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rainjrop's review
4.0
I accidentally downloaded this, actually. I clicked on it to check out the blurb and fat-fingered it. I figured I'd read it since it was already on my phone and I'm glad I did!
This book checked many of my boxes and I had a great time reading it. I particularly enjoy the mix of assassins, children, and lighthearted comedy. I liked the pace of the romance and that the lead and his love interest were both soft bois. Of course the whole scenario stretches your suspension of disbelief, particularly how damn smart the kid is, but it's easy to roll with it because it's a fun story. I mean, a kid picked up by an assassin is going to be something special or why bother writing her, particularly since the tone of this book isn't too serious. The plot drags a bit in the middle and end, but overall, the book was a success.
In fact, I wish the second book were about Ari and Carter instead of switching to Ivan. I want to read a whole series about Ari, Carter, and Remi.
This book checked many of my boxes and I had a great time reading it. I particularly enjoy the mix of assassins, children, and lighthearted comedy. I liked the pace of the romance and that the lead and his love interest were both soft bois. Of course the whole scenario stretches your suspension of disbelief, particularly how damn smart the kid is, but it's easy to roll with it because it's a fun story. I mean, a kid picked up by an assassin is going to be something special or why bother writing her, particularly since the tone of this book isn't too serious. The plot drags a bit in the middle and end
Spoiler
was a tad anticlimacticIn fact, I wish the second book were about Ari and Carter instead of switching to Ivan. I want to read a whole series about Ari, Carter, and Remi.
eesh25's review against another edition
4.0
This book tells the story of an assassin, Ari, who adopts an eight-year-old girl after she "hires" him to kill her abusive stepfather. He does the job but, instead of leaving her to the mercy of the foster care system, decides to take care of the girl himself. The romance—with Carter, who's a mercenary—comes later.
In that regard, the title isn't accurate. It suggests that Carter is the main character trying to find a way to make a relationship with an assassin, work. But really, that relationship seems more like a subplot. The main focus of the book is Ari. And that can take any form. It could be his relationship with his new daughter, his work as an assassin, his friendships with a thief and a hacker... Or the trust issues he has that are interfering with his budding romance with Carter.
So there's a bit of everything going on. And it's all free of angst. Some might say that's not realistic, but the author sells it. And she doesn't take herself too seriously, so it works. The book is cute and entertaining. The romance is tentative and based on building trust.
The heist aspect of the story could have been more interesting, though. Yeah, there's a heist. Carter takes a job to steal a painting, and he seeks out Ari to be a part of his team. That's how they meet. But because the book has such a relaxed tone, it takes away the tension that a heist needs. It also doesn't lend itself to a long read because the reader's likely to get bored. The book kinda skirts that line.
Overall, I enjoyed this read. A bit more tension with the job wouldn't have hurt. Neither would a slightly faster pace. And maybe another round of copyedits could've helped ("mach .02 seconds" is not a thing). But nothing to really complain about.
In that regard, the title isn't accurate. It suggests that Carter is the main character trying to find a way to make a relationship with an assassin, work. But really, that relationship seems more like a subplot. The main focus of the book is Ari. And that can take any form. It could be his relationship with his new daughter, his work as an assassin, his friendships with a thief and a hacker... Or the trust issues he has that are interfering with his budding romance with Carter.
So there's a bit of everything going on. And it's all free of angst. Some might say that's not realistic, but the author sells it. And she doesn't take herself too seriously, so it works. The book is cute and entertaining. The romance is tentative and based on building trust.
The heist aspect of the story could have been more interesting, though. Yeah, there's a heist. Carter takes a job to steal a painting, and he seeks out Ari to be a part of his team. That's how they meet. But because the book has such a relaxed tone, it takes away the tension that a heist needs. It also doesn't lend itself to a long read because the reader's likely to get bored. The book kinda skirts that line.
Overall, I enjoyed this read. A bit more tension with the job wouldn't have hurt. Neither would a slightly faster pace. And maybe another round of copyedits could've helped ("mach .02 seconds" is not a thing). But nothing to really complain about.
waterwitch70's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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? No
5.0
sarahmaesavage's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
sickler13's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
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? No
5.0
tinkcourtney's review
5.0
Fun and gripping
I love assassin books and I love heist books, and this has BOTH. It was so fun seeing the softer side of these men who kill and steal for a living as they helped care for a precocious little girl. I really enjoyed this, and can’t wait for the next in the series!
I love assassin books and I love heist books, and this has BOTH. It was so fun seeing the softer side of these men who kill and steal for a living as they helped care for a precocious little girl. I really enjoyed this, and can’t wait for the next in the series!
shu_long's review
5.0
Such a delightful series. I raced through all three books!!! So glad they show up in other book series later!
biarbw's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-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? It's complicated
4.5