Listen free for 30 days
-
Breaking Point
- Turning Point Series, Book 2
- Narrated by: Sean Crisden
- Series: Turning Point Series, Book 2
- Length: 7 hrs
- Categories: LGBTQ+, Romance
People who bought this also bought...
-
Point of No Return
- Turning Point, Book 1
- By: N.R. Walker
- Narrated by: Sean Crisden
- Length: 4 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Matthew Elliot is one of LA’s best detectives. He’s been labeled the golden boy of the Fab Four: a team of four detectives who’ve closed down drug-rings all over the city. He’s smart, tough and exceptionally good at his job. He’s also a closeted gay man. Enter Kira Takeo Franco, the new boxing coach at the gym. Matthew can’t deny his immediate attraction to the man his fellow cops know as Frankie. But in allowing himself to fall in love with a man known to his colleagues, Matthew risks outing them both.
-
-
Enjoyed...
- By Kindle Customer on 27-05-18
-
Happy Endings
- Demon Magic, Book 1
- By: Alice Winters
- Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux
- Length: 7 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Smart men never dabble with demons. I never claimed to be smart, but at least, I’m powerful enough to control them. When I bound Havoc to me nearly 300 years ago, I never realized how difficult he’d make my life, although “accidentally” lighting him on fire every now and then does bring a smile to my face. Havoc is handsome, mysterious, and somehow, my closest companion, even if we don’t always get along.
-
-
Alice winters as always writing is impeccable
- By Denise on 20-01-21
-
How to Vex a Vampire
- VRC: Vampire Related Crimes, Book 1
- By: Alice Winters
- Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo
- Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Getting into the vampire-only detective unit was the easy part. What’s going to be more difficult is dealing with my new partner - an ancient vampire who keeps threatening to eat me. The unit has never had a human in it. Marcus - or, as I like to call him: Fangy McFangface - would really prefer to keep it that way. He’s grumpy, short-tempered, and broody, but I have a way with words, and I know he’s starting to like me, even if he swears he’s not.
-
-
Brilliant
- By Meg on 17-05-20
-
The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings
- A Black and Blue Novel, Book 1
- By: Lily Morton
- Narrated by: Joel Leslie
- Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Levi Black is at a crossroads. After suffering a loss and breaking up a long-term relationship, he’s looking for a change. When he receives the news he’s inherited a house in York, he seizes the opportunity to begin a new chapter in his life. However, when he gets there, he finds a house that has never kept its occupants for very long. Either through death or disinclination, no one stays there, and after a few days of living in the place, Levi can understand why.
-
-
Highly recommended
- By Loulou on 14-01-21
-
Oz
- Finding Home, Book 1
- By: Lily Morton
- Narrated by: Joel Leslie
- Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Oz Gallagher does not do relationships well. Bored and jobless after another disastrous hook up, he decides to leave London for a temporary job in the wilds of Cornwall. Surely managing a stately home on a country estate will be easier than navigating the detritus of his relationships at home. Six months there will alleviate a bit of his wanderlust and then he can come back to London as footloose and fancy free as the day he left it. However, when he gets there, he finds a house in danger of crumbling to the ground and a man who is completely unlike anyone he’s ever met.
-
-
I spent ages not wanting to listen, but......
- By Antony Jones on 31-05-20
-
Inside Affair
- Prime Time Series, Book 1
- By: Ella Frank
- Narrated by: Charlie David
- Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If I had to describe Sean Bailey, it would be: A surly, temperamental pain in my ass. Never in that equation would I ever include the word boyfriend - and not just because he’s straight. The older brother of my life-long best friend, Sean is a detective for the Chicago PD, and is also known as Detective “Dick” for being...well, a surly, temperamental pain in everyone’s ass. He also happens to be the best they have, which is why I find myself on his doorstep the night my life is threatened by an anonymous stalker.
-
-
Probably a good story
- By C M Silver on 24-06-20
-
Point of No Return
- Turning Point, Book 1
- By: N.R. Walker
- Narrated by: Sean Crisden
- Length: 4 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Matthew Elliot is one of LA’s best detectives. He’s been labeled the golden boy of the Fab Four: a team of four detectives who’ve closed down drug-rings all over the city. He’s smart, tough and exceptionally good at his job. He’s also a closeted gay man. Enter Kira Takeo Franco, the new boxing coach at the gym. Matthew can’t deny his immediate attraction to the man his fellow cops know as Frankie. But in allowing himself to fall in love with a man known to his colleagues, Matthew risks outing them both.
-
-
Enjoyed...
- By Kindle Customer on 27-05-18
-
Happy Endings
- Demon Magic, Book 1
- By: Alice Winters
- Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux
- Length: 7 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Smart men never dabble with demons. I never claimed to be smart, but at least, I’m powerful enough to control them. When I bound Havoc to me nearly 300 years ago, I never realized how difficult he’d make my life, although “accidentally” lighting him on fire every now and then does bring a smile to my face. Havoc is handsome, mysterious, and somehow, my closest companion, even if we don’t always get along.
-
-
Alice winters as always writing is impeccable
- By Denise on 20-01-21
-
How to Vex a Vampire
- VRC: Vampire Related Crimes, Book 1
- By: Alice Winters
- Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo
- Length: 10 hrs and 2 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Getting into the vampire-only detective unit was the easy part. What’s going to be more difficult is dealing with my new partner - an ancient vampire who keeps threatening to eat me. The unit has never had a human in it. Marcus - or, as I like to call him: Fangy McFangface - would really prefer to keep it that way. He’s grumpy, short-tempered, and broody, but I have a way with words, and I know he’s starting to like me, even if he swears he’s not.
-
-
Brilliant
- By Meg on 17-05-20
-
The Mysterious and Amazing Blue Billings
- A Black and Blue Novel, Book 1
- By: Lily Morton
- Narrated by: Joel Leslie
- Length: 10 hrs and 15 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Levi Black is at a crossroads. After suffering a loss and breaking up a long-term relationship, he’s looking for a change. When he receives the news he’s inherited a house in York, he seizes the opportunity to begin a new chapter in his life. However, when he gets there, he finds a house that has never kept its occupants for very long. Either through death or disinclination, no one stays there, and after a few days of living in the place, Levi can understand why.
-
-
Highly recommended
- By Loulou on 14-01-21
-
Oz
- Finding Home, Book 1
- By: Lily Morton
- Narrated by: Joel Leslie
- Length: 9 hrs and 7 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Oz Gallagher does not do relationships well. Bored and jobless after another disastrous hook up, he decides to leave London for a temporary job in the wilds of Cornwall. Surely managing a stately home on a country estate will be easier than navigating the detritus of his relationships at home. Six months there will alleviate a bit of his wanderlust and then he can come back to London as footloose and fancy free as the day he left it. However, when he gets there, he finds a house in danger of crumbling to the ground and a man who is completely unlike anyone he’s ever met.
-
-
I spent ages not wanting to listen, but......
- By Antony Jones on 31-05-20
-
Inside Affair
- Prime Time Series, Book 1
- By: Ella Frank
- Narrated by: Charlie David
- Length: 6 hrs and 28 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
If I had to describe Sean Bailey, it would be: A surly, temperamental pain in my ass. Never in that equation would I ever include the word boyfriend - and not just because he’s straight. The older brother of my life-long best friend, Sean is a detective for the Chicago PD, and is also known as Detective “Dick” for being...well, a surly, temperamental pain in everyone’s ass. He also happens to be the best they have, which is why I find myself on his doorstep the night my life is threatened by an anonymous stalker.
-
-
Probably a good story
- By C M Silver on 24-06-20
-
A Ferry of Bones & Gold
- Soulbound, Book 1
- By: Hailey Turner
- Narrated by: Gary Furlong
- Length: 10 hrs and 34 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When the gods come calling, you don’t get to say no. Patrick Collins is three years into a career as a special agent for the Supernatural Operations Agency when the gods come calling to collect a soul debt he owes them. An immortal has gone missing in New York City and bodies are showing up in the wake of demon-led ritual killings that Patrick recognizes all too easily from his nightmares.
-
-
Clunky and needs editing - has promise though
- By Book addict on 12-05-19
-
Tallowwood
- By: N. R. Walker
- Narrated by: Antony Ferguson
- Length: 10 hrs and 13 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Sydney Detective August Shaw has spent the last decade of work solving cold cases. His work is his entire life, and he's convinced a string of unsolved cold-case suicides are linked to what could be Australia's worst ever serial killer. Problem is, no one believes him. Senior Constable Jacob Porter loves his life in the small town of Tallowwood in northern New South Wales. When human remains are found in the camping grounds at Tallowwood Reserve, Jake's new case turns out to be linked to August's cold cases, and Jake agrees they're not suicides at all.
-
-
OMG!
- By Aussiebumwearer on 23-08-20
-
Out of the Ashes
- A Metahuman Files: Classified Novella, Book 1
- By: Hailey Turner
- Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux
- Length: 2 hrs and 38 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
War never leaves a soldier behind. Staff Sergeant Alexei Dvorkin is still healing from his brief stint as a prisoner of war. While his physical wounds have mended, the emotional scars left behind are slow to disappear. Eager to prove his resilience in the face of lingering trauma, Alexei is determined to complete his first mission in three months and get back into the field - but he’s not forging ahead without his lover.
-
-
Alexei, le sigh
- By Cassi on 30-11-20
-
Rule Breaker
- By: Lily Morton
- Narrated by: Joel Leslie
- Length: 9 hrs and 32 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Is it really wrong to want to murder your boss? Dylan has worked for Gabe for two years. Two long years of sarcastic comments. Two long years of insults, and having to redo the coffee pot four times in the mornings to meet his exacting standards. Not surprisingly he has devoted a lot of time to increasingly inventive ways to murder Gabe. From stabbing him with a cake fork, to garrotting him with his expensive tie, Dylan has thought of everything. However, a chance encounter opens his eyes to the attraction that has always lain between them, concealed by the layers of antipathy.
-
-
Took a while to get into it but pretty good by the end.
- By Muzla82 on 09-10-20
-
Hell & High Water
- THIRDS, Book 1
- By: Charlie Cochet
- Narrated by: Mark Westfield
- Length: 10 hrs and 6 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
When homicide detective Dexter J. Daley’s testimony helps send his partner away for murder, the consequences - and the media frenzy - aren’t far behind. He soon finds himself sans boyfriend, sans friends, and, after an unpleasant encounter in a parking garage after the trial, he’s lucky he doesn’t find himself sans teeth. Dex fears he’ll get transferred from the Human Police Force’s Sixth Precinct, or worse, get dismissed.
-
-
4 stars read/listen
- By Debbie Attenborough on 02-02-15
-
His Consort
- By: Mary Calmes
- Narrated by: Scott Smith
- Length: 8 hrs and 36 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A new life in New Orleans is all Jason Thorpe had hoped: His quaint little store attracts a devoted staff, and his warm, loving heart grants him a loyal circle of friends. He's perfectly content, having left behind the chill of a confusing and danger-filled night in Washington, until he discovers something unbelievable lurking in the steamy darkness of the shadowy streets of the Vieux Carré, something that turns out to be terrifying and utterly mesmerizing.
-
-
Amazing
- By PL on 27-08-20
-
Off Plan
- A Whispering Key Novel
- By: May Archer
- Narrated by: Michael Dean
- Length: 11 hrs and 50 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
I came to Whispering Key for a job. That was all. To show the world Mason Bloom could be more than a small-town doctor living a medium-sized life. Private doctor on a swanky island with a posh resort? Check. But from the moment I set foot on this island, nothing went according to plan. And I definitely didn’t expect Fenn Reardon, the island’s incredibly attractive, incredibly infuriating, incredibly male resident tour guide, to become the one person I can’t live without.
-
-
4.5* of grumpy lovers
- By Headinabook on 26-06-20
-
Nothing Special Series Box Set, Books 1-5
- By: A.E. Via
- Narrated by: Aiden Snow
- Length: 51 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
A bundle of the award-winning Nothing Special series by internationally best-selling author A. E. Via.
-
-
Awesomeness personified
- By AL on 19-11-20
-
Clutch
- Forbidden Desires, Book 1
- By: Piper Scott, Virginia Kelly
- Narrated by: Michael Ferraiuolo
- Length: 7 hrs and 8 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Bookish, snarky, and fiercely independent Nate Boudreaux leads a solitary life. Between teaching classes at the university and working toward his PhD, he doesn’t need a partner to occupy his time, and he certainly doesn’t need a man like Alistair Drake complicating his future. Alistair Drake, black sheep of the tremendously wealthy Drake family, is more interested in adding another notch to his bedpost than another zero to his bank account.
-
-
Great start - looking forward to the rest of the series!
- By Mel Rawlinson on 11-09-19
-
Caulky
- Four Bears Construction, Book 1
- By: K.M. Neuhold
- Narrated by: Tim Paige, Liam DiCosimo
- Length: 6 hrs and 39 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
The last thing I want is another relationship or another broken heart. All I need are my bees and the occasional hookup to scratch the itch. Okay, maybe meeting up with my hot contractor weekly is a little more than occasional. And maybe the way I’m starting to feel about the guy I’ve been anonymously chatting with online should concern me. But CaulkyAF doesn’t want to meet, and Cole doesn’t want anything serious, so what’s the worst that could happen?
-
-
Building love via app
- By Laora on 10-11-20
-
Finders Keepers
- By: N.R. Walker
- Narrated by: Joel Leslie
- Length: 6 hrs and 30 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
Needing a change of scene, Griffin Burke moves from Brisbane to Coolum Beach to start a new job. The beautiful white sand, aqua-colored ocean, blue skies, and summer breezes are everything he longs for. What he finds is a mud-covered dog, lost and hungry, with a name tag and a phone number. Dane Hughes is stuck in Surfers Paradise at a week-long work conference when he gets a phone call from his distraught mother. His dog, his fur baby, Wicket, has run away. Unable to leave and feeling helpless and miserable, he gets a text from a guy. "I think I found your dog."
-
-
A sweet romance.
- By A. Listener on 20-12-19
-
In the Wreckage
- Metahuman Files, Vol. 1
- By: Hailey Turner
- Narrated by: Greg Boudreaux
- Length: 10 hrs and 14 mins
- Unabridged
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
After surviving a horrific chemical attack that turned him into a metahuman, Captain Jamie Callahan got a second lease on life. For three years he’s been working for the Metahuman Defense Force and leading Alpha Team - all against the wishes of his family. The job requires his full dedication, so it’s no surprise Jamie doesn’t have time for a relationship. An enticing one-night stand with a gorgeous stranger shows Jamie what he’s been missing. When a mission to take down a terrorist cell brings that same stranger - Kyle Brannigan - back into his world, Jamie’s life gets complicated.
-
-
Awesome start to a addictive series
- By Pixiebell on 13-05-18
Summary
Book two in the Turning Point Series.
A fight for what's right becomes a fight for his life.
As guilt plagues him, Matthew Elliott's world begins to spiral out of control. The harder he holds on, the more it slips through his fingers, and he's helpless to stop it.
Entering into the underground cage-fighting scene, he starts out fighting for what's right. The deeper he gets, the more guilt consumes him - the more pain he takes for his penance - and he's soon fighting for more than justice.
He's fighting for love.
He's fighting for his life.
The third edition has a new cover and has been re-edited, though no new content has been added.
More from the same
What listeners say about Breaking Point
Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- HelenMK69
- 27-06-20
Great series
I really liked this series when I read it about a year ago and now after listening to it on audio, I fell in love over again. I did cry a lot through this book so expect that when you read it. It's a brutal book on your emotions but well worth a read.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- Mr A Burrows
- 24-12-19
The sequel that doesn’t disappoint
Well, I am still very much hooked to these characters and dying to know what happens next. I will say that the story dragged a little just before the halfway point and sometimes the intended emotions to be evoked in the reader were a bit laboured but this still makes for a gripping story which is not hard to follow and where you do feel the heart-felt intentions of the narrative structure. The protagonist really does make some frustrating choices and I didn’t need such a long build up to his own realisation that he was suffering serious PTSD. There are people out there who aren’t in tune with their mental well-being and it’s not out of step with the credible identity of a previously closeted guy who has spent his life in a steely, emotionless detective department so I can forgive this otherwise shallowness in a main character’s self-understanding. If I could change one element, it would be not to have the metaphors in the story from several main characters be explained immediately afterwards so often as some nuance would give them overall meaning and more depth. Still, this is a truly original series that has really pulled me in and I will be spending more nights staying up too late to get my next slice! We all pretty much are completely in love with Kira now, right?
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story
- jane wilkinson
- 20-07-18
Another Enthralling Instalment
This is the second book in a captivating trilogy and as such should really be read/listened to in order. We find Matt and Kira dealing with the aftermath of the events in the first instalment, Turning Point. Matt is heavily weighed down with guilt over what happened to Kira and vows to protect him from anything like that again. He keeps a big secret from Kira in this book and whilst I understood it was from a place of 'protection', I could totally understand Kira feeling hurt over the lies and betrayl. This is a darker toned book but it's just as gripping as the first, a lot happens and we are introduced to some great new characters.You really do feel a lot of emotions in this one and that has as much do with the brilliant narrator, Sean Crisden, as with the story. I was really pleased to see that Sean was narrating all of the trilogy as he did such a great job with Turning Point. He voices Matt and his emotions so well. He also nails the voices for the new characters, especially the FC fighters like Arizona too, keeping them very distinct. His rhythm and timing are impeccable and that makes listening to this audiobook both easy and extremely enjoyable. I highly recommend this one & you will immediately want to dive into Starting Point, the last in the trilogy to find out how everything turns out.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Kate M
- 03-05-18
So good
Oh man this series is soooo good. I finished it in a day in a half. N.r Walker can write! It was hot, sad, some parts were hard to listen to but it all works out in the end. I definitely recommend this book😍😍
2 people found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Robert Brereton
- 24-10-18
Rare five stars
I never give five stars, but this was a solid book. Well written. Great narration by Sean Crisden, one of my fave narrators.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Kaitee
- 22-09-18
I felt the emotion.
Sean is my all time favourite reader I wish he had done more books, the characters in this book are made real by him, their emotions, their thoughts, all of it hit me deeply and kept me sat listening with worry and concern and intrigue from start to finish. To say I loved this book is an understatement.
1 person found this helpful
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- DGMays
- 23-09-20
Excellent Second Book!!
The series only gets better! This is COMPLETELY my brand of romance. Tender, passionate moments; realistic issues needing to be worked through, and a very dark shadow to be expelled! Sean Crisden's beautiful voice did it again... SPOT ON!! On to book 3!!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- JAW
- 03-08-20
but can I say it's a must read series
just completed book two it's a phenomenal series thus far . looking forward for book three the final book of this series....
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- ReadingMad100
- 01-10-18
Not perfect, but darned great!
This is the second instalment in the Turning Point Series about Matthew and Kira (M/M romance). You need to read book 1, POINT OF NO RETURN first (a stand-alone with a HEA) to enjoy BREAKING POINT. In the Audible version we get the great pleasure of experiencing the story through Sean Crisden's narration - just wonderful. As with the first book, this one was well-written with likeable main and supporting characters that are easy to care about and love. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey it took me on, ending withOUT a cliffhanger even though there is a third book in the series about the same main characters. For this reason I appreciate this writer's treatment of me as a reader. I can stop here if I want, having experienced a complete story. I couldn’t stop though; I went on to listen to book 3 as well. Highlights for me included the incredible relationship shared by Matthew and Kira who are people of extraordinary character. Their relationship is tested as Matthew’s world changes in this novel and he races along a downward spiral. Wrenched away from his close work colleagues, the consequent pain he feels is realistically portrayed. Although he establishes warm relationships with a new set of co-workers, he risks losing them too. The emotional ride in this book is well paced and surprising. Kira and his exceptional parents show their true, unconditional love and support when Matthew needs them most. However, this book isn’t perfect. Despite being a strong character, Matthew sometimes sounds weak when he fears losing Kira. Matthew is crumbling under a mountain of guilt and we know from book 1 what might be causing some of it. The other reason is revealed during this book, and not all at once. As a reader, I needed to know from the start how Matthew was roped into this new life. Also, it was hard to accept that the organisation Matthew worked for would allow him to take serious personal risks alone the way he did. But I am nit-picking. The positives of the story far outweigh the negatives. I recommend this novel for lovers of M/M romantic suspense, and especially the Audible version. Sean Crisden’s performance is perfect.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Erryn Barratt
- 25-08-18
Action, Danger, and Lies (an audio review)
’Breaking Point’ picks up a few months after Book 1 of the Turning Point Series ended. That book had a satisfying ending. It, like this book, is a stand-alone. That being said, this is N.R. Walker, one of the few authors who can create a couple whose story is so compelling that they need three books for their arc of love to be properly told. Basically, what happens after Happily Ever After? Well, this book starts with a stunning event – Matt is retiring from the police force. Eleven years in and he’s walking away. Kira, the man Matt loves desperately, is struggling to understand. Matt joined the police force the day he turned eighteen and has always loved being a cop. Being a police officer is as much a part of him as his good looks, but it is no longer enough. So, come Monday, he’s joining The Fight Club (FC) and is going to train in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). I’m going to insert at this point that I know nothing about MMA except for commercials with quick shots of guys fighting in cages. Those I turn off as fast as I can. That’s not my thing. Violence doesn’t appeal to me. And make no mistake, there is violence in this book. With N.R. Walker penning it, though, the action in this book is always contextualized, necessary, incredibly well-researched, and brilliantly written. Kira isn’t pleased about Matt’s choices, but is willing to support him. In fact, the day after his retirement, Kira and Matt are making out in the kitchen when Kira mentions his mother expects them for dinner. Matt points out that mentioning Yumi when he has Kira’s balls in his hands might not be the best idea. Talk about risking the mood and erection. Matt is also able to admit to himself that he likes Kira caring for him and never saw himself as a true bottom until Kira. Matt is in no way a submissive in the traditional sense. He’s more of a man who has met someone who allows him to feel comfortable being vulnerable. Or so he tells himself. But Matt is consumed with guilt. Because of Matt’s job, Kira was kidnapped and brutalized at the hand of a monstrous drug kingpin. Kira’s physical injuries have healed and through his friendship with the other women who had been terrorized (the wives and girlfriends of Matt’s teammates on the squad), Kira is well on his way to healing the emotional scars as well. Matt, on the other hand, is not coping. Despite regular sessions with a psychologist (with couples sessions as well), he just can’t get past the guilt. And the fear he’ll put Kira in danger again. So, to protect the man he loves, Matt lies to him. And it’s a whopper of a lie. To try to cope with his emotions, Matt throws himself into the physical training for the MMA – more rigorous than anything he did for the police force or even the paces Kira put him through as Matt’s kickboxing coach. Those lessons stand Matt in good stead and he is able to quickly make a name for himself in the underground fight world where there are no rules and it often feels like a fight to the death. First, though, Matt has to endure a series of increasingly vicious fights to achieve his final goal. In these matches that are growing more violent and more dangerous, Matt has found a way to exorcise his demons – or so he believes. He has also become bloodthirsty, showing a side of himself that bewilders Kira and Kira’s parents. Kira can see something is wrong, but has no idea how to fix it. He can’t figure out how to help Matt work through his guilt and whatever other crap is going on in his mind. Matt’s need for pain and punishment seeps into his relationship with Kira as well: “Matt.” “Kira, please,” he whispered. “You’re not ready.” “Yes I am,” I said, knowing I wasn’t. I wanted to feel this. I wanted it to stretch and burn. I wanted it to hurt. As with Book One, this book is told entirely in Matthew’s point-of-view. Even so, I felt and empathized with Kira’s confusion and pain. Anyone who has watched someone they love self-destructing and are powerless to do anything knows the confusion and hurt. There are good things in Matt’s life and sometimes he is even able to appreciate them. Kira’s parents are phenomenal, supporting their only son unconditionally and accepting Matt as if he were their own child. As an orphan, Matt finds this love wonderful, but I think, at times, overwhelming. And now that Yumi sniffs an engagement in the making, she’s dropping broad hints about a wedding and even babies. Too soon? A mom can dream. Yumi and Sal are fabulous secondary characters. So are Boss and Cody, as well as Emile, Jamal and Pete. It’s Arizona and his girls who I really loved. Even Matt’s former co-workers make cameos in the book, although their presence only serves to emphasize Matt’s isolation. There are two fights in this book that are beyond vicious and I think one would have led to death had it not been stopped. So be prepared for the violence. The violence serves a purpose and is not just there for titillation. In the end, Matt has to face his demons. He has to look in the mirror and accept that the guilt he feels over Kira’s kidnapping is eating him alive. And his newfound thirst for violence comes more from a desire to be hurt than to cause injury to others. I cried while listening to this book. Big surprise, right? N.R. makes me feel things. Challenges me to face my own demons as her characters face theirs. Let me tell you, this can be tough. As always, though, this book gave me hope. It brought me happiness. Plus, it showed me the power of forgiveness – to others, but mainly of ourselves. And although the end is a mix of pain and happiness, Kira and Matt have survived. The end also sets up the next book quite nicely. Finally, there’s Sean Crisden. I really enjoy his narration and given that Matt, Kira, and most of the characters are American and living in L.A., he is perfect. Also, his interpretation of Kira’s Japanese mother, Yumi, is pitch-perfect. He does well without falling into a caricature. Also, there is a special character whose speech is difficult and Sean handles it deftly. I can’t wait for Book three, where N.R. and Sean are bound to make more magic.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- TNI
- 15-08-18
another great book
both the author and narrator did a great job with this book. this is a wonderful continuation to the story. I understand the internal struggle that Matt was facing and why he felt he needed to do what he did. I get why he lied the entire time and while it was hard to read it still works out in the end, sort of. As always my favorite characters are Kyra's parents, esp his mom. if you enjoy the first book then I will definitely pick this one up. And sense I've already read the third book, I would definitely recommend you go ahead and get that as well.
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Christina Wade
- 12-08-18
Wow...this one hurt, a lot.
As I stated in my review of book 1…I’m late to this series and I have no idea why. It’s VERY different from anything I’ve read by Ms. Walker but so damn good. I did not read the synopsis of any of the books before I listened to this series…I really had no idea what the series was about or what to expect from it. I didn’t read any reviews (I never do) because I don’t want my opinion skewed in any way going into a story. I almost wish I had at least read something so I was better prepared because this book HURT. A lot. I also wish I had read this book before listening to it because then I might have maybe a little bit (but probably not) been prepared to have my heart wrenched out of my body by Mr. Crisden’s performance. God, his performance was perfect. (Did I say that in my first review? Is that too repetitive if it’s true? Maybe I should use flawless or impeccable…) All the voices, all the EMOTION…I just… After what happened to Kira in book one Matt is just…broken. I normally hate to use that description, leaning more toward bent or something similar but those words just aren’t strong enough to describe how far gone Matt has fallen. And it takes him hitting absolute rock bottom to stop the cycle. And what’s worse is he takes Kira down with him. And this is going to sound kind of crazy but I love that they aren’t 100% fixed at the end of the book…they’re on their way to healing but there isn’t a ‘OMG the book is about to be wrapped up so I need to fix everything and everyone even if it doesn’t make sense’ rush at the end. There were a couple of nice little surprises in this one as well as some great new characters and I love where Matt ends up. And here I go straight on to book 3!
-
Overall
-
Performance
-
Story

- Morgan A Skye
- 09-08-18
it’s not just enough to say “I love you”
I had forgotten the emotional toll this book takes. This is not a standalone, and takes place right where book 1 leaves off. NR Walker is great at giving us these complex and somewhat broken but not completely broken characters. Matt is losing it but can’t tell Kira and it’s killing them both. Luckily – we find out that love can conquer all – but… and here’s where NR Walker does something amazing – Kira and Matt agree that their relationship needs WORK and that it’s not just enough to say “I love you” and everything is sunshine and roses. I really appreciated that nod to reality with this story. The sexual chemistry is still there, but it is tempered by the emotions and does not preclude real discussions. Highly recommended. Audio As usual Sean Crisden manages to continue to impress the hell out of me with his ability to show emotions and keep all the myriad characters separate and the action from dragging and …. Well everything! He absolutely adds to the overall experience and this is highly recommended! 5 of 5 stars