cheri_champagne's review
3.0
This one is definitely not a favourite, and the bar is usually set pretty low for Josh Lanyon books. With JL, I know that the romance will be basically non-existent and the sex will be disappointing, but this one had one hero that was a homophobic jerk for the first 2/3, not enough character development, and a convoluted mystery.
I have to admit, I loved Perry; his character felt well-rounded and well thought-out. Nick, on the other hand, was uptight, rude--and not just in his behaviours, but in his thoughts, as well--and as the reader, we never really get to know much about him, despite being in his head for a good portion of the book. As a result, his character was flat and not really likeable.
Additionally, I couldn't see what Perry liked in Nick, aside from the fact that he used to be a SEAL and was apparently good-looking. Their relationship was totally unbelievable.
The mystery, while convoluted, was what kept me reading. I got confused with all of the names and different characters, especially when they all felt so similar to one another, but I enjoyed it, regardless.
Overall, this book was simultaneously disappointing and entertaining. 1* for romance, 3* for the mystery.
I have to admit, I loved Perry; his character felt well-rounded and well thought-out. Nick, on the other hand, was uptight, rude--and not just in his behaviours, but in his thoughts, as well--and as the reader, we never really get to know much about him, despite being in his head for a good portion of the book. As a result, his character was flat and not really likeable.
Additionally, I couldn't see what Perry liked in Nick, aside from the fact that he used to be a SEAL and was apparently good-looking. Their relationship was totally unbelievable.
The mystery, while convoluted, was what kept me reading. I got confused with all of the names and different characters, especially when they all felt so similar to one another, but I enjoyed it, regardless.
Overall, this book was simultaneously disappointing and entertaining. 1* for romance, 3* for the mystery.
mirocchi's review against another edition
emotional
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? No
4.0
nancyclue's review
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mini_elsa's review
adventurous
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
bookjunkie1975's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.75
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism and Homophobia
frog_tmk's review
1.0
DNF @ 30%
Really not liking the f/q and r slurs happening in this. And Nick sucks so far
Really not liking the f/q and r slurs happening in this. And Nick sucks so far
bookcraft's review
3.0
Deducted a star for sloppy POV issues near the end of the book.
This is good mystery with a complex and interesting cast of characters. The protagonists, Nick and Perry, are sympathetic, and while their romance builds slowly, it does build—and to a lovely conclusion at that. Their emotions come across as surprisingly subtle and nuanced, and the majority of conflict in the story is external and related to the murder mystery plot rather than to the romance. I found that a refreshing change from run-of-the-mill m/m romances, which tend to be heavy on the angst and light on...well, everything else.
This is good mystery with a complex and interesting cast of characters. The protagonists, Nick and Perry, are sympathetic, and while their romance builds slowly, it does build—and to a lovely conclusion at that. Their emotions come across as surprisingly subtle and nuanced, and the majority of conflict in the story is external and related to the murder mystery plot rather than to the romance. I found that a refreshing change from run-of-the-mill m/m romances, which tend to be heavy on the angst and light on...well, everything else.