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Borealis: Without a Compass #3
Redirection
When it comes to your ex, nothing is ever easy.
The Borealis boys are settling into their new normal, or at least into their new digs. But when North’s soon-to-be (please-let-it-be-soon) ex-husband, Tucker, is arrested and charged with murder, everything goes sideways.
Hired by Tucker’s parents, North and Shaw begin looking for proof that Tucker is innocent, in spite of the evidence against him. When they find seemingly incriminating photos hidden in Tucker’s BMW, North is convinced that someone is trying to frame Tucker—and might get away with it.
But the cast of alternate suspects presents its own challenges: an estranged son, a betrayed wife, and North and Shaw’s close-knit circle of friends from college—men who had their own connections to the victim, and who had their own reasons for wanting him dead. A threatening email suggests that the motive, whatever it might be, lies buried in the past, in a relationship gone wrong. The question is, which one?
When Tucker is poisoned, North and Shaw realize that the killer isn’t finished. Clearing Tucker’s name won’t be enough; they must find the killer before someone else dies. And to do so, they will have to unearth truths from their own pasts.
The Borealis boys are settling into their new normal, or at least into their new digs. But when North’s soon-to-be (please-let-it-be-soon) ex-husband, Tucker, is arrested and charged with murder, everything goes sideways.
Hired by Tucker’s parents, North and Shaw begin looking for proof that Tucker is innocent, in spite of the evidence against him. When they find seemingly incriminating photos hidden in Tucker’s BMW, North is convinced that someone is trying to frame Tucker—and might get away with it.
But the cast of alternate suspects presents its own challenges: an estranged son, a betrayed wife, and North and Shaw’s close-knit circle of friends from college—men who had their own connections to the victim, and who had their own reasons for wanting him dead. A threatening email suggests that the motive, whatever it might be, lies buried in the past, in a relationship gone wrong. The question is, which one?
When Tucker is poisoned, North and Shaw realize that the killer isn’t finished. Clearing Tucker’s name won’t be enough; they must find the killer before someone else dies. And to do so, they will have to unearth truths from their own pasts.
333 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 29, 2021
39 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Gregory Ashe
135 books1,783 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 105 reviews
January 21, 2022
Audiobook - 3 stars Charlie let me down here.
5+++++ stars because it made me feel all the feels and that is very rare these days.
Alexa play, All too well(Original version)(From the CD)
Greg!!!!
This was raw, rare and brutal. I didn't like North for most of the book! Shocker! because in the previous I didn't like Shaw. See? My feelings are all over the place.
North and Shaw shine in this book. They are emotional, dumb, adorable and everything in between. Funny and had me loling hard.
The mystery was very interesting. We got to see a glimpse into North's past. As much as I want to fault North, I understand that Tucker was his husband but Lawd! What a douche bag. His family was so kind to North and I understand why he wanted to hold onto that considering his dad is ugh!
Shaw is still Shaw but I am happy he is trying to work on his selfish issues. I felt so sorry for him. Gaaahh!! It sucks to be a wheel of any kind.
The writing is so good and engaging. I wish we had another narrator though. Charlie sometimes forgot to give the characters distinct voices. 😫😪
The relationship - LAAAAAWWWDDD!!!! What in the real toxic sad breakup album is this? GAAHH! These two broke my heart, what is worse, is that they are best friends. 😤😭😭 It freaking hurts when besties hurt each other.
North! freaking North, I understand! at least I tried to understand but....bbbuuut.... buuuuut!! WHAT WAS THE REASON!!!!!!!!
My heart broke into pieces especially the after scene. I still replay that scene in my head, I want to understand. GAAHH!! WHYY!! I need to know the reason behind all that... GAAHH!! I better get my answers.
There is this scene in Grey's Anatomy......
The ending!! WOOOOOOOO!!! Can Tucker and Ronnie die already!! 😫 I will dance and take selfies on their grave.
On a lighter note, this has got to be the hottest book Greg has ever written. GAAAHH!! The sexual tension and the sex. Woooooo!!! Fire!
GAAHH!!!!!
Here is Scofield's gif before he commits a crime, this got nothing to do with this book but he is an eye candy and Shaw would approve.
AWWWWWW!! This! TRIPPLE!! GAAAHHSSS!!
A copy of the audiobook was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
5+++++ stars because it made me feel all the feels and that is very rare these days.
Alexa play, All too well(Original version)(From the CD)
Greg!!!!
This was raw, rare and brutal. I didn't like North for most of the book! Shocker! because in the previous I didn't like Shaw. See? My feelings are all over the place.
North and Shaw shine in this book. They are emotional, dumb, adorable and everything in between. Funny and had me loling hard.
The mystery was very interesting. We got to see a glimpse into North's past. As much as I want to fault North, I understand that Tucker was his husband but Lawd! What a douche bag. His family was so kind to North and I understand why he wanted to hold onto that considering his dad is ugh!
Shaw is still Shaw but I am happy he is trying to work on his selfish issues. I felt so sorry for him. Gaaahh!! It sucks to be a wheel of any kind.
The writing is so good and engaging. I wish we had another narrator though. Charlie sometimes forgot to give the characters distinct voices. 😫😪
The relationship - LAAAAAWWWDDD!!!! What in the real toxic sad breakup album is this? GAAHH! These two broke my heart, what is worse, is that they are best friends. 😤😭😭 It freaking hurts when besties hurt each other.
North! freaking North, I understand! at least I tried to understand but....bbbuuut.... buuuuut!! WHAT WAS THE REASON!!!!!!!!
My heart broke into pieces especially the after scene. I still replay that scene in my head, I want to understand. GAAHH!! WHYY!! I need to know the reason behind all that... GAAHH!! I better get my answers.
There is this scene in Grey's Anatomy......
The ending!! WOOOOOOOO!!! Can Tucker and Ronnie die already!! 😫 I will dance and take selfies on their grave.
On a lighter note, this has got to be the hottest book Greg has ever written. GAAAHH!! The sexual tension and the sex. Woooooo!!! Fire!
GAAHH!!!!!
Here is Scofield's gif before he commits a crime, this got nothing to do with this book but he is an eye candy and Shaw would approve.
AWWWWWW!! This! TRIPPLE!! GAAAHHSSS!!
A copy of the audiobook was provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 2, 2021
I should have done this before I started:
Because this had to be what Ashe was going for. It would have been way less messy and painful.
I never thought that any couple would cause me more angst and heartbreak than Hazard and Somers. Well, North and Shaw have proven me wrong.
In Declination, Shaw went off the emotional rails instead of dealing with his trauma. In this book, it's North's turn and he kind of scared me, he was North but he also wasn't. North and Shaw are no longer a couple...exactly. They're still partners and friends, but their relationship past that has gone to a place that's worse, in my opinion, than it was before. There's still moments *very small moments* of the friendship and banter that I've always loved but honestly, this book should be titled PAIN.
To give Shaw his credit, he is trying to learn from his mistakes but it's a very uneven work in progress. He still pushes when he shouldn't and, as he is catching himself doing it, still makes things all about him. But North is not making it easy.
Tucker, North's soon-to-be despicable ex, has been accused of murder and North and Shaw have been hired by Tucker's parents to find out the truth. My God, every single moment Tucker is on-page is excruciating for me.
Tucker says he's changed, he's trying to be a better person, he wants to make things up to North, he wants to make amends to Shaw for how he's always treated him, and on and on, ad nauseum. It literally made me sick. In investigating, they have to peel apart Tuckers life, tracing through his past actions and relationships and everything they find out makes the rage that North can't let go of even worse.
Then there's Ronnie, no longer wearing his nice-guy act. Due to , Ronnie is now out to get North and Shaw. All this pressure is affecting their relationship, their investigation, and North's decision making is definitely suffering. When Shaw pushes on something at the wrong moment, North storms off on his own and apparently just decides to hell with everything. He makes a ghastly decision that almost made me stop reading, not gonna lie. And I actually did stop for a while.
When I picked it back up, the answer to the case comes almost by accident but it very nearly costs North everything. Then the thing I waited for the whole, entire book finally happens. Tucker shows his true colors. And I was just
By the end, Ashe decides to throw us a few crumbs of comfort and the guys are in a good place, and apparently ready to move forward and be happy, together. But yeah, I learned my lesson now and I'm not trusting that.
Ashe's amazing writing and high-anxiety, throat-grabbing plot were all what I expect from him at this point. If his characterizations were any more authentic and true to life, I might not be able to bear it. But this time, considering all that came before it, North and Shaw's reconciliation was just a bit too easy. And no, I can't believe I'm saying that either. 🙄 Don't get me wrong, I'll take it, but it just feels unfinished. Still, considering everything else, I'm just happy to be moving on to Codirection and an HEA *hopefully* that every reader who loves these men fully deserves!
Because this had to be what Ashe was going for. It would have been way less messy and painful.
I never thought that any couple would cause me more angst and heartbreak than Hazard and Somers. Well, North and Shaw have proven me wrong.
In Declination, Shaw went off the emotional rails instead of dealing with his trauma. In this book, it's North's turn and he kind of scared me, he was North but he also wasn't. North and Shaw are no longer a couple...exactly. They're still partners and friends, but their relationship past that has gone to a place that's worse, in my opinion, than it was before. There's still moments *very small moments* of the friendship and banter that I've always loved but honestly, this book should be titled PAIN.
To give Shaw his credit, he is trying to learn from his mistakes but it's a very uneven work in progress. He still pushes when he shouldn't and, as he is catching himself doing it, still makes things all about him. But North is not making it easy.
Tucker, North's soon-to-be despicable ex, has been accused of murder and North and Shaw have been hired by Tucker's parents to find out the truth. My God, every single moment Tucker is on-page is excruciating for me.
Tucker says he's changed, he's trying to be a better person, he wants to make things up to North, he wants to make amends to Shaw for how he's always treated him, and on and on, ad nauseum. It literally made me sick. In investigating, they have to peel apart Tuckers life, tracing through his past actions and relationships and everything they find out makes the rage that North can't let go of even worse.
Then there's Ronnie, no longer wearing his nice-guy act. Due to , Ronnie is now out to get North and Shaw. All this pressure is affecting their relationship, their investigation, and North's decision making is definitely suffering. When Shaw pushes on something at the wrong moment, North storms off on his own and apparently just decides to hell with everything. He makes a ghastly decision that almost made me stop reading, not gonna lie. And I actually did stop for a while.
When I picked it back up, the answer to the case comes almost by accident but it very nearly costs North everything. Then the thing I waited for the whole, entire book finally happens. Tucker shows his true colors. And I was just
By the end, Ashe decides to throw us a few crumbs of comfort and the guys are in a good place, and apparently ready to move forward and be happy, together. But yeah, I learned my lesson now and I'm not trusting that.
Ashe's amazing writing and high-anxiety, throat-grabbing plot were all what I expect from him at this point. If his characterizations were any more authentic and true to life, I might not be able to bear it. But this time, considering all that came before it, North and Shaw's reconciliation was just a bit too easy. And no, I can't believe I'm saying that either. 🙄 Don't get me wrong, I'll take it, but it just feels unfinished. Still, considering everything else, I'm just happy to be moving on to Codirection and an HEA *hopefully* that every reader who loves these men fully deserves!
November 16, 2023
✧･ﾟ: *✧･ﾟ: 2023 N&S Rereadathon - the low-sodium addendum :･ﾟ✧*:･ﾟ✧ (spoilers littered throughout)
[rating pending - in certain respects, round 2 is giving Redirection > Codirection, but some parts are still stinging like a fresh slap even after a year’s distance lol] this is North’s Wayward era, where we encounter a rendering so hypocritical, so self-serving, so delusional, and so toxically possessive that my head couldn’t stop spinning like a dreidel at 2x speed. while Misdirection ended on the best of intentions, the intervening months of hastily redrawn boundaries to friends with benefits portended my draining sanity.
in the face of so many of North’s actions screaming red flags, i made it a point to grant him as much leeway as i, being the bearer of grudges that i am, am capable of. North and emotions are like oil and water; however, the extent of his EI deficit only registered after he consciously voiced the pattern of his abusive relationship with Tucker as mimicking the lessons of his father, of conditioned tolerance for abuse to live and prosper (“was I a bad kid?”). 26 years and he connects the dots for the first time ever. this isn’t a mere delay, but a complete stagnation.
North’s journey is a study of what it means when your upbringing teaches you to spurn tears and compassion, that violence is the solution, that nothing says masculinity more than prioritizing your pride and dignity, when you are trying to form and maintain a healthy relationship - even after jeopardizing one to the extent that he has. in line with my Hazard lite argument, there is a lot of similar unlearning what they believe they are worthy of and dismantling fears that the past repeats itself, and often that bumpy process manifests in violence. throughout the book, North’s running into walls with Tucker and with his dad - and any effort to depart from the abusive status quo is met with a prompt smackdown. only with Shaw does he finally start to see gentleness as a strength and something he can display and receive, but there is so much work to be done on himself before he can stop shying away.
the hardest pill to swallow is North’s treatment of Shaw, leading him on because he doesn’t know how to confront his own inner turmoil. he’s already dictating the direction of their relationship, but now he’s not-so-subtly taunting Shaw with their “only friends” status in this asinine hot & cold routine of feigned machismo and nonchalance. don’t even get me started on the jealous horns that spring forth whenever anyone dares breathe in Shaw’s direction.
there’s an undeniable selfishness in wanting them without having to put in any of the work. the mixed signals, overwriting of Shaw’s feelings and hopes, exploiting Shaw’s love to play him like a fiddle, whittling down what they have to good camaraderie and a good f*ck - it’s such a blatant reduction of their feelings. i have never seen Shaw’s smile drop faster than after each of North’s reminders. there is a degree of emotional manipulation here that’s surely meant to make the reader uncomfortable - consider it a success with how filled with knots my stomach was by the end and remains whenever my thoughts cycle back to this book.
North is fully aware of the effects of his actions on Shaw, but he cannot stop. it was like some twisted way of tricking himself that he still had Shaw so long as he had him in bed.
watching North create his own prison and throw away the key was torturous.
Shaw. not without fault, Shaw repeats his parents’ ineffectual way of dealing with feelings by forcing conversations down to the last letter of whatever communication handbook they’re following. Shaw is so verbal with his concern, but while he comes with good intentions, he is overly desperate to pinpoint the problem and make North happy that it blinds him to reality. Shaw’s ceaseless insistence that North reconcile with Tucker is another show of this romanticization. this need to communicate threw me back to Triangulation: one of Shaw's biggest hang-ups when it comes to North is how North shuts him out. failure to communicate sets off every single one of Shaw’s fears of losing him, but let it be known that North can barely acknowledge, let alone articulate, the storm in his chest.
the incident. North retreating back to Tucker as an action in and of itself makes perfect sense in theory. despite the abuse, or rather in many ways because of it, the Laguerre household is familiar. it is a life he knows, and one in which he understands the role he plays. he can trick himself into thinking the floor he walks isn't rock bottom, that he isn’t caught in some mad scramble for a semblance of control and belonging. the kind acceptance of Tucker’s parents juxtaposed with the abuse of North’s dad draws him even deeper into this farce. ultimately, the sex scene with Tucker serves as a wake up call, a chance to escape the cycle he’s so dazedly drawn to.
i know this scene wasn’t intended to be a punishment, so to speak, for Shaw (or North for that matter), but in many ways, the parallels of being in Vie’s head in The Mortal Sleep
which leads me to the other aspect that disconnected me from the scene and North: how he could still enjoy the physicality of sex with Tucker to the extent that he did. an impressive show of self-delusion that i beg whoever is listening to never let me witness again.
rather oblivious to his own emotions, North's pov understandably offers only scant pockets of awareness in the grand scheme of events, but exchanging the narrative's emotional apex, where the scales supposedly fall from his eyes, for a piecemeal second-hand retelling; permitting North to revert back to pre-Redirection settings in a wink without so much as a by-my-leave… i’m beating the air at this point, but let me mourn the lost potential of including North’s epiphany and mental play-by-play that brought him back to Shaw.
clearly there are many readers who have connected to the way the story’s written, and in no way is this to discount what GA’s writing has achieved - i could only dream of producing an atom of the genius he creates - but when the undercurrent is as unsure and shaky as its characters’ fears and anxieties, a little solidity can go a long way in bringing about closure of the satisfying sort.
the same can be said for North and his dad. their conversations were powerful and emotional and necessary in cataloguing a whole index of generational failings. but when late stages of cancer can’t stop a feeble and dying David McKinney from hitting his son, how does a heart attack set them back on the path to reconciliation? why now? i’m so used to Greg’s usual conscientious character work that i feel robbed with so many meaty parts transpiring in places i can't greedily peep on. even the innocuous recruitment of Zion as a per diem Borealis operative was left off the record - he showed up on the roster one day and has been on the payroll since. these are a few of the holes i’ve encountered with this series.
the mystery. convenient confessions, conveniently missing sons, convenient comas (is the poor lady still comatose??), and three too many arbitrary interruptions right when N&S are on the cusp of saying more - but (a big but) GA never fails to make a case entertaining to read, even if some concessions have to be made to the magical plot fairies 😉
the ending. i apologize for all the nits i’ve picked in preparation for winter, but at least the sincerity of that drop-all-pretenses ending, where North reveals a part of him that he’s held close to his chest for so long and Shaw, with all the earnestness his lithe body can muster, says it back, was irrefutably masterful.
---- original ----
[2.5] *looks at blurb*
*sees it centers around Tucker*
*adopts Somers's infamous "center of forehead rub"*
—— overall thoughts
—— first readthrough impression of The Incident at 71%
[rating pending - in certain respects, round 2 is giving Redirection > Codirection, but some parts are still stinging like a fresh slap even after a year’s distance lol] this is North’s Wayward era, where we encounter a rendering so hypocritical, so self-serving, so delusional, and so toxically possessive that my head couldn’t stop spinning like a dreidel at 2x speed. while Misdirection ended on the best of intentions, the intervening months of hastily redrawn boundaries to friends with benefits portended my draining sanity.
in the face of so many of North’s actions screaming red flags, i made it a point to grant him as much leeway as i, being the bearer of grudges that i am, am capable of. North and emotions are like oil and water; however, the extent of his EI deficit only registered after he consciously voiced the pattern of his abusive relationship with Tucker as mimicking the lessons of his father, of conditioned tolerance for abuse to live and prosper (“was I a bad kid?”). 26 years and he connects the dots for the first time ever. this isn’t a mere delay, but a complete stagnation.
North’s journey is a study of what it means when your upbringing teaches you to spurn tears and compassion, that violence is the solution, that nothing says masculinity more than prioritizing your pride and dignity, when you are trying to form and maintain a healthy relationship - even after jeopardizing one to the extent that he has. in line with my Hazard lite argument, there is a lot of similar unlearning what they believe they are worthy of and dismantling fears that the past repeats itself, and often that bumpy process manifests in violence. throughout the book, North’s running into walls with Tucker and with his dad - and any effort to depart from the abusive status quo is met with a prompt smackdown. only with Shaw does he finally start to see gentleness as a strength and something he can display and receive, but there is so much work to be done on himself before he can stop shying away.
the hardest pill to swallow is North’s treatment of Shaw, leading him on because he doesn’t know how to confront his own inner turmoil. he’s already dictating the direction of their relationship, but now he’s not-so-subtly taunting Shaw with their “only friends” status in this asinine hot & cold routine of feigned machismo and nonchalance. don’t even get me started on the jealous horns that spring forth whenever anyone dares breathe in Shaw’s direction.
there’s an undeniable selfishness in wanting them without having to put in any of the work. the mixed signals, overwriting of Shaw’s feelings and hopes, exploiting Shaw’s love to play him like a fiddle, whittling down what they have to good camaraderie and a good f*ck - it’s such a blatant reduction of their feelings. i have never seen Shaw’s smile drop faster than after each of North’s reminders. there is a degree of emotional manipulation here that’s surely meant to make the reader uncomfortable - consider it a success with how filled with knots my stomach was by the end and remains whenever my thoughts cycle back to this book.
North is fully aware of the effects of his actions on Shaw, but he cannot stop. it was like some twisted way of tricking himself that he still had Shaw so long as he had him in bed.
watching North create his own prison and throw away the key was torturous.
Shaw. not without fault, Shaw repeats his parents’ ineffectual way of dealing with feelings by forcing conversations down to the last letter of whatever communication handbook they’re following. Shaw is so verbal with his concern, but while he comes with good intentions, he is overly desperate to pinpoint the problem and make North happy that it blinds him to reality. Shaw’s ceaseless insistence that North reconcile with Tucker is another show of this romanticization. this need to communicate threw me back to Triangulation: one of Shaw's biggest hang-ups when it comes to North is how North shuts him out. failure to communicate sets off every single one of Shaw’s fears of losing him, but let it be known that North can barely acknowledge, let alone articulate, the storm in his chest.
the incident. North retreating back to Tucker as an action in and of itself makes perfect sense in theory. despite the abuse, or rather in many ways because of it, the Laguerre household is familiar. it is a life he knows, and one in which he understands the role he plays. he can trick himself into thinking the floor he walks isn't rock bottom, that he isn’t caught in some mad scramble for a semblance of control and belonging. the kind acceptance of Tucker’s parents juxtaposed with the abuse of North’s dad draws him even deeper into this farce. ultimately, the sex scene with Tucker serves as a wake up call, a chance to escape the cycle he’s so dazedly drawn to.
i know this scene wasn’t intended to be a punishment, so to speak, for Shaw (or North for that matter), but in many ways, the parallels of being in Vie’s head in The Mortal Sleep
which leads me to the other aspect that disconnected me from the scene and North: how he could still enjoy the physicality of sex with Tucker to the extent that he did. an impressive show of self-delusion that i beg whoever is listening to never let me witness again.
rather oblivious to his own emotions, North's pov understandably offers only scant pockets of awareness in the grand scheme of events, but exchanging the narrative's emotional apex, where the scales supposedly fall from his eyes, for a piecemeal second-hand retelling; permitting North to revert back to pre-Redirection settings in a wink without so much as a by-my-leave… i’m beating the air at this point, but let me mourn the lost potential of including North’s epiphany and mental play-by-play that brought him back to Shaw.
clearly there are many readers who have connected to the way the story’s written, and in no way is this to discount what GA’s writing has achieved - i could only dream of producing an atom of the genius he creates - but when the undercurrent is as unsure and shaky as its characters’ fears and anxieties, a little solidity can go a long way in bringing about closure of the satisfying sort.
the same can be said for North and his dad. their conversations were powerful and emotional and necessary in cataloguing a whole index of generational failings. but when late stages of cancer can’t stop a feeble and dying David McKinney from hitting his son, how does a heart attack set them back on the path to reconciliation? why now? i’m so used to Greg’s usual conscientious character work that i feel robbed with so many meaty parts transpiring in places i can't greedily peep on. even the innocuous recruitment of Zion as a per diem Borealis operative was left off the record - he showed up on the roster one day and has been on the payroll since. these are a few of the holes i’ve encountered with this series.
the mystery. convenient confessions, conveniently missing sons, convenient comas (is the poor lady still comatose??), and three too many arbitrary interruptions right when N&S are on the cusp of saying more - but (a big but) GA never fails to make a case entertaining to read, even if some concessions have to be made to the magical plot fairies 😉
the ending. i apologize for all the nits i’ve picked in preparation for winter, but at least the sincerity of that drop-all-pretenses ending, where North reveals a part of him that he’s held close to his chest for so long and Shaw, with all the earnestness his lithe body can muster, says it back, was irrefutably masterful.
---- original ----
[2.5] *looks at blurb*
*sees it centers around Tucker*
*adopts Somers's infamous "center of forehead rub"*
—— overall thoughts
—— first readthrough impression of The Incident at 71%
July 3, 2021
Emotionally hung, drawn and quartered.
And Mr. Ashe hasn’t put me 100% together again. *side-eyes GA*
But with book 4, the last one in the series, on the horizon that is probably ok. *side-eyes GA*
It better be, it better be, that’s all I can say to that! *side-eyes GA*
By far the most painful in the second series, this really knocked the wind out of my sails, and I had to let my thoughts sit overnight and process ….
We know that North has never really worked through the various traumas of his life. It’s all been simmering down below for a long, long time, until now. Tucker’s situation and all the digging around in their past send North into a major spiral downwards. And I mean major. Massive meltdown stuff.
My heart cried out at how low he falls, how much he hurts himself and how much hurt he throws around, but mainly at how very ill-equipped he is to accept help. Interesting, to see this behaviour reflected in his dad. No need to wonder where North has ‘learnt’ to ignore his anguish.
Speaking of the old man – I have very very little sympathy for him. And that is putting it very very politely. I get that he thinks he did what he could, but … for me, he has failed North on so many levels, I’m not even counting! And he’s really messed up North’s head for far too long.
The same goes for Tucker, whose name would be perfect if one replaced the first letter with a capital F. And added ‘massive’ or ‘goddamn’ before it. I looked on in horror when he schmoozes up to Shaw. I cringed virtually every time that guy is on page, with low rumbling growling noises erupting deep down in my belly. And I wanted to put my tiny fingers into huge fists and punch … well, anywhere it could hurt, really!
As if this isn't bad enough, the events around 74% left me shell-shocked, tbh. Still reeling from it now. If that’s supposed to be bl***y therapeutic for North, I sure don’t get it! Why????
Seeing Shaw in agony over North again and again, seeing him try his best to support him (even if it is in his very ‘special’ way), seeing him realize that North IS everything to him and that he is willing to be the one North can lean on … that was a major highlight.
The last 25% of the book left me with whiplash. So much happens, plot and relationship-wise. Not even mentioning raging Ronnie! Argh!
I can’t say how much I’m looking forward to the next and last book in the series.
Hoping that its name ‘Co-direction’ is going to be a sign of good things to come for both, North and Shaw.
And Mr. Ashe hasn’t put me 100% together again. *side-eyes GA*
But with book 4, the last one in the series, on the horizon that is probably ok. *side-eyes GA*
It better be, it better be, that’s all I can say to that! *side-eyes GA*
By far the most painful in the second series, this really knocked the wind out of my sails, and I had to let my thoughts sit overnight and process ….
We know that North has never really worked through the various traumas of his life. It’s all been simmering down below for a long, long time, until now. Tucker’s situation and all the digging around in their past send North into a major spiral downwards. And I mean major. Massive meltdown stuff.
My heart cried out at how low he falls, how much he hurts himself and how much hurt he throws around, but mainly at how very ill-equipped he is to accept help. Interesting, to see this behaviour reflected in his dad. No need to wonder where North has ‘learnt’ to ignore his anguish.
Speaking of the old man – I have very very little sympathy for him. And that is putting it very very politely. I get that he thinks he did what he could, but … for me, he has failed North on so many levels, I’m not even counting! And he’s really messed up North’s head for far too long.
The same goes for Tucker, whose name would be perfect if one replaced the first letter with a capital F. And added ‘massive’ or ‘goddamn’ before it. I looked on in horror when he schmoozes up to Shaw. I cringed virtually every time that guy is on page, with low rumbling growling noises erupting deep down in my belly. And I wanted to put my tiny fingers into huge fists and punch … well, anywhere it could hurt, really!
As if this isn't bad enough, the events around 74% left me shell-shocked, tbh. Still reeling from it now. If that’s supposed to be bl***y therapeutic for North, I sure don’t get it! Why????
Seeing Shaw in agony over North again and again, seeing him try his best to support him (even if it is in his very ‘special’ way), seeing him realize that North IS everything to him and that he is willing to be the one North can lean on … that was a major highlight.
The last 25% of the book left me with whiplash. So much happens, plot and relationship-wise. Not even mentioning raging Ronnie! Argh!
I can’t say how much I’m looking forward to the next and last book in the series.
Hoping that its name ‘Co-direction’ is going to be a sign of good things to come for both, North and Shaw.
July 5, 2021
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 Heart shredded, Who hurt you Greg, Ashochist Stars!
Well it's a good thing I didn't have to work today. Because once I really burrowed into my nest with this book, I couldn't put it down. And I ended up reading it until I finished at 1:35 am. During the week, I don't get as much reading time so I had only been reading a few chapters a day. Fireworks that the ass hats around here have been lighting for over a week were still going off as I reached the conclusion. The only positive thing I can see about that is that they muffled my curses. One more time for the people in the back...Gregory Ashe who hurt you?
So let's get to this.
Remember how emotionally destroyed I was after I finished Misdirection? Me too. It was only a week or so ago. My emotional wounds haven't even fully scabbed over yet. And remember how I said I was onto Greg's trick of trying to lull us into a false sense of security? Me too. And yet...he totally tricked me! It's not like I thought this one was going to be a bed of roses. More that I thought because Misdirection was so brutal, this one would be rough but not AS much.
Greg:
(Side note: Ted Lasso is amazing. You should watch it. I love it. 🥰)
Me-skipping into, Redirection :
Greg-waiting in the wings:
Or even better:
I can now confirm, after going to a few of his new Facebook Lives, that he really does laugh at our pain. This is true.
On the surface Redirection is about these things:
1) A case involving an ex professor of the guys and, bane of my existence, North's ex Tucker.
2) North's, "uncle," Ronnie.
3)
Well it's a good thing I didn't have to work today. Because once I really burrowed into my nest with this book, I couldn't put it down. And I ended up reading it until I finished at 1:35 am. During the week, I don't get as much reading time so I had only been reading a few chapters a day. Fireworks that the ass hats around here have been lighting for over a week were still going off as I reached the conclusion. The only positive thing I can see about that is that they muffled my curses. One more time for the people in the back...Gregory Ashe who hurt you?
So let's get to this.
Remember how emotionally destroyed I was after I finished Misdirection? Me too. It was only a week or so ago. My emotional wounds haven't even fully scabbed over yet. And remember how I said I was onto Greg's trick of trying to lull us into a false sense of security? Me too. And yet...he totally tricked me! It's not like I thought this one was going to be a bed of roses. More that I thought because Misdirection was so brutal, this one would be rough but not AS much.
Greg:
(Side note: Ted Lasso is amazing. You should watch it. I love it. 🥰)
Me-skipping into, Redirection :
Greg-waiting in the wings:
Or even better:
I can now confirm, after going to a few of his new Facebook Lives, that he really does laugh at our pain. This is true.
On the surface Redirection is about these things:
1) A case involving an ex professor of the guys and, bane of my existence, North's ex Tucker.
2) North's, "uncle," Ronnie.
3)
July 28, 2021
I've given this an A at AAR.
Note: There are spoilers for the previous books in the series in this review.
Wow. I thought Misdirection, the previous book in this series was a tough read; I should have known Gregory Ashe wasn’t finished tying my insides up in knots and putting North and Shaw (and me!) through the emotional wringer. It always hurts to see a beloved character (or characters) having a tough time, and in Redirection, the author continues to shine an unforgiving spotlight on the problems that have dogged North and Shaw’s personal (romantic) relationship, at the same time as they’re trying to solve a mystery that hits VERY close to home.
I put a spoiler warning at the top of this review, so if you haven’t read Misdirection, and you read farther than this, on your own head be it! At the end of that book, North and Shaw realised that they needed to take a break from being a couple and agreed to go back to being ‘just friends’. This decision was prompted by a number of things; a lot of unresolved issues on North’s part that relate to his upbringing and his marriage have bled into his relationship with Shaw, while Shaw was taking North for granted and failing to see that things were becoming very one-sided, from deciding which cases they took, to when and how they had sex.
A few months on, and the guys are still keeping to their ‘friends’ agreement – except that they’re friends with benefits, something which is obviously more of a problem for Shaw than it is for North. Shaw is doing his best not to rock the boat or ask questions about where they stand, but it’s been a few months since they broke up and there’s no sign of anything changing or of North being ready to talk – and Shaw knows he can’t carry on this way indefinitely.
So things between them are already balanced on a knife edge when a grenade is thrown into the mix. Dick Laguerre – the father of North’s estranged (though not yet ex-) husband, Tucker – walks into the Borealis offices and tells them that Tucker has been arrested for murder, and asks them to help to prove his innocence. Shaw is – quite rightly – cautious; not just because Tucker is a total shit who physically and emotionally abused North for years, but also because of the conflict of interest – whatever they find out probably wouldn’t be admissible in court – but North bluntly reminds him of all the times they’ve taken the cases Shaw wanted to take – Matty Fenmore, the Slasher, the romance convention – and won’t hear any objections. They’re taking this one.
The murder victim was Rik Slooves, a former – and married – professor at Choteau College who, during North and Shaw’s time there, screwed his way through most of the young male students, including Tucker and some of their other friends. After he returned to his wife and son, Slooves played the happily married ultra-conservative straight guy, pushing a vehement anti-gay agenda while continuing to fuck around with guys on the side. Tucker had been one of those men – and after a night spent together at a seedy motel, Tucker wakes to find Slooves dead in bed beside him, his head bashed in with one of his (Tucker’s) golf clubs. The evidence is overwhelmingly against Tucker – but even after everything he put North through, North finds it hard to believe he’s guilty of murder.
And as he and Shaw start digging, it begins to seem as though someone is trying to frame Tucker. Incriminating photos of Slooves with other men found in Tucker’s car, Slooves estranged wife behaving strangely, his son arriving in town out of the blue, a sex video, and information that Slooves involved some of North and Shaw’s college friends in his shady insider-dealing… it all adds up to a complex, confusing case in which suspicion shifts rapidly from one person to the next, and there are more people with good reason to want to get rid of Slooves than one could reasonably shake a stick at.
And somewhere, pulling strings in the background is the despicable not-uncle Ronnie, out for revenge on North and Shaw after North got him arrested following Ronnie’s theft of proprietary technology from Aldrich Acquisitions.
Redirection is, even by Gregory Ashe standards (!) – a tough read. Horrible things happen to, well, pretty much everyone, and watching North falling apart, seeing the way his relationship with Shaw has fractured so badly is HARD. I’m a fast reader and when I’m reading something as good as this, I want to power through it, but the tension in this story is at such a pitch that I had to force myself to take a break every so often and remind myself to breathe! But all that tension is balanced by moments of incredible sweetness and humour, moments where North and Shaw slip effortlessly into their ridiculous banter and feel like ‘them’ again, and when their love for each other comes through as strongly as ever.
Making Tucker the prime suspect in a murder investigation and a major character in this book was an interesting choice – because let’s face it, if you’ve followed the series this far, you’re likely to want to lock him up and throw away the key! And yet… Gregory Ashe somehow – deviously, brilliantly – had me questioning those feelings. North is convinced Tucker is still the same manipulative piece of shit he always was, but the Tucker we’re presented with here seems to have changed – or to be trying to – for the better, and Mr. Ashe skilfully plays with our conceptions so that we’re never quite sure who is seeing the truth of the situation. And then we meet Tucker’s parents, people who treat North well and make him feel more welcome and loved than his own family ever did – and it’s easy to understand why North stayed with Tucker for so long, and why, when he’s so exhausted and confused and scared, he’s so tempted to take the easy path back into a life he knows.
The secondary cast includes a handful of new characters as well as some we’ve met before. I was pleased to see Jadon again and continue to hope he’s going to find someone some day; his back and forth with North is entertaining and even though North is often outright rude, it’s clear there’s a mutual respect there, beneath it all. North’s dad makes another appearance, and my heart broke – again – for North at the way the old man treats him.
As always with a Gregory Ashe book, there are a lot of moving parts, and – as always – he does a great job of combining a gripping, high-stakes mystery with the character-driven elements of the story. Redirection is an intense, insightful exploration of a relationship-in-trouble that will make you want to laugh, cry, bang North and Shaw’s heads together and throw things, possibly all at the same time. But rest assured, by the time you reach the end, emotionally battered and bruised, it will have been worth it. Book four, Codirection, can’t arrive soon enough.
Note: There are spoilers for the previous books in the series in this review.
Wow. I thought Misdirection, the previous book in this series was a tough read; I should have known Gregory Ashe wasn’t finished tying my insides up in knots and putting North and Shaw (and me!) through the emotional wringer. It always hurts to see a beloved character (or characters) having a tough time, and in Redirection, the author continues to shine an unforgiving spotlight on the problems that have dogged North and Shaw’s personal (romantic) relationship, at the same time as they’re trying to solve a mystery that hits VERY close to home.
I put a spoiler warning at the top of this review, so if you haven’t read Misdirection, and you read farther than this, on your own head be it! At the end of that book, North and Shaw realised that they needed to take a break from being a couple and agreed to go back to being ‘just friends’. This decision was prompted by a number of things; a lot of unresolved issues on North’s part that relate to his upbringing and his marriage have bled into his relationship with Shaw, while Shaw was taking North for granted and failing to see that things were becoming very one-sided, from deciding which cases they took, to when and how they had sex.
A few months on, and the guys are still keeping to their ‘friends’ agreement – except that they’re friends with benefits, something which is obviously more of a problem for Shaw than it is for North. Shaw is doing his best not to rock the boat or ask questions about where they stand, but it’s been a few months since they broke up and there’s no sign of anything changing or of North being ready to talk – and Shaw knows he can’t carry on this way indefinitely.
So things between them are already balanced on a knife edge when a grenade is thrown into the mix. Dick Laguerre – the father of North’s estranged (though not yet ex-) husband, Tucker – walks into the Borealis offices and tells them that Tucker has been arrested for murder, and asks them to help to prove his innocence. Shaw is – quite rightly – cautious; not just because Tucker is a total shit who physically and emotionally abused North for years, but also because of the conflict of interest – whatever they find out probably wouldn’t be admissible in court – but North bluntly reminds him of all the times they’ve taken the cases Shaw wanted to take – Matty Fenmore, the Slasher, the romance convention – and won’t hear any objections. They’re taking this one.
The murder victim was Rik Slooves, a former – and married – professor at Choteau College who, during North and Shaw’s time there, screwed his way through most of the young male students, including Tucker and some of their other friends. After he returned to his wife and son, Slooves played the happily married ultra-conservative straight guy, pushing a vehement anti-gay agenda while continuing to fuck around with guys on the side. Tucker had been one of those men – and after a night spent together at a seedy motel, Tucker wakes to find Slooves dead in bed beside him, his head bashed in with one of his (Tucker’s) golf clubs. The evidence is overwhelmingly against Tucker – but even after everything he put North through, North finds it hard to believe he’s guilty of murder.
And as he and Shaw start digging, it begins to seem as though someone is trying to frame Tucker. Incriminating photos of Slooves with other men found in Tucker’s car, Slooves estranged wife behaving strangely, his son arriving in town out of the blue, a sex video, and information that Slooves involved some of North and Shaw’s college friends in his shady insider-dealing… it all adds up to a complex, confusing case in which suspicion shifts rapidly from one person to the next, and there are more people with good reason to want to get rid of Slooves than one could reasonably shake a stick at.
And somewhere, pulling strings in the background is the despicable not-uncle Ronnie, out for revenge on North and Shaw after North got him arrested following Ronnie’s theft of proprietary technology from Aldrich Acquisitions.
Redirection is, even by Gregory Ashe standards (!) – a tough read. Horrible things happen to, well, pretty much everyone, and watching North falling apart, seeing the way his relationship with Shaw has fractured so badly is HARD. I’m a fast reader and when I’m reading something as good as this, I want to power through it, but the tension in this story is at such a pitch that I had to force myself to take a break every so often and remind myself to breathe! But all that tension is balanced by moments of incredible sweetness and humour, moments where North and Shaw slip effortlessly into their ridiculous banter and feel like ‘them’ again, and when their love for each other comes through as strongly as ever.
Making Tucker the prime suspect in a murder investigation and a major character in this book was an interesting choice – because let’s face it, if you’ve followed the series this far, you’re likely to want to lock him up and throw away the key! And yet… Gregory Ashe somehow – deviously, brilliantly – had me questioning those feelings. North is convinced Tucker is still the same manipulative piece of shit he always was, but the Tucker we’re presented with here seems to have changed – or to be trying to – for the better, and Mr. Ashe skilfully plays with our conceptions so that we’re never quite sure who is seeing the truth of the situation. And then we meet Tucker’s parents, people who treat North well and make him feel more welcome and loved than his own family ever did – and it’s easy to understand why North stayed with Tucker for so long, and why, when he’s so exhausted and confused and scared, he’s so tempted to take the easy path back into a life he knows.
The secondary cast includes a handful of new characters as well as some we’ve met before. I was pleased to see Jadon again and continue to hope he’s going to find someone some day; his back and forth with North is entertaining and even though North is often outright rude, it’s clear there’s a mutual respect there, beneath it all. North’s dad makes another appearance, and my heart broke – again – for North at the way the old man treats him.
As always with a Gregory Ashe book, there are a lot of moving parts, and – as always – he does a great job of combining a gripping, high-stakes mystery with the character-driven elements of the story. Redirection is an intense, insightful exploration of a relationship-in-trouble that will make you want to laugh, cry, bang North and Shaw’s heads together and throw things, possibly all at the same time. But rest assured, by the time you reach the end, emotionally battered and bruised, it will have been worth it. Book four, Codirection, can’t arrive soon enough.
Read
March 20, 20224.0 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Good lord this book was stressful as f-ck. Truly my stomach was in knots from beginning to end. This review is going to be riddled with spoilers regarding some very key plot points, so if you don’t want to know definitely stop reading now. Also, this is extremely long so sorry in advance 😇
In this book Tucker is being accused of murdering a former professor/current f-ckbuddy and his parents enlist North and Shaw to investigate and prove his innocence. To put it mildly, there was a lot of uncomfortable sh-t that takes place in this book. Most all of it I understood, even though I felt sick over it, and some of it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The mystery was good, and I enjoyed getting a glimpse at all of North and Shaw’s friends.
At the start of the story we find North and Shaw still broken up, but in a friends-with-benefits situation. I loathed this. The pain Shaw exhibited every time North explained that sex and friendship is what they were good at and “not the other stuff” left me with the ugliest of ugly feelings. But, per usual, Mr. Ashe makes sense of the unsavory. It, unfortunately, was not far-fetched to see how North and Shaw would find themselves in a somehow more toxic (for them) dynamic post-separation. Shaw, who never wanted to let North go to begin with, will of course accept what is offered of North. North, who needed to let go, can’t fully release Shaw either so he finds this in-between logic to make it work instead of dealing with the issues at hand. If you thought waiting for the bomb to drop on their relationship in Misdirection was painful well…I can tell you that this is definitely much worse!
To throw a 1000lb. wrench into the mess the boil on the butt of humanity that is Tucker is front and center this entire story. He supposedly has turned a new leaf and is pleading for a do-over. He’s in therapy, confronting the myriad of issues he has, and is a much ✨healthier✨ person now. He wants to make amends with North and fix their marriage. He wants to make amends with Shaw in hopes they can reach a mutual respect. He’s zen. He’s chill. He’s loving. He’s a whole new person. Except he was cheating on North during the entirety of their marriage, including their wedding day. And he still raises a hand when his anger peaks. AND he’s a manipulative, lying, violent, vengeful b-stard now in cahoots with f-cking Ronnie of all people! So…spoiler alert: he’s still the same horrible person he always was, if not more so.
I said at the top there were uncomfortable things in this book I understood, and others that missed the mark. For me, the two relationship resolutions (?) didn’t really give what it needed to. I’ll start with Tucker and North – for starters, them sleeping together didn’t really make sense to me. Now this is not a case of “omg the MC slept with someone else! 😭😭😭” because if you’ve ever read an Ashe book, you’ll know the MCs quite often are involved with other people. This instance didn’t make sense to me primarily because it didn’t feel believable. In fact, I’d say the moment North considered crossing that line in Misdirection felt way more plausible to it actually happening here. This ties in with the next resolution with Shaw, which in my opinion, felt too rushed. I think not seeing North accept that it would only ever be Shaw, and subsequently telling Tucker sleeping with him was a mistake and he needed the divorce, left a lot to be desired. For the entirety of the book, we watch North behind barrier after barrier not dealing with the fallout of his marriage, not dealing with his own internalized issues, not dealing with the unhealthy dynamics created with Shaw. We then watch him sleep with his abusive ex-husband, blow off Shaw for a few days, and then suddenly he’s telling Shaw he wants to be with him forever. We hear him retell, very minimally, what transgressed after the sleeping together incident, but it wasn’t enough for the build up behind what was easily two of the most critical plot points in this narrative. The whole thing left me underwhelmed if I’m being honest. Perhaps this will get readdressed, in more detail, in the final installment of this series 🤷🏻♀️
To wrap this up because it’s already way too long, this was a very stressful book that gave me hives. It was also a very funny book that had me laughing out loud, and a very emotional book that pulled at the heartstrings. I’m sad that we’re almost to the end of North and Shaw’s saga, but what a ride it’s been so far. I have no doubt Greg will give us all one hell of a conclusion in the final installment and I can’t wait!
Good lord this book was stressful as f-ck. Truly my stomach was in knots from beginning to end. This review is going to be riddled with spoilers regarding some very key plot points, so if you don’t want to know definitely stop reading now. Also, this is extremely long so sorry in advance 😇
In this book Tucker is being accused of murdering a former professor/current f-ckbuddy and his parents enlist North and Shaw to investigate and prove his innocence. To put it mildly, there was a lot of uncomfortable sh-t that takes place in this book. Most all of it I understood, even though I felt sick over it, and some of it didn’t quite hit the mark for me. The mystery was good, and I enjoyed getting a glimpse at all of North and Shaw’s friends.
At the start of the story we find North and Shaw still broken up, but in a friends-with-benefits situation. I loathed this. The pain Shaw exhibited every time North explained that sex and friendship is what they were good at and “not the other stuff” left me with the ugliest of ugly feelings. But, per usual, Mr. Ashe makes sense of the unsavory. It, unfortunately, was not far-fetched to see how North and Shaw would find themselves in a somehow more toxic (for them) dynamic post-separation. Shaw, who never wanted to let North go to begin with, will of course accept what is offered of North. North, who needed to let go, can’t fully release Shaw either so he finds this in-between logic to make it work instead of dealing with the issues at hand. If you thought waiting for the bomb to drop on their relationship in Misdirection was painful well…I can tell you that this is definitely much worse!
To throw a 1000lb. wrench into the mess the boil on the butt of humanity that is Tucker is front and center this entire story. He supposedly has turned a new leaf and is pleading for a do-over. He’s in therapy, confronting the myriad of issues he has, and is a much ✨healthier✨ person now. He wants to make amends with North and fix their marriage. He wants to make amends with Shaw in hopes they can reach a mutual respect. He’s zen. He’s chill. He’s loving. He’s a whole new person. Except he was cheating on North during the entirety of their marriage, including their wedding day. And he still raises a hand when his anger peaks. AND he’s a manipulative, lying, violent, vengeful b-stard now in cahoots with f-cking Ronnie of all people! So…spoiler alert: he’s still the same horrible person he always was, if not more so.
I said at the top there were uncomfortable things in this book I understood, and others that missed the mark. For me, the two relationship resolutions (?) didn’t really give what it needed to. I’ll start with Tucker and North – for starters, them sleeping together didn’t really make sense to me. Now this is not a case of “omg the MC slept with someone else! 😭😭😭” because if you’ve ever read an Ashe book, you’ll know the MCs quite often are involved with other people. This instance didn’t make sense to me primarily because it didn’t feel believable. In fact, I’d say the moment North considered crossing that line in Misdirection felt way more plausible to it actually happening here. This ties in with the next resolution with Shaw, which in my opinion, felt too rushed. I think not seeing North accept that it would only ever be Shaw, and subsequently telling Tucker sleeping with him was a mistake and he needed the divorce, left a lot to be desired. For the entirety of the book, we watch North behind barrier after barrier not dealing with the fallout of his marriage, not dealing with his own internalized issues, not dealing with the unhealthy dynamics created with Shaw. We then watch him sleep with his abusive ex-husband, blow off Shaw for a few days, and then suddenly he’s telling Shaw he wants to be with him forever. We hear him retell, very minimally, what transgressed after the sleeping together incident, but it wasn’t enough for the build up behind what was easily two of the most critical plot points in this narrative. The whole thing left me underwhelmed if I’m being honest. Perhaps this will get readdressed, in more detail, in the final installment of this series 🤷🏻♀️
To wrap this up because it’s already way too long, this was a very stressful book that gave me hives. It was also a very funny book that had me laughing out loud, and a very emotional book that pulled at the heartstrings. I’m sad that we’re almost to the end of North and Shaw’s saga, but what a ride it’s been so far. I have no doubt Greg will give us all one hell of a conclusion in the final installment and I can’t wait!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 29, 2021
The one thing that made the majority of the early bits of this one bearable was the idea that North's ex might actually go to jail for murder. Sweet karmic justice. Because honestly.. where North and Shaw were at the onset of this? I think my text to a buddy was "gtfo". Like, no, enough, what. It was one thing to end book two with a certain understanding but the way North was carrying on..? Ugh. What's worse is that Ashe made me feel bad for Shaw, who is a character I don't like. That's a shitty feeling. I don't want to feel bad for him! Thanks a lot.
But seriously, North was clearly taking classes on How To Be A Gaping Asshole because stellar work. Yes, yes, underlying issues, but why did it go from a background murmur of grumpy nonsense to like full on rager in hardly a blink? His behaviour was just outrageous and then, likewise, blink and you miss it everything is fine, back to normal.
Speaking of outrageous behaviour. Tucker. That whole thing.. you know the one.. I just can't. No way. Especially not after all the extra dirty laundry that came to light; and there was plenty already out in the open to begin with. And the fact that we had to sit through that scene, only to have the other parts happen off page, are you actually kidding me? Extra no. But if that was the price to pay for how it all works out at the end? I might, maybe, get over myself about it. I can forgive but I'll never forget.
I hope book four is the final in this series because I'd really love the close the chapter on the Ronnie thing. That gremlin just has too much power over the whole situation and it needs to end.
But seriously, North was clearly taking classes on How To Be A Gaping Asshole because stellar work. Yes, yes, underlying issues, but why did it go from a background murmur of grumpy nonsense to like full on rager in hardly a blink? His behaviour was just outrageous and then, likewise, blink and you miss it everything is fine, back to normal.
Speaking of outrageous behaviour. Tucker. That whole thing.. you know the one.. I just can't. No way. Especially not after all the extra dirty laundry that came to light; and there was plenty already out in the open to begin with. And the fact that we had to sit through that scene, only to have the other parts happen off page, are you actually kidding me? Extra no. But if that was the price to pay for how it all works out at the end? I might, maybe, get over myself about it. I can forgive but I'll never forget.
I hope book four is the final in this series because I'd really love the close the chapter on the Ronnie thing. That gremlin just has too much power over the whole situation and it needs to end.
May 13, 2025
I actually think that this is my favourite North and Shaw book and they spend most of the time being absolutely fucking terrible to each other 😂😂
I think the events of this book had to happen though before they can finally move forward with an actually healthy relationship rather than whatever the fuck this codependent situation has become. North needs to learn to deal with his emotional baggage, anger issues and trauma, Shaw needs to learn when to shut the fuck up and that you can't be BFF's with everyone in your life. I was honestly so mad that he was adamant North needed to make nice with Tucker - the man physically and emotionally abused North for years, plus he cheated on him the entire time. Why in the fuck would North ever want to forgive Tucker and be friends?? It made no sense to me and I don't think anyone would see Shaw's opinion as being the right one? Totally baffling....
Tucker is just the personification of syphilis. End of story. The sooner he fucks off the better this story arc will be 😂
Loved how Jadon is building a friendship with Shaw and North, even though it's not exactly what he wanted. But he seems pretty cool and I kinda like his presence.
I still can't get over the fact that North and Shaw are still mid twenties though - they definitely seem immature enough, yet they also seem like they should be at least thirty!
I really hope Ronnie gets eliminated in a gruesome way though, I fucking hate that guy, and North's dad can go too.
Weirdly looking forward to the final book in the arc, and then I'm back to my favourite - Emery Hazard 🥰🥰
I think the events of this book had to happen though before they can finally move forward with an actually healthy relationship rather than whatever the fuck this codependent situation has become. North needs to learn to deal with his emotional baggage, anger issues and trauma, Shaw needs to learn when to shut the fuck up and that you can't be BFF's with everyone in your life. I was honestly so mad that he was adamant North needed to make nice with Tucker - the man physically and emotionally abused North for years, plus he cheated on him the entire time. Why in the fuck would North ever want to forgive Tucker and be friends?? It made no sense to me and I don't think anyone would see Shaw's opinion as being the right one? Totally baffling....
Tucker is just the personification of syphilis. End of story. The sooner he fucks off the better this story arc will be 😂
Loved how Jadon is building a friendship with Shaw and North, even though it's not exactly what he wanted. But he seems pretty cool and I kinda like his presence.
I still can't get over the fact that North and Shaw are still mid twenties though - they definitely seem immature enough, yet they also seem like they should be at least thirty!
I really hope Ronnie gets eliminated in a gruesome way though, I fucking hate that guy, and North's dad can go too.
Weirdly looking forward to the final book in the arc, and then I'm back to my favourite - Emery Hazard 🥰🥰
January 2, 2023
Oh boy. In my head and heart, this book was not North and Shaw canon and I'd like to dismiss it as malignant fanfic conjured up by someone with a schadenfreude fetish. Or a demon that Shaw accidentally summoned while playing with cards he bought from Master Hermes for $1,599.99 (on sale!). Had it not been written with GA's trademark prose and humor, I could almost be convinced that this was the work of an imposter. Maybe he was in a flu induced fever haze and under the influence of a boat load of over the counter decongestants (the kind you have to sign for) when he wrote this. That would actually explain a lot.
The contrived drama alone was enough to make my brain melt. Usually when these characters break my heart, they do it in a way that makes sense. They're either running away from something scary or towards something comfortable and even if the decisions they make punch me in the gut, I usually understand their impetus. I did not understand North at all. And believe me, I tried. I psychoanalyzed him as much as my untrained brain would allow and could not for the life of me figure out why he did what he did around the 71% mark. I would have understood it in the first series. I might have even understood it in the previous book. But it made zero sense in this one, as did pretty much everything that happened afterwards and a lot of what happened before.
On top of all the disorienting relationship f*ckery, the mystery was like whaaaaa? It took so many plot conveniences to move this baby along and get it parked in the right spot and even then I was left with unanswered questions. I've overlooked a lot of timely phone calls, misplaced cell phones and convenient comas in my day, but somebody left the curtain open in this book and all of The Wizard's secret machinations were on full display.
I'm not even going to bother expressing my feelings about Tucker and Ronnie because it's the second day of a new year and I started a 30 day yoga journey today that's focused on centering myself and discussing those two will completely knock my chakras out of alignment and negatively impact my aura. I think Shaw would be proud of the work I'm doing on myself.
So why 3 stars even though I'd like to erase all of the events from this story from my memory and pretend they never happened? Truthfully, I don't think I'm physically capable of giving this author less than that. Even when he's pissing me off and putting his characters in precarious situations that make me want to throw my Kindle and rip my hair out, I still want more. And even though the majority of this book had backwards momentum, the few steps forward were worth the stress and those are what I'm going to latch onto going into the last book of this series.
The contrived drama alone was enough to make my brain melt. Usually when these characters break my heart, they do it in a way that makes sense. They're either running away from something scary or towards something comfortable and even if the decisions they make punch me in the gut, I usually understand their impetus. I did not understand North at all. And believe me, I tried. I psychoanalyzed him as much as my untrained brain would allow and could not for the life of me figure out why he did what he did around the 71% mark. I would have understood it in the first series. I might have even understood it in the previous book. But it made zero sense in this one, as did pretty much everything that happened afterwards and a lot of what happened before.
On top of all the disorienting relationship f*ckery, the mystery was like whaaaaa? It took so many plot conveniences to move this baby along and get it parked in the right spot and even then I was left with unanswered questions. I've overlooked a lot of timely phone calls, misplaced cell phones and convenient comas in my day, but somebody left the curtain open in this book and all of The Wizard's secret machinations were on full display.
I'm not even going to bother expressing my feelings about Tucker and Ronnie because it's the second day of a new year and I started a 30 day yoga journey today that's focused on centering myself and discussing those two will completely knock my chakras out of alignment and negatively impact my aura. I think Shaw would be proud of the work I'm doing on myself.
So why 3 stars even though I'd like to erase all of the events from this story from my memory and pretend they never happened? Truthfully, I don't think I'm physically capable of giving this author less than that. Even when he's pissing me off and putting his characters in precarious situations that make me want to throw my Kindle and rip my hair out, I still want more. And even though the majority of this book had backwards momentum, the few steps forward were worth the stress and those are what I'm going to latch onto going into the last book of this series.
March 29, 2022
I'm starting to think this is a competition... North was even more childish than Shaw in this one... The ending was interesting though, a bit over the top, but interesting. Let's see how everything ends.
July 14, 2021
I am SEETHING. Talk about ruining a phenomenal series in just a couple of paragraphs. Listen, North and Shaw have been one of my all-time favorite couples since I read Orientation and I've given every book since then 5-stars so, the fact that I'm leaving a 2-star review has left me in furious tears!
In conclusion, this book was full of angst and going really well for me until Ch 26. This is not the North I've read about bc I know he would never do this. It completely changes my perspective to this series and North & Shaw's love story. Those two have enough problems already that I don't know what the author was trying to accomplish by ruining it like this. It makes me wish this follow-up series was never written.
In conclusion, this book was full of angst and going really well for me until Ch 26. This is not the North I've read about bc I know he would never do this. It completely changes my perspective to this series and North & Shaw's love story. Those two have enough problems already that I don't know what the author was trying to accomplish by ruining it like this. It makes me wish this follow-up series was never written.
February 15, 2024
OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD
That's it. That's the review.
That's it. That's the review.
July 2, 2021
4.25 stars
My thoughts are all over the place as they usually are with a Gregory Ashe book. This series has been spectacular and I love North and Shaw. This was another great story in the Borealis series but it also wasn’t my favorite. I had a hard time with some things that happened in this book. I don’t want to spoil anything but there’s a lot here to unpack for North.
I love Shaw, he’s my favorite Ashe character and I wasn’t mad at him in the last book but I wasn’t happy with him either. I do think he’s put through a lot in return with North in this book. I want to say that North and Shaw together are not in what you would call a healthy relationship but I don’t know if any of Ashe’s character are. Sometimes this annoys me. They spew a lot of abuse at each other and I think it goes overboard at times for me. Especially with North constantly yelling.
I had mixed feeling about Tucker in this story. I was not happy with North at all at one point and I think we needed to see the conversation he had with Tucker the day after this “thing” happened. That was only told in passing and I have never really been disappointed in the crazy, twisted ways Ashe gets his characters together but this was one time he disappointed me. I’m being vague but if you read the book maybe you know what I’m saying?
I thought the stuff happening towards the end was crazy and I am definitely scared to know what North and Shaw will have to face in the next book with Ronnie.
I miss the guys being at the office and I never thought I’d say this but I missed Pari! I like the banter with her and there wasn’t much of it here. She’s kind of the owner of North’s dog if you think about it. She has him all the time and takes care of him way more than North does. I just think that all the time when I’m reading this series.
I’m excited and nervous for the last book in this series. I hope they’re coming back for more. I don’t want to let these two go.
My thoughts are all over the place as they usually are with a Gregory Ashe book. This series has been spectacular and I love North and Shaw. This was another great story in the Borealis series but it also wasn’t my favorite. I had a hard time with some things that happened in this book. I don’t want to spoil anything but there’s a lot here to unpack for North.
I love Shaw, he’s my favorite Ashe character and I wasn’t mad at him in the last book but I wasn’t happy with him either. I do think he’s put through a lot in return with North in this book. I want to say that North and Shaw together are not in what you would call a healthy relationship but I don’t know if any of Ashe’s character are. Sometimes this annoys me. They spew a lot of abuse at each other and I think it goes overboard at times for me. Especially with North constantly yelling.
I had mixed feeling about Tucker in this story. I was not happy with North at all at one point and I think we needed to see the conversation he had with Tucker the day after this “thing” happened. That was only told in passing and I have never really been disappointed in the crazy, twisted ways Ashe gets his characters together but this was one time he disappointed me. I’m being vague but if you read the book maybe you know what I’m saying?
I thought the stuff happening towards the end was crazy and I am definitely scared to know what North and Shaw will have to face in the next book with Ronnie.
I miss the guys being at the office and I never thought I’d say this but I missed Pari! I like the banter with her and there wasn’t much of it here. She’s kind of the owner of North’s dog if you think about it. She has him all the time and takes care of him way more than North does. I just think that all the time when I’m reading this series.
I’m excited and nervous for the last book in this series. I hope they’re coming back for more. I don’t want to let these two go.
July 3, 2021
I have such mixed feelings about this series.
Tucker is in therapy. (which, objectively, he does need)
But North isn't.
Enough said.
North unraveled in a spectacularly painful manner and then proceeded to slap a band-aid on all his issues. Again. On the other hand, it was heartening to see the progress Shaw made after what went on in Misdirection. They still have a long way to go, but I trust Ashe to get them to the finish line. Safely.
Also, the last 20% of the book seemed to be at maximum capacity with things happening and all of it at maximum speed. I was disoriented towards the end. But still cannot wait for the next installment.
Tucker is in therapy. (which, objectively, he does need)
But North isn't.
Enough said.
North unraveled in a spectacularly painful manner and then proceeded to slap a band-aid on all his issues. Again. On the other hand, it was heartening to see the progress Shaw made after what went on in Misdirection. They still have a long way to go, but I trust Ashe to get them to the finish line. Safely.
Also, the last 20% of the book seemed to be at maximum capacity with things happening and all of it at maximum speed. I was disoriented towards the end. But still cannot wait for the next installment.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2021
Wowza!! A raw, gritty read, full of feels, anger, alcohol, and surprisingly, quite a lot of descriptive sex...which is unusual to say the least for one of Greg's reads.
Not going into a lot of detail; you all need to read this one for yourselves. My feelings for Tucker and Uncle Ronnie remain the same 🤬🤬🤬 [will someone, anyone take the both of them out...pretty please 🙏🙏??], and as far North and Shaw's old college friends are concerned, I think weird is the most polite word I can use to describe them, especially Rufus and Percy. The murder victim?? A sleazy slimeball, not above drugging and raping his unwitting victims, so no loss whatsoever IMHO. As for Shaw AND North...well, let's just say they're still a work in progress. Fantastic set up for Codirection
Not going into a lot of detail; you all need to read this one for yourselves. My feelings for Tucker and Uncle Ronnie remain the same 🤬🤬🤬 [will someone, anyone take the both of them out...pretty please 🙏🙏??], and as far North and Shaw's old college friends are concerned, I think weird is the most polite word I can use to describe them, especially Rufus and Percy. The murder victim?? A sleazy slimeball, not above drugging and raping his unwitting victims, so no loss whatsoever IMHO. As for Shaw AND North...well, let's just say they're still a work in progress. Fantastic set up for Codirection
October 9, 2022
I ended up waiting to pair my read with the release of the audio by Charlie David, life got busy, other reads came and went and I just got back to North & Shaw and their super bumpy relationship road. I'm glad I took the respite because these two don't know how to do easy & sweet.
Can you just jump into this series here? I wouldn't recommend it. The relationship between them and their individual histories has been teased out in the previous books and we are now getting to the part where the truly thorny things are being addressed.
This book belongs to North. His still unresolved relationship with his soon to be ex-husband Tucker, the why & how he ended up with Tucker, his fraught relationship with his father, a bit about his own identity as a gay man, and most importantly his helplessness when it comes to his attachment & attraction to Shaw.
There is of course a case and a victim I couldn't have cared less about save as it serves as a mirror (a horror funhouse one) to who they are or could have been given the time, place, and society they came up in. I enjoyed it way more than expected.
I confess to sometimes being annoyed by the infamous N&S banter, which is charming to most readers, but I like to imbibe in small doses. Additionally the way they deal with serious issues affecting their relationship strikes me as a tad childish but then I remember that they are men, gay men, and that (much to my chagrin) the 20's are now the teens when it comes to people's development. Despite all of it I loved this entry in the series and it was in no small part because the author has never shied away from going into situations & places that perhaps many romance readers might recoil from, and he doesn't do it here either. He presents the nitty gritty of the lives of modern day gay men, the hookup culture, the casual sex that's just that, sex, the drug use, the self doubt, the acceptance, partial or completely denied by society and/or loved ones. How it affects the way they see themselves & others. It gets deep.
My other cause for relief & joy was that Pari & Truck are barely in it 🥰
An absolute recommend for those who have been reading the series. If you can get only one do the audio. You won't regret it.
p.s. Boyfriends is a short that follows this and takes place before Codirection. Read it.
Can you just jump into this series here? I wouldn't recommend it. The relationship between them and their individual histories has been teased out in the previous books and we are now getting to the part where the truly thorny things are being addressed.
This book belongs to North. His still unresolved relationship with his soon to be ex-husband Tucker, the why & how he ended up with Tucker, his fraught relationship with his father, a bit about his own identity as a gay man, and most importantly his helplessness when it comes to his attachment & attraction to Shaw.
There is of course a case and a victim I couldn't have cared less about save as it serves as a mirror (a horror funhouse one) to who they are or could have been given the time, place, and society they came up in. I enjoyed it way more than expected.
I confess to sometimes being annoyed by the infamous N&S banter, which is charming to most readers, but I like to imbibe in small doses. Additionally the way they deal with serious issues affecting their relationship strikes me as a tad childish but then I remember that they are men, gay men, and that (much to my chagrin) the 20's are now the teens when it comes to people's development. Despite all of it I loved this entry in the series and it was in no small part because the author has never shied away from going into situations & places that perhaps many romance readers might recoil from, and he doesn't do it here either. He presents the nitty gritty of the lives of modern day gay men, the hookup culture, the casual sex that's just that, sex, the drug use, the self doubt, the acceptance, partial or completely denied by society and/or loved ones. How it affects the way they see themselves & others. It gets deep.
My other cause for relief & joy was that Pari & Truck are barely in it 🥰
An absolute recommend for those who have been reading the series. If you can get only one do the audio. You won't regret it.
p.s. Boyfriends is a short that follows this and takes place before Codirection. Read it.
January 16, 2024
4.5 I Love the Pain stars
This relationship is toxic and this book was SO painful, and exhausting. I'm never sure if I want North and Shaw to work things out. I mean I do, but I want to see them get some serious help. And the last quarter of the book! WTAF?? I did not see that coming at all. Both Tucker and Ronnie need to die painful deaths.
In the last book we learned a lot about Shaw and this one was almost all North. I was on a seesaw as N&S try to work things out in the most misdirected way ever, BFFs? BFFs with benefits? Boyfriends? Anyway, I was back and forth as to who was the biggest problem. First, my heart was breaking for Shaw, but then for North and then there would be a little glimmer of good. But then North goes and does something mind-boggling and I dislike him all over again. But also there is the sympathy factor as North deals with his ex, his father and Ronnie. Did this man have anyone good in his life before he met Shaw? I can almost see why he's such a mess, but he also isn't doing much to pull himself out of it.
Oh yeah, there was also a messy mystery dragging in all their friends from college and, sadly, not ending with Tucker getting the chair. I've got to say Gregory Ashe excels at writing exes that I love to hate. Since there's only one more book left in this series, I suppose I'll just keep the binge going.
This relationship is toxic and this book was SO painful, and exhausting. I'm never sure if I want North and Shaw to work things out. I mean I do, but I want to see them get some serious help. And the last quarter of the book! WTAF?? I did not see that coming at all. Both Tucker and Ronnie need to die painful deaths.
In the last book we learned a lot about Shaw and this one was almost all North. I was on a seesaw as N&S try to work things out in the most misdirected way ever, BFFs? BFFs with benefits? Boyfriends? Anyway, I was back and forth as to who was the biggest problem. First, my heart was breaking for Shaw, but then for North and then there would be a little glimmer of good. But then North goes and does something mind-boggling and I dislike him all over again. But also there is the sympathy factor as North deals with his ex, his father and Ronnie. Did this man have anyone good in his life before he met Shaw? I can almost see why he's such a mess, but he also isn't doing much to pull himself out of it.
Oh yeah, there was also a messy mystery dragging in all their friends from college and, sadly, not ending with Tucker getting the chair. I've got to say Gregory Ashe excels at writing exes that I love to hate. Since there's only one more book left in this series, I suppose I'll just keep the binge going.
February 9, 2024
What a rollercoaster of a book, but I really loved it. So many issues, so much angst, so much tension and danger. But, with Codirection and this book, I feel like North & Shaw's banter, playfulness, and relationship finally started to make sense to me and they have totally won me over. I think for me, the balance between the heartfelt relationship stuff and the couple's playfulness is tipped too far to the comic in the first series and ended up just irritating me. Here, it's sad and sweet and lovely how the couple look out for each other and cheer each other up, and cheering up is definitely required as they do go through the ringer. Mystery plot was great in this one too, GA really does do hateful villains well!
July 28, 2022
Soooo this book was a lot? I think we still have the classic North and Shaw banter we’ve come to love (or at least I love), and the book actually starts off pretty fun after the cliffhanger in the last book.
But.
This book also took a lot out of me. I read this pretty quickly because I couldn’t put it down, but do as I say, not as I do…and maybe take a breather if the story is getting to be too much.
When y’all read this book, just know that this DOES end with a HFN! Despite everything. This book is incredibly rough, but Shaw and North still wind up together. And I think that’s important for everyone to know while reading this story, because this book puts their relationship through…well, everything.
I most likely missed a few things, but from what stuck out to me while reading the ARC, trigger warnings for this book include
Let’s face it. I don’t love Tucker. Knowing this book is about Tucker being accused of murder? I went into this book thinking I don’t care if he’s accidentally being accused of murder, because at the end of the day, I want him to sign those divorce papers, go away, and leave North and Shaw alone.
But there’s something brilliant about how Gregory Ashe writes because this book had me DOUBTING those feelings.
Because we see how Tucker’s parents treat North, which is like what you want your in-laws to be - kind and accepting you into the family. It’s more love than anything North has had with his own father, and even Shaw’s parents. Seeing Tucker’s parents of all people being the “nice” ones was unexpected, and I can definitely see why North stayed in a relationship with Tucker for so long despite everything. Tucker was extremely abusive to North. For YEARS. But here, we see a different Tucker. He’s seeing a therapist and is definitely saying all the right things to the point that you’re wondering who’s really seeing the truth in this situation. And it’s a bit of a mind trip.
In my review for the last book I mentioned that I didn’t want Tucker to be like a Nico situation that happened in Hazard and Somerset where everything was basically forgiven and everyone became friends in the end. Whatever side you wind up being on in this book while reading this story, I will say there’s no ambiguity in where Tucker is concerned and I’m glad we’re not left wondering.
I do think it’s interesting we get to see more of North and Shaw’s college friends in this book and uncovering how they might’ve had a role to play in the murder, because it makes finding the killer a murky one with lots of twists and turns.
We sadly don’t really see much of Pari, Truck, the newest employee at Borealis - Zion, or North’s puppy too much in this book. It’s makes me kind of miss them and I especially want to know more about Zion. What’s his background??? It’s shrouded in mystery, and I wonder if it’ll come up as a major plot point in a future book.
We get a lot of Jadon and I think his back and forth with North is very entertaining, but it’s sad too in a way? Shaw is a lost cause for Jadon at this point (because, hello, we’ve all been rooting for North and Shaw) but I want him to find happiness and his own HEA. We get a hint of maybe where that’s going in the excerpt for the next book, and I really hope it pans out!
I asked after reading the last book if we saw the end of Uncle Ronnie. That question is answered in this book.
And it’s been a long time coming, but North’s dad isn’t doing so well. I don’t think this should come as a shock to readers at this point. His health wasn’t great when we first met him in this series, but it’s clear he’s definitely deteriorating. It’s sad? I don’t like him, and I want to be clear I don’t like how he treats North, but it’s still sad and I’m honestly just ready for it to be over. Does that sound mean?? I mean, I don’t seem his health getting any better, and I just hate seeing North having to deal with all of it.
The mystery aspect of this book really is fascinating and I think easy enough to follow, even with such a large cast of characters and motivations for why they might want the guy dead. But there are some questions I have that doesn’t really get answered. Like, we’re still missing someone at the end of this book who was talked about but never actually made an appearance, and there’s someone that is still on the hospital - do they ever wake up from their coma? I wonder if this gets tied into the next book, or if they’re just loose ends.
It’ll be interesting to see how this story arc ends. The next book is the LAST book in this story arc and there’s some stuff to wrap up. The excerpt calls in a character I’ve already forgotten about, but was in the first book in this arc - Indirection. I have no idea how this is going to get tied in with the bigger story, but I can’t wait to find out!
***Thanks to the author for giving me an ARC to read and review!***
But.
This book also took a lot out of me. I read this pretty quickly because I couldn’t put it down, but do as I say, not as I do…and maybe take a breather if the story is getting to be too much.
When y’all read this book, just know that this DOES end with a HFN! Despite everything. This book is incredibly rough, but Shaw and North still wind up together. And I think that’s important for everyone to know while reading this story, because this book puts their relationship through…well, everything.
I most likely missed a few things, but from what stuck out to me while reading the ARC, trigger warnings for this book include
Let’s face it. I don’t love Tucker. Knowing this book is about Tucker being accused of murder? I went into this book thinking I don’t care if he’s accidentally being accused of murder, because at the end of the day, I want him to sign those divorce papers, go away, and leave North and Shaw alone.
But there’s something brilliant about how Gregory Ashe writes because this book had me DOUBTING those feelings.
Because we see how Tucker’s parents treat North, which is like what you want your in-laws to be - kind and accepting you into the family. It’s more love than anything North has had with his own father, and even Shaw’s parents. Seeing Tucker’s parents of all people being the “nice” ones was unexpected, and I can definitely see why North stayed in a relationship with Tucker for so long despite everything. Tucker was extremely abusive to North. For YEARS. But here, we see a different Tucker. He’s seeing a therapist and is definitely saying all the right things to the point that you’re wondering who’s really seeing the truth in this situation. And it’s a bit of a mind trip.
In my review for the last book I mentioned that I didn’t want Tucker to be like a Nico situation that happened in Hazard and Somerset where everything was basically forgiven and everyone became friends in the end. Whatever side you wind up being on in this book while reading this story, I will say there’s no ambiguity in where Tucker is concerned and I’m glad we’re not left wondering.
I do think it’s interesting we get to see more of North and Shaw’s college friends in this book and uncovering how they might’ve had a role to play in the murder, because it makes finding the killer a murky one with lots of twists and turns.
We sadly don’t really see much of Pari, Truck, the newest employee at Borealis - Zion, or North’s puppy too much in this book. It’s makes me kind of miss them and I especially want to know more about Zion. What’s his background??? It’s shrouded in mystery, and I wonder if it’ll come up as a major plot point in a future book.
We get a lot of Jadon and I think his back and forth with North is very entertaining, but it’s sad too in a way? Shaw is a lost cause for Jadon at this point (because, hello, we’ve all been rooting for North and Shaw) but I want him to find happiness and his own HEA. We get a hint of maybe where that’s going in the excerpt for the next book, and I really hope it pans out!
I asked after reading the last book if we saw the end of Uncle Ronnie. That question is answered in this book.
And it’s been a long time coming, but North’s dad isn’t doing so well. I don’t think this should come as a shock to readers at this point. His health wasn’t great when we first met him in this series, but it’s clear he’s definitely deteriorating. It’s sad? I don’t like him, and I want to be clear I don’t like how he treats North, but it’s still sad and I’m honestly just ready for it to be over. Does that sound mean?? I mean, I don’t seem his health getting any better, and I just hate seeing North having to deal with all of it.
The mystery aspect of this book really is fascinating and I think easy enough to follow, even with such a large cast of characters and motivations for why they might want the guy dead. But there are some questions I have that doesn’t really get answered. Like, we’re still missing someone at the end of this book who was talked about but never actually made an appearance, and there’s someone that is still on the hospital - do they ever wake up from their coma? I wonder if this gets tied into the next book, or if they’re just loose ends.
It’ll be interesting to see how this story arc ends. The next book is the LAST book in this story arc and there’s some stuff to wrap up. The excerpt calls in a character I’ve already forgotten about, but was in the first book in this arc - Indirection. I have no idea how this is going to get tied in with the bigger story, but I can’t wait to find out!
***Thanks to the author for giving me an ARC to read and review!***
November 21, 2022
3 STARS
WARNING- SPOILERS and epic ranting/rambling Rating: As much as I hated it I must have been that invested to write and essay about this book 😱
Most know I am a huge Gregory Ashe Fan and I adore his books. Epic love for Hazard and Somers. Before this book I was heading down that path with North and Shaw, becoming more invested with each book.
A few things just didn’t work for me with this one. Greg’s mysteries are complicated the unexpected twists which have me jumping to the wrong conclusion is so enjoyable for me. In his other stories he has always wrapped up the loose ends, this one left some unresolved questions.
The Peter and Paul confession, for me it made no sense and it came out of nowhere. We were never given a reason what was behind the confession? The Jean storyline, it was all so convoluted, the odd marriage twists, divorce rumors, divorce papers, her odd overdose and then being left in a coma? Was that all just for the benefit of fake Will? What about the identity of their missing son, or someone really getting to the bottom of Will’s identity. Wouldn’t he have been located found or attempted to be found.
The crux of my irritation was the complete 180 flip of North. Over the past few books he had become a character I was invested in. So where was that North, the one who was in head over heals in love with Shaw for eight years, the North that hates to see Shaw hurting, because he knows emotionally he can’t build up scar tissue, the North that beat up Tucker in book 2 when he was finally done. The North that has a conscience. What happened to him.
This North is an abusive, obnoxious, hurtful, condescending ass through entire book. His constant nonsense with Tucker through this book is over the top and ridiculous, especially after knowing Tucker is garbage he lied to him and beat him. It’s revealed how truly awful he is with all the infidelity throughout their entire marriage in their own home and bed. Who cares that he was his husband, and who cares if he wants to change have SOME sort of self respect and tell Tucker to go F-OFF!!! He asks for Shaws help for this P.O.S. case which has to be so unpleasant but Shaw goes out of his way to help, in turn North treats him horribly all the time - he’s the Tucker now. The whole book is North saying “ I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry” at some point it holds no meaning . This book changed my view on their relationship, they are toxic and abusive.
I know …. Shaw he can be the most annoying character ever. But that’s who he is and either North loves him for who he is or he doesn’t. Either he is North from the past books or a fraud and who is enamored with having a hot superficial preppy boy and being part of wealthy life.
The whole broken up/ break excuse is complete BS - clearly they weren’t. They were only broken up when it was convenient for North so he was single and able to keep his options open but yet to keep Shaw hanging on to him . He knew what he was doing he manipulated Shaw and used and abused Shaw, again he’s the Tucker through this entire book, hurting him and watching him sad coming back with “I’m sorry “
Shaw… ugh … he became a pathetic doormat. North abused him verbally and mentally. North used him whenever he wanted and sent him on his way when he was done. Shaw had no backbone, what happened to him? Halfway through this I was so annoyed I hoped he pulled his head out of his ass, found some dignity and went on a date with Jadon.
The part that put the dagger in North for me forever was the scene with Tucker. There was so much emotion and passion I found it hard to read. North was so into Tucker, so awed with his body, complimenting him on being so gorgeous both before and after. Never once recalling what a POS he actually is or remembering the beatings, lies, years of infidelity, and on their wedding day. He so eagerly and happily fell into bed with him without a second thought. On top of it all he was just with Shaw possibly within 24 hours prior, having a heart to heart with him. He then proceeds to ignore Shaw for 2 days knowing he has been calling, is probably upset what if it was the other way around ?
When he finds a heartbroken Shaw waiting for him North has no remorse, compassion or guilt. He lets Shaw take all the blame and come groveling for him, he would do anything for North how he’s so sorry that he’s pushing him. North just sits there . You think if Shaw disappeared for two days and OOPS slept with Jadon, ignored him then just waltzed on back with no explanation of where he was or who he was with everything would be just peachy?
I have to say this is the first one GA’s books that I am not enamored with. I know I will end up reading the last book because I am a GA addict and of course I am hoping for some clarity. However I read so many reviews and apparently I get nothing
Wow!!! That was a lot 😳
WARNING- SPOILERS and epic ranting/rambling Rating: As much as I hated it I must have been that invested to write and essay about this book 😱
Most know I am a huge Gregory Ashe Fan and I adore his books. Epic love for Hazard and Somers. Before this book I was heading down that path with North and Shaw, becoming more invested with each book.
A few things just didn’t work for me with this one. Greg’s mysteries are complicated the unexpected twists which have me jumping to the wrong conclusion is so enjoyable for me. In his other stories he has always wrapped up the loose ends, this one left some unresolved questions.
The Peter and Paul confession, for me it made no sense and it came out of nowhere. We were never given a reason what was behind the confession? The Jean storyline, it was all so convoluted, the odd marriage twists, divorce rumors, divorce papers, her odd overdose and then being left in a coma? Was that all just for the benefit of fake Will? What about the identity of their missing son, or someone really getting to the bottom of Will’s identity. Wouldn’t he have been located found or attempted to be found.
The crux of my irritation was the complete 180 flip of North. Over the past few books he had become a character I was invested in. So where was that North, the one who was in head over heals in love with Shaw for eight years, the North that hates to see Shaw hurting, because he knows emotionally he can’t build up scar tissue, the North that beat up Tucker in book 2 when he was finally done. The North that has a conscience. What happened to him.
This North is an abusive, obnoxious, hurtful, condescending ass through entire book. His constant nonsense with Tucker through this book is over the top and ridiculous, especially after knowing Tucker is garbage he lied to him and beat him. It’s revealed how truly awful he is with all the infidelity throughout their entire marriage in their own home and bed. Who cares that he was his husband, and who cares if he wants to change have SOME sort of self respect and tell Tucker to go F-OFF!!! He asks for Shaws help for this P.O.S. case which has to be so unpleasant but Shaw goes out of his way to help, in turn North treats him horribly all the time - he’s the Tucker now. The whole book is North saying “ I’m sorry I’m sorry I’m sorry” at some point it holds no meaning . This book changed my view on their relationship, they are toxic and abusive.
I know …. Shaw he can be the most annoying character ever. But that’s who he is and either North loves him for who he is or he doesn’t. Either he is North from the past books or a fraud and who is enamored with having a hot superficial preppy boy and being part of wealthy life.
The whole broken up/ break excuse is complete BS - clearly they weren’t. They were only broken up when it was convenient for North so he was single and able to keep his options open but yet to keep Shaw hanging on to him . He knew what he was doing he manipulated Shaw and used and abused Shaw, again he’s the Tucker through this entire book, hurting him and watching him sad coming back with “I’m sorry “
Shaw… ugh … he became a pathetic doormat. North abused him verbally and mentally. North used him whenever he wanted and sent him on his way when he was done. Shaw had no backbone, what happened to him? Halfway through this I was so annoyed I hoped he pulled his head out of his ass, found some dignity and went on a date with Jadon.
The part that put the dagger in North for me forever was the scene with Tucker. There was so much emotion and passion I found it hard to read. North was so into Tucker, so awed with his body, complimenting him on being so gorgeous both before and after. Never once recalling what a POS he actually is or remembering the beatings, lies, years of infidelity, and on their wedding day. He so eagerly and happily fell into bed with him without a second thought. On top of it all he was just with Shaw possibly within 24 hours prior, having a heart to heart with him. He then proceeds to ignore Shaw for 2 days knowing he has been calling, is probably upset what if it was the other way around ?
When he finds a heartbroken Shaw waiting for him North has no remorse, compassion or guilt. He lets Shaw take all the blame and come groveling for him, he would do anything for North how he’s so sorry that he’s pushing him. North just sits there . You think if Shaw disappeared for two days and OOPS slept with Jadon, ignored him then just waltzed on back with no explanation of where he was or who he was with everything would be just peachy?
I have to say this is the first one GA’s books that I am not enamored with. I know I will end up reading the last book because I am a GA addict and of course I am hoping for some clarity. However I read so many reviews and apparently I get nothing
Wow!!! That was a lot 😳
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 29, 2021
Is it possible that a couple can be considered equally as 'bad' as well as 'good' for each other? If so - Shaw and North are the perfect example of this IMO. North has a far greater load of baggage of the two and his avoidance of having to deal with his 'Sh^^#t' impacts severely on his ability to maintain friendships, intimate relationships and civil human interaction in general; it is also my greatest source of frustration and discomfort throughout the entire book. Having to read through/endure the aggression levels repetitively shooting from zero to 100 is exhausting!! Moments of insight such as are extremely rare and don't seem to have much impact overall.
Shaw's overall quirkiness and out-of-this-world sense of couture provides some much needed levity and saves this installment from a 2 star rating. The murder mystery itself is quite well executed with a large number of plausible suspects; I did not guess the murderer until the final exhilarating 'reveal'. Seriously, I hope the MCs get their act together in the next (final?) installment to this Without A Compass 'season' because I don't think I can tolerate their ongoing dysfunctional dynamic for much more.
Shaw's overall quirkiness and out-of-this-world sense of couture provides some much needed levity and saves this installment from a 2 star rating. The murder mystery itself is quite well executed with a large number of plausible suspects; I did not guess the murderer until the final exhilarating 'reveal'. Seriously, I hope the MCs get their act together in the next (final?) installment to this Without A Compass 'season' because I don't think I can tolerate their ongoing dysfunctional dynamic for much more.
June 14, 2021
Ok... do you remember how I said that Misdirection broke me? Well, this one destroyed me. Thoroughly. Although I must say that, by the end, it was considerate enough to slap some band-aids on my bruised heart.
I'm going to try to talk about this book without spoiling it for anyone which, believe me, is not easy.
There is a strong intertwining between both, the case and North and Shaw lives: the main suspect is North's ex, Tucker, who, IMHO, is an irredeemable, absolute dipshit; and almost all their friends are mixed in this case, that has its roots in their years at college.
Rik Slooves, the victim, used to be a professor at Chouteau, and, at the moment of his murder, is working as some kind of investor with one of their friends, Percy; in the past, through Tucker, he had involved Paul and Peter in one of his inversions. And let's not forget that he was Chouteau's main predator, going through the body of male students as a hot knife through butter; and a hypocrite to boot: after he had had sex with most of the male students during his time at Choteau, he then went back to his wife and son to became the poster boy of the conservative white male and loudly expressing his conviction that gays were destroying the world. While still chasing young boys. Yeah, not a big loss, that one. And, as we keep reading, we learn that there were many people who had reasons to hate him enough to kill him (try to act surprised, I'll wait), including his wife and estranged son and all of North and Shaw friends.
All of this makes for a very complex, very difficult case. Suspicion keeps shifting from one person to the next and nothing is what it seems. And, as Dr House would say: everybody lies.
Meanwhile, things between North and Shaw are rough, and having to deal with Tucker's fuckery doesn't make it easier. North is a ball of rage and frustration and keeps lashing out to everybody. And I get it, I totally get why he is doing it but it's heartbreaking to see him unravelling in such a way. And Shaw is... Shaw, and that it's not helping, either. Look, I know he is trying, I know that. And I also know that the man has a heart big as the moon. But he keeps making mistakes and looking at things from his perspective, without stopping to consider them from North's.
Add to that his father sickness and and you can get the complete, ugly picture.
This is a very hard book to read; bad, horrible things happened to almost everybody and the consequences of those have followed them to the present; it's painful and harrowing and disturbing, yes. And yet there are also so many funny and sweet moments, the love between the two MCs is so evident, hell! even the love between Peter and Paul, that I never lost hope.
And the suspense! There is one particular moment (you'll recognize it when you'll get to it) in which I wanted to stop reading and physically walk away from the book because I felt like my heart couldn't deal with the anxiety but I HAD to keep reading, I simply had to.
So, what we have here is your usual Gregory Ashe: gorgeous writing, perfect plot and superb characters that will make you cry and laugh, swear viciously and hit your head against the wall, read non-stop because you NEED to know what will happen next, and when the end comes you have had a hell of a ride, and you won't regret a thing. This, folks, is seriously good writing.
As always, this book (and all the books in this series... scratch that, all the books by this author!) is wholeheartedly recommended.
I'm going to try to talk about this book without spoiling it for anyone which, believe me, is not easy.
There is a strong intertwining between both, the case and North and Shaw lives: the main suspect is North's ex, Tucker, who, IMHO, is an irredeemable, absolute dipshit; and almost all their friends are mixed in this case, that has its roots in their years at college.
Rik Slooves, the victim, used to be a professor at Chouteau, and, at the moment of his murder, is working as some kind of investor with one of their friends, Percy; in the past, through Tucker, he had involved Paul and Peter in one of his inversions. And let's not forget that he was Chouteau's main predator, going through the body of male students as a hot knife through butter; and a hypocrite to boot: after he had had sex with most of the male students during his time at Choteau, he then went back to his wife and son to became the poster boy of the conservative white male and loudly expressing his conviction that gays were destroying the world. While still chasing young boys. Yeah, not a big loss, that one. And, as we keep reading, we learn that there were many people who had reasons to hate him enough to kill him (try to act surprised, I'll wait), including his wife and estranged son and all of North and Shaw friends.
All of this makes for a very complex, very difficult case. Suspicion keeps shifting from one person to the next and nothing is what it seems. And, as Dr House would say: everybody lies.
Meanwhile, things between North and Shaw are rough, and having to deal with Tucker's fuckery doesn't make it easier. North is a ball of rage and frustration and keeps lashing out to everybody. And I get it, I totally get why he is doing it but it's heartbreaking to see him unravelling in such a way. And Shaw is... Shaw, and that it's not helping, either. Look, I know he is trying, I know that. And I also know that the man has a heart big as the moon. But he keeps making mistakes and looking at things from his perspective, without stopping to consider them from North's.
Add to that his father sickness and and you can get the complete, ugly picture.
This is a very hard book to read; bad, horrible things happened to almost everybody and the consequences of those have followed them to the present; it's painful and harrowing and disturbing, yes. And yet there are also so many funny and sweet moments, the love between the two MCs is so evident, hell! even the love between Peter and Paul, that I never lost hope.
And the suspense! There is one particular moment (you'll recognize it when you'll get to it) in which I wanted to stop reading and physically walk away from the book because I felt like my heart couldn't deal with the anxiety but I HAD to keep reading, I simply had to.
So, what we have here is your usual Gregory Ashe: gorgeous writing, perfect plot and superb characters that will make you cry and laugh, swear viciously and hit your head against the wall, read non-stop because you NEED to know what will happen next, and when the end comes you have had a hell of a ride, and you won't regret a thing. This, folks, is seriously good writing.
As always, this book (and all the books in this series... scratch that, all the books by this author!) is wholeheartedly recommended.
January 15, 2024
Stars: 5
Tears: one million.
Tears: one million.
June 18, 2023
“We’re good at this. The job. And we’re good at being friends.”
Rufus burst out laughing. “Fuck, son. You know what you are? You are one smart, tough motherfucker with a God-given talent for lying to yourself.”
“Everybody’s good at something.”
——————
Adjusting the vest over his bare chest, Shaw looked at the clipboard and the hat. “What do I do now?”
“One of those things goes on your head.”
Shaw balanced the clipboard on his head.
For some reason North couldn’t explain, that made him smile. He tried to wipe it off his face as he snatched the clipboard away and jammed the hat down on Shaw’s head.
——————
June 2023. Book 3 in the secret series about two best friends turned lovers who work together as private investigators.
Honestly, this one was excruciating and I would probably skip it when I eventually do a reread and just skim favorite quotes people have shared on goodreads from Kindle Unlimited.
The central case deals with North’s abusive ex being the prime suspect in a murder, with most of their friend group as additional potential suspects. North and Shaw’s dynamic is the worst and most dysfunctional it’s ever been, with moments of lightness of Shaw trying to cheer North up and keep him sane while North struggles in a big way throughout and is consistently extremely emotionally abusive.
With how rough their interactions with this book were, I felt like we needed some more light moments from Pari and Truck or other minor characters because the silly Shaw moments were often bracketed with really abusive interactions which made them hard to appreciate.
Some of the big moments of growth were handled “off-page” in the last 1/4 of the book which is unusual for Gregory Ashe and made the steps toward reconciliation and growth leave a bad taste in my mouth and lack catharsis and a feeling of rightness.
It was still an incredibly well-done, well-written, complex mystery and complex emotional arc and dealt with challenging and real struggles and maladaptive coping mechanisms like all of Greg’s works. But I felt such a high level of anxiety and physical discomfort in my stomach throughout the book I honestly don’t think I’d put myself through it again.
“Redirection” by Gregory Ashe. Book 3 of 4 in “Borealis: Without a Compass,” the second series about North and Shaw.
Rufus burst out laughing. “Fuck, son. You know what you are? You are one smart, tough motherfucker with a God-given talent for lying to yourself.”
“Everybody’s good at something.”
——————
Adjusting the vest over his bare chest, Shaw looked at the clipboard and the hat. “What do I do now?”
“One of those things goes on your head.”
Shaw balanced the clipboard on his head.
For some reason North couldn’t explain, that made him smile. He tried to wipe it off his face as he snatched the clipboard away and jammed the hat down on Shaw’s head.
——————
June 2023. Book 3 in the secret series about two best friends turned lovers who work together as private investigators.
Honestly, this one was excruciating and I would probably skip it when I eventually do a reread and just skim favorite quotes people have shared on goodreads from Kindle Unlimited.
The central case deals with North’s abusive ex being the prime suspect in a murder, with most of their friend group as additional potential suspects. North and Shaw’s dynamic is the worst and most dysfunctional it’s ever been, with moments of lightness of Shaw trying to cheer North up and keep him sane while North struggles in a big way throughout and is consistently extremely emotionally abusive.
With how rough their interactions with this book were, I felt like we needed some more light moments from Pari and Truck or other minor characters because the silly Shaw moments were often bracketed with really abusive interactions which made them hard to appreciate.
Some of the big moments of growth were handled “off-page” in the last 1/4 of the book which is unusual for Gregory Ashe and made the steps toward reconciliation and growth leave a bad taste in my mouth and lack catharsis and a feeling of rightness.
It was still an incredibly well-done, well-written, complex mystery and complex emotional arc and dealt with challenging and real struggles and maladaptive coping mechanisms like all of Greg’s works. But I felt such a high level of anxiety and physical discomfort in my stomach throughout the book I honestly don’t think I’d put myself through it again.
“Redirection” by Gregory Ashe. Book 3 of 4 in “Borealis: Without a Compass,” the second series about North and Shaw.
June 17, 2022
OMG this book 😳😳
The conversation that Tucker has with Shaw in the beginning of the book was a scene I’ve been waiting for forever. Wow. Who knew what would come later 😵💫😵💫
For the amount of time Shaw and North spent at Barnes-Jewish hospital, you would think they’d have their own parking spot 😬😳
North was a huge disappointment for me in this book. Honestly, he doesn’t deserve Shaw. Shaw should be with Jadon. That ending was NOT what I was expecting!
The mystery in this one was like a roller coaster! I really hope Tucker is out of the picture now. Ugh.
Book 4 better redeem some people!
The conversation that Tucker has with Shaw in the beginning of the book was a scene I’ve been waiting for forever. Wow. Who knew what would come later 😵💫😵💫
For the amount of time Shaw and North spent at Barnes-Jewish hospital, you would think they’d have their own parking spot 😬😳
North was a huge disappointment for me in this book. Honestly, he doesn’t deserve Shaw. Shaw should be with Jadon. That ending was NOT what I was expecting!
The mystery in this one was like a roller coaster! I really hope Tucker is out of the picture now. Ugh.
Book 4 better redeem some people!
July 3, 2021
Honestly, how much can North take ??? I adore Shaw and I’m glad for his unique life perspectives to break up the continuing trauma ! Love these MCs ❤️❤️ hope they cut a break in the next book … seriously !
August 23, 2022
I have a lot of thoughts™️ and feelings®️
I don't want to spoil anything but let's just say that I've never had such explicit murderous plans in my head before. Hoping Greg will deliver on a very painful death for my most abhorred character in Codirection 🤞
I don't want to spoil anything but let's just say that I've never had such explicit murderous plans in my head before. Hoping Greg will deliver on a very painful death for my most abhorred character in Codirection 🤞
July 19, 2021
I loved this and I can’t wait for the next one
October 9, 2021
Jesus. Way to bring the room down.
What a needlessly complicated mess.
And fuck me rone: There's falling apart. There's naivete. There's drama. There's errors in judgement, then there's peak Shaw and North emotional trauma.
I've been trying to stay away. Move onto another book or series - or three - because this pair has me scratching my head and wondering why I put myself through the convolutedness that, by now, shouldn't still be moving in that trajectory... but I have an addiction. Seriously, I need my head read.
Meanwhile, I'm processing how I feel in entirety about the book. However, this I will say, the hypocrisy of North, his Neanderthal ways, the whole 'do as I say not as I do' with Shaw grew tiresome. The aberrant, abusive behaviour that North demonstrated wasn't just someone falling apart, no matter how much the author tried to sell that, but some deep-seated, unpleasant characterological flaws. It's disappointing for me as a HUGE North fan. North was written under a bus.
But these guys need coping skills given by the author, in other words, they need to be pieced back together. If not, I have a fair degree of patience but it's by no means limitless and I suspect other readers may be the same.
What a needlessly complicated mess.
And fuck me rone: There's falling apart. There's naivete. There's drama. There's errors in judgement, then there's peak Shaw and North emotional trauma.
I've been trying to stay away. Move onto another book or series - or three - because this pair has me scratching my head and wondering why I put myself through the convolutedness that, by now, shouldn't still be moving in that trajectory... but I have an addiction. Seriously, I need my head read.
Meanwhile, I'm processing how I feel in entirety about the book. However, this I will say, the hypocrisy of North, his Neanderthal ways, the whole 'do as I say not as I do' with Shaw grew tiresome. The aberrant, abusive behaviour that North demonstrated wasn't just someone falling apart, no matter how much the author tried to sell that, but some deep-seated, unpleasant characterological flaws. It's disappointing for me as a HUGE North fan. North was written under a bus.
But these guys need coping skills given by the author, in other words, they need to be pieced back together. If not, I have a fair degree of patience but it's by no means limitless and I suspect other readers may be the same.
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