Reviewed by Sadonna

TITLE:  Relevant Heart

SERIES:  The Fearless Heart

AUTHOR:  Janice Jarrell

NARRATOR:  Walker Williams

PUBLISHER:  Self-published

LENGTH:  8 hours and 25 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  January 26, 2024

BLURB:

Colin is excited to be prosecuting his first murder case. But his ability to remain detached is challenged as the circumstances surrounding the crime awaken his deep inner fear of losing someone he loves; a fear nearly realized when—only two short months ago—Joshua was kidnapped and violently assaulted.

While Colin and his team gather evidence, he and Joshua endeavor to create a program that will establish a bridge between veterans suffering a mental health crisis and local police. But this effort drains Joshua’s already fragile health to a dangerous level, leaving Colin frantic with worry and frustration.

Meanwhile, Nate has a play opening off-Broadway and must live in New York City for six to eight weeks. It is clear from the onset that the director has the hots for Nate—or at least for his talent as a playwright—a fact which has David pacing the floor in anxiety. He is happy for Nate and proud of his husband but worried about the director’s attention and unhappy about Nate’s long absence.

By the time Nate celebrates his opening night, all four friends are exhausted both emotionally and physically and ready for the healing trip to Ireland they’ve been planning for months.

Colin’s breathtaking ancestral home provides many magical moments, but an unexpected and terrifying incident leaves them shaken and questioning the faith in each other that has always been their foundation. Will these shattering circumstances strengthen their bonds or break their hearts and tear their relationships apart?

REVIEW:

Note:  This is part of a continuing series and as such, there are a lot of references to previous events in the preceding books that describe Colin and Joshua’s love story arc.

This story picks up shortly after the events of the previous book.  Joshua is still recovering from his abduction and severe concussion.  He’s finally back to work, but he’s still suffering some side effects that he’s not too happy about.  Colin is worried that he’s overdoing it. Colin is busy with his case load as well. Simultaneously, Nate, one of Colin and Josh’s best friends is having a play produced in New York off Broadway.  Nate is nervous about leaving his husband David and his stepdaughters for the run of the play.  David is worried about Nate leaving and being seduced by the glamour of New York.  Colin is also nervous about Nate leaving permanently.

Nate’s time in New York is great and awful.  He was a bit naive about the director’s designs on him.  Both Colin and David are more than happy to let said director what will happen to him if he pulls anything with Nate.  Thankfully Nate has a good lawyer and good friends when things start to go south after a successful opening and run.  Ultimately Nate cannot get back to Charlottesville fast enough!  He’s exhausted and needs a break.

With Josh still pushing himself too much and Nate and David need a break too, Colin decides they all need a break and suggests a 2 week trip to Ireland.  It’s not too much of a hard sell and all four men are ready for a getaway.  Josh hasn’t been to Ireland since their honeymoon.  Colin has a plan and they are all excited about the trip.  Things start out well, but an unexpected brush with danger puts a damper on what has been a wonderful trip. Colin’s ex-cop instincts just can’t be ignored, much to Joshua’s dismay.  It takes some intervention for Josh and Colin to get back on track when both of them are scared and feel they are in the right 😉  Family and friends help them make things right.

Josh and Colin’s love story continues with this new story of their life together.  I loved getting to see more of Nate and David as well.  The trip to NYC is a great addition as well (huge Broadway fan here).  I loved the descriptions of Ireland – somewhere I’ve yet to visit personally.  The love between these two isn’t easy but it is real and true.  They are human and flawed and devoted.  Everything about this story rang true.  Their conflicts are completely believable and for anyone who has lived with someone else and moved through the trials of life I think the negotiations required in a long term relationship are quite recognizable.

Walker Williams does a great job performing this story with great continuity from the previous audios.  Her voice choices really fit the characters here.  I loved the Irish accents 😉  This was a very enjoyable listening experience and I will always be there for more of Joshua and Colin’s love story.  Highly recommended.

RATING: 

BUY LINKS:

Amazon

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