A review by mollyreadsandcrafts
Elusive Relations by Nicky James

4.0

•spoilers• 

Quaid and Aslan have returned to the normal status quo after their previous case, even if neither of them can get their last night together out of their head. This all changes when Quaid's ex ends up the victim of an attempted murder. Quaid and Aslan work together once again to figure out who targeted Jack and why, uncovering more lies and deceit while trying and failing to suppress their growing feelings for one another. 

Quaid is a stoic, no nonsense detective but underneath his hard-ass attitude he's vulnerable and just wants to be loved and respected. This case is difficult for him because it shows just how deep Jack's betrayal goes. I don't even know why Jack was with Quaid, besides probably having some sort of narcissistic personality disorder. But you know who is entirely enamored with Quaid? Aslan. The bad boy player is absolutely intrigued with every facet of Quaid's personality. He sees the good, earnest man beneath the hard exterior and wants to show Quaid how amazing he really is. Quaid understandably has some trust issues after Jack, and while he's hesitant on starting something new so quickly, he can't resist Aslan. Not only do they respect each other personally and professionally but their chemistry is off the charts. There were many sweet moments where they so naturally opened up to each other, sharing their pasts and more personal moments about their lives. I know their relationship isn't going to be easy, there's like 6 more books, but I have a really good feeling about their future. 

I mostly liked the story just for Quaid and Aslan's relationship development. The case seemed like it should be really interesting, but it never really gripped me. For all the drama, it actually felt slow paced. And this never happens - but I was actually able to guess what happened pretty early on, or at least who the unsub was, so that kind of took the excitement out of it. Also as a generally anxious person, I was so impatient waiting for Quaid to call Eden back and figure out what was going on with the missing child! I knew somehow it connected back to Juniper, and was like Quaid! Stop putting it off! The book ended on a happy note with their relationship, but also a mini cliffhanger with what Eden and Quaid found. I liked the missing persons case from before more than this homicide story, so I'm really looking forward to what's next. 

Read if you like: 

• work rivals to lovers 

• mystery/crime  

• opposites attract 

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