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Nothing Good
Charming and irreverent hitman Rainy happily holds the title of deadliest man in Miami. Or, at least, he used to. Things have started to go sour now that a new crime lord has moved to town, bringing along his right-hand man—the dour, dry-witted, totally fun-hating ex-military assassin known as Adler. When the two are contracted to kill each other, it becomes clear that Rainy may have finally met his match. Adler is clever, infuriatingly competent, and stupidly attractive. Oh, well. Rainy’s employers hired him to kill Adler, but they never said he couldn’t sleep with the guy in the meantime.
As their cat-and-mouse game grows deadly, though, Rainy starts to suspect that he may have gotten in over his head. He and Adler have more in common than he expected—both the painful pasts they’ve been running from and the truths about themselves they don’t want to face. Maybe Rainy doesn’t want to kill Adler—in fact, he might even love him.
And that’s definitely going to get him killed.
As their cat-and-mouse game grows deadly, though, Rainy starts to suspect that he may have gotten in over his head. He and Adler have more in common than he expected—both the painful pasts they’ve been running from and the truths about themselves they don’t want to face. Maybe Rainy doesn’t want to kill Adler—in fact, he might even love him.
And that’s definitely going to get him killed.
292 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2024
27 people are currently reading
409 people want to read
About the author
R.J. Piper
1 book40 followersR. J. Piper is a villain, a rogue, and a scourge upon society. Her favorite pastimes are hiking, playing with her dogs, and doing stupid things solely for the sake of the bit. She was born and raised in California and studies political science.
R. J. writes spicy romance with a decidedly dark comedy bent. If you pick up one of her books, you can expect cynical, damaged, often violent people falling in hopeless, sappy love with other cynical, damaged, and violent people.
Nothing Good is her first novel and the first in the Gratuitous Violets trilogy.
You can berate R.J. for corrupting the morals of America here:
Instagram: @rjpiper_writes
TikTok: @rjpiper_writes
R. J. writes spicy romance with a decidedly dark comedy bent. If you pick up one of her books, you can expect cynical, damaged, often violent people falling in hopeless, sappy love with other cynical, damaged, and violent people.
Nothing Good is her first novel and the first in the Gratuitous Violets trilogy.
You can berate R.J. for corrupting the morals of America here:
Instagram: @rjpiper_writes
TikTok: @rjpiper_writes
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
May 1, 2025
Nothing good, fitting title 🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️🤷🏻♀️
(Warning: This book put me in a slump)
I'm struggling to articulate what exactly it was about this book that I didn't like, and it's hard to put my finger on.
But it comes down to the fact that the whole plot can be explained in 1 sentence.
2 hired killers, try to kill eachother, but fall in love.
✨TADA✨
🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
Pros:
*The idea - 2 hitman trying to kill each other, sounds hot.
*The smut - 2 smut scenes in this book are hot af. One involves watching themselves in a mirror, and the other is one MC watching the other MC getting fucked by someone else (I know that's not for everyone, but it was a power play move that I enjoyed in this story)
*The fact they don't fall in love at first eye contact - they genuinely seem to want to end each others lives for like... maybe half the book at least. So that was good? 🤷🏻♀️
Cons:
*The writing..... omg THE WRITING..... I harped on a lot in my updates about this, but the sentence structures and language in this book, is of like.... a grade 12 essay standard, there is nothing imaginative/overly creative to it.. (which may be nice for some who just want a no-thoughts kind of read, but my no-thoughts kind of reads still have imaginative story structure)
Nothing about the writing kept my brain focused and excited, and it just felt SO SIMPLE that I was struggling to get into the story as a whole because the themes of hitmen/gangs/ect are kind of deep/dark themes?
But the writing was juvenile for most of the story.
*The fact the MC fucks another dude on page which won't be everyone's cup of tea.
*The MC's falling for eachother and still trying to kill each other after these "actually, I don't want to kill you" vibes/incidents was really confusing.
Like the undying loyalty to their gangs didn't make much sense, and then it was like
✨POOF, PROBLEM OVER, WE CAN BE LOVERS NOW ✨
Um why? You're still in opposing gangs??
Why is your gang lord okay with this now, but not yesterday???
*Not a single side character is worth 5 seconds of your energy.
MAYBE GIVE IT A TRY, I WAS IN A MOOD, I AM A MOOD, LIFE IS HARD, I WANT READING TO FEEL FUN AND FLOWERY AND NOT LIKE I'M READING A GRADE 12 "WRITE A STORY" ASSIGNMENT!
(This was a netgalley Arc, a late one because I'm a POS, but my opinion is honest and of my own brain thoughts hahaha)
(Warning: This book put me in a slump)
I'm struggling to articulate what exactly it was about this book that I didn't like, and it's hard to put my finger on.
But it comes down to the fact that the whole plot can be explained in 1 sentence.
2 hired killers, try to kill eachother, but fall in love.
✨TADA✨
🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄
Pros:
*The idea - 2 hitman trying to kill each other, sounds hot.
*The smut - 2 smut scenes in this book are hot af. One involves watching themselves in a mirror, and the other is one MC watching the other MC getting fucked by someone else (I know that's not for everyone, but it was a power play move that I enjoyed in this story)
*The fact they don't fall in love at first eye contact - they genuinely seem to want to end each others lives for like... maybe half the book at least. So that was good? 🤷🏻♀️
Cons:
*The writing..... omg THE WRITING..... I harped on a lot in my updates about this, but the sentence structures and language in this book, is of like.... a grade 12 essay standard, there is nothing imaginative/overly creative to it.. (which may be nice for some who just want a no-thoughts kind of read, but my no-thoughts kind of reads still have imaginative story structure)
Nothing about the writing kept my brain focused and excited, and it just felt SO SIMPLE that I was struggling to get into the story as a whole because the themes of hitmen/gangs/ect are kind of deep/dark themes?
But the writing was juvenile for most of the story.
*The fact the MC fucks another dude on page which won't be everyone's cup of tea.
*The MC's falling for eachother and still trying to kill each other after these "actually, I don't want to kill you" vibes/incidents was really confusing.
Like the undying loyalty to their gangs didn't make much sense, and then it was like
✨POOF, PROBLEM OVER, WE CAN BE LOVERS NOW ✨
Um why? You're still in opposing gangs??
Why is your gang lord okay with this now, but not yesterday???
*Not a single side character is worth 5 seconds of your energy.
MAYBE GIVE IT A TRY, I WAS IN A MOOD, I AM A MOOD, LIFE IS HARD, I WANT READING TO FEEL FUN AND FLOWERY AND NOT LIKE I'M READING A GRADE 12 "WRITE A STORY" ASSIGNMENT!
(This was a netgalley Arc, a late one because I'm a POS, but my opinion is honest and of my own brain thoughts hahaha)
October 18, 2024
4.5***** stars
WHAT A FUCKING FABULOUS DEBUT NOVEL!!
I’m already super sad to see Rainy and Adler go for now and I can hardly wait for their return next spring. What an awesome first installment for their love story. Can’t wait to discover more and more about them.
The author describes this book as a dark comedy romance and I loved the witty writing a lot. So I had a lot of fun with this book that was written solely from Rainy’s POV. Btw, we share the liking for our favorite drink. Love that about him.
So here we have two professional hitman, assigned to kill the other, one laid-back, the other rigid in their personalities. They both come close to succeeding a few times, but somehow neither of them ever followed through for one reason or another.
A fabulous game of cat and mouse ensues, that was thrilling most of the times, with sides of good laughs, sex at the weirdest of times and some really heart-heavy moments.
I have no idea how many installments Rainy and Adler will need but their HEA is far off if even possible at this point.
side note: I guess the author’s dedication of this book for Ron DeSantis came with a raised middle finger. And I adored the ridiculous headlines (probably an homage to the silly and OTT real ones we see out there) that started off each new chapter.
***************
Gratuitous Violets Series
Book 1 - Nothing Good - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Always Something - release 2025
WHAT A FUCKING FABULOUS DEBUT NOVEL!!
I’m already super sad to see Rainy and Adler go for now and I can hardly wait for their return next spring. What an awesome first installment for their love story. Can’t wait to discover more and more about them.
The author describes this book as a dark comedy romance and I loved the witty writing a lot. So I had a lot of fun with this book that was written solely from Rainy’s POV. Btw, we share the liking for our favorite drink. Love that about him.
Rainy’s evening was turning out to be sort of a mixed bag. On the one hand, he’d gotten what was probably the best blowjob of his life. On the other, his date had followed it up by pulling a gun on him. Really fifty-fifty, if he thought about it.
So here we have two professional hitman, assigned to kill the other, one laid-back, the other rigid in their personalities. They both come close to succeeding a few times, but somehow neither of them ever followed through for one reason or another.
A fabulous game of cat and mouse ensues, that was thrilling most of the times, with sides of good laughs, sex at the weirdest of times and some really heart-heavy moments.
He’d thought he would enjoy this, even fantasized about it. But now he just wanted it to end. He wanted Adler to stop fighting, so he could stop hurting him. He wanted to be done.
I have no idea how many installments Rainy and Adler will need but their HEA is far off if even possible at this point.
side note: I guess the author’s dedication of this book for Ron DeSantis came with a raised middle finger. And I adored the ridiculous headlines (probably an homage to the silly and OTT real ones we see out there) that started off each new chapter.
***************
Gratuitous Violets Series
Book 1 - Nothing Good - 4.5 stars
Book 2 - Always Something - release 2025
October 27, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Victory Editing for providing a digital review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
This was a delicious debut. I usually dislike books with a lot of spice, but this book was unhinged in the best of ways and I couldn’t imagine the story without it. Both Rainy and Adler are absolutely feral, and are truly enemies to lovers. They take “will-they-won’t-they” to the next level and the tension (the angst?!) is so good! Read this if you’re looking for a good time with some spice and murder thrown in.
This was a delicious debut. I usually dislike books with a lot of spice, but this book was unhinged in the best of ways and I couldn’t imagine the story without it. Both Rainy and Adler are absolutely feral, and are truly enemies to lovers. They take “will-they-won’t-they” to the next level and the tension (the angst?!) is so good! Read this if you’re looking for a good time with some spice and murder thrown in.
September 29, 2024
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️
It is also a shame I didn’t enjoy this book more.
Because hitman vs hitman hate sex? Hot AF. Unfortunately, the writing and the storyline weren’t giving what this trope needed.
~ SPOILER WARNING ~
First of all, I would’ve loved a dual POV, to see Rainy from Adler’s eyes. Some stories are great with just one point of view, but here it felt like something was missing.
This also ties in with my second point, which is a more solid backstory for the characters.
Seeing as this might be the start of a series, hopefully in later installments we get to dig deeper into what makes them them, because although we do get some info on their pasts, it was a bit surface-level for me.
I also wasn’t really invested in the loads of side characters, way too many people introduced and my brain can’t keep up with everyone. This lead to me skimming lots of the dialogue, because not only was it boring, it just wasn’t relevant to the plot.
If anything needs to be explored further in the next book, let it be the hot as fuck dom energy Adler was giving in that last spice scene.
The smut was insane. I loved the banter, the struggle of trying to remain enemies but ‘why is he so goddamn attractive’, the ’fuck now, might kill you later’. Had the whole book been just them fucking and fighting, I think I would’ve enjoyed it more.
Nothing Good has so much potential to be an awesome series, so really hoping that the next one will bring that extra spark that was missing here.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Hitman vs Hitman
- Enemies to lovers
- Threesome scene
- Vers MCs
- Rimming
- Breath play
- HFN ending
« It really was a shame that one of them was going to be dead at the end of this. »
It is also a shame I didn’t enjoy this book more.
Because hitman vs hitman hate sex? Hot AF. Unfortunately, the writing and the storyline weren’t giving what this trope needed.
~ SPOILER WARNING ~
First of all, I would’ve loved a dual POV, to see Rainy from Adler’s eyes. Some stories are great with just one point of view, but here it felt like something was missing.
This also ties in with my second point, which is a more solid backstory for the characters.
Seeing as this might be the start of a series, hopefully in later installments we get to dig deeper into what makes them them, because although we do get some info on their pasts, it was a bit surface-level for me.
I also wasn’t really invested in the loads of side characters, way too many people introduced and my brain can’t keep up with everyone. This lead to me skimming lots of the dialogue, because not only was it boring, it just wasn’t relevant to the plot.
“Fuck, God.” “Did I give you permission to speak freely?” “No, sir,” Rainy gasped.
If anything needs to be explored further in the next book, let it be the hot as fuck dom energy Adler was giving in that last spice scene.
The smut was insane. I loved the banter, the struggle of trying to remain enemies but ‘why is he so goddamn attractive’, the ’fuck now, might kill you later’. Had the whole book been just them fucking and fighting, I think I would’ve enjoyed it more.
“I’ll kill you tomorrow,” he said, as bored as though he were announcing he’d take a trip to the supermarket.
Nothing Good has so much potential to be an awesome series, so really hoping that the next one will bring that extra spark that was missing here.
And then the apprehension and adrenaline were undercut by a flash of sadness from the knowledge that from the very beginning, from the very first moment they’d met, nothing good or soft could have ever come of this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Hitman vs Hitman
- Enemies to lovers
- Threesome scene
- Vers MCs
- Rimming
- Breath play
- HFN ending
December 11, 2025
Hats off to R.J. Piper for crushing it with Nothing Good, her debut novel. Though the killing and overall bloodiness isn't my usual thing, the book was snappy and entertaining.
Wow, this really doesn't feel like a debut novel. At all.
I'm not a suspense reader, and so this book was a bit outside my comfort zone. It's a romance for people made of a little stronger stuff than me, TBH. However, it really grew on me over time, and I had a hard time putting it down. Nothing Good would make a fabulous audiobook (hint, hint).
This is a series, so the relationship is really just getting going at the end of book #1. However, the chemistry is there. There is a playfulness to this book that is just delightful, even if it involves a lot of pain (like, physical pain... they are always tearing each other up and not in a sexy way). I'm squeamish with violence, but the banter and surprising emotional depth made it worth it.
I think this book shows impressive range, and I can't wait to see what this author comes up with next.
goodreads|instagram
Wow, this really doesn't feel like a debut novel. At all.
I'm not a suspense reader, and so this book was a bit outside my comfort zone. It's a romance for people made of a little stronger stuff than me, TBH. However, it really grew on me over time, and I had a hard time putting it down. Nothing Good would make a fabulous audiobook (hint, hint).
This is a series, so the relationship is really just getting going at the end of book #1. However, the chemistry is there. There is a playfulness to this book that is just delightful, even if it involves a lot of pain (like, physical pain... they are always tearing each other up and not in a sexy way). I'm squeamish with violence, but the banter and surprising emotional depth made it worth it.
I think this book shows impressive range, and I can't wait to see what this author comes up with next.
goodreads|instagram
August 27, 2024
“Why’d you blow me in a cellar if you were just planning on killing me?” Jesse shrugged. “I had a little extra time. Besides, it seems only polite, don’t you think?” Rainy felt a stupid grin spread across his face. It really was a shame that one of them was going to be dead at the end of this.
Are you kidding me? Why was this book so gooooood? The tension! The action! The spice! The angst! It's bloody, it's quirky, it's queer and funny and occasionally unbelievably sweet and that beautiful beautiful writing, how is it possible that it's an author's debut?!
The story is about two assassins who are tasked to kill each other, but somehow end up... fucking each other's brain out. And the phrase "will they or won't they" here takes on a wholly new meaning. And the ending! No, have no fear, it doesn't end with a cliffy, still I need to know, what's next, like, yesterday.
The only and very slight issue I've found with this story is that it is told solely from Rainy's POV, and I really would have liked a tiny glimpse in Adler's head or heart, that's it. Now, may I get the next installment, pretty please? 4.5/5
Are you kidding me? Why was this book so gooooood? The tension! The action! The spice! The angst! It's bloody, it's quirky, it's queer and funny and occasionally unbelievably sweet and that beautiful beautiful writing, how is it possible that it's an author's debut?!
The story is about two assassins who are tasked to kill each other, but somehow end up... fucking each other's brain out. And the phrase "will they or won't they" here takes on a wholly new meaning. And the ending! No, have no fear, it doesn't end with a cliffy, still I need to know, what's next, like, yesterday.
The only and very slight issue I've found with this story is that it is told solely from Rainy's POV, and I really would have liked a tiny glimpse in Adler's head or heart, that's it. Now, may I get the next installment, pretty please? 4.5/5
September 27, 2024
This was sooooo good! What an awesome début. I already knew I was going to enjoy it when I saw that the author dedicated the book to Ron DeSantis. Lol. This is an action-packed, hard-won enemies to lovers book about 2 hitmen for rival criminal enterprises who keep ending up in each other's crosshairs - literally.
Our protagonist is Rainy, a Florida native working as an independent contractor but with loyalties to an established crime family. Rainy is easygoing and competent on the outside, friendly and charming, but lonely in a way he'd never admit. He meets his match in Adler, an uptight, mysterious and ultra deadly assassin who is hired to take him out. They have surprising chemistry and are evenly matched, which is a novelty for both of them. The book is only from Rainy's perspective, but they back-and-forth over whose turn it is to kill who for the duration of the book.
It was pretty funny, I loved the banter. The characters are well-fleshed out and the chemistry really was great. The action sequences were fantastic too. This could honestly be a Guy Richie movie.
Although it doesn't end on a cliffhanger - their relationship is still extremely tenuous by the end, so I am delighted that there's more to come.
Our protagonist is Rainy, a Florida native working as an independent contractor but with loyalties to an established crime family. Rainy is easygoing and competent on the outside, friendly and charming, but lonely in a way he'd never admit. He meets his match in Adler, an uptight, mysterious and ultra deadly assassin who is hired to take him out. They have surprising chemistry and are evenly matched, which is a novelty for both of them. The book is only from Rainy's perspective, but they back-and-forth over whose turn it is to kill who for the duration of the book.
It was pretty funny, I loved the banter. The characters are well-fleshed out and the chemistry really was great. The action sequences were fantastic too. This could honestly be a Guy Richie movie.
Although it doesn't end on a cliffhanger - their relationship is still extremely tenuous by the end, so I am delighted that there's more to come.
September 3, 2024
I adored this book. Rainy and Adler had great chemistry between them and I couldn't put this book down. I was pretty much glued to my Kindle all day reading it. I loved their banter and the cat & mouse game they played with one another. The book had a lot of humor in it and their sarcastic bantering with one another was a true highlight of the book. What I loved most was how their little bantering always showed details that kept coming back up, like the sweetheart nickname and the payback for the tires. It showed just how close these two got over time because things that were meant to aggravate them turned into inside jokes and terms of endearment between them.
I really love Adler he was my favorite from the book, I love his wit and sarcasm as well as his vulnerable and emotional side that he keeps locked away, only showing to Rainy when they get close to one another.
The pacing is fast which keeps you engaged but I felt their relationship and the development of it had a lot of highs and lows which made for a complying read as one moment they were making out and the next they were trying to kill one another. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book, I'm a real fan of these two and anything to see more of Adler and Rainy is a win for me.
I really love Adler he was my favorite from the book, I love his wit and sarcasm as well as his vulnerable and emotional side that he keeps locked away, only showing to Rainy when they get close to one another.
The pacing is fast which keeps you engaged but I felt their relationship and the development of it had a lot of highs and lows which made for a complying read as one moment they were making out and the next they were trying to kill one another. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book, I'm a real fan of these two and anything to see more of Adler and Rainy is a win for me.
September 6, 2024
Wow, I just read incredible book! From the very first sentence, I was completely hooked. The writing, the characters, and their banter were absolutely amazing. I couldn't believe just how good it was!
The story is about two serial assassins who are supposed to kill each other but instead end up having spicy moments together. It might sound like a typical premise, but let me tell you, this book takes everything to a whole new level.
Adler and Rainy have such incredible chemistry that you can't deny. There was a moment that literally took my breath away, and I found myself thinking, "No way, it can't end like this!" The balance of drama and comedy is just top-notch. I enjoyed every moment of reading this book.
A big round of applause for this debut! can't wait for the next book in the spring to dive back into the world with the boys.
Huge thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for the ARC.
The story is about two serial assassins who are supposed to kill each other but instead end up having spicy moments together. It might sound like a typical premise, but let me tell you, this book takes everything to a whole new level.
Adler and Rainy have such incredible chemistry that you can't deny. There was a moment that literally took my breath away, and I found myself thinking, "No way, it can't end like this!" The balance of drama and comedy is just top-notch. I enjoyed every moment of reading this book.
A big round of applause for this debut! can't wait for the next book in the spring to dive back into the world with the boys.
Huge thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for the ARC.
January 26, 2025
4 stars
This was a blast!
Fast-paced, funny, violent. And yet, poignant and soft in moments, which led me to truly believe in the romance between the MCs. I may even have shed a tear.
Rainy and Adler, assassins for rival mobs, have each been tasked to kill the other. And they make several legitimate attempts at the task, while also having violent sex, before finally deciding they'd kind of rather the other not die.
This does feature , which I'm typically not a fan of, but both Rainy and Adler are participants, and the author manages to spin it in a way that makes sense for the story and the relationship.
There's more coming to this series and relationship, but I'm quite happy with where the author leaves their fledgling relationship. This is probably for the best as I'm terrible at finishing series, in spite of my desire to read on. It's well-written, a very impressive debut, and exciting to see what the author does next.
This was a blast!
Fast-paced, funny, violent. And yet, poignant and soft in moments, which led me to truly believe in the romance between the MCs. I may even have shed a tear.
Rainy and Adler, assassins for rival mobs, have each been tasked to kill the other. And they make several legitimate attempts at the task, while also having violent sex, before finally deciding they'd kind of rather the other not die.
This does feature , which I'm typically not a fan of, but both Rainy and Adler are participants, and the author manages to spin it in a way that makes sense for the story and the relationship.
There's more coming to this series and relationship, but I'm quite happy with where the author leaves their fledgling relationship. This is probably for the best as I'm terrible at finishing series, in spite of my desire to read on. It's well-written, a very impressive debut, and exciting to see what the author does next.
September 22, 2024
Quite a debut novel! One of the best books that I will read this year, and I almost put it down in the first chapter. There is a lot of violence, as this is the story of two contract killers who are each assigned to kill the other, but something happens when they feel their electric chemistry. It slows them down, but does not stop them from trying to off each other. Usually after a hot sexual encounter.
Even though I was reading every one of the scenes of violence with only one eye open, they made sense for what was happening. If I had not known there is a second book coming I wouldn’t have been surprised if one assassin did kill the other in their frequent fights to the death.
There are plot lines of their cooperation with each other against a rival crime lord. Rainey even muses to Adler that they should team up. I vote for that. I liked all the scenes of the trust building between them, even if it is brief. The wonderful book ending is a scene the opposite of what usually went down between the two of them.
I loved the writing in this book! And I was surprised that it got better as the story went on. No weak middle here or sappy ending. There is witty banter and clever moments galore mixed with the more serious.
The descriptions of the two men were thorough and made for good word pictures. The intensity of the mob warfare lifestyle did not let up, but it was compartmentalized which allowed Rainey and Adler to have their romantic moments. Yes, there was romance here, that honest soul baring in the wee small hours of the morning. After a wild kill or be killed scene. What a ride this was!
I like the spy vs spy who fall in love books. This one was bloody and tension filled with Rainey’s relationship with the crime family who keep him on retainer as a contract killer. They were almost all stone cold killers and I didn’t trust any of them even if they tried to give off that ‘mi familia’ vibe. Adler had a better deal in that the crime lord for whom he works treats him like family and genuinely cared about his welfare.
The book is Rainey’s singular POV and Adler was a bit of an enigma. I can’t believe the amount of punishment their bodies take during the narrative.
Again about the excellent writing, it was almost lyrical in many parts and as the relationship deepened the revelations and feels kept coming. The sex was top notch and real. The book setting is a hot and humid Miami.
I’m highly recommending and looking forward to the reread of this one before Book 2 comes out next year.
Where will life, and death, take these two memorable characters?
Even though I was reading every one of the scenes of violence with only one eye open, they made sense for what was happening. If I had not known there is a second book coming I wouldn’t have been surprised if one assassin did kill the other in their frequent fights to the death.
There are plot lines of their cooperation with each other against a rival crime lord. Rainey even muses to Adler that they should team up. I vote for that. I liked all the scenes of the trust building between them, even if it is brief. The wonderful book ending is a scene the opposite of what usually went down between the two of them.
I loved the writing in this book! And I was surprised that it got better as the story went on. No weak middle here or sappy ending. There is witty banter and clever moments galore mixed with the more serious.
The descriptions of the two men were thorough and made for good word pictures. The intensity of the mob warfare lifestyle did not let up, but it was compartmentalized which allowed Rainey and Adler to have their romantic moments. Yes, there was romance here, that honest soul baring in the wee small hours of the morning. After a wild kill or be killed scene. What a ride this was!
I like the spy vs spy who fall in love books. This one was bloody and tension filled with Rainey’s relationship with the crime family who keep him on retainer as a contract killer. They were almost all stone cold killers and I didn’t trust any of them even if they tried to give off that ‘mi familia’ vibe. Adler had a better deal in that the crime lord for whom he works treats him like family and genuinely cared about his welfare.
The book is Rainey’s singular POV and Adler was a bit of an enigma. I can’t believe the amount of punishment their bodies take during the narrative.
Again about the excellent writing, it was almost lyrical in many parts and as the relationship deepened the revelations and feels kept coming. The sex was top notch and real. The book setting is a hot and humid Miami.
I’m highly recommending and looking forward to the reread of this one before Book 2 comes out next year.
Where will life, and death, take these two memorable characters?
September 14, 2024
What an unexpected gem! I got to be honest, I requested the ARC simply because I saw two other bookstagramers give it 5* and I figured why not see what's the buzz about. And, oh boy, Nothing good turned out to be SO good!
The story follows Rainy, a hitman for one of the most influential families in Miami. And then Rainy meets Adler, another hitman, whose loyalty lies with another gang. And they fuck. Unfortunatelly, they also have to kill each other.
Nothing good was absolutely insane and I mean it in the best way. I laughed in basically every chapter, Rainy is absolutely hilarious. Adler, on the other hand... Strict, precise, put-together. Even though both of them are hitmans (and really good ones!), they are the polar opposites. Except they crave each other like crazy and being in dangerous situations make them even hornier.
The backstories of both men are hard, as a reader, you understand, how and why they got themselves into this type of work. Serious, calm chapters in the book were great to mix with action-filled or hilarious ones. It came as a shock, that it's a debut book!
I had doubts about the cover before reading the book, however, after reading it I feel like it illustrates the book perfectly!
Thank you Netgalley for the ACR.
The story follows Rainy, a hitman for one of the most influential families in Miami. And then Rainy meets Adler, another hitman, whose loyalty lies with another gang. And they fuck. Unfortunatelly, they also have to kill each other.
Nothing good was absolutely insane and I mean it in the best way. I laughed in basically every chapter, Rainy is absolutely hilarious. Adler, on the other hand... Strict, precise, put-together. Even though both of them are hitmans (and really good ones!), they are the polar opposites. Except they crave each other like crazy and being in dangerous situations make them even hornier.
The backstories of both men are hard, as a reader, you understand, how and why they got themselves into this type of work. Serious, calm chapters in the book were great to mix with action-filled or hilarious ones. It came as a shock, that it's a debut book!
I had doubts about the cover before reading the book, however, after reading it I feel like it illustrates the book perfectly!
Thank you Netgalley for the ACR.
June 30, 2025
Fabulous. I hate that they are hitmen but I love that tension and star-crossed lovers thing. Made for hot scenes and strong feelings. The writing was excellent and snappy.
July 21, 2025
whew, my boy rainy was down bad as soon as he saw adler in that bar. it’s clear rainy is good at his job but it felt like adler was always one step ahead & it made me yell every time rainy got caught up lol.
it took me a minute to get to the halfway mark but it picked up in the second half & i. was. locked. in. julian can get his face knocked in again for all i care lol.
3.5 rounded up because i am totally interested in the next book in this series. i loved the chapter titles also. what shenanigans will the guys get into next?
it took me a minute to get to the halfway mark but it picked up in the second half & i. was. locked. in. julian can get his face knocked in again for all i care lol.
3.5 rounded up because i am totally interested in the next book in this series. i loved the chapter titles also. what shenanigans will the guys get into next?
October 12, 2024
I may be a bit biased but I think this book was a wonderful blend of comedy, thriller, and romance. It truly kept me on my toes and I am eager to see where book two takes our guys. Hopefully to a HEA because they deserve everything good!
September 18, 2024
Thank you so, so much to NetGalley for the ARC of this beauty in exchange for an honest review!
You know, the enemies-to-lovers trope is wildly popular, but I’m not sure I’ve ever truly appreciated it until picking up this read by R.J. Piper. Both deeply affecting and wildly exhilarating, Nothing Good tells the story of two hitmen – Rainy and Adler – destined to probably kill each other one day, if they can manage to keep their hands off each other first.
It’s your typical story. Boy meets boy at the bar. Flirting, charming, leaving said bar. But when both boys are deadly assassins, things go south. What begins is a cat-and-cat game, both men desperately trying to deny some sort of animal magnetism long enough to kill each other. Rainy is messy and winging it at every turn. Adler is lethal, and all pent up frustration. What is murder between a pair as perfectly matched as this?
This one far exceeded expectations. Drenched in character introspection and buzzing anticipation, Nothing Good is really about two kicked puppies who both want to be taken care of but can’t stop biting the hand that feeds them. It’s well written, it’s funny, and it’s sexy, but most of all, it’s emotional. These are two characters both resigned to their place in the world, both lonely and disillusioned, in some ways given up on hoping for something better. Like any good game, neither of them ever quite win or lose, but they keep playing. In small moments, they give the audience and themselves something to root for, something less fleeting and breakable, and ultimately human. With a sequel already expected next year, it’s not only worth the read, but worth the risk. The best things are.
You know, the enemies-to-lovers trope is wildly popular, but I’m not sure I’ve ever truly appreciated it until picking up this read by R.J. Piper. Both deeply affecting and wildly exhilarating, Nothing Good tells the story of two hitmen – Rainy and Adler – destined to probably kill each other one day, if they can manage to keep their hands off each other first.
It’s your typical story. Boy meets boy at the bar. Flirting, charming, leaving said bar. But when both boys are deadly assassins, things go south. What begins is a cat-and-cat game, both men desperately trying to deny some sort of animal magnetism long enough to kill each other. Rainy is messy and winging it at every turn. Adler is lethal, and all pent up frustration. What is murder between a pair as perfectly matched as this?
This one far exceeded expectations. Drenched in character introspection and buzzing anticipation, Nothing Good is really about two kicked puppies who both want to be taken care of but can’t stop biting the hand that feeds them. It’s well written, it’s funny, and it’s sexy, but most of all, it’s emotional. These are two characters both resigned to their place in the world, both lonely and disillusioned, in some ways given up on hoping for something better. Like any good game, neither of them ever quite win or lose, but they keep playing. In small moments, they give the audience and themselves something to root for, something less fleeting and breakable, and ultimately human. With a sequel already expected next year, it’s not only worth the read, but worth the risk. The best things are.
June 1, 2025
Got 3 pages in and the writing is absolutely atrocious
September 3, 2024
4.5⭐
I think romanticising killers is tacky, and no one will catch me tuning in to real-crime shows, but over-the-top assassin romances are one of my guilty pleasures. I didn't have very high expectations towards an unknown author, but this book turned out to be a very enjoyable assassin romance, and a surprisingly well-written one to boot. Another debut hit for this year!
This book is humorous, though not all wacky. It's also unapologetically violent, but not overly gratuitous. And it's a bit twisted, with two assassins that actually enjoy their work, but still nothing super edgy or taboo-breaking. Most of all, it's addictive and entertaining.
The leads don't go immediately all fluffy-heart-eyes to each other, they really try to kill each other in several occasions. But they have a good dynamic and this is definitely a romance first kind of story. The novel is slightly open-ended and there will be a sequel (that I'm rather eager to read), but 'Nothing Good' works as a stand-alone story too.
My thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC.
I think romanticising killers is tacky, and no one will catch me tuning in to real-crime shows, but over-the-top assassin romances are one of my guilty pleasures. I didn't have very high expectations towards an unknown author, but this book turned out to be a very enjoyable assassin romance, and a surprisingly well-written one to boot. Another debut hit for this year!
This book is humorous, though not all wacky. It's also unapologetically violent, but not overly gratuitous. And it's a bit twisted, with two assassins that actually enjoy their work, but still nothing super edgy or taboo-breaking. Most of all, it's addictive and entertaining.
The leads don't go immediately all fluffy-heart-eyes to each other, they really try to kill each other in several occasions. But they have a good dynamic and this is definitely a romance first kind of story. The novel is slightly open-ended and there will be a sequel (that I'm rather eager to read), but 'Nothing Good' works as a stand-alone story too.
My thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC.
December 14, 2024
Assassin x assassin is such a fantastic trope but very rarely done well. I loved it here. Can’t wait to read the next one!
September 21, 2025
i loooved the dynamic between two mcs because they wanna kiss eo badd while cracking some ribs, shooting and stabbing here and there
rainy is secretly a hopeless romantic and a pathetic lover i love it. he learns what peace is with adler 💔
at the end of the book it says the second book will return in spring 2025 and 2025 is almost over 😭 i hope the author is okay because i really enjoyed myself with this one. i absolutely will eat up another one of this
also im really impressed because she did everything herself for this book? the cover, the editing, even publishing it 😭
update: so author is alive and well(?) and the second book will come out this fall (lets goo)
rainy is secretly a hopeless romantic and a pathetic lover i love it. he learns what peace is with adler 💔
at the end of the book it says the second book will return in spring 2025 and 2025 is almost over 😭 i hope the author is okay because i really enjoyed myself with this one. i absolutely will eat up another one of this
also im really impressed because she did everything herself for this book? the cover, the editing, even publishing it 😭
update: so author is alive and well(?) and the second book will come out this fall (lets goo)
September 4, 2024
I think this was a good debut, but it didn't quite blow me away like I had hoped. I was intrigued by Rainy and Adler, and the dynamic they had as contracted killers who were each others targets. I think it was a fun, quick read and I'm definitely interested in seeing where there relationship goes in book two! I enjoyed the grumpy x sunshine between the two of them and I hope we see more in the next book.
Thank you to Netgalley and RJ Piper for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to Netgalley and RJ Piper for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
September 29, 2024
3⭐️
Two assassins contracted to kill each other but ended up falling in love.
I think I was slightly distracted reading this one.
Will definitely reread it before reading book 2 and change my rating when needed.
I feel I’m supposed to enjoyed it more than I did.❤️
Two assassins contracted to kill each other but ended up falling in love.
I think I was slightly distracted reading this one.
Will definitely reread it before reading book 2 and change my rating when needed.
I feel I’m supposed to enjoyed it more than I did.❤️
March 1, 2025
So glad that this is my first book of 2025
Can't wait for more of these!
Can't wait for more of these!
September 7, 2024
Oh, wow❗
At first I was hesitant to pick up this book. In the end I was mind blown, and couldn’t put it down.
We are to know about two assassins who are nothing alike with each other but too much alike at the same time. They are playing the cat and mouse game from the very first moment. But as the cat (they both are the cat) tries so desperately to hate the mouse (and they both are the mouse), ends up cuddling it🤭. Both main characters are coldhearted, vicious, strong leads and bear heavy pasts. But as the story unravels, you get to understand how vulnerable they truly are. And such sweethearts I might add.
There are intense agonizing moments and action. When you think that things are going for the better, the wheel turns around and all chaos is unleashed. The chemistry between the MMCs? So good!🔥 Suspenseful, funny, pationate. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions that I love experiencing in a book. And I loved every part of it.
As a dark suspense book, though for me it wasn’t that dark, and I did not mind anything about it, you should consider the trigger warnings. Cause there might be a couple of disturbing scenes for some people.
With that being said… Is this book a debut novel? Yes, it is. And R.J. Piper nailed it! I really, really, REALLY, liked the writing style. And the table of contents was a chef’s kiss. I guess you’ll have to pick it up to know what I’m talking about😉.
Also, there will be a sequel? The ending left me smiling and giggling and swooning so please sign me up for it!
A huge thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy for an honest review.
At first I was hesitant to pick up this book. In the end I was mind blown, and couldn’t put it down.
We are to know about two assassins who are nothing alike with each other but too much alike at the same time. They are playing the cat and mouse game from the very first moment. But as the cat (they both are the cat) tries so desperately to hate the mouse (and they both are the mouse), ends up cuddling it🤭. Both main characters are coldhearted, vicious, strong leads and bear heavy pasts. But as the story unravels, you get to understand how vulnerable they truly are. And such sweethearts I might add.
There are intense agonizing moments and action. When you think that things are going for the better, the wheel turns around and all chaos is unleashed. The chemistry between the MMCs? So good!🔥 Suspenseful, funny, pationate. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions that I love experiencing in a book. And I loved every part of it.
As a dark suspense book, though for me it wasn’t that dark, and I did not mind anything about it, you should consider the trigger warnings. Cause there might be a couple of disturbing scenes for some people.
With that being said… Is this book a debut novel? Yes, it is. And R.J. Piper nailed it! I really, really, REALLY, liked the writing style. And the table of contents was a chef’s kiss. I guess you’ll have to pick it up to know what I’m talking about😉.
Also, there will be a sequel? The ending left me smiling and giggling and swooning so please sign me up for it!
A huge thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy for an honest review.
June 14, 2025
Hot, fun, fast-paced and disarmingly emotional.
Cannot wait to see how their relationship progresses in the next book!
Cannot wait to see how their relationship progresses in the next book!
November 25, 2024
Fuck, marry, kill but it's all the same guy. It takes some talent to maintain that dynamic and make it halfway believable and what can i say, this author has a very particular set of skills. The quality of the writing is unreasonably good for a first book, no less a book in this specific niche. It brings a certain dramatic flair to an absolutely degenerate type of story. You get exactly what it says on the box, it's a book for a very specific target audience, and if you're in it, it's good.
June 12, 2025
Very good read!
I really liked Rainy's character development, going from someone very confident in his abilities and find with his job, to seeing the cracks start to form as he acknowledges this life isn't what he truly wants.
Adler was great as the aloof, and confusing rival/love interest. We can see the conflict of his loyalty towards Seong vs his feelings for Rainy (albeit very subdued) throughout their interactions.
The whole killer vs killer premise was great as the intro to their interactions. The emotion in their one-on-one scenes was palpable and very well written,
The sex was extremely spicy () and the side characters were mostly memorable.
The romance was less getting to know each other k though the scenes where they do talk without wanting to kill each other were amazing) and more focused on the intense emotions of camaraderie and curiosity about the other, and that works so well for a story with such intense scenes.
My only true criticism of the romance was that it felt like Rainy was the only one of the two to truly choose Adler above everything else. Though Adler did spare Rainy a handful of times when he had the chance to kill him, it felt like at the end of it all, I could still see Adler killing Rainy if he was told whereas Rainy admitted and showed throughout the story that he no longer had it in him to kill Adler. Yes, there are justifications for why Adler may have a harder time not just choosing Rainy 100%, and perhaps it was just because we didn't see Adler's internal thoughts and POV that it seems that way, but I wish that we got the same declaration that
Other than that, the story was amazingly told. Emotional and steamy, without feeling melodramatic or contrived. Am very excited to read the next book.
I really liked Rainy's character development, going from someone very confident in his abilities and find with his job, to seeing the cracks start to form as he acknowledges this life isn't what he truly wants.
Adler was great as the aloof, and confusing rival/love interest. We can see the conflict of his loyalty towards Seong vs his feelings for Rainy (albeit very subdued) throughout their interactions.
The whole killer vs killer premise was great as the intro to their interactions. The emotion in their one-on-one scenes was palpable and very well written,
The sex was extremely spicy () and the side characters were mostly memorable.
The romance was less getting to know each other k though the scenes where they do talk without wanting to kill each other were amazing) and more focused on the intense emotions of camaraderie and curiosity about the other, and that works so well for a story with such intense scenes.
My only true criticism of the romance was that it felt like Rainy was the only one of the two to truly choose Adler above everything else. Though Adler did spare Rainy a handful of times when he had the chance to kill him, it felt like at the end of it all, I could still see Adler killing Rainy if he was told whereas Rainy admitted and showed throughout the story that he no longer had it in him to kill Adler. Yes, there are justifications for why Adler may have a harder time not just choosing Rainy 100%, and perhaps it was just because we didn't see Adler's internal thoughts and POV that it seems that way, but I wish that we got the same declaration that
Other than that, the story was amazingly told. Emotional and steamy, without feeling melodramatic or contrived. Am very excited to read the next book.
December 1, 2024
👀👀👀👀👀👀👀👀🫢🫢🫣🫣🫣🫣
Spicy! Spicy! Spicy!🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️💦Managed to squeeze in one last read before my Thanksgiving ‘break’ comes to an end and what better way to do so than with a smutty read about assassins trying to kill each other? Lmao 🤣
Rainy is a skilled hitman in Miami. After running into the very attractive Adler during an attempt on his own life, he is ordered to take out the second-in-command to Miami’s newly growing rival. And guess who that happens to be??? Drumroll please! 🥁🥁🥁🥁Adler!! The two find themselves in lots of close calls as they fight to bring the other’s head to their bosses, but Rainy quickly realizes he might have bit off more than he can chew with Adler. Not to mention… he may be catching feels for the guy?
I freaking loved Adler. Like, since page one. I’ll go ahead and say that now. His Southern, Alabama drawl was so charming next to Rainy’s playboy swag! They were such a sweet pair and were very likable characters overall, it left you wanting both of them to come out on top. Even if the final goal was someone’s life. The fight scenes and the tension build ups were leaving me on the edge of my seat, but their constant bickering gave me a good laugh when I needed it.
Even with an ending that was tied up just fine to be a standalone, I look forward to reading the next book in the series! I’m so glad it’s a series!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars for me! I really enjoyed it.
My thanks to R.J. Piper and NetGalley for the Digital ARC. This book is ALREADY OUT!!! Go check it out for yourself and see what you think!
Spicy! Spicy! Spicy!🌶️ 🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️💦Managed to squeeze in one last read before my Thanksgiving ‘break’ comes to an end and what better way to do so than with a smutty read about assassins trying to kill each other? Lmao 🤣
Rainy is a skilled hitman in Miami. After running into the very attractive Adler during an attempt on his own life, he is ordered to take out the second-in-command to Miami’s newly growing rival. And guess who that happens to be??? Drumroll please! 🥁🥁🥁🥁Adler!! The two find themselves in lots of close calls as they fight to bring the other’s head to their bosses, but Rainy quickly realizes he might have bit off more than he can chew with Adler. Not to mention… he may be catching feels for the guy?
I freaking loved Adler. Like, since page one. I’ll go ahead and say that now. His Southern, Alabama drawl was so charming next to Rainy’s playboy swag! They were such a sweet pair and were very likable characters overall, it left you wanting both of them to come out on top. Even if the final goal was someone’s life. The fight scenes and the tension build ups were leaving me on the edge of my seat, but their constant bickering gave me a good laugh when I needed it.
Even with an ending that was tied up just fine to be a standalone, I look forward to reading the next book in the series! I’m so glad it’s a series!! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 stars for me! I really enjoyed it.
My thanks to R.J. Piper and NetGalley for the Digital ARC. This book is ALREADY OUT!!! Go check it out for yourself and see what you think!
October 1, 2024
4.5☆
This book was really enjoyable for me! I went in not really knowing what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised.
Rainy and Adler are assassins and they are basically contracted to get rid of each other. Through all the things happening between them and around them, they start developing feelings. Neither one of them wants this and they are surprised at it, but they can't really resist. Rainy is the character who's emotions are easier to see in his actions, Adler is very methodical and closed off and he keeps his cards close to the vest. Adler is very vicious and tactical, and he can really get the upper hand in Rainy. Rainy feels more human/emotional, but he's also in the business, so he will know what he needs to do and everything is not as it seems with him. Rainy is the one pushing for things to happen, while Adler tries to play things off. I loved that Rainy was so persistent and did not give up on Adler, and I also loved his caretaking.
I really enjoyed how the book started and I liked the pacing of the book. A lot of things happened, but it didn't feel rushed. Of course, this is more of a darker book, so be prepared for violence, but there were funny and sweet moments too. There were a couple of sad moments too, and I did shed some tears in the second part of the book.
Definitely pick this up if you're in the mood to read about rival assassins potentially falling in love, while trying to off each other and being violent.
This book was really enjoyable for me! I went in not really knowing what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised.
Rainy and Adler are assassins and they are basically contracted to get rid of each other. Through all the things happening between them and around them, they start developing feelings. Neither one of them wants this and they are surprised at it, but they can't really resist. Rainy is the character who's emotions are easier to see in his actions, Adler is very methodical and closed off and he keeps his cards close to the vest. Adler is very vicious and tactical, and he can really get the upper hand in Rainy. Rainy feels more human/emotional, but he's also in the business, so he will know what he needs to do and everything is not as it seems with him. Rainy is the one pushing for things to happen, while Adler tries to play things off. I loved that Rainy was so persistent and did not give up on Adler, and I also loved his caretaking.
I really enjoyed how the book started and I liked the pacing of the book. A lot of things happened, but it didn't feel rushed. Of course, this is more of a darker book, so be prepared for violence, but there were funny and sweet moments too. There were a couple of sad moments too, and I did shed some tears in the second part of the book.
Definitely pick this up if you're in the mood to read about rival assassins potentially falling in love, while trying to off each other and being violent.
July 4, 2025
I really, really enjoyed this book and didn’t put it down until I finished it. Amazing banter, chemistry, smut scenes, and humor. It was a great read.
I was originally on the fence on whether I should give this book 4 or 5 stars only because of a couple reasons:
1. I wished I could’ve seen a bit more passion or want from Adler. There could be so many reasons I feel this way, it could just be me, or the fact that it’s only from Rainy’s pov, or maybe that’s just the best we’re gonna get from Adler so far. It is only the first book and granted, Adler is the grumpy cat one in the relationship. It did work out, but I was still disappointed to see so much chasing from Rainy and not a lot from Adler lol. Side characters in the book did mention how obsessed Adler was with him but I don’t… see that as a reader. I wish I could see it.
2. Hated the relationship Rainy had with Emilio. I guess that’s just the reality with a life like that but still, pissed me off so much.
3. I was confused a bit towards the end concerning the continuous fighting and their feelings towards each other. I mean they were really going ham but also liked each other?
Maybe I’m just too used to reading fake enemies to lovers and when a real enemies to lovers comes across my eyes I don’t know how to act lol. Obviously, I gave it 5 stars because my dislikes aren’t towards the essence of the book as a whole. Really great book and I love how consistent the author is! I love them together 💗.
I was originally on the fence on whether I should give this book 4 or 5 stars only because of a couple reasons:
1. I wished I could’ve seen a bit more passion or want from Adler. There could be so many reasons I feel this way, it could just be me, or the fact that it’s only from Rainy’s pov, or maybe that’s just the best we’re gonna get from Adler so far. It is only the first book and granted, Adler is the grumpy cat one in the relationship. It did work out, but I was still disappointed to see so much chasing from Rainy and not a lot from Adler lol. Side characters in the book did mention how obsessed Adler was with him but I don’t… see that as a reader. I wish I could see it.
2. Hated the relationship Rainy had with Emilio. I guess that’s just the reality with a life like that but still, pissed me off so much.
3. I was confused a bit towards the end concerning the continuous fighting and their feelings towards each other. I mean they were really going ham but also liked each other?
Maybe I’m just too used to reading fake enemies to lovers and when a real enemies to lovers comes across my eyes I don’t know how to act lol. Obviously, I gave it 5 stars because my dislikes aren’t towards the essence of the book as a whole. Really great book and I love how consistent the author is! I love them together 💗.
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