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kberry513's review
4.0
This one is really a 3.5 star for me. While I do really like the mystery in this one, I don't love how self righteous Royce is. He deliberately waits till the last minute to ask/tell Max he wants to introduce him to his mother at Thanksgiving. Max says he's not ready for that. They haven't been dating very long and Max had a shitty family life and he doesn't understand why it's a big deal. Royce is offended on his mother's behalf but meeting someone's parent is a big deal even if you grew up with a normal family. Royce has made a big deal this whole time about understanding that Max isn't used to relationships and Max told him he was his first friend. Royce prides himself on being understanding and empathetic but has what amounts to a temper tantrum about Max not wanting to meet his mom and is incredibly sanctimonious in his internal monologue, saying this is proof of Max's selfish nature and essentially deciding to break up with him because he's too selfish. But he hasn't had a serious relationship conversation with Max since they decided to be monogamous and call each other boyfriends. The only time he's told Max he loves him, he was drugged. He hasn't brought it up again. Max has been clear he's never had a relationship before - you have to actually talk about your expectations in the relationship. This is true even when the other person has had successful relationships in the past but instead Royce has decided instead of talking about why Max didn't feel ready to meet his mother, Max is a selfish asshole that isn't good enough for him. Meanwhile, Max has been assaulted multiple times in the short time they've been dating, and in fact is kidnapped and almost murdered while they're on the rocks and instead of being so relieved that he's ok that he confesses his love, instead Royce acts distant and is an asshole about it. But no no, he's still in the right because Max is selfish. I think it just bothers me bc instead of accepting they both have flaws and things to work through, it's like Royce has positioned himself to fix Max and is disappointed Max isn't being fixed as quickly as Royce would like him to be, so he's going to give up on him.
mirocchi's review
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
claudia_is_reading's review
4.0
Oh, I liked this one very much! The mystery was fantastic, very well done. I had my suspicions, but I couldn't make it all fit; when the solution came it was, oh, so perfect!
The town and its people are coming alive and some of the secondary characters are truly lovely, like Girdy. And I really loved Charlotte Allen in this book. She's such a fantastic lady, I hope we'll get to see more of her and her friend Julia in next books :D
And the relationship between Max and Royce... talk about a rollercoaster! But the thing is, these ups and downs are to expect: Max' changes of attitude are coming not from an understanding of why he should do it but from his wish to make Royce happy. And Royce, while kind and patient, is afraid that Max will end hurting him. These two still have a long way to find permanent happiness together.
And argh! why, why another cliffhanger???!!! Not long to wait for the next book, thank goodness *laughs*
The town and its people are coming alive and some of the secondary characters are truly lovely, like Girdy. And I really loved Charlotte Allen in this book. She's such a fantastic lady, I hope we'll get to see more of her and her friend Julia in next books :D
And the relationship between Max and Royce... talk about a rollercoaster! But the thing is, these ups and downs are to expect: Max' changes of attitude are coming not from an understanding of why he should do it but from his wish to make Royce happy. And Royce, while kind and patient, is afraid that Max will end hurting him. These two still have a long way to find permanent happiness together.
And argh! why, why another cliffhanger???!!! Not long to wait for the next book, thank goodness *laughs*
suze_1624's review
4.0
Another grand visit to Rainy Dale - it must be the per capita murder capital by now!
I had two main contenders as the murderer, with a third as reserve - 2 out of three were involved so nearly right!
Max continues to be strangled by his upbringing, causing him and Royce to be on the outs big time.
I had two main contenders as the murderer, with a third as reserve - 2 out of three were involved so nearly right!
Max continues to be strangled by his upbringing, causing him and Royce to be on the outs big time.
isalaur's review
fast-paced
4.0
This third book in the series has a comfortable feeling to it. It is a good old fashioned whodunit with mystery murder, lots of clues, red herrings, and jeopardy for one of the MCs.
Max is starting to get comfortable in this new small town and in his relationship with Royce. Of course, that’s the kiss of death as everything starts to unravel.
The mystery is really not difficult to figure out and it is super annoying that Royce is so dense. Not the brightest bulb in the pack our sheriff. Then we double down when Max also misses an obvious clue that is smacking him in the face. It’s so irritating.
<SPOILERS AHEAD!>
While the murder and mystery propels the story a big part of the book is what is going on with Max and Royce’s relationship. It was heart wrenching and all my sympathies were with Max. The crisis seemed a bit contrived to me though not completely unrealistic. Royce suddenly becoming so impatient seemed out of character when his patience and caring had been so emphasized in the first two books. Royce’s “I’ll deal with it later” attitude is a bit off putting, as is his casual attitude about interviewing witnesses. He can’t deal with Max because he has a case to solve but he lets a key witness dictate when she’ll come in for an interview...days later?!
Despite the issues outlined above I did enjoy the book, I am firmly Team Max and actually kind of pulling for him to go back to LA and stick it to Royce. I read the blurb for book 4 which I’m bummed I have to wait for. I’m already irritated at the premise of that book as the whole “financial difficulties” for Max makes no sense if he was the in demand star cardio thoracic surgeon in LA we were told he was. There’s no way a practice in a town of 1000 people in Texas would drain his funds...he doesn’t even own the property...or a car, or more than a suitcase worth of personal items. But I guess we shall soon see.
Max is starting to get comfortable in this new small town and in his relationship with Royce. Of course, that’s the kiss of death as everything starts to unravel.
The mystery is really not difficult to figure out and it is super annoying that Royce is so dense. Not the brightest bulb in the pack our sheriff. Then we double down when Max also misses an obvious clue that is smacking him in the face. It’s so irritating.
<SPOILERS AHEAD!>
While the murder and mystery propels the story a big part of the book is what is going on with Max and Royce’s relationship. It was heart wrenching and all my sympathies were with Max. The crisis seemed a bit contrived to me though not completely unrealistic. Royce suddenly becoming so impatient seemed out of character when his patience and caring had been so emphasized in the first two books. Royce’s “I’ll deal with it later” attitude is a bit off putting, as is his casual attitude about interviewing witnesses. He can’t deal with Max because he has a case to solve but he lets a key witness dictate when she’ll come in for an interview...days later?!
Despite the issues outlined above I did enjoy the book, I am firmly Team Max and actually kind of pulling for him to go back to LA and stick it to Royce. I read the blurb for book 4 which I’m bummed I have to wait for. I’m already irritated at the premise of that book as the whole “financial difficulties” for Max makes no sense if he was the in demand star cardio thoracic surgeon in LA we were told he was. There’s no way a practice in a town of 1000 people in Texas would drain his funds...he doesn’t even own the property...or a car, or more than a suitcase worth of personal items. But I guess we shall soon see.
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