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Chain Reaction #1
Catalyst
Detective Quinn Hughes doesn’t have many regrets in life, but Sebastian Devlin is the biggest. As a cop and a defence lawyer, the deck was stacked against them to start with, but Quinn was the one who left a burning inferno behind him. Missing his chance with ex-Special Forces Commando Peyton Sinclair is a close second on his regrets list, but Quinn isn’t going to ruin the happiness Peyton has found with fellow police officer Will McMahon for anything—not even a chance at his own happiness.
Best friends Will McMahon and Peyton Sinclair have been hooking up for years, content with their arrangement and the comfort they get from it. When Sebastian—the hot lawyer they picked up at the club the night before—stumbles over a dead body in their kitchen on his way out, calling Quinn is instinctive for them. Years of unacknowledged tension between Peyton and Quinn is a sore point, but Peyton trusts that Quinn will figure out the mess they’ve landed in.
While Quinn tries to find answers, Peyton and Will quickly find themselves tangled in the tension between Quinn and Sebastian. They’re hoping Quinn can move fast—before one of them becomes the next dead body—but the situation becomes even more complicated when another explosive night proves that Peyton and Will aren’t done with either Quinn or Sebastian, just as much as the two aren’t done with each other.
Between the mind-blowing night Sebastian spent with Peyton and Will, and the fact that every time he turns around it’s either Quinn or the barrel of a gun waiting for him, Sebastian has never had more regrets. If he can survive long enough to get some answers, maybe the four of them together are going to be the catalyst for a future that’s more wildly different than anything they’d ever imagined.
Catalyst is a 90,000-word MMMM romance that ends in a HFN. It is Book 1 in an ongoing series following the same four men and their relationship. It contains adult situations, gun use, references to murder and drug usage, suspense themes and a character with PTSD
Best friends Will McMahon and Peyton Sinclair have been hooking up for years, content with their arrangement and the comfort they get from it. When Sebastian—the hot lawyer they picked up at the club the night before—stumbles over a dead body in their kitchen on his way out, calling Quinn is instinctive for them. Years of unacknowledged tension between Peyton and Quinn is a sore point, but Peyton trusts that Quinn will figure out the mess they’ve landed in.
While Quinn tries to find answers, Peyton and Will quickly find themselves tangled in the tension between Quinn and Sebastian. They’re hoping Quinn can move fast—before one of them becomes the next dead body—but the situation becomes even more complicated when another explosive night proves that Peyton and Will aren’t done with either Quinn or Sebastian, just as much as the two aren’t done with each other.
Between the mind-blowing night Sebastian spent with Peyton and Will, and the fact that every time he turns around it’s either Quinn or the barrel of a gun waiting for him, Sebastian has never had more regrets. If he can survive long enough to get some answers, maybe the four of them together are going to be the catalyst for a future that’s more wildly different than anything they’d ever imagined.
Catalyst is a 90,000-word MMMM romance that ends in a HFN. It is Book 1 in an ongoing series following the same four men and their relationship. It contains adult situations, gun use, references to murder and drug usage, suspense themes and a character with PTSD
317 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 17, 2022
229 people are currently reading
733 people want to read
About the author
Aurora Crane
14 books139 followersAurora Crane is an Australian author who loves to write romance with a healthy serving of banter, snark and all the swoon.
Her books are a mix of MM and MM+. She loves to write men in suits, sprawling universes with a plethora of side characters, and an abundance of steamy situations.
You can find all her links here: https://linktr.ee/auroracrane
Her books are a mix of MM and MM+. She loves to write men in suits, sprawling universes with a plethora of side characters, and an abundance of steamy situations.
You can find all her links here: https://linktr.ee/auroracrane
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
July 7, 2025
re-read on audio June 2025
Look. I looooove listening to JF Harding. And he was honestly the only reason I went for the audio instead of a re-read. And not that I minded one bit but it’s still weird that the author chose an American narrator for Australian men. *lol
Anyhow. Finally jumping into the second book. On audio, of course.
4**** stars
This was quite the ride! And with so many main characters involved you get quite the list of enticing tropes here: hookup with a stranger, a bit of second chance 💀, a bit of best friends to lovers, a crush + year-long pining to lovers, a bit of forced proximity and a murder-mystery.
With that said, let’s meet the four protagonists:
⇢ Will: (28) leader tactical team on the police force, best friends and roommate with Peyton, having also been exclusive f*buddies for years
⇢ Peyton: (25) ex-special ops soldier, sniper, has a heavy crush on Quinn, his big brother’s friend and colleague
⇢ Sebastian: (30) Defense lawyer, lands in bed with Will & Peyton after meeting as strangers at a bar
⇢ Quinn: (32) Detective, partnered with Grady, rejected Peyton’s advances for years for (at first) unknown reasons, Sebastian’s ex
When Seb wants to leave Will’s and Peyton’s apartment after a night of hot sex, they discover a dead body that was placed there (either while they were sleeping or fucking). And Peyton calls the Detective he knows. Quinn. His crush. And unknowingly so, also Sebastian’s ex-boyfriend. Hahaha, that was one hell of a scene.
I had to suspend my disbelief a bit here as these four men suddenly had the hots for each other (like everyone for everyone) in equal measure but I just rolled with it and it was fine. I honestly loved that it was so straight forward. *thumbs up
Though, so far there was no real depth to neither the characters nor the plot imo, it was all pretty shallow, really. But I didn’t mind much. The mystery was nice to read but I mostly had the feeling that the purpose of all the action was to further pave the way for the guys to get closer and add more thrill to the story. Again, pretty straight forward.
Overall I enjoyed this read very much and the spice was good and plenty in various constellations. The book ends with a delicate HFN, they still have a long way to go and I hope we’ll get more on the background of the guys and see their bond strengthen.
And as for THE CATALYST, well… the author added another M to the already four M’s of this book in the next one. Like it isn’t messy enough already. *lmfao But before that… Grady.
my advice: take a notepad and write down every character’s name you pass and make a note about their connection to other characters. It’s A LOT to keep up with. 🤣
*************
Chain Reaction Series
Book 1 - Catalyst - 4.0 stars
Book 2 - Reactant - 3.0 stars
Book 3 - Cohesion
connected in the same universe ⇢ “Third Time Lucky” - tbr
Grady (Quinn’s partner) is such a dick, it was so hard to like him in here but I’m damn curious about his book!
Look. I looooove listening to JF Harding. And he was honestly the only reason I went for the audio instead of a re-read. And not that I minded one bit but it’s still weird that the author chose an American narrator for Australian men. *lol
Anyhow. Finally jumping into the second book. On audio, of course.
4**** stars
This was quite the ride! And with so many main characters involved you get quite the list of enticing tropes here: hookup with a stranger, a bit of second chance 💀, a bit of best friends to lovers, a crush + year-long pining to lovers, a bit of forced proximity and a murder-mystery.
With that said, let’s meet the four protagonists:
⇢ Will: (28) leader tactical team on the police force, best friends and roommate with Peyton, having also been exclusive f*buddies for years
⇢ Peyton: (25) ex-special ops soldier, sniper, has a heavy crush on Quinn, his big brother’s friend and colleague
⇢ Sebastian: (30) Defense lawyer, lands in bed with Will & Peyton after meeting as strangers at a bar
⇢ Quinn: (32) Detective, partnered with Grady, rejected Peyton’s advances for years for (at first) unknown reasons, Sebastian’s ex
When Seb wants to leave Will’s and Peyton’s apartment after a night of hot sex, they discover a dead body that was placed there (either while they were sleeping or fucking). And Peyton calls the Detective he knows. Quinn. His crush. And unknowingly so, also Sebastian’s ex-boyfriend. Hahaha, that was one hell of a scene.
I had to suspend my disbelief a bit here as these four men suddenly had the hots for each other (like everyone for everyone) in equal measure but I just rolled with it and it was fine. I honestly loved that it was so straight forward. *thumbs up
They’d all been waiting for each other.
Waiting for this.
Though, so far there was no real depth to neither the characters nor the plot imo, it was all pretty shallow, really. But I didn’t mind much. The mystery was nice to read but I mostly had the feeling that the purpose of all the action was to further pave the way for the guys to get closer and add more thrill to the story. Again, pretty straight forward.
Overall I enjoyed this read very much and the spice was good and plenty in various constellations. The book ends with a delicate HFN, they still have a long way to go and I hope we’ll get more on the background of the guys and see their bond strengthen.
And as for THE CATALYST, well… the author added another M to the already four M’s of this book in the next one. Like it isn’t messy enough already. *lmfao But before that… Grady.
my advice: take a notepad and write down every character’s name you pass and make a note about their connection to other characters. It’s A LOT to keep up with. 🤣
*************
Chain Reaction Series
Book 1 - Catalyst - 4.0 stars
Book 2 - Reactant - 3.0 stars
Book 3 - Cohesion
connected in the same universe ⇢ “Third Time Lucky” - tbr
Grady (Quinn’s partner) is such a dick, it was so hard to like him in here but I’m damn curious about his book!
November 26, 2022
How anyone can give a positive review is beyond me. Way too many characters and far too many moving parts. The plot was muddled and winding. The ending was just as bad. I'm definitely getting a refund.
If anyone wants to write a polyamory relationship - they should look at Willa Okati's Big Enough for Five. There are five distinct men with their own voices and personalities which made it very easy to keep track of who's who. There are only two supporting characters who provided just the right support without overwhelming the story. And there wasn't any complicated, convoluted, and elaborate plot to deal with. It was a hot and romantic story about five men coming together.
If anyone wants to write a polyamory relationship - they should look at Willa Okati's Big Enough for Five. There are five distinct men with their own voices and personalities which made it very easy to keep track of who's who. There are only two supporting characters who provided just the right support without overwhelming the story. And there wasn't any complicated, convoluted, and elaborate plot to deal with. It was a hot and romantic story about five men coming together.
April 25, 2024
4/24
Reread because book 3 is out and I needed a refresher. Still SO good!
October ‘23
I haven’t been loving most of the books I’ve read lately but this one, so good. Once I got through the first few chapters and got to know the FOUR mc’s, I didn’t want to stop reading. Looking forward to book 2!
Reread because book 3 is out and I needed a refresher. Still SO good!
October ‘23
I haven’t been loving most of the books I’ve read lately but this one, so good. Once I got through the first few chapters and got to know the FOUR mc’s, I didn’t want to stop reading. Looking forward to book 2!
February 7, 2026
I had put this off because I thought I would not like mmmm. I’d never read one before and knowing that it becomes mmmmm was just 🤯
I thought they wouldn’t have distinct enough personalities or voices and would run into each other.
I was wrong.
I’m obsessed.
It’s probably one of, if not the best, poly books I’ve read.
The audio book is good but the narrator does sometimes make it difficult to know who is talking so I got the ebook to help. But I do think having one narrator is the way to go.
Lastly everyone in this world is fascinating and so well developed. I want a book for everyone 😭
I thought they wouldn’t have distinct enough personalities or voices and would run into each other.
I was wrong.
I’m obsessed.
It’s probably one of, if not the best, poly books I’ve read.
The audio book is good but the narrator does sometimes make it difficult to know who is talking so I got the ebook to help. But I do think having one narrator is the way to go.
Lastly everyone in this world is fascinating and so well developed. I want a book for everyone 😭
November 26, 2022
A Joyfully Jay review.
4 stars
Catalyst is the first book in in Aurora Crane’s Chain Reaction series featuring this unique foursome. Crane is a relatively new-to-me author and I picked this one up after really enjoying her book Day of Judgment, co-written with Briar Kearney. The books have a very similar feel with the suspense, the law enforcement elements, and the multi-partner romance, so I found a lot to really enjoy about this one as well.
It did take me a little while to get settled into things here, as we meet a lot of characters early on who are all interconnected and keeping track of everyone and their relationships was a little overwhelming. In addition to our four main characters, there are a handful of other prominent side characters and we are introduced to pretty much all of them at once. The men are all tied together in a massive six degrees of separation situation (though it is more like two degrees).
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4 stars
Catalyst is the first book in in Aurora Crane’s Chain Reaction series featuring this unique foursome. Crane is a relatively new-to-me author and I picked this one up after really enjoying her book Day of Judgment, co-written with Briar Kearney. The books have a very similar feel with the suspense, the law enforcement elements, and the multi-partner romance, so I found a lot to really enjoy about this one as well.
It did take me a little while to get settled into things here, as we meet a lot of characters early on who are all interconnected and keeping track of everyone and their relationships was a little overwhelming. In addition to our four main characters, there are a handful of other prominent side characters and we are introduced to pretty much all of them at once. The men are all tied together in a massive six degrees of separation situation (though it is more like two degrees).
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
November 16, 2022
Wow, wow, wow!! Holy hotness! I've been reading Aurora when she used other pen names, and I was a huge fan of the Thicker than Blood series. This is not a remake of that series, yes the character names are familiar, but the characters aren't, they are new people with different lives. I loved that Will and Peyton were together, but weren't together, but clearly love each other.....men! I also loved the history between Quinn and Seb and Peyton and Quinn and how Will wasn't afraid to be vulnerable and voice his thoughts. Just excellent all round, I simply must have more....now please.
I received an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.
I received an ARC for an honest and voluntary review.
April 23, 2023
2 Stars
Everyone wants to f*ck everyone and for no good reason. Didn't like the characters and the ending was bad.
Everyone wants to f*ck everyone and for no good reason. Didn't like the characters and the ending was bad.
October 4, 2023
An Unexpected (and pleasant) Surprise
This went way better than I expected. These 4 actually had a connection. Usually these poly books totally focus on the sexy times and neglect every other thing but I think the author did a good job of bridging that gap.
Sure, the Sexy times were quite solid but you can tell the emotional connections were building up nicely as well.. Will is currently my favourite but the others are great as well.
This ends a bit abruptly like the blurb says so make sure you have Book 2 on hand…
On to the next!
This went way better than I expected. These 4 actually had a connection. Usually these poly books totally focus on the sexy times and neglect every other thing but I think the author did a good job of bridging that gap.
Sure, the Sexy times were quite solid but you can tell the emotional connections were building up nicely as well.. Will is currently my favourite but the others are great as well.
This ends a bit abruptly like the blurb says so make sure you have Book 2 on hand…
On to the next!
April 26, 2024
Loved this! The writing is so vibrant - so you have the 4 MCs, all with their own voices, and then a ton of excellent side characters (partners, siblings, co-workers) and the interactions are fabulous. So the murder plot is 'whatever', but I really enjoyed the writing and banter (and Sebastian's coffee addiction. Really, I just loved Sebastian.) Much like life, you don't get the full story about everyone all at once (or even at all) and not all the loose ends are neatly tied off. It was fluffy and great and believable if you squint. Fair amount of sex as relationship builder, but again, I was just here for the coffee, Quinn counting to 5 before strangling someone, and Quinn's cop partner being an ass.
So Quinn (the detective) and Sebastian (the defense lawyer) were deeply in love many years ago, broke up hard, and both have some serious unspoken regrets. (Pining, lots of pining) Meanwhile Quinn eventually fell hard for a 'youngster" Peyton (ex-sniper) just before deployment and then seemingly lost Peyton's affection for Will, who have been sex buddies for several years now.
One fateful night has all of them together facing their pasts and attractions. So the only reason the insta love works is because several of the men have long-standing attraction already between them. And Quinn and Sebastian really carry the load and I just love their 2nd chance romance.
So
Sebastian + Quinn; Quinn + Peyton; Peyton + Will = one big happy family eventually.
"Hmm. Ex-boyfriend and current hook-ups all in one room. I bet that was fun," Hunter said.
"Don't forget the dead body," Caleb said unhelpfully
Sebastian squeezed his eyes shut. Kill count? Why was this happening to him? He'd just wanted to get laid.
We're just waiting for you.
Quinn wasn't sure he'd ever heard a more perfect sentence. Five words that summed them up in a way he could never hoped to describe. They'd all be waiting for each other.
Waiting for this.
“I'm sorry that I didn't trust you back then,” Quinn said softly. “ I'm sorry I didn't believe you, Seb. You hadn't given me any reason to doubt you. I would take it back, but I can't.” His fingers trailed down Sebastian's neck, and Sebastian wished that it didn't feel so good, wished that he didn't crave it so much. “I'm sorry that you were alone so long, and that I wasn't there to show you that you had someone to lean on.”
“I have people to lean on,” Sebastian said stiffly.
Quinn's smile was sad, and Sebastian refused to feel guilty. “
Then I'm sorry that I'm not one of them.
So Quinn (the detective) and Sebastian (the defense lawyer) were deeply in love many years ago, broke up hard, and both have some serious unspoken regrets. (Pining, lots of pining) Meanwhile Quinn eventually fell hard for a 'youngster" Peyton (ex-sniper) just before deployment and then seemingly lost Peyton's affection for Will, who have been sex buddies for several years now.
One fateful night has all of them together facing their pasts and attractions. So the only reason the insta love works is because several of the men have long-standing attraction already between them. And Quinn and Sebastian really carry the load and I just love their 2nd chance romance.
So
Sebastian + Quinn; Quinn + Peyton; Peyton + Will = one big happy family eventually.
"Hmm. Ex-boyfriend and current hook-ups all in one room. I bet that was fun," Hunter said.
"Don't forget the dead body," Caleb said unhelpfully
Sebastian squeezed his eyes shut. Kill count? Why was this happening to him? He'd just wanted to get laid.
We're just waiting for you.
Quinn wasn't sure he'd ever heard a more perfect sentence. Five words that summed them up in a way he could never hoped to describe. They'd all be waiting for each other.
Waiting for this.
“I'm sorry that I didn't trust you back then,” Quinn said softly. “ I'm sorry I didn't believe you, Seb. You hadn't given me any reason to doubt you. I would take it back, but I can't.” His fingers trailed down Sebastian's neck, and Sebastian wished that it didn't feel so good, wished that he didn't crave it so much. “I'm sorry that you were alone so long, and that I wasn't there to show you that you had someone to lean on.”
“I have people to lean on,” Sebastian said stiffly.
Quinn's smile was sad, and Sebastian refused to feel guilty. “
Then I'm sorry that I'm not one of them.
November 13, 2022
Holy hotness. Loved loved loved this. Peyton and Will went out one night and met Sebastian. What Peyton and Will didn’t know was that Quinn and Sebastian were together many years before. This is a hot, steamy read, with some action as they try to see who is targeting Sebastien. I am soooooo looking forward to reading book 2. I highly recommend - you will not be disappointed.
I received a copy of this book for my review.
I received a copy of this book for my review.
January 17, 2026
If you're searching for a great poly romance look no further. I had trouble putting it down. I liked that each character had a distinct personality and storyline. The added suspense helped keep things interesting without requiring too much relationship drama. And there are different kinds of connections between the characters, such as second chance, fwb, and one night stand. I particularly enjoyed the worries about exclusion because, although they were unfounded, it added a bit of extra emotion.
I do wish the characters' physical descriptions were more fleshed out because I had trouble visualizing them all. There are also a whole lot of characters names and relationships to keep track of, including coworkers and siblings. I felt there was a little lack of detail that made it tough to keep straight.
With that said, it was exactly what I was looking for.
I do wish the characters' physical descriptions were more fleshed out because I had trouble visualizing them all. There are also a whole lot of characters names and relationships to keep track of, including coworkers and siblings. I felt there was a little lack of detail that made it tough to keep straight.
With that said, it was exactly what I was looking for.
July 27, 2023
Fun action paced story
This story just grabs you from the start and doesn't stop until you are done and asking for more. The lives are so intertwined its amazing the gates didn't break before the events of this book. The core foursome has their issues from the past that is making it somewhat hard for something real to start but once it does the passion is intense! The book is not just about the fun times but their is a great storyline inclided as well. Great read looking forward to book 2.
This story just grabs you from the start and doesn't stop until you are done and asking for more. The lives are so intertwined its amazing the gates didn't break before the events of this book. The core foursome has their issues from the past that is making it somewhat hard for something real to start but once it does the passion is intense! The book is not just about the fun times but their is a great storyline inclided as well. Great read looking forward to book 2.
November 30, 2022
Over all I liked the story and relationship development. All four men stood strong in their own right. There was some tension from past relationship history which I thought gave some depth counteracting the amount of sex scenes. I don’t mind sex in books. But it sort of felt a little too much like a porn show to begin with. But as the men became closer. There were more feelings involved.
The mystery was interesting and Hunter … it seems he might have a pivotal role in one of the main characters life and decisions that maybe not all will be on board with.
The side characters were allso well thought out and added strength to the story line.
I’m interested to see how these men will work through their differences and grow stronger together emotionally.
The mystery was interesting and Hunter … it seems he might have a pivotal role in one of the main characters life and decisions that maybe not all will be on board with.
The side characters were allso well thought out and added strength to the story line.
I’m interested to see how these men will work through their differences and grow stronger together emotionally.
February 19, 2025
Love it when I discover a new good series involving detective/crime romance!! And this time MMMM? I was so excited and the book did not disappoint! Was it at certain points a bit quick plot wise? Maybe but the developments were imo well thought out and I loved the characters! I can’t wait to read the next instalment and other books in this universe. Once comment I have tho is…. THAT ENDING?? Way too abrupt it’s not even a cliffhanger AHAHA just as if the author thought “ok we covered all the important stuff let’s stop here” 😂 but fineeee I’ll just start in book 2 right away (so maybe it was a tactic, ending like that 🤣🤣)
November 25, 2022
Catalyst was an excellent MMMM romance, I’m excited to see where this series is going. Will and Peyton are best friends with benefits. Everyone thinks they’re together; they even live together. They pick up Sebastian at a club. They take him home, hot, hot, hot! A dead body is then discovered, and Quinn is called in and he has a past with Seb! The chemistry between these four was explosive, hot and steamy, spicy! The story hooked me from the first page and didn’t let me go. Overall, a fantastic read! Well written with pacing that leaves me wanting more!
November 16, 2022
Will, a cop, living with and hooking up with Peyton. They had been together for years then Sebastian a defense lawyer enters their lives. Peyton and Will allowed Sebastian to be the only other person either had slept with. Quinn, detective, sexiest man Peyton had ever known. A misunderstanding keeping them apart for years. Sebastian and Quinn have a history. Quinn greatly enjoys marking Peyton over the marks that Sebastian left. Quinn, Peyton, and Will, yes, that happened too. Confused? Me too. All the different pairings, threesomes, and the foursome was jaw dropping. I definitely liked them in all and any form.
Suspense, mystery, and sufficient hotness to curl this readers hair. Characters with enough backstory to keep them intriguing, entertaining and yet left a few questions for future stories.
Well written and thoroughly enjoyable.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
Suspense, mystery, and sufficient hotness to curl this readers hair. Characters with enough backstory to keep them intriguing, entertaining and yet left a few questions for future stories.
Well written and thoroughly enjoyable.
Review Copy requested and reviewed on behalf of OMGReads.
November 29, 2022
Ahhhhh, I loved this so much! The mystery/crime aspect and all the tangled/overlapping relationships and all the side characters (can't wait til they all get their own stories).
This ends in a HFN because even though the crime is sorta solved in the end, their relationship still needed a lot of growing and expanding on, even though the four of them seem to settle quite well for now. Seems they are all still living separately, so I can't wait for book 2 to expand on how Will, Peyton, Quinn, and Sebastian will navigate this new poly relationship they're all in.
I loved that they had past chemistry and still lingering feelings towards each other within the 4 of them. This was felt really well through the writing, and the sex scenes were scorchinggggg and very much plenty. I loved that it was balanced really well with the plot and crime/mystery in the background and there were wholesome moments with family and with the dog too, ughhh just perfect.
I loved that we saw cameos of some characters from Aurora's old series "Thicker than Blood" and I can't wait to reread their newly developed stories later. So excited for everything in this series, it was perfect!
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the author.
This ends in a HFN because even though the crime is sorta solved in the end, their relationship still needed a lot of growing and expanding on, even though the four of them seem to settle quite well for now. Seems they are all still living separately, so I can't wait for book 2 to expand on how Will, Peyton, Quinn, and Sebastian will navigate this new poly relationship they're all in.
I loved that they had past chemistry and still lingering feelings towards each other within the 4 of them. This was felt really well through the writing, and the sex scenes were scorchinggggg and very much plenty. I loved that it was balanced really well with the plot and crime/mystery in the background and there were wholesome moments with family and with the dog too, ughhh just perfect.
I loved that we saw cameos of some characters from Aurora's old series "Thicker than Blood" and I can't wait to reread their newly developed stories later. So excited for everything in this series, it was perfect!
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest review. All opinions are my own and not influenced by the author.
November 18, 2022
All aspects of this book work seamlessly together and I was hooked from the beginning. We have one established couple and two other characters who know them and each other. They start to come together as a threesome first, but a dead body brings them all together and they work through the complications of that, their careers and how they fit together and becoming a quad as the story progresses. There are dangerous characters, shady characters working for bad guys and mysterious groups and it's clear that these four are never going to have a calm, peaceful life but they'll have each other.
November 15, 2022
There are not enough words to describe how much I loved this book. From the blurb alone I was like a moth to a flame and that carried through to the last page of the book. The chemistry between the characters is off the charts. The story is awesome. It is the perfect balance of mystery, suspense, and steam....neither part takes something away from the other. All of that makes this book not only a 5 star read but also a 5 flame read as well. I cannot wait for book 2. Is it 2023 yet?
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
November 11, 2023
M/M/M/M action romance.
This started quite promising with all alpha MCs and a mystery plot but then devolved very quickly.
The men stopped having unique voices, they became hard to tell apart. Except Will who was portrayed as a sensitive child not a tactical cop!
There is also something halting in the writing style.
The shoot them up and murder mystery that propelled the men together ended up full of holes and ended bizarrely without much explanation. Instead their main interactions were about food or being nursed.
There is definitely lust but I don’t know about romance. They are all like puppies so there was only fake tension.
Peyton and Will’s weird monogamous friends with benefits relationship, but in reality is much more had shockingly cockblocked Peyton and Quinn…[eye roll!]
While Quinn and Sebastian’s fall out was vaguely about a trust issue but we have no real details.
In the span of a week these alpha possessive men, a tactical cop, a detective, an ex special forces soldier and a high flying lawyer, lust like teenagers over each other and manage to set aside their fantasies and obsessions and suddenly want to share each other. All done with tons of baggage and not much communication. And the sex was shallow on details to make it really hot.
It is disappointing!
This started quite promising with all alpha MCs and a mystery plot but then devolved very quickly.
The men stopped having unique voices, they became hard to tell apart. Except Will who was portrayed as a sensitive child not a tactical cop!
There is also something halting in the writing style.
The shoot them up and murder mystery that propelled the men together ended up full of holes and ended bizarrely without much explanation. Instead their main interactions were about food or being nursed.
There is definitely lust but I don’t know about romance. They are all like puppies so there was only fake tension.
Peyton and Will’s weird monogamous friends with benefits relationship, but in reality is much more had shockingly cockblocked Peyton and Quinn…[eye roll!]
While Quinn and Sebastian’s fall out was vaguely about a trust issue but we have no real details.
In the span of a week these alpha possessive men, a tactical cop, a detective, an ex special forces soldier and a high flying lawyer, lust like teenagers over each other and manage to set aside their fantasies and obsessions and suddenly want to share each other. All done with tons of baggage and not much communication. And the sex was shallow on details to make it really hot.
It is disappointing!
Read
September 8, 2025I’m grateful to my Mum for nurturing this gift of reading books in me, in the mental and emotional state I’m in, I don’t know how else I’d cope if I couldn’t get lost in these worlds.
Who did we meet or who was explicitly mentioned for me to note:
Will’s team
Will McMahon - with Peyton, 28 Tactical Units Operations Officer, 6ft6 - MC
Roy - sniper
Diego
Cain - medic
Jeremy - Jelly
Hamish- Peanut Butter
Seb’s people
Sebastian Devlin - Defence lawyer, friends with Caleb, dark blue eyes - MC
Caleb - friend, workmate
Monica - PA
The Sinclair
Peyton Sinclair - who wants Quinn, twin Parker, brother Riley
Sinclair brothers- Danny, Kellan and Lucas, father is Superintendent Simon Sinclair
Quinn’s people
Detective Quinn Lewis Hughes - 32
Grady - partner
Gideon
Ange
Greer
Henry
Ethel - grandmother
I actually didn’t expect this to be as steamy as it was, and for the first I truly understood what writing in 3rd person is and why some readers don’t like to read it.
There are many unknowns especially from the past and it’s giving me an itch but I am intrigued and will continue on. No typos
Who did we meet or who was explicitly mentioned for me to note:
Will’s team
Will McMahon - with Peyton, 28 Tactical Units Operations Officer, 6ft6 - MC
Roy - sniper
Diego
Cain - medic
Jeremy - Jelly
Hamish- Peanut Butter
Seb’s people
Sebastian Devlin - Defence lawyer, friends with Caleb, dark blue eyes - MC
Caleb - friend, workmate
Monica - PA
The Sinclair
Peyton Sinclair - who wants Quinn, twin Parker, brother Riley
Sinclair brothers- Danny, Kellan and Lucas, father is Superintendent Simon Sinclair
Quinn’s people
Detective Quinn Lewis Hughes - 32
Grady - partner
Gideon
Ange
Greer
Henry
Ethel - grandmother
I actually didn’t expect this to be as steamy as it was, and for the first I truly understood what writing in 3rd person is and why some readers don’t like to read it.
There are many unknowns especially from the past and it’s giving me an itch but I am intrigued and will continue on. No typos
June 6, 2024
Not very memorable. The writing was too mechanical for me; at times it was like reading a set of instructions. The author told the reader what happened instead of showing the reader what happened. There wasn't a strong visual created to allow the reader to interpret what happened.
Besides the writing style, the dynamics of the characters didn’t work for me. I didn’t buy that a 28-year-old man had never kissed or slept with anyone but Peyton and yet their relationship was considered casual. Will was written so vanilla, yet the author has him picking up a guy he met just 30 minutes before? Just didn't buy it. Another paradox was Peyton pining over Quinn for years and then when he finally gets to be with him, he tells Quinn to go be with Sebastian.
Don’t see how adding a 5th person to this mix will make the story better so I will pass on book 2.
Besides the writing style, the dynamics of the characters didn’t work for me. I didn’t buy that a 28-year-old man had never kissed or slept with anyone but Peyton and yet their relationship was considered casual. Will was written so vanilla, yet the author has him picking up a guy he met just 30 minutes before? Just didn't buy it. Another paradox was Peyton pining over Quinn for years and then when he finally gets to be with him, he tells Quinn to go be with Sebastian.
Don’t see how adding a 5th person to this mix will make the story better so I will pass on book 2.
June 12, 2023
I love poly romance and was looking forward to this but im a bit confused as there was a lot of info in the book.
The 4 MC's i get but there seemed to be 2 ? Characters with same name or am assuming maybe they are same person and book 2 might have those answers?
Its just a very hmm hectic read with a lot going on all at once
And after 8 years of freezing each other out..2 of the MCs just get back together with not a lot of explanation as to what happened originally..almost like we are supposed to know already
And well Will and Peyton...clueless..of course they were dating..OMG cheesy
Honestly I didnt even realise was set in Sydney til like 3 or 4 chapters in ...
Will read book 2 just cos I dislike unfinished business as such ....
The 4 MC's i get but there seemed to be 2 ? Characters with same name or am assuming maybe they are same person and book 2 might have those answers?
Its just a very hmm hectic read with a lot going on all at once
And after 8 years of freezing each other out..2 of the MCs just get back together with not a lot of explanation as to what happened originally..almost like we are supposed to know already
And well Will and Peyton...clueless..of course they were dating..OMG cheesy
Honestly I didnt even realise was set in Sydney til like 3 or 4 chapters in ...
Will read book 2 just cos I dislike unfinished business as such ....
November 23, 2022
This is how you write poly romance.
What a glorious read. This whole... thing, just worked for me and it felt so much fun after the more mediocre/"nice enough" reads I had lately. There's romance, enough life outside of the romance stuff to keep the story fresh and dynamic and just a well-made connections between the main characters (too many books just slip into a sort of lust or fated thing to make such a relationship "real" or possible). And I just adored the characters.
A series worth watching. Well, reading. Recommend to all fans of a solidly built romance that is both intriguing and romantically satisfying.
What a glorious read. This whole... thing, just worked for me and it felt so much fun after the more mediocre/"nice enough" reads I had lately. There's romance, enough life outside of the romance stuff to keep the story fresh and dynamic and just a well-made connections between the main characters (too many books just slip into a sort of lust or fated thing to make such a relationship "real" or possible). And I just adored the characters.
A series worth watching. Well, reading. Recommend to all fans of a solidly built romance that is both intriguing and romantically satisfying.
Read
June 12, 2025DNF @ 20%
With such a high rating, I had elevated expectations for this book, but I couldn’t figure out who was who! While listening to the audiobook, I must’ve rewound at least a dozen times within the first hour. Regardless, there were just too many character names. At first, I thought maybe Crane was using both first names and last names, but after reading the synopsis, I ruled that out. So even with just first names, I couldn’t figure out what was going on.
With such a high rating, I had elevated expectations for this book, but I couldn’t figure out who was who! While listening to the audiobook, I must’ve rewound at least a dozen times within the first hour. Regardless, there were just too many character names. At first, I thought maybe Crane was using both first names and last names, but after reading the synopsis, I ruled that out. So even with just first names, I couldn’t figure out what was going on.
September 20, 2025
Strange drug-related killings are happening in Sydney, and four horny Australians are doing their best to have a lot of sex while it happens in the background. Entertaining enough but none of these people seem to be able to focus on their jobs long enough to actually do them because they're too busy thinking about it, more likely, actually sleeping with each other to do them.
Also, the mystery aspect is really unsatisfying.
Also, the mystery aspect is really unsatisfying.
July 8, 2023
I dunno, I like this enough to continue - the plot was engaging and I liked Will, Payton and Seb. Not really a fan of Quinn though, and we’re not shown why/how Peyton is in love with him so frankly he’s not bringing much to the table. It also has the feel of a spin off in the way other characters are presented.
March 9, 2025
4.25 stars!
As a hockey enjoyer, reading something with a Quinn Hughes in it is so weird and appalling but kinda hilarious. It isn't that uncommon I guess but of all names? I can't just not laugh 😭
But anyways, I liked it. Will has my fav personality out of all of them. I can't write anything properly rn but it was a good read.
As a hockey enjoyer, reading something with a Quinn Hughes in it is so weird and appalling but kinda hilarious. It isn't that uncommon I guess but of all names? I can't just not laugh 😭
But anyways, I liked it. Will has my fav personality out of all of them. I can't write anything properly rn but it was a good read.
March 16, 2024
Not really interested in seeing where this series goes. The mystery was alright, but the relationships between the characters was not the best written. It was very insta-love in my opinion, which I'm fine with, but then there was also nothing really to build it and make it feel solid.
March 25, 2025
I didn't get very far. I got annoyed with all the POV switching with lack of depth. I like poly books, but they have to be done right. There were too many things going on at once. And switching POVs mid chapter is just ugh for me.
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