Wherever August Morrison and Ricardo Torralba go, chaos is sure to follow. The authors certainly know this, since their “standalone book” has now turned into a series with no end in sight, because…UGH. These two. We give up.
Anyway.
Detective David Chandler had no clue what he was getting into when he and his partner decided they were going to nail August for murder. They didn’t realize it was one of the few murders August didn’t commit, or that their homicide investigation would lead them into the middle of a mob war.
Cavalcante underboss Pedro Silva knew asking August and Ricardo for help was a terrible idea. Just mentioning their names is bad for Pedro’s blood pressure. Owing them a favor? Oh Lord. He still asked, though, because he was out of options, but he can’t say he didn’t know he’d regret it.
Neither man expected things to blow up this badly.
Now they’re both on the run from the mafia, the cops, and everyone in between… except for August and Ricardo. On one hand, that means they have two expert assassins in their corner. On the other, it means they have the biggest troll on the planet heckling them at every turn. And sticking them in a safehouse together. With only one bed.
And if August or Ricardo make one more comment about how Dave and Pedro should just hook up already…
Cop vs. Capo is 67,500 words long, and is book 4 of the Hitman vs. Hitman series.
combat PTSD, alcoholism, on-page violence, discussion of abuse of a sex worker
Cari Z. is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She has a wonderful relationship with her husband, a complex relationship with the characters in her head and a sadomasochistic relationship with her exercise routine. She feels like Halloween should happen every month, which is why you get this picture of her, and hopes that you enjoy reading what she's put out there as much as she enjoyed writing it in the first place.
I had a really good time with this book. I’d been wanting to read about Pedro and Dave ever since their relationship was teased in book 3. That said, I’ll be honest, I never fully understood what was going on with the crime families or what they were trying to do. I was mostly just vibing with the plot, enjoying the silly romance and Michael Ferraiuolo’s voice.
Look, I love this series and I would have been all in for other characters getting their love stories if that's how the 2nd and 3rd books had been set up. But I wasn't. So this romance went sideways and felt more formulaic.
I still loved it. But it wasn't up to standards. And it was NOT satisfying. We better find out what happens to the war between families.
This book missed the mark of being a good story and became a story that I would not reread. Closer to a 2.5 than 2, but definitely not close to a 3. First - while these two needed their story told, this really was bad. First: The backstory on the cop needed to be complete before the story started; without that information, the character came across as pathetic and wishy-washy. Similarly, the mafia dude needed more as to how he went from soldier to mafia - just a few linking details. Second: the entire romance setup came across as forced and fake. Third: The events came across as just that - separate events that just jumped in and then out - not linked smoothly at all. The characters and plot were a great idea, but it was like they were presented in a rough draft that did not showcase the writer's skills.
Cop vs. Capo is the next installment in Hitman vs. Hitman series - and the authors take a detour to tell the story of Dave Chandler (Cop) and Pedro Silva (Capo), two side characters from the original series, who have also caught readers' attention. This book is not exactly a stand-alone, because reading the previous books give you background on why Dave and Pedro are now stuck together, in a cabin, with one room 😄
To be honest, when I saw this book finally being released (I mean a story about Dave and Pedro), I thought it would be a rom-com. Dave and Pedro butted heads before, and their chemistry was sparkling heat. I was surprised when this one was rather subdued - not a lot of humors or banters at all.
Partly because the clusterf*ck situation that they were in, and the rest was their own background ( It was still a good read, but more serious than I thought it would. Plus the ending felt rather sad ☹️
This one was off to a slow start for me. NOT because of the story, but because of the damn Republicans... grrr
As soon as the House adjourned at the end of the 3rd day of voting (it is like watching a train wreck, you just can't help yourself)... and the Speaker of the House is STILL up for grabs, I jumped right back into this book, and let me tell you, it was one hell of a ride! I don't know what I was expecting from Pedro and Dave, but both of them showed us a side of themselves that we hadn't really seen before and that went a long way to me cheering for them as a couple when the world seemed determined to let them down in the most spectacular damn ways. These two just couldn't catch a break. Thank goodness they had Ricardo and August as backup! (Love those two!!!)
I was glad to see that there is another book coming, but I am not happy about having to wait for it... 😭😭😭
The good + David respecting Pedro's difficult relationship with alcohol, even when they still hated each other + David and Pedro being self-sacrificing little shits for each other + Pedro soothing David through his nightmares + Pedro subconsciously doing everything right and upending David's belief he's nothing more than a convenient sex partner + Clear communication about their doubts and how they were going to make it work together
The neutral o o
The bad - Pedro and David were side characters in their own book. Ricardo and August had almost more page time, and definitely were the driving force behind 95% of the plot development - I felt like their feelings towards each other came out of nowhere. There should have been little hints before they fell all-in the way they did, but there weren't - Basically, everything was used as an excuse for Ricardo and August to come in guns blazing and save the day again. I was trying to read a book about Pedro and David; I would have liked them to actually be the heroes in their own book
This book was alright. It just felt like there were four main characters instead of two, and the people this book was actually about didn't really contribute anything. It was a real pity. I do really want to read about the wedding, though, so I'll read the next book too. I hope it'll be better than this one.
January 2024. I didn’t want to wait anymore for the audio, so I went ahead and grabbed the ebooks for these delightful two novels.
“I’ll write the ransom demand,” Ricardo interjected. “You always make them sound like they’re being written by a wise guy from the twenties.” “It’s called a classic for a reason”
They continue the saga, with book 4 between a cop and a capo (mafia lieutenant) from the original trilogy having a forced proximity enemies to lovers romance while in hiding from organized crime and corrupt police forces who both see them as traitors for working together to stop poisoned drugs form reaching the streets. This one Isn’t as good as the first three just because it’s not as much time with our best boys August and Ricardo, and has less action. It’s still well-written, the characters have chemistry, and sets up well why they need to rely on one another, but their spark isn’t as strong as our faves and it’s hard not to compare. They are both a bit more reasonable of people so it’s just not as funny when August and Ricardo are off-screen, though they are in it quite a bit.
Gave it 4 stars versus 5 for the first three; still worth a read if you liked the others but best read in order.
“Cop vs Capo” Books 4 of the Hitman vs. Hitman series by Cari Z. and L.A. Witt.
This book concentrates on Dave and Pedro and is as solid a typical book from these authors. You get some action.....and some other action.... and some close miracles but everything fits and keeps you reading.
I was absolutely wondering how these authors were going to work this book (Cop Chandler and Mafia Silvia’s romance) into the series structure of the ongoing glorious mayhem that is August and Ricardo’s romance without letting the main characters fade into a secondary storyline.
No worries. Cari Z and Witt managed to juggle the needs furthering the relationship of the series couple with that of this very complex, troubled, enemies to lovers romance beautifully.
Cop vs Capo has all the narrative aspects that are indicative of the series. Fast paced, suspenseful, murderously entertaining multi faceted storylines that are intertwined with a great relationship between fascinating characters. In this case, it’s relationships and four men.
We have gotten the haunting back stories of August and Ricardo. We understand the impact their pasts have had upon their lives. But we haven’t seen the trauma that’s driven David Chandler to become a police detective or been able to dwell on why a mob underboss like Pedro Silva has a obvious attraction to a male cop , especially given that Silva has a connected ex wife. Silvia’s been a great personality, complicated, ex Army, at odds internally with the mafia persona he wields. Chandler, too, has, in the glimpses the authors have given us, demonstrated a wry humor, acceptance to think less rigidly than his companions, and follows his instincts. They were fabulous men we wanted to see more of.
Now , in the midst of a gang war, one this group started, the authors reveal the damage and trauma of each man’s history that surfaces throughout the events here to bring them closer together. Yes, high body count, trigger warnings, death, all of that.
It’s done through the company of August and Ricardo, to great comedy relief, incredible action, and the occasional moments of serious reflection.
If I had a favorite in this series (and I don’t) this would rank among the top. There’s another one coming. August and Ricardo are getting married.
That should be a even higher body count.
No release date yet for In-Laws Vs Outlaws. However, I’ll be waiting.
In the meantime, I’m highly recommending Cop vs Capo but only if you have read the rest of the series first. Read them in the order they are written to understand the men, relationships, and events.
Hitman Vs Hitman series: - [x] Hitman Vs Hitman #1 - [x] Sniper vs Spotter #2 - [x] Killer vs Kingpin #3 - [ ] Cop vs Capo #4 - [ ] In-Laws vs Outlaws #5 - TBD
I love these characters so much and there’s lots of action, emotion, humor, and drama. Hits all the high points. This book is an immediate follow up to book two so you really need to read that one first to fully appreciate what is happening in this one. If you are a fan of enemies to lovers this is a good one.
Pedro is a former soldier and a mob capo and Dave is a cop. They were caught up in a bloodbath in the last book and now August and Ricardo are hiding them away at one of August’s safe houses and trying to figure out how to keep them alive and solve the problem of two rival mob families and the cartels they work for trying to kill them.
Dave’s background is heartbreaking and his grief over his partner’s death is clear. Pedro was injured in the battle and is suffering concussion symptoms and really needs a cat scan. They don’t like each other and don’t want to be stuck with each other and each of them is trying to figure out the scenario that gets them back to their old lives.
There are some obvious errors in planning that seem unlikely for people like Ricardo and August to make and in the big crisis scene Pedro goes against all the instincts that kept him alive in war. Those things annoyed me but clearly were needed to allow the crisis part to continue. I wish there had been some description of the fallout of the crisis.
The ending is sweet and hopeful and leads into book four which I am looking forward to reading.
I thought this was another good addition to the Hitman vs Hitman Series by Cari Z & LA Witt but it was my least favourite of the series so far, as I missed August and Ricardo. Yes, they featured in this book but this book was about Pedro Silva from the Cavalcante Crime Family and Detective Dave Chandler who narrowly escaped the aftermath of the mob war, that killed Dave’s partner and now they have to hide out in a remote cabin, one of August’s many safe houses as the cops, two rival crime families and the cartel are gunning for them.
I thought the authors did a good job at making their relationship work considering they’re on very opposing sides of the law. They were good together but did think it was forced proximity and having to learn to trust each other considering the situation they’re both in, and they’ll be lucky to escape with their lives that got them together. They of course had some assistance from our friendly neighbour hitmen August and Ricardo. I really enjoyed the ending and can’t wait to read the final book In-Laws vs Outlaws where August and Ricardo get married. I’d recommend this book, series and both authors to everyone.
A lot less action and a lot more relationship development than we are used to with August and Ricardo. But this one is about Pedro and Dave.
It seems like the authors can write good characters, just not great ones. I'm not saying they should be wallowing in their past traumas, but when they have serious ones, those shouldn't be sweeper under the rug. I wouldn't even say they were trivialized, because they weren't. Those past traumas were a big part of the main characters, but it was just put aside when it wasn't convenient. I don't know. It made the characters feel fake and shallow for me.
But if you check out other reviews I'm in the minority here, so don't let this stop you from reading this book.
I'm kind of done with the series. I will read the last book, because it's good enough not to leave it before the last book, but if there were more, I would have put it aside. It's kind of the same thing over and over again. That's why I won't pick up anything more from this duo in the near future. Even just looking at the covers I can tell it's more of exactly the same. If someone really loves it, that's good for them, but it's still just good for me.
AND YES!!! I LOVE THIS I LOVE THIS I LOVE THIS SO MUCH!!! THE TENSION BETWEEN THE TWO THE CARING THE CHEMISTRY AAARRRGHHHHHHH
ANYWAY I LIKE THAT ITS THESE TWOS POV I AM ACTUALLY CONCERNED IF IT WILL STILL BE AUGUST AND RICARDOS POV LOL
AND I KNEW IT I WILL LOVE THIS BOOK BECAUSE I AM EVEN BETTING MYSELF WHO WILL MAKE THE FIRST MOVE OF THE TWO LOL
I JUST CANT BELIEVE THEY ARE A RUNAWAY NOW T.T
OH WELL
ANYWAY, JUSY BECAUSE I LOVE DAVE AND PEDRO DOESNT MEAN I DONT WANT TO SEE AUGUST AND RICARDO GETTING ENGAGED!!!!
WHO PROPOSED??? DID SOMEONE EVEN KNELT???? T.t MS MAAMS??? HOW COULD YOU TAKE AWAY THE OPPORTUNITY FOR READERS TO SEE WHO PROPOOOSED!!! WAAAHHH PLEASE I HOPE I SEE IT ON THE NEXT AND FINAL BOOK!
I would like to give this book a 5 but 4.5 only becauze I ddnt get to see the main characters proposal at all !!! Huhuhuhu
Although this book focuses on a new couple, it is in no way a stand alone. It picks up from where the last book ended, and jumps straight into the action; as it has been a while since I read the other books, it took me a bit to settle back into the story.
I think there is a good balance between the action and romance elements. I liked how Dave and Pedro came to trust each other, even when they felt they maybe shouldn't.
I will say I preferred August and Ricardo, though, although they have had 3 books to grow their relationship.
*fangirl squealing* I seriously cannot get enough of this series, and I have never been so glad that Muses have taken these two authors hostage! I sped thru this book in less than 24 hours, literally only put it down to sleep. It picks up right where the last book left off, and the action and humor and sexual tension weave seamlessly throughout the entire story. Already can't wait for the next book!!!
This one isn't as funny as the previous ones, because Pedro and Dave are more serious, but Ricardo and August save it for the most part with their nonsense.
As a result of the previous book, Pedro and Dave have to hide from the drug lord until they can take him to court or Ricardo and August do their thing.
This one has a little more drama, but it's enjoyable.
This was a bit less fun than I expected, it felt a bit repetitive at times. Dave had an interesting backstory (I didn't really feel it, though). And I was glad Pedro got his HEA. But the best parts were Ricardo and August, who were the best friends ever, even if perhaps at times annoying to Pedro and Dave. But so much fun to the reader 😁
I was wondering how these two were going to make it work, I love this ending. And I sincerely love this weird little family that Ricardo and August have made for themselves.
This was Dave and Pedro’s story, with a sideline of August & Ricardo. Action, drama, excitement... but August & Ricardo are my guys, in the end they made the story enjoyable, especially August...
AUDIOBOOK I wasn’t sure about this book going in as Pedro has been such a miserable pain the the previous books. However he was awesome he proved he is human and even has a sense of humour and he gave everything up to be with Dave .
This was fun, as is the series in general. Not about August and Ricardo, but they are very present. David and Pedro are sweet together once they get past themselves and admit their feelings.
And I am excited to see another book planned. I got this book first thing this morning and finished it in one day. I love Ricardo and August’s adventures.
Great story and great characters. Pedro and Dave very great together. Love seeing Ricardo and August. A really good sit down and relax book to read when the weather is terrible and you want some piece and quiet.
I read to get away from reality but this story was the reality I live in😭! The ending rated the stars! Maybe I'm getting too old for this kind of read🤔😓!
But a terrific story. I have to go back and read the first three novels in this series. This was a real edge of the seat type story. I couldn't put it down.