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Badge and Bullets #1
At a Stranger's Mercy
Making eye contact with a killer wasn’t exactly how Bradley Danforth had planned to start his day. As an accountant, he craved structure and routine. What he hadn’t anticipated was being part of a real-life murder mystery with him cast in the starring role.
Death and sorrow were part of Max Donohue’s job description, leaving the detective hardened after years on the job. On his latest case, he’s the one stuck protecting the only witness in a sadistic homicide.
One death becomes two… then three. And soon Max and Bradley find themselves playing a deadly game of cat and mouse. Can Max save Bradley from the clutches of a serial killer? Or will the killer finish what he started?
At a Stranger’s Mercy is the first installment of a continuing series featuring the same two characters. It’s a suspenseful murder mystery that depicts detailed crimes, strong language, and adult situations. While this series will include a romance, it’s a slow burn that develops throughout the series.
Death and sorrow were part of Max Donohue’s job description, leaving the detective hardened after years on the job. On his latest case, he’s the one stuck protecting the only witness in a sadistic homicide.
One death becomes two… then three. And soon Max and Bradley find themselves playing a deadly game of cat and mouse. Can Max save Bradley from the clutches of a serial killer? Or will the killer finish what he started?
At a Stranger’s Mercy is the first installment of a continuing series featuring the same two characters. It’s a suspenseful murder mystery that depicts detailed crimes, strong language, and adult situations. While this series will include a romance, it’s a slow burn that develops throughout the series.
230 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2019
72 people are currently reading
159 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
July 22, 2019
For a book with absolutely no romance or steam, I rather liked it. There were moments when the actions of both characters irritated me to no end, but the mystery of the murders and the gruesomeness of the crimes kept me glued to the book. Told from dual POV, the story features ill-tempered detective, straight-laced accountant, forced proximity, crazy serial killer and a hint that there might be something more between two men in the future.
Bradley Danforth has a set routine. He never deviates and his life is smooth sailing. One day, as if Fate is hinting that there is a change coming, the routine is disrupted which brings Bradley into the sights of a killer. After Bradley is brutally attacked, it takes him a long while to recover. He is the only surviving witness, so the killer will not rest until he is no longer alive. Thus, the grumpy detective Max Donohue becomes reluctant savior by offering his home as a safe place.
Max is very rude, arrogant and genuinely does not care what people think about him. He is the best detective and he gets the job done. So having another person especially a witness in his home is a major inconvenience. Max never apologizes for his behavior, but here and there I saw a glimpse into a vulnerability that he was desperately trying to hide by being a complete douche. Something happened in his past that with a bit of pressure might crack the man open.
Throughout the book two men bicker and argue, yet Max drops everything when Bradley is in danger. There are couple of moments when they become aware of each other, but they are few and far between. The case itself is rather riveting, the murders are very detailed and highly gory - I gobbled them up with a BIG ladle! Awesome! And the culprits are rather unexpected, and I loved how Max got to his conclusions. The investigative work and coroner's presence in the book were impressive and very enjoyable to read. Since the next book is about to come out featuring the same MCs, I hope that there will be attraction that was promised at the end of this story. I recommend it!
Bradley Danforth has a set routine. He never deviates and his life is smooth sailing. One day, as if Fate is hinting that there is a change coming, the routine is disrupted which brings Bradley into the sights of a killer. After Bradley is brutally attacked, it takes him a long while to recover. He is the only surviving witness, so the killer will not rest until he is no longer alive. Thus, the grumpy detective Max Donohue becomes reluctant savior by offering his home as a safe place.
Max is very rude, arrogant and genuinely does not care what people think about him. He is the best detective and he gets the job done. So having another person especially a witness in his home is a major inconvenience. Max never apologizes for his behavior, but here and there I saw a glimpse into a vulnerability that he was desperately trying to hide by being a complete douche. Something happened in his past that with a bit of pressure might crack the man open.
Throughout the book two men bicker and argue, yet Max drops everything when Bradley is in danger. There are couple of moments when they become aware of each other, but they are few and far between. The case itself is rather riveting, the murders are very detailed and highly gory - I gobbled them up with a BIG ladle! Awesome! And the culprits are rather unexpected, and I loved how Max got to his conclusions. The investigative work and coroner's presence in the book were impressive and very enjoyable to read. Since the next book is about to come out featuring the same MCs, I hope that there will be attraction that was promised at the end of this story. I recommend it!
March 22, 2019
Two things. One, this could have possible triggers. Beatings, murder, stalking, etc. Two, this is NOT a romance. There is a possibility at the end of maybe a romance building, but it will be a slow thing lol. One MC thinks the other is an asshole and the other thinks victim and protection and such since he's a cop. So feelings are a bit...non existent at the moment. Although the cop is noticing. Anyway.
This was one of the best thrillers/murder mystery type books I have read. And I read a lot of them. It ticked all my boxes. Suspense, gruesome and a story that makes you bite your nails with each page. This was so well written and I'm glad I got to read it.
On his way to work one morning, Bradley had the creepiest feeling. He looked around but didn't see anything until he heard his neighbor's door slam. As he drove by, he met the eyes of a man that was looking in his car, and those eyes were pure evil. He found out once he got home, his neighbor has been brutally murdered and dismembered. And he saw the man. He just doesn't remember everything about him when the cops question him. He sure does remember later when the man comes for him to kill for seeing him. Beaten within an inch of his life, Bradley struggles to survive and heal and the cop in charge, Max, is struggling to find the guy. Especially since there's been another murder. Max wants this guy so bad but there's been no evidence. Bradley finally remembers a few things once he wakes from his coma, but it may not be enough. And now Bradley has to be hidden. When 2 murders become 3, it's getting more horrifying, because the killer is taking trophies as body parts. Max digs deep trying to find this man and protect Bradley. But it's becoming too much. Betrayals show their face, Bradley is terrified for his life and Max is hanging on by a thread to find this guy, hopefully before Bradley is caught again or another murder happens.
You know how you get that eerie feeling when something is off? Like someone is watching you or just the feeling of evil is close by? Yeah, that was Bradley. He tried not to be a witness to this guy. Something told him not to look, but he couldn't help it. Pure evil. He just didn't know how bad until he got home. And it cost him big time. I was so scared for Bradley myself. I was hoping maybe he would get away before the guy came for him, but nope. And it was bad. He barely survived. The will to live was great in him and that made me happy. Bradley is a good guy. He's a little neurotic about some things, but it's his life. He should live how he feels like. He's a little lonely, but his ex burned him bad, so he's in no hurry. He just wanted to crunch his numbers and be left in peace. Unfortunately, he life got turned upside down.
For Max, I don't know how he does his job. That's for any cop. I admire the good ones, so much. To see the crap they see every day. No matter the division they're in. Whether homicide, sex crimes, etc. It all takes its toll. And Max has a story. A past that digs at him constantly. So it adds to what he deals with daily. I feel for him too, because this is out of his scope. Sure he's deal with death. He's a homicide detective, after all. But a serial killer? What's harder for Max is he is not a people person. He doesn't know how to be comforting for Bradley. And he so desperately needs it. Everybody calls Max an asshole and he will admit himself that he is. But he feels and wants to help. He just doesn't know how. I love the vulnerability of that with him. Makes him less gruff.
These two are in a race against time. They have to hide, dig and lie at times to try to get to the bottom of things. It's a hold your breath, pull your hair, bite your nails thriller, with twists and turns you never quite see coming. The characters are are brash, gruff and even quite dense at times, but they fight and are strong. It's a great way to start off this series and I cannot wait to see how this turns out next.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
This was one of the best thrillers/murder mystery type books I have read. And I read a lot of them. It ticked all my boxes. Suspense, gruesome and a story that makes you bite your nails with each page. This was so well written and I'm glad I got to read it.
On his way to work one morning, Bradley had the creepiest feeling. He looked around but didn't see anything until he heard his neighbor's door slam. As he drove by, he met the eyes of a man that was looking in his car, and those eyes were pure evil. He found out once he got home, his neighbor has been brutally murdered and dismembered. And he saw the man. He just doesn't remember everything about him when the cops question him. He sure does remember later when the man comes for him to kill for seeing him. Beaten within an inch of his life, Bradley struggles to survive and heal and the cop in charge, Max, is struggling to find the guy. Especially since there's been another murder. Max wants this guy so bad but there's been no evidence. Bradley finally remembers a few things once he wakes from his coma, but it may not be enough. And now Bradley has to be hidden. When 2 murders become 3, it's getting more horrifying, because the killer is taking trophies as body parts. Max digs deep trying to find this man and protect Bradley. But it's becoming too much. Betrayals show their face, Bradley is terrified for his life and Max is hanging on by a thread to find this guy, hopefully before Bradley is caught again or another murder happens.
You know how you get that eerie feeling when something is off? Like someone is watching you or just the feeling of evil is close by? Yeah, that was Bradley. He tried not to be a witness to this guy. Something told him not to look, but he couldn't help it. Pure evil. He just didn't know how bad until he got home. And it cost him big time. I was so scared for Bradley myself. I was hoping maybe he would get away before the guy came for him, but nope. And it was bad. He barely survived. The will to live was great in him and that made me happy. Bradley is a good guy. He's a little neurotic about some things, but it's his life. He should live how he feels like. He's a little lonely, but his ex burned him bad, so he's in no hurry. He just wanted to crunch his numbers and be left in peace. Unfortunately, he life got turned upside down.
For Max, I don't know how he does his job. That's for any cop. I admire the good ones, so much. To see the crap they see every day. No matter the division they're in. Whether homicide, sex crimes, etc. It all takes its toll. And Max has a story. A past that digs at him constantly. So it adds to what he deals with daily. I feel for him too, because this is out of his scope. Sure he's deal with death. He's a homicide detective, after all. But a serial killer? What's harder for Max is he is not a people person. He doesn't know how to be comforting for Bradley. And he so desperately needs it. Everybody calls Max an asshole and he will admit himself that he is. But he feels and wants to help. He just doesn't know how. I love the vulnerability of that with him. Makes him less gruff.
These two are in a race against time. They have to hide, dig and lie at times to try to get to the bottom of things. It's a hold your breath, pull your hair, bite your nails thriller, with twists and turns you never quite see coming. The characters are are brash, gruff and even quite dense at times, but they fight and are strong. It's a great way to start off this series and I cannot wait to see how this turns out next.
http://lovebytesreviews.com
March 25, 2021
DNF @ 50%
When the defective detective decides to arrest a guy for looking shifty and refusing to answer questions - neither of which are crimes, btw - that's the time to put this down.
For a mystery, this is a mess. Max is just plain Bad at His Job. It's like this precinct operates without a manual or rules of any kind. I would half suspect this is Max's first homicide ever, but he claims numerous times to have been doing this for years. How he manages to catch anyone is beyond me, unless he gets lucky and the bad guys just walk up to him out of the blue and confess. He does just barely the minimum of what could be called detective work and spends the rest of the time sitting around waiting for Bradley to come up with whatever scant details he can remember about the murderer. There's no other attempt to find any other leads, even after a second murder. None! He talks to the neighbors who come to watch the crime scene and nothing else. Really? Okay, so he waits for forensics and the autopsies, which of course reveal nothing because our murderer is just that good at hiding DNA evidence. But what about interviewing friends, relatives or coworkers? What about looking at bank records, phone records or email activity or social media accounts? What about checking credit card activity? Nope! Bro does none of that. He doesn't even think about observing the funeral until someone else suggests it.
And as for Bradley, he's just unbelievable. He's a total damsel in distress. I don't fault him freezing when the murderer comes to attack him, and naturally he'll have trouble remembering things after that. But I still can't believe he sees this weird creepy guy coming out of his neighbor's house, a guy who chilled him to the bone, but couldn't remember anything about him from that. Me? I see weird, shady guys, I start memorizing things, because you never know. Maybe I'm just paranoid after watching too many crime shows. Who knows? But Bradley is useless and is pretty much just there to be in danger. The whole part about him being tracked by the killer and not wanting to go home should have been filled with tension and suspense, but it wasn't. Oh, and the ex? That one scene was enough. I have no doubt he'll be back, probably at the most inconvenient time.
The writing is very simple, doesn't stray from the tropes or clichés once, and there's a lot of repetition of the current state of affairs which basically boils down to Bradley's in danger and they don't know anything. Guess what? Not being Bradley, I can remember that from one page to another. I don't need to constantly be reminded. There're also too many details that could easily be cut out and still get the point across.
This plot was a good idea, but the execution of it wasn't the best. I could've kept going, but at the end of the day, I just don't care enough about the characters to bother.
When the defective detective decides to arrest a guy for looking shifty and refusing to answer questions - neither of which are crimes, btw - that's the time to put this down.
For a mystery, this is a mess. Max is just plain Bad at His Job. It's like this precinct operates without a manual or rules of any kind. I would half suspect this is Max's first homicide ever, but he claims numerous times to have been doing this for years. How he manages to catch anyone is beyond me, unless he gets lucky and the bad guys just walk up to him out of the blue and confess. He does just barely the minimum of what could be called detective work and spends the rest of the time sitting around waiting for Bradley to come up with whatever scant details he can remember about the murderer. There's no other attempt to find any other leads, even after a second murder. None! He talks to the neighbors who come to watch the crime scene and nothing else. Really? Okay, so he waits for forensics and the autopsies, which of course reveal nothing because our murderer is just that good at hiding DNA evidence. But what about interviewing friends, relatives or coworkers? What about looking at bank records, phone records or email activity or social media accounts? What about checking credit card activity? Nope! Bro does none of that. He doesn't even think about observing the funeral until someone else suggests it.
And as for Bradley, he's just unbelievable. He's a total damsel in distress. I don't fault him freezing when the murderer comes to attack him, and naturally he'll have trouble remembering things after that. But I still can't believe he sees this weird creepy guy coming out of his neighbor's house, a guy who chilled him to the bone, but couldn't remember anything about him from that. Me? I see weird, shady guys, I start memorizing things, because you never know. Maybe I'm just paranoid after watching too many crime shows. Who knows? But Bradley is useless and is pretty much just there to be in danger. The whole part about him being tracked by the killer and not wanting to go home should have been filled with tension and suspense, but it wasn't. Oh, and the ex? That one scene was enough. I have no doubt he'll be back, probably at the most inconvenient time.
The writing is very simple, doesn't stray from the tropes or clichés once, and there's a lot of repetition of the current state of affairs which basically boils down to Bradley's in danger and they don't know anything. Guess what? Not being Bradley, I can remember that from one page to another. I don't need to constantly be reminded. There're also too many details that could easily be cut out and still get the point across.
This plot was a good idea, but the execution of it wasn't the best. I could've kept going, but at the end of the day, I just don't care enough about the characters to bother.
April 23, 2019
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
With brutal intensity, author Brittany Cournoyer unleashes a new murder mystery with At a Stranger’s Mercy. With incredibly graphic crime scene descriptions and an edge-of-your-seat pace, the novel unfolds the murder spree of an insane man who not only decapitates his victims, but takes pieces of them as trophies. This novel is not for the faint of heart by any stretch of the imagination. This is a fast and furious story that doesn’t shy away from describing every move the killer has made and every horrifying detail of the crime scenes left behind. It is also not really a romance, although there is the beginning of a very possible relationship between Max and Bradley by novel’s end. There is no cliffhanger per se, but rather a promise of future encounters between the two main characters and the revelation that Max is invested in winning back Bradley’s trust.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
With brutal intensity, author Brittany Cournoyer unleashes a new murder mystery with At a Stranger’s Mercy. With incredibly graphic crime scene descriptions and an edge-of-your-seat pace, the novel unfolds the murder spree of an insane man who not only decapitates his victims, but takes pieces of them as trophies. This novel is not for the faint of heart by any stretch of the imagination. This is a fast and furious story that doesn’t shy away from describing every move the killer has made and every horrifying detail of the crime scenes left behind. It is also not really a romance, although there is the beginning of a very possible relationship between Max and Bradley by novel’s end. There is no cliffhanger per se, but rather a promise of future encounters between the two main characters and the revelation that Max is invested in winning back Bradley’s trust.
Read Sammy’s review in its entirety here.
March 31, 2019
I gave this 2 stars only because liked the realism and creepiness of the crime scenes. However, I was pretty much disappointed by the rest of the story. Will I give the next installment a try? We shall see.
dnf-not-for-me
September 18, 2019DNF 27% poorly researched and edited. Exposition!
August 31, 2020
DNF @ 11%.
First, the dual POVs read the same, if it wasn't for the header at each chapter, you wouldn't know who was narrating.
Second, a homicide detective just needs to do a walkthrough and considers himself done with the crime scene?
Third, someone killing one person and then going after a potential witness does not a serial killer make. A spree killer, yes.
If you are going to write about stuff like this, at least so a little research so it seems a tad realistic.
First, the dual POVs read the same, if it wasn't for the header at each chapter, you wouldn't know who was narrating.
Second, a homicide detective just needs to do a walkthrough and considers himself done with the crime scene?
Third, someone killing one person and then going after a potential witness does not a serial killer make. A spree killer, yes.
If you are going to write about stuff like this, at least so a little research so it seems a tad realistic.
December 20, 2019
4 solid stars
June 7, 2019
Audiobook reviewStory: 2,5 stars
Narration: 4,5 stars
First thing first, this is not a romance, it’s pure murder mystery with not even a kiss in sight. However, there is the possibility of a relationship further along the series, so inquiring minds need to stick with it to see what happens in that area. Secondly this book is not for the faint-hearted. The murders are gruesome and by this I mean in the headless kind of way – and that’s only to start.
It all started with Bradley waking up early one morning and decided to go to work instead of going back to sleep. When going out to his car he noticed a man coming out from his neighbours’ house. A man that made him uneasy and with a stare that he could only describe as evil. Getting home from work later that night he realises how right he’d been. The man he’d seen that morning had just murdered his neighbour in the most horrific of ways. And now he’d set his eyes on Bradley.
At first this book had me hooked, and I really enjoyed myself. Well as much as one can enjoy reading about twisted murders I guess, but you know what I mean. Sure I really disliked Max but I could live with that seeing as I liked the plot. Then about half-way through that changed too. The plot became too much, or rather not enough. I don’t mind that a plot isn’t credible - if I can still believe in the characters and the actions they take. That was not the case here. Max and the (non-existent) investigation turned more and more ridiculous and frankly it’s a miracle Bradley didn’t die along with many more victims.
Max, the detective assigned to the case is determined to do whatever it takes to catch the killer that keep sending dismembered bodies his way. Even if it means to dangle Bradley as bait for the killer – with or without his permission. Max has got to be the most unlikable (main)characters I’ve come across in a long, long while. He was arrogant, rude, self-satisfied, brash, accusatory and I would also say chauvinistic. How he ever became a detective is beyond me, I mean to you have to have some people skills, and not talk down to every single person he met, victim shaming and god know what else. It got old real fast. Bradley on the other hand was kind of just there. The witness, victim, bait. Scared out of his mind at times – sure. Still he felt more like a side character than a main one.
I wasn’t all that fond of Kenneth Obi’s voice for Max, then again I wasn’t fond of Max either so that fit. Obi definitely nailed his character perfectly in every aspect. Also, this was a voice of Obi’s that I was previously unaware of, so that was actually a nice surprise to pull out of the hat. As for the rest of it, Obi did a great job bringing this gruesome tale to life. So while I can’t say that the story worked for me his narration definitely did.
So in the end, the first part of the story drew me in, but the second one put me off. I can’t tell you if I’m interested enough to see Bradley and Max going forward, watch them develop. I’m a fan of murder mysteries and of Obi’s but I don’t know if that’ll be enough for me to come back. I guess time will tell.
A copy of this book was generously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review
hard-dnf
October 9, 2024DNF @ 51%
If I had to ad a review it would be a one star on what I've read so far.
Max = asshole
Bradley = clueless
Slow burn where? From where I stopped, theres no inkling Max bats for the sword fighting team and hes a prick so I eont care. What i do care about is how bad at his defining one job. Helllloooo is the detective detecting in the room with us?! Cause all I see is moody man doing yap all.
Bradley finds Max hot but doesnt like him. And I'm fine with hate fucking but also....am I suppose to root for this? Cause I'm not.
Anywho, I tried starting this book once last year then soft DNFd for a month then came back and...nope. I'll be looking up a spoiler for who the killer is and what's the bad awful thing Max does to Bradley at the end...who's shocked? Not I.
If I had to ad a review it would be a one star on what I've read so far.
Max = asshole
Bradley = clueless
Slow burn where? From where I stopped, theres no inkling Max bats for the sword fighting team and hes a prick so I eont care. What i do care about is how bad at his defining one job. Helllloooo is the detective detecting in the room with us?! Cause all I see is moody man doing yap all.
Bradley finds Max hot but doesnt like him. And I'm fine with hate fucking but also....am I suppose to root for this? Cause I'm not.
Anywho, I tried starting this book once last year then soft DNFd for a month then came back and...nope. I'll be looking up a spoiler for who the killer is and what's the bad awful thing Max does to Bradley at the end...who's shocked? Not I.
March 30, 2019
With a lot of acerbic interactions interspersed with disturbing and grizzly murders, this book was intriguing and dramatic from the word go. I enjoyed that the main characters weren't caustic and antagonistic out of spite and that when there was fear, it was a real fear expressed in a real way. There were no unbelievable or unlikely moments of sudden heroism, adrenaline-filled bravery, or blinding passion. Starting the series strong with a case straight from hell and a tentative bond between two men who have a whole lot of baggage, I was invested right from the start.
Bradley is first introduced as somewhat of a fuddy-duddy with a strict and regimented life that is suddenly thrown into chaos because of one departure from his routine. I wasn't sure I would like him with all his rigidity, but he grew on me. He took his safety seriously and aside from one error, he made the best of the situation with intelligence and caution. I respected that far more than someone who tries to shout their independence from the rooftops in an ill-fated attempt to assert their character "strength". He's also not a pushover, no matter how fearful he is of his situation. That's not to say there aren't moments of pouting or sulking, he's only human, but on the whole, he's someone to be admired. My favorite moment is when he takes Max to task for the situation he ended up in and his utterly fantastic challenge that paves the way for something more between them as the series continues.
Max is more conflicted as a character and we get pretty much nothing about his past. A past that clearly haunts him, but it's not something we're privy to at this point. His baggage is hinted at and I'm guessing there's a whole lot of angst that we'll get to experience with him as he strives to meet Bradley's challenge. All throughout the book he was a paragon of prickish behavior. He was rude, condescending, brusque, short-tempered, non-communicative, and closed off. But despite all those negative traits, there's something more to him; something damaged and vulnerable and desensitized to the evil he fights and hunts every day on the job that draws me to him. There's so much promise for a man who will grow, soften, and find strength in what he might have with Bradley. I'm really eager to see how he'll achieve that.
I absolutely knew this was going to end with a romantic cliffhanger so I kept that in mind when each page, each chapter held zero passionate moments between the men and I have to say I loved that. It makes their entire dynamic believable and then as we see them grow in the subsequent books their development will progress organically. And the notion that the evil wasn't just one person? There's something big that's going to come and I'm really looking forward to see how that works out too. Overall, there's so much to enjoy about this story that had a good flow, enjoyable characters, and a suitably suspenseful plot. I'm definitely in for the next book in the series.
Bradley is first introduced as somewhat of a fuddy-duddy with a strict and regimented life that is suddenly thrown into chaos because of one departure from his routine. I wasn't sure I would like him with all his rigidity, but he grew on me. He took his safety seriously and aside from one error, he made the best of the situation with intelligence and caution. I respected that far more than someone who tries to shout their independence from the rooftops in an ill-fated attempt to assert their character "strength". He's also not a pushover, no matter how fearful he is of his situation. That's not to say there aren't moments of pouting or sulking, he's only human, but on the whole, he's someone to be admired. My favorite moment is when he takes Max to task for the situation he ended up in and his utterly fantastic challenge that paves the way for something more between them as the series continues.
Max is more conflicted as a character and we get pretty much nothing about his past. A past that clearly haunts him, but it's not something we're privy to at this point. His baggage is hinted at and I'm guessing there's a whole lot of angst that we'll get to experience with him as he strives to meet Bradley's challenge. All throughout the book he was a paragon of prickish behavior. He was rude, condescending, brusque, short-tempered, non-communicative, and closed off. But despite all those negative traits, there's something more to him; something damaged and vulnerable and desensitized to the evil he fights and hunts every day on the job that draws me to him. There's so much promise for a man who will grow, soften, and find strength in what he might have with Bradley. I'm really eager to see how he'll achieve that.
I absolutely knew this was going to end with a romantic cliffhanger so I kept that in mind when each page, each chapter held zero passionate moments between the men and I have to say I loved that. It makes their entire dynamic believable and then as we see them grow in the subsequent books their development will progress organically. And the notion that the evil wasn't just one person? There's something big that's going to come and I'm really looking forward to see how that works out too. Overall, there's so much to enjoy about this story that had a good flow, enjoyable characters, and a suitably suspenseful plot. I'm definitely in for the next book in the series.
March 22, 2019
Damn! At A Stranger's Mercy is completely different from Brittany Cournoyer's normal style. It's gruesome and gritty, and it's phenomenal. The first book in her Badge and Bullets series, I can't wait to see what else she comes up with next.
I need to start with this cover, as holy hotness, it is incredible!
I love Max and Bradley together, as their relationship begins with a murder and they fall in love through this thriller. They struggle as they try to survive, try to protect, and try to solve a murder spree.
This book is a fantastic mystery, keeping you on the edge of your seat, guessing throughout. It has a superb plot, great development, and amazing flow. The writing is intense, as I heard every sound, saw every creepy thing and wanted to keep looking over my shoulder. Brittany Cournoyer expertly draws the reader in and won't let them stop reading until they finish.
As a new style for her, she is extremely accomplished with her execution. A strong suspense novel, it has excellent characters, and a mystery that will keep you riveted throughout. I for one, am thrilled Brittany Cournoyer decided to leap in this new genre, while maintaining her amazing romance skills. I can't wait for the next book in their story.
I need to start with this cover, as holy hotness, it is incredible!
I love Max and Bradley together, as their relationship begins with a murder and they fall in love through this thriller. They struggle as they try to survive, try to protect, and try to solve a murder spree.
This book is a fantastic mystery, keeping you on the edge of your seat, guessing throughout. It has a superb plot, great development, and amazing flow. The writing is intense, as I heard every sound, saw every creepy thing and wanted to keep looking over my shoulder. Brittany Cournoyer expertly draws the reader in and won't let them stop reading until they finish.
As a new style for her, she is extremely accomplished with her execution. A strong suspense novel, it has excellent characters, and a mystery that will keep you riveted throughout. I for one, am thrilled Brittany Cournoyer decided to leap in this new genre, while maintaining her amazing romance skills. I can't wait for the next book in their story.
July 22, 2019
I so wanted to love this book! I was excited to start reading it. I think this is the authors first book of this type so that may be what caused the issues I had with it. I do think that the story is worth continuing and I will read the next book.
What bothered me: mainly the entire investigation seemed to be handled wrong. There was only one detective looking into these murders and they had an eyewitness that had been left for dead and they won’t put him under protection? All the work Max did to figure out who the murderer was was done off page and described later on. I wanted to see the investigation and that didn’t happen.
I felt no sparks between the MC’s. Max was an asshole the entire time and Bradley made some really stupid decisions. I didn’t even know if Max attracted to men because it’s never hinted at. There was no build up to a connection between these two.
The murderer and reasoning behind the murders didn’t satisfy me. I’m hoping in the next books we get more. I would like to know more about Max and Bradley and why Max is such a jerk. I read a lot of mysteries and crime books so I’m may be a bit harsh but the story has potential and I am interested to see where it goes.
What bothered me: mainly the entire investigation seemed to be handled wrong. There was only one detective looking into these murders and they had an eyewitness that had been left for dead and they won’t put him under protection? All the work Max did to figure out who the murderer was was done off page and described later on. I wanted to see the investigation and that didn’t happen.
I felt no sparks between the MC’s. Max was an asshole the entire time and Bradley made some really stupid decisions. I didn’t even know if Max attracted to men because it’s never hinted at. There was no build up to a connection between these two.
The murderer and reasoning behind the murders didn’t satisfy me. I’m hoping in the next books we get more. I would like to know more about Max and Bradley and why Max is such a jerk. I read a lot of mysteries and crime books so I’m may be a bit harsh but the story has potential and I am interested to see where it goes.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 1, 2019
I regret giving this two stars. This author is a good writer. The narrative flows, the dialogue is believable and you always know who is speaking. However, that’s as far as it goes. The characters are flat, two dimensional. They have major hangups yet we don’t know why and we consequently don’t really get to know them. There’s really no indication of a budding romance and if one is developing, I suggest that it is more the result of horniness or Stockholm syndrome that attraction. The story is almost silly in some respects. SPOILER ALERT!!! There is a serial murderer on the loose but the police department won’t support the investigation. Hardly believable. The star witness is pretty much left on his own, unmonitored and unwatched. He’s used as bait without his permission?Much of the plot is contrived and takes on a silly temperament. Rather than a happy ending it would be more realistic if complaints were filed against the police and a few people lost their jobs. Mystery novels must be believable and logical. This, I’m sorry to say is neither.
July 14, 2020
I did not enjoy this much, as I really disliked both MC's. Max, (the cop) has a serious attitude problem, but it is fine because he is a really good detective . Which is a shame because I have never read about a more incompetent investigator. Ever. His actions defies all logic, and he should be fired, not commended. What he did to Bradley at the end of the book is criminal. I did not like Bradley either. And any chemistry between them feels fake. I get it that it is a slow burn romance spanning several books. But the beginning was bad enough that I am not invested in their romance. I am the odd one out, as most of the reviews are overwhelmingly positive. There was, however, a few things in this book I couldn't stand, therefore only two stars. Because I add a star for the cover. The cover is the best thing about the book.
ETA. But then I subtracted a star again, because when I think back on the book, I just feel anger that I wasted my time reading this.
ETA. But then I subtracted a star again, because when I think back on the book, I just feel anger that I wasted my time reading this.
March 29, 2019
This got me glued straight from the start but this has gruesome scenes included but I kept reading. The murder scenes are not for the squeamish readers (but you can always skim over). Includes serial murderer, danger, and staying alive where a must.. Their chemistry is there when they meet but is put on the back-burner for now with a propriety for keeping alive with a vicious killer on the loss. This is a start of their relationship which continues in the next book..this one a HFN ending. I see more trouble for them in the future. lol
Bradley loved his numbers and being an a accountant he definitely enjoyed. The morning didn't start out well, as an encounter with dark scary eyes frightened him.
Detective Max was investigating a horrible murder only doors down from Bradley.. A killer's on the loose and Bradley had seen him.
Bradley loved his numbers and being an a accountant he definitely enjoyed. The morning didn't start out well, as an encounter with dark scary eyes frightened him.
Detective Max was investigating a horrible murder only doors down from Bradley.. A killer's on the loose and Bradley had seen him.
August 11, 2019
This was a new type of book for me. Even though it wasn't romance by nature, the book was quite good. I liked the details of the murders and how they took place. It was evident the author did her homework and researched everything quite well. I will finish the second book at a later time, but I am so curious about Max and why he is so jaded despite his job. I am also looking forward to he and Bradley exploring a relationship. I love the slow pace of the romance because it keeps the interest going.
January 7, 2021
I had to downgrade my review after reading this the 2nd time. I just didn't feel any chemistry between these characters. Also, the MC who gets attacked and almost killed is so lazy with his security. If I had been attacked and almost killed, you better believe I would be inside with at least a portable stun gun, alarm system, and multiple guard dogs. I hate the too stupid to !i've moments soo much!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 19, 2019
This was a clever, powerful, fantastic, fascinating, intense, intriguing, slow burning, grab-you-by-the-feels, raw, gritty, and engrossing tale filled with mystery, danger, suspense, violence, and more twists and turns than a roller coaster. I was hooked from the very first page, and can't wait to see what happens next.
April 13, 2019
Dnf
Would be good if the author had read a basic law enforcement textbook before attempting to write a crime story.
Would be good if the author had read a basic law enforcement textbook before attempting to write a crime story.
March 29, 2019
Review in English and Polish || Recenzja po angielsku i polsku
*4.5 stars*
Leaving home in the morning and hoping for a coffee before work, Bradley Danforth doesn't suspect that one meeting can change his whole life. One moment, simple eye contact with a strangers who comes out from a neighbor's house, and nothing is the same anymore. It turns out that the man with black eyes whom Bradley meets is a brutal murderer who killed his neighbor, and now Brad is the only one who can identify him. Max Donohue is a detective responsible for this murder case. He is an attractive but very grumpy guy who treats his work very seriously and is ready to do everything to capture the killer, even if it means that he must make more personal sacrifices than usual.
I admit, I love many literary genres, some of which are as distant as possible from one another in terms of the themes they're dealing with. However, I can easily name two, which occupy the highest place on a list of my book weaknesses, and these are crime stories/thrillers and M/M romances. In this case, I'm sure that it's not surprising that "At a Stranger's Mercy" is a real hit in my opinion. This novel combines both these genres, but the strongest emphasis has been placed on its criminal/thriller part. Thanks to Brittany Cournoyer, we become part of an amazing, dangerous story in which human life is at stake. I really like the fact that the events taking place here are shown to us from the perspective of both the detective and the witness-victim, because the author has made sure that we can look at the case from two different angles, which concern different life experiences and strong emotions of the protagonists. Thanks to all this, the reader goes deeper into the world of the novel, involves oneself in pursuit of the murderer, as well as in slowly developing feelings between the characters.
As for the second, romantic side of "At a Stranger's Mercy", also in this respect the author managed to fully satisfy me. Let's be honest, slowly developing romances are a rarity, compared to those where love appears in a moment. Personally, I love stories in which the characters get to know each other better before any feelings between them start to grow, so I was simply delighted with this book. The fact that at the beginning Bradley and Max are not interested in each other in the context of any kind of relationship at all is refreshing. It makes the novel and the characters' relations natural and true. Before any kind of more intimate relationship, or even a thought about it, starts to form between these two, they are forced to get to know each other in a more professional way. I really liked it, because that's how Brittany Cournoyer put the emphasis on the reasons behind the birth of affection between them.
As for the characters themselves, I think they are really great, created in an interesting way and have everything necessary to build a fantastic relationship, during which they are going to often get on each other's nerves. I admit that I love the fact that we get to know them first from this somewhat bad side, as Bradley makes silly mistakes, while Max is a totally unpleasant person. The fact that they don't fall into each other's arms at the first meeting is quite understandable. It is worth noting that such a beginning gave the author the opportunity to gradually develop the image of the two protagonists, whom we get to know step by step as the history unfolds, as if they were a mystery that we must discover. In fact, in this way, not only the relationship between Max and Bradley develops at a natural pace, but also the one we have with them, which really deserves our appreciation.
I would also like to praise "At a Stranger's Mercy" for quite a good pace of action, suspenseful events and presentation of those which, for various reasons, we don't expect to happen. This novel can really enchant the readers starting from the first page and make them unable to stop reading until they're done. In short, Brittany Cournoyer knows best how to make us dependent on her book and uses this knowledge in a very good way. We read this story with so much pleasure that we immediately want more.
To sum up, "At a Stranger's Mercy" is a fantastic, well-written and extremely interesting novel combining elements of crime story, thriller and M/M romance. In this story, everything has its time and place, thanks to which it is more believable, easily wins over the readers and unquestionably encourages us to reach for the next volume when it's ready. I recommend it!
_____________________
*4.5 gwiazdki*
Wychodząc rano z domu w nadziei na kawę przed pracą, Bradley Danforth nie przypuszcza, że jedno spotkanie odmieni całe jego życie. Jedna chwila, zaledwie skrzyżowanie spojrzeń z nieznajomym mężczyzną wychodzącym z domu sąsiadki i nic już nie jest takie samo. Okazuje się bowiem, że spotkany wtedy człowiek o czarnych oczach jest brutalnym mordercą, który zabił sąsiadkę Bradleya, zaś on jest jedynym, który może go zidentyfikować. Sprawą morderstwa zajmuje się Max Donohue, atrakcyjny, ale bardzo gburowaty detektyw, który swoją pracę traktuje niesamowicie poważnie i zrobi wszystko by ująć zabójcę, nawet jeśli oznacza to, że musi się dla sprawy poświęcić bardziej, niż zazwyczaj.
Przyznaję, kocham wiele gatunków literackich, z których niektóre są od siebie tak odległe tematycznie, jak to tylko możliwe. Z łatwością potrafię jednak wymienić dwa, które zajmują najwyższe miejsce na liście moich książkowych słabości, a są to kryminały/thrillery oraz romanse MM. Na pewno nie może więc dziwić fakt, że „At a Stranger's Mercy” uważam za prawdziwy strzał w dziesiątkę. Powieść ta łączy bowiem w sobie oba te gatunki, z czego najsilniejszy nacisk został położony na część kryminalną/thrillerową. Dzięki Brittany Cournoyer stajemy się częścią niesamowitej, niebezpiecznej historii, w której stawką jest ludzkie życie. Bardzo podoba mi się to, że rozgrywające się tu wydarzenia śledzimy zarówno z perspektywy detektywa, jak i świadka-ofiary, ponieważ autorka zadbała o to, abyśmy mogli patrzeć na sprawę pod dwoma różnymi kątami, które uwzględniają różne życiowe doświadczenia i tragające protagonistami emocje. Dzięki temu czytelnik zostaje tym głębiej wciągnięty w świat powieści, w pościg za mordercą, jak również w powoli rodzące się uczucia bohaterów względem siebie nawzajem.
Co się zaś tyczy tej drugiej, romantycznej strony „At a Stranger's Mercy”, także pod tym względem autorce udało się w pełni mnie zadowolić. Bądźmy szczerzy, powoli rozwijające się romanse są raczej rzadkością, w porównaniu z tymi, gdzie miłość pojawia się w przeciągu chwili. Osobiście uwielbiam tytuły, w których bohaterowie poznają się lepiej zanim pojawi się między nimi jakiekolwiek uczucie, toteż mając z tym do czynienia w tej książce byłam po prostu zachwycona. Fakt, że na początku między Bradleyem i Maxem tak naprawdę nie ma żadnego zainteresowania sobą nawzajem w kontekście jakiegokolwiek związku jest odświeżający. Czyni on bowiem powieść i relacje bohaterów naturalnymi i prawdziwymi. Zanim między tą dwójką zacznie pojawiać się jakikolwiek zalążek bardziej intymnych relacji, czy nawet myśli o nich, są oni zmuszeni poznać się bliżej pod kątem zawodowym. Naprawdę bardzo mi się to spodobało, ponieważ w ten właśnie sposób Brittany Cournoyer położyła nacisk na powody rodzących się między nimi uczuć.
Jeśli zaś chodzi o samych bohaterów to uważam, że są naprawdę świetni, interesująco tworzeni i mają w sobie wszystko, co konieczne, aby stworzyć fantastyczną, ale często działającą sobie na nerwy parę. Przyznaję, że spodobało mi się to, że poznajemy ich najpierw od tej poniekąd gorszej strony, ponieważ Bradley popełnia głupiutkie błędy, podczas gdy Max jest rasowym dupkiem. To, że nie wpadają sobie w ramiona już przy pierwszym spotkaniu jest więc zupełnie zrozumiałe. Warto zauważyć, że taki początek dał autorce możliwość do stopniowego dopełniania obrazu dwójki protagonistów, których poznajemy krok po kroku w miarę rozwoju historii, jakby byli tajemnicą, którą musimy odkryć. Prawdę mówiąc, w ten sposób nie tylko znajomość Maxa i Bradleya rozwija się w naturalnym tempie, ale także nasza znajomość z nimi, co naprawdę zasługuje na pochwałę.
„At a Stranger's Mercy” chciałabym także pochwalić za całkiem dobre tempo akcji, trzymające w napięciu wydarzenia oraz ukazanie takich, których z różnych powodów się nie spodziewamy. Ta powieść naprawdę potrafi oczarować czytelnika już od pierwszej strony i sprawić, że nie chcemy przerywać czytania póki jej nie skończymy. Krótko mówiąc, Brittany Cournoyer wie w jaki sposób najlepiej uzależnić nas od swojej książki i wykorzystuje to w bardzo dobry sposób. Tę historię czyta się z tak ogromną przyjemnością, że od razu ma się ochotę na więcej.
Podsumowując, „At a Stranger's Mercy” to fantastyczna, dobrze napisana i niezwykle interesująca powieść łącząca w sobie elementy kryminału, thrillera i romansu MM. W tej historii wszystko ma swój czas i miejsce, dzięki czemu jest ona bardziej prawdopodobna, łatwiej zjednuje sobie czytelników i bezsprzecznie zachęca nas do sięgnięcia po kolejny tom, gdy się pojawi. Polecam!
*4.5 stars*
Leaving home in the morning and hoping for a coffee before work, Bradley Danforth doesn't suspect that one meeting can change his whole life. One moment, simple eye contact with a strangers who comes out from a neighbor's house, and nothing is the same anymore. It turns out that the man with black eyes whom Bradley meets is a brutal murderer who killed his neighbor, and now Brad is the only one who can identify him. Max Donohue is a detective responsible for this murder case. He is an attractive but very grumpy guy who treats his work very seriously and is ready to do everything to capture the killer, even if it means that he must make more personal sacrifices than usual.
I admit, I love many literary genres, some of which are as distant as possible from one another in terms of the themes they're dealing with. However, I can easily name two, which occupy the highest place on a list of my book weaknesses, and these are crime stories/thrillers and M/M romances. In this case, I'm sure that it's not surprising that "At a Stranger's Mercy" is a real hit in my opinion. This novel combines both these genres, but the strongest emphasis has been placed on its criminal/thriller part. Thanks to Brittany Cournoyer, we become part of an amazing, dangerous story in which human life is at stake. I really like the fact that the events taking place here are shown to us from the perspective of both the detective and the witness-victim, because the author has made sure that we can look at the case from two different angles, which concern different life experiences and strong emotions of the protagonists. Thanks to all this, the reader goes deeper into the world of the novel, involves oneself in pursuit of the murderer, as well as in slowly developing feelings between the characters.
As for the second, romantic side of "At a Stranger's Mercy", also in this respect the author managed to fully satisfy me. Let's be honest, slowly developing romances are a rarity, compared to those where love appears in a moment. Personally, I love stories in which the characters get to know each other better before any feelings between them start to grow, so I was simply delighted with this book. The fact that at the beginning Bradley and Max are not interested in each other in the context of any kind of relationship at all is refreshing. It makes the novel and the characters' relations natural and true. Before any kind of more intimate relationship, or even a thought about it, starts to form between these two, they are forced to get to know each other in a more professional way. I really liked it, because that's how Brittany Cournoyer put the emphasis on the reasons behind the birth of affection between them.
As for the characters themselves, I think they are really great, created in an interesting way and have everything necessary to build a fantastic relationship, during which they are going to often get on each other's nerves. I admit that I love the fact that we get to know them first from this somewhat bad side, as Bradley makes silly mistakes, while Max is a totally unpleasant person. The fact that they don't fall into each other's arms at the first meeting is quite understandable. It is worth noting that such a beginning gave the author the opportunity to gradually develop the image of the two protagonists, whom we get to know step by step as the history unfolds, as if they were a mystery that we must discover. In fact, in this way, not only the relationship between Max and Bradley develops at a natural pace, but also the one we have with them, which really deserves our appreciation.
I would also like to praise "At a Stranger's Mercy" for quite a good pace of action, suspenseful events and presentation of those which, for various reasons, we don't expect to happen. This novel can really enchant the readers starting from the first page and make them unable to stop reading until they're done. In short, Brittany Cournoyer knows best how to make us dependent on her book and uses this knowledge in a very good way. We read this story with so much pleasure that we immediately want more.
To sum up, "At a Stranger's Mercy" is a fantastic, well-written and extremely interesting novel combining elements of crime story, thriller and M/M romance. In this story, everything has its time and place, thanks to which it is more believable, easily wins over the readers and unquestionably encourages us to reach for the next volume when it's ready. I recommend it!
_____________________
*4.5 gwiazdki*
Wychodząc rano z domu w nadziei na kawę przed pracą, Bradley Danforth nie przypuszcza, że jedno spotkanie odmieni całe jego życie. Jedna chwila, zaledwie skrzyżowanie spojrzeń z nieznajomym mężczyzną wychodzącym z domu sąsiadki i nic już nie jest takie samo. Okazuje się bowiem, że spotkany wtedy człowiek o czarnych oczach jest brutalnym mordercą, który zabił sąsiadkę Bradleya, zaś on jest jedynym, który może go zidentyfikować. Sprawą morderstwa zajmuje się Max Donohue, atrakcyjny, ale bardzo gburowaty detektyw, który swoją pracę traktuje niesamowicie poważnie i zrobi wszystko by ująć zabójcę, nawet jeśli oznacza to, że musi się dla sprawy poświęcić bardziej, niż zazwyczaj.
Przyznaję, kocham wiele gatunków literackich, z których niektóre są od siebie tak odległe tematycznie, jak to tylko możliwe. Z łatwością potrafię jednak wymienić dwa, które zajmują najwyższe miejsce na liście moich książkowych słabości, a są to kryminały/thrillery oraz romanse MM. Na pewno nie może więc dziwić fakt, że „At a Stranger's Mercy” uważam za prawdziwy strzał w dziesiątkę. Powieść ta łączy bowiem w sobie oba te gatunki, z czego najsilniejszy nacisk został położony na część kryminalną/thrillerową. Dzięki Brittany Cournoyer stajemy się częścią niesamowitej, niebezpiecznej historii, w której stawką jest ludzkie życie. Bardzo podoba mi się to, że rozgrywające się tu wydarzenia śledzimy zarówno z perspektywy detektywa, jak i świadka-ofiary, ponieważ autorka zadbała o to, abyśmy mogli patrzeć na sprawę pod dwoma różnymi kątami, które uwzględniają różne życiowe doświadczenia i tragające protagonistami emocje. Dzięki temu czytelnik zostaje tym głębiej wciągnięty w świat powieści, w pościg za mordercą, jak również w powoli rodzące się uczucia bohaterów względem siebie nawzajem.
Co się zaś tyczy tej drugiej, romantycznej strony „At a Stranger's Mercy”, także pod tym względem autorce udało się w pełni mnie zadowolić. Bądźmy szczerzy, powoli rozwijające się romanse są raczej rzadkością, w porównaniu z tymi, gdzie miłość pojawia się w przeciągu chwili. Osobiście uwielbiam tytuły, w których bohaterowie poznają się lepiej zanim pojawi się między nimi jakiekolwiek uczucie, toteż mając z tym do czynienia w tej książce byłam po prostu zachwycona. Fakt, że na początku między Bradleyem i Maxem tak naprawdę nie ma żadnego zainteresowania sobą nawzajem w kontekście jakiegokolwiek związku jest odświeżający. Czyni on bowiem powieść i relacje bohaterów naturalnymi i prawdziwymi. Zanim między tą dwójką zacznie pojawiać się jakikolwiek zalążek bardziej intymnych relacji, czy nawet myśli o nich, są oni zmuszeni poznać się bliżej pod kątem zawodowym. Naprawdę bardzo mi się to spodobało, ponieważ w ten właśnie sposób Brittany Cournoyer położyła nacisk na powody rodzących się między nimi uczuć.
Jeśli zaś chodzi o samych bohaterów to uważam, że są naprawdę świetni, interesująco tworzeni i mają w sobie wszystko, co konieczne, aby stworzyć fantastyczną, ale często działającą sobie na nerwy parę. Przyznaję, że spodobało mi się to, że poznajemy ich najpierw od tej poniekąd gorszej strony, ponieważ Bradley popełnia głupiutkie błędy, podczas gdy Max jest rasowym dupkiem. To, że nie wpadają sobie w ramiona już przy pierwszym spotkaniu jest więc zupełnie zrozumiałe. Warto zauważyć, że taki początek dał autorce możliwość do stopniowego dopełniania obrazu dwójki protagonistów, których poznajemy krok po kroku w miarę rozwoju historii, jakby byli tajemnicą, którą musimy odkryć. Prawdę mówiąc, w ten sposób nie tylko znajomość Maxa i Bradleya rozwija się w naturalnym tempie, ale także nasza znajomość z nimi, co naprawdę zasługuje na pochwałę.
„At a Stranger's Mercy” chciałabym także pochwalić za całkiem dobre tempo akcji, trzymające w napięciu wydarzenia oraz ukazanie takich, których z różnych powodów się nie spodziewamy. Ta powieść naprawdę potrafi oczarować czytelnika już od pierwszej strony i sprawić, że nie chcemy przerywać czytania póki jej nie skończymy. Krótko mówiąc, Brittany Cournoyer wie w jaki sposób najlepiej uzależnić nas od swojej książki i wykorzystuje to w bardzo dobry sposób. Tę historię czyta się z tak ogromną przyjemnością, że od razu ma się ochotę na więcej.
Podsumowując, „At a Stranger's Mercy” to fantastyczna, dobrze napisana i niezwykle interesująca powieść łącząca w sobie elementy kryminału, thrillera i romansu MM. W tej historii wszystko ma swój czas i miejsce, dzięki czemu jest ona bardziej prawdopodobna, łatwiej zjednuje sobie czytelników i bezsprzecznie zachęca nas do sięgnięcia po kolejny tom, gdy się pojawi. Polecam!
May 9, 2019
4 Stars!
Okay, I’m going to be real here and say this is one of those books that frustrated the hell out of me and I’m not sure if I loved it or hated it (maybe I hated loving it, who knows?). No matter how I label it though, I can’t deny the fact that I was compelled to see it through to the bitter end. I absolutely had to know who the killer was and why they were doing what they were doing. That alone earned At A Stranger's Mercy 2 Stars!
My review is going to contain spoilers galore and while I generally try not to include spoilers (or I will only do one which I clearly label), in this particular case I just can’t avoid it. I am in the mood to truly discuss what it is about this story that I loved, that I liked and what it is that I hated. I just have to put it out there because I honestly couldn’t stop thinking about it. Which in turn earned another star for the story, bringing us up to 3 now. So if you aren’t ready for spoilers, I suggest you stop reading now and just jump to the end of this review.
What I Loved: I am a huge fan of Mystery Thriller and Suspense. I don’t mind graphic crime novels and in fact, I read them all the time. I think that’s why I found myself drawn to At A Stranger's Mercy when I first read the blurb. I knew going in this wasn’t really going to be a romance so having been prepared, I was just fine sitting back and waiting for it to develop naturally wherever and whenever it felt right in the background. I understood and accepted that the main focus was on Max protecting Bradley while solving the case and putting a serial killer behind bars, or in the ground which wouldn’t have been a bad ending either. I was very happy with this aspect of the book (for most of it anyway) and I was happy that I was really getting into it all. I loved that it didn’t seem obvious who the bad guy was or the motive. For me, the best part of stories like this is trailing along with the detective and fitting the clues together to discover whodunnit and in the beginning, I really felt as if that was where we were headed so I couldn’t put it down.
What I Liked: Things weren’t cut and dry with our killer. While we find out who committed the murders and how he was getting away with it, there’s still more to it all (sets up for a series). So in actuality, it’s a bit of an open-ended ending and we are just beginning the story. I’m absolutely intrigued to dive deeper into the reasons for these particular crimes.
What I Didn’t Like: so here’s where I found myself shaking my head in exasperation because as I said, I was completely loving the way the case was going and fine with watching the possible attraction between our MCs develop slow and naturally. Unfortunately, that’s not what happened though. Instead, we got a few little moments thrown in here and there where either Max or Bradley would feel some spark or something and it never felt organic. It was more like these were afterthoughts that were thrown into the mix in order to say something between them was blooming. It truly lacked any chemistry in my opinion and there was no connection between the men other than a begrudging acknowledgment that they were stuck with each other.
This brings me to the main reason I found myself unable to honestly imagine these two men in a relationship and why I didn’t completely fall in love with this story: the characters, particularly our MC’s Max and Bradley.
Max is not at all likable to me. Not as a police detective or a love interest. He’s rude, short-tempered, short-sighted, judgmental, etc... Saying this man lacks sensitivity, empathy and compassion is an understatement. I could not get behind his treatment of witnesses and victims at all. His handling of Bradley before as well as after his attack was pretty much abhorrent to me. Any person who was attacked with the kind of vicious brutality that Bradley suffered deserved to be treated with the utmost decency and care. Yet, Max treated him as a nuisance or annoyance. I’m not sure if this was done on purpose by the author or if it just wound up like that but either way it rankled. Bradley was basically beaten to within an inch of his life by a man who’d killed and dismembered his neighbor yet Max acts as if Bradley shouldn’t have any kind of PTSD or anxiety afterward. No, he doesn’t come out and say that but his actions from the way he treated him in the hospital to the way he so nonchalantly left him in his home without truly making sure Bradley felt safe to his blasé attitude to the murderer attempting to break in his supposedly safe home with top-notch security system (which just so happened to go on the fritz *eye rolls*) made me think he didn’t give two shits about Bradley.
Then there’s Bradley. Bradley, Bradley, Bradley. For what I assume is supposed to be a smart man he sure can be dumb. I honestly can’t list how many times this man made me want to bang my head against the wall. I don’t want to say too much because I do really feel bad for what happened to him but I honestly don’t know if he had any sense of self-preservation. He’s hiding from a SERIAL KILLER and he decides to call up his friend and demand he goes to his home, the home that happens to be a crime scene (Bradley, did you forgot you were beaten to a pulp there?) to get him some of his stuff so he won't have to borrow Max’s clothes. Not only could he put his friend in danger but he could also possibly lead the killer straight to him *internal scream*.
Then there’s the little fact that after Bradley stupidly let this pseudo-friend know his location, Max thought it was a good idea to announce in a press conference that Bradley was dead. Umm... Did it not occur to anyone that Bradley’s friend knows he’s not dead, has in fact spoken to him and knows where he’s at? I mean it isn’t as if this friend wasn’t capable of letting the cat out of the bag, he wasn't actually known for discretion at this point when it came to Bradley. Not to mention Bradley had already started contacting his clients and explaining why they’d have to work with other CPAs.
With all of that, both Bradley and Max can’t seem to stand being in the same room with each other. Yet, we are to believe they might have something brewing between them. Yeah, I don’t think so.
Now onto the thing that almost had me smashing my Kindle. Max’s grand plan to catch the killer using Bradley as bait. Oh God, this is painful, I don’t even know how this seemed like a good idea. Max leaves Bradley home alone and puts on a show at work to draw the killer out. There is no backup protection for Bradley, no one hiding in the wings to help him, nothing. You can imagine the worst-case scenario. Skip ahead, Bradley is at the mercy of the killer once again, being tortured and Max is taking his sweet old time getting to him. There is actually a point where Max stops to talk with someone in hopes of a confession while Bradley is screaming!!! Where the hell is the sense of urgency? How did anyone think using Bradley as bait is a good idea? Does anyone actually give a damn that the man has been brutalized and terrorized by this psychopath multiple times now?
After all of that, I am supposed to believe Max wants to date Bradley, that he thinks they have something and he’d like to see where it could go? You have to be kidding me. If I were Bradley, I’d punch Max in the nads then sue him and the police department. I’m sorry but this left me in a rage. What could have possibly been a 5-star read was sitting at a 3 because I found this to be completely implausible and unrealistic.
However, in the end, I actually decided to bump it up to 4 stars because even though the last few chapters made me utterly angry and I can’t stand either Max or Bradley, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It made an impression on me and I even got anxious to discuss it with my co-blogger while she read it. Plus there’s the little fact that I now feel obligated to read book two in order to see how it plays out. I need more information and a little part (okay, a huge part of me) hopes Max will redeem himself and Bradley will grow on me. I guess we’ll see.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Okay, I’m going to be real here and say this is one of those books that frustrated the hell out of me and I’m not sure if I loved it or hated it (maybe I hated loving it, who knows?). No matter how I label it though, I can’t deny the fact that I was compelled to see it through to the bitter end. I absolutely had to know who the killer was and why they were doing what they were doing. That alone earned At A Stranger's Mercy 2 Stars!
My review is going to contain spoilers galore and while I generally try not to include spoilers (or I will only do one which I clearly label), in this particular case I just can’t avoid it. I am in the mood to truly discuss what it is about this story that I loved, that I liked and what it is that I hated. I just have to put it out there because I honestly couldn’t stop thinking about it. Which in turn earned another star for the story, bringing us up to 3 now. So if you aren’t ready for spoilers, I suggest you stop reading now and just jump to the end of this review.
What I Loved: I am a huge fan of Mystery Thriller and Suspense. I don’t mind graphic crime novels and in fact, I read them all the time. I think that’s why I found myself drawn to At A Stranger's Mercy when I first read the blurb. I knew going in this wasn’t really going to be a romance so having been prepared, I was just fine sitting back and waiting for it to develop naturally wherever and whenever it felt right in the background. I understood and accepted that the main focus was on Max protecting Bradley while solving the case and putting a serial killer behind bars, or in the ground which wouldn’t have been a bad ending either. I was very happy with this aspect of the book (for most of it anyway) and I was happy that I was really getting into it all. I loved that it didn’t seem obvious who the bad guy was or the motive. For me, the best part of stories like this is trailing along with the detective and fitting the clues together to discover whodunnit and in the beginning, I really felt as if that was where we were headed so I couldn’t put it down.
What I Liked: Things weren’t cut and dry with our killer. While we find out who committed the murders and how he was getting away with it, there’s still more to it all (sets up for a series). So in actuality, it’s a bit of an open-ended ending and we are just beginning the story. I’m absolutely intrigued to dive deeper into the reasons for these particular crimes.
What I Didn’t Like: so here’s where I found myself shaking my head in exasperation because as I said, I was completely loving the way the case was going and fine with watching the possible attraction between our MCs develop slow and naturally. Unfortunately, that’s not what happened though. Instead, we got a few little moments thrown in here and there where either Max or Bradley would feel some spark or something and it never felt organic. It was more like these were afterthoughts that were thrown into the mix in order to say something between them was blooming. It truly lacked any chemistry in my opinion and there was no connection between the men other than a begrudging acknowledgment that they were stuck with each other.
This brings me to the main reason I found myself unable to honestly imagine these two men in a relationship and why I didn’t completely fall in love with this story: the characters, particularly our MC’s Max and Bradley.
Max is not at all likable to me. Not as a police detective or a love interest. He’s rude, short-tempered, short-sighted, judgmental, etc... Saying this man lacks sensitivity, empathy and compassion is an understatement. I could not get behind his treatment of witnesses and victims at all. His handling of Bradley before as well as after his attack was pretty much abhorrent to me. Any person who was attacked with the kind of vicious brutality that Bradley suffered deserved to be treated with the utmost decency and care. Yet, Max treated him as a nuisance or annoyance. I’m not sure if this was done on purpose by the author or if it just wound up like that but either way it rankled. Bradley was basically beaten to within an inch of his life by a man who’d killed and dismembered his neighbor yet Max acts as if Bradley shouldn’t have any kind of PTSD or anxiety afterward. No, he doesn’t come out and say that but his actions from the way he treated him in the hospital to the way he so nonchalantly left him in his home without truly making sure Bradley felt safe to his blasé attitude to the murderer attempting to break in his supposedly safe home with top-notch security system (which just so happened to go on the fritz *eye rolls*) made me think he didn’t give two shits about Bradley.
Then there’s Bradley. Bradley, Bradley, Bradley. For what I assume is supposed to be a smart man he sure can be dumb. I honestly can’t list how many times this man made me want to bang my head against the wall. I don’t want to say too much because I do really feel bad for what happened to him but I honestly don’t know if he had any sense of self-preservation. He’s hiding from a SERIAL KILLER and he decides to call up his friend and demand he goes to his home, the home that happens to be a crime scene (Bradley, did you forgot you were beaten to a pulp there?) to get him some of his stuff so he won't have to borrow Max’s clothes. Not only could he put his friend in danger but he could also possibly lead the killer straight to him *internal scream*.
Then there’s the little fact that after Bradley stupidly let this pseudo-friend know his location, Max thought it was a good idea to announce in a press conference that Bradley was dead. Umm... Did it not occur to anyone that Bradley’s friend knows he’s not dead, has in fact spoken to him and knows where he’s at? I mean it isn’t as if this friend wasn’t capable of letting the cat out of the bag, he wasn't actually known for discretion at this point when it came to Bradley. Not to mention Bradley had already started contacting his clients and explaining why they’d have to work with other CPAs.
With all of that, both Bradley and Max can’t seem to stand being in the same room with each other. Yet, we are to believe they might have something brewing between them. Yeah, I don’t think so.
Now onto the thing that almost had me smashing my Kindle. Max’s grand plan to catch the killer using Bradley as bait. Oh God, this is painful, I don’t even know how this seemed like a good idea. Max leaves Bradley home alone and puts on a show at work to draw the killer out. There is no backup protection for Bradley, no one hiding in the wings to help him, nothing. You can imagine the worst-case scenario. Skip ahead, Bradley is at the mercy of the killer once again, being tortured and Max is taking his sweet old time getting to him. There is actually a point where Max stops to talk with someone in hopes of a confession while Bradley is screaming!!! Where the hell is the sense of urgency? How did anyone think using Bradley as bait is a good idea? Does anyone actually give a damn that the man has been brutalized and terrorized by this psychopath multiple times now?
After all of that, I am supposed to believe Max wants to date Bradley, that he thinks they have something and he’d like to see where it could go? You have to be kidding me. If I were Bradley, I’d punch Max in the nads then sue him and the police department. I’m sorry but this left me in a rage. What could have possibly been a 5-star read was sitting at a 3 because I found this to be completely implausible and unrealistic.
However, in the end, I actually decided to bump it up to 4 stars because even though the last few chapters made me utterly angry and I can’t stand either Max or Bradley, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. It made an impression on me and I even got anxious to discuss it with my co-blogger while she read it. Plus there’s the little fact that I now feel obligated to read book two in order to see how it plays out. I need more information and a little part (okay, a huge part of me) hopes Max will redeem himself and Bradley will grow on me. I guess we’ll see.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
October 7, 2022
I'm not really sure how to rate this one. The story wasn't particularly believable, but it was intriguing. Max wasn't really all that likable, but both he and Bradley were very interesting. I'm going to read the next one and see how it goes.
April 9, 2019
4 Stars
Rating and reviewing this book is probably one of the hardest things I've done in my life.
First things first, I guess. I absolutely hated Max, he was a sociopath (really, I actually went and researched sociopaths because of him and the description fit him to a 't', actually, I was kind of surprised his pic wasn't under the definition) and an asshat of the first order. He completely lacked empathy regarding Bradley's plight and behaved in an unprofessional manner with him with that harebrained plan he concocted, which by the way, I have no clue how his captain went along with it since it had lawsuit printed all over it.
And then we have Bradley, who frankly speaking, was a bit of an idiot. Although, all things considered, I could see why he acted the way he did, at least up until the moment he allowed Max to railroad him into agreeing to his plan.
Despite my thoughts about the main characters, the book was well-written and up until the last quarter, I was fully engaged in the plot and intrigued about the case, I had no clue who the killer was until Ms. Cournoyer was ready for me to know and really, as procedurals go, this was really good. However, and please be aware this is totally me and others might feel differently, on the last 25% or so of the book, it went completely OTT and kind of lost me as Max's plan to catch the killer and whoever was helping him inside the police precinct unfolded.
I have to give kudos to the author for keeping my interest even if there was only the hint of a romance in this story—honestly, I could have totally gone for it even if there wasn't any, I felt the whole thing between Max and Bradley a bit forced, especially since Max hadn't given any indications of his interest until the very end and Bradley's attraction felt like it only happened due to proximity and Max being there for him (somewhat) and not really because of any real feelings between them.
Anyway, while I wasn't happy with how things went in the last portion of the book, I haven't stopped thinking about it all since I finished the book and you can be certain I'll be picking the next book in the series as well. I just can't not know what will happen next. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Rating and reviewing this book is probably one of the hardest things I've done in my life.
First things first, I guess. I absolutely hated Max, he was a sociopath (really, I actually went and researched sociopaths because of him and the description fit him to a 't', actually, I was kind of surprised his pic wasn't under the definition) and an asshat of the first order. He completely lacked empathy regarding Bradley's plight and behaved in an unprofessional manner with him with that harebrained plan he concocted, which by the way, I have no clue how his captain went along with it since it had lawsuit printed all over it.
And then we have Bradley, who frankly speaking, was a bit of an idiot. Although, all things considered, I could see why he acted the way he did, at least up until the moment he allowed Max to railroad him into agreeing to his plan.
Despite my thoughts about the main characters, the book was well-written and up until the last quarter, I was fully engaged in the plot and intrigued about the case, I had no clue who the killer was until Ms. Cournoyer was ready for me to know and really, as procedurals go, this was really good. However, and please be aware this is totally me and others might feel differently, on the last 25% or so of the book, it went completely OTT and kind of lost me as Max's plan to catch the killer and whoever was helping him inside the police precinct unfolded.
I have to give kudos to the author for keeping my interest even if there was only the hint of a romance in this story—honestly, I could have totally gone for it even if there wasn't any, I felt the whole thing between Max and Bradley a bit forced, especially since Max hadn't given any indications of his interest until the very end and Bradley's attraction felt like it only happened due to proximity and Max being there for him (somewhat) and not really because of any real feelings between them.
Anyway, while I wasn't happy with how things went in the last portion of the book, I haven't stopped thinking about it all since I finished the book and you can be certain I'll be picking the next book in the series as well. I just can't not know what will happen next. Recommendable!
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
June 23, 2019
Girl (aka Brittany Cournoyer)
Your Mo and your Jo got me good 2 nights ago. When I go to bed I turn on my Kindle to listen to. To lull me to sleep. So Thursday night I innocently picked AT A STRANGER'S MERCY. Lights are out, doggies sleeping downstairs, cats weighing my comforter down upstairs and I snuggle into my pillows close my eyes & then we get to the crime scene my 👀 pop open! A hand! Let's just say I had to chose a much more comedic book after that to finally fall asleep. But I didn't have visions of sugar plums nope I had saws and heads😨.
I am down to the last two chapters (daytime) reading only. I'm about to find out who done it.
You are so talented you can scared a graduated Criminal Science major, and lover of Criminal Minds, as well as a reader of horror and true crime books & TV shows. I need my Mpreg and MM romances to balance out the wicked in the world. Really I didn't need to sleep.
This was a horror story & police procedural, wrapped up in a beautiful cover with MM characters, but unlike me who optimistically kept expecting a romance to emerge instead I received carnage. Which is wonderful if this is your thing. And it is mine, but it was still quite a surprise!
Homicide detective Max reminds me of a big tough angry Alpha Wolf or Bear. He certainly had the snarl and surly attitude down pact. He was tenacious and gorgeous with his long locks. You hesitate to run your fingers through it for fear of getting your hand painfully smacked away. It was definitely a case of look don't touch or Better Not Touch. Bradley is the quiet unassuming guy I really enjoy as a main character. Yet I never anticipated what was going to necessitate his needing protection.
I can't recommend this book more highly. Just be cautious -it's not for the squeamish. Or for late stormy night reading. If unexpected sounds unnerve you don't get two Dachshunds because they can hear a leaf land. But I feel a lot better knowing they are ready to warn me of any impending danger. Except they fell down on the job when it came to warning me not to start this book late at night as I readied myself for a peaceful night's sleep.
Your Mo and your Jo got me good 2 nights ago. When I go to bed I turn on my Kindle to listen to. To lull me to sleep. So Thursday night I innocently picked AT A STRANGER'S MERCY. Lights are out, doggies sleeping downstairs, cats weighing my comforter down upstairs and I snuggle into my pillows close my eyes & then we get to the crime scene my 👀 pop open! A hand! Let's just say I had to chose a much more comedic book after that to finally fall asleep. But I didn't have visions of sugar plums nope I had saws and heads😨.
I am down to the last two chapters (daytime) reading only. I'm about to find out who done it.
You are so talented you can scared a graduated Criminal Science major, and lover of Criminal Minds, as well as a reader of horror and true crime books & TV shows. I need my Mpreg and MM romances to balance out the wicked in the world. Really I didn't need to sleep.
This was a horror story & police procedural, wrapped up in a beautiful cover with MM characters, but unlike me who optimistically kept expecting a romance to emerge instead I received carnage. Which is wonderful if this is your thing. And it is mine, but it was still quite a surprise!
Homicide detective Max reminds me of a big tough angry Alpha Wolf or Bear. He certainly had the snarl and surly attitude down pact. He was tenacious and gorgeous with his long locks. You hesitate to run your fingers through it for fear of getting your hand painfully smacked away. It was definitely a case of look don't touch or Better Not Touch. Bradley is the quiet unassuming guy I really enjoy as a main character. Yet I never anticipated what was going to necessitate his needing protection.
I can't recommend this book more highly. Just be cautious -it's not for the squeamish. Or for late stormy night reading. If unexpected sounds unnerve you don't get two Dachshunds because they can hear a leaf land. But I feel a lot better knowing they are ready to warn me of any impending danger. Except they fell down on the job when it came to warning me not to start this book late at night as I readied myself for a peaceful night's sleep.
January 31, 2020
(audiobook) This is NOT romance. At least, not until the very end, and even then, it’s a suggestion of romance. This is a murder mystery, with a serial killer and lots of blood. But it’s also the story of two men who meet under less than agreeable circumstances, and slowly learn to at least appreciate each other, and maybe more.
The book navigates between scenes of carnage or police investigations, and more everyday scenes--I loved the details of Bradley’s life with Max. There’s a contrast here that makes the crimes scenes even more gruesome. All those scenes help building Bradley and Max’s characters.
The narrator did a fine job--although I’m not a fan of his Max’s voice, it makes him sound older than he is, and not particularly handsome. Technically, the recording isn’t great though, as we often have the last word of a sentence slightly cut.
There’s no cliffhanger, but if you want to know how Bradley and Max’s relationship develops, you need to read also book 2 AND 3--this one was just released. It’s a very slooooooow burn.
Quickie
Series: Badge and bullets series #1 (this one can be read as a standalone, the mystery is resolved, but the rest of the series follows the first book)
Hashtags: #romantic suspense #MM romance #serial killer #slow burn
Triggers: gruesome murders with graphic depiction
Main couple: Bradley Danforth and Max Donohue
Hotness: 0/5
Romance: 1/5
+ the case is interesting and the suspense is there
- no romance in this first installment, but we’re warned about it
The book navigates between scenes of carnage or police investigations, and more everyday scenes--I loved the details of Bradley’s life with Max. There’s a contrast here that makes the crimes scenes even more gruesome. All those scenes help building Bradley and Max’s characters.
The narrator did a fine job--although I’m not a fan of his Max’s voice, it makes him sound older than he is, and not particularly handsome. Technically, the recording isn’t great though, as we often have the last word of a sentence slightly cut.
There’s no cliffhanger, but if you want to know how Bradley and Max’s relationship develops, you need to read also book 2 AND 3--this one was just released. It’s a very slooooooow burn.
Quickie
Series: Badge and bullets series #1 (this one can be read as a standalone, the mystery is resolved, but the rest of the series follows the first book)
Hashtags: #romantic suspense #MM romance #serial killer #slow burn
Triggers: gruesome murders with graphic depiction
Main couple: Bradley Danforth and Max Donohue
Hotness: 0/5
Romance: 1/5
+ the case is interesting and the suspense is there
- no romance in this first installment, but we’re warned about it
March 23, 2019
Wow!! What a fantastic story! There's a big plot line with a sadistic serial killer. Our MC, Bradley, is an account and loves his set daily routine. However, it all goes to hell when he see a killer outside his neighbour's house. Max is the homicide detective on the case and the two are thrown together after the serial killer goes after Bradley.
There is a really interesting dynamic between the two MC's as whilst they have moments of attraction, there is also a lot of contempt, annoyance and snark because they are such different personalities. It makes for a fascinating read as the two spend time together. I'm really grateful that we get a story from both POV's as it gives the readers a chance to understand each man's thoughts and feelings regarding the case and each other.
The serial killer is a huge mystery and takes some real thinking by the detective and you've got to really pay attention as clues can be given at any time.
I can't wait to see how Bradley and Max move forward in book #2, especially with the events towards the end of this story.
I cannot recommend it enough, another hit from Brittany Cournoyer!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
There is a really interesting dynamic between the two MC's as whilst they have moments of attraction, there is also a lot of contempt, annoyance and snark because they are such different personalities. It makes for a fascinating read as the two spend time together. I'm really grateful that we get a story from both POV's as it gives the readers a chance to understand each man's thoughts and feelings regarding the case and each other.
The serial killer is a huge mystery and takes some real thinking by the detective and you've got to really pay attention as clues can be given at any time.
I can't wait to see how Bradley and Max move forward in book #2, especially with the events towards the end of this story.
I cannot recommend it enough, another hit from Brittany Cournoyer!
I received an ARC and am happily giving a review.
June 30, 2019
Bradley had no idea how much worse is already bad day could be until he locked eyes with a stranger that sent shivers up his spine and he had no idea just how much this would change his life until he comes home that night and finds his neighbor has been murdered in a gruesome way and that he is the only witness.
He meets Max the lead detective that is hot but once he opens his mouth Bradley sees what a butthole Max really is. Though he didn't remember anything that night he is brutally attacked and left for dead, Max takes interest in the man.
Wow, Wow, Wow! This story is so awesome. It is well written, great characters and a spine-tingling mystery/suspense. There is a touch of violence though it is well handled and most are off-page. The relationship is slow-burn and in this book, Bradley and Max build more a protector /victim relationship with a touch of a slow-burning, budding relationship.
I loved Kenneth Obi's performance. He gave both Bradley and Max distinctive voices and the serial killer was scary, spine-tingling and chilling, especially the creepy laugh!
If you like good, chilling suspense, I highly recommend this.
He meets Max the lead detective that is hot but once he opens his mouth Bradley sees what a butthole Max really is. Though he didn't remember anything that night he is brutally attacked and left for dead, Max takes interest in the man.
Wow, Wow, Wow! This story is so awesome. It is well written, great characters and a spine-tingling mystery/suspense. There is a touch of violence though it is well handled and most are off-page. The relationship is slow-burn and in this book, Bradley and Max build more a protector /victim relationship with a touch of a slow-burning, budding relationship.
I loved Kenneth Obi's performance. He gave both Bradley and Max distinctive voices and the serial killer was scary, spine-tingling and chilling, especially the creepy laugh!
If you like good, chilling suspense, I highly recommend this.
July 31, 2019
4.75*
This is a thriller of a book a bout a murder so expect violence, gore and assaults. This is not a book for the squeamish, there was plenty of mystery too. I really rather enjoyed this book.
This not a romance but in this book you can see the tentative beginnings of attraction between Detective Max Donohue who is a bit of an a*****e throughout understandably when he sees what he does and his witness routine loving Bradley Danforth. So hopefully the relationship builds as the series progresses.
The characters are well written, complex and detailed which makes the storyline enjoyable, it has dual POV which rounds out the action, so you can see not only the toll that the investigation and his recovery takes on Bradley as the witness, but also what Max does to investigate and draw the conclusions that he does.
I was surprised by one of the culprits which doesn’t happen very often which pleases me enormously, so my hat comes off to Brittany Cournoyer. This is a book that is enjoyable and gripping to read, I am now off to read book 2 which has the same characters. Highly recommend this book.
This is a thriller of a book a bout a murder so expect violence, gore and assaults. This is not a book for the squeamish, there was plenty of mystery too. I really rather enjoyed this book.
This not a romance but in this book you can see the tentative beginnings of attraction between Detective Max Donohue who is a bit of an a*****e throughout understandably when he sees what he does and his witness routine loving Bradley Danforth. So hopefully the relationship builds as the series progresses.
The characters are well written, complex and detailed which makes the storyline enjoyable, it has dual POV which rounds out the action, so you can see not only the toll that the investigation and his recovery takes on Bradley as the witness, but also what Max does to investigate and draw the conclusions that he does.
I was surprised by one of the culprits which doesn’t happen very often which pleases me enormously, so my hat comes off to Brittany Cournoyer. This is a book that is enjoyable and gripping to read, I am now off to read book 2 which has the same characters. Highly recommend this book.
July 31, 2019
DNF at 80% .Unbelievably stupid police work,the victim and only witness not beeing important enough for protecting (because of budget cuts!!!) and beeing victim-shamed and constantly put down by the lead detective. Slow-burn romance? Not even remotly;the detective with "hair that Fabio would be envious of"(that´s mentioned more than once) has absolutly no sympathy left for the only survivor of a serial killer and there is not even a spark of attraction for Bradley .
I won´t continue this series,i can´t stand Max and i´m sorry for Bradley who will end up with him in the future
I won´t continue this series,i can´t stand Max and i´m sorry for Bradley who will end up with him in the future
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