I just unapologetically pushed that five-star button. This ‘The Charm Offensive but make it a mystery’ with fanfic writing like E.L. Massey’s and Taylor Fitzpatrick’s (without the hockey, though) just hit the right notes with me.

Sometimes, I know from the first page that I’ll like, correct, love a story, and He’s to Die For is one of those books. I hadn’t seen the book before; I just found it on NetGalley, read the blurb, and decided to request it. I’m so happy that I did because this is just the kind of story I fall head over heels with. 

For those who don’t like thrillers or mysteries but do like romances, I believe this one's for you, too. He’s to Die For is just a warm bath, with some twists and turns that might give you a shiver once in a while, and a few rougher scenes, but overall, this story makes you glow on the inside and grow that smile on your face so many times. I call it fluff with heavier themes underneath. I rooted for Rav and Jack so much and fell in love with them both. Rav, the (half-Indian) Brit, so posh and driven and still so caring. And Jack, anxious, protective, sweet Jack, full of grief but also full of love. 

He’s to Die For might end up being one of my favorite 2025 reads. Even though it’s only January. Even though it’s a bit insta love. And even though Rav is Indian without hardly any heritage mentioned (another thing in common with The Charm Offensive). I really want you all to read this one, everyone!

Rav is trying to make a name for himself on the NYPD, but it’s not easy when the majority of his colleagues see him as a smug, trust fund, Brit who just doesn’t fit in with the squad. When he and his partner are assigned to lead a high profile murder investigation in the music industry, Rav sees his chance to make his mark. What he doesn’t expect is to find one of the suspects in the case, and one of the hottest musicians in the industry, quite so intriguing and irresistible.

As the case continues to take some surprising turns, Rav grows closer to the main suspect and lead singer, Jason Vale. The two lean on each other as more twists and turns pop up in the investigation, but when secrets start to be revealed and Jason pulls away, Rav needs to decide where all this is coming from and what it means for their future.

Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced digital copy.

This a cute mix between murder and romance or a murder cute as one might refer to it as. This gay positive novel has a good mix of crime and love.

This debut novel by Erin Dunn is a fun, feel-good murder mystery with a twist: a fashionable gay cop investigating the murder of a music executive in NYC. The investigation feels fresh and modern, and the complex romance between the lead cop and the prime suspect adds an engaging layer to the story.

While the book is enjoyable, it’s clear that it’s a debut. A first-person narrative might have been more effective than the third-person perspective, which, combined with too many similar character names (Aida, Ana and Aisha; Claudia and Carrie; Erika and Eloise; Charlie and Chris . . . you get the picture) caused some confusion. The protagonist, Rav, is also an odd choice — his minority background whilst having a Lord for a father is a clear focus, yet the lack of a thorough backstory left me wanting more depth.

The book attempts to juggle multiple genres — murder mystery, crime thriller, cute romance, and graphic semi-erotica — but it doesn’t always balance them well. The erotic scenes often felt out of place, and the last-minute danger climax came out of nowhere since the overall mystery had been relatively devoid of true thrills until the end.

I share these critiques with love, as I’d still highly recommend the book! It’s an enjoyable, light read, and I found myself giggling throughout, while also on the edge of my seat to figure out whodunnit. I'm unsure if the author is going to create a series out of this world or will perhaps give us more standalone novels, but I certainly will be excited either way.

This was a good one, I enjoyed the writing style and the characters chemistry was great. My first by this author but won't be my last. Highly recommend. Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy.

This one hit in all the right places and was so captivating I read it so quickly. The Brooklyn 99 and The Charm Offensive combo was a perfect description. The love story here mixed with trying to solve a murder oof I loved it. One note that there was an unnecessary suicidal comment that felt icky. Overall great though.

I loved this book! Romantic suspense if my favorite and this was what I would call "gentle romantic suspense" which was nice because sometimes I scare myself haha. All of the characters felt well developed and unique and I loved seeing how they fit into each other's lives/worlds. Highly recommend!