Paternal Instincts

Valor and Doyle, Book 8

De: Nicky James

Narrado por: Nick J. Russo

At the heart of a missing child case, Quaid and Aslan learn the true nature of fatherhood. With their baby due any day, Quaid ends up tangled in a case on the last day of work before his parental leave begins. Between eerie ransom notes and family secrets, unanswered questions pile up, twisting the case into something Quaid has never seen. Someone is lying. Someone knows more than they’re saying.

With the help of supportive friends and colleagues, Quaid and Aslan are determined to solve the case before it’s too late. When their surrogate goes into labor, Quaid struggles to let go and walk away. A boy has vanished. A life is in danger.

©2025 Nicky James (P)2025 Nicky James

⭐️⭐️ 10 STARS ⭐️⭐️

This final book in the Valor & Doyle series is everything I hoped for and more! I’m heartbroken it’s over, but Nicky James delivered the most perfect ending to an unforgettable series. I already know I’ll be re-listening to it again and again.

The birth of Aslan and Quaid’s baby was so emotional and beautiful, I was in tears! I love how these two, quirks and all, balance each other in the most heartfelt way. And even with everything going on in their lives, they still couldn’t let the case go because that’s exactly who they are. The mystery in this book was equal parts gripping and frustrating (in the best way). I didn’t figure it out until almost the end, and I loved that!

Truly, I have nothing negative to say—it was PERFECT.

The narration? Also perfect. Nick J. Russo is Valor & Doyle for me, and I’m so grateful the entire series was done with him. It wouldn’t have felt right with anyone else.

Author’s Note:
Nicky, your note at the end felt like a heartfelt conversation with a dear friend. Thank you for sharing something that was clearly so personal and emotional. I hope writing it brought you a bit of healing and that the joy you’ve given us through this book gives some back to you.

Great listen

I’m sad to reach the end of this series but it was amazing! This last installment was perfect! The narration was spot on!

Absolutely Perfect!

I adored this book when I read it and Nick J. Russo just slays the narration--Absolutely perfect! While I'm devastated this is the last book for our beloved Aslan and Quaid, what a way to go out. As Aslan and Quaid are preparing for the birth of their first child, they catch a last minute child abduction case. What follows is a roller coaster of a case that had me guessing at every turn, with small moments of them getting ready to be father's just expertly woven throughout. It all culminated in a whopper of a conclusion for the case, and the emotional and wonderful birth of their first child together. It was everything I hoped for them and more. I was completely choked up and crying tears of joy for them. Everyone we have grown to love throughout the series is back and was simply amazing support for Aslan and Quaid. While I am just bereft that it is over I could not have asked for a better ending for our beloved detectives. They will forever hold a special place in my heart. From that first angry kiss outside the precinct to their first date, to their wedding, and now their firstborn. We've been on an incredible journey with these two that I am so sad to see end but know they will absolutely live happily ever after!

I miss them already!

This final installment of Valor & Doyle was everything I needed it to be. I laughed, I cried, I wished there was more... but honestly, I'll never be over these two. I'm so happy for them and their journey, and I'll be rereading these books every year. At least.

Absolutely Loved!!

Wow, what a perfect ending to an amazing series! Nicky James does it again! Another mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat, Aslan and Quaid become parents, and all the wonderful banter between everyone! It was just so freaking good, not to mention all the feels. Nick J Russo, as always, nailed his performance! He really makes all the characters come to life, and it just brings everything to the next level. I laughed, I cried, I swooned, it was all bittersweet, but was left with a happy heart! I can't express how much I loved this book and the entire series, and all the characters, I can't recommend it enough!

I will miss them so much!

And with the eighth installment, that is a wrap on Valor and Doyle *waves empty box of tissues*

Oh my gosh, what a beautiful send off for these two. Ending with a bang, this finale neatly tied up any loose threads and enveloped their growing family with so much love, care, and support. They’ve grown immensely as individuals and as a couple, and there’s no doubt in my mind that they’ve earned their HEA. The case kept the suspense high and shone powerfully in the parallels that made it every bit personal to Quaid. Throw in Nick J. Russo’s superb narration, and you have blended together the perfect sauce.

Thank you, Nicky James, for your vulnerability, for breathing life into these characters, and for returning to share one last heartfelt glimpse into the next stage of their journey 💖

Chef's Kiss - perfect ending

This was a perfect ending to an amazing series. I was late to party in reading this series and spent several days devouring the series. So, it should come as no surprise that I picked up this book and read it cover to cover in one day. I just couldn't put it down. It was great being back with Quaid and Aslan. There banter, love and snarkiness are perfect. The right level of side character involvement. And of course, the mystery keeps you guessing. As much as I love the book, I can't wait for the audio to come out too so I can revisit these guys again.

Audo:
Wasn't I right. Listening to Nick Russo bring these guys to live is pure - chef's kiss. You really jump right into this book and the emotions that come from Russo's voice are perfect. Now to start from the beginning all over again!

An amazing end to the series!

I absolutely loved this story. I’m a little sad that we’ve come to the end of this awesome series, but I love how the author ended it. The mystery was also one of the best parts of this book. I sort of had it figured out, but not completely. Would definitely recommend and I totally give it five stars.