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3.9 AVERAGE
3.9 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A compelling and quite creepy murder mystery featuring detectives who are themselves somewhat mysterious. Clearly bits and pieces about who they are and why they're like that are going to be doled out over the course of the impressively-long series.
CW: truly grizzly murders.
CW: truly grizzly murders.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gore, Blood, Murder
For Romanceopoly prompt: Lover's Lane
The first third of this was pretty slow, but the rest was excellent stuff.
Malcolm Khalaji and Seong-Jae Yoon are two very hot, gay noir men, who solve a series of murders while sniping at each other, emotionally repressing, and, occasionally, admitting to themselves that the other is very, very hot.
I haven't many queer, racially diverse crime procedural books, so points for both the novelty and delivering on it. The writing was solid overall. The tone is a bit somber, so pick it up when you're in the mood for some grim content.
This is a romance series, but very slow burn (the kiss in this book was 10/10, though, in my opinion.)
Would recommend!
The first third of this was pretty slow, but the rest was excellent stuff.
Malcolm Khalaji and Seong-Jae Yoon are two very hot, gay noir men, who solve a series of murders while sniping at each other, emotionally repressing, and, occasionally, admitting to themselves that the other is very, very hot.
I haven't many queer, racially diverse crime procedural books, so points for both the novelty and delivering on it. The writing was solid overall. The tone is a bit somber, so pick it up when you're in the mood for some grim content.
This is a romance series, but very slow burn (the kiss in this book was 10/10, though, in my opinion.)
Would recommend!
I love the concept of the series: a book as a tv-show episode? It really did feel this way. Main characters are incredibly interesting, with some intriguing hints at their backstories, which I hope author will explore at length as we progress.
It has a distinct noir feel to it, but the prose at times is a bit too purple-y for me. Nonetheless, I definitely plan on continuing with the series.
It has a distinct noir feel to it, but the prose at times is a bit too purple-y for me. Nonetheless, I definitely plan on continuing with the series.
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
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
Okay, I actually really enjoyed this book! It didn’t like blow me away or anything; I’m more of a sappy romance/hot sex scene kinda gal, and this book had neither of them...BUT this is only the first book out of like....I think 18 books?? So I am excited to see where the story goes!! I love Malcolm’s character!! And I love how his and Yoon’s rapport builds during the investigation!! I’m ready for the enemies-to-friends-to-lovers!!!!!!
adventurous
dark
mysterious
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
emotional
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This was almost a 4 star for me, and while it fell a bit short imo, it's the most enjoyable MM crime novel I've come across in a loooong while.
What I liked - MCs that don't feel like tired cliches; main (almost all) focus is on the case, instead of it playing second fiddle to a rushed romance; no over-the-top animosity between the MCs to create artificial tension; not going into detail about their respective backstories in an attempt to justify MCs' reactions and personalities, only implying; minimal swooning (not turning grown men into teens).
What I didn't like - the case itself was intriguing but it ended in a way that I dislike in general () and there were aspects of it that weren't addressed (why the posing?). Yoon does something towards the end that, at least to me, seemed so out of character that it lowkey pissed me off ().
Starting the second book right away though, hoping it continues strong.
What I liked - MCs that don't feel like tired cliches; main (almost all) focus is on the case, instead of it playing second fiddle to a rushed romance; no over-the-top animosity between the MCs to create artificial tension; not going into detail about their respective backstories in an attempt to justify MCs' reactions and personalities, only implying; minimal swooning (not turning grown men into teens).
What I didn't like - the case itself was intriguing but it ended in a way that I dislike in general (
Spoiler
all out mental illnessSpoiler
just went and kissed KhalajiStarting the second book right away though, hoping it continues strong.