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The District #1
His Death Bringer
PLEASE READ THE BLURB AND WARNINGS IF YOU'RE SENSITIVE TO TRIGGERS! And please, please be careful of spoilers and giving away endings of books. Use spoiler tags.
He calls me his dark angel, but I’m merely a killer. A bringer of death.
Luca Davenport
He is my angel, sent to be my death bringer to save me from my tormentors and betrayers—those who sold me into slavery when I was only eight years old. Angel came in with guns blazing and black wings that were made to crush his enemies and envelope me in love. He belongs to me and I belong to him. We are destined. After he saves me from my captors, we hunt down the remaining men who had abused me for eleven years to make them pay in blood.
Dante Varga
He is a broken boy of no more than nineteen. He sees me as an angel, but I’m simply a killer. An assassin for hire. I can’t save him. I can’t take care of him. There’s no room left in my dying soul to care about someone. Not anymore. But I can’t turn him away either. I should kill him. He’s a witness. But I feel compelled to protect him at all costs. Saving him will either shatter the ice around my heart or destroy me. Either way, Luca is dangerous.
Reading in order will add more pleasure to the reading experience since some of the books end in a series cliffhanger. But they can technically be read as standalones.
CW: graphic violence, murder, rape, torture, human trafficking, explicit content
** Note: This book has been re-edited in December of 2024. Several grammatical errors have been fixed and some scenes have been adjusted for sensitivity issues. If you download this book before then, these changes will not be available on your Kindle. But you can get it updated. **
He calls me his dark angel, but I’m merely a killer. A bringer of death.
Luca Davenport
He is my angel, sent to be my death bringer to save me from my tormentors and betrayers—those who sold me into slavery when I was only eight years old. Angel came in with guns blazing and black wings that were made to crush his enemies and envelope me in love. He belongs to me and I belong to him. We are destined. After he saves me from my captors, we hunt down the remaining men who had abused me for eleven years to make them pay in blood.
Dante Varga
He is a broken boy of no more than nineteen. He sees me as an angel, but I’m simply a killer. An assassin for hire. I can’t save him. I can’t take care of him. There’s no room left in my dying soul to care about someone. Not anymore. But I can’t turn him away either. I should kill him. He’s a witness. But I feel compelled to protect him at all costs. Saving him will either shatter the ice around my heart or destroy me. Either way, Luca is dangerous.
Reading in order will add more pleasure to the reading experience since some of the books end in a series cliffhanger. But they can technically be read as standalones.
CW: graphic violence, murder, rape, torture, human trafficking, explicit content
** Note: This book has been re-edited in December of 2024. Several grammatical errors have been fixed and some scenes have been adjusted for sensitivity issues. If you download this book before then, these changes will not be available on your Kindle. But you can get it updated. **
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 31, 2023
369 people are currently reading
1539 people want to read
About the author
Courtney W. Dixon
39 books1,065 followersCourtney W. Dixon loves to write steamy hurt/comfort romance, giving her characters challenges, struggles, and sometimes trauma... Fine, a LOT of trauma. Her team teases her about charging her for their therapy bills after reading one of her books.
She loves to add variety and multiple tropes in her stories along with different types of dynamics/relationships. And she writes her characters as having flaws, imperfections, and who don't always do the right thing. Humans are sometimes frustrating, never perfect, and make a lot of mistakes in their lives. Courtney enjoys pushing her characters, making their HEAs so much more worth it when they get there. Mental health is a big feature in her books.
She loves her coffee ice cream and popcorn a little too much. And her cat, Olly, is her co-writer, where he sleeps on an ottoman under her desk as her muse. Actually, he's rather useless, but he's adorable.
Follow Me
She loves to add variety and multiple tropes in her stories along with different types of dynamics/relationships. And she writes her characters as having flaws, imperfections, and who don't always do the right thing. Humans are sometimes frustrating, never perfect, and make a lot of mistakes in their lives. Courtney enjoys pushing her characters, making their HEAs so much more worth it when they get there. Mental health is a big feature in her books.
She loves her coffee ice cream and popcorn a little too much. And her cat, Olly, is her co-writer, where he sleeps on an ottoman under her desk as her muse. Actually, he's rather useless, but he's adorable.
Follow Me
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 272 reviews
September 8, 2023
I lost interest with this book pretty early and couldn’t care less about them near the end. I picked this one for its heavy themes because of my last book, but this didn’t turn out so good. It had a good start thou. I feel like this book had a lot of missed opportunities on making the reading experience painful, but it was only intensity and nothing else. The writing was monotonous and lacked engagement that I skimmed near the end. Although this book had all the elements and tropes that couldve please me, it didn’t.
I also feel like this book lost the core of the plot after it hit the 50% mark. They also had a lot of sex after 🥲 Other than that, there are so many sensitive themes in this book that it felt wrong it was taken so lightly and lacking depth. And for Luca who had been through so much trauma as a tortured and abused sex slave, I hate seeing them getting into a sexual relationship so easy like that. It contradicts my principles.
I also feel like this book lost the core of the plot after it hit the 50% mark. They also had a lot of sex after 🥲 Other than that, there are so many sensitive themes in this book that it felt wrong it was taken so lightly and lacking depth. And for Luca who had been through so much trauma as a tortured and abused sex slave, I hate seeing them getting into a sexual relationship so easy like that. It contradicts my principles.
June 5, 2025
This book was so fun! If you want a new "assassin's with good heart" kind of book this will be perfect. One of my most enjoyable reads of the last few months!
Tropes for this book in my words :
- you saved me so I'm yours
- I don't know if I need a daddy but if I do maybe you could be mine
-omg what is this??? - while tasting his first good food-
-mess with him and I will have you suffering in 30 different ways
- a clan of killers at your disposal
Tropes for this book in my words :
- you saved me so I'm yours
- I don't know if I need a daddy but if I do maybe you could be mine
-omg what is this??? - while tasting his first good food-
-mess with him and I will have you suffering in 30 different ways
- a clan of killers at your disposal
August 3, 2023
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes & tags down below.
The start of this book reminded me so much of Paladin by Onley James (which I *love*), so I was completely hooked and devoured the first 50% while I should have been sleeping. I think Luca is super precious, and surprisingly well-balanced, considering all the abuse he endured. If you read and liked Paladin, I would recommend this one, as long as the triggers won’t bother you. It’s dark and detailed.
«I loved him because I had no other choice. He was my caregiver and my master, and I was always desperate for his approval. Yet, I hated him, too. Hated that he didn’t always want me. Hated him for hurting me when I tried so hard to be a good boy.»
This and other things like it, detailing the psychological impact of the abuse, made me cry a lot.
Dante wasn’t abused in the same sense that Luca was, but he definitely didn’t escape his childhood unscathed. He wasn’t very nice to Luca at first, but that little obsessive man wouldn’t let him push him away, lol. Their early dynamic when Dante was trying to get rid of/let go of Luca, while Luca was oblivious and completely sure that Dante was his Angel come to rescue him, was my favorite part of the book. I only wish that dynamic lasted a bit longer. I will always be a fan of action and suspense, but I missed seeing interactions like they had early on.
«I rushed back to my car before I changed my mind and looked back once more to see him looking at me with tears spilling down his eyes, and holding his rabbit close to his face. Not once did he complain or come after me. He just stood there, silently begging for me to come back.»
Speaking of action and suspense, I thought Dante was pretty shit at being an assassin, lmao. At first I thought it was refreshing how he wasn’t indestructible and perfect, or never taking a hit or having a close call, but that eventually happened in pretty much every action sequence, lol. A little refreshing, and a little funny. He was still a big badass, though.
«After he unlocked the door to his house, I put my hand in his and looked up at him again. His pale green eyes grew so wide, and he shook me off. I tried not to be hurt and hoped he would love me soon.»
As I mentioned, the start of this had me hooked real good, and I adored the first half of the book. Unfortunately, the editing and proofing suffered a bit later on in the book, which definitely took me out of the story a good bit. I wish I could just not notice, sometimes. I would still highly recommend the book.
Gonna mix it up and throw in a not-so-good quote, lol. Enjoy.
«I felt full of angel fingers with their magical touch […]»
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Rescued from trafficking/sex slave, private org. of assassins, age gap, size difference, trauma, scarred, graphic, revenge mission, action and suspense, MC in captivity for 11 years,
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Graphic violence
Torture
Murder
Rape (detailed, past)
Human trafficking
Sex slavery
Death of a past partner
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
The start of this book reminded me so much of Paladin by Onley James (which I *love*), so I was completely hooked and devoured the first 50% while I should have been sleeping. I think Luca is super precious, and surprisingly well-balanced, considering all the abuse he endured. If you read and liked Paladin, I would recommend this one, as long as the triggers won’t bother you. It’s dark and detailed.
«I loved him because I had no other choice. He was my caregiver and my master, and I was always desperate for his approval. Yet, I hated him, too. Hated that he didn’t always want me. Hated him for hurting me when I tried so hard to be a good boy.»
This and other things like it, detailing the psychological impact of the abuse, made me cry a lot.
Dante wasn’t abused in the same sense that Luca was, but he definitely didn’t escape his childhood unscathed. He wasn’t very nice to Luca at first, but that little obsessive man wouldn’t let him push him away, lol. Their early dynamic when Dante was trying to get rid of/let go of Luca, while Luca was oblivious and completely sure that Dante was his Angel come to rescue him, was my favorite part of the book. I only wish that dynamic lasted a bit longer. I will always be a fan of action and suspense, but I missed seeing interactions like they had early on.
«I rushed back to my car before I changed my mind and looked back once more to see him looking at me with tears spilling down his eyes, and holding his rabbit close to his face. Not once did he complain or come after me. He just stood there, silently begging for me to come back.»
Speaking of action and suspense, I thought Dante was pretty shit at being an assassin, lmao. At first I thought it was refreshing how he wasn’t indestructible and perfect, or never taking a hit or having a close call, but that eventually happened in pretty much every action sequence, lol. A little refreshing, and a little funny. He was still a big badass, though.
«After he unlocked the door to his house, I put my hand in his and looked up at him again. His pale green eyes grew so wide, and he shook me off. I tried not to be hurt and hoped he would love me soon.»
As I mentioned, the start of this had me hooked real good, and I adored the first half of the book. Unfortunately, the editing and proofing suffered a bit later on in the book, which definitely took me out of the story a good bit. I wish I could just not notice, sometimes. I would still highly recommend the book.
Gonna mix it up and throw in a not-so-good quote, lol. Enjoy.
«I felt full of angel fingers with their magical touch […]»
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & tags ⚠️
Rescued from trafficking/sex slave, private org. of assassins, age gap, size difference, trauma, scarred, graphic, revenge mission, action and suspense, MC in captivity for 11 years,
⚠️⚠️ Content warning ⚠️⚠️
Explicit sexual content
Graphic violence
Torture
Murder
Rape (detailed, past)
Human trafficking
Sex slavery
Death of a past partner
⚠️⚠️⚠️ Book safety ⚠️⚠️⚠️
Cheating: No
OM drama: No
Third-act breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual POV
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
August 12, 2023
⭐️ 4.5 stars ⭐️
Thrilling and soul-stirring dark romance.
Right from the start, this book reminded me of Paladin so i knew i was going to love it.
Luca was just too precious, still naive and innocent despite all the trauma he endured for years.
The characters were great — a whole clan of queer assassins? Yes, please!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
TW and tropes(spoilers):
➛ rape (past, detailed)
➛ sex slavery/human trafficking
➛ found family
➛ touch starved MC
➛ torture
➛ murder and violence
➛ mostly top/bottom with one switch scene
➛ panties
➛ MC with a dog
POV: 1st person, dual
“I knew you’d come back for me, Angel. I’m your purpose and you’re mine.”
Thrilling and soul-stirring dark romance.
Right from the start, this book reminded me of Paladin so i knew i was going to love it.
Luca was just too precious, still naive and innocent despite all the trauma he endured for years.
The characters were great — a whole clan of queer assassins? Yes, please!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
TW and tropes(spoilers):
➛ rape (past, detailed)
➛ sex slavery/human trafficking
➛ found family
➛ touch starved MC
➛ torture
➛ murder and violence
➛ mostly top/bottom with one switch scene
➛ panties
➛ MC with a dog
POV: 1st person, dual
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 13, 2023
3.5 stars. i have some mixed feelings about this book, but overall it ticked my boxes cos i'm a sick freak and love reading/watching/hearing things that make my stomach churn. this would most likely be considered pretty graphic but my meter for that sort of thing is skewed. where my real trouble lies is how this author developed her characters... where they started and where they ended seemed really out of form for them. the dialogue was also sometimes too stilted for me and it took me out of reading to go "god that was stupid," before carrying on. i liked it regardless because i'm still a sucker for big meanie scary killer falls for naive and innocent ray of sunshine AND bcs the gruesome parts made me cry.
Dante is a contract killer working for an organization called the District. when his assignment sends him to a mansion to murder 21 people, he does exactly that but stumbles upon a malnourished teenager dressed in little boy's underwear, trapped in a child's bedroom and clutching a stuffed rabbit. his first instinct is to kill him and move on, but whatever is left of his empathy prompts him to save the boy who goes by Luca.
Luca is immediately in love with Dante and calls him his Angel of Darkness... Angel for short. Dante insists he will only keep Luca safe for one night and then tries to drop him off at a bus station the day after, only to become overwhelmed by guilt. he doesn't make it further than down the road before he circles back to get Luca and takes him home with him again.
after Luca is sure Angel will keep him, he divulges a small bag of diamonds from the back of his stuffed rabbit. surprised and tickled by his ingenuity, Dante agrees to bring his case to the District when Luca offers him the diamonds in exchange for finding his parents and the men who kidnapped him when he was 8 and trafficked him for 11 years.
the District is a motley crew of gay killers, a found family bound together by their shared experiences of being cast out of their origins for their sexual identities. the team finds Luca's parents, discovers his dad's involvement in his trafficking, and the men he was sold to. while they prepare, Dante and Luca are together nonstop until Dante feels himself softening more and more to Luca's insistence that they belong to each other.
my one major beef with this book, and why i wasn't able to give it 5 stars, is entirely due to Luca. don't get me wrong, i loved him and i cried for him and he really was sweet. but there was something fundamentally off about how this author presented him to us. this is a boy who was trafficked for 11 years, restricted from the outside, underfed, uneducated, and brutalized psychologically and physically around the clock during the most impressionable time of his life. i found it bizarre that he switched back and forth from being juvenile and naive to having bouts of incredible insight and using words that didn't seem to fit the vocabulary of someone who was forcibly stunted in any way that matters. Luca and Dante obviously have sex and to his credit, Dante is chagrined by his attraction to Luca. for his part, Luca doesn't magically become okay to have rough sex with this dude he just met either. with all that being said, it didn't keep me from feeling like things were just slightly off center.
ultimately the dialogue and the weird relationship development threw me off too much to rave over this book. there were also a few editing errors but i don't mind overlooking them.
Dante falling for Luca was my favorite part. it wasn't realistic but it WAS cute and i loved that he barely resisted Luca. Dante has his own tragic back story but he doesn't treat Luca poorly because of it and he doesn't bother torturing himself for his feelings either. it granted some levity to an otherwise dark set up. the spice was decent too and i was appreciative of the fact that the author didn't set Luca up to be begging to get his ass kicked during sex cos i would've DNF'd fast as a mf if that had been the case.
i didn't read the epilogue you get for free when signing up for the newsletter so if anyone has and think it's worth reading LMK and i'll go snag that too. x
Dante is a contract killer working for an organization called the District. when his assignment sends him to a mansion to murder 21 people, he does exactly that but stumbles upon a malnourished teenager dressed in little boy's underwear, trapped in a child's bedroom and clutching a stuffed rabbit. his first instinct is to kill him and move on, but whatever is left of his empathy prompts him to save the boy who goes by Luca.
Luca is immediately in love with Dante and calls him his Angel of Darkness... Angel for short. Dante insists he will only keep Luca safe for one night and then tries to drop him off at a bus station the day after, only to become overwhelmed by guilt. he doesn't make it further than down the road before he circles back to get Luca and takes him home with him again.
after Luca is sure Angel will keep him, he divulges a small bag of diamonds from the back of his stuffed rabbit. surprised and tickled by his ingenuity, Dante agrees to bring his case to the District when Luca offers him the diamonds in exchange for finding his parents and the men who kidnapped him when he was 8 and trafficked him for 11 years.
the District is a motley crew of gay killers, a found family bound together by their shared experiences of being cast out of their origins for their sexual identities. the team finds Luca's parents, discovers his dad's involvement in his trafficking, and the men he was sold to. while they prepare, Dante and Luca are together nonstop until Dante feels himself softening more and more to Luca's insistence that they belong to each other.
my one major beef with this book, and why i wasn't able to give it 5 stars, is entirely due to Luca. don't get me wrong, i loved him and i cried for him and he really was sweet. but there was something fundamentally off about how this author presented him to us. this is a boy who was trafficked for 11 years, restricted from the outside, underfed, uneducated, and brutalized psychologically and physically around the clock during the most impressionable time of his life. i found it bizarre that he switched back and forth from being juvenile and naive to having bouts of incredible insight and using words that didn't seem to fit the vocabulary of someone who was forcibly stunted in any way that matters. Luca and Dante obviously have sex and to his credit, Dante is chagrined by his attraction to Luca. for his part, Luca doesn't magically become okay to have rough sex with this dude he just met either. with all that being said, it didn't keep me from feeling like things were just slightly off center.
ultimately the dialogue and the weird relationship development threw me off too much to rave over this book. there were also a few editing errors but i don't mind overlooking them.
Dante falling for Luca was my favorite part. it wasn't realistic but it WAS cute and i loved that he barely resisted Luca. Dante has his own tragic back story but he doesn't treat Luca poorly because of it and he doesn't bother torturing himself for his feelings either. it granted some levity to an otherwise dark set up. the spice was decent too and i was appreciative of the fact that the author didn't set Luca up to be begging to get his ass kicked during sex cos i would've DNF'd fast as a mf if that had been the case.
i didn't read the epilogue you get for free when signing up for the newsletter so if anyone has and think it's worth reading LMK and i'll go snag that too. x
February 2, 2024
His Death Bringer is a MM assassin dark romance. It's the first in Courtney W. Dixon's new The District series. This is a heavier, darker read so please review the content warnings and take care of yourself when reading!
Dante Varga, a deadly assassin, leads a lonely life. He believes there's no room left in his darkened soul to care for anyone other than himself. When he's completing an infiltration job, he stumbles upon Luca Davenport. Luca can't be anymore than 19 years old, and he's a victim. Logically, Dante shouldn't leave any witnesses behind, but something compels him to save Luca. Luca's life has been a nightmare since he was sold at eight years old. Not only does he want to get to know this cold man that saved him, he wants revenge for the 11 years of pain he'd endured. And Dante's the perfect man for that job.
"Something told me deep within the recesses of my mind where the darkness couldn't reach to not kill him. That little bit of light left over from when I was a child. The only goodness left inside me."
Dante Varga, a deadly assassin, leads a lonely life. He believes there's no room left in his darkened soul to care for anyone other than himself. When he's completing an infiltration job, he stumbles upon Luca Davenport. Luca can't be anymore than 19 years old, and he's a victim. Logically, Dante shouldn't leave any witnesses behind, but something compels him to save Luca. Luca's life has been a nightmare since he was sold at eight years old. Not only does he want to get to know this cold man that saved him, he wants revenge for the 11 years of pain he'd endured. And Dante's the perfect man for that job.
"Something told me deep within the recesses of my mind where the darkness couldn't reach to not kill him. That little bit of light left over from when I was a child. The only goodness left inside me."
This was a heavy book, but I think it was beautifully written. The author didn't shy away from some difficult topics with this one, and I think it was handled appropriately. We meet Dante when he's in the midst of a high-stakes infiltration job. He doesn't expect to encounter Luca, and he ends up bringing him home. The things Luca endured are absolutely awful. They hurt my heart and made me as thirsty for revenge as he was! And then there's Dante - he's been hurt too, and he's your classic grumpy lone wolf. We get bits and pieces of his story, with a full flashback later in the story.
His soft spot for Luca is everything. Luca truly is the sunshine to Dante's grumpy (it's fitting he uses Sunshine as a term of endearment for Luca). I was a little worried when I started reading their story because although Luca is 19, he's so childlike because of what's happened to him over the last decade. I think it was handled well by the author through Dante's character. I appreciated the amount of patience Dante showed towards Luca, and his willingness to teach him the things he'd missed out on so that Luca can be a fully independent adult. It didn't feel like Dante was preying on Luca or taking advantage of him, and I thought that was very important.
I loved the found family vibes The District had, and I can't wait to get to know them better as the series continues! Cleo, Dante's Cane Corso guard dog, also stole the show. I loved that her and Luca immediately formed a friendship and Cleo protected Luca as if she'd known him since she was a puppy. Coupled with Luca's insightfulness, honesty and all the action and violence, I really enjoyed this story and couldn't put the book down! Luca and Dante get their happily ever after and find peace and healing together in their own way, and I think that's beautiful.
"As the days went on, the more I softened for him. He smoothed out all my jagged edges without even trying. It got to the point that I didn't even mind caring for him anymore, and I had gotten used to him climbing into bed every night.
My soul remained dead, and my heart was cold, but not for him. Never for Luca. Not anymore."
August 7, 2024
❝ But that kiss. I wanted so many more. When I begged for one, he gave me another, even if it was too short. He smelled so good with his woodsy scent combined with cigarettes, which I didn't mind. It was him. My angel. ❞
I feel hot and cold about this book. There are parts that I liked and there are parts that are kinda just okay. The parts that I loved however are only in the first chapters. The dependency and submission are delicious. Unfortunately after those chapters everything mellowed out for me. Overall I think this was an okay read. I hate how this book didn't kill me. It didn't give me life either.
June 17, 2025
I’ve never hated anything more 😂! I dnfed and still went back 😫 where’s the bleach for my eyes
August 10, 2023
4/5 stars
I really liked this! All I wanted to do was give Luca a big fat hug. He was so precious and I cried over his backstory. Even though he went through so much, he was always so happy. I loved how Dante was able to help Luca in so many ways. They were so sweet together and they brought out the best in each other. I cant wait for Sully and Malik’s book.
“You’ve… healed me, Sunshine. My heart. My soul. No longer do I see my death on the horizon, but instead, see you and your life-giving love.”
I really liked this! All I wanted to do was give Luca a big fat hug. He was so precious and I cried over his backstory. Even though he went through so much, he was always so happy. I loved how Dante was able to help Luca in so many ways. They were so sweet together and they brought out the best in each other. I cant wait for Sully and Malik’s book.
“Just when I feel like I can’t breathe as my past chokes me, you give me a small smile or a gentle touch on my head and bring me back to the present. Our present. It’s just you and me. Then I’m happy again. Safe.”
November 19, 2023
Nope. I was totally with this up until about 60% of the way through. Then my brain just couldn’t ignore all the niggling little issues that it kept popping up with anymore, or suspending my disbelief to keep the story flowing… and that was pretty much it for me. 🤷🏻♀️ I just couldn’t. It didn’t work for me.
April 26, 2024
GOD DAMN this was EXQUISITE.
IN TEARS , NOTHING WARMS MY CHEST MORE THAN Happily EVER AFTER.
MY MEN , LUCA AND DANTE WENT THROUGH SO MUCH PAIN AND TORMENT BUT THEY MANAGED TO GO OVER IT IN THEIR OWN WAY AND HEAD TO THE LIGHT TOGETHER 😩💜, I WAS EMOTIONALLY WRECKED BUT THEY PUT ME BACK TOGETHER WITH THEM , THEIR LOVE IS SWEET AND DIFFERENT, LUCA I'M SO FUCKKING PROUD OF YOU IM FLOATING ON THE CLOUDS YOU FOND UR ANGEL AND SOULMATE 💞
IN TEARS , NOTHING WARMS MY CHEST MORE THAN Happily EVER AFTER.
MY MEN , LUCA AND DANTE WENT THROUGH SO MUCH PAIN AND TORMENT BUT THEY MANAGED TO GO OVER IT IN THEIR OWN WAY AND HEAD TO THE LIGHT TOGETHER 😩💜, I WAS EMOTIONALLY WRECKED BUT THEY PUT ME BACK TOGETHER WITH THEM , THEIR LOVE IS SWEET AND DIFFERENT, LUCA I'M SO FUCKKING PROUD OF YOU IM FLOATING ON THE CLOUDS YOU FOND UR ANGEL AND SOULMATE 💞
August 27, 2023
This one will be in English.
In the beginning I wanted to give it 2 stars, but some people decided to censor my opinion, so...
There is an inspiration, and there is copying so many themes that it makes reading the book uncomfortable. And yes, I understand that lots of books in m/m genre are similar, to the point that sometimes a person isn't sure if they read something or not. BUT there are also books with not so common motives that spotting them is rather easy.
For me, His Death Bringer is a poorly written copy of Unhinged by Onley James. And Courtney W. Dixon was lazy enough that even the background of both Noah (from Unhinged) and Luca is almost the same.
We have here:
- potential romance between boss and his student (Aiden/Thomas vibes so much),
- team of moral killers (they only unalive "bad" guys),
- one of them wears headphones, the other is unhinged like August,
- female computer genius.
Those are only the major ones, I'd have to re-read the book to list others. If it doesn't bother you, go for it. But for me, it was too much (besides, I'm not a fan of the author writing style - I still haven't finished The Healer and it's been several months.
In the beginning I wanted to give it 2 stars, but some people decided to censor my opinion, so...
There is an inspiration, and there is copying so many themes that it makes reading the book uncomfortable. And yes, I understand that lots of books in m/m genre are similar, to the point that sometimes a person isn't sure if they read something or not. BUT there are also books with not so common motives that spotting them is rather easy.
For me, His Death Bringer is a poorly written copy of Unhinged by Onley James. And Courtney W. Dixon was lazy enough that even the background of both Noah (from Unhinged) and Luca is almost the same.
We have here:
- potential romance between boss and his student (Aiden/Thomas vibes so much),
- team of moral killers (they only unalive "bad" guys),
- one of them wears headphones, the other is unhinged like August,
- female computer genius.
Those are only the major ones, I'd have to re-read the book to list others. If it doesn't bother you, go for it. But for me, it was too much (besides, I'm not a fan of the author writing style - I still haven't finished The Healer and it's been several months.
August 2, 2023
Wow!!! What a book!!! Were the triggers needed for this book, Yes they were!! Was it hard to read, you bet your arse it was! But did I love it? Absofuckinglutley!!!!!
What a great story! God my heart hurt so much, like really a lot, the way Luca lived the past 11 years was beyond awful I can’t even imagine how he coped. He may have had everything taken from him, but my god was he resilient. That boy was so strong, he may have still had a child’s mind and suffer from his trauma for the rest of his life, but he still had a beautiful soul.
Dante also had my heart, the things he went through also contributed to how he lived his life and how he become a killer. But under that tough cold heart was a tiny crack he wasn’t aware of, but Luca saw it and eased his way in until Dante had no choice but to let him in.
I loved that Dante wanted to keep Lucas innocence and loved to see him experience new things, and even though this book was full of heavy themes there was still sweetness and care between them. This book is about revenge and it’s not for the faint hearted, some of you may not be able to read this and I totally get that, it’s very hard to read all the details, but if you can read it after reading the triggers then I 100% recommend you read these two very broken souls.
This book is darkness, all the bad that is wrong in this world, but it’s also lightness and healing and love and finding that one person who gets you even when you’re bad, even when you’re broken, someone will take a bullet for you and still be there to kiss you good night. This is my favourite book by Courtney and I can’t wait to read the rest of this series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
READ THE TRIGGERS IF YOUR SENSITIVE
🩸Assassins
🩸Alpha Hero
🩸Anti Hero
🩸Suspense
🩸Emotional Scars
🩸Broken Bovs
🩸Hurt/Comfort
🩸Age Gap
What a great story! God my heart hurt so much, like really a lot, the way Luca lived the past 11 years was beyond awful I can’t even imagine how he coped. He may have had everything taken from him, but my god was he resilient. That boy was so strong, he may have still had a child’s mind and suffer from his trauma for the rest of his life, but he still had a beautiful soul.
Dante also had my heart, the things he went through also contributed to how he lived his life and how he become a killer. But under that tough cold heart was a tiny crack he wasn’t aware of, but Luca saw it and eased his way in until Dante had no choice but to let him in.
I loved that Dante wanted to keep Lucas innocence and loved to see him experience new things, and even though this book was full of heavy themes there was still sweetness and care between them. This book is about revenge and it’s not for the faint hearted, some of you may not be able to read this and I totally get that, it’s very hard to read all the details, but if you can read it after reading the triggers then I 100% recommend you read these two very broken souls.
This book is darkness, all the bad that is wrong in this world, but it’s also lightness and healing and love and finding that one person who gets you even when you’re bad, even when you’re broken, someone will take a bullet for you and still be there to kiss you good night. This is my favourite book by Courtney and I can’t wait to read the rest of this series.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5
READ THE TRIGGERS IF YOUR SENSITIVE
🩸Assassins
🩸Alpha Hero
🩸Anti Hero
🩸Suspense
🩸Emotional Scars
🩸Broken Bovs
🩸Hurt/Comfort
🩸Age Gap
October 23, 2024
DNF at 60% - I really loved the premise of this book. An assassin is sent into a mansion to kill everyone inside but finds a young man held captive as a sex slave. He reluctantly brings the boy home and cares for him.
The beginning was pretty good but then a lot of things started to fall apart for me. The plot and violence felt contrived and too unrealistic and the writing just didn’t work enough to keep me interested. I didn’t feel anything for the characters. Plus I was mad that he kept the boy for over a month without offering him professional help or therapy.
The beginning was pretty good but then a lot of things started to fall apart for me. The plot and violence felt contrived and too unrealistic and the writing just didn’t work enough to keep me interested. I didn’t feel anything for the characters. Plus I was mad that he kept the boy for over a month without offering him professional help or therapy.
July 31, 2023
His Death Bringer is the first book in The District series. From the very first chapter Courtney had me invested in the story and wanting to learn more about these two men.
Dante and Luca are both survivors of horrific pasts that shaped them in who they are today. Dante stumbled upon the young man while carrying out his mission and Luca saw him as his saviour, his archangel of death.
This book was action packed, but also filled with sweet moments where we could see the bond between Dante and Luca grow. Dante is very closed off and doesn’t allow himself to feel much of anything so he obviously didn’t fall for Luca as fast. However, I could feel his pull toward the young man, his need to protect and care for him.
He called me his dark angel, but he was my angel of light, and I never wanted to see him dimmed.
I loved how even though Dante said he liked rough sex, the scenes between them were tender and sweet. He understood Luca’s trauma and allowed him to control their interactions so he would feel comfortable and safe.
I was a loner. A killer. There was no room in my life for a troubled young man and love. Yet, after seeing him so broken recently, I wanted to hold him forever and protect him.
I am an absolute dog lover and Courtney melted my heart with the relationship between Luca & Cleo (a cane corso). I love how she chose a breed that is judged as being dangerous and wrote her as Luca’s protector and emotional support.
I was shielded between the strong dog and the strong man, and for the first time since I could remember, I felt safe.
It was great to see Luca keep his innocence and appreciation for new things throughout all the chaos that is their lives.
I had to admit, observing him was fascinating, watching him explore things with new and fresh eyes he didn’t have before. Even the simplest of tasks amazed him.
‼️ Make sure to read the trigger warnings if you are sensitive to triggers.
**I received an advanced copy of this book and these are my honest thoughts**
Dante and Luca are both survivors of horrific pasts that shaped them in who they are today. Dante stumbled upon the young man while carrying out his mission and Luca saw him as his saviour, his archangel of death.
This book was action packed, but also filled with sweet moments where we could see the bond between Dante and Luca grow. Dante is very closed off and doesn’t allow himself to feel much of anything so he obviously didn’t fall for Luca as fast. However, I could feel his pull toward the young man, his need to protect and care for him.
He called me his dark angel, but he was my angel of light, and I never wanted to see him dimmed.
I loved how even though Dante said he liked rough sex, the scenes between them were tender and sweet. He understood Luca’s trauma and allowed him to control their interactions so he would feel comfortable and safe.
I was a loner. A killer. There was no room in my life for a troubled young man and love. Yet, after seeing him so broken recently, I wanted to hold him forever and protect him.
I am an absolute dog lover and Courtney melted my heart with the relationship between Luca & Cleo (a cane corso). I love how she chose a breed that is judged as being dangerous and wrote her as Luca’s protector and emotional support.
I was shielded between the strong dog and the strong man, and for the first time since I could remember, I felt safe.
It was great to see Luca keep his innocence and appreciation for new things throughout all the chaos that is their lives.
I had to admit, observing him was fascinating, watching him explore things with new and fresh eyes he didn’t have before. Even the simplest of tasks amazed him.
‼️ Make sure to read the trigger warnings if you are sensitive to triggers.
**I received an advanced copy of this book and these are my honest thoughts**
April 27, 2024
“You feel good. Your hole is giving my cock hugs.”
The ending had my heart in a giant pile of goo....Luca playing on the beach for the first time EVER.. TEARS. They were so good for each other.
Check TW. Lucas abuse is pretty fucking awful and descriptive. Hallelujah for Dante... his dark angel 🥹
Cleo is a queen. She deserves all the treats and chin scratches 💕
The ending had my heart in a giant pile of goo....Luca playing on the beach for the first time EVER.. TEARS. They were so good for each other.
Check TW. Lucas abuse is pretty fucking awful and descriptive. Hallelujah for Dante... his dark angel 🥹
Cleo is a queen. She deserves all the treats and chin scratches 💕
July 27, 2023
Definitely by far my fave book by Courtney and highly recommend. I am first and foremost a dark romance lover and this delivered on all the parts that I love in this genre. Im a more triggers the better kind of reader.
Dante and Luca, two emotionally scarred guys that find this bond with one another. A protected and protector. I really adored Luca, it was heartbreaking but how he adored and clung to Dante. Loved it.
I wont spoil with plot details but it was engaging, didn’t feel slow and it was a definite page turner.
Really really looking forward to the rest of the series.
Dante and Luca, two emotionally scarred guys that find this bond with one another. A protected and protector. I really adored Luca, it was heartbreaking but how he adored and clung to Dante. Loved it.
I wont spoil with plot details but it was engaging, didn’t feel slow and it was a definite page turner.
Really really looking forward to the rest of the series.
August 2, 2023
I know I go against the other reviews here but I didn’t really like this one.
The author wanted to be really dark and dramatic but the whole ordeal left me cold. Every time Luca told the details of how he was beaten and raped I felt nothing. Same when Dante told his story.
I don’t know I’ve read other books with this topic and less details and I felt more. Even the end of this one was less dramatic then it deserved.
The crew was also dull. I’m not interested in their stories in the slightest.
You know sometimes when you read a story and one of the characters tells and awful story you get that stone in the stomach as if that happened in real life? You really feel for them? That was what was missing here. Shame.
The author wanted to be really dark and dramatic but the whole ordeal left me cold. Every time Luca told the details of how he was beaten and raped I felt nothing. Same when Dante told his story.
I don’t know I’ve read other books with this topic and less details and I felt more. Even the end of this one was less dramatic then it deserved.
The crew was also dull. I’m not interested in their stories in the slightest.
You know sometimes when you read a story and one of the characters tells and awful story you get that stone in the stomach as if that happened in real life? You really feel for them? That was what was missing here. Shame.
May 14, 2025
4.25⭐️
3🌶️
Y’all, This Was A Really Good Start To This Series. I Wanted To Read More Courtney. Dante And Luca Were A Really Good Couple. Luca Was Just A Ball Of Sunshine And So Adorable And Dante Was Just Dark And Brooding And SO Protective And I Loved Them Together, Being So Protective And Loving Each Other. The Side Characters All Intrigue Me So Much And I’m Honestly More Excited For The Rest Of The Series Then Anything😂 So I Cannot Wait To Continue The Series. The Action And Plot Mixed With Romance And Spice Was Also Such A Great Mixture And Was Really Amazing. Definitely Recommend This For All The Dark Romance Girlies With A Great Mixture Of Everything. Courtney, You Are Just AMAZING Girl And You Never Miss And I Cannot Wait To Continue The Series💕🫶
3🌶️
Y’all, This Was A Really Good Start To This Series. I Wanted To Read More Courtney. Dante And Luca Were A Really Good Couple. Luca Was Just A Ball Of Sunshine And So Adorable And Dante Was Just Dark And Brooding And SO Protective And I Loved Them Together, Being So Protective And Loving Each Other. The Side Characters All Intrigue Me So Much And I’m Honestly More Excited For The Rest Of The Series Then Anything😂 So I Cannot Wait To Continue The Series. The Action And Plot Mixed With Romance And Spice Was Also Such A Great Mixture And Was Really Amazing. Definitely Recommend This For All The Dark Romance Girlies With A Great Mixture Of Everything. Courtney, You Are Just AMAZING Girl And You Never Miss And I Cannot Wait To Continue The Series💕🫶
November 4, 2023
Is ruthless assassin capable of feeling other than anger and desire to erase criminals from the face of the earth? Can the boy whose normal life has been stolen from him at a young age still believe in the good of the world?
Because Courtney has provided so many graphics, pictures and videos i had a very clear image of each character, and it felt quite cinematic during reading. I was so immersed in the action that took place in dark shadows, silent alleyways and creepy mansions. I don’t remember the last time I felt something like this.
The author warns us that this is her darkest book, but I thought that all the violence was justified. The whole story was well-balanced for me, and every single bullet that was fired made sense to me. Since Dante is a professional assassin we expect that his childhood wasn’t that perfect. Happy children do not become killers. And even though he thinks he doesn’t have space for love in his ruthless heart he knows right from the start that the blond, blue-eyed helpless-looking guy he rescued possesses power over him.
Luca called Dante his dark angel while Dante called Luca sunshine. And all the darkness they both went through could not stop them from seeing the light and salvation in each other. I think it’s the main message of the book - there’s alway light at the end of the tunnel.
I hope to see how Luca will fit into this tight group of very different people that became like a family to Dante. I loved the glimpses of their personalities throughout the first book, and can’t wait to read more about them. I suspect that Luca will do well with such enormous (though weirdly messed up) support from the rest of the District gang.
Because Courtney has provided so many graphics, pictures and videos i had a very clear image of each character, and it felt quite cinematic during reading. I was so immersed in the action that took place in dark shadows, silent alleyways and creepy mansions. I don’t remember the last time I felt something like this.
The author warns us that this is her darkest book, but I thought that all the violence was justified. The whole story was well-balanced for me, and every single bullet that was fired made sense to me. Since Dante is a professional assassin we expect that his childhood wasn’t that perfect. Happy children do not become killers. And even though he thinks he doesn’t have space for love in his ruthless heart he knows right from the start that the blond, blue-eyed helpless-looking guy he rescued possesses power over him.
Luca called Dante his dark angel while Dante called Luca sunshine. And all the darkness they both went through could not stop them from seeing the light and salvation in each other. I think it’s the main message of the book - there’s alway light at the end of the tunnel.
I hope to see how Luca will fit into this tight group of very different people that became like a family to Dante. I loved the glimpses of their personalities throughout the first book, and can’t wait to read more about them. I suspect that Luca will do well with such enormous (though weirdly messed up) support from the rest of the District gang.
July 26, 2025
At first I was really into his death bringer and enjoying it a lot however towards the end I lost the interest I had early on, things started to annoy me such as; when Luca got angry at his mum for no reason when she was getting over all the death that happened in her home. But also to be honest I just lost interest sadly which has been happening a lot recently.
I’m in desperate need of some agegap romance books with angst any recommendations would be very much appreciated.
I’m in desperate need of some agegap romance books with angst any recommendations would be very much appreciated.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 31, 2023
Just so not for me. Hated how childish (like in a literal sense) Luca was, hated how his trauma was dealt with… the action scenes were chaotic and unsatisfying. Nothing worked for me. Other people might not be bothered by any of the same things but I honestly wish I had DNF’d the first time I thought to.
dnf
September 13, 2023DNF at 44%
I thought Luca's behaviour and the words he used were quite unrealistic for someone who was abused all his life and who had no schooling whatsoever.
The romance didn't keep my interest.
I thought Luca's behaviour and the words he used were quite unrealistic for someone who was abused all his life and who had no schooling whatsoever.
The romance didn't keep my interest.
August 31, 2024
Ngl this book had so much prospect but then it seemed too similar to the Necessary Evils series by Onley James and the way Luca and Dante's relationship transitioned too quickly was a total turn off for me
September 4, 2023
dnf 70%
July 30, 2023
This book is the first in the District - League of Assassins Series and tells the story of Luca and Dante - aka Angel & Sunshine.
The nicknames turn out to be truly fitting for this book—a tale of light, darkness and the shadows inbetween.
A story of unspeakable crimes against two young men, it is a journey of revenge and reckoning. And it is not for the faint-hearted.
Here’s no sugar coating. The crimes are cruel and inhuman—the pay back is far from sweet but instead meassured out in limbs, muffled screams and endless rivers of blood.
The line between good and evil is blurred but it is as much out of respect for the victims when they seek their retribution as it is to paint a picture of dimensional characters.
Courtney does not hand out any awards to perfect, unblemished heroes. Revenge comes at the highest price—the soul of the avenging Angel. The blood that is shed is still visible below the finger nails, when it caresses his lover’s pale skin.
But here lies the beauty of His Death Bringer. The blurriness. These men live in the shadows. In the space between what we call good and evil. You can’t have your revenge and then go back to living a quiet, suburban life.
But it doesn’t mean that you can’t be at peace with your actions either. Or find love. And a soulmate. And a bit of sunshine.
So, here we go:
Plot: 🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
Steam: ❤️🔥❤️🔥
Angst: 😰😰😰😰
Swoon: 🫠🫠🫠
Bonus points: there’s nothing as cute as a grown man sitting on the lap of another grown man! It never gets old 🫠🫠🫠 neither do endearments! Or dogs that will walk through fire for you!
I absolute adored the story of Dante & Luca even though it was a really though read. It’s dark and explicit but oh so worth it.
*I rcvd an ARC from the author and this is my honest review
*check TWs
August 6, 2023
I just finished His Death Bringer. I was, from the very start, absorbed by the story. It didn't disappoint either.
When the story begins, Dante is on assignment. He's a hit man and goes where he's told. He was raised to be this killer, and he has a LOT of backstory, some of which we find out later. While doing his job, he finds and rescues Luca. Luca had been trafficked as a child and has lived with his owner "Father" for 10/11 years.
Bless his heart, y'all.
What starts as a momentary blip of conscience turns into "I'll teach you to protect yourself," which turns into "don't touch him, he's mine!" - so... natural progression.
What I liked most was Luca's dogged pursuit of his angel, Dante. Luca never once doubts that they belong together.
There is lots of 🔪🔪🔪 in this story and lots of Luca and Dante getting to know each other and falling in love. I love how soft Dante is with Luca. I also love that Luca is a little unhinged.
This was a great beginning of a new series, and I look forward to reading more about the rest of the folks at The District.
If you're looking for a revenge story against the bad guys and a little blood mixed in with your romance, I absolutely recommend this one.
When the story begins, Dante is on assignment. He's a hit man and goes where he's told. He was raised to be this killer, and he has a LOT of backstory, some of which we find out later. While doing his job, he finds and rescues Luca. Luca had been trafficked as a child and has lived with his owner "Father" for 10/11 years.
Bless his heart, y'all.
What starts as a momentary blip of conscience turns into "I'll teach you to protect yourself," which turns into "don't touch him, he's mine!" - so... natural progression.
What I liked most was Luca's dogged pursuit of his angel, Dante. Luca never once doubts that they belong together.
There is lots of 🔪🔪🔪 in this story and lots of Luca and Dante getting to know each other and falling in love. I love how soft Dante is with Luca. I also love that Luca is a little unhinged.
This was a great beginning of a new series, and I look forward to reading more about the rest of the folks at The District.
If you're looking for a revenge story against the bad guys and a little blood mixed in with your romance, I absolutely recommend this one.
July 10, 2025
the beginning was so GOOD!!!! i think it went downhill after luca killed his father.
he was so mean to his mom like bro she’s a victim herself, why are you mad at her and traumatizing her because of what you’ve been through. i didn’t like it.
dante was cool but he should’ve held off on the sex for a while..
i think easton should’ve kept his mouth closed and just let the luca have his stuffed animal, it’s quite literally apart of his childhood and even though it was there for him in traumatizing moments it’s still a method of comfort… I don’t think him putting it away in a closet is Luca realizes he’s not a boy anymore, he can still have the rabbit!
and three weeks later is not an epilogue! honestly the whole story was predictable and luca saying he’s finally gonna do what he was trained to do…..BOOOOOOO it’s been a couple of months with a bow and arrow, you’re still in survival mode!
he was so mean to his mom like bro she’s a victim herself, why are you mad at her and traumatizing her because of what you’ve been through. i didn’t like it.
dante was cool but he should’ve held off on the sex for a while..
i think easton should’ve kept his mouth closed and just let the luca have his stuffed animal, it’s quite literally apart of his childhood and even though it was there for him in traumatizing moments it’s still a method of comfort… I don’t think him putting it away in a closet is Luca realizes he’s not a boy anymore, he can still have the rabbit!
and three weeks later is not an epilogue! honestly the whole story was predictable and luca saying he’s finally gonna do what he was trained to do…..BOOOOOOO it’s been a couple of months with a bow and arrow, you’re still in survival mode!
April 2, 2024
This is 2.5, but me being generous?
Totally a cover buy, and the promise of a dark romance: high expectations.
This is a new to me author, and I felt she missed the opportunity to give the story more depth.
Both MC's had their demons, and especially with Lucas history, I thought there would be more of a struggle.
I love my dark romance angsty 🤷🏻♀️
So not realistic, but it's fiction anyway.
The writing felt flowy and the whole crew seemed interesting- can't wait to read the next part.
Totally a cover buy, and the promise of a dark romance: high expectations.
This is a new to me author, and I felt she missed the opportunity to give the story more depth.
Both MC's had their demons, and especially with Lucas history, I thought there would be more of a struggle.
I love my dark romance angsty 🤷🏻♀️
So not realistic, but it's fiction anyway.
The writing felt flowy and the whole crew seemed interesting- can't wait to read the next part.
August 24, 2023
I love it. 😍 Dante ♥️
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