Four for a Boy

Magpie Rhyme #4

by Louise Collins

The compromise is working.
They’re happy…
Chad thinks.
But when Romeo reveals his fantasy to Chad, their carefully crafted life comes undone.
Romeo wants Chad to kill their next victim, but it’s a line he can’t cross, being the killer, not just enabling one.
That’s a step into the grey that he’s not prepared to take.
But what will happen if he tells Romeo no?
Will he leave?
Or worse, will he make Chad cross the line?
There’s a killer on the loose, and they’ve kidnapped number four.
It’s a race against time to solve the case and save a life, but as the pieces come together, Chad realizes he has more in common with this killer than he ever thought possible…

Genres: Dark, M M Romance, Serial Killer, Crime, Mystery, Romance, Suspense

299 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 8, 2023

About the author

Writer of mm romance and erotica.

I write the stories I'd love to read, I hope you enjoy them too.
Lover of Romance but not without angst along the way.

Seduced by the dancing of a neanderthal and now a mother of two monsters.
Drinks tea with a passion, adores dogs, and their sea dwelling cousins.

Failed two chocolate eating challenges but will return for round three.

https://mailchi.mp/ad6955eed18f/louis...

♥

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Reviews

[moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars ☆

Chad threw a venomous look over his shoulder. "I like us in our house."
"So do I. I love our home." He wrapped his arms around Chad's middle. "And our home is each other, right? Wherever we are."

i love and missed these two so much. 🥹 this took me longer to finish than i normally would have but the slump i was feeling at the time i started it + this book focusing more on the case Chad was solving rather than the relationship between Romeo and Chad (where the first three books mainly focused on) held me from binging it. i still loved it bc it's Romeo and Chad, but it's not my favorite of the four books in the series so far bc of the reason i mentioned. the case was fine and i admit i didn't guess the killer correctly but i should have known bc of the title being a hint lol. i believe there's gonna be two more books after this so i hope my loves will have a satisfying conclusion. 😭

[Dee’s Bookshelf ❥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

“HE WASN’T A man. Not right then. He was Chad’s handsome monster.”

…

“I know, how messed up is that? Jealous of the corpse at your feet because it had your attention, and I didn’t. Because it gives you something I can’t.”

…

“I see all of you and I shouldn’t love it, I should run a mile, but I don’t. I want a piece of that moment with you. I want your eyes on me, your hands all over me and your mouth crashing into mine, and it’s amazing,”

…

“How dare you put a question mark on my love. How dare you make me feel it then try to dismiss it with an if. It’s your fault it’s there in the first place, I didn’t know what it was until you, and then you dare doubt it.”

The last quote is the most beautiful piece of literature text I’ve read to date.

[Kat · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book. Is everything. To me.

How am I going to function without these two until the next one comes out? Possessive Romeo is EVERYTHING. And Chad slowly trying to work through his trauma while still completely in love with Romeo? *chefs kiss*

Also, this book got HOTTER. Gods DAMN. And of course there’s a speech that always just gets me right in the feels. I’m all over the place.

And of course the mystery was just… amazing. LC always keeps me on my toes with these books, and this was NO exception.

[Ethen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find it challenging to gather my thoughts.

I still loved it, but I didn’t love it nearly as much as the first 3 books in the series.

This one was pretty similar to book 3, felt like an extension of it.

The first 3 books were so distinct from each other, yet they still connected perfectly, creating an amazing picture. Then comes book four, and I cannot really place it anywhere. I feel like this piece is a close duplicate.

The murderer mystery was decent, but I feel like there wasn’t as much progress with Romeo and Chad, nor their relationship.
I felt like the story got caught up in the same patterns as the previous one, and I just didn’t get that satisfying breakthrough moment.

There were a lot of miscommunications between the two, and while some of them were funny, or even emotional, it felt repetitive and most of them just felt dragged or annoying. I feel like the story has fallen into this comfortable, routine-like pace, and I missed the high stakes.

I expected more evolvement in Romeo’s and Chad’s characters, thought they - as well as the monster and the detective - would accommodate and adjust to each other even more,-Maybe competing with each other for chasing the new serial killer, while also working together, piecing the puzzle pieces together to get the big picture, competing who gets them at the end and decides their faith; death or behind bars and then find a better dynamic.

I definitely didn’t feel as stimulated as with the first 3 books, so my brain had some time to wonder, how this could go even better. I’m worried that my imagination has already spread way forward, and if things don’t work the way I want them, I’ll be just disappointed.

I’ll round up 3.5 stars and hope for the best in the next book.

[Sebby · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was…..fine? Compared to the absolute masterpiece that was the first three installments in this series for some reason this one was just falling flat for me. At this point the miscommunication between Romeo and Chad is not cutesy anymore it’s just annoying. Like dude you are murder boyfriends and you think he’s gonna leave you because you aren’t interested in trying your hand at murder for him? Like after everything THAT is what’s gonna drive him away??? And the mystery this time was just not as good for me as the others like oh no ANOTHER set of killings that somehow relates to Romeo and Chad again like wow none of these killers are original these days. I just wasn’t feeling the same insane chemistry between Romeo and Chad this time and Romeo felt like he had been tamed a bit in this installment like sure he’s unhinged but I was missing the monster. Just not what I wanted for my little meow meows and I don’t love the direction things are going. Big yikes from me personally 🫡

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love can make you do things you never thought you were capable of, shut an eye, cover up evidence, and even worse things. Chad let Romeo’s monster quench his bloody thirst, Chad is a detective and should catch murderers.
Well, forget it, this is not how they work. Romeo is the killer and Chad is getting hard watching Romeo’s tight muscled body squeeze the life out of a human.

They’ve been through hell but found a way to be together, they are even happy.
Romeo’s urges go deep and dark, he has needs, his beast has.
Romeo is like a feral animal, approaching his prey, he’s a serial killer who compromised for his lover, and visa versa.

“If I find out someone hurts you, even if they step on your toes by accident, they won’t live to see the next day.”
“I love you too.”

I loved how Romeo was possessive and protective over Chad.
Chad is weak in everything concerning Romeo.
Watching the team dive into the cases and Chad's part in it was great, his colleagues are downright the craziest I ever met.

“Even if you wanted to you can’t escape me.” Dang that was something!!

Chad is working on serial killer cases, and the further in the job, the more it screws up his head, and doubts are seeping in.

The author writes genius plots, this one was masterly put together. Bow to the author. It’s no secret she one of my favorite authors.
Please do understand, I completely accept what the author gives me, but that does not alter I really wanted more presentation of Romeo.
I so agreed with “If you say fine one more time, I will knock you out“ if he doesn’t, can I? Because dang it was driving me crazy!

This was a brilliantly written story, with a genius plot, super entertaining, exciting, and eventful. Applause 👏!

[Camm reads books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Había olvidado mi obsesión insana con esta serieeeee. En este libro siento muchísimo la madurez de ambos personajes, y como Chad se enfrenta a sus miedos presentados por Romeo. Literalmente me volví a enviciar con el libro, y no lo solté hasta que no lo terminé a eso de las 3 AM.

Aunque el plot principal pudo haberse resuelto con una conversación adulta, me gustó la forma en la que la autora llevó la narrativa en torno al tema. Como los demás libros de la serie, fue una lectura entretenida.

[Arge · Rating 5 out of 5]

As always with these series, I loved it. What's not to love? It checks all my boxes. I'm waiting for book 5.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!! Simplemente perfecto, pensarías que no puede mejorar después del tercero cuando parece un HEA pero este cuarto es simplemente perfecto, me emociona saber que habrán dos más y estoy muriendo por conocer a Mercucio 🤗 quiero veinte más y mi amor por Romeo solamente crece con cada libro ❤️

[Ella · Rating 4 out of 5]

Josh is absolutely adorable
Romeo is absolutely totally crazy
And Chad. Chad is broken

[星槎 · Rating 5 out of 5]

对啊杀手和条子就是要做爱的啊！都paw at him了跟狗有什么区别。哎哟怎么这么萌啊…Who are u dressing？the generic pissed-off boyfriend，至此小探员已完成训狗大业

喜欢掐脖子…好辣…小探员：I know you like it cuz u came on my legs

小探员。。。。。体质感觉像吴邪。。。吸serial killer

杀手哥小声骂idiot，纯爱番

杀手哥是狗，证据如下：
1.用鼻尖蹭小探员
2.讨厌小探员的别的狗
3.从“你有没有想过留下我”到怕把小探员掐死说it‘s not worth it，永远爱小探员，念叨为什么要在i love you前加if

杀手哥不是狗，因为：
洁癖，强迫小探员从垃圾填埋场回来之后在外面洗澡。！


女神，这是我完整读完的第一个英耽系列，并且每一本都不蠢，每一本的情节都在不断推动中，看着看着就会开始研究语言是怎么组织的。i need more🥺

[paracosmere · Rating 4 out of 5]

Romeo and Chad were as crazy as ever! Took them until end before solving their "issue." Though I expected Romeo to be more pushy about his wish. Kinda anticlimactic how they solved that. Hmm. Oh well, at least they communicated.

Anyway, I felt like this one had a lot of filler moments that seemed totally unnecessary. Like those prolonged banters between Josh and Ally, taking up a lot of screen time which in my opinion, the story could do without. And Ally always lording over Chad made me like her less, she just sounded controlling and irritating. I for one didn't buy her reasons and methods for "protecting" Chad. Just leave the lad alone ffs.

Hopefully Romeo and Chad's story ain't over yet. I can't believe we got a fourth book tbh I already kinda gave up a little. But with that ending I'm now optimistic for a 5th book.

[Sasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series !!

“𝙸 𝚍𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘, 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝’𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚙𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚝. 𝙸 𝚍𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚝𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚝 𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐. 𝙸𝚝’𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚙𝚞𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙸 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎—𝚒𝚝 𝚐𝚛𝚎𝚠 𝚍𝚎𝚜𝚙𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝙸’𝚕𝚕 𝚍𝚘 𝚊𝚗𝚢𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚙𝚛��𝚝𝚎𝚌𝚝 𝚒𝚝. 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚜𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚕𝚍’𝚟𝚎 𝚝𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚎.”

An amazing murder mystery with an extraordinary plotline.

There is a definite character growth, both in terms of love and understanding. But not all is good, Chad is still insecure and unsure of himself and his relationship with Romeo. Whereas Romeo is growing more and more possessive which is kind of given.

Can't wait for what's coming next!!

[MissArlena · Rating 3 out of 5]

Aunque el sentimiento y opinión que tengo de Chad ya lo venía arrastrando de los 3 libros anteriores, en este ha llegado a su cúspide y es que me ha parecido un personaje estúpido a la máxima potencia.

En serio, ¿cómo es posible que una persona que ha sido dominada anteriormente por 2 asesinos en serie, que además de serlo eran psicópatas, pueda seguir tropezando con la misma piedra? Este tipo, no hace más que meterse él solito, sin la ayuda o el acompañamiento de nadie, en situaciones peligrosas, muy peligrosas, a pesar de todo lo que ha sufrido en su propia carne, literalmente. Cuando a estas alturas tendría que saber, por fuerza, que no tiene ni capacidad física, ni entrenamiento, ni inteligencia suficiente, para vencer a este tipo de asesinos, porque estos no son asesinos comunes, son del tipo más inteligente. No se trata de un detective entrenado en el cuerpo a cuerpo, ni tiene una puntería fabulosa, es que no tiene forma de defenderse, pero aún así, él persiste en ver si lo pueden zarandear un poco más.

Volviendo a su inteligencia, se entrevista con un psicópata, y qué hace para intentar obtener información, acudir a sentimientos y sentido del deber, como si se tratara de una persona normal. Claro, porque todo el mundo sabe que los psicópatas se caracterizan por tener mucho sentimientos, y empatizar con los demás seres humanos, seguro. Es ridículo. Y luego, se deja manipular y chantajear por dicho psicópata, porque, a pesar de vivir con uno, y haber sufrido a manos del mismo y de otro, no ha aprendido nada.

Por otra parte, ¿por qué continúa escondiéndole cosas a Romeo? Al final se entera o él mismo se las dice, entonces ¿cuál es el punto en hacerlo?

Y, por más que me guste la relación tan sui generis que tienen, la cual por momentos hasta tiene toques profundamente románticos, no me gusta para nada, que Chad sienta la obligación de complacer a Romeo hasta extremos que vayan en contra su forma de ser, de pensar y sentir, en cosas que no son para nada nimias, sino trascendentales. De hecho nos dice que sería capaz de hacer esas cosas, y de no ser porque Romeo lo ama sinceramente, si fuese una relación basada en la manipulación, entonces Chad caería en ésa trampa.

Al final, sorprendentemente, Chad logra resolver el caso y salir airoso, menos mal, pero el camino para llegar allí, me ha parecido lastimoso.

E increíblemente, es el psicópata de Romeo el que le da al libro el toque romántico, con todas las palabras que le dice a Chad.

En serio, ¡qué frustrante me ha resultado el detective en este libro!

[Nazanin · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Chad and Romeo are enjoying their compromise. But apparently Romeo has a fantasy for a while. When Chad finds out about it he thinks he can participate in Romeo’s fantasy but it means he has to break some boundaries. So what should he do to not losing his sanity and Romeo at the same time…

Told in single POV, 3rd person, it’s the fourth installment in the "Magpie Rhyme" series and should be read in order. The focus of this story is more on the mystery and I wish it was more on their relationship. I wish there was more about Romeo’s fantasy. It was like he brought it up at the beginning and it was solved at the end and nothing in between! And it bothered me a bit! But considering I’m a fan of thrillers, so I still enjoyed it. Overall, it was a good read and hope you like it as well!

[🐈‍⬛ · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was my favourite of the series 🩷
After the 3rd book, I was a bit skeptical of book 4 & what will be next but this book surprised me in the best way possible.

Firstly, this book has the best smut 🌶️, I was fanning myself because of how hot it was. 💕 The club scene was my favourite. The way Romeo was so jealous & protective towards Chad, the dance, the hot toilet sex, everything about that scene was perfection 🤌🏼

Relationship wise, this was also such a good book. The way Romeo got angry on the word “If” was so good. His love for Chad is everything & I’m all here for it.

Mystery wise also, the book was amazing, I quite enjoyed the suspense.

I’m really looking forward to what the author has next for the series.

[Jeniver Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Because of this series, Louise Collins is one of my favorite authors. I love about this one more than the other three because it is Chad POV but Romeo also interact more with him. Also finally Romeo express his love for Chad that we won't find from previous books. As a psychopath without feeling, loving someone is very huge.
Also i love Chad for keeping his believe and personality and won't easily to follow Romeo killing someone just to please him. On the other hand Romeo is proving that he is really love Chad and wont force him to kill people just to please him.

Oh i wish Louise will find her muse and continue to write this series.

[Agalactiae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Comme à chaque nouveau tome, je relis l'intégralité de cette saga. C'est simple, c'est une saga que j'adore et j'adore m'y replonger. Je trouve que Louise Collins nous peint à la perfection cette romance atypique entre ces deux hommes, entre Romeo et Chad, entre le serial killer et l'inspecteur de police. Une romance où quatre entités cohabitent...

Ce quatrième opus est dans la continuité des tomes précédents, mais en même temps, l'auteur se renouvelle, ne se repose pas sur ses acquis. Le couple évolue, le couple doute et nous fait douter. On ne cesse de s'interroger sur le comportement de Romeo aussi, du moins le tueur en lui.

Ils ont une façon bien à eux de se prouver leur amour, un amour qui leur est propre, que personne d'autre ne peut comprendre. L'auteur continue de jouer avec leurs sentiments, nous fait douter aussi... Que j'ai aimé voir ce Romeo si possessif aussi, si blessé par les suppositions de Chad, mais tellement protecteur envers lui. Là est aussi tout le paradoxe lorsqu'on sait qu'il pourrait le tuer...
Les deux hommes ont trouvé un nouvel équilibre, qui leur permet de libérer leur nature respective. Certains passages sont d'une intensité incroyable, et c'est tellement visuel aussi que ça nous déstabilise nous, lecteurs.

C'était tellement plaisant aussi de voir Chad plonger dans une nouvelle enquête, avec pour confident son Romeo. Une enquête d'ailleurs qui n'avait de cesse de nous replonger dans le passé, qui surprend et qui me faisait angoisser !

C'est une saga à ne pas mettre entre toutes les mains, c'est du vrai dark, mais c'est tellement bien écrit, tellement bien développé psychologiquement. Et je suis prête pour le cinquième tome ! ^^

[Fudanshi · Rating 4 out of 5]

OK. The steam had to eventually run out, and it finally did.

Was it amazing like 1-2-3? No.
Was it still good? Yes.

It is infuriating when characters make repeat mistakes, and/or stop communicating with people, especially with the ones they love. At least for me. And the first half was just that. Mistake, after mistake and lack of communication. I don’t care if the love of your life is a serial killer - ya gotta talk. Even more so if he is a serial killer.

The second half however, much better, and equals books 1-3.

Definitely looking forward to book 5.

3.5 ⭐️ and 2.5 🌶️

[Julianne Darlen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Siguen siendo buenos libros pero principalmente se volvieron libros policiacos de misterios y 20% de avance en la pareja principal

Fue lindo leer que Romeo siempre va a amar a chad a pesar que no van a poder compartir realmente los gustos de Romeo al 100% matando juntos, sinceramente yo llegué a pensar que chad si se iba a terminar uniendo. Pero es lindo ver que Romeo se hirió al sentir que Chad dudo de su amor, ya que este si es incondicional

Pero prácticamente el avance de la pareja fue solo al final🫠 aunque igual la escena en el club me encantó

[Suze · Rating 4 out of 5]

These two are still so wrong but still kind of good together, especially at the end where Romeo does show some vulnerability.
Not sure how long Romeo will continue to be in the shadows, living a half life, or someone will spot him and all hell will let loose.
Josh is still the annoyingly good good guy, Ally the hard ass but they both care for Chad.
We are left wondering what Vincent's long game is, when his part in a current spate of murders is revealed.

[pastsimple]

«If I love you.” Romeo repeated. “If…”
“I know you do—”
“Those two letters say otherwise.”
“I just—”
“How dare you put a question mark on my love. How dare you make me feel it then try to dismiss it with an if. It’s your fault it’s there in the first place, I didn’t know what it was until you, and then you dare doubt it.»


Four for a Boy (The Magpie Rhyme Book 4)
Louise Collins

[Luna's Library ⚡︎ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Louise Collins is my auto buy author and Chad and Romeo were intriguing to read as always. The only thing that stopped this from being a 5 ✨ read is how chad jumps face first, with no regard for consequences. Now this is definitely his personality but at this point I thought there’d be some type of growth in that regard.

[Josie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was great; however, I have come to the realization that I don't really like Romeo much. I am not a huge fan of Chad either to be honest, but I like more about him than I do Romeo. It is probably why I like the crime/mystery parts of these books but have a harder time getting into the romantic aspects. Regardless, I am still really enjoying this series.

[Ally · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another amazing book in this solid 5 star series!! Romeo’s possessiveness upped in this one and it GAVE ME LIFE!!! I am so extremely excited to see where the next book takes us after this! Also. I didn’t see the plot twist in this one coming with the killer reveal!!!!

[Sebastián · Rating 5 out of 5]

Me encanto leer esto de principio a fin. Llevo mucho tiempo esperando a que saliera este cuarto libro y hace poco decidí releer el primero y PUM veo que el cuarto ya esta. Ame volver a leer a Chad y Romeo, quede con ganas de más, sera otra larga espera para el quinto.

[Shisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe a serial killer and a detective could have a healthier relationship than me and my ex. I didn't expect myself to like side characters in romance this much too. I would sob if anything happened to Ally and John. I love them!

[Sally · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.8 Again, who knew I could love a serial killer? This series has me wishing I hadn't heard of it until it was completely done...I NEED more...soon.

[Tess · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars

[Kathryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5