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lydiaaa's review
adventurous
challenging
dark
mysterious
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? No
3.5
Not as sparkly as some Alice Winters books, but I really enjoyed the suspense and intrigue of this one.
gloworm's review
adventurous
emotional
funny
mysterious
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? Yes
4.75
theoguinto's review
4.0
Story was very funny and hand me laughing in so many places (especially when Hiro was trying to be flirty or Reggie was involved)
Generally enjoyed the plot and characters, though I will say that I felt that the story had a few issues.
1. Tone was inconsistent. On numerous occasions, something serious would happen (like Hiro would get attacked or threatened) then the very next scene would be lighthearted and comedic. It made the seriousness and danger of the situation feel inconsequential even though it should've been a point of drama.
2. The mystery got hard to follow especially in the last 15% of the book, especially with regards to character relationships and ages. I felt like there was too much going on with how Millie died. Like So she knew Sean when they were kids but Sean was Hiro's brother and just recently died. So you're telling me he went all that time believing he was responsible for someone's death and not have a crisis of conscience? With how he was characterized, I find that hard to believe. Also How long ago was this? This was presumably during Sean and Hiro's adolescence if Mille was in high school? And Wes was Millie's kid right? How long ago was this exactly? I know the story provided ages for Ben's children but there wasn't really enough of characterization for them to show their ages so it just felt like everyone was late 20s - mid 30s.
3. The build up to the romance between Hiro and Maddox felt non-existent. They went from Maddox arresting Hiro (but getting him a cake for some reason) to Hiro becoming a consultant to Maddox inviting Hiro to dinner to believing Hiro then to kissing. Not enough tension or misunderstandings to make it a satisfying kiss imo. It kind of just happened. Not that it was unbelievable, they were very clearly attracted to each other, I just wish that there was more tension between them prior to getting together.
Overall I enjoyed the story. The weird tonal shifts and confusing timeline were tolerable and the lack of tension is made up for by the humor I guess. Will read the next book sometime in the future.
Generally enjoyed the plot and characters, though I will say that I felt that the story had a few issues.
1. Tone was inconsistent. On numerous occasions, something serious would happen (like Hiro would get attacked or threatened) then the very next scene would be lighthearted and comedic. It made the seriousness and danger of the situation feel inconsequential even though it should've been a point of drama.
2. The mystery got hard to follow especially in the last 15% of the book, especially with regards to character relationships and ages. I felt like there was too much going on with how Millie died. Like So she knew Sean when they were kids but Sean was Hiro's brother and just recently died. So you're telling me he went all that time believing he was responsible for someone's death and not have a crisis of conscience? With how he was characterized, I find that hard to believe. Also How long ago was this? This was presumably during Sean and Hiro's adolescence if Mille was in high school? And Wes was Millie's kid right? How long ago was this exactly? I know the story provided ages for Ben's children but there wasn't really enough of characterization for them to show their ages so it just felt like everyone was late 20s - mid 30s.
3. The build up to the romance between Hiro and Maddox felt non-existent. They went from Maddox arresting Hiro (but getting him a cake for some reason) to Hiro becoming a consultant to Maddox inviting Hiro to dinner to believing Hiro then to kissing. Not enough tension or misunderstandings to make it a satisfying kiss imo. It kind of just happened. Not that it was unbelievable, they were very clearly attracted to each other, I just wish that there was more tension between them prior to getting together.
Overall I enjoyed the story. The weird tonal shifts and confusing timeline were tolerable and the lack of tension is made up for by the humor I guess. Will read the next book sometime in the future.
wylter's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
hopeful
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
marthinusckotze's review
5.0
Okay so I'm not a big Alice Winters reader because I prefer contemporary mm romance to contemporary fantasy, but I got to say whenever I pick up one of their books, I'm immediately drawn in.
The story starts of with Hiro, a medium trying to solve his brother's killing and a grumpy (and surprisingly sweet) detective, Maddox that has had enough of Hiro showing up places he shouldn't be.
The whole premise is wonderful and the plot is engaging. The mystery of who the killers are takes so many turns and by the end you'll never would've guessed who actually is the killer. It's brilliant without being too confusing.
Hiro breaks down Maddox's rough exterior and it's wonderful to watch. It's not instalove which I appreciate, but the love story between the two also isn't drawn out.
A lot of reviewers complained about the ghosts being a bunch of perves, but honestly in this context I feel like the pervy ghosts gave comedic relieve and reduced the seriousness and glummy feeling a lot of medium mm romance books have.
Overall the book was a wonderful mixture of romance, mystery and intrigue, with a splash of thriller. Loved it.
The story starts of with Hiro, a medium trying to solve his brother's killing and a grumpy (and surprisingly sweet) detective, Maddox that has had enough of Hiro showing up places he shouldn't be.
The whole premise is wonderful and the plot is engaging. The mystery of who the killers are takes so many turns and by the end you'll never would've guessed who actually is the killer. It's brilliant without being too confusing.
Hiro breaks down Maddox's rough exterior and it's wonderful to watch. It's not instalove which I appreciate, but the love story between the two also isn't drawn out.
A lot of reviewers complained about the ghosts being a bunch of perves, but honestly in this context I feel like the pervy ghosts gave comedic relieve and reduced the seriousness and glummy feeling a lot of medium mm romance books have.
Overall the book was a wonderful mixture of romance, mystery and intrigue, with a splash of thriller. Loved it.
serenity81's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
sad
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? No
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Cursing, Sexual content, Murder, Death, and Vomit
Moderate: Grief
Minor: Car accident and Pregnancy
aubreysmith9412's review
adventurous
dark
mysterious
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
4.0
Hiro has a habit of getting into trouble, and getting under Detective Maddox Booker's skin. And when nosy ghosts are involved, that only Hiro can see and speak with, things only seem to get way more complicated.
What I have grown to love about Alice Winters is the way she creates these intensely fascinating and sassy characters. I love banter, sass, and snark, and this book has that in abundance.
The death of Hiro's brother's murder is at the heart of this mystery. A serial killer is out there, and Hiro needs closure. In assisting Maddox, he tends to bite off a bit more than he can chew. But when they're not busy sassing each other, they actually make a pretty good team.
Though convincing Maddox that Hiro actually can speak with ghosts is a hurdle in itself, when Hiro's life is threatened, things really amp up to eleven. Maddox finds he doesn't have much choice but to believe Hiro - especially when his asshole ghost of a best friend makes it really hard not to. But he also finds he'll do anything to keep Hiro safe.
The mystery took one turn I completely expected, and one that threw me for a loop. Hiro does get the closure he needs, but not at all in the way he expected. And right there by his side is Maddox.
The growth of their relationship was really a result of long-standing attraction, minor forced proximity, and honestly just how well they get along, even when they're sassing and snarking each other. With one high-octane case solved, I'm excited to see what's next for Hiro and Maddox.
What I have grown to love about Alice Winters is the way she creates these intensely fascinating and sassy characters. I love banter, sass, and snark, and this book has that in abundance.
The death of Hiro's brother's murder is at the heart of this mystery. A serial killer is out there, and Hiro needs closure. In assisting Maddox, he tends to bite off a bit more than he can chew. But when they're not busy sassing each other, they actually make a pretty good team.
Though convincing Maddox that Hiro actually can speak with ghosts is a hurdle in itself, when Hiro's life is threatened, things really amp up to eleven. Maddox finds he doesn't have much choice but to believe Hiro - especially when his asshole ghost of a best friend makes it really hard not to. But he also finds he'll do anything to keep Hiro safe.
The mystery took one turn I completely expected, and one that threw me for a loop. Hiro does get the closure he needs, but not at all in the way he expected. And right there by his side is Maddox.
The growth of their relationship was really a result of long-standing attraction, minor forced proximity, and honestly just how well they get along, even when they're sassing and snarking each other. With one high-octane case solved, I'm excited to see what's next for Hiro and Maddox.
terrasen's review
dark
emotional
mysterious
sad
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? No
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Murder and Violence