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3.93 AVERAGE
3.93 AVERAGE
This was fantastic!
He's to Die For is billed as a "romantic mystery", and it completely fits that bill. The romance between Rav, the poshest, most British NYPD detective, and Jack, the somewhat reluctant rock star, is tentative and tender and precious. The mystery is twisty and interesting without falling into cliches. And the two are perfectly balanced, you never feel like you're spending too long on either side. I was sucked into the story immediately and had a hard time putting it down. I was thoroughly charmed, and I can't wait to see what we get from Dunn next.
He's to Die For is billed as a "romantic mystery", and it completely fits that bill. The romance between Rav, the poshest, most British NYPD detective, and Jack, the somewhat reluctant rock star, is tentative and tender and precious. The mystery is twisty and interesting without falling into cliches. And the two are perfectly balanced, you never feel like you're spending too long on either side. I was sucked into the story immediately and had a hard time putting it down. I was thoroughly charmed, and I can't wait to see what we get from Dunn next.
A detective who falls in love with the prime suspect of a murder. What an alluring premise!
I really loved Rav and Jack. They're similar yet so different in various aspects of their so nicely developed personalities. They have huge chemistry and their slow-burn/Forbidden romance is believable. On the other hand, the side characters are perfectly structured, giving more shine to the plot. My only complaint is that the book is written in third person and we can only get Rav's POV. I need Jack's perspective on this story!
A cleverly written book with an excellent comedy timing (the banter is great!) and compelling scenarios that you will enjoy. This is my first book from this author and I want to read more from her because she knows how to tell a story!
ARC given by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for your trust.
I really loved Rav and Jack. They're similar yet so different in various aspects of their so nicely developed personalities. They have huge chemistry and their slow-burn/Forbidden romance is believable. On the other hand, the side characters are perfectly structured, giving more shine to the plot. My only complaint is that the book is written in third person and we can only get Rav's POV. I need Jack's perspective on this story!
A cleverly written book with an excellent comedy timing (the banter is great!) and compelling scenarios that you will enjoy. This is my first book from this author and I want to read more from her because she knows how to tell a story!
ARC given by St. Martin's Press via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Thanks for your trust.
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
Thank you to NetGalley, St. Martin's Press & Erin Dunn for the chance to read this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
I really enjoyed this achillean romance novel that was the perfect blend of humor, romance and mystery! The high stakes and tension was the enjoyable kind and I would definitely love to read more from this author!
I must say- most of our romance novels that involve a celebrity require us to suspend our belief in regards to either the meet cute or just the infatuation in general. But with this one- it requires no suspension of belief at all. The meeting is believable and the should we/shouldn't we of it all is so much more than "I'm a celebrity, he's not.."... it's "I'm a potential murder suspect and he's the detective investiagting me!" It works SO well.
challenging
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
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:
No
This was an incredibly fun listen, it definitely gave me Red, White and Royal Blue vibes. The story was so perfect, Rav is a detective on a murder case and his lead suspect is Jack, a rock star, who he can’t keep his mind off of. The romance is just great and intertwined in a mystery. It’s mostly fade to black with a few more in depth scenes but it really showed their relationship growth and feelings.
I had a minute at the beginning where I wasn't sure I was into the idea of this one right now. Cop romances aren't really for me, and a romance between a detective and his suspect? But I enjoyed the characters and writing at the beginning and trusted the process and I was not disappointed, much thanks to netgalley and MacMillan for the arc! 🥰
Our single POV Rav is a gay, British person of color young hotshot detective who has something to prove immediately at the beginning of this one. Sparks fly with his first suspect and he can't help looking more into the dreamy rockstar personally, even as he's worried about a conflict of interest.
Jack Vale is not quite the rock star Rav expects, and as the two keep getting thrown together the case comes in and out of Rav's jurisdiction the mystery continues to deepen.
Nothing about the development of their relationship felt icky to me as a reader, and it's a very hopeful story full of tender care for each other. The entire story didn't revolve on conversations about mental health, but I think there's good representation and it helps give some more depth to the intimacy between the characters. There's some spice and it gets hot but it's not explicit and don't worry, our rock star makes all the teeth achingly sweet delclarations you expect him to.
Our single POV Rav is a gay, British person of color young hotshot detective who has something to prove immediately at the beginning of this one. Sparks fly with his first suspect and he can't help looking more into the dreamy rockstar personally, even as he's worried about a conflict of interest.
Jack Vale is not quite the rock star Rav expects, and as the two keep getting thrown together the case comes in and out of Rav's jurisdiction the mystery continues to deepen.
Nothing about the development of their relationship felt icky to me as a reader, and it's a very hopeful story full of tender care for each other. The entire story didn't revolve on conversations about mental health, but I think there's good representation and it helps give some more depth to the intimacy between the characters. There's some spice and it gets hot but it's not explicit and don't worry, our rock star makes all the teeth achingly sweet delclarations you expect him to.
funny
hopeful
mysterious
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
This SURPASSED my expectations!
The cover made me curious. The "Brooklyn 99 meets The Charm Offensive" marketing was intriguing. But the idea of a young, gay cop who doesn't fit in falling for the suspect in his case? That sold me.
Every part of this works beautifully. The pacing is perfect, brilliantly balancing the mystery with the romance. And the mystery is twisty enough to keep you guessing! It flirted that line of too much going on without ever crossing it. I could not read this fast enough!
All of the characters are wonderful. I love how sweet and down-to-earth Jack is. His grief colors everything he does but you can feel him working through it, trying to find peace and happiness again. Rav is delightful. His sense of humor adds necessary levity and he uses is to great effect. He's a little bit extra with his sass and suits but it feels so intrinsic to his character. It's a great dynamic.
The romance is not closed door but neither is it explicit. I'd describe it as the watercolor version -- you know what they're doing but the details are blurry and indistinct. It's perfect for the vibe of this story. I think explicit detail would have changed this and made it a little less special. I don't have anything against explicit spicy scenes but I recognize that they don't work in every narrative. Plus, this book has one of the hottest first kisses I've read in a while!
I'll be recommending this to everyone! I know I'll reread it in the future. I can't wait to read more from this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
The cover made me curious. The "Brooklyn 99 meets The Charm Offensive" marketing was intriguing. But the idea of a young, gay cop who doesn't fit in falling for the suspect in his case? That sold me.
Every part of this works beautifully. The pacing is perfect, brilliantly balancing the mystery with the romance. And the mystery is twisty enough to keep you guessing! It flirted that line of too much going on without ever crossing it. I could not read this fast enough!
All of the characters are wonderful. I love how sweet and down-to-earth Jack is. His grief colors everything he does but you can feel him working through it, trying to find peace and happiness again. Rav is delightful. His sense of humor adds necessary levity and he uses is to great effect. He's a little bit extra with his sass and suits but it feels so intrinsic to his character. It's a great dynamic.
The romance is not closed door but neither is it explicit. I'd describe it as the watercolor version -- you know what they're doing but the details are blurry and indistinct. It's perfect for the vibe of this story. I think explicit detail would have changed this and made it a little less special. I don't have anything against explicit spicy scenes but I recognize that they don't work in every narrative. Plus, this book has one of the hottest first kisses I've read in a while!
I'll be recommending this to everyone! I know I'll reread it in the future. I can't wait to read more from this author.
Many thanks to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and the author for providing a copy in exchange for an honest review.
adventurous
funny
mysterious
relaxing
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:
Complicated
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
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
This is a mystery rom/com heavy emphasis on the romance. I personally wasn’t thrilled with the mystery reveal. I didn’t feel like you as a reader really had a chance to figure it out. It had to be spelled out. A lot of things felt like unnecessary details. As far as a mystery book goes? 3.0 stars. It’s fine.
Rom/com? 3.5. While the story was a little boring to me, I can’t lie: I was squealing over Rav and Jack being an adorable couple and going back and forth. I’d be so happy to see them again in another book or series. Very cute. Very precious.
Overall, it’s a cute summer read. I recommend it for a good, fun read. The book goes by pretty quickly too.
Rom/com? 3.5. While the story was a little boring to me, I can’t lie: I was squealing over Rav and Jack being an adorable couple and going back and forth. I’d be so happy to see them again in another book or series. Very cute. Very precious.
Overall, it’s a cute summer read. I recommend it for a good, fun read. The book goes by pretty quickly too.