap. A web of love 3000 years in the making and the were spider Crimson Apocalypse will spin a dance of death to keep his little hunter demon safe.

[ivanareadsalot · Rating 3 out of 5]

Would have been 5 ⭐ if it weren't for Joey. Everything and everyone else was awesome.

[Storm In A Teacup · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliant second book, much happier ending than book 1 but I was filled with tension throughout the first 75% waiting for my happy moment to come. More creatures to learn about, new bad guys leaving grisly presents around New York City, fights and traps and sarcastic remarks galore, this is a series with all the action, romance and chaos you can handle.

[Val R · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wish I could rate it a 4.5, only saving a 5 out of suspicion this series is gonna wreck me again in a later book. Such a fun ride and emotional beats. Wish it were longer tbh but am excited to see where the story goes from here!

[Danna Iuliana]

DNF

[♑ Daniela Pepes ♑ · Rating 2 out of 5]

Eu odiei esse livro mas tb nao foi péssimo kkkkk pqp, como eu odiei certas partes!

[Karine Déziel · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[Darryl Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much action, broken hearts mended, friendships destroyed, and future enemies made. So much to love with this book

[David Wickham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it-not quite as good as the first, but second books in a series rarely are. I hope we find out what Jasper is sooner than later.