There is something special about a series that doesn’t just entertain you, it pulls you in and refuses to let go. And right now, JL Seeger’s second installment of the New Haven series, Revive Me, has me in a full-on chokehold. I accidentally left my next physical read at home this weekend, but thankfully, I had already downloaded this audiobook on Libro.FM.

And let me just say, I am so glad I did.

Following Restore Me (if you caught my Valentine’s Day post, you already know how I felt about Sloane and Nic), this next installment shifts the focus to Mallory and Chris. Their story is beautifully intertwined with the original couple, but it does something I deeply appreciate: it takes us back. It fills in the gaps. It gives context to moments that were only hinted at before.

And the narration? Whew. The performers didn’t just read the story; they breathed life into Mallory’s tension and Chris’s restraint. The longing, the confusion, the emotional weight. You can hear the push and pull between family obligation and the undeniable tug of personal desire.

I was so locked into those final chapters that I told myself, “Just one more.” And then one more turned into ten more minutes… which turned into me logging into my team meeting ten minutes late because I had to know how it ended.

This story explores what happens when loyalty to family collides with the truth of your own heart. What do you sacrifice? What do you protect? And what happens when the past refuses to stay buried?

And the ending? Oooh, my eyebrows were raised into my hairline, and my mouth was completely open. I had to sit there for a minute and process.

That said, I want to note that this book includes conversations about violence against women. While not gratuitous, those themes are present and may be difficult for some readers. Please take care while reading.

Trip Summary: If you’re invested in the New Haven world, this one adds depth, history, and emotional stakes that make the series even richer. I’m officially locked in. Five passport stamps ⭐ 5️⃣.

~ RR