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LA Vice
Where love, lies, and the law collide…
In Los Angeles–glitzy, grimy, a place where passions burn as bright as the Hollywood lights–two men find themselves snared in a web of secrets, danger, betrayal and a love that refuses to be extinguished.
Galen Luskey, once a rising legal star, has been reduced to scraping by with criminal clientele after his career took a nosedive two years ago. Witness to a murder that threatens to shatter the fragile stability he’s rebuilt, he has no choice but to turn to the one man he swore he’d never allow back into his life.
Lev Kavazanjian, a hardened LAPD detective nursing wounds of his own, reluctantly gets tangled up with Galen in the aftermath of the crime. Unhealed scars resurface and long-buried desires reignite, sparking a fierce attraction neither man can deny.
But with secrets in the shadows and enemies closing in, Galen and Lev must confront their pasts if they have any hope of a future together. Set in Kat Cassidy’s LA universe, “LA Vice” is a heart-pounding enemies-to-lovers tale of redemption, second chances, and the power of love to conquer all.
Can be enjoyed as a standalone. Rated M for mature.
CW: murder, depression, alcohol use.
In Los Angeles–glitzy, grimy, a place where passions burn as bright as the Hollywood lights–two men find themselves snared in a web of secrets, danger, betrayal and a love that refuses to be extinguished.
Galen Luskey, once a rising legal star, has been reduced to scraping by with criminal clientele after his career took a nosedive two years ago. Witness to a murder that threatens to shatter the fragile stability he’s rebuilt, he has no choice but to turn to the one man he swore he’d never allow back into his life.
Lev Kavazanjian, a hardened LAPD detective nursing wounds of his own, reluctantly gets tangled up with Galen in the aftermath of the crime. Unhealed scars resurface and long-buried desires reignite, sparking a fierce attraction neither man can deny.
But with secrets in the shadows and enemies closing in, Galen and Lev must confront their pasts if they have any hope of a future together. Set in Kat Cassidy’s LA universe, “LA Vice” is a heart-pounding enemies-to-lovers tale of redemption, second chances, and the power of love to conquer all.
Can be enjoyed as a standalone. Rated M for mature.
CW: murder, depression, alcohol use.
208 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 18, 2024
13 people are currently reading
51 people want to read
About the author
Kat Cassidy
9 books41 followersKat Cassidy is a romance novelist. She’s a dreamer, a schemer and, above all else, a believer in true love. She lives in Canada with her husband, her kids, and her lovable mutt, and she likes loud guitars and strong IPAs.
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Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
June 18, 2024
[I received a digital arc for an honest review]
LA Vice is a brand new MM romance by author Kat Cassidy.
The complex tangle of emotions he feels for Lev resurfaces— wanting him back, despising him, aching for what they once had, and resenting how it all fell apart.
Galen's entire life was destroyed when Lev decided to turn his back on the relationship they had started. Now he's just trying to make enough to survive even if that's by defending less than savory people. But when his client's husband/ lover turns up dead he finds himself in need of Lev's help. Galen doesn't fully trust him though which makes Lev's job harder. When old feelings resurface , Lev may be able to explain his past actions but it won't matter much if he kind find whose trying to take out Galen.
The story of LA Vice is solid, I was invested in figuring out who was the murderer and I didn't quite see that twist at the end. Even if a certain someone was giving off major sketch vibes.
The temptation to give in, to reach out and grasp what they’ve lost, is oppressive.
I was also invested in the book's romance. This was primarily thanks to Galen, whom I fell in love with right from the start. However Lev, I was not a fan off ::cough cough:: Galen deserved way better. Lev's reasons for ghosting Galen and then destroying his career and turning his back on him was weak compared to the hurt he caused. His apology not enough in my opinion. I wanted to protect Galen at all costs because he loved Lev so much and the fact that he thought he had done something wrong in their relationship and wasn't enough hurt my heart. He would lash out because he was hurt and vulnerable and those characters are cat nip to me.
Overall, LA Vice by Kat Cassidy is a gritty second chance romance between a detective and attorney with forced proximity, playing house at a safe house, high emotions, forgiveness, danger, and a satisfying ending.
Favorite Quotes:
LA Vice is a brand new MM romance by author Kat Cassidy.
The complex tangle of emotions he feels for Lev resurfaces— wanting him back, despising him, aching for what they once had, and resenting how it all fell apart.
Galen's entire life was destroyed when Lev decided to turn his back on the relationship they had started. Now he's just trying to make enough to survive even if that's by defending less than savory people. But when his client's husband/ lover turns up dead he finds himself in need of Lev's help. Galen doesn't fully trust him though which makes Lev's job harder. When old feelings resurface , Lev may be able to explain his past actions but it won't matter much if he kind find whose trying to take out Galen.
The story of LA Vice is solid, I was invested in figuring out who was the murderer and I didn't quite see that twist at the end. Even if a certain someone was giving off major sketch vibes.
The temptation to give in, to reach out and grasp what they’ve lost, is oppressive.
I was also invested in the book's romance. This was primarily thanks to Galen, whom I fell in love with right from the start. However Lev, I was not a fan off ::cough cough:: Galen deserved way better. Lev's reasons for ghosting Galen and then destroying his career and turning his back on him was weak compared to the hurt he caused. His apology not enough in my opinion. I wanted to protect Galen at all costs because he loved Lev so much and the fact that he thought he had done something wrong in their relationship and wasn't enough hurt my heart. He would lash out because he was hurt and vulnerable and those characters are cat nip to me.
Overall, LA Vice by Kat Cassidy is a gritty second chance romance between a detective and attorney with forced proximity, playing house at a safe house, high emotions, forgiveness, danger, and a satisfying ending.
Favorite Quotes:
June 18, 2024
3.25⭐
2🌶️
.Second chance
.Lawyer & detective
.Murder mystery
.Forced proximity
.Only one bed
Quick and entertaining, this book delivers exactly what it promises.
The characters were well developed, their slow burn rekindling of an old relationship was good, and we get a sprinkling of spice I'm definitely not mad about.
While the murder mystery isn't groundbreaking and feels a bit convoluted and predictable, overall it was a fun read from start to finish.
2🌶️
.Second chance
.Lawyer & detective
.Murder mystery
.Forced proximity
.Only one bed
Quick and entertaining, this book delivers exactly what it promises.
The characters were well developed, their slow burn rekindling of an old relationship was good, and we get a sprinkling of spice I'm definitely not mad about.
While the murder mystery isn't groundbreaking and feels a bit convoluted and predictable, overall it was a fun read from start to finish.
July 1, 2024
This story is told in third person and follows Galen and Lev. I really enjoyed this second chance romance between a criminal lawyer and a homicide detective in LA. This is my first read by this author and worked great for me as a standalone.
Galen was a mess after the man he loved essentially ghosted him with no explanation. His professional life fell apart in the aftermath, and he doesn’t make the brightest decisions. Now he has his own solo office with pretty much one criminal client that gives him plenty of business but is dangerously connected…and he’s having an affair with her husband. There were times when I really felt bad for him and times when I was shaking my head with frustration over his latest decision, but I couldn’t put this one down.
Lev is a homicide detective with a relatively new partner named Callie, and he’s been trying to take down Galen’s number one client for both professional and personal reasons for years. Lev is gruff and hardened, determined not to show his feelings. The type of character that I really gravitate towards in both mystery novels and romances. In the beginning, I really enjoyed the relationship that was building with Callie, but later, I had some issues with some of her reactions as a partner.
When Galen finds his lover aka the boss’s husband dead, he immediately gets caught up in Lev’s investigation of the murder. There’s a great push and pull between these two especially as Lev finds himself sticking close to Galen when his life is threatened. I did have a small issue with Lev taking Galen’s fingerprints for exclusion in a burglary since California lawyers have their fingerprints on file. I assumed that Lev was taking them personally for an anonymous off the record request, but he put Galen’s name on the card, so that confused me.
I was so caught up in Galen’s and Lev’s entanglement that I was completely surprised by the resolution of the mystery in this one. Recommended to MM romance lovers who enjoy mysteries and romantic suspense. Tropes include second chance love, forced proximity, and only one bed. I’ll definitely read this author again.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for a copy provided for an honest review.
Galen was a mess after the man he loved essentially ghosted him with no explanation. His professional life fell apart in the aftermath, and he doesn’t make the brightest decisions. Now he has his own solo office with pretty much one criminal client that gives him plenty of business but is dangerously connected…and he’s having an affair with her husband. There were times when I really felt bad for him and times when I was shaking my head with frustration over his latest decision, but I couldn’t put this one down.
Lev is a homicide detective with a relatively new partner named Callie, and he’s been trying to take down Galen’s number one client for both professional and personal reasons for years. Lev is gruff and hardened, determined not to show his feelings. The type of character that I really gravitate towards in both mystery novels and romances. In the beginning, I really enjoyed the relationship that was building with Callie, but later, I had some issues with some of her reactions as a partner.
When Galen finds his lover aka the boss’s husband dead, he immediately gets caught up in Lev’s investigation of the murder. There’s a great push and pull between these two especially as Lev finds himself sticking close to Galen when his life is threatened. I did have a small issue with Lev taking Galen’s fingerprints for exclusion in a burglary since California lawyers have their fingerprints on file. I assumed that Lev was taking them personally for an anonymous off the record request, but he put Galen’s name on the card, so that confused me.
I was so caught up in Galen’s and Lev’s entanglement that I was completely surprised by the resolution of the mystery in this one. Recommended to MM romance lovers who enjoy mysteries and romantic suspense. Tropes include second chance love, forced proximity, and only one bed. I’ll definitely read this author again.
Thank you to Netgalley and the author for a copy provided for an honest review.
January 11, 2025
I liked this a lot but you’re never gonna convince me that the reason Lev abandoned his relationship w Galen the first time around was given enough airtime or that it made sense as explained. therefore, Galen accepting this reasoning made me want to scream
June 18, 2024
˗ˏˋ ꒰ 𝟒.𝟓/𝟓 ★ ꒱ ˎˊ˗
𝚆𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎, 𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚊𝚠 𝚌𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚍𝚎...
【 ɪ ᴀᴘᴘʀᴇᴄɪᴀᴛᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀʀᴄ ɪ ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ғʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ.ᐟ ᴛʜᴇsᴇ ᴀʀᴇ ᴍʏ ᴏᴡɴ, ɢᴇɴᴜɪɴᴇ -ᴀɴᴅ ᴄʜᴀᴏᴛɪᴄ- ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs જ⁀➴ 】
🔍 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: i was honestly hooked from the very beginning of this book, it really started with a bang (in more ways than one..🔫🫢) and even though i could predict the killer, it was still thrilling and action-packed, so much so that i had a hard time putting this book down. the story was really well-crafted, along with the whole detective & attorney world/atmosphere we get transferred into. i especially enjoyed the MCs' back-and-forth in the early stages of the investigation - it was fun seeing how they navigated being on opposite sides in the legal system, coupled with their hurt bc of their past made it even more interesting & entertaining.
👨❤👨 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: they really were fighting their feelings towards each other, especially Lev. the reason behind their past breakup was kinda idiotic in a way but i also understood where Lev was coming from. he deeply loved Galen and wanted to protect him always - even if he ended up hurting Galen in the process.. i feel like few books do really great, prolonged groveling, and i felt here as well that there could've been more.. i felt a lot for Galen, his whole life was destroyed bc of the breakup and he couldn't seem to catch a break.. i really wanted Lev to fight more for Galen & show his love more, even tho i recognized how he had a hard time opening up.. i still loved all the moments they shared, from the smart (not-so-friendly) banters to vulnerable affections! and i'm glad they got their hard-fought & well-deserved HEA🖤
📖 this was my first book by Kat Cassidy & i was positively suprised by the author's 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴! i'm looking forward to the next book in this series - even just for the possibility of getting more glimpses of Galen & Lev (hopefully🤞)👀
➥ ᴍᴍ
➥ ᴛʜɪʀᴅ-ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴ, ᴅᴜᴀʟ ᴘᴏᴠ
⚖ ᴘᴏʟɪᴄᴇ ᴅᴇᴛᴇᴄᴛɪᴠᴇ × ᴀᴛᴛᴏʀɴᴇʏ
⚖ ᴄʀɪᴍᴇ ɪɴᴠᴇsᴛɪɢᴀᴛɪᴏɴ/ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀ ᴍʏsᴛᴇʀʏ
⚖ sᴇᴄᴏɴᴅ ᴄʜᴀɴᴄᴇ
⚖ (ʟᴏᴠᴇʀs ᴛᴏ) ᴇɴᴇᴍɪᴇs ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇʀs
⚖ ғᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴏxɪᴍɪᴛʏ
⚖ ʙᴇᴅ sʜᴀʀɪɴɢ
⚖ sʟᴏᴡ(ɪsʜ) ʙᴜʀɴ, ʟᴏᴡ sᴘɪᴄᴇ (ɴᴏᴛ ғᴛʙ)
⚖ sᴛᴀɴᴅᴀʟᴏɴᴇ (ɪɴ ᴀ ᴘᴏssɪʙʟᴇ sᴇʀɪᴇs)
➽ ᴛᴡ: ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀ ᴀᴛᴛᴇᴍᴘᴛ, ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀ (ᴏɴ-ᴘᴀɢᴇ, ɴᴏᴛ ɢʀᴀᴘʜɪᴄ), ɢᴜɴ ᴠɪᴏʟᴇɴᴄᴇ, ᴅʀᴜɢɢɪɴɢ, ᴋɪᴅɴᴀᴘᴘɪɴɢ, ɪɴᴊᴜʀʏ/ɪɴᴊᴜʀʏ ᴅᴇᴛᴀɪʟs, (ʙʀɪᴇғ) ʜᴏsᴘɪᴛᴀʟ sᴄᴇɴᴇs
𝚆𝚑𝚎𝚛𝚎 𝚕𝚘𝚟𝚎, 𝚕𝚒𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚊𝚠 𝚌𝚘𝚕𝚕𝚒𝚍𝚎...
【 ɪ ᴀᴘᴘʀᴇᴄɪᴀᴛᴇ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀʀᴄ ɪ ʀᴇᴄᴇɪᴠᴇᴅ ғʀᴏᴍ ᴛʜᴇ ᴀᴜᴛʜᴏʀ.ᐟ ᴛʜᴇsᴇ ᴀʀᴇ ᴍʏ ᴏᴡɴ, ɢᴇɴᴜɪɴᴇ -ᴀɴᴅ ᴄʜᴀᴏᴛɪᴄ- ᴛʜᴏᴜɢʜᴛs જ⁀➴ 】
🔍 𝗶𝗻𝘃𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗴𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: i was honestly hooked from the very beginning of this book, it really started with a bang (in more ways than one..🔫🫢) and even though i could predict the killer, it was still thrilling and action-packed, so much so that i had a hard time putting this book down. the story was really well-crafted, along with the whole detective & attorney world/atmosphere we get transferred into. i especially enjoyed the MCs' back-and-forth in the early stages of the investigation - it was fun seeing how they navigated being on opposite sides in the legal system, coupled with their hurt bc of their past made it even more interesting & entertaining.
❝ “𝑰𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒋𝒖𝒔𝒕 𝒂 𝒈𝒂𝒎𝒆 𝒕𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖?”
𝑮𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒏 𝒎𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒄𝒐𝒎𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒆, 𝒂 𝒔𝒆𝒍𝒇-𝒔𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒔𝒇𝒊𝒆𝒅 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆 𝒕𝒖𝒈𝒈𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒄𝒐𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒓𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒍𝒊𝒑𝒔. “𝑰𝒇 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒆𝒓𝒆, 𝑰’𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝑰’𝒎 𝒎𝒆𝒓𝒆𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒐𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒎𝒚 𝒄𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒕’𝒔 𝒓𝒊𝒈𝒉𝒕𝒔, 𝑫𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆; 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒉𝒐𝒘 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒍𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒍 𝒔𝒚𝒔𝒕𝒆𝒎 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒔. 𝑶𝒓 𝒂𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒚 𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒍𝒍 𝒏𝒐𝒕 𝒕𝒆𝒂𝒄𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆?” ❞
❝ “𝑾𝒉𝒚, 𝑫𝒆𝒕𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒊𝒗𝒆, 𝒊𝒇 𝑰 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝑰’𝒅 𝒂𝒍𝒎𝒐𝒔𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒂𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒃𝒐𝒖𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒘𝒆𝒍𝒍-𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈. 𝑩𝒖𝒕 𝑰 𝒅𝒐 𝒌𝒏𝒐𝒘 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓, 𝒅𝒐𝒏’𝒕 𝑰?” ❞
👨❤👨 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽: they really were fighting their feelings towards each other, especially Lev. the reason behind their past breakup was kinda idiotic in a way but i also understood where Lev was coming from. he deeply loved Galen and wanted to protect him always - even if he ended up hurting Galen in the process.. i feel like few books do really great, prolonged groveling, and i felt here as well that there could've been more.. i felt a lot for Galen, his whole life was destroyed bc of the breakup and he couldn't seem to catch a break.. i really wanted Lev to fight more for Galen & show his love more, even tho i recognized how he had a hard time opening up.. i still loved all the moments they shared, from the smart (not-so-friendly) banters to vulnerable affections! and i'm glad they got their hard-fought & well-deserved HEA🖤
❝ 𝑻𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆’𝒔 𝒂 𝒕𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒊𝒏 𝑳𝒆𝒗’𝒔 𝒕𝒐𝒖𝒄𝒉, 𝒂𝒏 𝒖𝒓𝒈𝒆𝒏𝒄𝒚 𝒊𝒏 𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒌𝒊𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒂𝒔 𝒊𝒇 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒆𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈, 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒚 𝒐𝒖𝒏𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝑳𝒆𝒗 𝒉𝒂𝒔 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒓 𝒇𝒆𝒍𝒕 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝑮𝒂𝒍𝒆𝒏 𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒆𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒑𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒆𝒅 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒉𝒊𝒎 𝒂𝒍𝒍 𝒂𝒕 𝒐𝒏𝒄𝒆. 𝑰𝒕’𝒔 𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏 𝒂 𝒌𝒊𝒔𝒔; 𝒊𝒕’𝒔 𝒂 𝒃𝒓𝒊𝒅𝒈𝒆 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒊𝒓 𝒑𝒂𝒔𝒕 𝒑𝒂𝒊𝒏𝒔 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒇𝒖𝒕𝒖𝒓𝒆 𝒉𝒐𝒑𝒆𝒔. ❞
📖 this was my first book by Kat Cassidy & i was positively suprised by the author's 𝗰𝗮𝗽𝘁𝗶𝘃𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆𝘁𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴! i'm looking forward to the next book in this series - even just for the possibility of getting more glimpses of Galen & Lev (hopefully🤞)👀
➥ ᴍᴍ
➥ ᴛʜɪʀᴅ-ᴘᴇʀsᴏɴ, ᴅᴜᴀʟ ᴘᴏᴠ
⚖ ᴘᴏʟɪᴄᴇ ᴅᴇᴛᴇᴄᴛɪᴠᴇ × ᴀᴛᴛᴏʀɴᴇʏ
⚖ ᴄʀɪᴍᴇ ɪɴᴠᴇsᴛɪɢᴀᴛɪᴏɴ/ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀ ᴍʏsᴛᴇʀʏ
⚖ sᴇᴄᴏɴᴅ ᴄʜᴀɴᴄᴇ
⚖ (ʟᴏᴠᴇʀs ᴛᴏ) ᴇɴᴇᴍɪᴇs ᴛᴏ ʟᴏᴠᴇʀs
⚖ ғᴏʀᴄᴇᴅ ᴘʀᴏxɪᴍɪᴛʏ
⚖ ʙᴇᴅ sʜᴀʀɪɴɢ
⚖ sʟᴏᴡ(ɪsʜ) ʙᴜʀɴ, ʟᴏᴡ sᴘɪᴄᴇ (ɴᴏᴛ ғᴛʙ)
⚖ sᴛᴀɴᴅᴀʟᴏɴᴇ (ɪɴ ᴀ ᴘᴏssɪʙʟᴇ sᴇʀɪᴇs)
➽ ᴛᴡ: ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀ ᴀᴛᴛᴇᴍᴘᴛ, ᴍᴜʀᴅᴇʀ (ᴏɴ-ᴘᴀɢᴇ, ɴᴏᴛ ɢʀᴀᴘʜɪᴄ), ɢᴜɴ ᴠɪᴏʟᴇɴᴄᴇ, ᴅʀᴜɢɢɪɴɢ, ᴋɪᴅɴᴀᴘᴘɪɴɢ, ɪɴᴊᴜʀʏ/ɪɴᴊᴜʀʏ ᴅᴇᴛᴀɪʟs, (ʙʀɪᴇғ) ʜᴏsᴘɪᴛᴀʟ sᴄᴇɴᴇs
June 16, 2024
LA Vice follows Galen, unexpectedly drawn into the role of lawyer for Adara Giannopolous, a prominent drug queenpin in Los Angeles. Complicating matters further, Galen finds himself entangled in an affair with Adara's husband, adding to the turmoil of his already tumultuous life. On the opposite side is police detective Lev, determined to bring Adara to justice for her husband's murder, which inevitably forces him to confront Galen, his former lover.
Both Galen and Lev are complex characters, each grappling with personal flaws and past mistakes
that haunt them. Despite their rocky history, they cannot deny the lingering affection they still harbor for each other, which adds depth to their interactions. The story weaves between their present predicaments and glimpses into their shared past, highlighting the poignant moments of their relationship.
Their story is driven by intrigue, danger, and a web of secrets that continually shape the characters' motivations. Galen and Lev are portrayed as strong-willed and intelligent individuals, yet both struggle with emotional vulnerability, adding layers of complexity to their personalities.
Their story captivates with its fast-paced storytelling, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and redemption against the backdrop of a suspense.
Both Galen and Lev are complex characters, each grappling with personal flaws and past mistakes
that haunt them. Despite their rocky history, they cannot deny the lingering affection they still harbor for each other, which adds depth to their interactions. The story weaves between their present predicaments and glimpses into their shared past, highlighting the poignant moments of their relationship.
Their story is driven by intrigue, danger, and a web of secrets that continually shape the characters' motivations. Galen and Lev are portrayed as strong-willed and intelligent individuals, yet both struggle with emotional vulnerability, adding layers of complexity to their personalities.
Their story captivates with its fast-paced storytelling, exploring themes of love, betrayal, and redemption against the backdrop of a suspense.
July 9, 2024
I enjoyed the story, and found myself yelling at my Kindle screen when Lev couldn't figure out the bad guy was right under his nose the entire time. It was a fun, quick read - but it still had a fully fleshed out plot which I enjoyed. Character diversity, a nice slow-burn/second-chance MM relationship. Solid 3.5 stars.
I have not read from this author before. but I truly appreciate the diversity in this book. So often queer romance books focus on the white characters over BIPOC. Additionally, the plot was enjoyable if not aggravating at times because we, us readers, knew who the villain/antagonist was, but it took far too long for Lev to figure it out. I may have used a few choice words to express my frustration with his surprising lack of observational skills.
I did take away a star from the rating, however, as the drama sometimes read like a soap opera. I found it difficult to reconcile their reactions because they felt more like overreactions. Overall though, I did enjoy the writing and the plot.
ARC received via NetGalley, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.
I have not read from this author before. but I truly appreciate the diversity in this book. So often queer romance books focus on the white characters over BIPOC. Additionally, the plot was enjoyable if not aggravating at times because we, us readers, knew who the villain/antagonist was, but it took far too long for Lev to figure it out. I may have used a few choice words to express my frustration with his surprising lack of observational skills.
I did take away a star from the rating, however, as the drama sometimes read like a soap opera. I found it difficult to reconcile their reactions because they felt more like overreactions. Overall though, I did enjoy the writing and the plot.
ARC received via NetGalley, and I have given my honest and voluntary review.
June 14, 2024
Standalone suspense. Second chance. Slow burn. Dual POV.
Galen didn’t intend to become the lawyer for an LA drug queenpin, but here he is, and having an affair with her husband is just another slide into the downward spiral of his life. Police detective Lev is a dedicated cop, and things are getting messy in his hope of bringing Adara Giannopolous to justice with the murder of her husband, he inevitably has to cross paths with Galen, his former lover.
Both Galen and Lev are interesting characters, both with flaws and past mistakes that haunt them, but neither can forget the time when they were happy together. I enjoyed the times when Galen and Lev are on page together, the peeks into their past relationship were my favorites, as well as the fact that both men are strong willed and intelligent if a little hesitant to be emotionally vulnerable. There are too many secrets on both sides, but the fast moving story allows each reveal to push the character’s motivations along, and with the continued intrigue and danger throughout this was an entertaining read. 4.5 rounded up
Galen didn’t intend to become the lawyer for an LA drug queenpin, but here he is, and having an affair with her husband is just another slide into the downward spiral of his life. Police detective Lev is a dedicated cop, and things are getting messy in his hope of bringing Adara Giannopolous to justice with the murder of her husband, he inevitably has to cross paths with Galen, his former lover.
Both Galen and Lev are interesting characters, both with flaws and past mistakes that haunt them, but neither can forget the time when they were happy together. I enjoyed the times when Galen and Lev are on page together, the peeks into their past relationship were my favorites, as well as the fact that both men are strong willed and intelligent if a little hesitant to be emotionally vulnerable. There are too many secrets on both sides, but the fast moving story allows each reveal to push the character’s motivations along, and with the continued intrigue and danger throughout this was an entertaining read. 4.5 rounded up
June 25, 2024
4 Stars and my thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for the eARC!
LA Vice is a short, fun novel about Detective Lev and Lawyer Galen; the two of them working together to save Galen from a notorious crime boss while also struggling to make sense of their past love story falling to pieces.
I really really liked this book, enough to want to search out Cassidy's other novels. Her writing is so quick and snappy, I didn't realize I was almost done with this (admittedly short anyway) story.
The only thing that knocks my rating down a point is the fact that we don't learn the full story of why Lev left Galen the first time until more than halfway through the book, and I feel like that apology wasn't enough. Sure, Galen forgave him, but that was such a weak apology for something so devastating. Communication is one of the most important things in a relationship. (I say this knowing that Galen still re-initiated the relationship without saying he was present at the house after Chris was killed lol).
Other than that, I really liked this!
LA Vice is a short, fun novel about Detective Lev and Lawyer Galen; the two of them working together to save Galen from a notorious crime boss while also struggling to make sense of their past love story falling to pieces.
I really really liked this book, enough to want to search out Cassidy's other novels. Her writing is so quick and snappy, I didn't realize I was almost done with this (admittedly short anyway) story.
The only thing that knocks my rating down a point is the fact that we don't learn the full story of why Lev left Galen the first time until more than halfway through the book, and I feel like that apology wasn't enough. Sure, Galen forgave him, but that was such a weak apology for something so devastating. Communication is one of the most important things in a relationship. (I say this knowing that Galen still re-initiated the relationship without saying he was present at the house after Chris was killed lol).
Other than that, I really liked this!
June 6, 2024
I’ve really enjoyed this story and it appears there will be more with characters from this book. I’ll be watching for them.
Lev is a detective who has been trying to bring down drug queenpin Adara Giannopoulos for a number of years. He has a history with her family.
His ex Galen is an attorney for Adara which puts Lev and Galen at odds. They both still have an attraction but neither is dealing with it.
When Adara’s husband is murdered things change when Galen needs Lev’s help.
There is so much to this story. The romance is a big part that tore at my heart. The reason for their breakup is so sad.
The mystery part is good. It slowly is revealed and the tension and actions kept me page turning.
I really had a hard time setting this down until the end. I feel the flow to the story was consistent and held my interest all the way through. I loved both of the mc’s and felt sorry that they had not had better communication.
I can’t wait for the next in the series.
Lev is a detective who has been trying to bring down drug queenpin Adara Giannopoulos for a number of years. He has a history with her family.
His ex Galen is an attorney for Adara which puts Lev and Galen at odds. They both still have an attraction but neither is dealing with it.
When Adara’s husband is murdered things change when Galen needs Lev’s help.
There is so much to this story. The romance is a big part that tore at my heart. The reason for their breakup is so sad.
The mystery part is good. It slowly is revealed and the tension and actions kept me page turning.
I really had a hard time setting this down until the end. I feel the flow to the story was consistent and held my interest all the way through. I loved both of the mc’s and felt sorry that they had not had better communication.
I can’t wait for the next in the series.
September 14, 2024
Murder. Suspense.Lawyer. Detective. Check check check and check ✔️
I really enjoyed getting to know Galen and Lev. They had “A sexual fling” a few years back that didn’t end well and have since had to cross paths in their respective jobs. Lev has thrown himself into his work, and Galen had to take desperate measures when he hit a career low. A murder that happens at both their door steps brings them back together, and neither of them are prepared for what they are about to face, professional and intimately. This one had a twist I didn’t see coming and I really should have, it was one of those 🤦♀️ moments because I watch plenty of true crime to have not picked up on it sooner but it made the story much more interesting! If you like a little murder, suspense, a second chance and a 222 page quick read you should add this one to your TBR! It looks like this might be the start of a series and I’m looking forward to where Kat takes it!
I really enjoyed getting to know Galen and Lev. They had “A sexual fling” a few years back that didn’t end well and have since had to cross paths in their respective jobs. Lev has thrown himself into his work, and Galen had to take desperate measures when he hit a career low. A murder that happens at both their door steps brings them back together, and neither of them are prepared for what they are about to face, professional and intimately. This one had a twist I didn’t see coming and I really should have, it was one of those 🤦♀️ moments because I watch plenty of true crime to have not picked up on it sooner but it made the story much more interesting! If you like a little murder, suspense, a second chance and a 222 page quick read you should add this one to your TBR! It looks like this might be the start of a series and I’m looking forward to where Kat takes it!
June 30, 2024
Ticks all the boxes of things I love in #MMRomance:
✅Enemies to lovers
✅ Second chance romance
✅ Forced proximity
✅ Bed sharing
✅ Dual POV
I really enjoyed Kat Cassidy's previous LA universe books and the latest story set in that world is fast-paced yet slow-burn at the same time and includes just enough twists and turns to keep you wanting to know what's going to happen next.
I liked the way the second-chance romance is pulled together and the forced-proximity premise as well as the way Lev and Galan need to work together even though they are technically on opposite sides of the law. I did feel that the reason for the original break-up was a little weak, but the reasoning for it makes sense in the broader context of the story arch.
Overall an enjoyable read.
I'm *really* looking forward to the next book!
Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
✅Enemies to lovers
✅ Second chance romance
✅ Forced proximity
✅ Bed sharing
✅ Dual POV
I really enjoyed Kat Cassidy's previous LA universe books and the latest story set in that world is fast-paced yet slow-burn at the same time and includes just enough twists and turns to keep you wanting to know what's going to happen next.
I liked the way the second-chance romance is pulled together and the forced-proximity premise as well as the way Lev and Galan need to work together even though they are technically on opposite sides of the law. I did feel that the reason for the original break-up was a little weak, but the reasoning for it makes sense in the broader context of the story arch.
Overall an enjoyable read.
I'm *really* looking forward to the next book!
Four stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐
June 16, 2024
I'm rounding up to four stars because on the whole I enjoyed reading this. I almost noped out of it on page one when we started with unnecessary past perfect tense (the book is in present tense, so simple past is all that's needed for memories), and I'm glad I didn't. The main and secondary characters were engaging, and the plot was fairly twisty. I thought the reason for the (past) break-up was weak, and the big reunion got awfully monologue-y, but I was happy to keep reading to the end, and I'll look forward to the promised sequel. I do hope some particularly awkward/amusing misplaced modifiers get fixed before publication.
My thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
My thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
June 24, 2024
It starts with a murder. Galen, a trial attorney is a partial witness but he runs to hide his involvement. This brings Detective Lev back into his life, a love affair gone sour and the man responsible for his former career going down hill. Interwoven through the murder and crime story is the renewal of their love both thought long gone. It was a convoluted mystery that was intriguing all the while you are thinking, " No, Galen no". Lev and Galen were a pleasure together and you cheered for them. Very enjoyable!
July 9, 2024
3.75 stars
This was fun. Nice quick paced and action-packed.
The second chance romance was great, and the chemistry with our main characters was fantastic.
The murder mystery part was fun, although you can see the hints of who it is if you're paying attention from the start.
Overall, this was a fun, quick read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was fun. Nice quick paced and action-packed.
The second chance romance was great, and the chemistry with our main characters was fantastic.
The murder mystery part was fun, although you can see the hints of who it is if you're paying attention from the start.
Overall, this was a fun, quick read.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2024
Deeply felt, smartly written, book about broken people pushing all the bullshit aside and learning to properly connect. Some fun crime/mystery elements, and the author has real love for her characters, but you can tell the real thrill for her is emotional catharsis. Looking forward to the next one by Ms. Cassidy.
June 23, 2024
Sorry, edit. I got the book on KU
Bye book. Any lawyer who considers himself a great one and thinks that it is a good idea to sleep with his client's husband ( while his client is a dangerous lady mob boss to top it all) is a complete air head. Period, end of story.
Also I learned by now that in some books present tense narration can work well. This book is not that book.
Bye book. Any lawyer who considers himself a great one and thinks that it is a good idea to sleep with his client's husband ( while his client is a dangerous lady mob boss to top it all) is a complete air head. Period, end of story.
Also I learned by now that in some books present tense narration can work well. This book is not that book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2024
I received an ARC copy through Netgalley -
I enjoyed the story, and found myself yelling at my Kindle screen when Lev couldn't figure out the bad guy was right under his nose the entire time. It was a fun, quick read - but it still had a fully fleshed out plot which I enjoyed. Character diversity, a nice slow-burn/second-chance MM relationship. Solid 3.5 stars.
I enjoyed the story, and found myself yelling at my Kindle screen when Lev couldn't figure out the bad guy was right under his nose the entire time. It was a fun, quick read - but it still had a fully fleshed out plot which I enjoyed. Character diversity, a nice slow-burn/second-chance MM relationship. Solid 3.5 stars.
June 20, 2024
great character development
The author has a gift of character development. The two main characters felt very real. The plot was good. The book had the potential to be expanded to further develop the plot and side characters.
The author has a gift of character development. The two main characters felt very real. The plot was good. The book had the potential to be expanded to further develop the plot and side characters.
Read
June 26, 2024strong characters, i just can't cope with the present-tense 3rd-person style, difficult to read, gave the action an unnecessary distance. good to see callie again (from another series by this author)
October 6, 2024
Dnf. Very quickly. Overly simplistic sentence structure coupled with severe lack of logic on part of main character.
June 29, 2024
Obsessed with Galen and Lev 🤍 This book delivers everything it promises and more! My favourite from Kat Cassidy yet!! And I can’t wait to read Adam’s story next 👏🏻
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