North and Shaw: Out of Office: Volume 2

Borealis: Without a Compass

by Gregory Ashe

Short stories from Borealis: Without a Compass

North and Shaw: Out of Office Volume 2 is a collection of short stories. It includes the following:

“Couple Friends”

As a (relatively) new couple, North and Shaw learn what it means to have friends as a couple—and how to be friends in a relationship. This story takes place before Indirection.

“Good Friends”

North and Shaw spend the day together for Shaw’s (make-up) birthday. This story takes place before Misdirection.

“Just Friends”

North and Shaw figure out how to be just friends while helping a pair of older men recover their stolen money. This story takes place before Redirection.

“Boyfriends”

North and Shaw track down Teddi’s missing boyfriend. This story takes place before Codirection.

“North and Shaw: Out of Office”

North and Shaw go to a continuing education convention for private investigators and bump into some old friends. This story takes place after Codirection.

Please note that the first four stories were distributed in a preliminary form to mailing list subscribers.

“North and Shaw: Out of Office” is exclusively available in this collection.

Genres: Romance, M M Romance, Mystery, Contemporary, Short Stories, LGBT, Gay

96 pages, Paperback

First published August 20, 2021

About the author

I'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.

Reviews

[alyssa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Audiobook out now! https://www.audible.com/pd/North-and-...

those who’ve been with me for a while know that i have a love-hate relationship with North & Shaw, but there’s no disputing how much they *shine* when they exist on the same page as other Hazardverse mainstays 🤩 all the stars for the cameos in the final story!!

North leveled his deadliest glare. “You are a traitor.”

Shaw blew him a kiss.

“John,” Hazard said in a warning tone.

“Have fun,” John-Henry said with a smirk that vanished almost as quickly as it appeared. Then he and Shaw turned and headed for the doors out of the convention center. Shaw was holding his hand before they’d made it halfway across the lobby.

North looked at Hazard.

Hazard looked at North.

“Fuck me,” Hazard said.

“Yeah,” North said. “Pretty much.”

in other sad, sad news, i knew this day would come, but i only have one more GA book left to read before i’m fully caught up with all his main series 😭

[C.S. Poe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Compilations of North and Shaw short stories is like double-fisting whiskey and cake. I'm going to feel simultaneously drunk and wired, question where I am, who I am, what I've been doing, and will have enjoyed every tipsy, sugar-fueled moment! These little peeks into the in-between moments of their lives are often lighter in tone and a sort of calm before the storm of the next novel. They're all the inconsequential moments that couples share that become the bedrock foundation of their lives together. Plus, Ashe usually includes secondary characters in these shorts, and if there's ever been a gay mystery series with a fabulous and ridiculous supporting cast, it's the Borealis books. (Hello, Teddi, Pari, and Truck!)

The bonus of reading these collections is that there's always an exclusive story or two mixed into previously available freebies, and this one features a crossover with Hazard and Somerset bumping into the St. Louis PIs at a "continuing education" convention which is this side of insane. I haven't laughed so hard reading a short story in a long time! Because what do you imagine happens when two alpha men like North and Hazard are put into a room together and must depend on each other? Yeah, exactly. And Somers is the chillest, most easy-going guy ever, right? After he's stuck with Shaw for the afternoon... not so much. Really just goes to show that North is Shaw's one true partner and love!

I definitely suggest picking up this collection and indulging in a bit of humor and delight before Ashe delivers another emotional pounding to our wacky knuckleheads!

[Cyndi · Rating 5 out of 5]

God, these short stories never get old. I'm so glad GA gifts these to us because I adore them so much. A few thoughts:

1. Please tell me Jem was the con-artist in Utah that Shaw almost gave his checking account information to!

2. The two sweet men taking care of each other in their golden years gave me life.

3. Hazard as the velvet dragon that lives under Somers' bed gave me even more life. And made me want Taco Bell.

4. 6 bullets? 6 BULLETS?!?!?!

I am so sad that my time in the Hazardverse has come to an end (for now). I loved every painful second of it and can't wait for whatever torture GA has planned next for these guys.

[h o l l i s]

Even though I'm pretty sure I'm done with this couple/series, I decided to crush this to wrap things up, and it was worth it for the last story alone before Hazard and Somers cameo!

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

That last short with Emery and John-Henry was so funny!!! I love when these guys get together so much.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Little bits of North and Shaw, so we know what they are up to between books :P

If you are reading this series (and why wouldn't you be? It's awesome!) you can't miss this: is sweet, is fun, it gives us a better understanding of some secondary characters and the way their interact with North and Shaw, and you even have Emery Hazard. You can't let Emory Hazard slip between your fingers *laughs*

All of them are little gems, but the last one? That's my favourite. Yes, even with that ending :D

So. Much. Love ♥

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me so hungry for the upcoming cross-over!!!
More North and Shaw and Tean and Jem and Hazard and Somers together. More! MORE!
This book is more than the (so freakishly awesome) cameos of the last story though. These short stories tie the series together and offer us (much needed) relief from the angst and the pain of some (cough : all) books

[Chris · Rating 4 out of 5]

Some hilarious moments … laughed so hard when Hazard & Somers made a cameo !

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

(Shaw’s new shirt) YES! I AM THE PROPERTY OF A FREAKING AWESOME BOYFRIEND! HE IS MY HOT, STRONG CONFIDENT ALPHA. HE’S STUBBORN, AND HE SWEARS A LOT, BUT I LOVE HIM ANYWAY. HE IS MY WHOLE WORLD. MESS WITH ME, AND THE BEAST INSIDE HIM WILL AWAKE, AND THEY’LL NEVER FIND YOU.
——————
(Shaw’s other new shirt)
YES! I AM A SPOILED GIRLFRIEND! HANDS OFF! I AM THE PROPERTY OF A FREAKING AMAZING BOYFRIEND! HE’S SAVAGE, AND HE SCARES ME SOMETIMES, BUT I HAVE TAMED HIS HEART, AND I LOVE HIM MORE THAN ANYTHING. HE IS MY WARRIOR, AND WHEN THE TIME IS RIGHT, I WILL SEND HIM OFF TO BATTLE. LAY A HAND ON ME, AND GET READY FOR FULL-OUT WAR.
——————
“don’t send me a message that says, ‘I’m naked and I need you,’ if you’re not referring to sex. I did not drive sixty in a thirty on icy roads just so I could watch your bony ass make yourself a yogurt bath. Which, by the way, is disgusting.”
——————
“Emery is gentle and lovely and kind, and I think in a past life, he and I were one of those two-headed goats, which is why we’re both stubborn and we’re so connected.”
——————
“The Russian gangster and I had both been tadpoles in a previous incarnation, and we both recognized it immediately, and so we just talked it out and he went on his way.”
——————
June 2023. Short stories set between the “Borealis: Without a Compass” novels. Lighter and sweeter and funnier than the main novels, an absolute blast.
Only $1 on Kindle, worth far more.

“North and Shaw: Out Of Office Volume 2” by Gregory Ashe. Short stories set during their second series, “Borealis: Without a Compass.”

[Relly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Couple Friends

A nice collection of little stories that show North and Shaw's daily life
Good re introduction to the boys before starting Indirection


Good Friends

A cute short of North trying to make up for missing Shaw's birthday
I liked how he tried to do what Shaw likes doing in the day with hilarious results.

Just Friends

Another cute short as North and Shaw try and navigate being only friends and then friends with benefits

Boyfriends

The guys are trying to overcome the happenings of the previous book and both getting back to fighting fit. On their day off there are smart jabs at each other and a missing boyfriend of Teddi to find.

North and Shaw: Out of Office
A hilarious snippet with Hazard and Somerset joining the guys. Great to see they all drive each other nuts as well.

[Molly]

Another set of shorts for North and Shaw. I thought these were just okay overall, lots of typical North and Shaw shenanigans. It follows the series as they figure out their relationship so there are some ups and downs but these are definitely more light hearted and fun. The last one was amazing, it's so great when universes collide. And of course it ended like that, because what's another short story cliffy in the grand scheme of things.

[PaperMoon · Rating 3 out of 5]

The four against four showdown at a professional development conference was undoubtedly the highlight - especially with not just Emery but also John Henry showing up in our MCs world. 3.5 stars.

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Favorite short stories!

This collection of short stories was an absolute ball to read. My favorite was the last one, where North and Shaw are joined by Hazard a d Sommerset at a convention. The hilarity is epic!
This is amust read for all Gregory Ashe fans.

[Kathleen in Oslo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me reading these stories: cute, cute, cute, cute, WTF????

[Bryoney McKenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This week is like a Borealis extravaganza! Not only did Codirection drop, but now we have this lovely collection of shorts in North and Shaw: Out of Office 2. And let me tell you, I LOVED THIS BOOK. You know it’s an awesome book when you start out highlighting the good bits but have to stop because so much is awesome that your just highlighting several pages at a go. Honestly, by the end, there was barely a paragraph between sections of awesomeness. The stories got funnier and more ridiculous as they went. We start out with an exploration of why North and Shaw work when everyone around them has opinions on why they don’t and end with an absolute howler of a tale where North and Shaw end up at a PI convention with Hazard and Somers.

I always find shorts hard to talk about because it’s so easy to spoil them by giving too much detail. And the emotional rhythm is different in ways that I’m not skilled enough to put into words. But there are warm fuzzies, there is the N&S trademark banter and ridiculousness. And let’s be honest, any time Emery Hazard interacts with these men is gold. We all need more of Emery Hazard interacting with North and Shaw in our lives.
• So without giving too much away, here’s some teasers about what you can expect:
• Shaw being mistaken for a biker bitch
• North being mistaken for a sub
• An appearance by Master Hermes
• North inventing teenage viagra
• Jadon laughing at North for getting kicked in the nuts (I’ve come to love these exchanges with Jadon so much!)
• Shaw and North failing at being friends
• Some truly remarkable t-shirts
• A thoughtful treatise on the merits of Emery Hazard’s ass
• A muffler that was a battle axe in a former life
• And and and, gah, I can’t even pick out a few items from the last story because every word of it is made of so much awesome, I don’t know what to even do with it.

But. But but but but BUT! This is a Gregory Ashe book and so of course, OF FREAKING COURSE, there is a cliffy. I seriously might have said some ungracious words when I finished the book. Because who puts a cliffhanger in a short, Greg??? Hmmm?????

Anyway, everything about this book is amazing. Read it. Roll around in the sheer joy.

I was given an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Gabbi Grey · Rating 5 out of 5]

My two favorite private investigators (an audio review)

There are four stories in this collection, but I want to focus on the two that really resonated.

Just Friends was a cute story. Well, also somewhat violent, but that goes with the territory with Gregory stories. I was upset at the older couple who had their money story. As always, North and Shaw to the rescue and all ended well.

As with Dana, my favorite story – by far – was North and Shaw: Out of Office. OMG! Anytime North and Shaw meet up with Hazard and Somerset, you just know it’s going to be chaos. Hazard and North haven’t done their professional education and so they have to show up at a conference where they can get their hours. To my shock, Shaw got his stuff together and had recertified.

So Hazard and North head off while Somerset and Shaw head to…the spa. I just knew, with Shaw’s embrace of all things ‘alternative’, that he’d do some wonky things. Say things that were off the wall. Have Somerset…a little confused?

Things are not as they seem in this story and I loved – absolutely loved it. Like, laughed my butt off loved. Frankly, it made the collection as enjoyable as it was.

Kudos to Greg for these insights into the men’s relationship. Also, hats off to Charlie David who I also adore. Definitely a great way to enjoy listening to something super fun.

[Alicia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short stories aren't my preferred reading material—the longer the better, as far as I'm concerned. That said, Gregory Ashe does a great job with these interstitial stories to give readers extra glimpses into the lives of his series protagonists. I enjoyed the heck out of this collection, where in some ways I felt I got a better idea of the relationship between North and Shaw than I do in the novels... not to mention some utterly delightful Hazard and Somerset interaction. If you're enjoying the series, you won't go wrong with this addition. 4.5 stars, highly recommended.

My thanks to the author for an advance copy of this book.

[Aethena Drake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoy the snippets of story that give the reader a glimpse between the events happening in the North and Shaw ongoing saga. Some of Shaw's more interesting personality traits shine a bit brighter, and North is a little more relaxed. I don't usually appreciate short stories this much, but these really add depth to the characters in the Borealis series.

This volume gives fans a chance to see North and Shaw interacting with Hazard and Somerset. Sigh. It was spectacular. As with most of the other collected books of short stories, this one also hints at what is coming for the next series. Definitely worth the read...

[Ellie Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

These short stories that fit between the main books of Gregory Ashe's series are always such a treat. It's so lovely to enjoy some downtime with these characters, with slightly less murder and mayhem!

The final story always takes place after the events of the series and it was inspired and hilarious to have North and Shaw team up with Hazard and Somerset with inevitable results. A first trip to Santaland Conference Centre and a lovely foreshadowing of book 1 of the Iron on Iron series where four of Gregory Ashe's investigating couples join forces!

[Wusswoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

This review if for the audiobook which I recently listened to. I listened to it while walking which may have been a mistake as it was laugh out loud funny and I'm sure people passing me wondered what the heck I found so funny.

Anyhow, I loved these short stories they were funny, touching and intriguing. It's been a while since I read the main story arcs and I think it's time for a reread as I had forgotten how much I love North and Shaw (especially Shaw, although North's reaction's to Shaw's behaviour is hilarious). To be honest this just left me wanting more.

[jasmin · Rating 5 out of 5]

That ending!?… meaning more North and Shaw??? YES please. Gregory Ashe is so damn good at writing shorts. These carry on from the full length novels so well. North and Shaw are hilarious and adorable all at once. The cameo with Hazard and Somers too!!! If I had to pick a favourite it would hands down be Boyfriends.

[kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved getting lost in these delicious nuggets of short stories. Getting to see more of North and Shaw is always a good thing.
This truly feels like a behind the scenes glimpse into their private lives and I am here for it all!
Trust me, grab this book and devour it.....you won't be sorry!

[ThoroughRead · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite story was the last chapter with Shaw and John-Henry bonding. I laughed throughout the entire book. The best part was when Shaw attacked a man with a muffler but he was convinced it was a carbuerator!

[Nakita Thomas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nakita Thomas

I love it, North and Shaw. Out of the Office: Volume 2 is so funny North took Shaw shopping for clothes the lady thinks Shaw is a Dom and North is a sub. And they run into Hazard and John-Henry so funny.

[Yi1ian · Rating 5 out of 5]

These shorts make the guys even more endearing

[Deirdre Ellison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable

I loved these short stories especially the last one with Hazard and Sommers. I am looking forward to reading Shaw and North again hopefully soon.

[Melhoned · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this little collection of short stories. It was great to spend some time with Shaw and North in some ordinary every day type situations.

[Sam I AMNreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow, R U D E.

[Callie Kajj · Rating 5 out of 5]

These characters r a comfort read always

[notachance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Only picked this up for the Hazard/Somers one at the end. Are we gonna get a resolution for that ending????