A great, gritty romance, underpinned by a suspenseful thriller. Flawed men searching for bad men. Excellent.

This series...so amazing. I love every piece of it. Levi and Dominic are made for each other, and our killer...well it's so good

Levi Abrams is a homicide detective that lives and breathes his job. He’s focused and steady on the outside, but Levi is unraveling on the inside. Levi recently had no choice but to shoot a perpetrator and he is taking it hard. His wealthy boyfriend, Stanton, is getting less patient with Levi’s job and he really just wants him to quit and their relationship is strained. A serial killer on the loose is certainly not at all what Levi needs right now and he also doesn’t need larger than life bounty hunter, Dominic Russo, constantly crossing his path.

Dominic is trying to walk the line. After coming home from the military, his life hit bottom when a gambling addiction spiraled all the way out of control. He doesn’t want to be involved in the case, but when he comes across one of the killer’s gory crime scenes, Dominic can’t seem to let it go. Levi doesn’t need a bounty hunter in his way, but Dominic proves himself useful time and again.

The serial killer, known as Seven of Spades, has a definite motive of vigilante style killing and the killer also has an interest in Levi, and now Dominic. The killer is moves ahead of them and Levi and Dominic reluctantly make a good team, at first. As attraction and a bond form, the men move quickly to uncover the truth. But the Seven of Spades likes to play games and Dominic and Levi are his favorite players.

I have heard about the Seven of Spades series for a while and am I ever glad I finally got around to starting it. The Seven of Spades is a five-part series and books one through three are currently released. The author does a fabulous job of balancing the killing spree with the personal lives of Levi and Dominic.

Levi grew up in NJ and moved to Las Vegas when he needed a fresh start. We get information on his family and one important piece of information on his past that may play into the larger story. He has been living with Stanton for the last two years, but Levi doesn’t want the same things as Stanton and their shared history is not enough anymore. Dominic is making it day to day. His family is in Las Vegas, so he needed the support for his recovery, but the siren call of gambling, of any kind, is always a heartbeat away. He has noticed Levi, of course he has, but he doesn’t think he has anything in common with Levi who presents himself as cold and focused. He’s wrong about that. As Levi’s relationship status changes, so do Dominic’s intentions toward Levi. But, Dominic isn’t interested in being Levi’s rebound and while they burn up the sheets, they are not rushing into anything.

The serial killer here is complicated as the killer watches and makes contact with both Dominic and Levi. They both feel like they will never be ahead of the murders and there is a resigned feeling at the end as the men know they will be forced to watch this all play out as they try to catch the killer. The serial killer and the case are just as exciting to watch as the relationship between the men and all of the interactions bring something to this series. Of course, you would want to be interested in a murder/mystery and a serial killer and police proceedings, but even if that’s just a little bit your thing, Kill Game is a great one to read. It will be daunting waiting for the finale, but I am hoping to enjoy the ride.

I didn't originally give feedback for this book when it came out because while I enjoyed it, I thought the principal couple was loved up MUCH TOO EARLY in the series and that the SoS was a bit too obvious to everyone but the central characters.

After all the hype for the series from my fellow readers, I decided to give it another chance and roll into the next book quickly to see if the issues I had find a resolution. Happily I discovered they absolutely did because while this meet-not-so-cute between Dominic and Levi quickly leads to sexy times, their relationship goes the distance; it just gets off to a quick start. And frankly, it's a likeable relationship that I can definitely get behind.

I stand by my complaints about the identity of the SoS - and honestly, I think another book in this person's PoV would be an absolute gem addition to the series - but I think there really wasn't any way for the author to totally mask this persons identity. Every reader had a guess and I enjoyed the red herrings and twists and turns that she throws at readers as the series progresses.

Like the story, the set-up, the relationship (now that I know it is one), and the overarching plot line. Good stuff.

4.5 stars.

Are you looking for a good mystery/thriller with a strong touch of romance? Hang around this may be just what you're looking for...

I've been seeing so many good...I mean really good reviews and wanting to read this one for quite a while now. Cordelia Kingsbridge is a relatively new author to me. My only previous experience with this author was the audio book 'Can't Hide From Me' narrated by Nick J. Russo and I loved that story so when the opportunity to enjoy another story by this author presented itself...well, what else could I say but 'yes please'.

'Kill Game' is the first book in this author's 'Seven of Spades' series and I'm hooked, all in, basically spending my time trying to figure out what I can put off, how little sleep do I need, anything to find a way to add more reading time to my day so I can get to it.

Levi Abrams is a homicide detective who's life is reeling he's dealing from the fallout of a fatal shooting, the end of a 3 year long relationship, perpetually crossing paths with the enigmatic and annoyingly charming bounty hunter Dominic Russo add in a serial killer who seems to be taking a keen interest in playing a cat and mouse game with him and Levi's got more on his plate than most men would even begin to be able to deal with.

Dominic likes his life free and easy...he'll happily skirt around complications like prickly, uptight detectives or at least he'll try until he stumbles onto a crime scene created by the same killer, a killer who as things progress seems to be developing a vested interest in the well being of a certain homicide detective. Dominic's a former Army Ranger dealing with his own issues...working as both a bounty hunter and bartender, Dominic's a recovering compulsive gambler living in Las Vegas.As the police continue their hunt for a serial killer it's the events surrounding this very situation that continue to bring the two men together enabling their relationship to develop on a slower but more natural basis...or as naturally as things can get when one is looking for a serial killer anyways.

'Kill Game' is only the beginning of things so there's not a lot of sexy times between these two men but there's definitely indications that when Levi and Dominic do get together it's going to be purely combustible...we got one glimpse of how it's going to be between these two men and I for one am willing to wait for more. Especially when there's a story like this one's got to fill the time with.

So far this one's got me totally guessing as in 'I have no clue' who the 'Seven of Spades' could be and I'm loving that. I'm looking forward to not only seeing how the characters in this series will develop but how their relationship will progress as they work together to catch a killer and fit into each other's lives. Overall 'Seven of Spades' is shaping up to be one of the most promising romance/mystery/thriller series that I've encountered in quite a while. I don't mind being able to figure out a mystery early in a book or series if it's not as prominent a part of the story as this seems to be but when the story is so strongly entrenched in the events of the mystery I want to be kept guessing and sitting on the edge of my seat which is pretty much where I've been from the beginning of this one and to be honest I'm still sitting there waiting and hoping to get to the next book ASAP!
******************************

This is a really great start to this thriller/detective series. Levi Abrams is a detective who is struggling with the aftermath of a shooting that he was involved in. Levi is also struggling with his boyfriend of three years because his boyfriend, Stanton, wants them to get married and Stanton wants Levi to give up his job. Levi does not want to be a 'kept man'. He knows his job is dangerous but it is who he is and he enjoys being a detective. Nevertheless the strain between him and Stanton is taking its toll on him.

Dominic Russo is a charming bounty hunter. Dominic thrives on chasing down bad guys and gals, and he also thrives on on serving hot guys drinks because he has an additional job as a bartender. All this is very different to his previous career as a ranger. Dominic also has struggles of his own because he is a compulsive gambler but he is aware of it. Dominic attends support groups and he has his family to support him.

Both men are thrown together when a serial killer starts murdering people in Las Vegas. The Seven of Spades killer wreaks out a terrifying and warped justice to people who have somehow escaped justice or who have perverted the legal system. At each scene of the crime the 7 leaves his calling card, a seven of spades. Levi is caught up in the investigation and Dominic gets involved when he finds one of the crime scenes. Both men are suddenly in the sights of this psychopathic killer and each other, and the tension rackets up on all sides. Dominic and Levi end up working together in order to track this killer down.

I was a bit wary about starting this series because it's obviously going to be a long series with one key murderer, however I must admit that I am very curious about how the author is going to sustain the suspense and tension. I do have high hopes because this first book was very gripping. I really enjoyed the way the author developed the characters in this first story, especially Levi and Dominic. Both men are kind of flawed heroes because they have real issues that they are grappling with. Levi is grappling with his relationship and the fallout from the fatal shooting, and Dominic is grappling with his gambling addiction. Dominican and and Levi are thrown together and the two men have a lot of tension between them. Of course this tension eventually combusts and it is fireworks galore!

The mystery is thrilling with lots of tension, twists and turns, and of course the big question. Who is the seven of spades killer and why is he/she murdering these people. How are they doing these murders and how will they be caught?

I think with this first book we are off to an excellent start and it will be interesting to see how the story progresses. I think the two main characters provide a very rich and deep foundation for the story because they each have their own issues that need to be unpicked in the course of the storytelling and there's also a lot of unresolved sexual tension between the two men. There are also some excellent supporting characters as well. So there's definitely enough in this first story to keep me reading the next few books and I do hope the author manages to keep the pressure and attention and the mystery going to the very end. For the first book in the series this is absolutely an excellent start.

Copy provided by Riptide Publishing via Netgalley in exchange for an unbiased review.

5 Stars!

So, this book has been on my TBR pile for a bit and I finally decided to read it this week since book 2 will be releasing next Monday and for one part, I'm happy I didn't read it earlier, I can assure you it would've been hellish having to wait too long for a continuation of this story.

Levi Abrams is a homicide detective who's having a difficult time dealing with the fallout after a fatal shooting and the fact that his three-year relationship with his boyfriend isn't working. The last thing he needed was to realize they might have stumbled into a series of deaths that might be attributed to a serial killer on top of it all or have Dominic Russo, a seriously hot (but totally not his type) bounty hunter involved in it with him.

Dominic would've been happy not to find himself thrown into the mix, but after finding one of the crime scenes and then having the Seven of Spades single him out, he can't simply walk away.

Wow, just wow, the Seven of Spades' storyline was engrossing and intriguing and well-thought out. Cordelia Kingsbridge is a new-to-me author, but it's obvious she's been honing her craft for a while. This was the perfect introduction for the series, even if I'm getting a tad antsy thinking that it might take reading the 5 planned books until we learn the Seven of Spades real identity and I wasn't overly fond of the semi-cliffhanger there at the end, the writing was nothing short of brilliant and the delivery, masterful. It's not easy to keep the reader on the edge of their seats wondering who the killer is and drag it out in a way that doesn't ultimately annoy them, but instead, leave them wanting more.

Additional to that, even if I'm not fond of the main characters having sex with others in the books I read, in this case, it worked great, since it showcased what had been missing from both Levi and Dominic's lives before they were thrown together in this case. I felt kind of bad for Stanton, Levi's boyfriend, but they didn't seem to be in the same place in their lives or want the same thing, for that matter. While the attraction between Levi and Dominic kind of exploded and they decided to take things slowly, well, they also were in a situation that would amplify their reactions, so it felt believable. I'm looking forward to them exploring more of their feelings in the next installments, though, since they already have the chemistry down pat.

I adored Levi's partner, Martine, and Dominic's friends, Carlos and Jasmine, and of course, the lovely Rebel, Dominic's protection dog, and hope to see more of them and their respective parents in the future.

Overall, this is one hell of a start for this series and I'm already looking forward to savoring the next book, Trick Roller, in the next few days, although, if you prefer to binge read the books after the series is done, I so don't blame you. Highly recommendable!

*** Copy provided to the reviewer via NetGalley by Riptide Publishing, a review wasn't a requirement. ***

Thrilling and fast-paced. A great read for the drama in Levi and Dominic’s lives, the terrifying serial killer, and the heat between them! This is a promising start to what looks to be a five book series. Can’t wait for book two!

I can't believe I forgot to write a review for this book as soon as I finished it, I really enjoyed this book. Loved the whole mystery aspect of it. Wonderful writing. I cannot wait for book two!! Very good start to what looks like a new addiction for me.

4.5 Stars!

Romantic suspense....it's my jam.

I held off on reading this one thinking it had a cliff-hanger ending. It did not. But there are what? 4 more books to come?

Am I going to have to wait 4 more books to figure out who the Seven of Spades is? #notcool

Great balance between the romance and the suspense.

I'm in this one for the long haul! Recommended read for sure!!!

I liked this first book and am intrigued to finish off the rest of the series.
I am currently reading book 2 thanks to Riptide and netgalley.

Here's hoping I feel a bit more of a connection btwn the 2 MCs in the 2nd round.

Mare~Slitsread

5 stars I could use the whole alphabet to describe this but I stick with the A of Ace
Amazing story
Amazing writing style
Amazing personalities
Amazing environments
Amazing suspense
Amazing plot

Kindly received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley

Kill Game is a murder mystery with a serial killer and a slow burning romance. The investigation, mystery and action takes a front seat and the slow burning romance is on the back seat, but it's oh so stunning. There's chemistry between the love interests and a promise for more romance in the sequels, which I cannot wait for!

Homicide Detective Levi Abrams is struggling because he was involved in on duty shooting recently and now he has to face a murder mystery, which turns out to be a work of a serial killer. Bounty hunter by day and bartender by night, Dominic Russo gets drawn into the investigation and tangled up with the mystery and the Detective. Levi and Dominic are absolutely great characters on their own right, and their banter and cooperation is fantastic to read. I especially loved Dominic, who's such fantastic, intriguing, and basically a big teddy bear. And Dominic takes his coffee just like I do: milk, sugar and every flavoured syrup he can get! It is a nice contrast between the main characters, as Levi enjoys his coffee as black as darkest soul with extra espresso. It is also wonderful that Dominic and Levi had their own interests and plenty of scenes where they weren't together. A wholesome story, I'd say, as there's work, family and friends involved.

There's plenty of action, complex mystery, slow burning romance, and absolutely great and easy to identify with main characters. I fell for Kill Game, and I can't wait for the sequel.

I highly recommend this to anyone who's interested in murder mystery, crime solving, and slow burn romance!

I personally love a good cliffhanger. That "OMG, WTF!?" feeling when you're done? I love that adrenaline. If you're like me, you'll appreciate this book.

***possible spoiler below, do not read if you don't want to know any info about the cliffy*****



On the other hand... I was like "I HAVE to finish this book NOW because I need to know who the killer is".



Sorry gang, not going to find it here....
So the cliffy loving part is like "WOOOO"
the other half is like, damnit! I read he HELL out of that for what??

Thankfully Levi and Dominic are interesting.
From two guys who kind of rubbed each other the wrong way, to being surprised that they were proved wrong about each other.
I didn't love that Levi "cheated", I wish he would have broke up with Stanton first, because now I feel bad for S and is that going to lead to more bad things coming Levi's way in the next book?

I also loved the fact that Levi is a Jewish MC, I've not read one like it yet. I also love how considerate Dominic is about it. Going out of his way to make sure things are kosher. I don't believe he ever got that in the three years with S. It was just a really sweet gesture from a really big guy. I think I could really love these two.

I've sadly tied to start this book at least 10 times...I can't get past the first couple of chapters. Something just isn't drawing me in and I can't pinpoint it which really sucks.

As stated by others who have had the pleasure of reading this story—it’s simply phenomenal! Are there other words? You bet—outstanding, thrilling, mysterious, heartbreaking, frightening, and hopeful, among others. I am stunned by how beautifully the author presented this murder mystery and MM romance. Never having read one of her books before, I had no idea what to expect, but two days after completing it, I’m still in awe.

Levi Abrams is a detective with the Las Vegas Police Department. He’s also gay and lives with his lover of three years. Finding life with Stanton somewhat stifling due to the man’s constant interference with Levi’s personal decisions, he’s becoming disenchanted. After working all day at a murder scene, to have Stanton usurp his decision as to what to order at a restaurant, or to find out Stanton’s been speaking to his parents behind his back, infuriates Levi. Now, a new murder investigation leads Levi and his partner, Martine, to think they may be hunting a serial killer—a killer who leaves a Seven of Spades calling card.

Bounty hunter Dominic Russo had no intention of disrupting Levi’s peace of mind, but when the killer strikes as Dominic is hot on the trail of a bail jumper, Dominic inadvertently becomes involved and then stays involved as his interest is piqued. Dominic is a former soldier who couldn’t decide exactly what he wanted to do when he left the service and ultimately decided to be a bounty hunter—at least until he moves on from that. He and his companion German Shepherd enjoy their time together, both on and off the job, and at this point Dominic is living alone, having no desire for a long-term relationship and no intention of spending his nights with hookups.

Over time, as the case changes and more intriguing aspects are revealed, their personal lives begin to offer complications. After a final blowout with Stanton, who doesn’t want his partner in life and death situations and urges Levi to quit the force, Levi moves out. Levi also has to admit he’s finding Dominic attractive—not enough to cheat on Stanton, but nevertheless, there’s chemistry.

This story took quite some time to develop, but I honestly have to say that the pace was perfect. And the nice slow-burn romance that underlies the story is simply that—a secondary underlayment to an outstanding action/adventure/mystery thriller. Without giving away details, I can say that the character development, both main and secondary, was solid; the mystery was difficult to solve; and the ending, though not strictly a cliffhanger, was enough of a tease to make me salivate for the next story.

I’m looking forward to finding out more about the Seven of Spades, the elusive and clever killer, as well as to learning more about the relationship that seems to be building between Dominic and Levi. I suspect that by the time the series is complete, we’ll have solved the crimes and our guys will have their HEA. But given the fact that the author stumped me on this one, I could be totally off base. And that’s okay because the story itself is well-worth every moment I spent on my reading device. Kudos to Cordelia Kingsbridge. This one is amazing and I recommended it to everyone who loves an outstanding mystery.

Reviews by the Wicked Reads Review Team

Avid Reader – ☆☆☆☆☆
4.5 stars
M/M Thriller Romance
Triggers: Murder, Stalking, vigilante killings, addiction, semi-cliff hanger ending.

This is the first book in the series and I was not disappointed. It is fast paced, has a lot going on, but comes together in a way that doesn't seem predictable.

Levi is trying to get over his officer involved shooting (OIS) and knows that despite his feelings, he still has a job to complete. Even with his OIS hanging on him like a guilty weight, when there is a string of murders all linked with a common MO, Levi and his partner race to figure out who will be next and why.

Levi's personal life is somewhat in disarray. His partner of a few years... well, let's just say that I really disliked Levi's partner and thought he was a whiny toddler who simply wanted what he wanted and didn't really care about Levi the way a true partner should. I also thought that Levi's parents were somewhat annoying and not truly necessary in the story.

Dominic is a recovering addict, ex-Ranger, and now he's a bounty hunter. He loves his job and knows that it allows him to feel a similar rush that his addiction allowed. When his path crosses Levi's again, he appreciates the packaging and knows that if it were a different time and place, he would be all over Levi.

I thought that the mystery in this story was fantastic and loved feeling like I was racing against the clock. I can't wait to see what happens next and whether or not Dominic's friends will become a more integral part of the next books.


Veronica – ☆☆☆☆
This year I'm all about books that mix crime solving and romance and Kill Game was right up my alley. Detective Levi Abrams and bounty hunter/bartender Dominic Russo inhabit the same world when we meet them. Levi is in a long term committed relationship that is starting to fall apart. Dominic is single and his big Italian family is keen to see him settle down. Dominic gets caught up in Levi's investigation in the Seven of Spade's killer when he discovers one of the victims.

Kill Game is a well paced story. We get time in Levi and Dominic's personal lives as well as their professional lives. I feel like we are just only getting to know them and that there is still plenty more to learn about these two as people.

The criminal investigation is intriguing and doesn't get bogged down in too much detail. For me finding the serial killer was just as exciting as the slowly developing relationship between Levi and Dominic.

This is the first book in the Seven of Spades series and when Kill Game came to a close, there was still so much more to know and I can't wait to see where this series goes. So I don't forget the release, I've already hit Riptide Publishing to pre-order book #2, Trick Roller.


Sarah – ☆☆☆☆☆
Oh wow! This is a fast-paced thriller that I read in a single sitting. I couldn’t put it down. The story is familiar – a slightly maverick police detective hunts a cunning serial killer – but it is the brilliant characters and the perfectly paced plot that make this story special.

I loved the characters. Levi, an obsessive Las Vegas police detective, leads the hunt for the Seven of Spades killer with the help of his partner, Martine. At first, Levi feels a little too familiar. He is a great cop, but his personal life is a mess. But it is the details that make him special. He isn’t maudlin or self destructive in a Harry Hole/Kurt Wallander kind of way – he’s just a bit lost and a bit trapped. I loved his slightly lax Judaism. His slightly stifling parents. His surprising Krav Maga skills. He is a character I want to know better and I’m so glad he has his own series.

Like Levi, Dominic is an equally complicated character. He’s a bartender and a bounty hunter. He’s a reformed gambling addict who lives in Las Vegas. He’s a former Army Ranger and we only get to see a glimpse of his skills when he starts working with Levi. Again, I found Dominic fascinating and I can’t wait to see him develop with the series.

I don’t want to give any of the story away, but I love the way this first book unfolded (though I was furious with the cliffhanger ending). Readers flip from Levi’s official investigation to Dominic’s more flexible personal investigation. I loved their different approaches and I loved the way their skills complemented each other. The story is perfectly paced – it doesn’t slow and my attention didn’t waver.

I loved this book so much – but I’m still a little annoyed that I have to wait for at least another book before I can know the identity of the Seven of Spades...

There is a lot to like about this well-crafted story of a serial killer, The Seven of Spades, who murders those they feel are guilty (and may not have been fully prosecuted), leaving a playing card - the seven of spades - on the dead bodies.

Detective Levi Abrams is fulfilling his dream of a job in law enforcement, while Stanton, his boyfriend of three years, fears for Levi's life daily. Stanton is a beautifully drawn secondary character - a man who knows Levi so well he regularly orders the perfect meal for him when they dine out, yet doesn't understand just how much Levi <em>hates </em>that Stanton does this. They love each other, but are beginning to realize that maybe love doesn't automatically make everything right.

Dominic Russo is a man of contradictions - a recovering gambler living in Las Vegas, a former Army Ranger at odds after serving two tours who becomes a bounty hunter. There is an absolutely sizzling sexual attraction between the two, but for most of the book Levi is still with Stanton. After Levi gets very drunk he kisses Dominic, who says: "Stop. I'm not that guy. [...] The guy you cheat with because you're mad at your boyfriend. That's not me." And when they finally have sex at 80% into the story, it is definitely worth the wait! The characters are well-developed and not perfect, complex and richly detailed.

Knightsbridge's writing style is clear and compelling and really grabs your interest from page one and keeps you involved to the very end. The murder / mystery plot is very tightly-constructed and although it <em>appears </em>the case is solved at the end of Kill Game ... this story is not over.

4.5 stars and I highly recommend this book!

My second book by Cordelia Kingsbridge, and I am glad I decided to give this author one more chance. Now I can say, I got what all the fuzz is about: it was good written, it was HOT, it was suspenseful, it wasn't boring. And there is one more fact that is very important in romance mysteries for me, yes even if we have some corpses along the story - the author made me grin, and even laugh.

I really enjoyed the dynamic between Dominic and Levi, they are very different, that is also contributed by their family's background: Levi is Jew and Dominic has Italian roots.

I can say, the both got my full attention, and I am looking forward to the next book. Well, of course not only because I want to know how their relationship will be developed, but also because I'd like to know who IS this serial murderer. It is a bit unusual for a mystery book not to solve the case and prolong it into the next installment. But it could be an interesting twist, since our two boys HAVE to work together on this case, but at the same time agreed to start slow on the private side, because Levi needs time to process the separation from his boyfriend of two years, and Dominic doesn't want to be ONLY a means to an end.

There is one more character that I like especially - Rebel, Dominic's Shepard-Rottweiler mix that could play a Tibetan Mastiff if needed.

All in all: a very promising start for a new series.

“I want the people of this city to know I’m on their side, and the animals to know I’m coming for them.”

Wow….wow…WOW we loved this book. We are so excited to find this new to us Author and a new series to fall in love with. Everything about Kill Game by Cordelia Kingsbridge was just perfection. A thrilling who-dunnit set in Las Vegas with a simmering love story that had us hooked from the first page. We cannot wait for the next book in this series. Kill Game was so well written, it enticed us, thrilled us and we were compelled by this story. Whilst we’d love to talk late into the night about this book we really do not want to spoil anything so we’ll be purposely brief.

“I keep going back and forth with myself on whether you have balls of steel or you’re just insane.” A grin broke across Dominic’s face. “I’m choosing to take that as a compliment.”

There’s a serial killer on the loose dubbed the ‘Seven of Spades killer’ for the simple fact that he or she places his calling card on every victim he leaves for Homicide Detective, Levi – the lead investigator. Every single victim has a story of their own but it’s never a good one; they’re all ‘criminal’ in their own right and it seems the Seven of Spades is committing his very own elaborate brand of justice.

“It’s a little disorienting, finding out that everything I’ve always assumed about you was wrong.”

Levi is feeling the stress of not only the added hours at work but the crumbling of his relationship with his rich boyfriend, Stanton who wants Levi to quit in order to be safe and more available to him. The pressure of an active serial killer, a haunting incident at work, as well as the difficulties in his personal life sees an exhausted Levi questioning everything he knows. Levi was a brilliantly written character who we immediately took to our hearts and we were rooting for him throughout this book. Although a forceful character to be reckoned with, he had real flaws and an endearing vulnerability.

“There’s something wrong with me,” Levi whispered.

“No, there’s not.” Dominic said, so firmly that Levi gave a startled jerk.

“You’re just human.”

The investigation of this case brings the bounty hunter Dominic too close for comfort. Whilst Levi has had prior fleeting interactions with him, the circumstances of this case means the two of them become closer and are having to work together. Neither are ready for the complications this brings but the chemistry is undeniable. Dominic, whose ex-army is a brute of a man who comes with his own inner demons fresh from battle. He too has a sensitive protective side that had us falling hook line and sinker. The pair of them had us swooning, tearing up and laughing at various stages throughout this story.

“You believe in soulmates?” Dominic asked surprised. He couldn’t reconcile that romantic notion with the practical, matter-of-fact man sitting in front of him.

“I believe that people can complement each other so well that they’re like two halves of one whole, yes.”

What we loved mostly about Kill Game was the way it centred on the suspense and chase to find the Seven of Spades killer. The added element of a slow building friendship and romance between Levi and Dominic was enticing and perfectly added the human element of showing the hearts and vulnerability of the characters. Now we wait for the next instalment with baited breath, and how excruciatingly exciting that is as theories still swirl round our heads. We haven’t read this type story in a long while and highly recommend it to readers of mm romance and thrillers.

“This isn’t how it happens, you and me,” he said quietly. “Not like this.”