Reviewed by Larissa

TITLE:  The Mechanics of Lust

SERIES: Mackenzie Country, Book 2

AUTHOR: Jay Hogan

NARRATOR:  Gary Furlong

PUBLISHER: Southern Lights Publishing

LENGTH: 10 hours and 46 minutes

RELEASE DATE:  March 19, 2024

BLURB:

I broke the rules and fell in love with my best friend. Newsflash. He didn’t feel the same. I had to stand by and watch him fall for someone else. Moving on hasn’t been easy since we all live and work on the same high country sheep station, but I’m finally getting there.

I’m building a new life, a new set of dreams, planning a different future, just me and my dogs. The last thing I need is Luke Nichols, the sexy, enigmatic, ex-husband of my nemesis, filling my head with a laundry list of cravings. Talk about complicated.

Luke is only in Mackenzie Country for a few months and I’m not about to put my heart on the line again just for a little fun. But the more I’m around Luke, the harder it is to remember exactly why Luke and I are a bad idea, the worst idea.

Things between us are about to go nuclear. Maybe I’m wrong.

Maybe we can keep it simple.

Maybe I can satisfy my cravings and hold on to my heart.

And maybe pigs can fly.

Note: This book contains references to the past loss of a child.

REVIEW:

The Mechanics of Lust is Jay Hogan’s second installment in her Mackenzie Country series, and as narrated by the inimitable Gary Furlong, it truly is an unforgettable audiobook.  This is a poignant romance with some difficult moments, heavier than the first book in my opinion.  But it’s worth your time and any shed tears to invest in this beautiful story of healing and finding love where you least expect it.

Jay Hogan is exceptional at sharp, snarky, sardonic wit.  I expect to find it whenever I pick up one of her delicious romances.  Interestingly, her Mackenzie Country series does not lean into that aspect of her writing, or at least hasn’t thus far.  Her dialogue is crisp, on point, and yes, there’s some snark.  But the predominant feeling of the first two excellent books in this series – The Art of Husbandry and The Mechanics of Lust –  is grief, healing, and finding peace in this remote, treacherous, breathtakingly beautiful part of the world.

Hogan’s imagery is phenomenal – completely immersive and vivid in detail.  The location is as much a character in these stories as are the men who inhabit it.  Her strength is in her characters, and she digs in here with rich detail and texture for both Luke and Zack.  Their chemistry is undeniable.  Hogan adeptly balances Zack’s pain and skittishness against some overt brattiness intended to protect his tender heart.  Luke, who seemed like the bad guy based on the first book, turns out to be anything but.  He’s actually become my favorite character of the series so far. Hogan also gives us a nice dose of angsty hurt/comfort, especially for grieving, lonely Luke.

If you are a close reader, you may have noticed Hogan’s cheeky nod to her stalwart narrator Gary Furlong in the text of the story.  Furlong deserves any and all mentions, even easter eggs within the text, because he is truly exceptional at his craft and in complete synergy with Hogan as her go-to narrator.

As in his narration of the first book, Furlong is mesmerizing here in his vivid portrayals of Zack, Luke and the whole cast.  His connection to the story and Hogan’s intent for her characters and how the plot unfolds is demonstrated through his intuitive, emotionally connected vocal performance. He balances humor and horror, pain and pleasure, delivering all authentically and impactfully without letting any one aspect overtake another.  But what I enjoy most about Furlong’s performances, and what makes him a one-click buy for me every time, is his ability to create an immersive environment where he then captivates with his storytelling ability.

I highly recommend Hogan’s inspired Mackenzie Country series, especially on audio.  The Mechanics of Lust is an exceptional audiobook that should not be missed.  Although not strictly necessary, I also suggest you listen to The Art of Husbandry.

RATING:

BUY LINKS: 

Amazon

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