“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.”

What a beginning that promises to be an amazing new romantic suspense. This is my first read by Cordelia Kingsbridge, but it will most definitely not be my last – not even including the rest of this series.

That word ‘prickly’ that’s used in the description? That’s exactly how I’d describe the interactions between Levi and Dominic. Prickly sparks that were almost tangible. I loved the back and forth between the two of them – especially the denial. Others around them saw it too. That made things even more interesting.

There was so much to love about Kill Game. I loved the strong families that both Levi and Dominic came from. I loved the relationship between Levi and his partner. I also loved the way Levi and Dominic used their gut instincts and tenacity to try to stop the Seven of Spades. They both had their secrets and weaknesses but together they were a force to be reckoned with. They were also beyond hot together – but not immediately. The slow burn between these two was as intense as the suspense.

There were also many things that weren’t so great … the Seven of Spades was ruthless, smart and cunning. He had a warped sense of justice and he stayed one step ahead of everyone. He also used both Levi and Dominic in creepy, stalker like ways. *shivers* There were a few times that I thought I might know who he was, but by the end of Kill Game I still wasn’t sure. Truth is, given the name of the series is Seven of Spades, it may be a while before readers find out. I wasn’t a fan of some of Levi’s co-workers either and don’t get me started about his boyfriend. Although the reasons behind my dislike are probably not what you think.

So yeah, I know that this review was rambling and vague, but I honestly don’t want to spoil anything for anyone else. There is much more to come and I really can’t wait until Trick Roller is released so readers can spend more time with Levi and Dominic.

An ARC was provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

OMG, I LOVED this book!

This series is going to be my newest addiction, and I am not ashamed. I can't think of anything that I didn't like about this story - well, except maybe the fact that this is a series and ends on a cliffhanger (mystery not solved), and the next book doesn't come out until January. Aside from that, everything was perfect - for me, and I hope for you too.

Just to summarize a little, Levi and his partner, Martine, are the lead detectives hunting for the Seven of Spades serial killer. The obvious marker to the killer's victims is the seven of spades playing card left behind, as well as how the murders themselves are carried out and staged. Dominic Russo is a bounty hunter whose latest parole violator is proving more difficult to find than expected. But due to what seems to be a mistake on the perps part leads Dom to his location, Dom finds a body and the seven of spades card. Now Levi and Dom are allies trying to solve the same case. Levi allows Dom to help because Dom is smart and capable, and Dom wants to help because he just can't let go.

What adds to the tension is Levi's personal life, which isn't going well, and his boyfriend's insistence that Levi quit the force and go to law school. I enjoyed seeing Levi and his boyfriend together only because it proved that Levi truly loved him and didn't want to just give up on their 3 year relationship. It's obvious they love each other, but it's also obvious they don't want the same things.

Now Levi is torn is multiple directions, and Dom is a strong presence to help Levi through it.

There is no cheating. (view spoiler)

While I had my suspicions early on who the serial killer was, I always had my doubts because it seemed too obvious, especially after certain circumstances towards the end of the book. We don't know who the guilty party is (I have my suspects) before this book ends, but it's clear the entire series centers around the mystery. As for how the police work and logistics of everything is explained, I found it all entirely plausible and realistic. I never once pulled out my squinty eye doubt face and that adds a star to the book right there. :)

When a plot is believable that just makes it so much more interesting and exciting because the whole time I read this I was right there with them, searching and fighting and thinking. Whenever I had a thought that they (the police) should do this or that, or look here or there, they did it! It is so enjoyable to read a mystery where the police actually come across as competent and caring and not afraid to ask for help from someone equally competent.

As far as Levi and Dom on a more personal level, they took things very slow. For the first half of the book, Levi was in a relationship (view spoiler), and Dom and Levi had yet to identify their attraction to each other. This is again a big sigh of relief that the relationship started as a business acquaintance, and then grew to a trusted backup partner, and then grew to friendship and now they are working their way to more. They acknowledge they feel something towards the other and don't want to do anything to mess it up so they are taking is slow. Oh, yeah - this book just checks all of the boxes.

I have my fingers crossed so hard they hurt that Dom and Levi don't rush their relationship and it continues to grow (on page please!) organically and the writing style keeps this great momentum and authenticity.

Highly - HIGHLY recommend, and I look forward to book 2 Trick Roller in January. Let the obsession begin!

Given that I had mixed reactions to the only other title I’ve read by this author, I was eager to give this new series a try—and I’m extremely glad that I did. From its quick-witted characters to a villain that I found myself sympathizing with on occasion to a plot that kept me guessing the entire time, Kill Game had everything I adore in a good suspense story.

Although I did develop a particular fondness for Dominic, I liked both he and Levi a great deal. This isn’t the first time I’ve read a story involving a detective and a bounty hunter, and, while there was certainly the familiarity of strong dislike giving way to an improbable compatibility, nothing felt tired or overdone about either character. Chasing down a serial killer forces them to reexamine their own lives, more than their opinions of one another, and I enjoyed being so drawn in by the evolution of each man so far.

With Levi on the verge of an engagement to his long-term boyfriend, and Dominic disinterested in any relationship whatsoever, the author incites a more thorough examination of each character than would be possible if there was a rush to an immediate HEA. Whether it’s addiction, moral ambiguity in the absence of guilt, or the pitfalls of allowing affection to devolve into a kind of currency, there’s a lot to consider here. The use of dual narrators in this case not only allows readers to get to know the characters more thoroughly, but proved to be an effective means of sharing their perceived culpability.

One of the things I liked best about Kill Game is that, while the attraction between Dominic and Levi is undeniably there, this story is all about the suspense, rather than romance. Just as the killer exists between the law and “justice,” neither Levi nor Dominic seem likely to solve the mystery on their own. In fact, they make bigger strides when the lines get blurry, which kept the narrative as a whole from becoming predictable. Throughout the story, I examined and discarded plausible suspects, sometimes more than once, and was still delightedly second-guessing myself by the end.

Already, Seven of Spades looks to be an exciting, well-written series, and I’m happy to watch it unfold from the very beginning. Likable and imperfect, Dominic and Levi are a great match for one another, even though I wasn’t able to decide with any finality whether that was due to the complimentary aspects of their personalities or their disparities. Either way, I was engrossed from the first chapter, and am eager to see how things will play out as the series continues.

Detective Levi Abrams works for the LVMPD, and seems to have it all with his wealthy boyfriend. At least on the surface.

Dominic Russo, former Army Ranger, is now a bounty hunter/bartender. His skill at tracking down people who don’t want to be found is excellent.

Levi and Dominic know of each other, but when they both get involved in a developing serial murders case, it’s not just about working together to catch a psycho. The deeper they get into this dangerous case, the more they both have to learn to trust each other.

Kill Game is an excellent start to the new Seven of Spades series by Cordelia Kingsbridge. It gives a good, in-depth look at the main characters, and some secondary characters too. One thing about Dominic and Levi that works is that their chemistry is there in full force. I just adored Dominic Russo; he’s big, burly and a patient sweetheart of a man who’s always concerned about Levi’s feelings. I liked his family connection and the love his family shares, and Rebel, his brave and adorable companion. But Dominic does have an addiction, which he handles by not running away.

Levi is a little more reserved and snappish at times, but he has his reasons. Sometimes he can be harsh, but what he really needs is to be himself and not be bought or treated like a child. He also finds a unique comfort zone in Krav Maga. Levi’s partner, Martine, is a good addition to this novel. She adds those moments of humor and warmth, and proves to be a good friend to Levi. And, every once in a while, she has to clue Levi in as to what is just going on with him and Dominic.

The plot itself is suspenseful, action packed and intriguing, and I have no idea who the serial killer is! Every time I thought I knew who this devious killer was, it just didn’t work out. If you like a good serial murder mystery with gore, this is. I’ll admit I had mixed feelings going into this novel, but I was totally sucked in, and now I’m invested! It was worth the wait for Kill Game’s release, and I’m so looking forward to Trick Roller, the next installment in the Seven of Spades series, coming in late January 2018.

This is my first Cordelia Kingsbridge book, but it will not be my last. I read this in one sitting (part of which was spent on the floor next to the outlet so my tablet wouldn’t die) and I loved every second of it. It’s no secret that Mystery & Suspense is by far my favorite genre and this not only delivered an exceptionally well thought out whodunit, it’s going to string me along for five books! Five!!

Now, some might say, ‘Jessie, you hate cliffhangers.’ Yeah, yeah, I do so hate them, but this didn’t feel like one. I don’t know how to explain it other than to say that I can so clearly see what Levi and Dominic are building, that I have no doubt in their HEA. The case in this book nearly has the appearance of being wrapped up, so even though it isn’t, it was enough of a smoke screen to give that feeling of completion. And as far as the Seven of Spades killer goes, part of the fun is figuring it out and I haven’t. How many Mystery books have you read where you picked out the killer by the 50% mark? Natalie and I went back and forth, we have ideas, some of which would be heartbreaking, but we don’t know. And we won’t know for five books!!

As long as the author stays the course, stringing us along while giving us a satisfying, contained plot in the next four, she’ll have a fan for life.

Wow, this one pulled me right in! Levi is a detective who, understandably, gets caught up in his work, which is taking a toll on his current relationship. There are some other work-related factors that are causing some fallout as well, but before he really has time to face those issues, cases start turning up taking the shape of a serial killer. As if that isn’t bad enough for Levi to deal with, the killer seems to take a more personal approach with Levi putting things on a whole other level.

Then there is Dominic, a bounty hunter/bartender who seems to always be at odds with Detective Levi. Things with them don’t really progress until much later in the story, but meanwhile, they are thrown together in various ways by the Seven of Spades, as he has become known. They are given deadlines before the next killing will take place, which adds even more suspense as they try to solve the mystery. There definitely seems to be someone on the inside involved to some extent, if not fully, but things aren’t that easy. When all is said and done and things appear to be wrapped up just a little too conveniently, Levi (and Dominic) are not convinced they have seen the end of the Seven of Spades. Unfortunately, they seem to be on their own, but time will tell as the next story unfolds.

This was a really well written, suspenseful page turner that hooked me right from the beginning. The characters are likeable and easy to sympathize with regardless of what they are going through, whether it is the case, Dominic’s gambling issues, or Levi’s crumbling relationship. It was easy to see and understand how that relationship wouldn’t last, and it was just as easy to see the possibilities of Levi and Dominic being right for each other. And, while they do have some explosive chemistry, they don’t just jump right into a relationship, for obvious reasons. I really liked that this was the start of not only the series, but of their being together. The seeds have been planted and are starting to grow, and I can’t wait to jump into the next installment to see how everything plays out. Highly recommend this if you like mystery/suspense, serial killer, whodunnit stories with a side of realistic relationships.

4.5 stars rounded UP

What an awesome start to a new series! I have only read a fantasy story of Cordelia Kingsbridge’s before (and once at that, mind you) so I really have no idea as this is a totally different genre. The blurb piqued my interest though, and boy do I get a treat!

Kill Game is the first to “Seven of Spades” series which centers on serial murders of people who got away from legal system with their crimes. Tangled-up on the investigation and catching the killer’s eyes are LVMPD homicide detective Levi Abrams and former army turned bounty hunter Dominic Russo. It’s a dual POVs, fast-paced, exhilarating cat and mouse game, with a very ingenious and methodical mouse with mounting body counts.

Other than the whodunit aspect of the book, what draws me in are the characters. Both got personal baggage of their own (that they still carry) and came out of it a better person. They couldn’t be more different from one another, and the rapport between them (from mild hostility, faked indifference, to open interest) just amuse me no end. Theirs is one of the most balanced pairing I read; their physiques, capabilities, and personalities.

To compliment the MCs are some delightful supporting characters, such as Levi’s partner, Dominic’s best friends, and - OF COURSE! - his dog Rebel. Dominic Russo is a darling! But I won’t deny Rebel being with him contribute to my being smitten with his character! I think my only issue in this book is romance-related; mainly that I feel Levi’s former partner wasn’t given fair portrayal a character, that he’s only shown as controlling and disregarding Levi’s choices. It’s like the case of the grass is greener is always greener on the other side of the fence when Levi starting to feel the pull toward another guy.

As readers can guess from the series’ name, Kill Game is an open-ending sort of book; setting the tone and premises to this ongoing series. This captivating mystery with a side of romance is a highlight of my reading this month. I sure as heck will look forward to the next entry and adding the Ms. Kingsbridge on my look-out author.


Advanced copy of this book is kindly provided by the author/publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Kill Game is a book whose plot (serial killer!), characters (a homicide detective — who can do Krav Maga by the way — and a bail enforcement agent), chemistry (sizzles), action (fast-paced!), and romantic development (strong and steady; the sex near the end is pretty hot too) is RIGHT up my alley! It definitely is one of my favorite reads of the year…

This is only my second book of Cordelia Kingsbridge and I seriously wonder why I haven’t read more of hers. Maybe because I’m not really into reading free online fiction *lol*. Anyway, I requested this ARC because of the first two words of the blurb: homicide detective. Other readers have their love towards firemen, or hockey players, or military officers …

Me? Homicide detective is one of my weaknesses. I didn’t even read the whole blurb completely; I saw that and I was intrigued.

What a ride this one turned out for me!! I couldn’t put this down. Kill Game is a thrilling page-turner and everything I enjoy from mystery/romance…

First, a vigilante SERIAL KILLER. Yes, The Seven of Spades only kills people who commit crime and walk away from jail time. I enjoy reading about serial killer whose victims are not exactly innocent. The moral question on whether the victims “get what they deserve” makes the story EXCITING.

Then we have the relationship dynamic between Levi (the detective) and Dominic (thebail enforcement agent). Levi thinks that Dominic is NOT his type at all. Dominic is too big, too muscular… As for Dominic, Levi is a bit too prickly. But boy, they have delicious chemistry. They work REALLY well together too; even if Dominic is not part of the Las Vegas Police Department. I think it’s because they respect each other and they are good at what they do. I also loved them individually; I especially enjoyed the added layers that Kingsbridge gave this character… like Levi having a rich boyfriend, and Dominic as a recovering gambling addict.

The love story is slow burn for me. Until at least half of this book, Levi is in a relationship with someone else. No, Levi is not cheating on his boyfriend, they already have issues. I thought Kingsbridge offered a convincing problematic relationship when the two men involved had different ending goals.

The only thing that stops Kill Game from being a perfect read for me is, well, the ending. When I read it, I wasn’t aware that it was the first novel of a series arc that spans five books. Which means when I started, I had expectations. I wasn’t prepared with the possibility that the big question wasn’t completely answered at the end… so I was a bit bummed by it.

The final line of this book was excellent though … I know I’m going to have fun building up hypothesis about the real identity of Seven of Spades. I already have my guess at the moment, but with more books, I will have more data so to speak. Now I’m eagerly waiting for the second book and counting the days until it arrives.

RATING: 4.5 out of 5

WOHOO! What a fantastic book!

It’s been a long time since I came a cross such a brilliant story, and such a FUN way to begin what seems to become very promising series (of five titles so far!)

Man, I’m completely hooked.

As expected, Kill Game ends on a cliffhanger (it’s a series after all). You know, I’m not a patient person and I like to read a series or trilogy or anything with more than one installment in one go. I understand if some of you might want to sit back and wait until the series is completed (Winter 2018, I think), but let me tell you, you’ll be missing out on something AWESOME until then.

I, for one, don’t regret reading the first book already.

Of course, the waiting will kill me!

I’m not kidding, it was so good – I am dying to continue this journey.

➷


For me to truly enjoy a book I have to like the main guys, and preferably the sidekicks and rest of the cast.

Dominic and Levi are the perfect guys for me, truly wonderful each in their own way.

What makes them perfect? Their flaws, their imperfections. I want to use the term flaws very loosely, because to me they’re not 'defective'.

Just… You know, HUMAN.

I enjoyed both their voices a lot. I was very happy to discover we get Lev's as well as Dominic’s POV.

Both guys felt very real, very human to me, like that one friend you have or reflecting a side of yourself you don’t like.

Individually they were both a lot of fun.

Together they’re off the charts, absolutely awesome.

Levi and Dominic weren’t even friends in the beginning but you could tell there would be fucking CHEMISTRY if they got together. You could just tell. AND I love it when a story gives you two guys and you just WANT them to be together one way or the other. Doesn’t happen a lot so I was thrilled with how the author worked the romance angle.

I enjoyed the way they were thrown together, slowly, and eventually working side by side.

It was slow but not frustratingly so.

So the ROMANCE part alone gets a full 5 STARS from me.

Then there is the whole other thing, the serial killer part which I had so much fun with you wouldn’t believe. Another 5 STARS for that.

I mean, truthfully, it wasn’t overly bloody or dark or had me on the edge of my seat but it was fun and engaging, combined with the romance it was exactly how I want my books to be!

Some bits were smart and I loved how it all unraveled, even though I saw the ending coming exactly as it did.

Especially when it comes to cops and serial killers, this was one of the most enjoyable books and I can not wait to get my hands on ALL THE OTHERS!!


➷

Highly recommended!

I’m so looking forward to installment #2.

▽

Many, many thanks to the publisher who kindly provided a free copy for an honest and impartial review

For the first time in a long looooooonnnnnnnnngggggggg time I REALLY don't want to talk about a book. What I want to do is squirrel it in my secret lair where I can pet it and murmur sweet nothings to it, and by "sweet nothings", I mean "MINE, MY PRESHHHHHIOUS!!" Not unlike a certain CGI character we all know and are creeped out by. But. I'm guessing CK and Riptide would frown upon that sort of behavior, so here's me bucking up like a trooper.

We all have authors that just do it for us and CK is such an author for me. There's something about the way she constructs a story with effortless characterizations, authentic and relatable interpersonal dynamics, complex and imperfect characters and attention to the details that make a character whole that resonates. Lest I forget, the sex. CK's penchant for hot AF size difference makes my brain fritz out every time! In this case it's Dominic who's "built like a truck" with a



that turns Levi into a screaming, pleading, incoherent, banged out bottom. Gawd, I love it when they're loud! The legit kind that's ermagherd something amazeballs is happening in my body right now but I can't form a sentence so I'll just bleat and wail as opposed to fake porn star I'm thinking about what I'm going to binge watch on Netflix when I get home and mailing in the moaning and the OHHH YEAAAAAAS to make it sound good until this joker finishes so I can cash out kind of loud. BIG DIFF, y'know? I can always count on CK for that genuine spike in my blood pressure.

Dominic is straight gold. A bounty hunter/bartender and gentle giant who's very cognizant of his size and how intimidating it can be for others. Any dude that loves his dog as much as he does is good people in my book. How much he cares about others permeates his entire being, something that's clear from the first time we meet him trying to bring in a bail jumper. And just like that I was smitten.

Levi is a homicide detective and high strung. He's reserved, deliberate and incredibly intelligent. I feel like he's probably one of those people that is so sensitive that's he's had to build a wall to protect himself from being hurt repeatedly which makes him appear aloof when really he's not. Neither are perfect but they very well could be perfect for each other.

What is crystal clear is how well they compliment each other, something that really shines as the case evolves. There are some quiet moments between them that made my heart swell. They're both exceedingly observant which I think bodes well for their future coupletry, but this relationship is still in its infancy. Levi is coming off a break-up with a long-term boyfriend that I'm glad wasn't glossed over and will surely factor in at some point. For now they are taking it slow, building trust rather than jumping into something because they have oodles of sexual chemistry.

The thriller plotline is well balanced with the character/relationship development. Both MCs and the secondary characters feel real to me already. But I'm greedy to know more, to know everything. That being said, this may very well be the best thriller I've read in 2017. It consumed me. Even now, days later, I'm still thinking about it. I have a running list of things I know, things that could be true and things I've discarded. One thing niggles but I can't bring myself to drop my rating because of it.

The end is to be continued... which I was expecting, because five book series. This is a long game that's sure to have twists, turns and surprises aplenty. *bounces* I cannot wait!

Recommend to no one because it's MINE! mystery/thriller, romantic suspense and CK fans.





An ARC was provided by NetGalley.

I thought this was really good. I haven't been this excited about a new series in a long time. In fact, if the rest of the series was done I would have binge read the entire thing. When the story starts we meet both Dominic and Levi. They know each other through their jobs but they don't know each other well. When a serial killer starts hunting prey in their city they end up crossing paths in a more detailed way. The two men both feel the chemistry between them but there is a lot going on in both of their lives and getting together is a complicated things.

As the book proceeds the two MC's get drawn together repeatedly due to the circumstances of the case. I loved how the author handled these two getting together. It's a slow burn and it's obvious she's going to take her time building their relationship and I for one am really excited about that. I love ongoing series where the main characters have time to build a solid foundation and where the author takes the reader along and lets us see all the steps along the way.

I liked both Levi and Dominic and I thought they were both well done and thoroughly fleshed out. They came across as realistic people with realistic problems. Both have some issues they're going through and the author shows us their vulnerabilities and flaws. Despite that, or maybe because of that, I immediately connected with them both. There are a host of side characters (friends, family, co-workers) that we both interesting and added to the overall plot.
The author did a good job on the mystery aspect of the case. I thought it was entertaining and pretty fast paced. I have some theories about who the killer is and I'm eager to get to the next installments of the series to see if I'm right or not. The murders were sufficiently creepy but not too gruesome or dark.

So, again, this was really good and is going to go on my "best of" list this year. It looks like there will be 5 books total in this series and I can't wait to read them all.


**ARC provided through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review**

In Kill Game Levi a homicide detective is working flat out to find a serial killer who is leaving the 7 of spades card on his victims. So far all the victims appear to be people who have committed serious crimes but managed to escape justice so some are thinking it's a vigilante act.
Levi's relationship with his boyfriend of 3 years is coming under a lot of strain with the hours he is working. Dominic a bounty hunter becomes involved in these crimes when He discovers a 'bounty' he is on the trail of dead, with the 7 of spades on his body.
Levi and Dominic start working together on the case as Dominic has more not so legal ways of gaining information, the relationship between the two also starts to develop as they become closer.
This is a really good thriller/romance, but be warned there are more books to come in this series as Levi and Dominic will have to continue the search for this very clever murderer. As I thoroughly enjoyed this book I will be seeking out the next instalment!
My thanks to net galley and publisher for opportunity to review this book.
- [ ]

Seven of Spades - The Trust and Faith Card
Karma for the Seven of Spades - Recognition of Power

The Seven of Spades as a playing card seems innocuous enough, right? And it would be if it were not also a token some vigilante, who is painting Las Vegas red, leaves in his wake.

LVMPD Detective Levi Abrams has enough on his plate as it is. He still has to get over a fatal incident at work weeks ago that left him with nightmares and mandatory counseling lessons and his long term relationship with his lover gets more and more suffocating and constricting. Trying to balance his heavy work schedule with his love life and making it work somehow has taken a heavy toll on his already exhausted self and the last thing he needs to deal with is a serial killer who seems to have taken the law into his own hands and who always seems to be one step ahead.

*Vigilantism appealed to the darker side of human nature. the thirst for primal justice that knew no constraints.*

Oh, and not to forget the next-to-last thing he needs which would be a bounty hunter -umm, no, sorry, bail enforcement agent- who he suddenly comes amiss nearly everywhere and who he gradually and reluctantly sparks an interest in on a more personal level.

Former Army Ranger Dominic Russo is a bounty hunter -bail enforcement agent, dammit! ;-)- by day and bartender by night to make a living and get out of debt. Constantly battling his inner demons to overcome his gambling addiction, he tries to keep things light without additional stress that could lead to his relapse and he only does hookups with a virtual 'no strings attached' neon sign hanging around his neck. Stumbling more and more often across Levi Abrams -way out of his league and also already taken Levi Abrams- crumbles his resolve to stay far far away from men like him. But when he comes across a gruesome murder scene first-hand and discovers that there might be more to it than meets the eye, he cannot contain his personal interest in the case, as well as in the investigating detective.

*"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."*

When they are coerced to combine forces to stop the serial killer, neither of them can deny the growing attraction any longer, but when the killer includes them in his sick game of cat-and-mouse, this might be the least of their worries.

Basically, I could have started and finished my review with one word... Wow!, which would explain perfectly and spot-on what I thought about this book. Not enough? Yeah, I already thought I won't get away with it, so I might add that I loved everything about it. ;-)

Not that I had any doubts, because I loved all books I've read so far from this author, but the level of my addiction to this series right from the start did surprise me a bit. And with addiction I mean: how will I manage to survive round about one year of waiting time before I get the last book in this series??? Well, I guess I will, but now you might get my predicament...

The mystery part was top-notch. Twisted. Thrilling. Captivating. You name it. I just love it to rule out suspects myself and since it is very early in the game, there are suspects galore, but in the end I was sure I've found my suspect number #1. Of course, I cannot be sure until the very end of the series, but after some research thanks to my dear friend Google, I even found something that would confirm my theory. Now you want to know more, right? Yeah, sorry, won't happen. If you are anything like me you cannot resist a spoiler tag and sorry, but I can't do that. #sonotsorry

Both characters are absolutely hot. They are strong and vulnerable at the same time, which is absolutely everything I love about my book lovers and let's be honest here: what's not to love about a 6'5'' Italian-American built like a tank, but with a very keen mind and an also tall, dark and handsome guy trained in Krav Maga? Yeah, I thought so... ;-)

What I loved the most about it was the author's take on the relationship development. Slow burn. Oh, what a deliciously slow burn this was. Well, still is... And it worked perfectly here because anything else would have felt wrong, especially with Levi still recovering from a failed relationship which took almost half of this first book. But the chemistry between Levi and Dominic is simply dazzling from their first encounter until the last very last page and their banter at the beginning put a silly grin on my face.

And then there is the sex... mind-blowing, headboard-rattling sex! Dominic's words, not mine, but I couldn't have said it any better. The author definitely deserves an award for her sex scenes, that's for sure.

So, since the case is far from over and the relationship still in the fledgling stage, I snatched my calender to count the days until Trick Roller comes out. I should have better left it. 105 days from this day on. Hell, these are going to be very long three and a half months...

Highly recommended!

This is an excellent start to this new serial style story from Cordelia Kingsbridge-- I loved it! I have a feeling that Dominic and Levi are going to take us on a wild ride while chasing the "Seven of Spades" killer across Las Vegas...

I have some ideas or thoughts about "who" it could be... only time will tell if I am wrong or right. The chemistry between these two men is off the fucking charts and the sex is hot as hell!! I cannot wait for the next book in this series... this author's writing has become like my crack - I have read quite a bit of her unpublished work and each and every book is perfect and twisted!


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