I enjoyed this second book even more than the first (though it is a narrow thing; both were wonderful.) While it shows I read this over a couple of days, I should mention, I read the second half in one sitting and stayed up until 2:00 AM to finish it. 

While the first book follows Daniel, this one focuses on Tony, and I thought it was a wonderful choice to give us insights to his experience of their relationship. I don't think I've read an experience with 'coming out' (quotations for various reasons) quite like Tony's, but it felt entirely natural. He's never made any declarative statements, but his friends have known for a while, and his family has recently figured it out. He's not trying to hide it, staying over at Daniel's most nights, but feeling like he's still sneaking around a bit.

The mysteries aren't the strongest part of this series; however, this one was still compelling (my bloodshot eyes can attest), and that aspect felt a little bit more assured than the first book. (Again, this is not meant as shade; I gave the first book the same rating, this one just felt slightly enhanced.)

I am mainly here for the feels, and Tony . . . TONY. You wonderfully semi-stoic softie, thinking your feelings and experiences aren't worth talking about or sharing. I think the character development in this book was also a cut above book 1, which makes sense. Daniel is older and more established; he does have realizations, but his life wasn't as upended as Tony's is.

Also, I must give five stars for the aspect of managing a sprawling cast of characters in a way that felt deft and not pure chaos. The chaos of particular moments is well described, but it never felt like I was lost in a sea of names that I had no reference for. 

I don't know if the author plans to continue in this series, but I wouldn't mind a book about Colette . . . or Gianna . . . honestly, I'd take a book about any of the side characters. However, I will add any future books by S.B. Barnes to my priority TBR.

Thanks to GRR for the advanced reader copy! It got me to read the first book that I purchased last year, and I found some new favorites.