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linda_1410's review
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
Lots of progress was made on the larger mystery that links all these books together, which I was glad about. Larkin is putting things together, making connections, and closing in on the sender. This is a lot more complicated and intricate than it first appeared, and I'm liking the way it's all falling together. I was surprised, but not really, when the inside man was the jerk cop (already forgot his name) who sat on the murder cases of those sex workers from the 80s. And of course that jerk was being blackmailed to mess with Larkin. And Larkin figuring that out tipped the sender's hand a bit. Or at least, tipped the hand of more of the sender's lackies. I still have my eye on another of Larkin's coworkers. And what gives with the one coworker who is never there? Something's up with that, too.
However, I'm bemused by Larkin being so stupid yet againwhen going in, alone, to confront who he thinks is gunning for Doyle. Like, did calling for backup never occur to him? Tell Doyle why you realized he's the next target and call in backup, and everyone go in together, with the proper protection, and Doyle can go in last. The perp wasn't going to flee before they got there, so they had time to wait. And this just a day after he got shot at. And on that, why was there no follow up on what that other cop had been doing? Larkin's super started to ask him and then got distracted by Larkin spilling his theory to him about the sender, which is understandable, but that crooked cop still needs to be addressed, dead or not.
Anyone reading this series for the smexy is going to be deeply disappointed. They've yet to do the deed, though not for lack of wanting, and I'm loving it. I'd be perfectly happy if it keeps going like this, but I know others will get frustrated if they don't know going in, so this is your PSA. In addition to that, I'm really loving how they're learning more and more about each other, slowly but surely, and how they show respect and affection with each other. They're both so considerate of each other's limitations and issues.
However, I'm bemused by Larkin being so stupid yet again
Anyone reading this series for the smexy is going to be deeply disappointed. They've yet to do the deed, though not for lack of wanting, and I'm loving it. I'd be perfectly happy if it keeps going like this, but I know others will get frustrated if they don't know going in, so this is your PSA. In addition to that, I'm really loving how they're learning more and more about each other, slowly but surely, and how they show respect and affection with each other. They're both so considerate of each other's limitations and issues.
shion14'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? Yes
4.5
laureljeanreads's review
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
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
octaviaatlas's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
mysterious
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? It's complicated
4.25
winglesswarrior's review
emotional
mysterious
tense
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? Yes
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Child death, Drug abuse, Homophobia, Sexual assault, Suicidal thoughts, Mental illness, and Sexual violence
door's review
emotional
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
crystal_bookworm's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
reflective
tense
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
5.0
emilyexmas's review
4.0
Another great entry to the series. I especially loved the exploration of Doyle’s past through snippets of realization on Larkin’s part.
I did guess whodunnit fairly early on in this one, but I didn’t see all the connections coming.
Looking forward to the next book now. Wish I didn’t have to wait!
I did guess whodunnit fairly early on in this one, but I didn’t see all the connections coming.
Looking forward to the next book now. Wish I didn’t have to wait!
comrade_bestie's review
dark
emotional
funny
mysterious
sad
tense
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? Yes
4.5
petra_reviews_mm's review against another edition
5.0
What a joy to read this series.
I finished this book in under 24 hours and loved every second of it! (I hope the author takes as much rest as needed so that the next book just as good as this one!)
To point out the differences from the previous ones and what I loved overall:
- we have a bit more focus on Doyle (through Larkin's focalization of course, which was lovely; even though it centered on Doyle, it also said so much about Larkin and the character he is!)
- this book was so romance heavy and I was just loving every second of it! There was just a bit of drama and so much swoon! These work husbands are becoming more and more comfortable in finding their own relationship and their boundaries. And they are also letting each other through their barriers and walls. It was just a joy to witness it. And the declarations? LARKIN?! Gah!
- Larkin is still such a loveable character but I appreciated his witty deadpan replies (to colleagues or flirty strangers) so much. I don't want him to change.
- Doyle is even more selfless and just into Larkin, and I love that even Doyle got lots of opportunities to share his knowledge and wisdom about all sorts of things.
- there is even development of side characters.
Overall, the overarching mystery is slowly coming together. We got some surprising twists and turns and there is still so much to unpack!
I need more scenes with Doyle and Larking just talking as Evie and Ira.
I know the series is supposed to consist of 5 books... but I wish Poe would come up with a new overarching plotline to create a new series with Ira and Evie.
I finished this book in under 24 hours and loved every second of it! (I hope the author takes as much rest as needed so that the next book just as good as this one!)
To point out the differences from the previous ones and what I loved overall:
- we have a bit more focus on Doyle (through Larkin's focalization of course, which was lovely; even though it centered on Doyle, it also said so much about Larkin and the character he is!)
And like the floor was dropping out from underfoot again, like Larkin was weightless again, the remorse that’d been infecting the small undergrowth of beauty in his soul for eighteen years glimpsed the sunshine born from Doyle’s smile, and Larkin felt… free.
- this book was so romance heavy and I was just loving every second of it! There was just a bit of drama and so much swoon! These work husbands are becoming more and more comfortable in finding their own relationship and their boundaries. And they are also letting each other through their barriers and walls. It was just a joy to witness it. And the declarations? LARKIN?! Gah!
“Are you okay,” Larkin asked. “I’m on cloud nine.” Doyle gave the hair tie on Larkin’s wrist a tug. And Larkin smiled, saying, “Me too.”
- Larkin is still such a loveable character but I appreciated his witty deadpan replies (to colleagues or flirty strangers) so much. I don't want him to change.
- Doyle is even more selfless and just into Larkin, and I love that even Doyle got lots of opportunities to share his knowledge and wisdom about all sorts of things.
- there is even development of side characters.
Overall, the overarching mystery is slowly coming together. We got some surprising twists and turns and there is still so much to unpack!
I need more scenes with Doyle and Larking just talking as Evie and Ira.
I know the series is supposed to consist of 5 books... but I wish Poe would come up with a new overarching plotline to create a new series with Ira and Evie.