Reactant (Chain Reaction Book 2) by Aurora Crane

"What an incredible and intense way to continue this series!" Angel on Reactant, the second book in the Chain Reaction series from Aurora Crane.

From the blurb:

When the chemistry between the five men explodes, the stakes get even higher.

Jericho Rowlands has spent most of his life living under different names, doing the dirty work required to keep Sydney safe. His time as Warren Boiler had put him on a collision course with Sebastian Devlin—the lawyer who kept him out of jail when it all went to hell in a handbasket—and also brings him into contact with the three men who are such an important part of Sebastian’s life. Jericho is only supposed

to be keeping Sebastian alive; that’s easier said than done when chemistry like he’s never felt before flares between him and all four men—four men that he definitely shouldn’t want to touch so much.

Quinn, Peyton, Will, and Sebastian have the weight of history and mistakes and missed opportunities between all of them, making an already-complicated situation harder. None of them can deny the magnetic pull holding them together as they try to muddle through what their new normal will look like. Jericho isn’t supposed to be part of it, but they can’t ignore their instant connection with him when he falls into their orbit.

The past has led them to where they are, but the threats of the present could end any chance at a future they might have. Sebastian and “Warren’s” names are on a list, and everyone else on it is dying one by one. Quinn is racing against the clock, and unless he can figure out who’s gunning for them from the shadows, the future they're fighting for could be out of reach. Quinn and Will are standing on one side of the law, Peyton and Jericho hold the other, but even that might not be enough to keep Sebastian out of the crosshairs.

Reactant is a 100,000-word MMMMM romance that ends in a HFN. It is Book 2 in an ongoing series that follows the same five men and their relationship. It is not a standalone whatsoever and begins directly after the end of Catalyst (Chain Reaction Book 1).

It contains adult situations, gun use, references to murder, suspense themes, and a character with PTSD. Readers’ discretion is advised.

This is an Aurora Crane novel. That means it's written in third person, there are a myriad of poly characters, it's a sprawling universe with lots of side characters and cameos, and of course, there’s lots of snarky banter and idiots falling in love.

Angel's Review:

I don't typically read books that leave off with a HFN, mainly cause I'm really bad with both cliffhangers and waiting for the next book to come out. But, I just couldn't pass up reading the continuation to Catalyst. These men carved a hole in my heart where they fit into, I can't get enough of them! 

This book picks up where Catalyst left off, this book focuses on not just who's still after Sebastian but it also focuses on these men trying to figure out their relationship with one another and how they'll work together as a unit. The scene where these guys are throwing around ideas of what to call each other was hilarious!! If you're ever looking for a story that's guaranteed to get you hooked to the characters and make you laugh this is the book for you. Will, Sebastian, Quinn, and Parker all work so well together, they are trying to figure out what a relationship looks like with them all being together but they still work so beautifully together!  I haven't read a lot of poly stories but this one is really well done, and believable! They make sure to prioritize communication and trust. Both of which is incredibly important. 

Not only are they trying to balance what they are to each other, but now they're all trying to figure out what it means when they all are attracted to Jericho. These men have so much more to figure out and learn relationship wise, along with trying to protect each other from danger that just keeps finding them.

The action scenes in this are incredible! There aren't many, but the ones that are in this story are well done. I also really love how Aurora made it so you can't figure out the overall mystery that is occuring in both books. It's not obvious, and even in this book you can't figure out who's the main 'bad guy'. We do get more information, but that's not all of it, I'm certain there is more we have to learn. I'm really excited to read more books in this series, I love each and every character. Grady, Six, Hunter, Parker, Riley, and obviously Persephone. Who wouldn't love her?! 

Overall this is a truly fantastic continuation and extension of the men's relationship along with their personal character growth. 

Rating: 5 Stars

Reactant is available to buy as an ebook or to read with Kindle Unlimited subscription.