“Romily asked me to do this, and I would do anything for that cute, fiery ball of optimism and silver linings except share him. He’s mine and I will fight you for him. No exceptions.”
— Fox Recruits a Mute Boy (And Falls in Love): A Short Story MSMD 1.5 (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees) by Jennifer Cody
This cute short story is wonderful to read right after The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer #1. Whereas that story is narrated by Romily, this is narrated by Arlington Fox, with interruptions by Romily. It’s a quick look at their beginning, and soulmate connection, from Fox’ perspective.
If you were wondering why Fox was so quick to go along with Romily on all those occasions? Here’s your answer!
Love it! Recommending it. Need the other book to know what’s going on.
It’s also available free if you subscribe to the author’s mailing list.
Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees series to date:
✓ The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer #1
✓ Fox Recruits a Mute Boy (And Falls in Love): A Short Story MSMD #1.5
✓ The Trouble With Trying to Save an Assassin (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 2)
Romily: Are you wondering what meeting me was like for the love of my life, Arlington Fox? Well, as Fox tells it, it was magical. Obviously.
Fox: Romily asked me to do this, and I would do anything for that cute, fiery ball of optimism and silver linings except share him. He’s mine and I will fight you for him. No exceptions.
Fox Recruits a Mute Boy is a 5k word short story as told from Fox’s point of view about how he met his soul’s mate. Content Warning: blood, gore, flying limbs, and ridiculous requests from polyamorous fathers.
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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
What we have here is a paranormal murderous romance farce as narrated by a snarky mute with a bent for sparkly jewelry and competent killer men so outstanding it brings out the heart eyes.
The author states in her notes she wrote it for fun and it reads that way. It’s absolutely entertaining, a one-sided narrative from a mute character, Romily Butcher, who’s bloody, dark short history absolutely prepares him for the supernatural/ paranormal death fest that’s Arlington Fox.
And it all starts with
“Once upon a time, a mute boy fell in love with an unapologetic murderer.”
— The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 1) by Jennifer Cody
From the beginning of their meeting in the diner, it’s a chaotic bloody romantic snarky funny mess. One that allows the narrator to peal back his own devastatingly awful personal history even as his new one is rolling out before us. It’s full of cherubs, demons, organizations that help with the balance of good and evil, magical agents and agendas galore , all served up with mystery and sarcasm!
Bad things happen. Lots of people die. It’s high action, kidnapping, murder, hijinks, and terror amidst the humor and romance. So while it’s fluffy in parts, it’s hellish fluffy.
Which, depending on how the author executes the story and frames out their characters, I’m a fan of. I really like how it works here. It’s a interesting combination of mythology, crime family dynamics, romance, and farce.
A note, traumatic and semi-traumatic events are given glossy or brief, succinct treatments here in the book and series. Maybe there’s a mention of a few tears but that’s generally it. I’ll let Romily spell it out as he does at the beginning of the book.
A NOTE FROM ROMILY
Dear Reader,
I’m a sassy, brave, beautiful boy who happens to use humor to cope with an unseen disability. If that bothers you, maybe you should consider expanding your horizons about how disabled people make life bearable when we’re surrounded by the oblivious.
Sincerely, Romily Butcher
PS: There’s a dub-con scene in this book. Shhh, it’s ok. I’m fine.”
— The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 1) by Jennifer Cody
Yes. As I said bad things happen. But they’re always happened to him. And they happen repeatedly throughout the book, to others all around him. It’s that series and those types of characters.
You know if you’re the type of reader that this will pose a issue for. Pls take that into consideration.
Meanwhile, I’m recommending The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 1) by Jennifer Cody. There’s 3 stories out now with plenty more planned. That is great incentive for me if I’m enjoying a series so far!
Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees series to date:
✓ The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer #1
✓ Fox Recruits a Mute Boy (And Falls in Love): A Short Story MSMD #1.5
✓ The Trouble With Trying to Save an Assassin (Murder Sprees and Mute Decrees Book 2)
Third time’s the charm, right? At least that’s what I tell myself when I witness the same hot guy commit mass murder three times in a few days. I’m either the luckiest mute boy ever or possibly the unluckiest. Who knows, maybe him kidnapping me will turn into the greatest love story ever told? Hey, it could happen! You never know how these things will turn out. I happen to believe in love and soulmates, and if nothing else, Arlington Fox doesn’t treat my disability like a nuisance. It’s not everyday you find someone who just gets you, and I’m not going to look a gift horse in the mouth even if the horse in question is a man so good at killing people that I should probably introspect a bit about why that skews my moral compass and possibly my kinks. But c’mon, competence is sexy, amiright?
The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer is an MM Paranormal Romance with lots of sass, humor, a ridiculous 3000 year age-gap, and an inordinate number of tables.
Praise for The Trouble with Trying to Date a Murderer:
“Arlington Fox is so smexy, but if he accidentally gets blood on one of my suits again, we’re going to have words.” —Romily Butcher, aka the narrator.
“I’d never accidentally get blood on any of his suits.” —Arlington Fox, aka Future Husband
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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
I enjoyed Tough Luck , the first in Annabeth Albert’s new A-List Security series about a group of ex-SEALS now running a private security company. The books are connected not just by the company it seems but by relationships outside of their own military lives.
Lt. Duncan Lubov, co-owner of A-List Security , half brother to the famous child actor Danny, is one half of the leads here. For me he’s easily the most connectable and likable personality, although both are extremely well written.
In a well known trope of romances with the following combination of opposites attract, age gap, rock star/hard nose security guy, Albert’s romantic grouping of Duncan and Ezra almost do it.
Duncan is asked by his younger brother, Danny (as a favor), to take over the uber famous rocker star, Ezra Moon’s security, and give it and him a needed security rehabilitation .
Plausible. They have a history and a realistic touch with Moon’s music as a surprise supporting element.
All great.
Ezra is the musician who’s the wild one. Unthinking, childish, self involved. Loves his family. Can’t see past his issues with his label so he’s constantly at odds with them.
If you’re thinking I’m not exactly in love with this character, you’d be correct.
Ezra is also very well defined. Just for me it’s not someone I like very much. Every word out of his mouth is a utterance that’s either undermining something Duncan is trying to do or whining about his job. Just couldn’t relate. He’s all mouth service but no action when it counts, as he’ll admit at the end. Just that oblivious.
Duncan’s reputation and that of his firm is on the line with this high profile job. Something Duncan has mentioned to Ezra and it’s been disregarded as nothing really meaningful. Over and over , until the book is almost complete, does Ezra not realize that he’s never considered anything that’s of importance to Duncan a priority. What’s been the drive for Ezra? Ezra. And his assumption that everyone will be ok with that. That his actions might destroy Duncan’s business, his relationships with his men and family? A brief pause.
That’s a narcissistic outlook . And while it’s one you might expect from a rockstar, here it’s not a character I’ll gravitate towards. Even at the end, he’s still talking about how it’s going to benefit him the best while setting up house and home. New songs, a rest from burnout. So happy for him.
Yeah. So loved Duncan. He’s really someone I related to. The romance and story, perhaps not as much . But it’s well plotted and executed as well as one most will enjoy. Loved Ezra’s parents. Plus Danny and Cash make appearances.
I wonder who Harley will end up with . That’s who’s story is coming next. I’ll meet you there.
How hard can it be to guard the country’s biggest rockstar?
As a SEAL officer, I’m no stranger to danger, but running my own security firm is a new challenge. Finding the right bodyguard for each client isn’t easy. Our next gig? My little brother’s best friend, rock god Ezra Moon, has a security crisis. Ezra is convinced I’m the right man for the job, but I’m not so sure.
From crowd surfing to infamous pictures, Ezra is known for taking risks. It’s no wonder his record label thinks he needs a keeper on tour.
But there’s not a tour bus big enough to contain our incendiary attraction. Ezra and his antics push every last one of my buttons, but the real problem is how much I want to kiss some sense into him. He’s a client, and angry make-out sessions aren’t the answer. Yet we keep finding ourselves alone and burning up the sheets until our secret fling threatens to scorch both of us.
I’ve spent my whole life running from the spotlight, trying to distance myself from my notorious father. Ezra wants to live his best life on the biggest stage. A future seems impossible, but our feelings are undeniable. Can I admit how hard I’ve fallen for Ezra without losing everything?
HARD JOB is book two in a brand-new SEAL bodyguard series. It features a reluctant SEAL bodyguard, a mouthy rock star with a heart of gold, molten chemistry, and pie. Lots of pie. Also, all the high heat, big emotions, and found family feels readers expect from this fan-favorite military romance author. Join A-List security for this new series featuring former SEALs and the celebrity clients who win their hearts. Happy endings and no cliffhangers guaranteed!
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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
I was looking for a contemporary romance to read after finishing a urban fantasy, and picked up Boyfriend Goals by Riley Hart.
What a utter pleasure this was to read! Low angst, a plot driven by fully realized characters in situations that allows them to grow, finding home and true love in a totally relatable,real way.
I went to sleep thinking about Milo and Gideon, their happy life together, friends and family. And they are still with me now.
Hart’s decision to have Milo be neurodivergent is a great one although it might spark some confusion or controversy. Milo is a wonderful character, who’s neurodivergence has effected his life since birth. It’s how he handles it now that will speak to the reader and Gideon.
As I understand it, neurodivergence “now refers to any structured, consistent way that brains work differently for a group of people than they do for the majority of others.”The sources I referenced many different types of neurodivergence, including Autism, which is referred to a couple of times here.
I’m not in touch with the author so I’ve no idea what Milo’s character framework was when planning this story. Whatever it is works! Milo feels so believable and alive for me. His interactions with Gideon, and the others in the community are credible. Whether it’s a new one on one situation or one that’s got Milo in a very stressful place, Hart’s writing is so terrific that it easily conveys that’s this a real life event for him.
Gideon too is a beautifully layered person. His dynamics within his family and how it’s worked through emotionally is heartwarming and heartfelt. Insecurities have no age limit and that’s especially true here.
Hart could have made Milo’s mother more one dimensional instead we get a moving relationship, fundamentally strong with two people who love each other. Again, such a great element among many.
By the end of the story, I was absolutely in love with Milo and Gideon, their combined stores, INK & INK, their new lives together and their community. What a wonderful life!
What a grand story! And one I’m highly recommending!
Malicious Midpoint is the third of Alice Winters’ Demon Magic series and it’s my favorite to date. It’s a great mixture of the author’s signature snarky dialogue, quirky likable characters, which is combined with a magically twisted dark plot that’s pulled from all the previous novels. One that unexpectedly eschews the expectations of humor, ending up with emotionally moving scenes that deepen our connections with this very odd group of beings.
Not that humorous elements are left out! Far from it. There’s a scene or two that actually causes a spit take ! Waterbeds indeed! The growing family of Miles, Havoc, Menace, and others who often end up in their home or part of the peculiar intimate circle of friends are added to and, have their bonds tightened by the events here.
And it all starts so easily. With just a book and a boom!
Winters weaves a tale of love, darkness, tortured pasts, loss, family, and reclamation into something extraordinary. Just when you think the pain and darkness is unrelenting, there’s that aspect of humor to pull everything up before it’s plunging back down again.
Then there’s that ending. It’s weighing on me. Everywhere I see this is noted as 3 of 3 books in the series but this is very much an unfinished arc with so many storylines left unresolved.
It’s why this isn’t a 5 rating. Will there be more books? Another related series? I don’t know. I do know if you’re like me you won’t feel completely satisfied by this ending.
I’m still thrilled by Malicious Midpoint. But is it really instead the midpoint of this series? Is that my takeaway?
If someone has the scoop, please contact me.
In the meantime, I’m highly recommending Malicious Midpoint (Demon Magic #3) by Alice Winters and all the books that preceded it.
Nothing can go wrong with being in love with a demon and having a dragon familiar whose idea of a fun time is watching me plummet to the ground, right? Now that things have settled down, I’m hoping to finally get some peace and quiet to spend with Havoc.
Instead, we get a guy who can walk the river of the dead, a centaur that seems allergic to pants, and an angel who has only one true love: himself.
This is the group of misfits I’ve been given to protect the district.
Sometimes I can’t help but wonder how we stopped an unbelievably powerful dark mage.
After finding a strange book in the middle of the woods that seems to be connected to curse magic, I find myself in the presence of someone from my past… someone I never expected to meet again. As the clues lead us into a district on the brink of destruction, Havoc and I realize that in order to stop the district from collapsing and taking down our friends with it, we can’t do it alone. With the assistance of my chaotic crew, we are going to stop this darkness before it consumes those we care about.
But everything comes at a cost because when you work with magic, nothing is predictable.
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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
Roommate Arrangement (Divorced Mens Club #1) by Saxon James was a lovely contemporary romance. The first in a new series revolving around a group of newly divorced men, James manages to set the foundation by introducing the group, grounding them in a interesting small hometown who’s abandoned penitentiary now serves as a tourist attraction, and a useful location for scenes to the characters themselves.
The first couple we meet begins with a man who’s returning to his hometown after a devastating discovery that his husband has been cheating on him for years. Now in the process of getting a divorce, he’s fleeing home to his friends and a place to recover.
That’s Payne Walker. Feeling lost, without a job, home, and until the apartment is sold, little savings. While his brother and family are acting as his support and cushion, we , through James’ lovely writing , empathize with Payne as he returns to Kilborough.
Waiting there, at the Kilborough Brewery , a town draw, are Griffin, Art de Almeida, owner of the brewery and startup of the DMC (Divorced Mens Club) and Orson. Plus Marty, Payne’s brother. The kil bro group of their adolescence years.
On the outskirts is Beau, Marty’s best friend and a successful fantasy writer. Beau has always harbored a deep crush on Payne when they were growing up. But his own social awkwardness and younger age always made him feel him unable to say anything.
Beau’s a terrific character. A socially awkward person, who’s passion for writing and own innate nature makes for a messy and lonely home life. When writing, he’s buried in his characters and plots, unaware of time passing. When blocked and unable to move forward, everything grinds to a halt, again forgotten.
When Marty suggests Payne as a roommate to help Payne get some needed breathing room from Marty’s overcrowded house, it looks to be a great way for both men to temporarily solve some problems.
James’s plot of a slow forming friendship that also turns into a romance is so charming. From a blanket fortress to a walk through the famous penitentiary, the men start to move towards something real and substantial.
There’s not a lot of deep angst after the beginning. But more a thoughtful removal of obstacles and a heartwarming romance that’s sure to engage you.
As this is just the beginning of the DMC series, it’s such an enjoyable start that I’m looking forward to the rest of the stories.
Need a new contemporary romance to read? Here’s one I’m recommending!
Must ignore the patheticness of a forty-year-old roommate.
Preferably dirt cheap as funds are tight (nonexistent).
There’s nothing sadder than moving back to my hometown newly divorced, homeless, and lost for what my next move is.
When my little brother’s best friend offers me a place to stay in exchange for menial duties, I swallow my pride and jump at the offer.
I need this.
I also need Beau to wear a shirt. And ditch the gray sweatpants. And not leave his door ajar when he’s in compromising positions …
Beau:
In search of: roommate.
Must be non smoker and non douchebag.
Room payment to be made in meal planning, repairs, and dumb jokes.
Since my career took off, I barely have time to breathe, let alone keep my life in order. I’m naturally chaotic, make terrible decisions, and scare off potential dates with my “weirdness”.
So when Payne gets back into town and needs somewhere to stay, I offer him my spare room with one condition: while he’s staying with me, I need him to help me become date-able.
And while he does that, I can focus on my other plan: ignoring that Payne is the only man I’ve ever wanted to date.
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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
What a moving, funny, and gobsmackingly magnificent book A Shattered Silver Crown is! It’s my favorite of four stories to date in Kai Butler’s fantastic San Amaro Investigations , a series that’s gotten more breathtaking in scope with each novel. Butler seems to be envisioning the future of the universe as well as character growth as something so wildly different, so unexpected that with every new case or turn in the story, the reader never knows what emotionally the impact will bring. On the characters and us.
It could be warm-hearted scenes between the growing found family living with Parker Ferro. It could be wildly humorous ones with brownies determined to have their be dazzling way, or heartbreaking ones as Parker deals with the emotional fallout of his past and his identity. All while investigating cases that could shatter worlds.
Butler’s writing here is just superb. The ramifications from the deep draining family issues that have come from the deaths and devastating events from the previous books are a major factor here. Lauren, Parker’s sister, isn’t right. How this is handled is incredible.
Love, whether it’s family or romantic, and it’s complications , especially when the Fae are involved is a enormous element here. Especially because Parker is Fae. The balancing act he has to make between his two lives is becoming more perilous and harder to do.
Butler’s ability to bring us inside Parker’s often anguished emotional state is heartbreaking and painful. We are so committed to him and want him to succeed even as the odds are increasing against him.
The magical scenes of battle are powerful and believable, imaginative and thrilling. You can feel the heat of the flames around the people you care about!
At the end, the case here has been resolved. But the cost has been high. And there’s hints of a high danger on the horizon. As well as one on the doorstep.
There’s another book, The Heart’s Blood Arrow, coming out Nov 7, 2022. It says it’s the 5 and last story in the series. But honestly, I can’t understand how this unbelievably complicated universe and themes can be wrapped up in one book. It seems unlikely.
I’m highly anticipating that book. But until then, this series is amazing. Read it in the order it’s written. They are not standalone books.
I’m highly recommending each and every one, especially A Shattered Silver Crown (San Amaro Investigations #4) by Kai Butler .
Sure, he’s still recovering from his last case and his sister has started keeping secrets, but that’s just another day in the life of the Windrose of San Amaro.
Then the local werewolf alpha calls in a favor when he’s turned on by his own pack and the last thing Parker wants to do is get mired in the city’s pack politics. Throw in the recent murder of a local cult leader with disturbing connections to the hidden fae in San Amaro, a long lost relative showing up to reconnect, and a group of brownies taking up residence in his car, and Parker cannot catch a break.
Hopefully he can solve this case and figure out some family secrets before everything blows up in his face, taking the city along with it.
A Shattered Silver Crown is a 120k MM urban fantasy with a HFN ending and an ongoing storyline. It cannot be read as a standalone.
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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
E. Broom is a new author and I picked up this novel based on the reviews. It’s basically a light, humorous supernatural fantasy romp.
Nothing to take too seriously, but it has fun with its characters, using the typical trope of witch/werewolf instant mate elements, along with a hint of fairytale overlay!
Low on the angst, quick on the action and relationship, and it’s warm-hearted to boot.
There’s a bookstore that’s the center of a small village with all sorts of magical goings on. Naturally.
Ernest Turnball gets fired from one job then decides a change of career is needed. He answers a ad for help needed in a bookstore and finds himself in Cadenbury. A quaint village full of welcoming if a bit odd people and a terrific job at The Crazy Bookshop.
In the matter of one day, his perception of the world goes sideways and upside down. What a marvelous thing to happen.
Ernest is rather unflappable. He’s kind, and rather funny.
And it turns out he’s got a rather unique set of connections to Cadenbury. Not the least of which is the sparks going off between him and the hunky Mayor!
There’s a mystery, lots of magical fun, family, and a growing cast of characters to enjoy.
I found the story very entertaining and a quick read.
There’s a second novel out so I’ll head over to see what the author has in store for Titus.
If you like all the above elements mixed together for light fun fare, this might be the book for you.
Who knew when I threw a latte in my boss’s face, my life would change forever?
After being fired from his job for Gross Misconduct, Ernest Turnball decided to try something different and applied for a job at The Crazy Bookshop.
Starting his new life as a bookshop assistant, Ernest meets some interesting characters, like Mollyanne, who looks like the wicked stepmother from Snow White, when she turns into the crone, but without the big nose. What she does have is a crow, owl, fox, and German shepherd. One of whom is always with her. Or his new boss Alfred, who reminds him of an excitable puppy.
A prediction from one of the town witches puts the town on it’s guard, but strange things are still occurring. It seems someone is spell casting and causing havoc to the town and its people.
Having found out he is a witch, Ernest is determined to find out who is behind spells, and if the town mayor and Alpha wolf shifter, Adhan Stone, wants to help him, who is he to say no?
With the town looking on, scorecards at the ready, can Ernest and Adhan save the town, and reach a perfect ten score?
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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
Hot Pursuit is the third in The Hot Cannolis series being written by Eli Easton and Tara Lain about a large Italian family made up primarily of firefighters, with a few law enforcement officers scattered throughout.
It’s been about their sexual awakening and how that’s been handled within a highly machismo, heteronormative (and Catholic) family structure. What struggles the family has had to adapt to their son’s newly acknowledged sexuality and their new partners.
It’s had to include the fire department, which ever one the characters works for, as well as that close knit group our characters work within, into the main character’s struggles to define himself and come to terms with their identity as queer men. It’s not always been a easy journey as the Fire Departments are a bastion of straight, white, male hierarchy and to be anything other is often a tough lonely path.
Both authors have included the continuing bigotry and exclusion the out Canalis face in their jobs despite the fact that they were highly regarded for their “firefighter lineage “ and superb abilities before coming out. It makes for a believable story.
Due to illnesses, the authors split the last two stories.
Easton takes up Det. Rick Canali’s story. He’s the uncle to the characters we’ve meet so far and only recently admitted (in Hot Wings), to the two members of the family that he’s gay. It’s not anything new. Almost forty, he’s always known he was gay, but his family’s well known (at that time) bigotry, kept him silent.
A confirmed “batchelor” to the family, Rick’s recent partner has retired. His new one, John Rivera, is out and threatening his determination to stay in the closet.
Rick has always been such a quiet, strong character in the previous books. A bit of a mystery. So it’s a real pleasure to see this character get to show all the depths of his personality. From the love of his family to all aspects of his professional persona.
John Rivera is the troubled new person. So happy to finally get his Detective’s badge but he’s also got a very brutal history following him.
For those people for which domestic violence and/or gaslighting is trigger, just be warned as this is a major element here.
John is a wonderful, engaging character. His story and background just further pulls you into a connection with him, and helps understand his situation more fully.
While Rick and John try to determine the boundaries of their relationship, and learn to trust one another, they are also in the middle of a investigation.
Easton does a terrific job with unfolding the investigation while maintaining the tension between Rick and John. Everything and everyone is so tightly strung you don’t know what is going to pop first.
There’s plenty of charming , heartwarming scenes with the huge Canali family as well as frightening moments that occur within the investigation.
I hugely enjoyed myself and this novel. Rick and Tony rank right up there among my favorite Canali couples.
I believe there’s just one more left to go. Hot Lips from Tara Lain. No release date as yet.
I’m highly recommending Hot Pursuit and The Hot Cannolis series.
The Hot Cannolis series:
◦ Fireman’s Carry (The Hot Cannolis #0.5) by Eli Easton
Solving the case will be tricky. But keeping their hands off each other will be impossible.
Detective Rick Canali’s life is perfect the way it is. He loves his job with the Chico, CA police. He can get casual sex whenever he wants it, and for family vibes, he has his brother Angelo’s large family of hotheaded firefighters. He’s happy being a “perpetual bachelor.” But when he’s partnered up with a too-attractive newbie detective, all the neat boxes in his life threaten to collapse. Because the one thing this detective never saw coming—falling in love.
John Rivera always wanted to be a detective. He’s determined to succeed despite his ex trying to make his life hell and his new partner—the gorgeous Rick Canali—making it clear he’s not wanted. As a former foster care kid, he’s used to fighting his own battles and depending on no one.
When a firefighter dies under suspicious circumstances, Rick and John’s new partnership is tested. It turns out, they’re a pretty good team. But can they crack the case while dancing around their mutual attraction, dodging John’s ex, and trying to keep the Canali firefighters safe from a potential killer in the Cal Fire ranks?
HOT PURSUIT is a murder mystery wrapped in a romance with a big scoop of suspense, hurt-comfort, evil ex, and more Canali family feels.
Killer Honeymoon wraps up the second series for the detective couple of Sawyer Key and Royce Locke. Their story starts with the wonderful Zero Hour trilogy and now, temporarily at least, concludes with their wedding and a honeymoon almost to die for in this last story of the Matrimony and Mayhem trilogy arc.
What a truly entertaining story Killer Honeymoon proves to be. Walker incorporates all the elements that we expect from the couple’s relationship, humor, thoughtful introspection, respect, and deep abiding love as well as a heathy sex life, and weaves a tale of murder carried out in a tiny resort town. One that they’re honeymooning in.
We get a moving wedding, a hilarious jaunt to their destination, and then a lakeside mystery and murder worthy of any fabulous cozy!
Walker never lets our focus off of the fact that it’s Sawyer and Royce’s honeymoon, with all the resplendent joy and happiness they have in the fact they are each other’s husbands, with a new future and family ahead of them. We get to revel in that along with them.
Whether they are investigating a element of the murder, or a break in, some aspect of the fact they are newly married threads into the picture. It’s lovely. Plus the manner in which they establish a pattern to investigate just says partners in every way. Walker’s writing is so amazing here pulling all the elements together on so many levels.
As always, the surrounding cast is a solid aspect of the story. They are well defined and just plain terrific characters. From the cranky Frank to the spiraling Evan, each is believable.
It’s a neat mystery and is wrapped up in a suspenseful, edgy climax. Outstanding.
The ending is so good. And leaves us and them in a great place with the ability to make a return sometime in the future. Honestly, we need now to see more of Dolly.
Walker has two more books in the works that relates to this universe, one specific to the end of this story.
The next will be Topher Carnegie’s story (and Julian Fine’s) in About Last Night. Expect to see that September 20, 2022.
Then finally Emilio Mendoza and Abe Beecham get their romance in Just Say When. That’s out on December 20, 2022. Be still my heart!
That’s two novels to look forward to!
And I expect Walker’s not done with these guys just yet.
I’m highly recommending this and all the series novels.
Read them in the order they are written for the full character relationship development!
Newlyweds, Royce Locke and Sawyer Key, embark on a honeymoon road trip where their biggest threat should be dodging drunk tourists on golf carts. But their arrival on South Bass Island lands them in the middle of a contentious battle between lifelong islanders and a property developer who won’t accept no for an answer. Tempers soar as the barometric pressure drops, signaling a dangerous storm brewing on the horizon and across the street. Minding their own business becomes impossible when a homicide wrecks their vacation and puts Royce and Sawyer in the path of a twisted killer.
Will their honeymoon be two tickets to paradise or a one-way trip to the morgue?
Killer Honeymoon is book three in the Matrimony and Mayhem trilogy, the second story arc for Royce Locke and Sawyer Key. ** New readers should start with the Zero Hour trilogy before reading Matrimony and Mayhem. ** Killer Honeymoon is a continuation of Royce and Sawyer’s happily ever after as they move into the next phase of their lives—professionally and personally. Though some storylines span the trilogy, this book does not end in a cliffhanger. Heat, humor, heart, and homicide abound. You have been warned. 18+
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Unless it’s noted, all books reviewed have been purchased by the reviewer.
Scattered Thoughts and Rogue Words 