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The Lamb and the Lion #3
The Same End
Teancum Leon is pretty sure that if he plays his cards right, he can have it all: his childhood friend and former lover, Ammon Young; his best friend (although Tean is loath to admit it), Jem Berger; and his family. A boyfriend might even be in his future, although he’s having a heck of a time getting a second date with the guys he meets on Prowler.
Then the key suspect in a murder investigation asks to speak with Jem, overturning the precarious balance Tean has worked to maintain. A girl Jem knew in childhood is dead, and the man believed to have killed her was one of Jem’s tormentors at Decker Lake Juvenile Detention Center. Antonio Hidalgo insists he is innocent, and he begs Jem to find the real killer, a man Jem knows very well, the man who masterminded his torture at Decker: Tanner Kimball.
When Jem decides to check out Antonio’s story, Tean insists on helping. Their search takes them into Utah’s high desert, a land of redrock cliffs and hoodoo stones. But everything changes when they find a dead man in a remote canyon. He carries Tanner’s wallet, but the body has been disfigured, making identification difficult—if not impossible. Jem is convinced that the scene has been staged, and he’s determined to find Tanner and make him pay for the bodies in his wake.
Warnings begin piling up from the chief of police, the sheriff, a Bureau of Land Management special agent, even a Utah Highway Patrol trooper. Everyone wants Tean and Jem to understand that it’s in their best interest to go back to Salt Lake before they dig any deeper. A shipment of illegal drugs—several million dollars’ worth—might be the motive. But Tean and Jem begin to suspect that something else is driving events: a motive darker and stronger than money. Learning the truth, though, will take both men on a collision course with the past.
Then the key suspect in a murder investigation asks to speak with Jem, overturning the precarious balance Tean has worked to maintain. A girl Jem knew in childhood is dead, and the man believed to have killed her was one of Jem’s tormentors at Decker Lake Juvenile Detention Center. Antonio Hidalgo insists he is innocent, and he begs Jem to find the real killer, a man Jem knows very well, the man who masterminded his torture at Decker: Tanner Kimball.
When Jem decides to check out Antonio’s story, Tean insists on helping. Their search takes them into Utah’s high desert, a land of redrock cliffs and hoodoo stones. But everything changes when they find a dead man in a remote canyon. He carries Tanner’s wallet, but the body has been disfigured, making identification difficult—if not impossible. Jem is convinced that the scene has been staged, and he’s determined to find Tanner and make him pay for the bodies in his wake.
Warnings begin piling up from the chief of police, the sheriff, a Bureau of Land Management special agent, even a Utah Highway Patrol trooper. Everyone wants Tean and Jem to understand that it’s in their best interest to go back to Salt Lake before they dig any deeper. A shipment of illegal drugs—several million dollars’ worth—might be the motive. But Tean and Jem begin to suspect that something else is driving events: a motive darker and stronger than money. Learning the truth, though, will take both men on a collision course with the past.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 29, 2021
37 people are currently reading
305 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Ashe
135 books1,801 followersI'm a long-time Midwesterner. I've lived in Chicago, Bloomington (IN), and Saint Louis, my current home. Aside from reading and writing (which take up a lot of my time), I'm an educator.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
While I enjoy reading across many genres, my two main loves are mystery and speculative fiction. I used to keep a list of favorite books, but it changes so frequently that I've given up. I'm always looking for recommendations, though, so please drop me a line if you have something in mind!
My big goal right now is one day to be responsible enough to get a dog.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 162 reviews
November 15, 2022
Audiobook and Story - 4.5 stars
For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other. - Ecclesiastes 3:19
Book 3 - Adventures of Amateur Sleuths, Tean and Jem and it delivered.
The Characters
Like all the other Greg books, we have complex characters. Tean- I love this Vet. He is so loyal, lovable and everythin in between. I love how his mind works and the way he just blurts out thing that can go on and on and ooon! I can never get bored when it comes to Tean. In this book we get to see Tean find himself. Letting go off things that he held dearly that keeps him from experiencing life to the fullest. I loved this soooo much.
Jem- Oh boy! I didn't expect that!! Jem my beautiful, kindhearted, loyal drifter. I really didn't need to read all that. His past broke my tiny peanut heart. I am so happy the way it was handled. It wouldn't be Greg's writing without the grit. Jem has grown so much as a character. I love Tean's influence on him. Together they make the best hilarous combo.
Sighing, Jem took Tean by the shoulders, turned him back toward the lobby, and gave him a gentle push. “Go home, please. Give Scipio extra treats for me.”
“I’m not going home. I’m going to wait here until I know they’re not trying to do something to you.”
“Like probe me anally,” Jem said.
“Like—no, not like that. What in the world is wrong with you?
Love these two.
Scipio - Best supporting character ever.
The Mystery
Woooo! This was intense. It had something to do with Jems past. GAAAHH!! I wanted to jump into the book and strangle everyone except Tean and Jem, ooh and Scipio. The rest can go to the depths of purgatory. I enjoyed the way the inestigation was done. So many twists that kept me glued and looking for clues. Kudos Greg. Jem got his revenge. Me lovey so much.
The Relationship
Dear Lawd!! The freaking wait was worth it. Good thing they were already best friends/normal friends according to Tean. These two fit together.
Ammon! He doesn't desrve anything. UGGHH!! Go away!
Overall, I had a good time listening to this book. JF Harding owns the narration and took me to places I've never been.
Disclaimer! A copy of the Audiobook was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
For that which befalleth the sons of men befalleth beasts; even one thing befalleth them: as the one dieth, so dieth the other. - Ecclesiastes 3:19
Book 3 - Adventures of Amateur Sleuths, Tean and Jem and it delivered.
The Characters
Like all the other Greg books, we have complex characters. Tean- I love this Vet. He is so loyal, lovable and everythin in between. I love how his mind works and the way he just blurts out thing that can go on and on and ooon! I can never get bored when it comes to Tean. In this book we get to see Tean find himself. Letting go off things that he held dearly that keeps him from experiencing life to the fullest. I loved this soooo much.
Jem- Oh boy! I didn't expect that!! Jem my beautiful, kindhearted, loyal drifter. I really didn't need to read all that. His past broke my tiny peanut heart. I am so happy the way it was handled. It wouldn't be Greg's writing without the grit. Jem has grown so much as a character. I love Tean's influence on him. Together they make the best hilarous combo.
Sighing, Jem took Tean by the shoulders, turned him back toward the lobby, and gave him a gentle push. “Go home, please. Give Scipio extra treats for me.”
“I’m not going home. I’m going to wait here until I know they’re not trying to do something to you.”
“Like probe me anally,” Jem said.
“Like—no, not like that. What in the world is wrong with you?
Love these two.
Scipio - Best supporting character ever.
The Mystery
Woooo! This was intense. It had something to do with Jems past. GAAAHH!! I wanted to jump into the book and strangle everyone except Tean and Jem, ooh and Scipio. The rest can go to the depths of purgatory. I enjoyed the way the inestigation was done. So many twists that kept me glued and looking for clues. Kudos Greg. Jem got his revenge. Me lovey so much.
The Relationship
Dear Lawd!! The freaking wait was worth it. Good thing they were already best friends/normal friends according to Tean. These two fit together.
Ammon! He doesn't desrve anything. UGGHH!! Go away!
Overall, I had a good time listening to this book. JF Harding owns the narration and took me to places I've never been.
Disclaimer! A copy of the Audiobook was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2021
4,5 stars
Tean and Jem, all the way!
My heart is full with love for these guys.
Haven’t they turned out to be another fabulous couple by Gregory Ashe!
Tean: a deep thinker, a brilliant mind and facts nerd, yet so insecure – still – in trusting his feelings, so charmingly naïve in one way and so utterly clever in another, but mostly an inherently good person, stuck in his past, and the desire to be accepted by those he loves most. There’s only one word that describes the way he looks after Jem, cherishes him, worries about him, the way he is simply THERE for the other man, whatever the crap situation, --- beautiful.
Jem: a skilled conman (although he is trying to be ‘good’), practical and down-to-earth, a survivor and man of the world with amazing detection skills, who is so vulnerable and emotionally insecure deep down it breaks my heart. I adore him for putting Tean’s happiness before his own so ‘easily’, even if it means that they’ll never be together ‘that way’.
As different as can be, be it in looks, character or background, they simply gel.
Never have I read banter like theirs, in any other book. It is really Ten and Jem ‘specific’, brilliantly clever and really funny.
And we get a lot of that this time, it becomes their form of communication in which they both revel, blossom and connect, so no wonder Ammon, Tean’s ex, doesn’t get it.
I’m not sure if I want to waste a lot of breath on Ammon – he is a first-class douchebag, a manipulating bastard who schmoozes Tean left, right and centre to get him back, but shows his emotional cruelty as soon as he doesn’t get what he wants.
I was ready to get arrested for murder at 60%. Just saying.
Love also how Gregory Ashe shows in so many little ways how different Jem and Ammon treat Tean! Fabulously done!
In effect this book is about Tean finding himself, finding out what HE wants and how he can have that and realizing that sometimes some things have to go and be left alone. Tean has quite a few major revelations and insights in this book, and Thank God for that, even it takes ages to get there. Thank you, Mr. Ashe, for making me tear my hair out, yet again!
So, what about the case?
It is personal, complicated (maybe a tad too complicated?), even more dangerous than the first two cases and opens many old wounds on Jem’s part. That’s all I’m saying, because for me the emphasis is on the guys here.
And that’s why I found the ending far too abrupt and far too open.
I know Jem says that this is ‘the beginning’(and yes, I think we can see that Tean and Jem are a unit now), but there are so many things left open at the end. I really NEED to know what happens next.
Both Tan and Jem, have got masses of issues left to deal: their pasts, what happens in this book and their future together.
How will Tean get better? Will Jem become some kind of ‘honourable citizen’? Will Ammon return to cause trouble (I really don’t trust that guy!). Not even talking about Tean’s two-faced family. Will Tean be able to sever the considerable hold they've had on him for so long?
So many questions! I know Mr. Ashe said this is the final book in this series, but … but … Hazard and Somers got 2 series. Reeeeaaaalllly long ones at that. It seems only fair that Tean and Jem get at least ONE more book? Just to clarify things? Just a teeny weeny one?
Sigh. In the meantime, I’m going to comfort myself with the just-released shorts about Tean and Jem. I’ve read three of them before, but I’m very curious about the last one. Maybe it'll provide what I need?
Lastly, one more thing - Gregory Ashe's lyrical descriptions of the desert in Utah are breath-taking. I could feel, smell, hear and see it all. 5 stars for that alone!
Highly recommended series!
(and sorry for the GA inspired word vomit!)
Tean and Jem, all the way!
My heart is full with love for these guys.
Haven’t they turned out to be another fabulous couple by Gregory Ashe!
Tean: a deep thinker, a brilliant mind and facts nerd, yet so insecure – still – in trusting his feelings, so charmingly naïve in one way and so utterly clever in another, but mostly an inherently good person, stuck in his past, and the desire to be accepted by those he loves most. There’s only one word that describes the way he looks after Jem, cherishes him, worries about him, the way he is simply THERE for the other man, whatever the crap situation, --- beautiful.
Jem: a skilled conman (although he is trying to be ‘good’), practical and down-to-earth, a survivor and man of the world with amazing detection skills, who is so vulnerable and emotionally insecure deep down it breaks my heart. I adore him for putting Tean’s happiness before his own so ‘easily’, even if it means that they’ll never be together ‘that way’.
As different as can be, be it in looks, character or background, they simply gel.
Never have I read banter like theirs, in any other book. It is really Ten and Jem ‘specific’, brilliantly clever and really funny.
And we get a lot of that this time, it becomes their form of communication in which they both revel, blossom and connect, so no wonder Ammon, Tean’s ex, doesn’t get it.
I’m not sure if I want to waste a lot of breath on Ammon – he is a first-class douchebag, a manipulating bastard who schmoozes Tean left, right and centre to get him back, but shows his emotional cruelty as soon as he doesn’t get what he wants.
I was ready to get arrested for murder at 60%. Just saying.
Love also how Gregory Ashe shows in so many little ways how different Jem and Ammon treat Tean! Fabulously done!
In effect this book is about Tean finding himself, finding out what HE wants and how he can have that and realizing that sometimes some things have to go and be left alone. Tean has quite a few major revelations and insights in this book, and Thank God for that, even it takes ages to get there. Thank you, Mr. Ashe, for making me tear my hair out, yet again!
So, what about the case?
It is personal, complicated (maybe a tad too complicated?), even more dangerous than the first two cases and opens many old wounds on Jem’s part. That’s all I’m saying, because for me the emphasis is on the guys here.
And that’s why I found the ending far too abrupt and far too open.
I know Jem says that this is ‘the beginning’(and yes, I think we can see that Tean and Jem are a unit now), but there are so many things left open at the end. I really NEED to know what happens next.
Both Tan and Jem, have got masses of issues left to deal: their pasts, what happens in this book and their future together.
How will Tean get better? Will Jem become some kind of ‘honourable citizen’? Will Ammon return to cause trouble (I really don’t trust that guy!). Not even talking about Tean’s two-faced family. Will Tean be able to sever the considerable hold they've had on him for so long?
So many questions! I know Mr. Ashe said this is the final book in this series, but … but … Hazard and Somers got 2 series. Reeeeaaaalllly long ones at that. It seems only fair that Tean and Jem get at least ONE more book? Just to clarify things? Just a teeny weeny one?
Sigh. In the meantime, I’m going to comfort myself with the just-released shorts about Tean and Jem. I’ve read three of them before, but I’m very curious about the last one. Maybe it'll provide what I need?
Lastly, one more thing - Gregory Ashe's lyrical descriptions of the desert in Utah are breath-taking. I could feel, smell, hear and see it all. 5 stars for that alone!
Highly recommended series!
(and sorry for the GA inspired word vomit!)
September 1, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Stars!
It took me a long while to finish this one. I was more distracted than usual and was hopping from book to book, feeling restless. Perhaps I also didn't want to finish this one, knowing that I would have no more Tean and Jem, with the exception of a short story collection, most of which I had already read through the newsletters. But yesterday, I was suddenly all in and ready to give these two (best) friends all of my love and attention. 🥰
I feel so overwhelmed with love for these two. So much that I don't really know what to say. Also, what can I say that I haven't said a million times in other reviews for Greg's books? About how he has this gift for creating these characters who full on settle in for the long haul and take up residence in my heart. My heart that he batters and bruises yet still has room for all of his flawed men AND their baggage. 🙃💜
If we don't end up seeing more of Tean and Jem, and I kind of hope we don't, this tied up their story beautifully. This and the new story in Jem and Tean: Guys Gone Wild. I say I kind of hope we don't get more because their journey feels complete to me. I'm happy with where we leave them. It was a long road for them. From lovers to friends to best friends (According to Jem) back to lovers. More than that. To partners. I mean, if he wrote more, obviously I would read them. For FOMO reasons. But I'm completely fine with this being it.
I've said this before too but Tean and Jem are a softer pairing than other Ashe couples. There is a gentleness to them. A different kind of tenderness. But that doesn't mean they won't put you through the five stages of Ashe reading that I totally didn't make up just now.
1) False sense of security. AKA, "Wow things are feeling downright fun. I guess he decided to ease off stomping on my heart for once."
2) Laughter with a sense of impending doom. AKA, "Oh these two crack me up. But things are going too well..."
3) Shit hits the fan/Emotional torture time. AKA that moment when you are tempted to throw your iPad across the room, you are cursing Greg for hurting your babies and reaching out to fellow Ashochists for support. (My trademark is still pending.)
4) Happiness. AKA, Greg applies the book version of aloe to your heart with some gorgeous ending.
5) Amnesia. AKA, you find yourself either starting another Greg book immediately or planning to do so soon. Could also be a side effect from being an Ashochist. Could also be listed as acceptance. 🤡
Don't mind me, slowly losing it here.
Anyway...I loved the heck out of these two and their ending was perfect. If you're wanting a character driven plot with a sloth slow burn, huge amount of feels, humor and witty (but not OTT) banter and writing that both electrifies and soothes you, I think you should give this series a try. 💖
It took me a long while to finish this one. I was more distracted than usual and was hopping from book to book, feeling restless. Perhaps I also didn't want to finish this one, knowing that I would have no more Tean and Jem, with the exception of a short story collection, most of which I had already read through the newsletters. But yesterday, I was suddenly all in and ready to give these two (best) friends all of my love and attention. 🥰
I feel so overwhelmed with love for these two. So much that I don't really know what to say. Also, what can I say that I haven't said a million times in other reviews for Greg's books? About how he has this gift for creating these characters who full on settle in for the long haul and take up residence in my heart. My heart that he batters and bruises yet still has room for all of his flawed men AND their baggage. 🙃💜
If we don't end up seeing more of Tean and Jem, and I kind of hope we don't, this tied up their story beautifully. This and the new story in Jem and Tean: Guys Gone Wild. I say I kind of hope we don't get more because their journey feels complete to me. I'm happy with where we leave them. It was a long road for them. From lovers to friends to best friends (According to Jem) back to lovers. More than that. To partners. I mean, if he wrote more, obviously I would read them. For FOMO reasons. But I'm completely fine with this being it.
I've said this before too but Tean and Jem are a softer pairing than other Ashe couples. There is a gentleness to them. A different kind of tenderness. But that doesn't mean they won't put you through the five stages of Ashe reading that I totally didn't make up just now.
1) False sense of security. AKA, "Wow things are feeling downright fun. I guess he decided to ease off stomping on my heart for once."
2) Laughter with a sense of impending doom. AKA, "Oh these two crack me up. But things are going too well..."
3) Shit hits the fan/Emotional torture time. AKA that moment when you are tempted to throw your iPad across the room, you are cursing Greg for hurting your babies and reaching out to fellow Ashochists for support. (My trademark is still pending.)
4) Happiness. AKA, Greg applies the book version of aloe to your heart with some gorgeous ending.
5) Amnesia. AKA, you find yourself either starting another Greg book immediately or planning to do so soon. Could also be a side effect from being an Ashochist. Could also be listed as acceptance. 🤡
Don't mind me, slowly losing it here.
Anyway...I loved the heck out of these two and their ending was perfect. If you're wanting a character driven plot with a sloth slow burn, huge amount of feels, humor and witty (but not OTT) banter and writing that both electrifies and soothes you, I think you should give this series a try. 💖
December 31, 2021
*audio reread/listen December 2021*
Audio RTC
**First read February 2021**
I can't get over how much I love them.
This book deserves some words from me but unfortunately I just don't have them today. Gregory Ashe continues to let Tean and Jem grow in such a way that they own their own space in my heart already, and it gets bigger each time I read their story. I can't believe how far they've come in just three books.
The mystery this time comes from one of the worst of the nightmares that make up Jem's past, and he comes pretty close to being unhinged by it. Finding their way through this case costs them each deeply. But it also allows them to come to a place where they might start new, away from the parts of those pasts that chained them before.
I look forward to where they go next more than I can say. ❤
Audio RTC
**First read February 2021**
I can't get over how much I love them.
This book deserves some words from me but unfortunately I just don't have them today. Gregory Ashe continues to let Tean and Jem grow in such a way that they own their own space in my heart already, and it gets bigger each time I read their story. I can't believe how far they've come in just three books.
The mystery this time comes from one of the worst of the nightmares that make up Jem's past, and he comes pretty close to being unhinged by it. Finding their way through this case costs them each deeply. But it also allows them to come to a place where they might start new, away from the parts of those pasts that chained them before.
I look forward to where they go next more than I can say. ❤
October 31, 2025
Last 24 hours of the Jem & Tean Kickstarter! Back the campaign to support their second arc “The Lamb and the Lion: Wolves Among Us”, and grab some amazing deals and goodies while you’re at it: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/...
Reminder: All backers (any amount counts!) will receive the Kickstarter-exclusive cameo short stories in ebook AND audio format (voiced by the J.F. Harding).
I’m most excited for the swag box and digital archive for a behind-the-scenes look at GA’s writing process with this series!
——————
Tean? nah, more like Teancum "Smooth Like Butter" Leon 🧈
every time they communicate in beeps and boops, i'm off watering my plants with the liter of tears leaking from my lacrimal glands. HOW CAN THEY BE THIS SOFT??? the gentlest couple, like flower petals gently swaying in each other's orbit in time to a slow waltz 🍃
keeping in mind the author has future arcs planned for these two eases the sting of the "only friends" schtick persisting till the last book, but the abundant evidence of growth in this installment was glorious. not without a generous slathering of pain of course, but glorious nonetheless.
Ammon the Third Wheeler continues to do what he does best: being a stowaway on my ship. the petty way he and Jem compete for Tean's attention when Tean tries so hard to make them get along.... good effort, but no chance of that happening in this universe 😂 after the many instances of Ammon unleashing his toxicity to the point of stinking up the room, there comes a profound level of satisfaction watching the proverbial mic drop moment when Tean stops fooling himself and sets on the path of self-love and respect, that he deserves better than a fictitious pipe dream. bye bye Ammon, don't let the door hit you on the way out 💅
the photo burning, glasses, foreshadowing, inquisitive foray into human's capacity for good and barbaric cruelty, confrontations with one's traumatic past and present day actions, Jem's ever-growing relationship with Scipio—Gregory Ashe always leaves me gobsmacked at how he's able to pack a great deal into his books with a delicacy deserving of their import.
the ending is the perfect jump off point for more, setting their relationship right on the precipice of free fall, and while i'm this 🤏🏼 close to pushing them off with a hearty kick to the booty myself, i know patiently waiting for GA to cast his magic spell will be worth every minute.
Mr. Gregory Ashe, sir, please share what you had the day you put this bad boy to bed because i want 50.
Reminder: All backers (any amount counts!) will receive the Kickstarter-exclusive cameo short stories in ebook AND audio format (voiced by the J.F. Harding).
I’m most excited for the swag box and digital archive for a behind-the-scenes look at GA’s writing process with this series!
——————
"You're really good at this. Have you ever thought about being a barber?"
"Still trying to fix my life?" Jem kept his voice light as he teased out a snarl with the comb.
"No. Trying to find a way to keep you in mine."
Tean? nah, more like Teancum "Smooth Like Butter" Leon 🧈
every time they communicate in beeps and boops, i'm off watering my plants with the liter of tears leaking from my lacrimal glands. HOW CAN THEY BE THIS SOFT??? the gentlest couple, like flower petals gently swaying in each other's orbit in time to a slow waltz 🍃
keeping in mind the author has future arcs planned for these two eases the sting of the "only friends" schtick persisting till the last book, but the abundant evidence of growth in this installment was glorious. not without a generous slathering of pain of course, but glorious nonetheless.
Ammon the Third Wheeler continues to do what he does best: being a stowaway on my ship. the petty way he and Jem compete for Tean's attention when Tean tries so hard to make them get along.... good effort, but no chance of that happening in this universe 😂 after the many instances of Ammon unleashing his toxicity to the point of stinking up the room, there comes a profound level of satisfaction watching the proverbial mic drop moment when Tean stops fooling himself and sets on the path of self-love and respect, that he deserves better than a fictitious pipe dream. bye bye Ammon, don't let the door hit you on the way out 💅
the photo burning, glasses, foreshadowing, inquisitive foray into human's capacity for good and barbaric cruelty, confrontations with one's traumatic past and present day actions, Jem's ever-growing relationship with Scipio—Gregory Ashe always leaves me gobsmacked at how he's able to pack a great deal into his books with a delicacy deserving of their import.
the ending is the perfect jump off point for more, setting their relationship right on the precipice of free fall, and while i'm this 🤏🏼 close to pushing them off with a hearty kick to the booty myself, i know patiently waiting for GA to cast his magic spell will be worth every minute.
Mr. Gregory Ashe, sir, please share what you had the day you put this bad boy to bed because i want 50.
May 9, 2025
Oh boy, definitely not my favourite couple in the Hazardverse! I think I lost patience in waiting for Tean to make a decision in all honesty. I'm usually a fan of the love triangle scenario, but this was honestly painful.
The crime/mystery completely dominated this book and I wasn't all that interested because although it was personal for Jem, it just didn't grab my interest that much.
I also got so frustrated with Tean again and his family drove me insane! I swear if my relatives took it in turns to hound me by phone to get me to agree to do something that I really didn't want to do, I would legit change my number and give it to exactly no one. He just allows these situations to happen to him, and although we get an explanation for why he's holding on so desperately to everything that is so fucking toxic for him, I was over it and wanted Jem to meet someone else.
Jem I absolutely adore and I have no idea how he put up with being treated like Tean's backup plan for when he finally made a decision on Ammon the arsehole. I like how much Jem has grown and how he's finally allowing himself to make some kind of plan for his future. I do wish we'd seen him interacting with his bio mum though because for me the story would have been more rewarding if that was the area of his life that he got some answers and healing from. Hopefully there's more books to come for Jem and Tean, other than the Iron on Iron series, because it just doesn't feel like their story is done and their relationship is still teetering on a knife edge.
Now that I've read at least one story arc for the main four couples I have a ranking for my favourites!
Favourite Couples
Emery and John-Henry
Theo and Auggie
North and Shaw
Jem and Tean
Favourite Characters
Emery
Jem
Scipio
Evie
Lana
John-Henry
Dulac
Auggie
Theo
North
Shaw
Nico!!
John-Henry's parents
Pretty much everyone else
Ammon - he at least acknowledges he's an absolute shithead
Tean!!!!
Not even sorry about those rankings....Quite frankly Ammon and Tean deserve each other and my precious Jem deserves someone who chooses him first.
The crime/mystery completely dominated this book and I wasn't all that interested because although it was personal for Jem, it just didn't grab my interest that much.
I also got so frustrated with Tean again and his family drove me insane! I swear if my relatives took it in turns to hound me by phone to get me to agree to do something that I really didn't want to do, I would legit change my number and give it to exactly no one. He just allows these situations to happen to him, and although we get an explanation for why he's holding on so desperately to everything that is so fucking toxic for him, I was over it and wanted Jem to meet someone else.
Jem I absolutely adore and I have no idea how he put up with being treated like Tean's backup plan for when he finally made a decision on Ammon the arsehole. I like how much Jem has grown and how he's finally allowing himself to make some kind of plan for his future. I do wish we'd seen him interacting with his bio mum though because for me the story would have been more rewarding if that was the area of his life that he got some answers and healing from. Hopefully there's more books to come for Jem and Tean, other than the Iron on Iron series, because it just doesn't feel like their story is done and their relationship is still teetering on a knife edge.
Now that I've read at least one story arc for the main four couples I have a ranking for my favourites!
Favourite Couples
Emery and John-Henry
Theo and Auggie
North and Shaw
Jem and Tean
Favourite Characters
Emery
Jem
Scipio
Evie
Lana
John-Henry
Dulac
Auggie
Theo
North
Shaw
Nico!!
John-Henry's parents
Pretty much everyone else
Ammon - he at least acknowledges he's an absolute shithead
Tean!!!!
Not even sorry about those rankings....Quite frankly Ammon and Tean deserve each other and my precious Jem deserves someone who chooses him first.
July 10, 2022
***Reread/First Listen 7/8/22 - 7/9/22**
What to say that I didn't say before? Nothing of value save that I did the audio this time around and J.F. Harding is a master. All the feelings were felt and then some. *sigh*
I forgot to mention last time that GA seemingly has a heart and we get some levity via Russell, a Goth kid who learns his posturing is no match for a master like Tean 😂😂😂
***First read 8/16/21 - 8/18/21***
In a combination of Brit and Jem speak I'll just say I finished this yesterday and I'm sat here feeling my feelings. Big feelings.
If we know each other even slightly on this site it's no secret that I'm an absolute Gregory Ashe 'stan. In fact I've been on a pretty exclusive Ashe reading binge and I'm not sorry. I love, love, love Hazard & Somers and yet these two, Jem & Tean? Next level, burrow under my skin, flow in my blood stream, inhale & exhale, all caps LOVE. Reasons? Some disjointed random thoughts below.
Starting with The Same Breath Ashe has taken the reader on a journey of how two strangers, absolute opposites, discover each other, how they fit together, not seamlessly, but perfectly.
I think this book is more Tean centered. He's engaged in a Sisyphean effort of trying to have both Ammon and Jem in his life, and make them be, if not friends, at least civil to each other. He's also trying to reestablish or realign his relationship with his family. As expected neither of these endeavors is going well. Of course the biggest struggle is internal for Tean, who he is, who he wants to be, what he thinks he deserves are all the things that keep Tean's brain buzzing. Without getting into specifics I'll say that Tean's issues were not alien to me and the way the author addresses them, obliquely pulling at these knotted threads? Brilliant.
If you're here for the mystery, the action in compressed time, the banter and dark humor worry not, it's all here, with a wink and a nod to Agatha Christie and William Shakespeare. As a plus Jem gets a bit of closure on his horrible history, which is the catalyst for the story. Just a bit.
In a genius turn it is Ammon who crystallizes who Tean is, the why's & wherefores and it's supremely satisfying that despite having this "secret" knowledge it doesn't serve him at all when it comes to dealing with Tean. Our history, familial or otherwise, doesn't have to be our destiny, and Tean is making Herculean efforts to change his. I love him.
Some quotes below and then go read this arc. I hope there will be more J&T, there's much to mine there, but if there weren't this leaves them in a perfect low key way, which suits the MC and who they are. To improve on perfection you should read Jem + Tean: Guys Gone Wild included in Jem and Tean: Guys Gone Wild ❤️❤️
"Overhead, the stars were a river too, channeled by the high stone wall of the canyon. Maybe heaven was a place, Tean thought. A planet. A star. Enough rocket fuel and enough time, and anybody could get there. Maybe it was like the ocean, and all rivers flowed to it, carrying souls along. Maybe it was the end of a flat world, and when you reach it, you dropped off into nothing and nowhere."
"What is the universe, he wanted to ask, except a desert? And what is a desert except a place where life holds on?
What to say that I didn't say before? Nothing of value save that I did the audio this time around and J.F. Harding is a master. All the feelings were felt and then some. *sigh*
I forgot to mention last time that GA seemingly has a heart and we get some levity via Russell, a Goth kid who learns his posturing is no match for a master like Tean 😂😂😂
***First read 8/16/21 - 8/18/21***
In a combination of Brit and Jem speak I'll just say I finished this yesterday and I'm sat here feeling my feelings. Big feelings.
If we know each other even slightly on this site it's no secret that I'm an absolute Gregory Ashe 'stan. In fact I've been on a pretty exclusive Ashe reading binge and I'm not sorry. I love, love, love Hazard & Somers and yet these two, Jem & Tean? Next level, burrow under my skin, flow in my blood stream, inhale & exhale, all caps LOVE. Reasons? Some disjointed random thoughts below.
Starting with The Same Breath Ashe has taken the reader on a journey of how two strangers, absolute opposites, discover each other, how they fit together, not seamlessly, but perfectly.
I think this book is more Tean centered. He's engaged in a Sisyphean effort of trying to have both Ammon and Jem in his life, and make them be, if not friends, at least civil to each other. He's also trying to reestablish or realign his relationship with his family. As expected neither of these endeavors is going well. Of course the biggest struggle is internal for Tean, who he is, who he wants to be, what he thinks he deserves are all the things that keep Tean's brain buzzing. Without getting into specifics I'll say that Tean's issues were not alien to me and the way the author addresses them, obliquely pulling at these knotted threads? Brilliant.
If you're here for the mystery, the action in compressed time, the banter and dark humor worry not, it's all here, with a wink and a nod to Agatha Christie and William Shakespeare. As a plus Jem gets a bit of closure on his horrible history, which is the catalyst for the story. Just a bit.
In a genius turn it is Ammon who crystallizes who Tean is, the why's & wherefores and it's supremely satisfying that despite having this "secret" knowledge it doesn't serve him at all when it comes to dealing with Tean. Our history, familial or otherwise, doesn't have to be our destiny, and Tean is making Herculean efforts to change his. I love him.
Some quotes below and then go read this arc. I hope there will be more J&T, there's much to mine there, but if there weren't this leaves them in a perfect low key way, which suits the MC and who they are. To improve on perfection you should read Jem + Tean: Guys Gone Wild included in Jem and Tean: Guys Gone Wild ❤️❤️
"Overhead, the stars were a river too, channeled by the high stone wall of the canyon. Maybe heaven was a place, Tean thought. A planet. A star. Enough rocket fuel and enough time, and anybody could get there. Maybe it was like the ocean, and all rivers flowed to it, carrying souls along. Maybe it was the end of a flat world, and when you reach it, you dropped off into nothing and nowhere."
"What is the universe, he wanted to ask, except a desert? And what is a desert except a place where life holds on?
August 15, 2023
3.5 💫
"The desert reminds me of how I feel around people: I can see them, touch them, be right up next to them, and I know I’m part of their world, but at the same time I’m not.”
"The desert reminds me of how I feel around people: I can see them, touch them, be right up next to them, and I know I’m part of their world, but at the same time I’m not.”
January 29, 2021
While boasting mysteries as complex and a central relationship as complicated and messy as any of those to be found in any of his other books, the overall tone of Gregory Ashe’s
The Lamb and the Lion
series has seemed somewhat gentler, somewhat lighter than many of those other books. The frequent laugh-out-loud humour, the wonderfully vivid descriptions of the landscape and the author’s ability to convey its majesty and stillness, the palpable affection between the two leads and their innate goodness, have, I think, sometimes worked to lull the reader into a false sense of security and to conceal the raw emotions that have been bubbling beneath the surface throughout. It’s been obvious from the start that both Jem and Tean have a lot of hurt and trauma in their pasts and that those events have had a large hand in shaping the men they are now, but they’ve both done such a great job of pretending they’re fine, of hiding behind their teasing banter and playful affection that it’s been easy to forget that these are two very damaged individuals who are really struggling to process and let go of the things that hurt them, and to find a new path towards becoming the people they’re meant to be.
The Same End rips open the fault-lines in that dichotomy.
Wildlife vet Teancum Leon and grifter Jem Berger couldn’t be more different. Tean is, by his own admission, introverted and repressed; Jem is outgoing and larger-than-life; Tean is something of a nihilist, prone to coming up with all manner of little-known facts and statistics about death; Jem takes life as it comes, living off his wits and the thrill of the game, never feeling more alive than when he’s ‘riffing’ during a con. They met when Jem’s foster brother was murdered (The Same Breath) and they teamed up to find the killer; along the way they became lovers but that ended when Tean found out that Jem had been lying to him, and after reconciling (in one of the best make-up scenes ever), they decided they were better as friends. After Tean tried – and failed – to ‘help’ Jem (helping him into a regular job, into renting an apartment and into what is - to Tean - a normal life, but which to Jem feels more like a straitjacket) in The Same Place, when The Same End opens, Jem is back to his old ways, grifting for money, living wherever he can – and Tean doesn’t like it. Not because he doesn’t like Jem breaking the law (although he doesn’t like it), but because he’s worried about him. Jem hides everything – what he’s doing, where he’s living, how he’s living, turning up at Tean’s place most days after Tean gets home from work and spending time with him but then heading off to… wherever - and he won’t accept help with anything (except with his reading.)
Although he’s ended his sexual relationship with deeply closeted (and married-with-kids) cop Ammon Young, Tean is determined not to lose a friendship of more than twenty years standing, and wants to find a way to keep both Ammon and Jem in his life. It’s obvious to the reader that Tean is going to have to make a choice somewhere along the line, because Ammon and Jem are never going to get on in a million years; just as it’s obvious that Tean’s unwillingness to cut Ammon loose is giving Ammon the opportunity to worm his way back into Tean’s life and bed – even though Tean insists that all he wants is friendship. But Ammon is insidious (and relentless) – unbeknownst to Tean, he’s running off any guy Tean dates – and he knows exactly how to fuck with Tean’s head, even going to far as to use Tean’s family to try to get back into his pants.
As in the previous books, the suspense plot hits close to home, but in this one, it’s even more devastatingly personal. A young woman Jem knew in foster care is murdered, and the suspect – also someone from Jem’s past – insists he won’t talk to anyone but Jem. Jem knows something isn’t right; that if the cops had enough evidence against the guy, they wouldn’t need him, but he agrees - begrudgingly – to talk to him... and immediately recognises the man as Antonio Hidalgo, one of a trio of boys who had made his life a misery at Decker Juvenile Hall, who physically and sexually abused him for fun. Antonio is accused of murdering his girlfriend Andi, but he insists that Tanner Kimball – who was the ringleader at Decker all those years ago – is the real killer. Seeing Antonio again brings back all those memories Jem has fought so hard to lock away, and he starts falling apart; he can’t sleep, he’s a bag of nerves and on edge all the time, and even though he tries to hide the state he’s in from Tean, Tean knows him too well by now to accept his insistence that he’s fine and nothing is wrong. But he also knows that if he pushes, Jem will likely just disappear, so all he can do is hope that eventually Jem will confide in him. But it’s tearing him up inside to see his friend so wrung out.
While Jem couldn’t give a fuck about what happens to Antonio, he wants to get justice for Andi – but his desire for revenge against Tanner is what really drives him. Jem and Tean head into Utah’s high desert intent on checking out Antonio’s story – but the discovery of a dead body carrying Tanner’s ID in a remote canyon is just the start of an ever-expanding web of intrigue, murder and betrayal that could get them both killed. But Jem can’t rest until they get to the truth. He knows the dead man isn’t Tanner – and as the bodies mount up, everyone, from the chief of police to the highway patrol, is warning Jem and Tean to get out of town which only lends credence to the idea that they’re on to something that interested parties will go to any lengths to keep hidden. Ammon’s reappearance adds yet another point of strain to their already fractured relationship; his manipulations, the pressure exerted by Tean’s family, and Tean’s inability to connect with Jem are wearing Tean down, while Jem is being tortured by memories and driven by a mess of dark, negative emotions that are threatening to eat him alive.
The characterisation of both leads is incredible. They're so real and so flawed; they make mistakes, they hurt each other and they let each other down, but they never stop trying - to be better, to understand each other and to do the right thing. They really do want what's best for the other; Jem geniunely wants Tean to be happy (even if it's not with him) and to start to see himself as the amazing person he really is; Tean wants the same for Jem, he wants him to be safe and to believe he deserves so much more than the life he's chosen - which is all Jem think's he's worthy of.
Their relationship is stunning in its complexity and the amazingly insightful way it’s written. Mr. Ashe switches the mood seamlessly from laugh-out-loud humour to intensely emotional moments of honesty and introspection; from gentle, flirtatious teasing to deeply affectionate moments which affirm what the reader has known since the moment they met; that Jem and Tean really are the soulmates Jem jokes about. This is true of the other books in the series as well, but in this one… there were times it felt like my heart was actually hurting for this lovely, damaged pair.
The mystery is complex and clever and intensely satisfying, with a final twist that puts a very different spin on things, and Mr. Ashe ratchets up the tension to impossible levels during the nailbitingly tense denouement. Thankfully however, the book ends on a beautifully bittersweet note that is perfect for this imperfect pair. They’ve finally faced up to their pasts and are learning to let go of the damaging things they’ve held on to for too long, and although they’re got a lot of work to do if they’re going to build something lasting, the reader is left confident in the knowledge that they have what it takes to get there. As Jem says – “This isn’t the end… It’s the beginning".
The Same End is a deeply emotional, skilfully plotted and utterly compelling end to The Lamb and the Lion series, and is, like its predecessors, impossible to put down. Gregory Ashe is without doubt, an author at the top of his game, and I honestly can’t think of anyone else writing in this genre right now who can match him in his ability to craft, captivating, flawed characters, clever dialogue that will make you laugh one moment and cry the next, gripping plotlines, and well-developed, heartfelt relationships that plumb the depths and then scale the heights of human emotion. Part of me hopes that one day, Mr. Ashe might re-visit Jem and Tean, while another part is more than happy to leave them here, at the beginning of a new life together. After all they’ve been through, they deserve it.
The Same End rips open the fault-lines in that dichotomy.
Wildlife vet Teancum Leon and grifter Jem Berger couldn’t be more different. Tean is, by his own admission, introverted and repressed; Jem is outgoing and larger-than-life; Tean is something of a nihilist, prone to coming up with all manner of little-known facts and statistics about death; Jem takes life as it comes, living off his wits and the thrill of the game, never feeling more alive than when he’s ‘riffing’ during a con. They met when Jem’s foster brother was murdered (The Same Breath) and they teamed up to find the killer; along the way they became lovers but that ended when Tean found out that Jem had been lying to him, and after reconciling (in one of the best make-up scenes ever), they decided they were better as friends. After Tean tried – and failed – to ‘help’ Jem (helping him into a regular job, into renting an apartment and into what is - to Tean - a normal life, but which to Jem feels more like a straitjacket) in The Same Place, when The Same End opens, Jem is back to his old ways, grifting for money, living wherever he can – and Tean doesn’t like it. Not because he doesn’t like Jem breaking the law (although he doesn’t like it), but because he’s worried about him. Jem hides everything – what he’s doing, where he’s living, how he’s living, turning up at Tean’s place most days after Tean gets home from work and spending time with him but then heading off to… wherever - and he won’t accept help with anything (except with his reading.)
Although he’s ended his sexual relationship with deeply closeted (and married-with-kids) cop Ammon Young, Tean is determined not to lose a friendship of more than twenty years standing, and wants to find a way to keep both Ammon and Jem in his life. It’s obvious to the reader that Tean is going to have to make a choice somewhere along the line, because Ammon and Jem are never going to get on in a million years; just as it’s obvious that Tean’s unwillingness to cut Ammon loose is giving Ammon the opportunity to worm his way back into Tean’s life and bed – even though Tean insists that all he wants is friendship. But Ammon is insidious (and relentless) – unbeknownst to Tean, he’s running off any guy Tean dates – and he knows exactly how to fuck with Tean’s head, even going to far as to use Tean’s family to try to get back into his pants.
As in the previous books, the suspense plot hits close to home, but in this one, it’s even more devastatingly personal. A young woman Jem knew in foster care is murdered, and the suspect – also someone from Jem’s past – insists he won’t talk to anyone but Jem. Jem knows something isn’t right; that if the cops had enough evidence against the guy, they wouldn’t need him, but he agrees - begrudgingly – to talk to him... and immediately recognises the man as Antonio Hidalgo, one of a trio of boys who had made his life a misery at Decker Juvenile Hall, who physically and sexually abused him for fun. Antonio is accused of murdering his girlfriend Andi, but he insists that Tanner Kimball – who was the ringleader at Decker all those years ago – is the real killer. Seeing Antonio again brings back all those memories Jem has fought so hard to lock away, and he starts falling apart; he can’t sleep, he’s a bag of nerves and on edge all the time, and even though he tries to hide the state he’s in from Tean, Tean knows him too well by now to accept his insistence that he’s fine and nothing is wrong. But he also knows that if he pushes, Jem will likely just disappear, so all he can do is hope that eventually Jem will confide in him. But it’s tearing him up inside to see his friend so wrung out.
While Jem couldn’t give a fuck about what happens to Antonio, he wants to get justice for Andi – but his desire for revenge against Tanner is what really drives him. Jem and Tean head into Utah’s high desert intent on checking out Antonio’s story – but the discovery of a dead body carrying Tanner’s ID in a remote canyon is just the start of an ever-expanding web of intrigue, murder and betrayal that could get them both killed. But Jem can’t rest until they get to the truth. He knows the dead man isn’t Tanner – and as the bodies mount up, everyone, from the chief of police to the highway patrol, is warning Jem and Tean to get out of town which only lends credence to the idea that they’re on to something that interested parties will go to any lengths to keep hidden. Ammon’s reappearance adds yet another point of strain to their already fractured relationship; his manipulations, the pressure exerted by Tean’s family, and Tean’s inability to connect with Jem are wearing Tean down, while Jem is being tortured by memories and driven by a mess of dark, negative emotions that are threatening to eat him alive.
The characterisation of both leads is incredible. They're so real and so flawed; they make mistakes, they hurt each other and they let each other down, but they never stop trying - to be better, to understand each other and to do the right thing. They really do want what's best for the other; Jem geniunely wants Tean to be happy (even if it's not with him) and to start to see himself as the amazing person he really is; Tean wants the same for Jem, he wants him to be safe and to believe he deserves so much more than the life he's chosen - which is all Jem think's he's worthy of.
Their relationship is stunning in its complexity and the amazingly insightful way it’s written. Mr. Ashe switches the mood seamlessly from laugh-out-loud humour to intensely emotional moments of honesty and introspection; from gentle, flirtatious teasing to deeply affectionate moments which affirm what the reader has known since the moment they met; that Jem and Tean really are the soulmates Jem jokes about. This is true of the other books in the series as well, but in this one… there were times it felt like my heart was actually hurting for this lovely, damaged pair.
The mystery is complex and clever and intensely satisfying, with a final twist that puts a very different spin on things, and Mr. Ashe ratchets up the tension to impossible levels during the nailbitingly tense denouement. Thankfully however, the book ends on a beautifully bittersweet note that is perfect for this imperfect pair. They’ve finally faced up to their pasts and are learning to let go of the damaging things they’ve held on to for too long, and although they’re got a lot of work to do if they’re going to build something lasting, the reader is left confident in the knowledge that they have what it takes to get there. As Jem says – “This isn’t the end… It’s the beginning".
The Same End is a deeply emotional, skilfully plotted and utterly compelling end to The Lamb and the Lion series, and is, like its predecessors, impossible to put down. Gregory Ashe is without doubt, an author at the top of his game, and I honestly can’t think of anyone else writing in this genre right now who can match him in his ability to craft, captivating, flawed characters, clever dialogue that will make you laugh one moment and cry the next, gripping plotlines, and well-developed, heartfelt relationships that plumb the depths and then scale the heights of human emotion. Part of me hopes that one day, Mr. Ashe might re-visit Jem and Tean, while another part is more than happy to leave them here, at the beginning of a new life together. After all they’ve been through, they deserve it.
March 19, 2025
4.5⭐️ Tean’s waffling between Jem and Ammon was brutal in this one. This series is heavy on the love triangle, similar to the Hazard/Nico/Somers dynamic but so much worse because Nico was sweet and Ammon is a total POS—and Tean’s refusal to see it is so frustrating.
Fuckboy Ammon aside, I did really enjoy the banter and bonding between Tean and Jem in this one, and Tean finally having his moment of clarity was so satisfying and relieving. There’s not a whole lot of closure at the end, more of a tentative HFN, but I know they have another book in the Iron on Iron series which I will have to read soon.
Fuckboy Ammon aside, I did really enjoy the banter and bonding between Tean and Jem in this one, and Tean finally having his moment of clarity was so satisfying and relieving. There’s not a whole lot of closure at the end, more of a tentative HFN, but I know they have another book in the Iron on Iron series which I will have to read soon.
January 7, 2025
I'm going to try to be slightly less unhinged here than my review for book two. I was going through it there and my brain wasn't right 🤣 Jem and Tean had me all out of sorts. I mean, they had me all out of sorts here too, but I got the closure I needed by the end and I'm feeling some measure of peace 😌
I'm also suffering from an intense book hangover because holy crap was this an excellent series. Top notch, fabulous, all the things that scream AMAZING. I expected nothing less from Gregory Ashe though. The man can write a book. More than that though, the man writes characters that speak to you. I have never come away from an Ashe novel forgetting the characters. There are so many books I enjoy at the time but down the line only remember the gist of things and forget the character names completely. That's also a me thing and having goldfish brain, but Ashe sears his characters into my conscious in an unforgettable way. Jem and Tean were no different. They're marked on my heart forever 😭
I loved everything about this book. The mystery kept me invested the entire time. There was tons of action, and everything coming to a head had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I alternated between laughing, screaming, and tearing up. It was PERFECT 👌🏻
I don't have many more coherent things to say, so I'm just going to leave some random thoughts below (spoiler just in case)
I'm also suffering from an intense book hangover because holy crap was this an excellent series. Top notch, fabulous, all the things that scream AMAZING. I expected nothing less from Gregory Ashe though. The man can write a book. More than that though, the man writes characters that speak to you. I have never come away from an Ashe novel forgetting the characters. There are so many books I enjoy at the time but down the line only remember the gist of things and forget the character names completely. That's also a me thing and having goldfish brain, but Ashe sears his characters into my conscious in an unforgettable way. Jem and Tean were no different. They're marked on my heart forever 😭
I loved everything about this book. The mystery kept me invested the entire time. There was tons of action, and everything coming to a head had me on the edge of my seat the entire time. I alternated between laughing, screaming, and tearing up. It was PERFECT 👌🏻
I don't have many more coherent things to say, so I'm just going to leave some random thoughts below (spoiler just in case)
February 13, 2021
5 stars!
This was a fast read for me because I really do love and adore Tean and Jem.
If you have been a fan of these two men you really don't want to miss out on this book. It definitely is my favorite of the 3. Things finally fall into place and I couldn't be happier on how it ended and I really do hope we get future books. I just feel like I need more.
Ammon has been a thorn in every book and he is even a bigger one in this book and I was so annoyed with how pushy he was. I highly dislike this character and would love to see him on fewer pages or not at all.
Jem's past tormentors are in the forefront of this story and it has Jem shutting down a bit and self medicating to get through it. I was of course heartbroken by what these 3 men had done to him and wanted Jem to not only get his justice, but be able to open up about it to Tean and move on.
Tean has some revelations in this book and I was SO happy to see him finally see through all the BS and make the decisions he did. It was definitely a FINALLY moment for this reader.
Jem and Tean get even closer and hilarious in this book. The snark and sass is strong in this book and I loved every minute of it. I had a lot of LOL moments that got me some looks. It was just a fun and sad read all in one. It had a bit of everything. Even romance, which most of you know GA can be a bit stingy with. ;) All in all it was another great book by GA.
Happy reading dolls! xx
This was a fast read for me because I really do love and adore Tean and Jem.
If you have been a fan of these two men you really don't want to miss out on this book. It definitely is my favorite of the 3. Things finally fall into place and I couldn't be happier on how it ended and I really do hope we get future books. I just feel like I need more.
Ammon has been a thorn in every book and he is even a bigger one in this book and I was so annoyed with how pushy he was. I highly dislike this character and would love to see him on fewer pages or not at all.
Jem's past tormentors are in the forefront of this story and it has Jem shutting down a bit and self medicating to get through it. I was of course heartbroken by what these 3 men had done to him and wanted Jem to not only get his justice, but be able to open up about it to Tean and move on.
Tean has some revelations in this book and I was SO happy to see him finally see through all the BS and make the decisions he did. It was definitely a FINALLY moment for this reader.
Jem and Tean get even closer and hilarious in this book. The snark and sass is strong in this book and I loved every minute of it. I had a lot of LOL moments that got me some looks. It was just a fun and sad read all in one. It had a bit of everything. Even romance, which most of you know GA can be a bit stingy with. ;) All in all it was another great book by GA.
Happy reading dolls! xx
February 21, 2021
Here it is—the conclusion to the absolutely fabulous, heart-wrenching, fast-paced, both hilarious and solemn, The Lamb and the Lion mystery series by Gregory Ashe. The Same End embodies everything experienced in the first two books, but then cranks it up to ten. Like I told Ashe, this book has an ephemeral quality to the words—a certain type of magic, similar to those seconds of time both Tean and Jem experience in Breath and Place when standing amongst the wildness of Utah's countryside—once experienced, it sort of dissolves. That is not to say the joy of a re-read isn't here, but these books in particular are so unique, that the very first read is something almost otherworldly and I find it difficult to describe.
The triangle of tension is back in full force, with Dr. Tean Leon, wildlife veterinarian, doing his absolute damnedest to make his former lover, Ammon Young, and current "best friend," Jem Berger, get along. Suffice it to say, Tean's the only one who is invested in saving all of these relationships. Ammon does a decent job at talking the talk but not walking the walk, whereas Jem is very honest: he does not like, enjoy, trust, or want to be around Ammon. Period. And then, when a suspect in one of Ammon's cases begins asking for Jem's help, everything spirals out of control. A woman Jem knew in childhood has been killed, and the suspect insists that he's not the killer—it's Jem's old tormentor from his time in juvie. Throw in a wild array of suspects, red herrings, a drug deal worth millions, one impromptu trip to Vegas, and some extremely hard-fought for happiness for our heroes, Tean and Jem, and you've got one epic finale.
This trilogy of amateur sleuth mysteries, wonderfully interwoven with a romance and sense of finding one's self, is a gift to the gay mystery genre, and an ideal example of Ashe's incredible skills as a storyteller. The dialogue seamlessly fluctuates between raw heartache and absolute hilarity. The research is on point. And the setting is such a fully formed character in its own right that it is a prime example for other authors to follow. Never forget the location is a character! And while I've never been to Salt Lake, the heat, the wind, the sun, the colors of the mountains and valleys—I swear I've visited this place in spirit.
A simply remarkable conclusion that I cannot recommend enough. Don't let the angst scare you off—this is storytelling at its finest, and I promise the ending is worth the pain, murders, and mystery!
The triangle of tension is back in full force, with Dr. Tean Leon, wildlife veterinarian, doing his absolute damnedest to make his former lover, Ammon Young, and current "best friend," Jem Berger, get along. Suffice it to say, Tean's the only one who is invested in saving all of these relationships. Ammon does a decent job at talking the talk but not walking the walk, whereas Jem is very honest: he does not like, enjoy, trust, or want to be around Ammon. Period. And then, when a suspect in one of Ammon's cases begins asking for Jem's help, everything spirals out of control. A woman Jem knew in childhood has been killed, and the suspect insists that he's not the killer—it's Jem's old tormentor from his time in juvie. Throw in a wild array of suspects, red herrings, a drug deal worth millions, one impromptu trip to Vegas, and some extremely hard-fought for happiness for our heroes, Tean and Jem, and you've got one epic finale.
This trilogy of amateur sleuth mysteries, wonderfully interwoven with a romance and sense of finding one's self, is a gift to the gay mystery genre, and an ideal example of Ashe's incredible skills as a storyteller. The dialogue seamlessly fluctuates between raw heartache and absolute hilarity. The research is on point. And the setting is such a fully formed character in its own right that it is a prime example for other authors to follow. Never forget the location is a character! And while I've never been to Salt Lake, the heat, the wind, the sun, the colors of the mountains and valleys—I swear I've visited this place in spirit.
A simply remarkable conclusion that I cannot recommend enough. Don't let the angst scare you off—this is storytelling at its finest, and I promise the ending is worth the pain, murders, and mystery!
January 15, 2023
AMAZING ❤️
Both story and audio had me captivated through this entire series. I think I skipped the review on book 2 and will sim them both up here - just due to how invested I was in this.
I picked this on up right after having completed all North & Shaw, waiting on the last 2 Auggie & Theo audio to release. I had no idea what to expect, thinking no possibility of getting hooked again I am just too committed to my love of Hazrd ❤️. I was so wrong, and really makes me appreciate the brilliance of Gregory Ashe. He knows how to hook me every time, besides falling for both Jem & Tean - I love both of them here, scipio!!! He’s such a lab, love him and the way GA connects his reactions to the story.
For me this was everything I love Utah, our family have spent as many vaccinations there as possible. It’s incredible with some of the most breathtaking scenery. I am in awe how I am brought back to so many memories and places. He is spot on
Thank you GA for everything you write 😍
Both story and audio had me captivated through this entire series. I think I skipped the review on book 2 and will sim them both up here - just due to how invested I was in this.
I picked this on up right after having completed all North & Shaw, waiting on the last 2 Auggie & Theo audio to release. I had no idea what to expect, thinking no possibility of getting hooked again I am just too committed to my love of Hazrd ❤️. I was so wrong, and really makes me appreciate the brilliance of Gregory Ashe. He knows how to hook me every time, besides falling for both Jem & Tean - I love both of them here, scipio!!! He’s such a lab, love him and the way GA connects his reactions to the story.
For me this was everything I love Utah, our family have spent as many vaccinations there as possible. It’s incredible with some of the most breathtaking scenery. I am in awe how I am brought back to so many memories and places. He is spot on
Thank you GA for everything you write 😍
December 4, 2022
I stayed up way past my bedtime in a full on flop sweat triggered by the most excruciating chapter ever known to humankind in which an MC was getting everything he'd ever wanted and I was slowly dying inside. Why do I do this to myself? I'm officially doubling down on my comment about these books being like crack. I'm addicted and I take the abuse of the lows because the highs are so freaking (fricking?) good. I wasn't sure I'd earned the title of Ashochist after finishing all of The First Quarto and H&S books, but I humbly accept it now and will wear the badge (and emotional scars) with pride.
Quick note - I'm about to do some venting, but please keep those 4 stars in mind because I might write things that will lead you to believe I didn't like this book when I definitely, definitely did. Back to the show...
I hate love triangles. Despise them. Twilight got away with one when it shouldn't have and led other authors to believe they should write them too. They shouldn't. They're the worst. The power imbalance haunts me. Every scene that includes all three people makes me itch. I inevitably join a team (in the case of this series, there was only one acceptable team) and then I get upset every time the opposing team scores a point. Gregory Ashe loves including a "third wheel" character, but I never saw the relationship dynamics in previous books as triangular in shape. I did in this one and I think it prevented me from loving Tean as much as I wanted to. While he came a long way in this book, it was in a two steps forward one step back approach that usually left him stepping backwards onto Jem. I found myself feeling fiercely protective of Jem. I wanted him to push back so bad. I wanted him to demand better. I wanted him to throw Ammon under the bus. I wanted him to make Tean so jealous that he couldn't see straight. At the same time, I respected him for not doing any of those things. Unlike Ammon, Jem's love for Tean went beyond a selfish need to have him to himself. He wanted Tean to be happy, however that looked for Tean and whatever that mean for him. Because of that, it was hard for me to forgive some of the ways that Tean hurt him, even when it wasn't on purpose.
As always, this book was written beautifully and involved themes that had me thinking long after I'd finished it. I loved the way Jem's past intertwined with the present and sparked a deep conversation about abuse and revenge and forgiveness that highlighted the fundamental differences between Jem, Tean and Ammon's lived experiences and perspectives. The mystery itself was a bit convoluted and melted my brain a couple of times, but led to some exciting moments that had me elbowing my weekend chore list to the back of my mind. The end was bittersweet in a way that made me both sad and hopeful. It's no secret that GA tends to be hard on his characters and Tean and Jem definitely didn't make it through this series unscathed. My fingers are tightly crossed for a continuation of their story in the future.
PS - I've disliked a lot of characters in the past, but I think I dislike Ammon the most. Other than being genuinely protective of Tean (and I'm not even sure if that's true), he had absolutely zero redeeming qualities. I'd like to see him get with Hazard's ex-boyfriend Billy and watch them try to out-manipulate each other. And of course he did what he did at the end. Of. Freaking. Course.🙄
Quick note - I'm about to do some venting, but please keep those 4 stars in mind because I might write things that will lead you to believe I didn't like this book when I definitely, definitely did. Back to the show...
I hate love triangles. Despise them. Twilight got away with one when it shouldn't have and led other authors to believe they should write them too. They shouldn't. They're the worst. The power imbalance haunts me. Every scene that includes all three people makes me itch. I inevitably join a team (in the case of this series, there was only one acceptable team) and then I get upset every time the opposing team scores a point. Gregory Ashe loves including a "third wheel" character, but I never saw the relationship dynamics in previous books as triangular in shape. I did in this one and I think it prevented me from loving Tean as much as I wanted to. While he came a long way in this book, it was in a two steps forward one step back approach that usually left him stepping backwards onto Jem. I found myself feeling fiercely protective of Jem. I wanted him to push back so bad. I wanted him to demand better. I wanted him to throw Ammon under the bus. I wanted him to make Tean so jealous that he couldn't see straight. At the same time, I respected him for not doing any of those things. Unlike Ammon, Jem's love for Tean went beyond a selfish need to have him to himself. He wanted Tean to be happy, however that looked for Tean and whatever that mean for him. Because of that, it was hard for me to forgive some of the ways that Tean hurt him, even when it wasn't on purpose.
As always, this book was written beautifully and involved themes that had me thinking long after I'd finished it. I loved the way Jem's past intertwined with the present and sparked a deep conversation about abuse and revenge and forgiveness that highlighted the fundamental differences between Jem, Tean and Ammon's lived experiences and perspectives. The mystery itself was a bit convoluted and melted my brain a couple of times, but led to some exciting moments that had me elbowing my weekend chore list to the back of my mind. The end was bittersweet in a way that made me both sad and hopeful. It's no secret that GA tends to be hard on his characters and Tean and Jem definitely didn't make it through this series unscathed. My fingers are tightly crossed for a continuation of their story in the future.
PS - I've disliked a lot of characters in the past, but I think I dislike Ammon the most. Other than being genuinely protective of Tean (and I'm not even sure if that's true), he had absolutely zero redeeming qualities. I'd like to see him get with Hazard's ex-boyfriend Billy and watch them try to out-manipulate each other. And of course he did what he did at the end. Of. Freaking. Course.🙄
June 10, 2021
All in all, this is one of my favorite series. The feeling of this book and the characters were distinct (and frankly, WAY tighter plotting) that there's really no comparison to the depth of Somers & Hazard's relationship, but because they are the same author, I'm gonna regardless.
Some of these thoughts are lifted from a text string with The Angry Reader and some of them are from my way to getting a morning coffee.
I'm noting in Ashe's writing how men/ boys are often the victims. Indeed, it's going right along with a vomit worthy chapter in To Raise a Boy: Classrooms, Locker Rooms, Bedrooms, and the Hidden Struggles of American Boyhood but I haven't seen it done in romantic suspense/suspense/romance to the extent women-as-victims is. I'm not "yay equality-ing" this, it is simply something I noticed, and something that I find realistic in terms of boyhood, power, and hate crimes or bullying directed at the queer community. I'm not quite sure how to describe how I feel like this lends the books an undertone of fully fleshed out characters rather than recovery trauma porn, but I think that to some extent, that is why I mention it and appreciate it. I think Ashe has created well-rounded characters with often traumatic pasts that integrate so wholly into their character that there's never a "wtf" motivation-it just all makes sense.
I have a lot to say about this series, but to get to my point about how thoroughly I enjoyed it-how I loved the communication between the principal characters-and I could go on. So what I said to Angry, and I will repeat here is where Hazard and Somers were very oak-like: deep roots, slow growing, and frankly the relationship could survive a billion storms, Jem & Tean who go by their first names b/c of course they do-were a forthright, tender, and delicate relationship that I would compare to taking care of finicky flowers that you just want to bloom (my new Magnolia is really pissing me off). It has a far more ephemeral feel, even though there was no doubt these two were meant for each other. I think it's suitable because it's Jem-feral con man and Tean, the wildlife vet. And this is no accident. Just like I noticed Jem "groomed" Tean as a form of affection much to this readers delight b/c I'm very much someone people always need to set straight on food in my hair or shirts that I put on backwards.
I love both series and couples because Ashe has that talent for creating singular highly specific couples that I have marveled at with Alexis Hall (I rarely want the character for myself, I just am deeply invested in their relationship) along with his ability to gut punch and have a novel be serious and yet hilarious like both Hall and Milan. Those who know me on here might realize I am now comparing Ashe to two of my favorite romance authors. And while I'm not sure I categorize Ashe as a romance author, and do I need to, that is no accident. After binge-reading 9 books and their respective shorts, again something I do not do, I have to say I'm delighted to have a new favorite author.
Some of these thoughts are lifted from a text string with The Angry Reader and some of them are from my way to getting a morning coffee.
I'm noting in Ashe's writing how men/ boys are often the victims. Indeed, it's going right along with a vomit worthy chapter in To Raise a Boy: Classrooms, Locker Rooms, Bedrooms, and the Hidden Struggles of American Boyhood but I haven't seen it done in romantic suspense/suspense/romance to the extent women-as-victims is. I'm not "yay equality-ing" this, it is simply something I noticed, and something that I find realistic in terms of boyhood, power, and hate crimes or bullying directed at the queer community. I'm not quite sure how to describe how I feel like this lends the books an undertone of fully fleshed out characters rather than recovery trauma porn, but I think that to some extent, that is why I mention it and appreciate it. I think Ashe has created well-rounded characters with often traumatic pasts that integrate so wholly into their character that there's never a "wtf" motivation-it just all makes sense.
I have a lot to say about this series, but to get to my point about how thoroughly I enjoyed it-how I loved the communication between the principal characters-and I could go on. So what I said to Angry, and I will repeat here is where Hazard and Somers were very oak-like: deep roots, slow growing, and frankly the relationship could survive a billion storms, Jem & Tean who go by their first names b/c of course they do-were a forthright, tender, and delicate relationship that I would compare to taking care of finicky flowers that you just want to bloom (my new Magnolia is really pissing me off). It has a far more ephemeral feel, even though there was no doubt these two were meant for each other. I think it's suitable because it's Jem-feral con man and Tean, the wildlife vet. And this is no accident. Just like I noticed Jem "groomed" Tean as a form of affection much to this readers delight b/c I'm very much someone people always need to set straight on food in my hair or shirts that I put on backwards.
I love both series and couples because Ashe has that talent for creating singular highly specific couples that I have marveled at with Alexis Hall (I rarely want the character for myself, I just am deeply invested in their relationship) along with his ability to gut punch and have a novel be serious and yet hilarious like both Hall and Milan. Those who know me on here might realize I am now comparing Ashe to two of my favorite romance authors. And while I'm not sure I categorize Ashe as a romance author, and do I need to, that is no accident. After binge-reading 9 books and their respective shorts, again something I do not do, I have to say I'm delighted to have a new favorite author.
November 26, 2021
This is the actual review, finally. Once again, I feel very deeply for this series and I think that Tean is probably my second favorite character of any book that I can think of besides Arden St. Ives, which is hilarious because they are wildly different characters, almost polar opposites. My friend coined Tean a "Khaki Goth" but she says that he is too goth to put in an effort to be ACTUALLY goth (plus, I am sure he would find it pointless.) One of my favorite parts of this book is that Tean actually out-gothed a goth!
Jem is the absolute perfect person for Tean because he not only lets Tean be completely himself he truly loves Tean all the more for all of his weirdness. Tean has been so damn repressed for SO long because he cares too much about what the people he loves think about him. I can imagine it was hell growing up in his family because he doesn't fit their mold. Ammon, who is the worst piece of shit for Tean, has been in his head for so long stringing him along that Tean's self-worth is almost nil.
All that being said, Jem is amazing as well and I hate that he's a grifter but he has had to find a way to survive after the ridiculous amounts of trauma he suffered since he was little. I am still unsure what exactly happened with his mother because I assumed she was dead and I thought he did too, but I am not sure if I missed the explanation as to why she didn't have him or never tried to find him. The fact that she ruined his credit by taking out credit in his name was also suspicious and I am still unsure of why that was as well. It feels like there wasn't any real closure there.
As to the mystery, I am glad that Jem had closure even if it almost destroyed Tean, that was heartbreaking. There's not much to say about the way things played out but I had a huge question about one specific part of it I guess maybe I missed something there as well because I am still unclear about that. Hopefully, I will get more when I do the reread of the series.
As far as the ending goes, it seems there might not be another book and that would be sad but fine but it certainly needs an epilogue. I need to know that Tean will be alright and how he gets there because we all know that love doesn't conquer all and will magically make him better. It was certainly bittersweet, to put it mildly. So fingers crossed for that. 🤞
Jem is the absolute perfect person for Tean because he not only lets Tean be completely himself he truly loves Tean all the more for all of his weirdness. Tean has been so damn repressed for SO long because he cares too much about what the people he loves think about him. I can imagine it was hell growing up in his family because he doesn't fit their mold. Ammon, who is the worst piece of shit for Tean, has been in his head for so long stringing him along that Tean's self-worth is almost nil.
All that being said, Jem is amazing as well and I hate that he's a grifter but he has had to find a way to survive after the ridiculous amounts of trauma he suffered since he was little. I am still unsure what exactly happened with his mother because I assumed she was dead and I thought he did too, but I am not sure if I missed the explanation as to why she didn't have him or never tried to find him. The fact that she ruined his credit by taking out credit in his name was also suspicious and I am still unsure of why that was as well. It feels like there wasn't any real closure there.
As to the mystery, I am glad that Jem had closure even if it almost destroyed Tean, that was heartbreaking. There's not much to say about the way things played out but I had a huge question about one specific part of it I guess maybe I missed something there as well because I am still unclear about that. Hopefully, I will get more when I do the reread of the series.
As far as the ending goes, it seems there might not be another book and that would be sad but fine but it certainly needs an epilogue. I need to know that Tean will be alright and how he gets there because we all know that love doesn't conquer all and will magically make him better. It was certainly bittersweet, to put it mildly. So fingers crossed for that. 🤞
January 14, 2025
5 stars more for the overall series than for the book -- I was tempted to knock off a star for YET MORE REPEATED INSTANCES OF SERIOUS HEAD TRAUMA, MY GOD!!!!, but I thought that the series as a whole deserves the full whack.
Look, I'm in this for Tean and Jem. The crime was soooooo complicated, and also just relentlessly pushing all of Jem's trauma buttons. It was hard to read. (Although for sheer emotional destruction, .) But the interplay between Tean and Jem, and the Ammon issue, and how that all played out -- that's what keeps me reading. And like in book 2, the development and deepening of this friendship/ relationship/ utter love and devotion to each other (whether you call it platonic or romantic) was extremely well done, both in terms of this book and in the context of the larger journey. The ending is fitting. Recognizing the pain, the struggle, the hardness of the journey; but hopeful and committed to the fight.
I kind of blew my wad on a massive feelings explosion on discord, so I'm not sure how much more I have to say. I tore through this series in a matter of days and now I'm emotionally exhausted. But in a good way. A good book way. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go curl up in the fetal position.
Tean and Jem are absolutely wonderful characters, and in my head canon they get about 15 fewer kicks to the noggin. Can't wait to re-read.
(Oh, and 2023 GR challenge complete! Way to go me for this completely arbitrary achievement! Great book to end it on.)
Look, I'm in this for Tean and Jem. The crime was soooooo complicated, and also just relentlessly pushing all of Jem's trauma buttons. It was hard to read. (Although for sheer emotional destruction, .) But the interplay between Tean and Jem, and the Ammon issue, and how that all played out -- that's what keeps me reading. And like in book 2, the development and deepening of this friendship/ relationship/ utter love and devotion to each other (whether you call it platonic or romantic) was extremely well done, both in terms of this book and in the context of the larger journey. The ending is fitting. Recognizing the pain, the struggle, the hardness of the journey; but hopeful and committed to the fight.
I kind of blew my wad on a massive feelings explosion on discord, so I'm not sure how much more I have to say. I tore through this series in a matter of days and now I'm emotionally exhausted. But in a good way. A good book way. Now if you'll excuse me, I have to go curl up in the fetal position.
Tean and Jem are absolutely wonderful characters, and in my head canon they get about 15 fewer kicks to the noggin. Can't wait to re-read.
(Oh, and 2023 GR challenge complete! Way to go me for this completely arbitrary achievement! Great book to end it on.)
January 29, 2021
Oh, this book. This book! It was so awesome and yet it broke my heart so many times.
So I devour Gregory Ashe books. I know what I’m in for. Great dialogue. Slow burn. Broken boys. Emotional throat punches. These are the very reasons I love his books, but oh! At some point I’m always howling at my e-reader, demanding that the world align for his sweet, hurting characters.
Like Tean and Jem.
TEAN.
JEM.
I love these two men. I think they might be my favourite of all Ashe’s pairings. This trilogy has been a total roller coaster and man, this last installment pulls NO punches. So folks, make sure your safety bar is secure and keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle. This one’s a hell of a ride.
So the plot, as it usually does, involves a murder and naturally our boys get dragged into it. The mystery in this one cuts a little closer to the bone than the previous books as it involves figures from Jem’s past – the boys who tormented and abused him at Decker. One of them is accused of murder but insists he’s not guilty. He ropes Jem into helping clear him by dangling a bigger fish in front of him – Tanner, the ringleader of Jem’s torture as a teen. Of course, Tean has no intention of letting his perfectly-normal-level-of-friend handle this one alone and so off we go! As with all of Ashe’s books, there’s a big cast of characters, multiple suspects, and layers to the action that make it hard to guess who’s guilty.
But the mystery really takes a back seat to the journey our men are on in this one. Jem is wrestling down his past, and let me tell you, it’s a brutal, knock-down, brawl of a fight. Tean is battling his own existential demons as he fights to see himself clearly and allow himself to ask for more from life. Themes from the previous books come to full realization in this one. We learn more details about Jem’s abuse, about all the ways he’s been hurt by the people in his life, about his fight for survival, and all the pain he has locked up inside. We learn more about Tean’s take on this life, on why he’s let Ammon stay in his life for so long, why he’s accepted poor treatment from others, and his relationship with his family. There’s a lot of hurt and frustration here, but also transformation and hope.
I really appreciate the depth of Ashe’s characters. I know I say it in every review, but I love how flawed they are and I love how they keeping pushing forward, despite the pain. They make mistakes, they let themselves down, each other down, but they keep trying. Throughout the series, I’ve loved how thoughtful Tean is. More than once, including in this book, we see him thinking through situations, considering the people in his life, their actions, and the reasons for them. We see him thinking about how people – Ammon, Jem, his family – make him feel and see him make conscious choices based on this. In a genre that loves its miscommunication tropes, I love his purposeful reflections and subsequent action. I also adore his loving nature. Tean is just everything pure in this world, even now that he’s a “morally bankrupt homosexual.” lol
And Jem. My sweet Jem. His loving side gets a chance to shine here too. Again and again, we see him putting Tean’s happiness first, urging Tean to ask for more out of his life, trying to get Tean to see himself as Jem sees him: valuable and infinitely loveable. But oh my god, does this book put Jem through the ringer. He gets hurt. Physically, psychologically, emotionally. A lot. A LOT a lot. There were definitely times when my heart was in my throat as I read, just wanting him to be okay. To make it to the other side of all the ugliness and just be okay.
There is some beautiful writing in this book – beautiful imagery, wonderful phrasing, thought-provoking philosophy, and lovely symbolism. My main problem with this book is I wanted more of an ending. Though the ending works very well as an ending to this book, as the ending to a trilogy, I wanted a little more than what we got for closure. Now, I know Ashe is considering whether or not this really will be the absolute final book in the series or not, so I’m going to cross my fingers there’s at least one more because my heart needs a little bit more before I’ll be ready to say good-bye.
But even with that, I love the book, loved the whole series, and know I’ll be reading it again.
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
So I devour Gregory Ashe books. I know what I’m in for. Great dialogue. Slow burn. Broken boys. Emotional throat punches. These are the very reasons I love his books, but oh! At some point I’m always howling at my e-reader, demanding that the world align for his sweet, hurting characters.
Like Tean and Jem.
TEAN.
JEM.
I love these two men. I think they might be my favourite of all Ashe’s pairings. This trilogy has been a total roller coaster and man, this last installment pulls NO punches. So folks, make sure your safety bar is secure and keep your arms and legs inside the vehicle. This one’s a hell of a ride.
So the plot, as it usually does, involves a murder and naturally our boys get dragged into it. The mystery in this one cuts a little closer to the bone than the previous books as it involves figures from Jem’s past – the boys who tormented and abused him at Decker. One of them is accused of murder but insists he’s not guilty. He ropes Jem into helping clear him by dangling a bigger fish in front of him – Tanner, the ringleader of Jem’s torture as a teen. Of course, Tean has no intention of letting his perfectly-normal-level-of-friend handle this one alone and so off we go! As with all of Ashe’s books, there’s a big cast of characters, multiple suspects, and layers to the action that make it hard to guess who’s guilty.
But the mystery really takes a back seat to the journey our men are on in this one. Jem is wrestling down his past, and let me tell you, it’s a brutal, knock-down, brawl of a fight. Tean is battling his own existential demons as he fights to see himself clearly and allow himself to ask for more from life. Themes from the previous books come to full realization in this one. We learn more details about Jem’s abuse, about all the ways he’s been hurt by the people in his life, about his fight for survival, and all the pain he has locked up inside. We learn more about Tean’s take on this life, on why he’s let Ammon stay in his life for so long, why he’s accepted poor treatment from others, and his relationship with his family. There’s a lot of hurt and frustration here, but also transformation and hope.
I really appreciate the depth of Ashe’s characters. I know I say it in every review, but I love how flawed they are and I love how they keeping pushing forward, despite the pain. They make mistakes, they let themselves down, each other down, but they keep trying. Throughout the series, I’ve loved how thoughtful Tean is. More than once, including in this book, we see him thinking through situations, considering the people in his life, their actions, and the reasons for them. We see him thinking about how people – Ammon, Jem, his family – make him feel and see him make conscious choices based on this. In a genre that loves its miscommunication tropes, I love his purposeful reflections and subsequent action. I also adore his loving nature. Tean is just everything pure in this world, even now that he’s a “morally bankrupt homosexual.” lol
And Jem. My sweet Jem. His loving side gets a chance to shine here too. Again and again, we see him putting Tean’s happiness first, urging Tean to ask for more out of his life, trying to get Tean to see himself as Jem sees him: valuable and infinitely loveable. But oh my god, does this book put Jem through the ringer. He gets hurt. Physically, psychologically, emotionally. A lot. A LOT a lot. There were definitely times when my heart was in my throat as I read, just wanting him to be okay. To make it to the other side of all the ugliness and just be okay.
There is some beautiful writing in this book – beautiful imagery, wonderful phrasing, thought-provoking philosophy, and lovely symbolism. My main problem with this book is I wanted more of an ending. Though the ending works very well as an ending to this book, as the ending to a trilogy, I wanted a little more than what we got for closure. Now, I know Ashe is considering whether or not this really will be the absolute final book in the series or not, so I’m going to cross my fingers there’s at least one more because my heart needs a little bit more before I’ll be ready to say good-bye.
But even with that, I love the book, loved the whole series, and know I’ll be reading it again.
I was given an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 13, 2021
4.25 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A nice conclusion (?) to this series. As always, Ashe has done a great job of further the stories of these two very complex MCs, Tean and Jem. I’m going to get into some *slightly* spoiler-like territory, so if you don’t want to know, stop reading now.
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The ending of this book is very bittersweet and definitely a HFN ending. Also, there are a lot of subplot elements with vague closures, if you even call them that, and I can’t tell if it’s the intention or if the resolution is simply that there isn’t one. One thing that bugged me, that absolutely is the catalyst for how this book ends, is Ashe committed one of my cardinal sins and created unnecessary drama for trauma porn. I know books do that all the time, and I don’t mind it if I’m reading something intentionally OTT. These books have all been crafted with a lot of nuance and subtlety, where every cause and effect felt true to the story. The moment in the cabin (if you’ve read you know) felt gratuitous to create future trauma and tension, and it just threw me to see that in this series.
The mystery in this book was fairly well done and I stayed intrigued throughout. There was however far too much Ammon in this, and as much I dislike love triangles I have to say the Ammon/Tean/Jem situation has been handled very well. I wish there had been more finality in the situation with Tean and Ammon, but 🤷🏻♀️. Tean and Jem though pulled at my heartstrings pretty much all the way through. The momentum between them across the books, and the culmination 🥺, were so good!! While the ending is bittersweet and HFN, it’s not without hope. If anything there are just a few final hurdles these boys have to cross in order to be happy. Side note- Ashe released a series of shorts about this series and I STRONGLY RECOMMEND reading the last one after you finish this book. It is the epilogue, and reprieve, you will need.
Overall I enjoyed this series and these characters. Should there be more Tean and Jem down the road, I will definitely be reading!
A nice conclusion (?) to this series. As always, Ashe has done a great job of further the stories of these two very complex MCs, Tean and Jem. I’m going to get into some *slightly* spoiler-like territory, so if you don’t want to know, stop reading now.
*
*
*
*
*
The ending of this book is very bittersweet and definitely a HFN ending. Also, there are a lot of subplot elements with vague closures, if you even call them that, and I can’t tell if it’s the intention or if the resolution is simply that there isn’t one. One thing that bugged me, that absolutely is the catalyst for how this book ends, is Ashe committed one of my cardinal sins and created unnecessary drama for trauma porn. I know books do that all the time, and I don’t mind it if I’m reading something intentionally OTT. These books have all been crafted with a lot of nuance and subtlety, where every cause and effect felt true to the story. The moment in the cabin (if you’ve read you know) felt gratuitous to create future trauma and tension, and it just threw me to see that in this series.
The mystery in this book was fairly well done and I stayed intrigued throughout. There was however far too much Ammon in this, and as much I dislike love triangles I have to say the Ammon/Tean/Jem situation has been handled very well. I wish there had been more finality in the situation with Tean and Ammon, but 🤷🏻♀️. Tean and Jem though pulled at my heartstrings pretty much all the way through. The momentum between them across the books, and the culmination 🥺, were so good!! While the ending is bittersweet and HFN, it’s not without hope. If anything there are just a few final hurdles these boys have to cross in order to be happy. Side note- Ashe released a series of shorts about this series and I STRONGLY RECOMMEND reading the last one after you finish this book. It is the epilogue, and reprieve, you will need.
Overall I enjoyed this series and these characters. Should there be more Tean and Jem down the road, I will definitely be reading!
February 19, 2021
Huh. That was anti-climatic. I didn't like this series as much as the others but it was good. In its own way. I feel like this series was more about the crimes than Jem and Tean's relationship. Actually there wasn't much of a relationship to speak of. The only outside problems their relationship faced was Ammon. And he was the only problem throughout the series. And for a second there, when Jem and Ammon follow Tean on his date I really thought they were going to sleep together again. I was this close to putting down the book then.
The ending had a bit of an ironic feel to it. Tanner was the one who tortured Jem and broke him. And Tean was the one to convince Jem not to kill him. And he ended up being the one to kill him.
And the last part. God, it was so adorable. The new glasses-after Ammon broke the old ones (hello douchecanoe, nice to see your true ugly face) and Jem's blushing.
The ending had a bit of an ironic feel to it. Tanner was the one who tortured Jem and broke him. And Tean was the one to convince Jem not to kill him. And he ended up being the one to kill him.
And the last part. God, it was so adorable. The new glasses-after Ammon broke the old ones (hello douchecanoe, nice to see your true ugly face) and Jem's blushing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Read
July 13, 2021I'm giving the overall series a four, I think. I binged all three of these in a very short, pretty manic, span of time and I really regret not being able to have written even mini reviews for books one and two in the moment because now it's all jumbled together in my brain.
This wasn't quite the easy series I thought it would be but in light of the last series by this author? Yeah, it's a cake walk. But it's an Ashe-flavoured cake, so.. there you go.
Quick poll, show of hands, who else wanted to murder Ammon the entire time? I'll be going back to read some reviews so I'll find out soon but it's not like it's a hard opinion to have. I think at one point early in book two I actually shut my iPad and walked out of the room because I just couldn't handle something he'd done or said, or not said, and I remember feeling a bit validated when it finally got aired out but like.. jesus, he was given way too many passes from Tean, right up until the end. Ugh, hard to stomach.
As for our couple, well.. what a strange precious pair. I admit Tean did get a little much sometimes, and sometimes I struggled with the imbalance between him being there for Jem, trying to help him work through his feelings, and then shutting Jem down when he tried to do the same. But this is a pair of people who both carried ingrained issues, so, yeah, they obviously aren't perfect. It's easier to pick Tean apart, too, because he was a bit of a weirdo, with his tangents (I maybe skimmed a few of his after a while..) and his inability to see his present-day baggage and trauma with Ammon (ugh ugh so much ugh). But it also made sense. Meanwhile, Jem had my heart from page one. For so many reasons. But some of the exchanges, little one-liners, were ridiculous and had me laughing out loud.
The date scene though (book one, I think?) opposite of laughs. Broke my heart. Same with every moment between Jem and Scipio, to see him trying so hard, especially after book two. Yes, whatever, I'm a Jem Stan, sue me.
I liked but didn't love any of the three mystery of the weeks but what I did love about them was how seamlessly they were woven into the story, the way Jem and Tean followed the clues and each used their skill sets to look into things or brainstorms (Tean always genuinely marvelling at Jem's brilliance will never get old, by the way).
I'm sure there's lots I'm forgetting to touch on because it's all a mess in my brain and I'm not firing on all cylinders anyway but yeah. This makes three series by this author I've tackled so far and while sometimes there's a sense of sameness with turns of phrases or themes, the leading characters have yet to feel remotely similar (I mean, it helps they are all so different, even if they stick to a general grumpy/sunshine kind of vibe, at least so far), and the writing is, as ever, compelling as fuck. So naturally I'm diving right into the next series.
Oh, just kidding, there's a bind-up of shorts. That first.
This wasn't quite the easy series I thought it would be but in light of the last series by this author? Yeah, it's a cake walk. But it's an Ashe-flavoured cake, so.. there you go.
Quick poll, show of hands, who else wanted to murder Ammon the entire time? I'll be going back to read some reviews so I'll find out soon but it's not like it's a hard opinion to have. I think at one point early in book two I actually shut my iPad and walked out of the room because I just couldn't handle something he'd done or said, or not said, and I remember feeling a bit validated when it finally got aired out but like.. jesus, he was given way too many passes from Tean, right up until the end. Ugh, hard to stomach.
As for our couple, well.. what a strange precious pair. I admit Tean did get a little much sometimes, and sometimes I struggled with the imbalance between him being there for Jem, trying to help him work through his feelings, and then shutting Jem down when he tried to do the same. But this is a pair of people who both carried ingrained issues, so, yeah, they obviously aren't perfect. It's easier to pick Tean apart, too, because he was a bit of a weirdo, with his tangents (I maybe skimmed a few of his after a while..) and his inability to see his present-day baggage and trauma with Ammon (ugh ugh so much ugh). But it also made sense. Meanwhile, Jem had my heart from page one. For so many reasons. But some of the exchanges, little one-liners, were ridiculous and had me laughing out loud.
The date scene though (book one, I think?) opposite of laughs. Broke my heart. Same with every moment between Jem and Scipio, to see him trying so hard, especially after book two. Yes, whatever, I'm a Jem Stan, sue me.
I liked but didn't love any of the three mystery of the weeks but what I did love about them was how seamlessly they were woven into the story, the way Jem and Tean followed the clues and each used their skill sets to look into things or brainstorms (Tean always genuinely marvelling at Jem's brilliance will never get old, by the way).
I'm sure there's lots I'm forgetting to touch on because it's all a mess in my brain and I'm not firing on all cylinders anyway but yeah. This makes three series by this author I've tackled so far and while sometimes there's a sense of sameness with turns of phrases or themes, the leading characters have yet to feel remotely similar (I mean, it helps they are all so different, even if they stick to a general grumpy/sunshine kind of vibe, at least so far), and the writing is, as ever, compelling as fuck. So naturally I'm diving right into the next series.
Oh, just kidding, there's a bind-up of shorts. That first.
February 1, 2021
I gave The Same End an A at All About Romance.
No one writes AWKWARD, PAINFUL, HILARIOUS, CRINGE-INDUCING, AWESOME, SWEET, TENDER, SEXY dialogue as well as Gregory Ashe. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll wince…and then you’ll wish the book was longer.
So, is The Same End good, phenomenal, or what? Yes, it is. It’s brilliant and features one of the three best couples in romantic suspense. The other two – in case you’re curious – are Emery Hazard and John-Henry Somerset ( Hazard and Somerset ), and Auggie Lopez and Theo Stratford ( The First Quarto ), who are also characters penned by Mr. Ashe. Look, if you love romance, then you should be reading Ashe. #hottip
But back to this story. You’re going to have to go and do your homework if you’re sneakily trying to start this series with the last book (terrible idea FWIW)), but here’s a quick catch up: Teancum Leon is a wildlife veterinarian in Utah. Raised in a large Mormon family, he left the church shortly after coming out to his family. He’s a glass half empty kind of guy who can find the worst case scenario in – well, in everything. It’s endearing. For real. Tean is newly single after ending a TOXIC relationship with his married best-friend-since-childhood, Ammon Young, a police detective. In The Same Breath, Tean meets Jem Berger, a grifter, after Jem’s foster brother goes missing. By the end of that novel, they’ve investigated Benny’s disappearance/murder, had an affair that ended badly after Tean discovered Jem was a grifter (thanks, Ammon) and accused him of running a con on him; and Tean finally dumps Ammon. It concludes with Jem and Tean reconciled, but only as friends. In The Same Place, Jem is trying and failing to find gainful employment, and still squatting in vacant apartments; Tean is hoping to date someone new, helping Jem learn to read, and navigating a friendship with someone who has trust issues and lots of secrets and possibly a drug problem. It’s challenging. Ammon – a two-faced jerk who bullies Jem whenever Tean isn’t around – left his family and moved into Tean’s apartment building hoping for a reconciliation. When Tean’s colleague and friend is accused of murder, Tean and Jem try to help clear her name. Jem is a talented investigator, Tean is his calm and cool sounding board who encourages him, and they nearly die before finally identifying the true killer.
The Same End picks up with Tean happily back at work and trying to date (with Jem’s mischievous support) via a hookup app known as Prowler (yes, it’s as hilariously bad as the name suggests), AND trying to maintain friendships with both Jem and Ammon.
The mystery suspense part of the story kicks off after Ammon asks Jem to meet with a key suspect in a murder investigation who – hospitalized after fleeing the murder scene – insists Jem can clear his name. After initially refusing the request, Jem reluctantly meets the man – and is immediately transported into horrific memories of his time at Decker Juvenile Hall. Antonio Hidalgo was one of a trio of boys who made Jem’s life a living hell – raping and torturing him for fun. Antonio is accused of killing his girlfriend Andi (a former childhood foster friend of Jem’s), but Antonio insists Tanner Kimball is the true killer. Tanner was the trio’s ringleader and seemed to gain a sadistic pleasure in destroying Jem’s life. Jem thought he locked those nightmares away forever – but in The Same End it’s clear he hasn’t. He hasn’t forgotten – or forgiven.
Seeing Antonio destroys Jem’s hardfought equilibrium and the traumatic nightmares of his time at Decker wreak havoc on his mental health; his hatred of Tanner – and desire for revenge – drives him to take the case anyway. It also motivates a concerned Tean to help him. What follows is a hellish road trip that nearly tears their friendship apart. The investigation is ugly, dark and complicated, and nothing and no one is quite what they seem. Friends, it’s creepily excellent.
But you aren’t only interested in the mystery, are you? You want to know about Jem and Tean! It takes time – and new emotional honesty as both men face their biggest fears – to finally bring this pair together; it’s a painful and bumpy path to happily ever after. Jem is on the struggle bus when the story begins, and things go from bad to worse after he pursues Tanner. He’s using stolen pills to maintain his fragile sanity, but he can’t sleep, he’s a jittery and emotional mess, and he can’t hide his desperate unhappiness from Tean. Meanwhile, Tean nervously navigates around the secrets Jem is keeping about his experiences at Decker – hoping Jem will confide in him, and trying to steer him away from plans for revenge. Their relationship dynamic swings wildly from one moment to the next; hilarious banter gives way to searing, emotional examinations of the beauty and ugliness of the lives they’re both living, into gentle, tender displays of the deep affection they have for each other. Jem is fascinated by Tean’s world view and eager to see it the same way, and Tean tries to understand the forces and experiences that created his amazing, damaged best friend. We know they love each other, but they struggle to let go of the doubts and fears that keep them apart. Enter Ammon. Yep, he lurks in the periphery of this case and tries hard to drive a wedge between them and unfortunately for him, his actions ultimately provide the catalyst for them to admit what they truly feel about each other.
In an incredibly moving and supremely satisfying sequence, Tean and Jem finally become the romantic pairing readers have longed for from the moment they first met – but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Jem finally reveals his past to Tean, and Tean realizes the damage Ammon has wreaked on his life and relationships. And they still haven’t solved this case! Things rapidly go from lovely to ugly and terrifying, and the novel ends with a gentle peek at the new life Jem and Tean are forging together. I loved it and hated it! Readers, this is classic Ashe – satisfying his readers but leaving us yearning, hoping, desperate for more. It’s the perfect endnote for this imperfect pair.
Fans both old and new will be well satisfied – happy – with this last book in the tremendous The Lamb and the Lion series. They’ll also be clamoring for MORE – more Tean, more Jem, more investigations… and more from this ridiculously talented author. Excellent; highly recommended.
No one writes AWKWARD, PAINFUL, HILARIOUS, CRINGE-INDUCING, AWESOME, SWEET, TENDER, SEXY dialogue as well as Gregory Ashe. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, you’ll wince…and then you’ll wish the book was longer.
So, is The Same End good, phenomenal, or what? Yes, it is. It’s brilliant and features one of the three best couples in romantic suspense. The other two – in case you’re curious – are Emery Hazard and John-Henry Somerset ( Hazard and Somerset ), and Auggie Lopez and Theo Stratford ( The First Quarto ), who are also characters penned by Mr. Ashe. Look, if you love romance, then you should be reading Ashe. #hottip
But back to this story. You’re going to have to go and do your homework if you’re sneakily trying to start this series with the last book (terrible idea FWIW)), but here’s a quick catch up: Teancum Leon is a wildlife veterinarian in Utah. Raised in a large Mormon family, he left the church shortly after coming out to his family. He’s a glass half empty kind of guy who can find the worst case scenario in – well, in everything. It’s endearing. For real. Tean is newly single after ending a TOXIC relationship with his married best-friend-since-childhood, Ammon Young, a police detective. In The Same Breath, Tean meets Jem Berger, a grifter, after Jem’s foster brother goes missing. By the end of that novel, they’ve investigated Benny’s disappearance/murder, had an affair that ended badly after Tean discovered Jem was a grifter (thanks, Ammon) and accused him of running a con on him; and Tean finally dumps Ammon. It concludes with Jem and Tean reconciled, but only as friends. In The Same Place, Jem is trying and failing to find gainful employment, and still squatting in vacant apartments; Tean is hoping to date someone new, helping Jem learn to read, and navigating a friendship with someone who has trust issues and lots of secrets and possibly a drug problem. It’s challenging. Ammon – a two-faced jerk who bullies Jem whenever Tean isn’t around – left his family and moved into Tean’s apartment building hoping for a reconciliation. When Tean’s colleague and friend is accused of murder, Tean and Jem try to help clear her name. Jem is a talented investigator, Tean is his calm and cool sounding board who encourages him, and they nearly die before finally identifying the true killer.
The Same End picks up with Tean happily back at work and trying to date (with Jem’s mischievous support) via a hookup app known as Prowler (yes, it’s as hilariously bad as the name suggests), AND trying to maintain friendships with both Jem and Ammon.
“You didn’t misunderstand. We’re going to have dinner. Together. You’re both my friends, and you need to be able to spend five minutes in a room together.”Ahem. Meanwhile, Jem is struggling – with reading, his relationship with his newly identified birth mother, his feelings for Tean, and the daily struggle to let go of a past that continues to sabotage his efforts to be a better man – a man worthy of Tean (whom he adores). Ammon is still trying to get back together with Tean, and secretly harassing Jem and anyone he meets via the Prowler app. He’s a total fucking asshole and we hate him with every fiber of our being and we never feel differently. So don’t get all hopeful.
“Five minutes,” Ammon said. “Starting now.”
“You said we were having pizza,” Jem said. “You didn’t say we were also having a torrential douche.”
“I want to point out that he started it.”
“You started it by being you and having your dumb face—”
“Ok,” Tean said.”
The mystery suspense part of the story kicks off after Ammon asks Jem to meet with a key suspect in a murder investigation who – hospitalized after fleeing the murder scene – insists Jem can clear his name. After initially refusing the request, Jem reluctantly meets the man – and is immediately transported into horrific memories of his time at Decker Juvenile Hall. Antonio Hidalgo was one of a trio of boys who made Jem’s life a living hell – raping and torturing him for fun. Antonio is accused of killing his girlfriend Andi (a former childhood foster friend of Jem’s), but Antonio insists Tanner Kimball is the true killer. Tanner was the trio’s ringleader and seemed to gain a sadistic pleasure in destroying Jem’s life. Jem thought he locked those nightmares away forever – but in The Same End it’s clear he hasn’t. He hasn’t forgotten – or forgiven.
Seeing Antonio destroys Jem’s hardfought equilibrium and the traumatic nightmares of his time at Decker wreak havoc on his mental health; his hatred of Tanner – and desire for revenge – drives him to take the case anyway. It also motivates a concerned Tean to help him. What follows is a hellish road trip that nearly tears their friendship apart. The investigation is ugly, dark and complicated, and nothing and no one is quite what they seem. Friends, it’s creepily excellent.
But you aren’t only interested in the mystery, are you? You want to know about Jem and Tean! It takes time – and new emotional honesty as both men face their biggest fears – to finally bring this pair together; it’s a painful and bumpy path to happily ever after. Jem is on the struggle bus when the story begins, and things go from bad to worse after he pursues Tanner. He’s using stolen pills to maintain his fragile sanity, but he can’t sleep, he’s a jittery and emotional mess, and he can’t hide his desperate unhappiness from Tean. Meanwhile, Tean nervously navigates around the secrets Jem is keeping about his experiences at Decker – hoping Jem will confide in him, and trying to steer him away from plans for revenge. Their relationship dynamic swings wildly from one moment to the next; hilarious banter gives way to searing, emotional examinations of the beauty and ugliness of the lives they’re both living, into gentle, tender displays of the deep affection they have for each other. Jem is fascinated by Tean’s world view and eager to see it the same way, and Tean tries to understand the forces and experiences that created his amazing, damaged best friend. We know they love each other, but they struggle to let go of the doubts and fears that keep them apart. Enter Ammon. Yep, he lurks in the periphery of this case and tries hard to drive a wedge between them and unfortunately for him, his actions ultimately provide the catalyst for them to admit what they truly feel about each other.
In an incredibly moving and supremely satisfying sequence, Tean and Jem finally become the romantic pairing readers have longed for from the moment they first met – but it’s not all sunshine and rainbows. Jem finally reveals his past to Tean, and Tean realizes the damage Ammon has wreaked on his life and relationships. And they still haven’t solved this case! Things rapidly go from lovely to ugly and terrifying, and the novel ends with a gentle peek at the new life Jem and Tean are forging together. I loved it and hated it! Readers, this is classic Ashe – satisfying his readers but leaving us yearning, hoping, desperate for more. It’s the perfect endnote for this imperfect pair.
Fans both old and new will be well satisfied – happy – with this last book in the tremendous The Lamb and the Lion series. They’ll also be clamoring for MORE – more Tean, more Jem, more investigations… and more from this ridiculously talented author. Excellent; highly recommended.
June 24, 2025
4.75 stars
What a perfect finale! I absolutely adore Gem and Tean. The long, rocky path to their relationship made their HEA so much sweeter. The development of their relationship, and how they grew as characters while working through their traumatic pasts was wonderfully done. This is what blew me away. The mystery was secondary to my enjoyment.
What a perfect finale! I absolutely adore Gem and Tean. The long, rocky path to their relationship made their HEA so much sweeter. The development of their relationship, and how they grew as characters while working through their traumatic pasts was wonderfully done. This is what blew me away. The mystery was secondary to my enjoyment.
January 5, 2024
This book and series is a lot. Tean and Jem forever. Protect them at all costs. Beep beep boop 😭😭😭
December 22, 2023
5-star trilogy.
Agonizing pasts, awful
presents, at last love.
Agonizing pasts, awful
presents, at last love.
June 12, 2023
One word...magnificent!!
📚📚📚 Book Review 📚📚📚
What a whopper of a read...still the same result though, win, win, win. I loved Tean and Jem so hard in this one, and to say that the plot is complicated is a huge understatement, but I got my result in the end.
Jem finally got his revenge against the b******s who'd tortured him in Decker, and Tean?? Well, Tean finally pulled his big boy pants up and not only saved Jem, but decided who he wanted to be with going forwards...although at a price 😒. Another 5 star read Greg, and can't wait for Jem and Tean: Guys Gone Wild at the end of the week and the new North/Shaw read Indirection next month. Mwah 😘😘😘.
February 1, 2021
I didn't mean to read this so quickly. I wanted it to last. But I've adored these two guys from the start, and this one's the coming together episode and it Ashe so you know it'll be rough. A lot happens, in every sense, and I couldn't not keep reading. So worth it.
Also? Somehow in these three books, Ashe made Utah come alive for me, a feat which particularly desert Utah may not be able to do in person, so that's just straight-up magic.
Also? Somehow in these three books, Ashe made Utah come alive for me, a feat which particularly desert Utah may not be able to do in person, so that's just straight-up magic.
August 8, 2025
Reread 2025: BEEP BEEP BOOP JEM. I am so excited to get more of them soon!!
I LOVE Jem, have since the beginning, but in this book I finally came around to Tean, who I found completely frustrating in the first 2 books. Finally dealing with the Ammon of it all really helped. Jumping now into Iron on Iron- my almost 4 month Gregory Ashe Hazardverse project nears its conclusion!
I LOVE Jem, have since the beginning, but in this book I finally came around to Tean, who I found completely frustrating in the first 2 books. Finally dealing with the Ammon of it all really helped. Jumping now into Iron on Iron- my almost 4 month Gregory Ashe Hazardverse project nears its conclusion!
February 17, 2021
Absolutely fabulous .., what an intense journey throughout these three books. Clever, compelling and intense. Gregory Ashe sure knows how to craft a story and engage a reader. No spoilers here at all - if you enjoy putting pieces of the puzzle together, this is great. But beware / frustration levels high !
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