Cordelia Kingsbridge

This. Was. WILD.

For the last two thirds of this book I was legitimately sweating bullets and hyperventilating, because it was stressing me out in the best way possible. I don’t remember the last time a mystery/detective novel pulled me in as much as this series has. I’m sure I could figure the mystery out, but I don’t actually want to, because being tugged along with the story, without getting a breather, is too much fun.

Dominic and Levi’s relationship is so good, ugh. I have a soft show more spot for couples who are incredibly intense about one another, and the tension between these two is so palpable it’s hard to breathe when they’re in each other’s space. This also makes for an absolutely devastating conflict when they’re working against each other. My god did it get ugly, as ugly only as people who know and love each other can make it, because they know where to land nastiest blows. And then, when they finally lanced those emotional boils, it was so cathartic, I felt like I was the one put through the wringer.

I loved it. I love it when a book makes me feel this strongly about a story. I’m dreading the conclusion a little bit, but Kingsbridge proved she can take care of her readers, so I’m positive it’ll be epic. show less

This is one of those books where I struggle to write a review. Not because I didn't like the story, the characters or found editing or other errors. No, I struggle because I loved the book that much, got so involved in the story, the characters and everything that I just can't seem to put it into words!

So, yes, I think you can safely assume I loved this book *grin*. Levi and Dominic are very strong and interesting characters. Not perfect cookie-cutter types either. They are both flawed, make show more mistakes and basically are "real" human beings. There are also a lot of very interesting secondary characters, supporting both Levi and Dominic, yet taking nothing away from the overall story.

The romance in the story is of the slow-burn kind. Levi actually ends a long term, but failing, relationship in the book. And I respect the way the author has handled this and not just swept it just under the carpet or made it all magically a non-issue. Because of the potential rebound issues, both Dominic and Levi decide to take it slow, which I feel is a real winner.

The mystery/thriller aspect of the story is brilliant. Almost creepily so if you want my honest opinion. The author definitely doesn't give anything away, instead leading you down winding paths, veering off into little side lanes and in general not really taking you where you think you're going. This is only the first instalment, so don't expect closure on who the Seven of Spades killer is, but it doesn't have a "cliff hanger" feel to it either. It does leave me hungry to start the next book immediately though. Lucky for me, I have it lined up already, lol. show less

4.45 stars

“Everybody has a dark side,” Dominic said. He unstrapped his right glove. “It’s okay to take that side out for a drive every now and then. Healthy adults have this crazy thing called impulse control that tells them when and where to do that. It’s what separates us from psychotic serial killers. And teenagers.”

DAMN! MUTHA OF ALL F**KERS This book made me ragey and....



The first half of this book had me fooled. Hot sex! Lovey dovey, enjoying the mystery….then all that show more gets taken away! Poof! All gone!

Levi and Dominic broke my heart and at the same time I wanted to just spank them. I was happy, angry, sad and everything in-between.

I believe I am not a violent person, but… buuuuut those fight scenes got me all hot and bothered. There is just something about guys beating each other up that gets me like, daaaamn. That stuff is on fire!! Levi is kinda of a psycho and i love him even more.

He launched himself at Dominic again. This time, Dominic evaded several strikes before landing a solid left hook and then slamming his right fist into Levi’s stomach. Levi coughed, doubling over, and then delivered a nasty snap kick.



The mystery in this one was just ok and also made me want to punch everyone involved, that gang war thing was just off and unnecessary. I can’t wait to find out who the SoS is. He/She/Them better be really smart because at the moment, i am finding it hard to believe this, all knowing, all smart, omnipresent 'A' person. At the same time, i love that he/she/ them is obsessed with Levi., it adds some juice to the story.

I can’t express how much I love the writing. CK sure can write. The words flow from page to page, the dialogues are so engaging, the sex is hoooot! and we get some humor too. What more can a girl ask for?

I don't want to read about Dominic's addiction ever! That stuff is fucked up, exhausting and so damn real.



This series has the best diverse characters and best bad-ass women ever. I need more of Rohan, Sawyer, Stanton. CK please give me more stories.

The award for the best supporting character ever goes to.. drum-roll please.. da-da-da-da!!
REBEL!!! show less

"How?"
"You've got a real weird guardian angel."

I'll just go ahead and file this under 'things that are Caz's fault.'

Oh but that's a good thing? A good thing? I lost sleep, staying up too late to read this addictive book as much for the two...CUTIE HEROES as much as for the suspense.

This book has touches that I haven't seen done that well-including the use of an animal, by a human who is an actual dog owner. Look, I don't mind pets in books, they can be endearing, sweet, it's fine. But at show more times, they might as well be a couch. But that's not Dominic, there's forever details of him arranging and making sure his dog is covered-not to any annoying extent but to the same extent I wish people did with kids in romance. It's obvious from the beginning that this hero is an absolute teddy bear, rawr.

"This isn't how this happens, you and me," he said quietly. "Not like this."

On the other side is Levi, and they aren't really a couple yet because he's got baggage and all, but it's nicely set up. Levi is struggling, a little more mysterious, a bit more uptight. I haven't decided if I'd call him 'prickly' or not.

What's between them is some serious chemistry, but my goodness, the consideration for one another had me in pieces. There were lots of lols.
ETA: AND I haven't even mentioned the wonderful supporting cast and nice diverse touches....sigh.

And now I have a dilemma - I feel like it's a terrible idea to start the new one, and yet.... show less