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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
3.5 stars
I wasn't feeling this quite as much as I had hoped.
Extensive content warnings can be found in the front of the novel and in the amazon preview. I really love that the author is including them in the book itself!
Criminal Intentions is meant to be like a TV series in book format, and that's probably also why I wasn't as blown away by it as I was anticipating. There's a reason I prefer books over TV series, after all.
At the same time I was also fascinated by this, as it was very well done. I'm already a very visual reader who imagines scenes in their mind while reading, and with Criminal Intentions I could tell that this was written with the whole TV angle in mind. Not just because descriptions were vivid (and very graphic) but also from the way scenes were put together - it really was like reading an episode of a crime show.
What I didn't like so much was that this also created a certain distance to the characters. Of course we are meant to get to know them slowly over the course for several episodes (= single books), there were tons of hints for future revelations, but that lead to a slight lack of engagement and a bit of frustration on my part. I had a very hard time getting a feel for the characters. Furthermore, I'm not sure I even like them, the facets of them we see in this first episode didn't appeal to me for the most part, and it didn't help that for big parts of the book they don't talk to each other and actively dislike working together.
Added to that were the horrific murders centered in this episode's plot, which were even harder to read for me as all the victims are queer. They are not hate crimes, but hard to read nevertheless.
Despite the book's overall bleakness I was never bored or put off. The reading flowed well and it is rather short, which worked in its favour.
There was a bit of a juxtaposition between the two protagonists' intellect and competency at their work that made me go "HOW did they even know that??" in a not entirely good way, while at the same time they miss obvious clues for chapters on end. That said, these things were not as frustrating in the moment as they sound written down.
Overall this didn't quite meet my expectations, but still holds my interest, and I'm definitely going to keep reading. I want to know more about these characters, and I'm hoping that getting to know them better in future episodes will make me like them more and become more engaged.
The episodic/TV format helps here, because I do compare this series to a TV show and there you don't really like the characters personally in the first episode either - you just gotta keep watching.
Lastly I want to mention the afterword. There the author talks about his personal experience of being raised by cops and it's... horrific. Much more disturbing for me than the murders in the book itself (Those are "just" fiction, after all.) I really appreciate him talking about his experience and what being cops did to his parents, and how that factored into writing Criminal Intentions, though I might stay away from the afterword in the future because it might be too much for me.
That said, there are content warnings for the afterword in the beginning as well, so mind those!!
I wasn't feeling this quite as much as I had hoped.
Extensive content warnings can be found in the front of the novel and in the amazon preview. I really love that the author is including them in the book itself!
Criminal Intentions is meant to be like a TV series in book format, and that's probably also why I wasn't as blown away by it as I was anticipating. There's a reason I prefer books over TV series, after all.
At the same time I was also fascinated by this, as it was very well done. I'm already a very visual reader who imagines scenes in their mind while reading, and with Criminal Intentions I could tell that this was written with the whole TV angle in mind. Not just because descriptions were vivid (and very graphic) but also from the way scenes were put together - it really was like reading an episode of a crime show.
What I didn't like so much was that this also created a certain distance to the characters. Of course we are meant to get to know them slowly over the course for several episodes (= single books), there were tons of hints for future revelations, but that lead to a slight lack of engagement and a bit of frustration on my part. I had a very hard time getting a feel for the characters. Furthermore, I'm not sure I even like them, the facets of them we see in this first episode didn't appeal to me for the most part, and it didn't help that for big parts of the book they don't talk to each other and actively dislike working together.
Added to that were the horrific murders centered in this episode's plot, which were even harder to read for me as all the victims are queer. They are not hate crimes, but hard to read nevertheless.
Despite the book's overall bleakness I was never bored or put off. The reading flowed well and it is rather short, which worked in its favour.
There was a bit of a juxtaposition between the two protagonists' intellect and competency at their work that made me go "HOW did they even know that??" in a not entirely good way, while at the same time they miss obvious clues for chapters on end. That said, these things were not as frustrating in the moment as they sound written down.
Overall this didn't quite meet my expectations, but still holds my interest, and I'm definitely going to keep reading. I want to know more about these characters, and I'm hoping that getting to know them better in future episodes will make me like them more and become more engaged.
The episodic/TV format helps here, because I do compare this series to a TV show and there you don't really like the characters personally in the first episode either - you just gotta keep watching.
Lastly I want to mention the afterword. There the author talks about his personal experience of being raised by cops and it's... horrific. Much more disturbing for me than the murders in the book itself (Those are "just" fiction, after all.) I really appreciate him talking about his experience and what being cops did to his parents, and how that factored into writing Criminal Intentions, though I might stay away from the afterword in the future because it might be too much for me.
That said, there are content warnings for the afterword in the beginning as well, so mind those!!
Incredibly strong start.
My one complaint is the out-of-left-field kiss. It felt a bit rushed but I get why it was included and can only help that this is going to keep slowly burning with some added tension and pining, now.
CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS IF YOU READ THIS BOOK IF DOING SO HELPED YOU DIGEST MEDIA IN THE PAST, this does not pull punches. It is grisly, violent, and very graphic in its descriptions. I found them quite unsettling, even if respectful.
I'm glad I followed my gut when it said I would enjoy this one. All the right ingredients are here.
I will be reading more... But first, another physical thriller.
My one complaint is the out-of-left-field kiss. It felt a bit rushed but I get why it was included and can only help that this is going to keep slowly burning with some added tension and pining, now.
CHECK TRIGGER WARNINGS IF YOU READ THIS BOOK IF DOING SO HELPED YOU DIGEST MEDIA IN THE PAST, this does not pull punches. It is grisly, violent, and very graphic in its descriptions. I found them quite unsettling, even if respectful.
I'm glad I followed my gut when it said I would enjoy this one. All the right ingredients are here.
I will be reading more... But first, another physical thriller.
3.5 stars
Rep: Irainian- Jewish bisexual, Korean who is ASD (per another source who has read the entire first season, he is also Ace), diverse side characters
So, this book wasn't what I was expecting, I for some reason expected this to be one of those companion series that follows a different couple each time, so when it took almost until the last 10 pages before they even kissed I was very confused???? I would definitely say this is a book for those who like slow burn and also have a tough stomach because the murder in this book was brutal!!
I did find the story enjoyable, I'm intrigued by the characters pasts so I will definitely be continuing, I'm also hoping for some good steam to make it all worth the wait.
I will say that I kind of predicted who the killer was from the very beginning, but that may have to do with similarities to another book I recently read. It also took me a little while to adjust to the writing for some reason (I've read from this author before), like it didn't flow well for the first couple chapters, but then my brain seemed to catch on lol.
This book isn't as good as his undue arrogance series, but still intrigued by the crime and romance aspects of this story to continue.
Rep: Irainian- Jewish bisexual, Korean who is ASD (per another source who has read the entire first season, he is also Ace), diverse side characters
So, this book wasn't what I was expecting, I for some reason expected this to be one of those companion series that follows a different couple each time, so when it took almost until the last 10 pages before they even kissed I was very confused???? I would definitely say this is a book for those who like slow burn and also have a tough stomach because the murder in this book was brutal!!
I did find the story enjoyable, I'm intrigued by the characters pasts so I will definitely be continuing, I'm also hoping for some good steam to make it all worth the wait.
I will say that I kind of predicted who the killer was from the very beginning, but that may have to do with similarities to another book I recently read. It also took me a little while to adjust to the writing for some reason (I've read from this author before), like it didn't flow well for the first couple chapters, but then my brain seemed to catch on lol.
This book isn't as good as his undue arrogance series, but still intrigued by the crime and romance aspects of this story to continue.
3.75 Stars!
My brief summary:
Lone-wolf Malcom Khalaji and Robotic Seong-Jae Yoon are newly made partners who are not eager to be paired together on a case to say the least. Malcolm has been in Baltimore as a detective and knows the city like no other with a hidden backstory that keeps him grumpy and to himself. (Grumpy is mainly just his personality trait though!) Seong-Jae has just recently transferred from the LAPD and holds a higher rank than Malcolm, but still has a lot to learn about this city and (although seemingly unwilling) about Malcolm too. Both, with personal reasons of their own as to why, work together to find out who is murdering and butchering local young gay men. Along the way they will both start to discover that the ideas they originally had of each other are not adding up, and that maybe having a partner in this case is not as bad as it seems. That doesn’t mean there won’t be eye rolls, smirks, under breath ‘tch’s, and banter in between!
Thoughts:
Overall I’m genuinely super excited to start and continue this series. This was just the beginning and it wasn’t the perfect read, but the characters and set up for something more is wonderful! The amount of quotable moments is icing on the cake too!
Mal and SJ - *screeching* Let the slow burn commence! These fools! I love them dearly already and am just along for the ride.
Side-note: Let me tell you I wish Swabbie’s (their after hour hang out joint) was real! Because of them I am craving food I have never even tried before.
Pointing all fingers to blame the beautiful and wonderful Lila for getting me started on this (@ ✨❤ Summer ❤✨ Solstice) !!!
Would I recommend this and to who:
Crime junkies and slow burn romance lovers
Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook/E-book:
E-book - If anyone was questioning my dedication on wanting to read this, well I got kindle unlimited just for it!
How did I discover this:
Do yourself a favor and visit @ ✨❤ Summer ❤✨ Solstice ‘s reviews on this series and then you’ll know why I’m here!
Pace:
Fast-ish
Cover thoughts:
A tablespoon of dark, a cup of mystery, a dash of a little cheesy and a touch of right on the nose to the theme!
POV:
Multi - Malcolm and Seong-Jae primarily
Quotes:
’Seong-Jae considered letting it go, then thought better of it. “You do not know what to make of me, do you?” “I’m not worried about what to make of you. We don't have to like each other. We just have to work together. And don’t say-” Khalaji snapped one hand up. “Don’t say ‘as you say.” “As you say,” Seong-Jae answered.’
“We only define others by the value they have to us, and once they no longer provide that value, we let them go.”
“People were not comforted by facts. People were comforted by hope, no matter how false.”
Triggers:
Death, Murder, Graphic Horrific Details, Swearing, Sexual Content, Injury, Gore, Homophobia, Toxic Relationships, Confinement, etc.
My brief summary:
Lone-wolf Malcom Khalaji and Robotic Seong-Jae Yoon are newly made partners who are not eager to be paired together on a case to say the least. Malcolm has been in Baltimore as a detective and knows the city like no other with a hidden backstory that keeps him grumpy and to himself. (Grumpy is mainly just his personality trait though!) Seong-Jae has just recently transferred from the LAPD and holds a higher rank than Malcolm, but still has a lot to learn about this city and (although seemingly unwilling) about Malcolm too. Both, with personal reasons of their own as to why, work together to find out who is murdering and butchering local young gay men. Along the way they will both start to discover that the ideas they originally had of each other are not adding up, and that maybe having a partner in this case is not as bad as it seems. That doesn’t mean there won’t be eye rolls, smirks, under breath ‘tch’s, and banter in between!
Thoughts:
Overall I’m genuinely super excited to start and continue this series. This was just the beginning and it wasn’t the perfect read, but the characters and set up for something more is wonderful! The amount of quotable moments is icing on the cake too!
Mal and SJ - *screeching* Let the slow burn commence! These fools! I love them dearly already and am just along for the ride.
Side-note: Let me tell you I wish Swabbie’s (their after hour hang out joint) was real! Because of them I am craving food I have never even tried before.
Pointing all fingers to blame the beautiful and wonderful Lila for getting me started on this (@ ✨❤ Summer ❤✨ Solstice) !!!
Would I recommend this and to who:
Crime junkies and slow burn romance lovers
Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook/E-book:
E-book - If anyone was questioning my dedication on wanting to read this, well I got kindle unlimited just for it!
How did I discover this:
Do yourself a favor and visit @ ✨❤ Summer ❤✨ Solstice ‘s reviews on this series and then you’ll know why I’m here!
Pace:
Fast-ish
Cover thoughts:
A tablespoon of dark, a cup of mystery, a dash of a little cheesy and a touch of right on the nose to the theme!
POV:
Multi - Malcolm and Seong-Jae primarily
Quotes:
’Seong-Jae considered letting it go, then thought better of it. “You do not know what to make of me, do you?” “I’m not worried about what to make of you. We don't have to like each other. We just have to work together. And don’t say-” Khalaji snapped one hand up. “Don’t say ‘as you say.” “As you say,” Seong-Jae answered.’
“We only define others by the value they have to us, and once they no longer provide that value, we let them go.”
“People were not comforted by facts. People were comforted by hope, no matter how false.”
Triggers:
Death, Murder, Graphic Horrific Details, Swearing, Sexual Content, Injury, Gore, Homophobia, Toxic Relationships, Confinement, etc.
Great start to the series! Loved the diversity straight out the gate. Both Malcolm and Seong-Jae have room to grow personally and with each other, which was the most exciting part. Their reluctance, the small steps they took to know each other, their ease with working together, their chemistryyy…yeah I’m eager to see where it goes!
The main mystery plot was much more gruesome than I expected and almost became a bit..gratuitous. The author’s note at the end helped me a feel a lot better about it tho, and I appreciated the addition, particularly the part about having parents who are cops.
———————————————————————————————
I'll have more coherent thoughts later but three things for now:
1. This is a book for the Criminal Minds girlies, and I was here for every bit of it
2. Unfortunately, I really enjoyed this and will now have to adopt yet another slow burn couple in a romantic suspense series
3. Cole McCade hasn't missed yet, and it's not looking like he will anytime soon.
The main mystery plot was much more gruesome than I expected and almost became a bit..gratuitous. The author’s note at the end helped me a feel a lot better about it tho, and I appreciated the addition, particularly the part about having parents who are cops.
———————————————————————————————
I'll have more coherent thoughts later but three things for now:
1. This is a book for the Criminal Minds girlies, and I was here for every bit of it
2. Unfortunately, I really enjoyed this and will now have to adopt yet another slow burn couple in a romantic suspense series
3. Cole McCade hasn't missed yet, and it's not looking like he will anytime soon.
adventurous
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
I want to encourage anyone who’s on the fence to give this series a try. The first book is good, but you have no idea how amazing the whole story gets if you just keep reading.
The characters grow so much, and their relationship with them. We see them slowly go from two guarded men intrigued by each other to a committed couple with deep intimacy and a true partnership. There’s a maturity and depth to the feelings they have for each other that had me utterly captivated. It’s everything I could ask for in a romance and more.
This author knows exactly how to do slow burn, how to make a developing relationship exciting, emotional, interesting, sexy. So many romances resort to rushed love confessions that seem to come out of nowhere, leaving me cold or at most vaguely fond, but not this one. In a sea of romance books who confuse lust with love and with adult protagonists who act like teenagers, Cole Mccade is my savior. He took his time getting the characters to be intrigued and attracted to each other, then have that attraction believably turn into deep love, and the development doesn’t end there. There’s so many layers to a relationship, and I’ve always felt a bit put out that so much of romance is focused only on the getting together part and not so much on the building of the trust and intimacy that comes later. It’s no wonder then that I love this series so much, because it has everything.
When I read this book for the first time, I was instantly sucked into this world. Malcolm and Seong-Jae are very interesting characters that left me wanting for more, and their developing bond was even more enjoyable because there was no proper romance yet. Instead of rushing into the relationship we're shown the potential for a future romance. There's so much care put into Malcolm and Seong-Jae getting to know each other before getting involved that I already knew when they finally got together it would be amazing and absolutely worth my time.
I haven’t read many protagonists like Malcolm, and he shone all the brighter for it. Seong-Jae followed a more typical formula, the prickly and cold mysterious man with a dark past and a hidden sweetness, but he was so well-written he didn’t feel like a stereotype at all. Despite the similarities he might share with other characters, he was very much his own unique person.
All my gushing about the romance aside, the investigation was also really well done, and I was very invested in all the process. The characters being competent in their profession and acting their age made it a pleasure to read, despite the darkness of the crimes comitted. There's also a hint at a deeper and more sinister plot, which only added to the intrigue and made me immediately start the second book instead of going to sleep like I had planned.
The characters grow so much, and their relationship with them. We see them slowly go from two guarded men intrigued by each other to a committed couple with deep intimacy and a true partnership. There’s a maturity and depth to the feelings they have for each other that had me utterly captivated. It’s everything I could ask for in a romance and more.
This author knows exactly how to do slow burn, how to make a developing relationship exciting, emotional, interesting, sexy. So many romances resort to rushed love confessions that seem to come out of nowhere, leaving me cold or at most vaguely fond, but not this one. In a sea of romance books who confuse lust with love and with adult protagonists who act like teenagers, Cole Mccade is my savior. He took his time getting the characters to be intrigued and attracted to each other, then have that attraction believably turn into deep love, and the development doesn’t end there. There’s so many layers to a relationship, and I’ve always felt a bit put out that so much of romance is focused only on the getting together part and not so much on the building of the trust and intimacy that comes later. It’s no wonder then that I love this series so much, because it has everything.
When I read this book for the first time, I was instantly sucked into this world. Malcolm and Seong-Jae are very interesting characters that left me wanting for more, and their developing bond was even more enjoyable because there was no proper romance yet. Instead of rushing into the relationship we're shown the potential for a future romance. There's so much care put into Malcolm and Seong-Jae getting to know each other before getting involved that I already knew when they finally got together it would be amazing and absolutely worth my time.
I haven’t read many protagonists like Malcolm, and he shone all the brighter for it. Seong-Jae followed a more typical formula, the prickly and cold mysterious man with a dark past and a hidden sweetness, but he was so well-written he didn’t feel like a stereotype at all. Despite the similarities he might share with other characters, he was very much his own unique person.
All my gushing about the romance aside, the investigation was also really well done, and I was very invested in all the process. The characters being competent in their profession and acting their age made it a pleasure to read, despite the darkness of the crimes comitted. There's also a hint at a deeper and more sinister plot, which only added to the intrigue and made me immediately start the second book instead of going to sleep like I had planned.
sexy.
the writing, the poc & lgbt+ rep, the chemistry between malcolm and seongjae. loved it. enjoyed it. will continue the series.
the writing, the poc & lgbt+ rep, the chemistry between malcolm and seongjae. loved it. enjoyed it. will continue the series.
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
CW: Death by strangulation; dismemberment; grave desecration; desecration of dead bodies; blood, gore, and graphic depiction of post-mortem decay; deaths of queer characters; threats against other queer characters. Discussion of untreated mental illness; Obsessive thoughts and fixations. Use of homophobic slur; alcohol consumption. [In The afterword]: Violent child abuse; Gaslighting; Discussion of cults.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Murder
Moderate: Death, Gore, Blood, Alcohol
Minor: Sexual content
dark
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Graphic: Body horror, Death, Gore, Homophobia, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Kidnapping, Grief, Murder, Toxic friendship