Ghost Eye: An MM Romantic Thriller (Dark Water Book 2)

Ow. This one hurt and not in a good way. Now, don't get me wrong, I loved this book as much as the first one. And there was (eventually) plenty of comfort to go with all the hurt. But it took us a bit to get there. We learn more about Alex's first months as an IS and they were painful and horrific. My heart broke more with each word I read so that by the end I was willing to risk going to prison in defense of poor Alex. I really feel like I understand him a lot more now and can only hope that Josiah's love can finally mend his broken pieces. We also learn exactly how Peter died, and it was as heart wrenching as I expected. It definitely explains why Josiah is the way he is. And I can already see that Alex will mend Josiah's broken heart. Alex has stated from the beginning that he has a huge secret that will upset Josiah and when it's revealed (and despite all the hints, I didn't guess it until RIGHT before it was revealed), he's right. But Josiah understands why he kept it until he did. And then Alex stated that he has some information that will help Josiah track down Elliot's killer but he's not willing to tell him what it is just yet. What is it with this man and his secrets? Why can't he just tell Josiah everything? I am tired of Alex's games. I mean, I understand why he's acting the way he is. For the past seven years he hasn't known who he can trust, but Josiah has shown that Alex can trust him and yet, I feel like Alex still doesn't fully trust that Josiah won't…

Episode 2 of this serial is about a detective required to temporarily host an indentured servant who may have killed his master. I feel that it's not really a requirement to have read Episode 1 - "Crocodile Tears" info can be picked up as a reader progresses through "Ghost Eye". I am giving this episode a 4-star rating because I did keep reading right through in one loooong sitting, eager for more. That 'more' kept being put off because said indentured servant wouldn't reveal much all at once. And our detective never did do anything to solve the original case. Or the main plot-point. There is cruelty to this part of the serial. The writing is excellent with characterisations, world-building, dialogue, and scene-setting. But there is a lot of "Ghost Eye" that could be shortened.

I absolutely devoured this four-book series. I started last Wednesday and could barely tear myself away until I finished today. These books pulled me in so completely that everything else in life had to wait. The story is a dark, gripping M/M romance set in a vivid dystopian future. The world-building is both brutal and beautiful, the characters complex and unforgettable, and the emotional tension is intense from start to finish. The romance is raw, tender, and sometimes heartbreaking, but always compelling. If you enjoy dark romance, dystopian settings, and a love story that burns through every obstacle in its path, this series is a must-read. I’m already wishing there were more books in this world.