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Pretty Obsessions #2
Pretty Little Killer
I should’ve been able to leave them in the past, especially once I’d gone home for winter break.
Yet as soon as my plane touches down in St. Augustine, my sweetest nightmares are waiting for me, reminding me of all of the reasons I can’t stop thinking about them.
I tell myself that I need to end this before I’m the one with a knife in my stomach; that Oliver and Rook are the worst kind of people and certainly not capable of love.
Until the unthinkable happens when they aren’t around, leaving me broken, hurting, and confused. Suddenly I can’t tell what’s right or wrong anymore, and their darkness beckons to all of my broken edges, promising me something I can’t find outside of their embrace.
But once I give into the darkness they offer, I’ll never be able to go back to who I was.
And that’s exactly what they want.
Pretty Little Killer is the second book of the Pretty Obsessions series. It includes MMF, MFM, MM, and mature content. To see a full list of possible triggers, use the look inside feature of the book.
Yet as soon as my plane touches down in St. Augustine, my sweetest nightmares are waiting for me, reminding me of all of the reasons I can’t stop thinking about them.
I tell myself that I need to end this before I’m the one with a knife in my stomach; that Oliver and Rook are the worst kind of people and certainly not capable of love.
Until the unthinkable happens when they aren’t around, leaving me broken, hurting, and confused. Suddenly I can’t tell what’s right or wrong anymore, and their darkness beckons to all of my broken edges, promising me something I can’t find outside of their embrace.
But once I give into the darkness they offer, I’ll never be able to go back to who I was.
And that’s exactly what they want.
Pretty Little Killer is the second book of the Pretty Obsessions series. It includes MMF, MFM, MM, and mature content. To see a full list of possible triggers, use the look inside feature of the book.
304 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 16, 2023
744 people are currently reading
2147 people want to read
About the author
A.J. Merlin
37 books2,066 followersAJ Merlin would rather write epic love stories than live them. I mean, who wants to limit themselves to only falling in love once? She is obsessed with dark fantasy, true crime, and also dogs. From serial killers to voyeurs all the way down to the devil himself, AJ's specialty is in writing irredeemable heroes who somehow still manage to captivate their heroines (and her readers).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 260 reviews
August 16, 2023
It's 2 am. I have work tomorrow 😐 But when AJ Merlin publishes, I put my big girl panties on and I read the damn book 😭
Definitely check the trigger warnings too.
Definitely check the trigger warnings too.
January 5, 2024
I really like A.J Merlins writing and characters. Loved the first book and enjoyed the the relationship in this one too. But unfortunately the triggers where to much for me. I just couldn't get into the story in the same way as I felt so sad and angry for the heroine and what she had to go through and unfortunately my brain just didn't want to get fully connected to the story. But will definitely read more from this author
August 2, 2025
our favorite psycopaths are back !!!
August 24, 2023
The first book wasn't amazing, but it was a kinda fun wild ride. So I was interested in seeing what was gonna happen next. And I was so disappointed.
First, the entire first portion of the book is basically just our FMC saying she needs to break up with the guys cause they're murderers and she can't be with murderers. But in reality, she does love them and want to be with them. But also, she could never be a murdered so she can't be with them. Again. All just stupid logic.
Then, spoiler alert, our FMC gets sexually assaulted. And this just really turned me off. I hate when sexual assault is used as a justification or it's glamorized. And in this case, I feel like our FMC was sexually assaulted to justify her becoming murderous and wanting to kill, and then in turn it's ok for her to be with the guys now, cause she wants to murder too.
It was all just kinda gross and I wasn't really into it. The book had potential. But now I'm just like, why.
First, the entire first portion of the book is basically just our FMC saying she needs to break up with the guys cause they're murderers and she can't be with murderers. But in reality, she does love them and want to be with them. But also, she could never be a murdered so she can't be with them. Again. All just stupid logic.
Then, spoiler alert, our FMC gets sexually assaulted. And this just really turned me off. I hate when sexual assault is used as a justification or it's glamorized. And in this case, I feel like our FMC was sexually assaulted to justify her becoming murderous and wanting to kill, and then in turn it's ok for her to be with the guys now, cause she wants to murder too.
It was all just kinda gross and I wasn't really into it. The book had potential. But now I'm just like, why.
August 17, 2023
I feel like this series promises really good things but never delivers
August 18, 2023
Okay, so here’s the thing - I really enjoyed this book and found the storyline really got going compared to book one. BUT it is littered with typos and is in dire need of another round of copy editing. One chapter even had an author note stating “*add Tws for ch” which was clearly meant to be edited out. Had this been edited correctly it would have been a 4 star read for me, but I found the constant typos and half written sentences took a lot of enjoyment out of it.
Not a lot happened in this one, and instead centred around one main scene that changed the course of the plot. I found this to be much more enjoyable than loads of random scenes like we got in book one.
However, the highlight of the book was Rook’s character development and being able to see him much more and in a different light. I found we got a much better and deeper representation of him that actually made me want to like his psychotic arse.
I am ready to see Blair in her revenge bad ass psychotic era for book three.
Not a lot happened in this one, and instead centred around one main scene that changed the course of the plot. I found this to be much more enjoyable than loads of random scenes like we got in book one.
However, the highlight of the book was Rook’s character development and being able to see him much more and in a different light. I found we got a much better and deeper representation of him that actually made me want to like his psychotic arse.
I am ready to see Blair in her revenge bad ass psychotic era for book three.
December 4, 2023
I was a bit skeptical at first, but I love this trio of psychotic unhinged characters 😭. I definitely preferred the first book and felt like it was a lot more put together (in terms of editing and plot), but the second/ end part of this book had me so invested 😭.
There's definitely a lot of room for development with the character's relationship and a lot of other loose ends- but I can tell the next one is going to be good 🌚...
There's definitely a lot of room for development with the character's relationship and a lot of other loose ends- but I can tell the next one is going to be good 🌚...
August 16, 2023
TSTL FMC but the MMC are not bad
Blair is idiotic in Books 1 and 2. No one would ever be this stupid, over and over and over. I cringed my way through the first bec of the serial killer aspect, and hoped she would improve, but alas she does not.
If not for Blair as the FMC, this would be a great storyline.
Blair is idiotic in Books 1 and 2. No one would ever be this stupid, over and over and over. I cringed my way through the first bec of the serial killer aspect, and hoped she would improve, but alas she does not.
If not for Blair as the FMC, this would be a great storyline.
August 21, 2023
I love when the villains (in this case) turns the heroine into something more... && did they both do just that!! I love the silent and broody Rook && the fun wild one together because they make such a perfect team.. add the innocent doe eyed FMC to the mix and you have a perfect trio.
August 29, 2023
BIG TRIGGER WARNING
Ok folks this needs a BIG trigger warning. There was a warning at the beginning of the book entitling SA on page but that wasn’t anywhere clear enough.
Not only is there on page sexual assault from a predator lasting PAGES with incredibly traumatising details- but the assault ends with her having to be taken to hospital and talking to the police, having to go through the full process victims do.
Her dealing with the traumatising affects of being sexually assaulted lasts for at least 1/3 of the book. I’m not going to lie as a victim of sexual assault, this really fucked with me- leading to a pretty intense PTSD episode.
I LOVE this author and I loved the first (and was fine with the short SA scene in the first book)! But the comments didn’t warn me and neither did the author. This was beautifully written and don’t get me wrong her writing from a victim’s perspective was incredibly realistic but I really needed to be warned in a way I wasn’t.
So I’m writing the warning I needed!
Read away just look after yourselves my loves ❤️
Ok folks this needs a BIG trigger warning. There was a warning at the beginning of the book entitling SA on page but that wasn’t anywhere clear enough.
Not only is there on page sexual assault from a predator lasting PAGES with incredibly traumatising details- but the assault ends with her having to be taken to hospital and talking to the police, having to go through the full process victims do.
Her dealing with the traumatising affects of being sexually assaulted lasts for at least 1/3 of the book. I’m not going to lie as a victim of sexual assault, this really fucked with me- leading to a pretty intense PTSD episode.
I LOVE this author and I loved the first (and was fine with the short SA scene in the first book)! But the comments didn’t warn me and neither did the author. This was beautifully written and don’t get me wrong her writing from a victim’s perspective was incredibly realistic but I really needed to be warned in a way I wasn’t.
So I’m writing the warning I needed!
Read away just look after yourselves my loves ❤️
February 6, 2024
I really enjoyed the first book in this series but not so much this one. I can’t quite put my finger on why just yet, but I think it felt a bit repetitive by the end, just lots of repetitive dialogue.
TW: Sexual assault, Mental illness, Gore
TW: Sexual assault, Mental illness, Gore
September 28, 2023
IDK
So here’s the thing, these are decent ideas they just aren’t flushed out well enough. Not in terms of plot but in character psychology.
These characters are very basic. There’s no real motivation beyond the most basic form. Two books never really learn all that much about any of them, or what draws them together other than instant obsession and sex.
I’d personally like to see more psychological in-depth characters. I would also like to see better research and psychological use. Yes make them serial killers that’s cool but use the deep recesses of human angst and trauma, give them conflict and moral objections. Especially the fmc she learns their secret and just ok there never really much fall out and then she tortured and kills without some internal deliberation. Her character tried so hard to be morally good then does a 180 which is conflicting.
I also agree with 1 star reviews especially those stating the author had to add SA to justify fmc becoming murderous was just an easy plot device. That fmc thought she had to be a killer to be with the mmcs which I don’t necessarily think is true had we gone purely off how they were presented in book one. I don’t think the SA was necessary not when the best friend character literally says she was surprised by the feelings and actions the fmc was showing for the one love interest she knows. That tells me that fmc exhibits different emotional connections, also quiet, aloof, studious, potentially intelligent (wasn’t a well articulated idea outside of art history), and little to no attachments. The fmc could have been a sociopath blending who just hadn’t grown to her full potential yet 🤷♀️ — this is where research and better psych development would have helped this author.
Like I said these are good but they could have been amazing— like buy copies for my dark romance/psych thrillers trophy shelve amazing—had the research and development been there. I appreciate having the psychology right whether it’s how a basic intro course goes or the inner workings of a flawed mind hooking up with darkly dangerous men and these books just weren’t delivering it all the way.
So here’s the thing, these are decent ideas they just aren’t flushed out well enough. Not in terms of plot but in character psychology.
These characters are very basic. There’s no real motivation beyond the most basic form. Two books never really learn all that much about any of them, or what draws them together other than instant obsession and sex.
I’d personally like to see more psychological in-depth characters. I would also like to see better research and psychological use. Yes make them serial killers that’s cool but use the deep recesses of human angst and trauma, give them conflict and moral objections. Especially the fmc she learns their secret and just ok there never really much fall out and then she tortured and kills without some internal deliberation. Her character tried so hard to be morally good then does a 180 which is conflicting.
I also agree with 1 star reviews especially those stating the author had to add SA to justify fmc becoming murderous was just an easy plot device. That fmc thought she had to be a killer to be with the mmcs which I don’t necessarily think is true had we gone purely off how they were presented in book one. I don’t think the SA was necessary not when the best friend character literally says she was surprised by the feelings and actions the fmc was showing for the one love interest she knows. That tells me that fmc exhibits different emotional connections, also quiet, aloof, studious, potentially intelligent (wasn’t a well articulated idea outside of art history), and little to no attachments. The fmc could have been a sociopath blending who just hadn’t grown to her full potential yet 🤷♀️ — this is where research and better psych development would have helped this author.
Like I said these are good but they could have been amazing— like buy copies for my dark romance/psych thrillers trophy shelve amazing—had the research and development been there. I appreciate having the psychology right whether it’s how a basic intro course goes or the inner workings of a flawed mind hooking up with darkly dangerous men and these books just weren’t delivering it all the way.
August 26, 2023
August 2023
Kindle edition
Well okay then. This one took a while to get into. Just as I’m thinking Blair is wishy washy compared to the other FMCs, a professor crosses the creepy talk line into assault, and becomes a catalyst for her not only to accept Oliver and Rook, but to go full stalking route want to kill someone. It was a dramatic change. I did like how the guys dealt with it and their little no switchblade thing. Sweet Oliver is adorable and yay relationship progression with Rook. The end was gory. The first but not the last kill. I’m curious what’s going to happen next and if they’ll be able to keep Blair in line.
Kindle edition
Well okay then. This one took a while to get into. Just as I’m thinking Blair is wishy washy compared to the other FMCs, a professor crosses the creepy talk line into assault, and becomes a catalyst for her not only to accept Oliver and Rook, but to go full stalking route want to kill someone. It was a dramatic change. I did like how the guys dealt with it and their little no switchblade thing. Sweet Oliver is adorable and yay relationship progression with Rook. The end was gory. The first but not the last kill. I’m curious what’s going to happen next and if they’ll be able to keep Blair in line.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 21, 2023
Errors in writing, all the unnecessary italics and the writing note "add tw for this ch" aside, the story has potential but the writer should have done their homework. Research what makes a serial killer. Give the reader bits of background while they're along for the ride.
It's impossible to root for the main character who is an imbecile with no redeeming characteristics. The other two are just as annoying.
Perhaps use beta readers and a few editors for any future books?
It's impossible to root for the main character who is an imbecile with no redeeming characteristics. The other two are just as annoying.
Perhaps use beta readers and a few editors for any future books?
April 2, 2024
completely hooked!
I kind of suspected where this book would go. But I didn’t realize it was going to go to the degree that it did. Wonderful twist. I have to move onto the next one like I can’t wait.
I kind of suspected where this book would go. But I didn’t realize it was going to go to the degree that it did. Wonderful twist. I have to move onto the next one like I can’t wait.
September 5, 2023
Nearly as good as the first book. I LOVE this series. So incredibly dark, spicy, sexual, mouth watering.. all of the above. Definitely check your trigger warnings for this one, there is a lot so just be careful before reading. I am already extra eager to read the third and final book in this series, it can't come fast enough! Lately triggers don't bother me and I devoured this book in just under a day. Absolutely worth the read! I will definitely be checking out more to read by A.J. Merlin!
April 15, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️.75 / 5
Have you ever read a book that had you sit there afterwards and go “what the hell did I just read????” because… yes.
This is the second book in the Pretty Obsessions trilogy. I would say this one is deeper and darker than the first one, and had me in tears of anger at times. In the first book I thought Blair was naive in an almost annoying way at times, but she really came into herself in this book.
I’ve been a Rook stan since book one, what can I say. Oliver is such a golden retriever, and Rook is the dark and broody counterpart that makes this relationship between the three of them flourish.
I am so damn proud of Blair. Please PLEASE check trigger warnings before diving into this series, please take care of your mental health before anything else.
I have never been so happy to see the outcome of an antagonist in my entire life… I enjoyed it entirely too much and I don’t know what that says about me 😂
If you’re looking for a captivating, twisted, dark and chilling story with just the right amount of romance.. A.J. Merlin has got you covered. Loved this.
Have you ever read a book that had you sit there afterwards and go “what the hell did I just read????” because… yes.
This is the second book in the Pretty Obsessions trilogy. I would say this one is deeper and darker than the first one, and had me in tears of anger at times. In the first book I thought Blair was naive in an almost annoying way at times, but she really came into herself in this book.
I’ve been a Rook stan since book one, what can I say. Oliver is such a golden retriever, and Rook is the dark and broody counterpart that makes this relationship between the three of them flourish.
I am so damn proud of Blair. Please PLEASE check trigger warnings before diving into this series, please take care of your mental health before anything else.
I have never been so happy to see the outcome of an antagonist in my entire life… I enjoyed it entirely too much and I don’t know what that says about me 😂
If you’re looking for a captivating, twisted, dark and chilling story with just the right amount of romance.. A.J. Merlin has got you covered. Loved this.
April 12, 2024
This is the second book in the series and the plot is more intense than the first. Blair goes through something tragic and it changes her mind about everything. The guys double down on the all in and are there to see her transformation. Spice level is high, trigger warnings are high, the plot will have you devouring the book so be ready with book 3 as once again, you are left ready to jump into the next book in the series!
August 24, 2023
leaning into her darkness
I was so excited, I grabbed this as soon as it released. I loved Rook and Oliver. There would be no internal debate for me ☠️ or not! Not sure what that says about me but that’s ok 😂.
Book two picks up with her coming back after winter break. They sort of pick up where they left off. Rook is definitely more involved than in the last book and we get to see a different side of him.
Blair learns what she is capable of as well when she is forced to lean into her darkness after her encounter.
I loved Pretty Little Killer but I would have liked an extended ending.
I was so excited, I grabbed this as soon as it released. I loved Rook and Oliver. There would be no internal debate for me ☠️ or not! Not sure what that says about me but that’s ok 😂.
Book two picks up with her coming back after winter break. They sort of pick up where they left off. Rook is definitely more involved than in the last book and we get to see a different side of him.
Blair learns what she is capable of as well when she is forced to lean into her darkness after her encounter.
I loved Pretty Little Killer but I would have liked an extended ending.
April 12, 2024
I guess this was slightly better than book 1, but it still doesn’t manage to fully enthrall me:/
September 25, 2023
Another one day smutty read. Definitely liked this one more then the first, get the vibes that the author is a criminal minds fan, but more into the killers then Spencer Reid.
September 2, 2023
When coming back to a series when the first book is as awesome as PLT was, there’s always some nervousness about whether it will compare. Well, I think this was even better!
It felt a bit different than some series, bc Blair IS these books. Like… the romance isn’t the central part, SHE is.
Obviously there’s her relationship with them, and THE INCIDENT (tw), and the way they take care of her (right after, then AFTER!) But it’s about Blair. Her choosing/prioritizing herself, growing up, and figuring out how to get/do what she wants.
It’s refreshing and invigorating… Plus you know, there’s still hot AF bits to go along with it! Absolutely loved it
It felt a bit different than some series, bc Blair IS these books. Like… the romance isn’t the central part, SHE is.
Obviously there’s her relationship with them, and THE INCIDENT (tw), and the way they take care of her (right after, then AFTER!) But it’s about Blair. Her choosing/prioritizing herself, growing up, and figuring out how to get/do what she wants.
It’s refreshing and invigorating… Plus you know, there’s still hot AF bits to go along with it! Absolutely loved it
August 16, 2023
After reading the book 1, I, not so patiently, waited months for the next installment of Blair's story. The first thing I did after waking up on release day was start reading. This book did not disappoint.
We pick up shortly after we left off with Blair returning from winter break. To say things get a bit dark and heavy.. would be accurate, but then again I'm reading a collection of books about stalkers and serial killers.
My heart hurts for Blair during this read. Not only is she dealing with the stress of her relationship with Oliver 😍 and Rook🥵, she is still trying to navigate her relationships with her family and friends and finishing her final semester of college and the nightmare-ish complications that it includes.
Once again, I finished this book absolutely loving the evolution of the characters and wanting more. I cannot wait for the next book.
Emoji review: 🤣🔥😍🥵🥺😡😭😯😬🥵😍🤔🔥🥰
We pick up shortly after we left off with Blair returning from winter break. To say things get a bit dark and heavy.. would be accurate, but then again I'm reading a collection of books about stalkers and serial killers.
My heart hurts for Blair during this read. Not only is she dealing with the stress of her relationship with Oliver 😍 and Rook🥵, she is still trying to navigate her relationships with her family and friends and finishing her final semester of college and the nightmare-ish complications that it includes.
Once again, I finished this book absolutely loving the evolution of the characters and wanting more. I cannot wait for the next book.
Emoji review: 🤣🔥😍🥵🥺😡😭😯😬🥵😍🤔🔥🥰
April 27, 2024
okay this was good, however it didn't have my complete undivided attention like book one did. I think the mystery of Oliver and Rook was not as big in this one even though we have things to learn about them still BUT I did like the raw, realness of Blair's journey within herself in this book. I just love this throuple as a unit, I think they are literally made to be together I can't get enough.
Also just a random anecdote, my internship just discussed the extensions of fight or flight (i.e. freeze and fawn) so to see fawn being discussed by Rook was just an interesting moment after having discussed it heavily that day lol
reminder to read TWs!!!!!
Also just a random anecdote, my internship just discussed the extensions of fight or flight (i.e. freeze and fawn) so to see fawn being discussed by Rook was just an interesting moment after having discussed it heavily that day lol
reminder to read TWs!!!!!
September 1, 2023
3.5⭐️ 3🌶️
I really liked the character development of Rook in this book
I really liked the character development of Rook in this book
October 27, 2025
First time I’m DNFing an AJ Merlin book, how disappointing!
I don’t know why smut authors do this flex where they focus on the indecision of the heroine and go deep into some gross sexual assault by a third party and all the psychological fallout…basically filler or something to justify character changes or plot instead of the reason why most people pick this book up.
To be clear, I came to this story for the play time and all this other crap is a boner killer. The first night she is with both of them, the author skips details! We still haven’t seen any MM action despite them being boyfriends. Why skip ahead on the fun stuff and spend chapters devoted to her talking to her elderly professor or Blair battling with her decision and second guessing herself?
Doesn’t feel like AJ put as much care and consideration into this series. She knows how to execute this kind of story well, I’ve seen her do it before. This felt predictable, boring, and lazy. Also seems like she committed to it being multiple books and then ran out of inspiration and had to put a bunch of filler in to drag it out.
It is also hilarious that while it seems to be agreed upon by Goodreads reviewers that Blair isn’t very bright, the tagline for this novel is “Clever as the devil and twice as pretty”. Calling her clever does not make it true. Sigh.
Blair has a lot of issues. I can’t help but wonder why she attracts so much male attention and obsession. She seems boring except for her tattoos. Nothing special about her personality except she’s a pushover.
DNF’d at 41%
I don’t know why smut authors do this flex where they focus on the indecision of the heroine and go deep into some gross sexual assault by a third party and all the psychological fallout…basically filler or something to justify character changes or plot instead of the reason why most people pick this book up.
To be clear, I came to this story for the play time and all this other crap is a boner killer. The first night she is with both of them, the author skips details! We still haven’t seen any MM action despite them being boyfriends. Why skip ahead on the fun stuff and spend chapters devoted to her talking to her elderly professor or Blair battling with her decision and second guessing herself?
Doesn’t feel like AJ put as much care and consideration into this series. She knows how to execute this kind of story well, I’ve seen her do it before. This felt predictable, boring, and lazy. Also seems like she committed to it being multiple books and then ran out of inspiration and had to put a bunch of filler in to drag it out.
It is also hilarious that while it seems to be agreed upon by Goodreads reviewers that Blair isn’t very bright, the tagline for this novel is “Clever as the devil and twice as pretty”. Calling her clever does not make it true. Sigh.
Blair has a lot of issues. I can’t help but wonder why she attracts so much male attention and obsession. She seems boring except for her tattoos. Nothing special about her personality except she’s a pushover.
DNF’d at 41%
August 29, 2023
Die Handlung war sehr vorhersehbar und damit absolut repetitiv.
Blair kommt zurück in ihre Uni-Stadt, nachdem sie das Chaos der letzten Wochen hinter sich gelassen hat. Doch direkt am Flughafen läuft sie Oliver in die Arme und alles dreht sich zurück auf 0. Innerhalb kürzester Zeit kann Blair einfach nicht mehr aus dieser Dreiecksbeziehung aussteigen, auch wenn sie weiß wie falsch dass alles ist.
Doch als ihr selbst Gewalt angetan wird, entdeckt auch sie neue Seiten an sich.
Das Blair mit offenen Armen zurück zu zwei Serienmördern rennt, war irgendwie zu erwarten. Als dann Prof. Langhorn eingeführt wird, war mir alles klar. Es wird zu einem Punkt kommen an dem Blair selbst zum "Pretty Little Killer" wird.
Anfänglich dreht sich alles um Blairs widersprüchliche Gefühle der Situation gegenüber. Sie lügt ihre beste Freundin an und will immer mehr Zeit mit Oliver und Rook verbringen, während sie sehr mit der Tatsache hadert auf Serienmörder zu stehen.
Als Prof. Langhorn sie sexuell belästigt und misshandelt, dreht sich ein Schalter in ihrem Kopf. Ab da geht es nur noch um Blairs komische Fantasien Männer zu ermorden, die sie in Dive-Bars aufreißt.
Am Ende wird im Detail aufgeführt wie alle drei Zusammen Langhorn ermorden und dann bedeckt in seinem Blut Sex haben.
Die Szene als Blair mit einem Skalpell Zähne aus dem Mund ihres Vergewaltigers schneidet, war schon anders ekelhaft.
Das Buch hätte gut und gerne 100 Seiten weniger haben können oder die Geschichte hätte einen Abschluss finden sollen. Keine Ahnung was im nächsten Teil passieren soll.
SMUT: 🌶🌶
Blair kommt zurück in ihre Uni-Stadt, nachdem sie das Chaos der letzten Wochen hinter sich gelassen hat. Doch direkt am Flughafen läuft sie Oliver in die Arme und alles dreht sich zurück auf 0. Innerhalb kürzester Zeit kann Blair einfach nicht mehr aus dieser Dreiecksbeziehung aussteigen, auch wenn sie weiß wie falsch dass alles ist.
Doch als ihr selbst Gewalt angetan wird, entdeckt auch sie neue Seiten an sich.
Das Blair mit offenen Armen zurück zu zwei Serienmördern rennt, war irgendwie zu erwarten. Als dann Prof. Langhorn eingeführt wird, war mir alles klar. Es wird zu einem Punkt kommen an dem Blair selbst zum "Pretty Little Killer" wird.
Anfänglich dreht sich alles um Blairs widersprüchliche Gefühle der Situation gegenüber. Sie lügt ihre beste Freundin an und will immer mehr Zeit mit Oliver und Rook verbringen, während sie sehr mit der Tatsache hadert auf Serienmörder zu stehen.
Als Prof. Langhorn sie sexuell belästigt und misshandelt, dreht sich ein Schalter in ihrem Kopf. Ab da geht es nur noch um Blairs komische Fantasien Männer zu ermorden, die sie in Dive-Bars aufreißt.
Am Ende wird im Detail aufgeführt wie alle drei Zusammen Langhorn ermorden und dann bedeckt in seinem Blut Sex haben.
Die Szene als Blair mit einem Skalpell Zähne aus dem Mund ihres Vergewaltigers schneidet, war schon anders ekelhaft.
Das Buch hätte gut und gerne 100 Seiten weniger haben können oder die Geschichte hätte einen Abschluss finden sollen. Keine Ahnung was im nächsten Teil passieren soll.
SMUT: 🌶🌶
November 7, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️ “Serial Killers with... No Inner Drama?”
So here’s the thing—this story has some good bones! There are decent ideas here, but the execution? Not quite fleshed out enough, especially when it comes to character depth. I was all set for a psychological deep dive into human trauma and moral conflict, but instead, we got something like a kiddie pool version of character development.
The characters? Let’s just say we’re working with the basics here. Their motivations are surface-level at best, like, “Oh, we’re attracted, so let’s skip to obsession and sex,” with almost zero exploration of why they’re like this. After two books, I still don’t have a real handle on who they are or what draws them together other than a laser-focus on each other’s hotness.
I wanted more grit, more moral conflict—especially with the FMC. She discovers they’re serial killers and it’s like, “Oh, that’s fine, let’s roll with it.” Then she goes from Miss Morally Upright to suddenly having zero qualms about torture and murder. Girl, where is your internal debate?! Give me some angst, give me some psychological turmoil!
All in all, this book would have been amazing with a deeper look into the character's psyches. I wanted complex killers wrestling with their dark sides, not an instant obsession story with a little side of murder. Decent premise, but lacking the psychological punch it needed.
So here’s the thing—this story has some good bones! There are decent ideas here, but the execution? Not quite fleshed out enough, especially when it comes to character depth. I was all set for a psychological deep dive into human trauma and moral conflict, but instead, we got something like a kiddie pool version of character development.
The characters? Let’s just say we’re working with the basics here. Their motivations are surface-level at best, like, “Oh, we’re attracted, so let’s skip to obsession and sex,” with almost zero exploration of why they’re like this. After two books, I still don’t have a real handle on who they are or what draws them together other than a laser-focus on each other’s hotness.
I wanted more grit, more moral conflict—especially with the FMC. She discovers they’re serial killers and it’s like, “Oh, that’s fine, let’s roll with it.” Then she goes from Miss Morally Upright to suddenly having zero qualms about torture and murder. Girl, where is your internal debate?! Give me some angst, give me some psychological turmoil!
All in all, this book would have been amazing with a deeper look into the character's psyches. I wanted complex killers wrestling with their dark sides, not an instant obsession story with a little side of murder. Decent premise, but lacking the psychological punch it needed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 28, 2024
Damn! This has trigger-warnings across the board…. And for a good portion of the book.
Granted, you kinda get the idea there will be triggers in this book based on the synopsis, but it’s FAR more than that. I am not triggered easily, but I found chapter 12(? I think?) REALLY difficult to get through. I was crying and verging on panicking for the FMC… I had to take time to regroup after that.
Overall, the premise and plot feels unique, however unsettling the subject matter is. It’ll be interesting to see where the third book goes with this. As I have listened via audiobook, I am hoping the third comes out soon so I can keep with the same method of consumption… I might have to renew my KU subscription if it doesn’t soon.
Granted, you kinda get the idea there will be triggers in this book based on the synopsis, but it’s FAR more than that. I am not triggered easily, but I found chapter 12(? I think?) REALLY difficult to get through. I was crying and verging on panicking for the FMC… I had to take time to regroup after that.
Overall, the premise and plot feels unique, however unsettling the subject matter is. It’ll be interesting to see where the third book goes with this. As I have listened via audiobook, I am hoping the third comes out soon so I can keep with the same method of consumption… I might have to renew my KU subscription if it doesn’t soon.
March 16, 2025
I absolutely devoured this book!
I am still 100% in love with Rook and this book continued to show me why!
The spice was so amazing (as i expected after book1)
And the way that AJ Merlin handled such a sensitive topic as SA was so brillant to read. It was so well written you honestly believed every emotion and thought going through Blairs head.
And the aftermath of it was very well handled. Including having conflicting feelings and wants afterwards.
And taking those first steps too.
I am so so desperate to read book 3 but I'm holding out hoping that butterfly book club so an edition of it to match 1 and 2.
I am still 100% in love with Rook and this book continued to show me why!
The spice was so amazing (as i expected after book1)
And the way that AJ Merlin handled such a sensitive topic as SA was so brillant to read. It was so well written you honestly believed every emotion and thought going through Blairs head.
And the aftermath of it was very well handled. Including having conflicting feelings and wants afterwards.
And taking those first steps too.
I am so so desperate to read book 3 but I'm holding out hoping that butterfly book club so an edition of it to match 1 and 2.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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