Review and Giveaway: Imagines by N.R. Walker

Title: Imagines (Imago: Book Two)

Author: N.R. Walker

Publisher: Self-Published

Length: 184 Pages

Category: Contemporary

At a Glance: Imagines is another gorgeous gift of a book.

Reviewed By: Jules

Blurb: Imagines is the Latin plural for Imago, and the only thing better than one metamorphosis, is two.

Jack Brighton and Lawson Gale have been together for six months and are very much in love. Lawson’s work ensuring the survival of the Tillman Copper is demanding as ever, and Jack’s work with the regeneration of the bushfire-ravaged national park is just as hectic.

When Jack suggests they take a short trip, Lawson agrees. But then he is offered a two-week research position in tropical Queensland to help determine why the Ulysses butterfly is on the decline. Figuring they could combine work and pleasure, Jack and Lawson go on their first vacation together.

Working alongside renowned professor Piers Bonfils isn’t easy. But personal and professional differences aside, Lawson is offered a more permanent role in Queensland. Torn between his new life in Tasmania with Jack and a dying species of butterfly he feels compelled to save, Lawson has to decide where his fate lies.

But fate changes the rules. On a research expedition into the depths of the rainforest, suddenly it’s not only the butterflies’ existence that hangs in the balance

A butterfly’s life cycle never changes. From larvae to imago, their course is plotted by design. Jack and Lawson need to determine where they stand, if they live through it. Because the only thing more incredible than one imago is two.

Review: I have mad love for N.R. Walker’s Jack Brighton and Lawson Gale. I was so completely and utterly charmed by Imago that when I learned Walker was writing a sequel, I was equal parts thrilled and trepidatious. Thrilled because, ohmygod more Jack and Lawson!! And, trepidatious because how could she capture that magic again? Could she even come close? Well…she came very close. Imagines has the same swoony, romantic vibe of Imago, more cool butterfly fun facts, and just enough drama and suspense to keep you on your toes.

Seemingly impeccably researched once again, everything to do with Lawson’s work and the new butterfly he is tasked with trying to save was truly fascinating. I loved watching Lawson and Jack in action, doing field work and putting their heads together to solve a problem. They really do make a fantastic team. Jack’s knowledge of flora and fauna and sharp intellect coupled with Lawson’s brilliance make them a pretty impressive pair at work. And, I love how their obvious love and respect for each other still totally shined through in this book.

The plotline of the story was very good. As I said, Lawson and Jack in action together in the field were fantastic, and the situation they find themselves in on their research expedition is suspenseful and heart stopping. Let’s just say that Lawson once again finds himself in a predicament only Jack can get him out of, and Walker nailed the drama and emotion of the scene. But, as good as all the science-y butterfly stuff and the drama were, to me, the romance was still the number one draw in this book. It wasn’t quite as shmoopy and breathtaking as the first book – but, there is plenty of stuff like this:

“I love it when you hug me like that.”
 
He nudged his nose to my ear. “Like what?”
 
“Like it feeds your soul.”

These guys were still just….Gahhhhhh. So, so romantic and in love. But, their relationship has progressed over the past six months, and now they have some weightier issues to talk and think about. Things like meeting the families, moving in together, and blood tests. I loved how Walker tackled all of these things and where she took Jack and Lawson in this book. At one point in the story, in Jack’s POV, we see the line “There was something to be said about intimacy that wasn’t sexual.” And I thought it was so perfect for these two. They care for each other and make their relationship a priority, even when they’re making difficult choices about life or work. I just love them so, so much.

My favorite part of the whole thing had to be the last chapter and the epilogue, though. We didn’t get the meaning of the title until near the very end—but, it was so worth the wait. And, Jack gives Lawson a gift in the last chapter that will make you swoon so hard. Truly, the entire epilogue will just melt you. Imagines is another gorgeous gift of a book. Jack and Lawson were left in a wonderful place, and it felt wrapped up, so I don’t know if the author has anything else in store for these two—but, I would happily read more butterfly adventures if Walker was inclined to write them. :)

You can buy Imagines here:
[zilla_button url=”http://amzn.to/2kYNtMK” style=”blue” size=”medium” type=”round” target=”_blank”] Amazon US [/zilla_button][zilla_button url=”http://authl.it/B06VXS641F?d” style=”blue” size=”medium” type=”round” target=”_blank”] Amazon Int’l [/zilla_button]

About the Author

N.R. Walker is an Australian author, who loves her genre of gay romance.

She loves writing and spends far too much time doing it, but wouldn’t have it any other way.

She is many things: a mother, a wife, a sister, a writer. She has pretty, pretty boys who live in her head, who don’t let her sleep at night unless she gives them life with words.

She likes it when they do dirty, dirty things… but likes it even more when they fall in love.

She used to think having people in her head talking to her was weird, until one day she happened across other writers who told her it was normal.

She’s been writing ever since…

Where to find N.R. Walker: Amazon Page || Website || Facebook || Facebook Author Page || Twitter || Email

The Giveaway

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