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The Formicary #2
Cross
I thought getting shot, losing my memory, and being hunted by people I didn’t know for reasons I couldn’t remember was rock bottom. Turns out I was wrong. I found a shovel, dug a little deeper, and found a whole new sublevel of suck.
Apparently, I took something from the Formicary that doesn't belong to me. The boss, Petar Dobroslav, is willing to do just about anything to get it back. Making an enemy of a super-secret organization of assassins might seem like a bad idea and…well, it absolutely is.
To be honest, it was inevitable that Grayson Laurie would get dragged into my mess. In my line of work, love is a luxury, a vulnerability I can't afford. But I couldn't stay away, and now we're both paying the price.
But I can fix this. I will fix this. Everyone knows the Formicary is a formidable adversary. It's time to remind them that so is Christian Cross.
Apparently, I took something from the Formicary that doesn't belong to me. The boss, Petar Dobroslav, is willing to do just about anything to get it back. Making an enemy of a super-secret organization of assassins might seem like a bad idea and…well, it absolutely is.
To be honest, it was inevitable that Grayson Laurie would get dragged into my mess. In my line of work, love is a luxury, a vulnerability I can't afford. But I couldn't stay away, and now we're both paying the price.
But I can fix this. I will fix this. Everyone knows the Formicary is a formidable adversary. It's time to remind them that so is Christian Cross.
299 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 3, 2021
110 people are currently reading
508 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Harmon
22 books1,727 followersS.E. Harmon has had a lifelong love affair with writing. It's been both wonderful and rocky (they've divorced several times), but they always manage to come back together. She's a native Floridian with a Bachelor of Arts and a Masters in Fine Arts, and used to spend her time writing educational grants. She now splits her days between voraciously reading romance novels and squirreling away someplace to write them. Her current beta reader is a nosy American Eskimo who begrudgingly accepts payment in the form of dog biscuits.
http://seharmon.weebly.com/
http://seharmon.weebly.com/
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 179 reviews
November 7, 2021
4 “My heart doesn’t know how to beat without you.” stars
”I’m not the best person in the world, and I know I don’t deserve someone like you. But I’m here, and I’m trying. I’ll do whatever it takes, go wherever you want to go, as long as I get to stay by your side.”
This book needs to be read after the first book in the series, so while I tried to keep the spoilers light, there might still be some somewhere in my review.
I will admit it, I did not like the first book in this series. But the first book ended on a cliffhanger so I had to read this one to know what happened and I was interested enough in the characters to continue the series so I could see what happened to them.
My big issues with book 1 was how the romance plot was developed because I didn’t feel like the main characters belonged together and I didn’t like the suspense plot of the book much, I thought that a lot of the events didn’t make much sense. And I wanted more suspense, the first book was mostly about the relationship and I just wanted to see more of all the cool things the suspense plot promised me. But this book really build on the story of book 1 and gave me everything I wanted in that book, so I ended up really enjoying it.
Brief summary
The first book of the series follows Christian Cross who woke up in the hospital and doesn’t remember anything about his life, only his ex-boyfriend Grayson. The first book sees them get back together and trying to figure out what happened to Christian. This second book continues the story where the first book left of and follow Christian and Grayson as they try to figure how what happened to Christian. They are stuck in the formicary, which is a place where they train people to be killers. Most of them are altered in a mechanical way to be strong and better.
First, the first book in the series was from Christian’s point of view who had amnesia and couldn’t remember his life, so we didn’t get to know him or Grayson, or their relationship much. So I appreciated how this book had a lot of background information about all of those things. It felt nice to finally know everyone’s story after reading them for an entire book without knowing much, I really enjoyed learning about who Christian is and who Grayson and Christian are together.
Second, as I mentioned before, I really liked the suspence plot in this book. It was really nicely developed and was a big focus of the book. I liked how everything was explained in enough details that it was easy for me to imagine everything that was happening. I liked how all the small details of book 1 were incorporated in this one. I was bummed that the body modifications weren’t talked about much in the first book because it’s such a cool concept but they were talked about much more here and I was very happy about it. Also this book had clones and I really loved that part too. I appreciated most things about the suspense elements in this book. But, and this one explains my rating, a lot of the suspense elements lead to plot holes or things that just didn’t make much sense to me. Most times it didn’t bother me because I was having a lot of fun reading the books, but sometimes I just couldn’t look over them because they really took me out of the stories. There was a couple inconsistencies with the story and some of them just did not work for me. And a lot of it wasn’t very believable but I just started thinking of it as a sci-fi story so I didn’t need for it to be believable at that point, I was having fun reading it and thats all that mattered to me. A lot of the suspense plot just felt like a typical action movie, it didn’t always make the most sense and unbelivable things happened often, so thats probably why I had a lot of fun reading it, I spent a lot of the time I was reading the book picturing it as a movie in my head.
Third, a lot of my issues with the romance in the first book of the duology was that I didn’t like how a lot of important topics weren’t brought up and how Grayson had a lot of reasons to resent Christian (Christian lied to Grayson for many many years and other things) but he was always nice and sweet with him, it just didn’t work for me. But this book presented their relationship in a way that I enjoyed much better. Gone was the angsty but sugar sweet relationship of book 1, in were them not always agreeing with each other and being mad at each other sometimes, but always talking through it all. The realitionship in this book felt much more realistic and was way more like I wanted it to be in the first book, meaning not easy and them needing a lot of communication to get through things. I really enjoyed how Grayson didn’t forgive Christian for his mistakes right away and made him work for it, it was definitely deserved because Christian had kept a lot of things from Grayson. While I wasn’t behind this couple before, they were such a strong couple in this book and I really enjoyed them together. I loved how they were always there for each other and protected each other.
Fourth, one of the part of book 1 I didn’t like was because I thought it was too low on the suspense compared to the romance, and this one was more focused on the suspense plot, which really worked for me since I really dig the suspense elements of this series. I did enjoy seeing Christian and Grayson together and their moments together when they could have them though.
Also shutout to Chaos who’s one of the best side character in the history of side characters, I absolutely adore him.
While I had some issues with this book, I had a really good time reading it and it was a very fun experience for me.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
”I’m not the best person in the world, and I know I don’t deserve someone like you. But I’m here, and I’m trying. I’ll do whatever it takes, go wherever you want to go, as long as I get to stay by your side.”
This book needs to be read after the first book in the series, so while I tried to keep the spoilers light, there might still be some somewhere in my review.
I will admit it, I did not like the first book in this series. But the first book ended on a cliffhanger so I had to read this one to know what happened and I was interested enough in the characters to continue the series so I could see what happened to them.
My big issues with book 1 was how the romance plot was developed because I didn’t feel like the main characters belonged together and I didn’t like the suspense plot of the book much, I thought that a lot of the events didn’t make much sense. And I wanted more suspense, the first book was mostly about the relationship and I just wanted to see more of all the cool things the suspense plot promised me. But this book really build on the story of book 1 and gave me everything I wanted in that book, so I ended up really enjoying it.
Brief summary
The first book of the series follows Christian Cross who woke up in the hospital and doesn’t remember anything about his life, only his ex-boyfriend Grayson. The first book sees them get back together and trying to figure out what happened to Christian. This second book continues the story where the first book left of and follow Christian and Grayson as they try to figure how what happened to Christian. They are stuck in the formicary, which is a place where they train people to be killers. Most of them are altered in a mechanical way to be strong and better.
First, the first book in the series was from Christian’s point of view who had amnesia and couldn’t remember his life, so we didn’t get to know him or Grayson, or their relationship much. So I appreciated how this book had a lot of background information about all of those things. It felt nice to finally know everyone’s story after reading them for an entire book without knowing much, I really enjoyed learning about who Christian is and who Grayson and Christian are together.
Second, as I mentioned before, I really liked the suspence plot in this book. It was really nicely developed and was a big focus of the book. I liked how everything was explained in enough details that it was easy for me to imagine everything that was happening. I liked how all the small details of book 1 were incorporated in this one. I was bummed that the body modifications weren’t talked about much in the first book because it’s such a cool concept but they were talked about much more here and I was very happy about it. Also this book had clones and I really loved that part too. I appreciated most things about the suspense elements in this book. But, and this one explains my rating, a lot of the suspense elements lead to plot holes or things that just didn’t make much sense to me. Most times it didn’t bother me because I was having a lot of fun reading the books, but sometimes I just couldn’t look over them because they really took me out of the stories. There was a couple inconsistencies with the story and some of them just did not work for me. And a lot of it wasn’t very believable but I just started thinking of it as a sci-fi story so I didn’t need for it to be believable at that point, I was having fun reading it and thats all that mattered to me. A lot of the suspense plot just felt like a typical action movie, it didn’t always make the most sense and unbelivable things happened often, so thats probably why I had a lot of fun reading it, I spent a lot of the time I was reading the book picturing it as a movie in my head.
Third, a lot of my issues with the romance in the first book of the duology was that I didn’t like how a lot of important topics weren’t brought up and how Grayson had a lot of reasons to resent Christian (Christian lied to Grayson for many many years and other things) but he was always nice and sweet with him, it just didn’t work for me. But this book presented their relationship in a way that I enjoyed much better. Gone was the angsty but sugar sweet relationship of book 1, in were them not always agreeing with each other and being mad at each other sometimes, but always talking through it all. The realitionship in this book felt much more realistic and was way more like I wanted it to be in the first book, meaning not easy and them needing a lot of communication to get through things. I really enjoyed how Grayson didn’t forgive Christian for his mistakes right away and made him work for it, it was definitely deserved because Christian had kept a lot of things from Grayson. While I wasn’t behind this couple before, they were such a strong couple in this book and I really enjoyed them together. I loved how they were always there for each other and protected each other.
Fourth, one of the part of book 1 I didn’t like was because I thought it was too low on the suspense compared to the romance, and this one was more focused on the suspense plot, which really worked for me since I really dig the suspense elements of this series. I did enjoy seeing Christian and Grayson together and their moments together when they could have them though.
Also shutout to Chaos who’s one of the best side character in the history of side characters, I absolutely adore him.
While I had some issues with this book, I had a really good time reading it and it was a very fun experience for me.
I received an ARC of this book, and this is my honest review.
May 25, 2022
“My heart doesn’t know how to beat without you.”That's the kind of love worth reading about y'all.
There was a subtle laugh-out-loud nature to this book that I'm a huge fan of. Give me a big grumpy baby and his doctor boyfriend's dry humor any day of the week.
I wanted to know more about Chaos and even Nick actually. And also at least one chapter in Gray's pov. Killing the villain at the end was a bit too easy to be true for me but I didn't mind as much as I thought I would.
November 3, 2021
This was FUN!!
What I liked...
1. Christian's snark and ridiculousness even in the worst of times.
2. Gray's steadfastness which kept Christian on the straight and narrow. I think Christian needs that to keep him in check.
3. The Romance! Gray has Christian wrapped around his little finger. It's adorable. Christian might be the big suoer spy but one look from Gray and he caves. So cute.
4. The Banter and Snark.... SE Harmon's brand of humor WORKS for me. Not excessive and OTT but simple, timed and effective.
5. The Steam! The love scenes were sexy AF in this book!
6. The twists and turns! Christian's grandfather was a grade A bastard and he deserves what he got after everything he did.
7. Chaos: He was so grumpy. I loved him. Can we get a book for him please?
8. Nick being simultaneously turned on and disgusted by Christian and Gray's sappy love sickness.
9. The Epilogue! Christian deserves this HEA.
I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
What I liked...
1. Christian's snark and ridiculousness even in the worst of times.
2. Gray's steadfastness which kept Christian on the straight and narrow. I think Christian needs that to keep him in check.
3. The Romance! Gray has Christian wrapped around his little finger. It's adorable. Christian might be the big suoer spy but one look from Gray and he caves. So cute.
4. The Banter and Snark.... SE Harmon's brand of humor WORKS for me. Not excessive and OTT but simple, timed and effective.
5. The Steam! The love scenes were sexy AF in this book!
6. The twists and turns! Christian's grandfather was a grade A bastard and he deserves what he got after everything he did.
7. Chaos: He was so grumpy. I loved him. Can we get a book for him please?
8. Nick being simultaneously turned on and disgusted by Christian and Gray's sappy love sickness.
9. The Epilogue! Christian deserves this HEA.
I received an ARC from GRR and this is my honest review.
January 26, 2025
I absolutely love Christian Fucking Cross!!!
This duet was so entertaining, I didn't want to put it down to sleep! The story pacing was great, the emotional angst was engaging, and the whole clone thing.... I loved that the story of Christian and Gray was more focused on what was happening with the Formicary and trying to put a stop to it, rather than yet another book with endless sex scenes and a flimsy plot. Give me more books like this please!
It's probably no surprise that I loved the whole concept of this story because I'd say that the Jason Bourne films, as well as James Bond, are some of my favourite to watch repeatedly. I enjoyed how the romance was a big element of the story, but no one thing overly dominated and there was such a good balance.
I'm also really, really happy with the outcome with Chaos - I knew the cabin wasn't the last of him and I actually found myself so attached to his character!
I would actually love more stories in this universe to see how things are now that Christian has control of his life again.
This duet was so entertaining, I didn't want to put it down to sleep! The story pacing was great, the emotional angst was engaging, and the whole clone thing.... I loved that the story of Christian and Gray was more focused on what was happening with the Formicary and trying to put a stop to it, rather than yet another book with endless sex scenes and a flimsy plot. Give me more books like this please!
It's probably no surprise that I loved the whole concept of this story because I'd say that the Jason Bourne films, as well as James Bond, are some of my favourite to watch repeatedly. I enjoyed how the romance was a big element of the story, but no one thing overly dominated and there was such a good balance.
I'm also really, really happy with the outcome with Chaos - I knew the cabin wasn't the last of him and I actually found myself so attached to his character!
I would actually love more stories in this universe to see how things are now that Christian has control of his life again.
November 17, 2021
I thought getting shot, losing my memory, and being hunted by people I didn’t know for reasons I couldn’t remember was rock bottom. Turns out I was wrong. I found a shovel, dug a little deeper, and found a whole new sublevel of suck.
Apparently, I took something from the Formicary that doesn't belong to me. The boss, Petar Dobroslav, is willing to do just about anything to get it back. Making an enemy of a super-secret organization of assassins might seem like a bad idea and…well, it absolutely is.
To be honest, it was inevitable that Grayson Laurie would get dragged into my mess. In my line of work, love is a luxury, a vulnerability I can't afford. But I couldn't stay away, and now we're both paying the price.
But I can fix this. I will fix this. Everyone knows the Formicary is a formidable adversary. It's time to remind them that so is Christian Cross.
PRETTY BIG SPOILERS IN THE REVIEW BEWARE
Review:
I already reviewed the first book. This is the second book of the duo logy and if you start reading here it will not make much sense. Christian Cross is trying to bring down the Formicary led by his grandfather ( lovely man that he is ) and save himself and his ex- lover Grayson in the process. Once again I want to suggest for the readers not to use their brain while reading this book. Seriously, it is a fun fast paced story with the leads which have a lovely chemistry. I enjoyed Christian and Gray's interactions very much. However everything else for me started falling apart the moment I started thinking about what was going on around them.
Actually, let me talk about implausibility of certain things in this story, because the author in her note before book two begins pretty much says that if you don't like plot holes this book might not be for you ( close paraphrase). And I certainly was and is one of those reviewers who think that this book has a plenty of those ( and I still enjoyed it. Not only that, I cared enough to actually purchase the second book. I got the first one on KU).
When I talk about plot holes in the book with fantasy tropes I don't mean realism. I mean *plausibility*. In other words I don't need necessarily to see something in this book that can happen in real life, but I need to believe that something *may* happen. I think that it was Josh Lanyon who said at some point ( paraphrase ) that if you convince the reader that little things in the story are likely to happen, the reader is more likely to believe in something very improbable.
I happen to agree with that. I mean, SFF genre is one of my very favorite ones. Add m/m romance to the mix and execute it well and I will be the happiest reader ever. I love super heroes in my stories if done well, but man if you bring in the serum that just brings people from the dead, just like that, maybe spare some details on that? Or maybe start small and for example don't tell me that a person who moved in with me in my house *built a freaking room in my house with all the weapons he needed and I have had no clue that he did that". Just how in the world this can happen unless the house is a humongous mansion and certainly we are dealing with the regular house in this story?
How about explaining why Christian did not want to punch the person who shoot him in the head? Oh I know we get the explanation in this book, but this explanation only works after the certain point in the story happens and not before. Why Christian was not *Violently hostile" to this person in book one I am still not sure to be honest with you.
Again, story is fast moving and fun. I fully believed that leads were still in love with each other no matter what happened between them, but I once again suggest leaving the brain at the door before starting to read it.
3.5 stars
Apparently, I took something from the Formicary that doesn't belong to me. The boss, Petar Dobroslav, is willing to do just about anything to get it back. Making an enemy of a super-secret organization of assassins might seem like a bad idea and…well, it absolutely is.
To be honest, it was inevitable that Grayson Laurie would get dragged into my mess. In my line of work, love is a luxury, a vulnerability I can't afford. But I couldn't stay away, and now we're both paying the price.
But I can fix this. I will fix this. Everyone knows the Formicary is a formidable adversary. It's time to remind them that so is Christian Cross.
PRETTY BIG SPOILERS IN THE REVIEW BEWARE
Review:
I already reviewed the first book. This is the second book of the duo logy and if you start reading here it will not make much sense. Christian Cross is trying to bring down the Formicary led by his grandfather ( lovely man that he is ) and save himself and his ex- lover Grayson in the process. Once again I want to suggest for the readers not to use their brain while reading this book. Seriously, it is a fun fast paced story with the leads which have a lovely chemistry. I enjoyed Christian and Gray's interactions very much. However everything else for me started falling apart the moment I started thinking about what was going on around them.
Actually, let me talk about implausibility of certain things in this story, because the author in her note before book two begins pretty much says that if you don't like plot holes this book might not be for you ( close paraphrase). And I certainly was and is one of those reviewers who think that this book has a plenty of those ( and I still enjoyed it. Not only that, I cared enough to actually purchase the second book. I got the first one on KU).
When I talk about plot holes in the book with fantasy tropes I don't mean realism. I mean *plausibility*. In other words I don't need necessarily to see something in this book that can happen in real life, but I need to believe that something *may* happen. I think that it was Josh Lanyon who said at some point ( paraphrase ) that if you convince the reader that little things in the story are likely to happen, the reader is more likely to believe in something very improbable.
I happen to agree with that. I mean, SFF genre is one of my very favorite ones. Add m/m romance to the mix and execute it well and I will be the happiest reader ever. I love super heroes in my stories if done well, but man if you bring in the serum that just brings people from the dead, just like that, maybe spare some details on that? Or maybe start small and for example don't tell me that a person who moved in with me in my house *built a freaking room in my house with all the weapons he needed and I have had no clue that he did that". Just how in the world this can happen unless the house is a humongous mansion and certainly we are dealing with the regular house in this story?
How about explaining why Christian did not want to punch the person who shoot him in the head? Oh I know we get the explanation in this book, but this explanation only works after the certain point in the story happens and not before. Why Christian was not *Violently hostile" to this person in book one I am still not sure to be honest with you.
Again, story is fast moving and fun. I fully believed that leads were still in love with each other no matter what happened between them, but I once again suggest leaving the brain at the door before starting to read it.
3.5 stars
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 12, 2021
If you can enjoy the escapism of an early 90's action movie without muttering but that doesn't make any sense and think it would be improved by hot MM sex this is the series for you.
If you need more plausible escapism I'd recommend P.S. I Spook You.
If you need more plausible escapism I'd recommend P.S. I Spook You.
March 14, 2022
Unfortunately I didn't like this at all, as opposed to the first book which I loved. I think it's a case of bad timing, this was mainly a suspense story instead of a romance, while I was in a mood for something much more sentimental. The banter was exquisite as always, but in the end I was barely interested in the suspense and needed way more romance for this to work:(
PS: And don't get me started on the absurd epilogue! I hated it 100%.
PS: And don't get me started on the absurd epilogue! I hated it 100%.
February 19, 2024
This series was just…WOW! Exceptional storytelling on all fronts. There are more twists and turns than an old country road. I adored the main character and the supporting cast. The pacing, action, and conflict escalation kept me on the edge of my seat. Since I mostly read at bedtime, I had to do this one in slow increments to avoid getting too amped up. On to my next S.E. Harmon read.
did-not-finish
January 4, 2022DNF @ 16%
I had this been sitting in my “currently reading” section for months and just couldn’t get myself to finish it.
I had this been sitting in my “currently reading” section for months and just couldn’t get myself to finish it.
August 7, 2025
This took me a long time to read. It was funny, entertaining, over the top. But there was a lot going on and I kept losing track of what new development just happened. I fell asleep reading the end chapter and couldn’t remember how everything resolves when I woke up. I tried going back but it was so confusing I gave up.
So 2.5 stars rounded down. 🤷♀️
So 2.5 stars rounded down. 🤷♀️
November 7, 2021
* 4 stars *
"Cross" is the second part of "The Formicary" story and it can not be read as a standalone, you have to start at the beginning.
While the first book dealt with Christian's effort to figure out who he was and what secrets held his past, this time he has gained back some of his memories and, along with the things he discovered, he knows fairly well who he is and what he has done.
In "Cross", the story centers on the characters' efforts to survive and figure out a solution for the terrible situation they have found themselves in. Christian and Grayson come closer together and they can't deny their feelings anymore, nor do they attempt to.
I don't think you can guess what is hiding inside the walls of the Formicary. Nor the extend of the experiments taking place there. When I started reading the first book, I wasn't aware that this was a sci-fi story and it took a while for the first hint in that direction to hit the pages. In the second book, the trope is definitely clear, there's no way that anyone would mistake this for another genre.
The action is fast paced and the plot is unexpected. The heroes are battling something bigger than them and along the way they forge new connections and gain new friends.
Sci-fi is not one of my go-to genres, but this story was really great and I found myself genuinely interested in the plot. Of course, the snark and clever humor that is characteristic of SE Harmon's writing style, is there as well, to lighten the mood at times and decompress some situations.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
"Cross" is the second part of "The Formicary" story and it can not be read as a standalone, you have to start at the beginning.
While the first book dealt with Christian's effort to figure out who he was and what secrets held his past, this time he has gained back some of his memories and, along with the things he discovered, he knows fairly well who he is and what he has done.
In "Cross", the story centers on the characters' efforts to survive and figure out a solution for the terrible situation they have found themselves in. Christian and Grayson come closer together and they can't deny their feelings anymore, nor do they attempt to.
I don't think you can guess what is hiding inside the walls of the Formicary. Nor the extend of the experiments taking place there. When I started reading the first book, I wasn't aware that this was a sci-fi story and it took a while for the first hint in that direction to hit the pages. In the second book, the trope is definitely clear, there's no way that anyone would mistake this for another genre.
The action is fast paced and the plot is unexpected. The heroes are battling something bigger than them and along the way they forge new connections and gain new friends.
Sci-fi is not one of my go-to genres, but this story was really great and I found myself genuinely interested in the plot. Of course, the snark and clever humor that is characteristic of SE Harmon's writing style, is there as well, to lighten the mood at times and decompress some situations.
~ I read an ARC of this book. ~
March 28, 2023
I just can’t get into it DNF @30%
I thought maybe if I just continue it will get better but man was I wrong 😑, the inconsistencies are just too glaring to ignore
I thought maybe if I just continue it will get better but man was I wrong 😑, the inconsistencies are just too glaring to ignore
October 30, 2021
*air horn* THIS IS NOT A STANDALONE *banging on pots and pans* READ CHRYSALIS IMMEDIATELY
Me, all morning: HOW TF AM I SUPPOSED TO REVIEW CROSS WITHOUT SPOILERS
Self: I got nothing helpful other than OMG
This duology is so fucking amazing. I think I felt everything there is to feel for an amnesiac and the doctor who can’t help but love him as much as he’s loved.
I…I literally cannot add any info on plot. Just know this is beyond satisfying.
Take every recommendation I have and multiply it by *coughs* infinity.
Me, all morning: HOW TF AM I SUPPOSED TO REVIEW CROSS WITHOUT SPOILERS
Self: I got nothing helpful other than OMG
This duology is so fucking amazing. I think I felt everything there is to feel for an amnesiac and the doctor who can’t help but love him as much as he’s loved.
I…I literally cannot add any info on plot. Just know this is beyond satisfying.
Take every recommendation I have and multiply it by *coughs* infinity.
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March 11, 2022
MM Mystery Romance
Amnesia/Second Chance
Book 2 of 2 in a duet
4.5 Stars ⭐️
I liked this book even more than the first one. It was the perfect blend of action and suspense but at its core it’s a story about a man who will do anything to be with and protect the love of his life. Unlike book one, this had a ton of flashbacks and chapters taking place in the past that helped show where Christian came from, who he is and how meeting Gray changed the course of his life. When I read book one, even though I felt intense longing between Grayson and Christian, I felt like the romance part was weaker than the rest of the book but I couldn’t have been more wrong. These two are soulmates and this duet wouldn’t have been what it was without them especially with flashbacks like this:
“I still can’t believe you came home for just eleven minutes.”
“Eleven minutes with the right person is better than a lifetime with the wrong person.” He kissed the sensitive skin behind my ear. “You will always be the right person.”
I can’t say more because the less you know the better this will be but I especially loved the epilogue. Sano. Who knew? 💗
Amnesia/Second Chance
Book 2 of 2 in a duet
4.5 Stars ⭐️
I liked this book even more than the first one. It was the perfect blend of action and suspense but at its core it’s a story about a man who will do anything to be with and protect the love of his life. Unlike book one, this had a ton of flashbacks and chapters taking place in the past that helped show where Christian came from, who he is and how meeting Gray changed the course of his life. When I read book one, even though I felt intense longing between Grayson and Christian, I felt like the romance part was weaker than the rest of the book but I couldn’t have been more wrong. These two are soulmates and this duet wouldn’t have been what it was without them especially with flashbacks like this:
“I still can’t believe you came home for just eleven minutes.”
“Eleven minutes with the right person is better than a lifetime with the wrong person.” He kissed the sensitive skin behind my ear. “You will always be the right person.”
I can’t say more because the less you know the better this will be but I especially loved the epilogue. Sano. Who knew? 💗
Read
August 19, 2022I just couldn't keep going. I read book 1 for the amnesia and this has seriously gotten off the rails. No rating.
September 5, 2022
Excellent second story in Duology. Must read.
This lady is incredibly creative. In each new world she introduces an amazingly well thought out tale, packed with beautiful romance, humour and excitement. Note that this book is not a standalone, you must read Chrysalis first!!
Christian may be a ruthless killer, but he has no hope against his feelings for Gray. The author manages to ace the tension between the two guys, and deliver an interesting and complex world. Saying that, despite first class mystery and adventure, she does successfully focus solely on the romantic story - we’ve still got deadly gadgets and more killers than innocents, but the love story between Chris and Gray takes centre stage.
I adore these two. Their love story is immense. It's riveting, with super steamy scenes, that are amazingly intense!! They are truly swoon worthy together 🥰 The secondary characters also shine, Chaos and Nick totally deserve a story of their own. Also, loved the wry humour that runs through the book. Very highly recommended series.
This lady is incredibly creative. In each new world she introduces an amazingly well thought out tale, packed with beautiful romance, humour and excitement. Note that this book is not a standalone, you must read Chrysalis first!!
Christian may be a ruthless killer, but he has no hope against his feelings for Gray. The author manages to ace the tension between the two guys, and deliver an interesting and complex world. Saying that, despite first class mystery and adventure, she does successfully focus solely on the romantic story - we’ve still got deadly gadgets and more killers than innocents, but the love story between Chris and Gray takes centre stage.
I adore these two. Their love story is immense. It's riveting, with super steamy scenes, that are amazingly intense!! They are truly swoon worthy together 🥰 The secondary characters also shine, Chaos and Nick totally deserve a story of their own. Also, loved the wry humour that runs through the book. Very highly recommended series.
November 11, 2021
This was fine. I didn’t enjoy it nearly as much as the first one. This focused very heavily on the suspense and very little on the romance. While Gray and Christian were most certainly in love and there for each other in every way, there was very little focus on their relationship overall and we didn’t even get to see them together just being a couple.
I enjoyed it overall if I don’t think about how it was supposed to be a romance, and really appreciate this author’s writing. The secondary characters were fantastic. Overall, I just feel like this was missing something, which was disappointing considering how soul-matey I felt Christian and Gray were.
The epilogue was absurd which had me skimming it, but the author’s note at the end made me giggle.
I enjoyed it overall if I don’t think about how it was supposed to be a romance, and really appreciate this author’s writing. The secondary characters were fantastic. Overall, I just feel like this was missing something, which was disappointing considering how soul-matey I felt Christian and Gray were.
The epilogue was absurd which had me skimming it, but the author’s note at the end made me giggle.
January 5, 2022
I know I say this every time but I simply love, love, love S. E. Harmon's character banter!
This book wasn't a complete hit for me for various reasons. The main main issue was the storyline felt clunky and not very cohesive. The entire book was ups and downs of good guys and bad guys trying to kill each other, figuring out family mysteries, and trying to simply stay alive.
All the stars are simply for Gray and Christian/chrysalis. Every moment they were on page together helped me to keep reading. In fact, I would've been happy with just a story about them living together, grocery shopping, walking on the beach, and making breakfast.
This book wasn't a complete hit for me for various reasons. The main main issue was the storyline felt clunky and not very cohesive. The entire book was ups and downs of good guys and bad guys trying to kill each other, figuring out family mysteries, and trying to simply stay alive.
All the stars are simply for Gray and Christian/chrysalis. Every moment they were on page together helped me to keep reading. In fact, I would've been happy with just a story about them living together, grocery shopping, walking on the beach, and making breakfast.
March 19, 2023
This is the last book of SE Harmon's The Formicary's duology. Do NOT read this book without reading Chrysalis first because it will not make any sense.
I must say that I actually love the first book better. In that one, Christian tried to make sense of everything while navigating his feeling and his current relationship with his ex-Gray, while having amnesia (and only remembering the times when it was good). I loved those moments. In here, while Christian's brain is still a Swiss cheese, but he knows that Gray is his and that he will do anything to keep him safe. The romance is STRONG, and I always love when an assassin has mushy heart *laugh*
Chris, Chaos, and also Chris' friend, Nick, as well as Gray will take down The Formicary - and my slight problem with it is that Nick and Chaos also has snark voice, it's a little bit too much at times, all these banters. Gray is the only one with slightly different voice. And again, the plot is crazy at times ()
But I still loved it, of course
I must say that I actually love the first book better. In that one, Christian tried to make sense of everything while navigating his feeling and his current relationship with his ex-Gray, while having amnesia (and only remembering the times when it was good). I loved those moments. In here, while Christian's brain is still a Swiss cheese, but he knows that Gray is his and that he will do anything to keep him safe. The romance is STRONG, and I always love when an assassin has mushy heart *laugh*
Chris, Chaos, and also Chris' friend, Nick, as well as Gray will take down The Formicary - and my slight problem with it is that Nick and Chaos also has snark voice, it's a little bit too much at times, all these banters. Gray is the only one with slightly different voice. And again, the plot is crazy at times ()
But I still loved it, of course
July 3, 2024
So S.E. Harmon is usually a safe bet for me, but I already felt a bit on the fence about the first part of this duology (Chrysalis) and now it really mostly failed for me with the second installment. While the writing is still overall good I failed to connect with the characters as they were overdrawn. I realized that what I liked about Harmons stories so far was the realism and this story is certainly far removed from realism. The characters aren't the guy-next-door type I liked in the other books I read from this author. The banter in times of facing death .... this felt like the attempt to write a deadpool movie - certainly I chuckled occasionally but I just couldn't take it serious and therefore wasn't invested in the story.
January 7, 2022
4.5 Stars!
September 22, 2025
4.5 stars This couple is so fun and so sexy! I didn’t love this book as much as the first one but I think it was all the action to get through to their HEA. It’s a me thing for sure. It just didn’t hold me the way the first book did. That said, I freakin loved it so much. Each of these characters are great to read about and I could read more of them. They’re the kind of couple I like to read about…fun and sexy.
November 13, 2021
This second installment in this duet brought the most important truths to light and wrapped up the story well, but overall I loved it just a little less than the first.
I think the main reason being that I love romance first and foremost, and I felt like there was less of it in this one. It basically depends on your personal tastes, really. But for me I just wanted more Christian and Gray, but there was so much going on with the plot - which was good and interesting and fun, no doubt about it - that I felt like these two got put on the back burner a bit, and I was bummed about that.
I also was frustrated with
But aside from those, I did still overall enjoy this immensely, and still loved it. And what we did get with Christian and Gray was still lovely - and sexy when we got a few sex scenes, of course - and they were still so powerful together and so in love - in the best, gooey way that made others around them want to gag because they were so in love.
And Gray knowing the truth about Christian's life helped strengthen them for the better as well. They would never have been able to work long term if Christian continued to keep secrets.
So what we got of these two, I still absolutely adored. The problem was there just wasn't enough of it. I personally needed more of a balance, like we got in the first book, than there was here.
So, I had problem or two more in this than the first, hence the 4 stars. But overall it was still very good and I'm still happy I read these two books, and got to fall in love with Christian and Gray. (And yes, the author's note about their names at the end was hilarious. Miss Harmon seems like she's a funny person in real life and that just translates well into her works haha)
Although I felt that there was less laughs in this one than the first, there were still good laughs in this one. And I mean, the subject matter is pretty serious, so not a ton of rooms for laughs galore. Still appreciated the ones we got, though.
Especially near the end when Christian tries to put his foot down with Gray and just ends up giving in lol. SO CUTE. He is wrapped around Gray's sweet, kind, adorable finger, and I don't think Christian would have it any other way ;)
So overall, a definite win, just a few things here and there that bothered me, that weren't present in the first book.
Still highly recommend this, and a definite two thumbs up from me! 💖
I think the main reason being that I love romance first and foremost, and I felt like there was less of it in this one. It basically depends on your personal tastes, really. But for me I just wanted more Christian and Gray, but there was so much going on with the plot - which was good and interesting and fun, no doubt about it - that I felt like these two got put on the back burner a bit, and I was bummed about that.
I also was frustrated with
But aside from those, I did still overall enjoy this immensely, and still loved it. And what we did get with Christian and Gray was still lovely - and sexy when we got a few sex scenes, of course - and they were still so powerful together and so in love - in the best, gooey way that made others around them want to gag because they were so in love.
And Gray knowing the truth about Christian's life helped strengthen them for the better as well. They would never have been able to work long term if Christian continued to keep secrets.
So what we got of these two, I still absolutely adored. The problem was there just wasn't enough of it. I personally needed more of a balance, like we got in the first book, than there was here.
So, I had problem or two more in this than the first, hence the 4 stars. But overall it was still very good and I'm still happy I read these two books, and got to fall in love with Christian and Gray. (And yes, the author's note about their names at the end was hilarious. Miss Harmon seems like she's a funny person in real life and that just translates well into her works haha)
Although I felt that there was less laughs in this one than the first, there were still good laughs in this one. And I mean, the subject matter is pretty serious, so not a ton of rooms for laughs galore. Still appreciated the ones we got, though.
Especially near the end when Christian tries to put his foot down with Gray and just ends up giving in lol. SO CUTE. He is wrapped around Gray's sweet, kind, adorable finger, and I don't think Christian would have it any other way ;)
So overall, a definite win, just a few things here and there that bothered me, that weren't present in the first book.
Still highly recommend this, and a definite two thumbs up from me! 💖
April 7, 2022
The inconsistencies in this did not work at all for me, despite the fact that I enjoyed the first book. There's also this troubling author disclaimer at the beginning:
"In writing this story, escapism, romance, and adventure were my priorities. I took liberties with what is and is not possible to tell the story I wanted to tell. So! Bring on the sci-fi, implausible situations, and occasional plot hole. If anything I've mentioned is problematic for you as a reader, I'd give this one a pass."
To have a disclaimer that a romantic sci-fi mystery thriller featuring an amnesiac super soldier has known implausibilities and plot holes seems a bit…opposite of mystery and thriller, both of which are critical components of the book. There’s also the fact that the story begins in book one and does not finish at the end of book one, so if you’ve read the first book and want to finish the story, this is your only option. The very existence of this disclaimer says to me that there were known problems with the book before publication, and the solution wasn’t to fix the problems, but instead to tell readers that anyone who has a problem with the known issues can walk away or deal with them.
Escapism, romance and adventure are great. Artistic liberty is great. Implausibility is fine, if it works. Throw all the human clones and sci-fi tech implanted in human bodies at me that you want. I'm down. But so much of this book does not even make sense within the context of its own universe. The characters are inconsistent, their purposes either ambiguous, temporary or absent. Who they’re supposed to be and how they act are totally out of sync. Large chunks of the text serve no purpose in the overall plot or character development. These are what bothered me the most.
For example, there is a scene where Cross is paranoid about someone using a landline phone in case it reveals their location to bad guys. A minute later, he whips out a cell phone and uses it to coordinate fake passports by sending photos of each person he’s on the run with via SMS to their fake passport supplier. Real life plausibility aside, nothing in the text challenges this utter lack of consistency within the same scene. The characters spend 15% of the book chasing these fake passports and then don’t even use them. That’s 15% of the book without any discernible purpose.
Later, Cross is able to convince a crew of his fellow super soldiers to mutiny against the bad guy. Their motivation largely comes from the fact that they’re sick of being forced to do the bad guy’s—and anybody’s—dirty work. Right after they take out the bad guy, they all happily take jobs with a secretive government agency that wants them for the same exact reasons the bad guy did.
There’s also, you know, anal sex with no lube and no mention of this being a science fiction universe in which penises and/or anuses self-lubricate. Maybe this is part of the adventure angle? Because it’s certainly not escapism or romance.
Every few pages, I highlighted something that bothered me, which is not normal for how I read. This book could have been half as long and lost nothing. In fact, I wish the story had concluded in book one, even if that meant book one was longer.
"In writing this story, escapism, romance, and adventure were my priorities. I took liberties with what is and is not possible to tell the story I wanted to tell. So! Bring on the sci-fi, implausible situations, and occasional plot hole. If anything I've mentioned is problematic for you as a reader, I'd give this one a pass."
To have a disclaimer that a romantic sci-fi mystery thriller featuring an amnesiac super soldier has known implausibilities and plot holes seems a bit…opposite of mystery and thriller, both of which are critical components of the book. There’s also the fact that the story begins in book one and does not finish at the end of book one, so if you’ve read the first book and want to finish the story, this is your only option. The very existence of this disclaimer says to me that there were known problems with the book before publication, and the solution wasn’t to fix the problems, but instead to tell readers that anyone who has a problem with the known issues can walk away or deal with them.
Escapism, romance and adventure are great. Artistic liberty is great. Implausibility is fine, if it works. Throw all the human clones and sci-fi tech implanted in human bodies at me that you want. I'm down. But so much of this book does not even make sense within the context of its own universe. The characters are inconsistent, their purposes either ambiguous, temporary or absent. Who they’re supposed to be and how they act are totally out of sync. Large chunks of the text serve no purpose in the overall plot or character development. These are what bothered me the most.
For example, there is a scene where Cross is paranoid about someone using a landline phone in case it reveals their location to bad guys. A minute later, he whips out a cell phone and uses it to coordinate fake passports by sending photos of each person he’s on the run with via SMS to their fake passport supplier. Real life plausibility aside, nothing in the text challenges this utter lack of consistency within the same scene. The characters spend 15% of the book chasing these fake passports and then don’t even use them. That’s 15% of the book without any discernible purpose.
Later, Cross is able to convince a crew of his fellow super soldiers to mutiny against the bad guy. Their motivation largely comes from the fact that they’re sick of being forced to do the bad guy’s—and anybody’s—dirty work. Right after they take out the bad guy, they all happily take jobs with a secretive government agency that wants them for the same exact reasons the bad guy did.
There’s also, you know, anal sex with no lube and no mention of this being a science fiction universe in which penises and/or anuses self-lubricate. Maybe this is part of the adventure angle? Because it’s certainly not escapism or romance.
Every few pages, I highlighted something that bothered me, which is not normal for how I read. This book could have been half as long and lost nothing. In fact, I wish the story had concluded in book one, even if that meant book one was longer.
November 3, 2021
3.5 stars!
To say I’m feeling conflicted would be an understatement.
I was dying for the resolution of this story, and in many ways Cross did deliver.
But also. All those plot holes.
Relationship-wise this second book gave me everything I craved after reading the first installment. To have more of Christian and Gray together was such a treat. They’re delicious and perfect, like all of Harmon’s couples. It’s especially yummy when a bad boy goes all soft over a nice guy. Also, that Chris and Gray were together most of the book was a big plus, especially since they spent a lot of time apart in the prequel. So, despite the non-stop action, there was time for them to re-discover their feelings for each other.
About the plot, though...
It’s Sci-fi, so I don’t question the technology. It’s crazy and fantastical but that sort of comes with the genre. Also, I do always enjoy some out-of-control scientists. And if you only focus on the action and try to ignore the reasoning behind it, then it’s an okay, fast-paced story.
However, I’m very bad at disregarding illogical and contradictory story content. I would even go as far as to call it a pet-peeve of mine. And the high-tech, super villain, super soldier, high-security thing going on in this book doesn’t mesh well with the obvious and simplistic way Chris and his rag-tag team takes them down. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll skip the examples. But there were just too many implausible chains of events that portrayed them all – good guys and bad alike – as less than bright, even naive.
And that sort of pains me to admit.
Because I adore Harmon’s writing. Her Blueprint duet and her Spectral files series are among my absolute favourite books. Ones I re-read when I need something great yet familiar. And Coddiwomple is pretty much the best second chance romance I’ve come across. Meaning it hurts me to say that Cross didn’t exactly meet my expectations.
So I’m not sure what to hope for with this series. Will there be a third book? I’m not a fan of plot-holes and I’m an even lesser fan of MCs acting all illogical. But I’m also hoping for a story about Chaos and Nick – because of course I’ve shipped them!
https://reflectionsofaswedishgirl.blo...
* A free copy of this book was kindly provided by Gay Romance Reviews *
To say I’m feeling conflicted would be an understatement.
I was dying for the resolution of this story, and in many ways Cross did deliver.
But also. All those plot holes.
Relationship-wise this second book gave me everything I craved after reading the first installment. To have more of Christian and Gray together was such a treat. They’re delicious and perfect, like all of Harmon’s couples. It’s especially yummy when a bad boy goes all soft over a nice guy. Also, that Chris and Gray were together most of the book was a big plus, especially since they spent a lot of time apart in the prequel. So, despite the non-stop action, there was time for them to re-discover their feelings for each other.
About the plot, though...
It’s Sci-fi, so I don’t question the technology. It’s crazy and fantastical but that sort of comes with the genre. Also, I do always enjoy some out-of-control scientists. And if you only focus on the action and try to ignore the reasoning behind it, then it’s an okay, fast-paced story.
However, I’m very bad at disregarding illogical and contradictory story content. I would even go as far as to call it a pet-peeve of mine. And the high-tech, super villain, super soldier, high-security thing going on in this book doesn’t mesh well with the obvious and simplistic way Chris and his rag-tag team takes them down. I don’t want to spoil anything, so I’ll skip the examples. But there were just too many implausible chains of events that portrayed them all – good guys and bad alike – as less than bright, even naive.
And that sort of pains me to admit.
Because I adore Harmon’s writing. Her Blueprint duet and her Spectral files series are among my absolute favourite books. Ones I re-read when I need something great yet familiar. And Coddiwomple is pretty much the best second chance romance I’ve come across. Meaning it hurts me to say that Cross didn’t exactly meet my expectations.
So I’m not sure what to hope for with this series. Will there be a third book? I’m not a fan of plot-holes and I’m an even lesser fan of MCs acting all illogical. But I’m also hoping for a story about Chaos and Nick – because of course I’ve shipped them!
https://reflectionsofaswedishgirl.blo...
* A free copy of this book was kindly provided by Gay Romance Reviews *
November 10, 2021
I’m glad I gave book 2 a chance. I did not read book 1. I kind of just skimmed it. It just wasn’t my thing. But I enjoyed this one. I also didn’t feel like I missed out on anything. The continuation was written well enough with past and present moments, that thoroughly covered everything I needed to know. I didn’t feel confused at all.
Not saying it’s a standalone, but I’m just saying book 2 can be read without any disruption to the reading experience.
Christian Cross is one interesting man. He cracks me up quite a bit. Especially when he has his moments of anxiety. Chaos is a godsend, and that perfect bit of humor and grump any good story needs. Nick is the comedic relief for sure, with that added nerdy genius. Gray - well, Gray - he’s a bit of everything. All the characters are easy to love, and the story is packed with a perfect blend of action and romance.
My little side note is, for some reason while reading this something just felt off to me. It just didn’t feel like the author’s usual writing? But I’m not quite sure why. I think maybe I am so in love with Danny & Rain from The Spectral Files that anything else feels different. One day I’ll shake that off.
Not saying it’s a standalone, but I’m just saying book 2 can be read without any disruption to the reading experience.
Christian Cross is one interesting man. He cracks me up quite a bit. Especially when he has his moments of anxiety. Chaos is a godsend, and that perfect bit of humor and grump any good story needs. Nick is the comedic relief for sure, with that added nerdy genius. Gray - well, Gray - he’s a bit of everything. All the characters are easy to love, and the story is packed with a perfect blend of action and romance.
My little side note is, for some reason while reading this something just felt off to me. It just didn’t feel like the author’s usual writing? But I’m not quite sure why. I think maybe I am so in love with Danny & Rain from The Spectral Files that anything else feels different. One day I’ll shake that off.
May 30, 2022
M/m, action, romance, hea
Cw: death, blood, guns, knives, (none of this should be particularly surprising since this is the second book)
Our friend Chris/Chrysalis continues to work towards recovering his memory while also keeping Gray safe. This had the same snark I came to love from the first book. Unfortunately, I felt like the book was all over the place and spreading itself a little too thinly. The ending tied everything up in a nice little bow and I truly appreciated that because I hate loose ends.
Cw: death, blood, guns, knives, (none of this should be particularly surprising since this is the second book)
Our friend Chris/Chrysalis continues to work towards recovering his memory while also keeping Gray safe. This had the same snark I came to love from the first book. Unfortunately, I felt like the book was all over the place and spreading itself a little too thinly. The ending tied everything up in a nice little bow and I truly appreciated that because I hate loose ends.
December 16, 2022
It was OK. Some glaring inconsistencies... see my status updates. Not really so much suspense and action, plenty of gushy romance tho.
April 1, 2022
This book was so much better than Chrysalis. I suppose because I knew what to expect after reading book 1.
The banter between all the characters was just too precious 🥰🥰🥰🥰.
I loved Chaos and I loved the banter he had with Chris, it was like they where siblings bickering, very funny to read and so entertaining ☺️☺️☺️.
Overall I enjoyed this series although not as good as The Spectral Files Series ( which is AMAZING BTW).
The banter between all the characters was just too precious 🥰🥰🥰🥰.
I loved Chaos and I loved the banter he had with Chris, it was like they where siblings bickering, very funny to read and so entertaining ☺️☺️☺️.
Overall I enjoyed this series although not as good as The Spectral Files Series ( which is AMAZING BTW).
October 31, 2021
"But in the end, even Gray and his beautiful smile and his wonderful family couldn't bring me back from the brink. I'd made my bed......All that was left was to lie in it."
This was an absolutely thrilling conclusion to the duet. I'm going to make this short and sweet because so much happened in this book that it is almost impossible to say anything without spoilers. Secrets are revealed, some of them even making me gasp when I read them. My heart truly went out to Christian, because Gray being involved with anything to do with the Formicary was literally his worst nightmare come to life. All of his past choices, whether he remembers making them or not, are quickly coming back to bite him in the ass. I really enjoyed the ending, it was basically as perfect as it was going to get for Christian with him being who he was. He just had to get through a hell of a lot to make it there.
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