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REVIEW: Phoenix – J.V. Speyer

Phoenix - J.V. Speyer

Genre: Romance, Suspense, Paranormal

LGBTQ+ Category: MM Gay

Reviewer: Maryann

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About The Book

In this thrilling conclusion to the Hunter series, Donovan’s new promotion has just brought its first tragedy. Two of his detectives and one FBI agent have been shot in a joint mission in western Massachusetts, and a manhunt is on for the killer. Luis is trying his best to be supportive, but he’s the key witness in the trial of a major predator in Boston. 

When an ally of the predator in Luis’ case takes desperate action to free the defendant, Luis is in more danger than he’s ever faced before. Donovan is torn between fighting for his men and fighting for his lover. Luis is fighting for his life in a place so dismal only the dead survive.  

And the clock is ticking.

The Review

Life and work are as busy as ever for both Donovan Carey and Luis Gomes. They are both procrastinating about a big step they want to take in their relationship.  

Donovan, now promoted to lieutenant, has his hands full when an investigation goes wrong and leaves death and injuries behind. 

Luis is testifying in a very gruesome case against a pedophile, Santo Gelens. But one minor slip up leaves Luis vulnerable to a crazed follower of Gelens.

Now Luis is missing, and Donovan fears for his life.  

This is the final novel in the “A Hunter Novel” series and J.V. Speyer really delves into Luis’ special ability. Luis being trapped in a place of misery and pain, once again can always depend on Captain Lightfoot.

Speyer gives Luis some new friends to get him through what could be his final days.  Besides Captain Lightfoot, there’s a great set of secondary characters in Millie, Mike and Boom Boom.

Speyer also gives us some fascinating historical information on the Metropolitan State Hospital ub Waltham, Massachusetts, built in the 1920’s – a sad reality for the patients that were admitted there. They were all lumped into the facility regardless of sex, age, illness, mental illness or being a criminal, and electroshock was a primary means to cure patients at that time.

Speyer really brings the paranormal to the forefront in this final novel. As always, there’s fast paced action, intense investigations, suspense and a variety of high emotions, and most important – the love of family and friends.

“Hunter:  A Paranormal Romantic Suspense Series” has been a favorite of mine from the very first book and I’m sad to see it end. J.V. Speyer first brought “Hunter” to the readers in November 2018; “Absolution” 2019;  “Faith” 2020 and “Prodigal” 2021.  

The Reviewer

Hi, I’m Maryann, I started life in New York, moved to New Hampshire and in 1965 uprooted again to Sacramento, California.  Once I retired I moved to West Palm Beach, Florida in 2011 and just moved back to Sacramento in March of 2018.  My son, his wife and step-daughter flew out to Florida and we road tripped back so they got to see sights they have never seen.  New Orleans and the Grand Canyon were the highlights. Now I am back on the west coast again to stay! From a young age Ialways liked to read.

I remember going to the library and reading the “Doctor Dolittle” books by Hugh Lofting. Much later on became a big fan of the classics, Edgar Alan Poe, Mary Shelley, Bram Stoker and as time went by Agatha Christie, Ray Bradbury and Stephen Kingand many other authors.

My first M/M shifter book I read was written by Jan Irving the “Uncommon Cowboys” series from 2012.  She was the first author I ever contacted and sent an email to letting her know how much I liked this series.  Sometime along the way I read “Zero to the Bone”by Jane Seville, I think just about everyone has read this book! 

As it stands right now I’m really into mysteries, grit, gore and “triggers” don’t bother me. But if a blurb piques my interest I will read the book.

My kindle collection eclectic and over three thousand books and my Audible collection is slowly growing.  I have both the kindle and audible apps on my ipod, ipads, and MAC. So there is never an excuse not to be listening or reading.

I joined Goodreads around 2012 and started posting reviews.  One day a wonderful lady, Lisa Horan of The Novel Approach, sent me an email to see if I wanted to join her review group.  Joining her site was such an eye opener.  I got introduce to so many new authors that write for the LGBTQ genre. Needless to say, it was heart breaking when it ended.

But I found a really great site, QRI and it’s right here in Sacramento. Last year at QSAC I actually got to meet Scott Coatsworth, Amy Lane and Jeff Adams.