Reckless Roulette: The Elite Book 1, Alice Winters

There really isn't much I enjoy more than a book by this author.  And when they make it amazing, full of silly shenanigans, endearing characters, badassery, snark, charm, spice, and a hint or flashing neon sign of danger, well, then you've got magic.  But here we also get a redemption of the soul too and that, my friends, made it one of my absolute favorite reads of the year so far.

Kade was suitable annoying with all his arrogance, attitude, and entitlement.  His rage was humorous and the only reason this isn't a full 5 stars is because a lot of his rage went on just a liiiittle too long.  It almost got to the point that I was going to have to settle for Len's love of Kade just being excused as his own tragic backstory altering his preferences.

So while I loved Len and his utter ridiculousness, his sense of justice, his skill with weaponry, his ability to keep Kade off balance and put in his place without public humiliation, my heart was Kade's to lose.  See, my attention and heart was charmed by Len but was ultimately stolen by Kade.

Now, I know it's hard to get through the difficult bits that are Kade in his nurtured awfulness, but there are glimpses of the awkwardness not bred of disdain or contempt, but of the "hurry and look away so you're not affected" kind, the kind that tell you he was taught to look away by others and himself.  That truth is revealed when Len gets rightfully upset by it and puts him on his back in the parking lot.  There's something in him that only Len seems to make him face, and ultimately accept.  Those glimpses are small but so weighty that it made his turnaround absolutely believable to me in this short story.

This book was so damn good.  Kade's turnaround was beautifully written, his honesty and dumbness were beyond endearing, once he pulled his head out, and he was the rock our Len needed to find his own freedom.  I want to read it again right now, actually.  A solidly amazing book at 4.8 stars.

*$3.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Monstrous Intent: Mischief and Monsters Book 1, Alice Winters

This is why I read this author's work. I've come to know, love, and expect the shenanigans, the ridiculousness, the scowly grumpy character, the outlandishly silly partner, the interesting side characters, the unexpected animal companions, the creatures either causing or attempting to fix the mayhem and danger... Everything was here and I would be disappointed if it were missing.

So yes, expect some things that feel extremely familiar if you're a repeat reader, but don't let that stop you from finding the unique bits that make this story its own. For instance, where else has this author written about chimeras in this way? What other author has used this take on not just what they might look like, but their "family" dynamic that's unique to this storyline? I loved picturing these creatures in my mind as they were described here and I feel both mesmerized and horrified by what the humans in this world might be experiencing as the story progresses.

Declan is my ideal growly grump with a personal crisis of what they actually want and the eye-opening moments that are only possible because of the other MC. And with all of Lake's utter ridiculousness it's hard not to live for Declan's super small and reluctant grins. Lake's got all his own issues with where he comes from, what and how much he's hiding, what his hopes and dreams are, and his own moments of revelation as Declan makes him see beyond the fight to live his own way. They are a fantastic team and Declan's delayed reaction to Lake's unilateral choice was utter perfection. It was unexpected because it wasn't formulaic or cliched. That was an absolute highlight of the reading experience.

So to say I'm a fan and that I'm totally invested is an understatement at this point. I truly cannot wait to find out what the body on the slab means for them all, who's going to run the show after the parade's events, and how much more trouble Lake will get Declan into.

$4.99 on Amazon or FREE on KU!

Add this to your Goodreads TBR list!

Declan

It’s really hard to pretend like life is normal when you’re staring a monster in the eyes, though he’s both tempting and irritating in his human form. I put my days as a hunter behind me, unable to cope with the death and pain anymore, to become an upstanding citizen and for what? To assist Lake, a man who claims he’s not a monster but keeps talking about me like I’m edible and–even worse–wants to woo me? Between my old organization trying to pull me in and Lake proving that things aren’t quite what they seem, I’m dragged back into this world of fighting the things that humans fear the most.

Lake

The human is exquisite. The first moment he told me he was going to hunt me down, I felt my heart burst. He’s beautiful, sassy, angry, and going to be mine (even if he thinks he can refuse my charms). But what Declan doesn’t know about me is that there’s a reason I’m hiding as a human among monster hunters. And while he definitely doesn’t know why, he’s willing to work with me because the people around us strangely want Declan and me dead at the end of this (I mean, who would want to kill us? We’re amazing).

But honestly… what’s more fun than dragging a hunter off to the dark side?

Warning: This is a chaotic monster and a chaotic human. Stuff happens. People die (but they were bad, so it doesn’t matter, right?) and there’s plenty of humor alongside a budding romance.

Nixing the End of the World: Phoenix's Quest Book 1, Alice Winters

Alastair and Nix...a good mix of tame, bewildered, crazy, and outrageous, I was alternately sedate and on the edge of my seat with the pacing of the story. I found Alastair to be a cross between Leland from Hitman and Marcus from VRC with his weapon wielding and snark in the face of his denial of past guilt and current interest in Nix. In this particular instance, it's the story surrounding him that assisted with being a unique character, but I found a whole lot of similarities to past Alice characters so he felt familiar even if I knew nothing about him.

In fact, I can't say I really learned all that much about him by the end of this first book in this new series. We do find out where his guilt comes from and his hesitance around his bond with Nix, but other than to give context, it wasn't much in the way of really knowing him. I'm eager to find out more and to watch him really open up to Nix. I want to see more of his power, what it can do, and how Nix can balance it out.

Speaking of Nix, his own power is an unknown until pretty much the end of the book. I'm not exactly sure how I feel about Nix taking the entirety of the story to get only a clue about what his power is and how to use it before he's thrust into the crazy with the villain. I really look forward to seeing him train and grow with his own magic in addition to the bond building he and Alastair really need to get working toward.

Together they work for me. It's a slow growth between them and I'm glad that they didn't really act on their attraction until it felt right because there were so many unknowns, so much going on with and around them, that it would have distracted from the story and felt forced. They've got a long road ahead of them and I want to be with them every step of the way.

The cast surrounding them is quite varied, though the ones directly involved were...interesting. Some were introduced with a bang and then kind of left off to the edges of the goings-on until near the end and I wasn't exactly liking that. Another, the BFF, was actually my least favorite character out of everyone introduced. I'm guessing she'll grow on me as the story continues though. The villain surprised me. Not in who they were, but how it all played out and what they did. I'm super stoked to see where things go from the cliffhanger bomb that was dropped.

Even though this wasn't a resounding five hilariously awesome star story, I have a feeling I'm going to love the whole series. Between the shenanigans of creatures, humans, and guardians and the plot that's barely getting off the ground, there's a whole lot to look forward to and I seriously can't wait to jump back in as soon as book two is available.

$5.99 on Amazon

Nix
“You are the savior of mankind” are the last words I ever expected to hear while nibbling on fries. The thing is, I’m not mankind saving material. I don’t even have magic (and just found out it exists). I’m the most boring, normal(ish) human ever.

Suddenly, I’m being tossed right into the middle of a fight that started years before I was even born, and then I get partnered up with Alastair, a quirky magical Guardian. He is rather attractive and sweet when he’s not into the whole “woe is me, I can’t let myself fall in love with you” nonsense. I mean, the moment he took my annoyingly judgmental grandma hostage, it was all over for me. I was hooked.

Now the only problem is… what exactly are we saving the world from?

Alastair

The moment I laid eyes on Nix, the naive yet easygoing human captivated my attention, and now I’m determined to protect him. But despite my amazing and majestic abilities, we might not make it out of this mess. Still, there must be a reason Nix was chosen. No, he doesn’t have pizazz and maybe he really doesn’t have magic, but he’s also one of the strongest and kindest men I’ve ever met.

Now if I can just get him to stop throwing blankets at enemies, we might have a shot at this.

The Hitman's Guide to Tying the Knot While Not Getting Shot: The Hitman's Guide Book 3, Alice Winters

It wouldn't be a Leland classic if there weren't over-the-top declarations and pew pew shenanigans and Hitman 3 does not disappoint.  I have to say it's Sarge and the dobermans that take the cake as my favorite bits in this book though.  While I continue to love Leland and adore Jackson, the puppers steal the show this time around.

There's a bit of maturity that happens here that was only hinted at before now and I'm incredibly glad to see it; Leland is finally settling into his skin and his place with Jackson's family.  Until it's threatened.  Surprisingly, and also a bit predictably, the danger comes from Jackson's past and not Leland's so there are a whole bunch of things we can't predict or assume that's going to come at them.  Making the focus shift onto Jackson and their need to protect one another while also learning to truly involve one another in the solution it brought that maturity I mentioned and it allows both men to both flounder and bloom.

Getting these men to the altar was a bit of a trial with all the crazy bombarding them as well as Ava, the resident monster-in-law.  I can't say I ever truly warmed up to her, but she did soften enough that I didn't mind her as much by the end.  There were quite a few bits in this story that I actually found myself skimming, unfortunately, and that was nearly every Ava scene as well as the Mila ones.  I love that she attached herself to Leland, but I felt a bit off that she did so while acting the way she did toward Jackson  It's probably because Jackson is my favorite character out of everyone though.  Also...she read way older than 7 so I had a hard time wrapping my head around her at all.

Ultimately it was bringing in Jackson's military past that was definitely the right approach for the third and "final" book.  Their story won't ever truly be finished, what with all the short stories and supporting/infiltrating roles they'll take when Cassel and Jeremy get their chance at the spotlight, but for now their "end" is full of all kinds of growth, hope, and silliness.  I'm not ready to leave their lives, but for now I'm left in a good place and can't wait for more in whatever form I can get them.

$4.99 on Amazon

Leland
Is a nice little wedding with Blow-up Randy and Jackson My Love too much to ask for? Clearly, because someone’s trying to kill one of us… again. Generally, this would be my thing and I would jump right in singing my murder song, but they want Jackson dead and I will do anything (and I mean anything) to keep him alive—including and not limited to: ten Dobermans, bulletproof glass, and dragging Cassel in with the promise of more Jerebear. These people have no idea what they’ve done targeting the man I love because I’m coming after them. But when it feels like everything might be lost, I start to understand that I have a family now who will stand by my side and do everything they can to make sure we end this on our terms.

Jackson
When someone attacks me, it’s clear they want something from me. The issue is that I have no idea who they are or what they’re after. And if I don’t figure it out soon, I’m afraid Leland is going to smother me with his overprotectiveness (or put me in a bubble at the top of a tower). The issue is that time is ticking and with the price tag on my head, there’s no telling who is coming for me or when. Together, Leland and I have to decipher who is telling the truth in this game of life or death because I have plans to marry the man of my dreams and no one is going to stop me—especially with Leland by my side.

Just My Luck, Alice Winters

I knew I'd enjoy the story overall, mostly because I adore this author's writing, but this story had a much different feel than others because it was darker and had quite a few elements that needed time and care to get to the answers and the healing.  For the issues to be tackled adequately as well as maintaining the comedic flair that makes Alice's stories all their own wasn't easy, but I think it was done well.  I fell in love with both characters, was charmed by the dog, and was definitely happy with the ending.

Killian came across as both immature and intelligent at the same time while also being oblivious and giving us a sense that he was hiding something too.  He was kind of complicated in a way I didn't expect.  And his atrocious upbringing that we got in the flashbacks made me ache for him over and over again.  He didn't grow up easy.  I think it made him an even more understanding and perfect partner for Shepherd.

The humorous moments that came from Shepherd were a bit unexpected, but surprisingly perfect for who we learn he is.  He's damaged, definitely, but I didn't predict how he reacted to the choices he was forced to make when he was young.  Part of me is torn that he found a way to be intimate with Killian because trauma doesn't always have such an easy transition.  It wasn't really easy, but the lighter moment where he realized what he felt for Killian and what he felt previously was miles apart felt easy.  So while I'm a little conflicted about that, there's an overwhelming part of me that thought that moment was necessary for both men and that it was logical yet full of feeling.

Even though there is a bit of a loose end with the father and the consequences he faced, the end bit with Killian and Shepherd was all kinds of lovely.  It was tender, funny, and exactly what I'd needed to read about their tumultuous journey.  Their happiness was hard-won in the face of all the danger that sought them and when Shepherd's playfulness met with Killian's sass and amusing excuses it all came together.  It was my kind of story, the kind that I could willingly re-read and recommend, which I do, whole-heartedly.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Killian
When I’m tossed into the trunk of a car, I realize that what little luck I have has finally run out—especially when I find that Tony, the man who’d abducted me, is planning on using me to get back at my father. My chances for escape look pretty bleak when I’m handcuffed to Tony’s bodyguard, an intimidating man named Shepherd who apparently loves tight shirts and seems to be amused by making my life miserable. Soon, though, I learn that Shepherd has a heart and a brain. And sometimes, those two things can be a bigger weapon than anything in a time like this. I just have to learn how to wield them.

After Shepherd gets me away from Tony’s men, I discover that he’s a survivor, a fighter, and the only person who seems willing to help me when it feels like the whole world is against me. At first, I’m not sure if I can trust the man, but the more we get to know each other, the more I realize that he’s funny and kind of sweet. He’s determined to protect me, but he doesn’t know all of my secrets. He doesn’t know that Tony isn’t the only one looking for me. But together, as we face betrayal and taking down the worst monster of all, we’re determined that we will be the lucky ones after all.

How to Elude a Vampire: VRC Book 2, Alice Winters

Yeah, so, I feel like spouting that cliche verse of "How do I love Thee, let me count the ways..." or something.  Seriously.  How, I mean really, how in the world can you have someone as completely adorable, badA, honest, utterly ridiculous, charming, and strong as Finn and not fall head over feels for him?  Marcus can't resist either.  No matter what gets thrown at them, their commitment, intelligence, and hearts won't let them quit or fail.  They've got an utterly fabulous cast surrounding them that I can't get enough of their world.

I think the only negative I have about this book were the number of shady moments with so many characters that felt like trying too hard to throw off the scent for who some of us predicted might be the big, bad villain.  Though, to be honest, it worked.  I had an idea, then thought it might be someone else, and then someone else that may not have been the bad guy but likely played a big role in cahoots with the bad guy, only to have it turn out to be my first suspicion.  So those moments seemed heavy handed, but they were effective enough that the revealing moment was enough of a surprise that I was pleased to have been taken on a little ride.

But there's just no accounting for Finn's level of awesome.  He was incredibly vulnerable here, but the way he used his brain to make connections, plans, and to carry out the shenanigans we've come to expect was made of win.  I really liked his reactions to confinement, chafing at the restrictions placed by those whom he knows love him endlessly, but still giving in to his frustrations enough to be a believable human moment.

And then there's Marcus.  It's like the person we met in How to Vex a Vampire never existed, and watching him "avoid" those not-so-subtle reminders of his treatment of Finn in the beginning was hilarious.  Seeing him come to Finn's "rescue" and giving him exactly what he needed when things became too much was a great example of what their relationship has evolved to, a true partnership.

So then we get to all the moments of rescue.  The emotional one, the mortal one, the puppy rescue...just how many times am I going to be forced to laugh, crow, sigh, and smile in real life?  Even adding all the fun of familial relations, Karsyn's "adoration", and a semi-surprising betrayal didn't do anything to detract from the logical, believable, and anticipatory plot progression.  The investigation flowed even with all the stops and starts, lending an air of credibility to the law enforcement aspect of the whole story.  Not even the monologuing disappointed, and I have to say that was the one true ridiculously big surprise that I didn't even think to expect at all.

I never want to leave their world honestly, and I've even re-read this story in the last week since it's been published despite my super long list of reading commitments.  Reading the associated short stories from the author's FB page is helping to feed my addiction until we come back to more full-length awesomeness.  If you like snarky, vulnerable, hilarious, and sweet MC's with a heavy touch of vampires, detectives doing detective things, and a cast of chosen family that tortures, annoys, and loves the MC's to distraction, then this is absolutely a series I suggest you dive into headfirst.

*$4.99 on Amazon

Finn
When the vampire stalking me sent me a letter, I was prepared for my new life with the man I love to get thrown into chaos. But as the days stretch on and nothing happens, I become determined not to allow that monster to rule my life, and decide that Marcus and I will move on. We can’t always allow the past to haunt us. If that includes pestering Marcus and harassing my fellow detectives, they’d better learn to love it, because I’m not going anywhere even if they like to remind me I’m the only human working in a department filled with vampires. But Marcus loves me for who I am, even if he’s not crazy about the cute pet names I call him like McBitey. Being with him is more than I could have dreamed, and even with the trials thrown in our way, he never fails to make me smile.

Marcus
When Finn joined the VRC, I never expected how everything would change. Now that he’s the brightest part of my days, I’m unsure of how I existed without him. Before Finn and I can settle into our new life together, we’re called in as lead detectives when a body is found in the river, and the case soon hits closer to home than we anticipated. I want to be by Finn’s side to keep him safe, but at the same time, Finn’s fighting for the freedom he’s always wanted after being forced to live a life of fear. What I do know is that my future is with Finn, no matter what happens.

Familiar Beginnings: Happy Endings Book 2, Alice Winters

Knowing the crazy from the past isn't done with either Havoc or Miles, I was sure we were in for something rather dark before everything got solved.  That wasn't the case and I think the overall situation was incredibly well done.  Not only do we get some amazing surprises, but we finally get to see some phenomenal power, the power we saw hints of throughout Happy Endings.

Miles has a great head on his shoulders and I've always loved that he knew to think through a problem and not just rely on blasting who or whatever was in his way.  That he also finally came to terms with his guilt and what to do with it was fantastic because it showed an evolution within him that was necessary for him to truly accept the happiness he deserved.

Havoc's heart was actually a surprise.  Not like I couldn't believe it, but a shock in how fervent his feelings were.  The way Miles' memories were shared a lot more in this continuation gave us a lot more depth to their interactions and how deep Havoc's distrust went, that even though he knew something was different about Miles, it's difficult to separate centuries of betrayal and abuse.  Watching them truly share their hearts and minds was a testament to how far they've come together.  His adamant request to Miles was a bit of a surprise, but one of the most touching moments.  We don't get a lot of touchy-feely confessions from the taciturn and flirty demon so in that moment we get to see exactly his level of trust, commitment, and love for Miles.

Seeing all the pieces come together, having various confrontations and battles of the magical type, and the culmination of it all into one vanquishing moment brought everything together in a satisfactory way.  I think what I was most moved by was the softness.  Things really could have gotten crazy and gory with the story's set up but instead we were built on a foundation of feelings, of determination, of bonds.  The snark was softer, the friendships more real, the good more powerful.  This story didn't feel like so many others of this author's work and that is absolutely not a negative in any way for me.  I adored the MC's and wish there were more of them.  I'd happily dive back into their world right now.

*$3.99 on Amazon!

Smart men quit while they’re ahead—they lay low and hope disaster blows on by them. Not me. Especially when disaster seems to follow me and my soulmate Havoc, a demon I bound to me three hundred years ago with my magic.

The dark mage Geoff is back from the dead and creating chaos by devouring the hearts of people with magical abilities, giving him overwhelming power as his followers grow. And since I’m one of the strongest mages alive and am leading the resistance against him, he’s coming for me next. Oh, and it might have something to do with the fact that I was also the one who originally killed him. But you can’t blame me; the guy needed to die.

Havoc and I, along with our unlikely band of… (I don’t want to say heroes, I can’t give them that much credit) annoyances will stop at nothing to end the destruction. It doesn’t hurt that there’s a sexy demon by my side every step of the way. For the first time in three hundred years, I’m finally with the person meant for me, and I will do anything to keep from losing him.

How to Vex a Vampire: VRC: Vampire Related Crimes Book 1, Alice Winters

Yet again, Alice has created a cast I'm absolutely addicted to.  From Finn's shenanigans to Marcus' allowance, to every other vamipre dhampir on the team and in the family, I just can't seem to get enough!  So the story isn't perfect, but I kind of just don't care at all because I had such a good time reading the story.  There were a ton of things to love while there were only a couple issues that reduced "believability"...if one can believe that the world Alice created and the species present is actually, uh, believable.

So on to the praise!!

I'm in awe of how Alice can create a snarky, ridiculous, hilarious, charming, vulnerable lead each and every time and have them still be unique and captivating on their own.  They're all so utterly fantastic.  With Finn we have an incredible amount of vulnerability with his limbs and the cause as well as the fact that his nightmare really isn't over.  And then there are his antics that are stupidly funny and make me wish to be at least a little like him.  His natural setting to annoy and yet charm are what make him endearing to the team that never thought he'd fit.  The way he gets Marcus to go along with his crazy is both confusing and completely obvious, as if there is any other way to be once you get sucked into Finn's orbit.

The dots...so many connections to be made and while there were a couple distracted moments where they should have seen something coming, the connections made along the way were appropriate and no one played the dunce.  No one played the ignorant fool that so many authors use to kind of portray the obliviousness they hope the audience embodies.

Progressing the relationship could have been straightforward, but with characters like Finn and Marcus a lot more work had to go into it all.  I liked how it progressed, that there was a bit of push and pull and then the futility of fighting it brought them crashing together in all their passionate and awkward glory.  There was quite a bit of humor to be had while they were getting up to their sexy times too.  Though I can't say that their sexual chemistry in the actual bedroom was incendiary, there were some amazing moments of tenderness that went a long way to helping Finn appreciate and be open with his physical state and believing Marcus' enjoyment of Finn as a whole being.

There were two main conflicts in the story and they each had enough attention to keep a fluid story line and to give a great lead-in to the continuation.  Except how a college student could create a chemical in a casually-used lab with only a club affiliation and a bunch of textbooks, I'll never know.  Wrapping that up was a bit too tidy with the few pages of explanation before we get to the really big cliffhanger in regards to Finn's other issue.  Overall though, I think the story really worked well and the focus was well-placed all throughout.  I seriously CANNOT WAIT for book two to get here!!!

*$5.00 on Amazon!

Finn
Getting into the vampire-only detective unit was the easy part; what’s going to be more difficult is dealing with my new partner, an ancient vampire who keeps threatening to eat me. The unit has never had a human in it, and Marcus—or as I like to call him, Fangy McFangface—would really prefer to keep it that way. He’s grumpy, short-tempered, and broody, but I have a way with words and I know he’s starting to like me, even if he swears he’s not. But what he doesn’t know is that I didn’t join the unit because I was tired of being a homicide detective, I joined because there is someone after me. They’ve already taken enough from me and I’m afraid they’re going to take all of me if I don’t find someone to help. That’s all Marcus was supposed to be, but now, he’s so much more and I can’t imagine my life without him.

Marcus
The moment the pesky human walked through that door, I knew I had to get rid of him. He’s charming and almost everyone else instantly loves him, but he doesn’t understand how risky it is being part of this unit as a human. But as I get to know the stubborn man, I learn that perhaps he’s not as naive as I once thought. And maybe he’s what I needed to realize there is more to life than just work and my dog. A group arises who is threatening to disrupt the alliance between the humans and the vampires, but Finn is the one who shows me how strong that alliance can be and reminds me why it’s worth protecting. When threats hit closer to home, I realize I would do anything for Finn because he’s brought so much joy to my life—and because he’s mine.

This 105k word book contains: A creative use for undergarments, unintentional splits, a wolfhound who just wants to be a part of things, a vertically challenged human who still manages to wrap every vampire he meets around his little finger, the best date ever, possessiveness, really awkward dancing, some workplace revenge, and just a bite or two. Or three.

The Hitman's Guide to Staying Alive Despite Past Mistakes: The Hitman's Guide Book 2, Alice Winters

With the same level of awesome as book 1, I was so very pleased. The humor was just as fantastic, but this time around I felt a level of depth that made it so much richer. From the through-the-roof ridiculousness to Jackson's sappy, constant declarations, Leland is firmly ensconced on the path of personal healing, but not without his special brand of humor to lighten all the feely moments.

Jackson's heart continues to be just as sentimental and the perfect level of cheesy goodness for Leland's seemingly cavalier responses to human emotion. His adamant and dramatic response to the heart-tingles is pretty much my favorite funny bits. That and their sexual shenanigans continue to be hugely, inappropriately hilarious and on point for their relationship. I like that Jackson is so clearly whipped and will give in to all of Leland's outlandish ideas and yet it doesn't feel like he's being taken advantage of...well, not in a negative or viciously manipulative way.

What's nice in this story is that Jackson is finally getting through to Leland without making empty promises or assurances of "I'll be fine" or anything similar to that platitude, instead he emphasizes choices and those who truly bear responsibility for them. It helps with his perspective regarding the whole Lucas thing too.

That brings me to the Lucas drama. I wasn't convinced. There was just something off here. Either the build-up was too much, the confessions were too stereotypical or predictable, the accomplices were slight caricatures, or just something else, but I wasn't really feeling that whole scene. The two characters that chose sides by the end were suspect for me so I won't say I was surprised the the "baddies", especially with an instance of pronoun usage that caused me to lean a certain way in my suspicions. I think one of them became more complicated in a good way while the other was demoted from a thinker and a doer to a mindless, emotionless puppet and I can't say I was thrilled with that last one, though I kind of forgive the cast off because it wasn't like I was completely drawn in by them before that point.

There's more depth to this story than the last one and the trite romantic pitfalls and conflicts that could have been used were non-issues which I absolutely appreciated. The family tensions were there as before, but I am thinking I'm going to like where we eventually end up, especially if Lewis continues to interject his bits of surprising playfulness. Overall I was so pleased that we got more from these men and I'm looking forward to anything else they get up to going forward. Especially if we get more from Jeremy and his admirer =].

*$4.99 on Amazon!

Jackson
Now that Leland’s decided to give up his life as a hitman and take a walk on the mild side, we’ve been enjoying a simple life of taking down bad guys the legal way. I didn’t know he would be just as reckless as a PI, but it’s not my fault if I happen to enjoy helping him hunt down the occasional criminal. If only I could keep the house from being overrun by Leland’s gun shrine—or stop him from making our cases “more exciting” by terrorizing people into confessing. Overall, life seems perfect, right?

Wrong.
We’ve been called in to investigate a suspicious murder committed by someone claiming to be the Sandman. When we find a note on the victim’s body, we realize that this could ruin our lives forever.

Leland:
I wasn’t involved in the murder. It might look like my writing and my note, but I wouldn’t do that to Jackson—especially after I promised him that I wouldn’t take a hit ever again. At least, not without telling him. I’m finally starting to learn that we’re stronger together, and I’m not going to jeopardize that.

Luckily for both of us, this copycat doesn’t know who he’s dealing with. Game’s on, fake Sandman. You think you can mess with me? Well, maybe you can, but that’s beside the point, because I will protect Jackson no matter what, even if I almost drown him in the process. (Really, that wasn’t my fault. He should learn how to swim better.)

The Hitman's Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love: The Hitman's Guide Book 1, Alice Winters

Funny, irreverent, and so sappy sweet I felt like I died from sugar overload, but was revived by hilarity and general ridiculousness. I think this was definitely an awesome book. There were some moments that had me skimming, others that were disappointing, a few that were frustrating, but the majority of what I felt was happy.

Jackson's reluctance to positively reinforce Leland's utter ridiculousness was all kinds of funny to me. His dry humor snagged my attention and the utter silliness of Leland grabbed me just as hard. The camp and the evasive use of the humor can definitely be a lot for some readers, but for me it was just this side of good because of Leland's general bad-A persona when Sandman came out to play.

I won't say I'm all for the idea of a hero hitman in real life, but the ideas of justice are well-argued because I think most people will agree that the legal sense of the word doesn't always serve the moral sense of it. This point was made repeatedly and became something of a "point to ponder" moment quite a few times when the "victims'" actions became known. What made Leland redeemable for me was that once he freed himself of the harsh manipulator of his formative years, his focus became research and proof before he made the shot. His sense of morality was a bit skewed in the eyes of the law, but he never again went blindly after money or orders.

The "big reveal" part was pretty over the top and I have to say it was not my favorite. Leland's panic put him in a difficult situation with Henry and while Leland's actions were surprising in their manic overreaction, it was Henry's relentless harping on one circumstantial fact that annoyed me much worse. Surely Henry's sense of honor, justice, and empathy would keep him from using the same cruel yet empty rebuttal to all of Leland and Jackson's pleas and explanations, but no, he couldn't see beyond the one descriptor. And honestly, I personally find parallels more convincing than pleading over and over while reiterating the same remorse. Like, what about Jackson taking orders to take out targets without confirmation of proof during his military service? Doesn't that seem awfully similar to Leland's situation prior to his hard-won emancipation? And what about Henry having to have likely seen innocent people put in prison or killed in the line of duty? There were quite a few things that could have been said differently to make the scene more powerful, convincing, and, dare I say it, shorter.

And shorter is another thing I'll say that I'm on the fence about. The overall story length wasn't too much of a problem for me because I really loved getting to know everyone (except Jackson's mom...she should just really be cut off, I feel. I'm hoping she gets it together in the future because if not, she deserves every moment of Leland-style torture she gets). There were moments though, that could definitely have been truncated or more concise and to-the-point to improve their efficacy and overall flow. The biggest issue for me with this was the overkill with the confessions of feelings about Leland's mistake and Jackson's heart during the safe-house moment. It was just that...overkill. While the sentiments were wonderful, they just took 'beating a dead horse' to a new level. Saying the same things again and again while not really changing the actual words being said or the motivations behind them, just restating the same stuff just isn't effective.

But what remains for me is how the humor style of both Leland and Jackson just fit me. They're fantastic together and I love that it took them quite a while to give in to the sexual tension so they were truly based on something solid and honest...well, as honest as Leland could be. Jackson was intelligent, but his brain and investigative talents took a serious backseat to Leland's own prowess in that regard allowing him to become a multi-faceted character worthy of a second, third, and fourth look. Jackson's heart was so sweet, so effusive, so full of everything for every part of Leland. There was so much to love about this book that it gave me reasons to overlook the things that were less impressive. I'm in love with these men and can't wait for their next crazy adventure.

*$3.99 on Amazon!

What happens when a snarky hitman and a by-the-book PI cross paths?

Leland
Being a hitman has its perks, but I never thought getting an accidental mooning by an attractive PI while he’s caught on a fence would be one of them. While it’s not exactly love at first sight, he’s captured my interest and won’t let go.

Suddenly, I find myself caught in a game of cat and mouse, determined to attract the attention of Jackson, the PI who should be my enemy. He pretends like he’s not flattered by my flowers and the mentions of my totally-not-fictitious blow-up doll Randy (or was it Dandy?), but I know better. Why else would he be teaming up with me to bring down Hardek, one of the city’s most ruthless criminals?

Jackson
Even though the cops are telling me that the hitman is a notorious contract killer, I can’t help but admit that I’m drawn to him. He’s funny, charismatic, and attractive. There’s no way this ridiculous man can be the person the cops are after.

But when Leland ends up at my doorstep injured, I’m faced with a tough choice. It’s my duty to hand him over to law enforcement, but my heart has other plans. I want to keep him. To protect him. To be with him.

Though one question remains: why in the world does the man have so many d*mn guns?