Prodigal Son by Jay Crownover [Audiobook Review]

When she was a little girl, Remy Archer fell in love with Hyde Fuller at first sight. He was the only thing she could see for a very long time. For Remy, it never mattered that Hyde was always too serious and always seemed so sad. To her, he was the very best, and the center of her entire world. She never dreamed he would let her down when she needed him the most.

Now Remy is a semi-reasonable adult, one with a better understanding of why her intense feelings scared Hyde away and why he left her when she was at her lowest point. She’s moved on, and if anyone asks she’s perfectly happy with the chaotic and adventurous life she’s built. She’s also really proud that she’s still around to experience all the best and worst that surviving something deeply traumatic has to offer. The last thing she needs, or wants, is Hyde coming back and taking over her every thought and feeling the way he once did. Unfortunately, the two childhood friends, turned complete strangers picked the exact same time to come home to search for a little redemption.

When he was a little boy, Hyde Fuller wanted nothing more than to protect Remy Archer from everything, including herself. She gleefully took up every moment of his free time and every ounce of his patience. Hyde was so intent on keeping her safe, he didn’t realize how deeply Remy had worked her way into his heart.

Now that Hyde’s facing the biggest challenge and biggest change of his entire life, he deeply regrets walking away from Remy. The way Remy loved him used to terrify him, but now, it’s the way he loves her that scares him to death.

History has a bad habit of repeating itself, and Remy has a knack for turning even the most simple of situations end over end. This time Hyde is determined to stay by her side no matter what, even though his love for Remy is going to change more than just his life this time around.

This title does contain subject matter that might be difficult/triggering for some readers. Please read the content warning at the beginning before jumping in.

SERIES: The Forever Marked, BOOK 2

LENGTH: 7 hours, 29 minutes

PUBLISHER: Tantor Audio

FIRST PUBLISHED: 2022, AUDIO PUBLISHED: 1/12/22

NARRATOR: Monica King, Tor Thom

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Rating:

Heat Level: STeamy

I have a hard time reviewing Prodigal Son because Built is one of my favorite books in the Marked Men spin-off series Saints of Denver and I have been shipping Hyde and Remy since they were introduced in Built. When we finally got their book, I was even more excited that it was a second-chance romance!

Unfortunately, I wasn’t wowed by Prodigal Son. I felt that this book was rushed and lacked a little bit more – something – to make me believe in an HEA for Hyde and Remy. Don’t get me wrong, I liked that Remy and Hyde didn’t hook up while they were kids, and I also believe that time apart was best for their relationship to really develop. But, I really wished that there was more, especially around the second half of them book, when Remy and Hyde wanted to make a go at a relationship.

To be honest, I was mostly disappointed by how the plot was rushed – most especially Remy and Hyde’s relationship. I felt like they just picked up where they left off, which wasn’t in a good place, and then quickly started a relationship, with a few events that complicated their relationship a little bit.

What I did like about Prodigal Son is the mental health aspect of this book. Remy is suffering from Bipolar Personality Disorder (BPD) and I felt that it was handled well, and weaved really well into the plot. I appreciated the dialogue between the main characters, and the other side characters about mental health, without it being condescending or damaging to the person.

I cried in certain parts, and my heart ached for Remy and Hyde. I just wish there was more. I also wanted to have more scenes with Zeb and Sayer, even Rome and Cora. Most especially Zeb because my heart melted for him when I read his book, Built.

There are quite a few trigger warnings here, and one of the more triggering ones plays a major role in the plot of the story.

Overall, I liked Prodigal Son, but this won’t be a book that I can reread as much as I reread Built and Rule.