roksyreads 's review for:

No, You Hang Up by A.J. Merlin

4.0

adventurous dark emotional funny tense fast-paced

Plot or Character Driven: Character

Strong character development: Yes

Loveable characters: Yes

Diverse cast of characters: No

Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

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I loved the focus on strong, supportive friendships in this one, with the banter between FMC Kai and her two best friends shining among the darkest and spiciest scenes in the novel. Questionable though Kai’s judgement may be, she’s a character I found unexpectedly familiar, with so many of her internal moments echoing my own thoughts in years past. I absolutely understand her attraction to MMC Huxley, the sinfully gorgeous, unhinged, and utterly obsessed serial 𝗄𝗂𝗅𝗅𝖾𝗋 who becomes a ~victim~ of one of Kai’s besties’ harmless prank calls. It’s not just Hux’s 𝘬𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳 looks or his *ahem* prowess that captured my attention, but the clear, acute way he *sees* Kai, as well as the subtle moments of surprise and relief as she sees—and accepts—those darkest, inexorable parts of himself.

And just like that, AJ Merlin has made me fall for another serial unaliver through her latest horror romance. No, You Hang Up is a quick, exciting read that’s a great fit for anyone looking for a dark romance that balances the thrill of horror with a dry, sharp humour and delicious spice.

Ratings:
4⭐   ~   4🌶️   ~   2💔

Tropes:
🖤 S𝖾𝗋𝗂𝖺𝗅 𝗄𝗂𝗅𝗅𝖾𝗋
🖤 S𝗍𝖺𝗅𝗄𝖾𝗋
🖤 K𝗂𝖽𝗇𝖺𝗉𝗉𝗂𝗇𝗀
🖤 Touch her and 💀
🖤 Found family

What I loved:
🖤 Relatable morally grey FMC
🖤 Morally black MMC who’s sweet only for her
🖤 Strong friendship rep
🖤 Hand necklaces and breath play
🖤 Primal and 🔪 play