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4.25 AVERAGE
4.25 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
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
"Are you sinners, detectives?"
"Repeatedly and with each other," Malcolm retorted.
"Malcolm," Seong-Jae hissed.
The seventh book in the series was on the shorter side. The overarching cases are getting messier and messier and at this point in the story, I'm just anxious when is everything going to fall over the edge, on which it's been dancing on the whole time. One green, one blue. He seems to be everywhere, and I'm scared.
The main case of this story involves almost drowned girl that only repeats "He pushed me." and nothing else. I'm creeped out by cults or any cultish stuff for that matter, and I like being creeped out when reading a crime book. So, though I would say that the case was maybe too quickly solved (again, the book is about 170 pages), I was drawn into it.
The book is more focused on the bigger picture of the Baltimore's crime scene, Seong-Jae's secrets and also the newly established relationship between the two detectives. I'm here for all of it, though after reading seven books cover to cover, I would merge some books together, because they are really cut off at one scene which immediately continues in the other book. I guess I'm just not use to reading the type of series which is published monthly. And I'm certainly not able to write reviews as fast as I'm reading these books. Oops.
That moment before you start reading episode 7 is the lit match arcing through the darkness. In episode 7 the accelerant catches fire in this slow burn romance, and in what haunts Seong Jae from his past. It contains one of the hottest sex scenes I've ever read, and one of the creepiest scenes. (Not a sex scene.) Intense.
This book has an extensive list of content and trigger warnings in the beginning, and in addition to the usual ones that come with the territory of two people investigating violent crimes, this time there was more in terms of psychological triggers. Especially regarding typical tactics abusers use for manipulating and gaslighting their victims.
I have to admit this book scared me from the moment I knew what it would be about. For personal reasons and because the topic is a raw and a possibly triggering one for me. But it ended up being one of my favorite reads of the month. The emotional scenes between Mal and Seong-Jae were the perfect soothing balm I needed inbetween the harder, more agitating scenes. A big part of it was that Seong-Jae s struggling with this case as much as I was, which added a layer of depth and... feeling *seen* that surprised me and warmed my heart to the core. All of it, the whole book, actually made me feel seen in ways I didn't know I needed to see in book so much. It was amazing.
Same goes for the relationship between Sade and Mal. I can't get enough of their dynamic, their connection and how strained, yet loving it is, even when they're both not sure where their edges are now after the big explosion.
It's no secret that I continue to adore Gabi and Anjulie. I'm gobbling up every scene with them and can't wait to read more about them, individually and together.
As for the overall story arc... It's so incredibly intriguing and I have *theories*, one more outlandish than the other, and I love it. I love it so much. Sila, though. Sila really *scares* me. As a character and as a human. But still I crave more and love this series with all my heart. It's... so gentle, no matter how violent it gets. Heartbreaking and heartwarming. Beautiful and scary, terrifying and so terrific. It's everything to me, and I can't recommend it more or more highly than I already am. I can't wait for the next episode.
I have to admit this book scared me from the moment I knew what it would be about. For personal reasons and because the topic is a raw and a possibly triggering one for me. But it ended up being one of my favorite reads of the month. The emotional scenes between Mal and Seong-Jae were the perfect soothing balm I needed inbetween the harder, more agitating scenes. A big part of it was that Seong-Jae s struggling with this case as much as I was, which added a layer of depth and... feeling *seen* that surprised me and warmed my heart to the core. All of it, the whole book, actually made me feel seen in ways I didn't know I needed to see in book so much. It was amazing.
Same goes for the relationship between Sade and Mal. I can't get enough of their dynamic, their connection and how strained, yet loving it is, even when they're both not sure where their edges are now after the big explosion.
It's no secret that I continue to adore Gabi and Anjulie. I'm gobbling up every scene with them and can't wait to read more about them, individually and together.
As for the overall story arc... It's so incredibly intriguing and I have *theories*, one more outlandish than the other, and I love it. I love it so much. Sila, though. Sila really *scares* me. As a character and as a human. But still I crave more and love this series with all my heart. It's... so gentle, no matter how violent it gets. Heartbreaking and heartwarming. Beautiful and scary, terrifying and so terrific. It's everything to me, and I can't recommend it more or more highly than I already am. I can't wait for the next episode.
Boyfriends. They are boyfriends!!! Squeeeeee!!!!!!
This book is full of emotions and feelings. Malcom and Seong Jae are adorable. All those books are so worth it. I love that they communicate to each other instead of going the 'let's pretend it never happened' route. It's makes me so happy how cute they are together and how happy Malcolm is when Seong Jae is grumbling at him.
As if, if he simply gave Seong-Jae the bursting emotions that welled inside him with every kiss, every touch, they might somehow compel Seong-Jae to stay forever, a spell of warmth and sweetness and reverence.He gave all of that and more into the joining and breaking, sighing and stroking, caressing and biting of their lips, leaning harder and harder into Seong-Jae’s lithe body, into the heat of him, the strength of him, the scarred beautiful broken perfection of him.
And stay, he asked with every touch of his lips.
Just…stay.
We know a lot more about Seong Jae's past and I'm so glad he opened up to Malcolm. And the way the say each other's names just about kills me!
Sila is the creepiest fucker I've ever come across. That ending gave me chills!
And am I the only one curious about Anjulie and Gabrielle? Seven books in, and I know I'm never getting out of this!
This book is full of emotions and feelings. Malcom and Seong Jae are adorable. All those books are so worth it. I love that they communicate to each other instead of going the 'let's pretend it never happened' route. It's makes me so happy how cute they are together and how happy Malcolm is when Seong Jae is grumbling at him.
As if, if he simply gave Seong-Jae the bursting emotions that welled inside him with every kiss, every touch, they might somehow compel Seong-Jae to stay forever, a spell of warmth and sweetness and reverence.He gave all of that and more into the joining and breaking, sighing and stroking, caressing and biting of their lips, leaning harder and harder into Seong-Jae’s lithe body, into the heat of him, the strength of him, the scarred beautiful broken perfection of him.
And stay, he asked with every touch of his lips.
Just…stay.
We know a lot more about Seong Jae's past and I'm so glad he opened up to Malcolm. And the way the say each other's names just about kills me!
Sila is the creepiest fucker I've ever come across. That ending gave me chills!
And am I the only one curious about Anjulie and Gabrielle? Seven books in, and I know I'm never getting out of this!
my entire review is just gonna be me pleading with Cole not to hurt my kids in the next book plz and thanks!
ok but for real tho i am scared!! because we got Sila just in the background orchestrating shit and OMG that last scene so creepyyyyyyyy plz send help.
as with each episode tho, the growth of Mal and Seong-Jae is the ultimate master class study of characterization. And all the characters to be quite honest. i'm invested in each and every one of their stories. And every new thing we learn about Seong-Jae breaks my heart and makes me adore him even more. I loved how we got to see a discussion of Mal and Seong-Jae's relationship. such an important discussion. whew. i am once more an emotional wreck.
and eagerly awaiting ep 8!
ok but for real tho i am scared!! because we got Sila just in the background orchestrating shit and OMG that last scene so creepyyyyyyyy plz send help.
as with each episode tho, the growth of Mal and Seong-Jae is the ultimate master class study of characterization. And all the characters to be quite honest. i'm invested in each and every one of their stories. And every new thing we learn about Seong-Jae breaks my heart and makes me adore him even more. I loved how we got to see a discussion of Mal and Seong-Jae's relationship. such an important discussion. whew. i am once more an emotional wreck.
and eagerly awaiting ep 8!
4.5 stars
My reviews of CI books have become less detailed the more of CI books I read.
Basically if you read my review of the previous book, everything there applies to this book.
I like SJ and M relationship, the balance between case and the romantic plot line is solid, I like the addressing issues like toxic masculinity and cult mentality.
Great mystery/thriller book.
Like always, CW list is in the beginning of the book.
My reviews of CI books have become less detailed the more of CI books I read.
Basically if you read my review of the previous book, everything there applies to this book.
I like SJ and M relationship, the balance between case and the romantic plot line is solid, I like the addressing issues like toxic masculinity and cult mentality.
Great mystery/thriller book.
Like always, CW list is in the beginning of the book.
took too long to finish this despite the boys being SO FUCKING CUTE but i know the angst is coming and im babie i want their happiness to last as long as possible