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3.89 AVERAGE
3.89 AVERAGE
dark
mysterious
relaxing
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
Woot woot enby representation! Overall a quick read, the plot moved at a decent pace. I don't feel particularly feel attached to the characters as I saw little growth imo but they're likable. You like who you're meant to like and hate who you're meant to hate (and hate I did)
This is a compelling read. I've blazed through this book in two nights and it's been a while since I've done that. The pace keeps me moving along, prompting me for just one more page, one more chapter. Campbell — a perfect blend of mystery, angsty backstory and competence. Justine — the stand in for the reader, her plight, her anger and her interest in Campbell — it's oh so delicious. The smut is excellently written and that rush to the end made it impossible to put the book down. Oh and one important thing I've forgot to mention — a nonbinary main character? Sign me up! Well done and I look forward to the next book!
dark
emotional
mysterious
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:
Yes
adventurous
dark
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:
Yes
Scorching hot, clever, and packs a lot into a very small space. I really liked both Justine and Campbell as characters and together. I did feel like there were one or two plot threads left unresolved (specifically the Schafer bit) but I do see it's #1 in a series so perhaps it will come up later.
dark
emotional
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
As a long time fan of Gray's game writing, it's an utter treat and exquisite delight to have their words in highlight-able book form. And A LOT of this book is highlighted, as Gray's wordcraft is stunning. I dragged my heels reading this book because romantic thrillers aren't my cup of tea, and the premise sounded very thriller-y. Imagine my surprised pleasure when, despite the high-octane premise, the characters shine above all. And what characters! Justine and Campbell are fantastic, and this book proves that murder can be a love language. Even the husband Richard was given depth, which made him understandable (though not sympathetic: eat maggots, dillweed). The sex scenes are worth more fire emojis than I can type. This story is so captivating I finished it in 2 sittings, and I'm onto the sequel. 100% recommend to all who want their romance with the delicious agony of danger.
dark
mysterious
tense
medium-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:
Yes
Read for MM Summer Pride 2023
For the 18+ crowd!
This was a supet quick and fun read. A bit insta lovey, but in the context of it only being 120 pages or so it'd probably be considered medium burn. I had fun with it tho!!
Obviously, check content warnings before hand!
For the 18+ crowd!
This was a supet quick and fun read. A bit insta lovey, but in the context of it only being 120 pages or so it'd probably be considered medium burn. I had fun with it tho!!
Obviously, check content warnings before hand!
dark
funny
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
dark
emotional
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
N/A
I devoured this book, partially because I had a book club meeting 2.5 hours after I started it (with Rien Gray joining in, so exciting!), but mainly because Gray's writing is fantastic. They have amazing prose with compelling and impactful lines and dialogue. Every word had me wanting more — every part of Gray's writing in this book feels intentional, like they knew precisely what each word means for the plot and the characters (which, to be fair, they probably did and do). Love Kills Twice is filled with memorable lines and moments, from the hardened killer genuinely apologizing to Justine when they grab her and prevent her from making noise when Richard, the husband, walks into the cafe Justine and Campbell are in with his new, young conquest to the language used regarding Campbell during a sex scene.
Going through Gray's website, you can see that they say their books will always have a happy ending, which is something I adore. I'm sure there are plenty of good books without one, but I have a hard time enjoying books without happy endings. I can take angst up until the very end, though! This book's romance starts with the idea of working on a set deadline: until Justine's husband dies. You go through the book knowing this, until ... well, I don't know if I want to spoil too much of the book. Gray crafts an emotional arc expertly, allowing you to have emotions and tensions rise as turn each page (or swipe, as this is currently only an ebook).
Read my full review on my blog!
Going through Gray's website, you can see that they say their books will always have a happy ending, which is something I adore. I'm sure there are plenty of good books without one, but I have a hard time enjoying books without happy endings. I can take angst up until the very end, though! This book's romance starts with the idea of working on a set deadline: until Justine's husband dies. You go through the book knowing this, until ... well, I don't know if I want to spoil too much of the book. Gray crafts an emotional arc expertly, allowing you to have emotions and tensions rise as turn each page (or swipe, as this is currently only an ebook).
Read my full review on my blog!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Drug abuse, Drug use, Infidelity, Sexual content, Murder, Alcohol, Sexual harassment
Minor: Domestic abuse