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He's To Die For
‘Sweet and sexy and satisfying enough to make me almost forget there were actual lives at stake’ – Alicia Thompson, bestselling author of Love in the Time of Serial Killers
It’s murder-cute in the first degree when a detective finds himself falling for the lead suspect in a career-making case . . . Brooklyn 99 meets The Charm Offensive in Erin Dunn’s He’s To Die For – the spicy, sparkling queer romance/murder mystery.
*****
All’s fair in love and murder . . .
At twenty-nine, Detective Rav Trivedi is the youngest member of the NYPD’s homicide squad, and his future looks bright. With his Ivy League education, British charm and penchant for designer suits, he may be a bit of an outsider in the department – but his meteoric rise and record-breaking solve rate prove he belongs.
When his CO assigns him lead on the high-profile murder of a record executive, Rav is ready for the challenge. He vows not to be distracted by TV crews, tabloids or what’s trending on social media, nor by the ridiculously hot rock star with a clear motive and no alibi . . .
But as Rav gets to know his number-one suspect, he realizes he is so much more than criminally handsome. And as matters of the heart collide with matters of the law, will Rav follow the clues, or his feelings?
*****
Praise for He’s To Die
‘Utterly fabulous. I came for the crime and stayed for the romance’ – Kat Ailes, author of The Expectant Detectives
‘A fun, sexy mix of mystery and romance. Hot, hot, hot!’ – Michelle Chouinard, author of The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco
‘A romp and a romance wrapped in the intrigue of a rock-solid crime plot. You’ll love it.’ – Michael Craft, award-winning author of the Dante & Jazz Mysteries
‘A twisty plot that will keep you guessing to the end, and enough steam to power a sauna’ – Jenny Elder Moke, author of She Doesn’t Have A Clue
‘An absolute joyride with a spectacular cast of characters!’ – Hannah Morrissey, author of Hello, Transcriber
‘Mixes glitz and grittiness with an irresistible romance’ – Amanda Sellet, author of Hate To Fake It To You
It’s murder-cute in the first degree when a detective finds himself falling for the lead suspect in a career-making case . . . Brooklyn 99 meets The Charm Offensive in Erin Dunn’s He’s To Die For – the spicy, sparkling queer romance/murder mystery.
*****
All’s fair in love and murder . . .
At twenty-nine, Detective Rav Trivedi is the youngest member of the NYPD’s homicide squad, and his future looks bright. With his Ivy League education, British charm and penchant for designer suits, he may be a bit of an outsider in the department – but his meteoric rise and record-breaking solve rate prove he belongs.
When his CO assigns him lead on the high-profile murder of a record executive, Rav is ready for the challenge. He vows not to be distracted by TV crews, tabloids or what’s trending on social media, nor by the ridiculously hot rock star with a clear motive and no alibi . . .
But as Rav gets to know his number-one suspect, he realizes he is so much more than criminally handsome. And as matters of the heart collide with matters of the law, will Rav follow the clues, or his feelings?
*****
Praise for He’s To Die
‘Utterly fabulous. I came for the crime and stayed for the romance’ – Kat Ailes, author of The Expectant Detectives
‘A fun, sexy mix of mystery and romance. Hot, hot, hot!’ – Michelle Chouinard, author of The Serial Killer Guide to San Francisco
‘A romp and a romance wrapped in the intrigue of a rock-solid crime plot. You’ll love it.’ – Michael Craft, award-winning author of the Dante & Jazz Mysteries
‘A twisty plot that will keep you guessing to the end, and enough steam to power a sauna’ – Jenny Elder Moke, author of She Doesn’t Have A Clue
‘An absolute joyride with a spectacular cast of characters!’ – Hannah Morrissey, author of Hello, Transcriber
‘Mixes glitz and grittiness with an irresistible romance’ – Amanda Sellet, author of Hate To Fake It To You
315 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 3, 2025
86 people are currently reading
17060 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 717 reviews
May 14, 2025
I just unapologetically pushed that five-star button. This ‘The Charm Offensive but make it a mystery’ with fanfic writing like E.L. Massey’s and Taylor Fitzpatrick’s (without the hockey, though) just hit the right notes with me.
Sometimes, I know from the first page that I’ll like, correct, love a story, and He’s to Die For is one of those books. I hadn’t seen the book before; I just found it on NetGalley, read the blurb, and decided to request it. I’m so happy that I did because this is just the kind of story I fall head over heels with.
For those who don’t like thrillers or mysteries but do like romances, I believe this one's for you, too. He’s to Die For is just a warm bath, with some twists and turns that might give you a shiver once in a while, and a few rougher scenes, but overall, this story makes you glow on the inside and grow that smile on your face so many times. I call it fluff with heavier themes underneath. I rooted for Rav and Jack so much and fell in love with them both. Rav, the (half-Indian) Brit, so posh and driven and still so caring. And Jack, anxious, protective, sweet Jack, full of grief but also full of love.
He’s to Die For might end up being one of my favorite 2025 reads. Even though it’s only January. Even though it’s a bit insta love. And even though Rav is Indian without hardly any heritage mentioned (another thing in common with The Charm Offensive). I really want you all to read this one, everyone!
Thank you so, so much, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley, for this awesome ARC!
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Sometimes, I know from the first page that I’ll like, correct, love a story, and He’s to Die For is one of those books. I hadn’t seen the book before; I just found it on NetGalley, read the blurb, and decided to request it. I’m so happy that I did because this is just the kind of story I fall head over heels with.
For those who don’t like thrillers or mysteries but do like romances, I believe this one's for you, too. He’s to Die For is just a warm bath, with some twists and turns that might give you a shiver once in a while, and a few rougher scenes, but overall, this story makes you glow on the inside and grow that smile on your face so many times. I call it fluff with heavier themes underneath. I rooted for Rav and Jack so much and fell in love with them both. Rav, the (half-Indian) Brit, so posh and driven and still so caring. And Jack, anxious, protective, sweet Jack, full of grief but also full of love.
He’s to Die For might end up being one of my favorite 2025 reads. Even though it’s only January. Even though it’s a bit insta love. And even though Rav is Indian without hardly any heritage mentioned (another thing in common with The Charm Offensive). I really want you all to read this one, everyone!
Thank you so, so much, St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley, for this awesome ARC!
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June 11, 2025
3.5 stars
This was a fun and light read. Rav's character was the best part for me. I loved how posh and witty he is. So unlike any detective I've come across in a book.
I was very invested in the story at first, but somewhere in the second half it started to drag for me a bit. Rav and Jack were cute together, but their romance felt surface level to me. The mystery part was interesting, though I wish that
Excellent narration by Sid Sagar. There are a lot of dialogues in the book and the way he effortlessly switches between accents (English, American and Indian) is amazing.
This was a fun and light read. Rav's character was the best part for me. I loved how posh and witty he is. So unlike any detective I've come across in a book.
I was very invested in the story at first, but somewhere in the second half it started to drag for me a bit. Rav and Jack were cute together, but their romance felt surface level to me. The mystery part was interesting, though I wish that
Excellent narration by Sid Sagar. There are a lot of dialogues in the book and the way he effortlessly switches between accents (English, American and Indian) is amazing.
August 27, 2025
Well, that was something. My goodness, I had to force myself to breathe, it was difficult to put down.
My only criticism would be that it could have used a little more romance. And I don't mean the missing or super brief sex scenes. I would have liked a little more interaction between Jack and Rav alone, then it would have been perfect.
On the other hand, the way it is, it's probably more realistic, with all the hype surrounding Jack and Rav's work as a detective.
As for the romantic side, don't expect too much. There are a few very nice scenes, the hottest being the first kiss, at least for me. The rest isn't really worth mentioning. Somehow, though, it still fits.
As for the case and all the other mysterious events, that was really good. Again, perhaps a little too soap opera-esque for my taste, especially the resolution. But overall, it's very well done. Even if it is loooong. So many things that don't add up. I was utterly confused and thrown off track.
Anyway, I was thoroughly entertained and only got half of my work done, which I'll have to make up for tomorrow, unless the next book gets in the way...
“I can’t bring myself to say ass,” Rav says, exaggerating the nasal quality of the American pronunciation. “It’s far too flat. Arse has a proper curve to it, as a good arse should.” 🤭🤭🤭
He could have everyone he wants, all at the same time. And he wants Rav? It’s mad.
The good kind of mad, obviously. The kind that might, just possibly, be worth putting your heart on the butcher’s block for. 💞😍💞
He doesn’t notice the scent of Jack’s skin, or the soothing rhythm of his ribs rising and falling. He doesn’t think about what it would be like to have this every night, to fall asleep with his arms around the most incredible person he’s ever met. 🫠🫠🫠
My only criticism would be that it could have used a little more romance. And I don't mean the missing or super brief sex scenes. I would have liked a little more interaction between Jack and Rav alone, then it would have been perfect.
On the other hand, the way it is, it's probably more realistic, with all the hype surrounding Jack and Rav's work as a detective.
As for the romantic side, don't expect too much. There are a few very nice scenes, the hottest being the first kiss, at least for me. The rest isn't really worth mentioning. Somehow, though, it still fits.
As for the case and all the other mysterious events, that was really good. Again, perhaps a little too soap opera-esque for my taste, especially the resolution. But overall, it's very well done. Even if it is loooong. So many things that don't add up. I was utterly confused and thrown off track.
Anyway, I was thoroughly entertained and only got half of my work done, which I'll have to make up for tomorrow, unless the next book gets in the way...
“I can’t bring myself to say ass,” Rav says, exaggerating the nasal quality of the American pronunciation. “It’s far too flat. Arse has a proper curve to it, as a good arse should.” 🤭🤭🤭
He could have everyone he wants, all at the same time. And he wants Rav? It’s mad.
The good kind of mad, obviously. The kind that might, just possibly, be worth putting your heart on the butcher’s block for. 💞😍💞
He doesn’t notice the scent of Jack’s skin, or the soothing rhythm of his ribs rising and falling. He doesn’t think about what it would be like to have this every night, to fall asleep with his arms around the most incredible person he’s ever met. 🫠🫠🫠
June 21, 2025
Ooh, now this was fun! I hope it becomes a series. Cop falls for suspect. Add in some drama, limited sex scenes, and a strong supporting cast, it has a little bit of everything. Fast-moving, interesting mystery to solve, tho some of the character history was a little too blurry to really solve this as a reader. Definitely a new author to watch out for.
June 6, 2025
This was one of my most anticipated reads of the year - and thank god it did not disappoint! 🙌
Picture this: Rav, a young, cool, posh-as-fuck NYPD detective with something to prove, gets handed a high-profile murder case. His prime suspect? None other than Jack - shy, anxious, heartbreakingly beautiful rockstar Jack. And yes, obviously, sparks fly, even though they definitely are not supposed to 😏
I absolutely loved Rav’s character and his POV. He’s calm, competent, stylish, and unruffled, but there’s this spark in him, and this care, that made him feel so real and compelling. And Jack? Oh, Jack. Characters with anxiety and panic attacks have such a special place in my heart and the way he’s written, and especially the way he’s cared for when things get hard, made me melt.
And the two of them together gave me SO MANY BUTTERFLIES 🦋; their attraction and pull was that convincing and the slow-burn build-up very swoon worthy.
I also really appreciated the way their intimacy was written - open door enough to feel honest, but never explicit. It was exactly the right tone for this story and felt like such a refreshing choice.
The supporting cast was another highlight. They brought so much warmth, personality, and depth to the story without ever distracting from the main plot.
Speaking of plot: the murder mystery element was just as gripping as the romance. Some twists I saw coming, some completely blindsided me (in the best way), and the balance between emotional beats and suspense was very well done in my humble opinion. This one will absolutely satisfy both murder mystery fans and/or romance lovers.
The writing style and third person, single POV reminded me of E.L. Massey at times, which is a very good thing in my book. While I personally wouldn’t have minded even more depth in the romance department, or Rav acting a bit more like the professional detective he’s supposed to be (lol), those are minor quibbles.
This was a total page-turner. Smart, swoony, emotionally satisfying. I could easily see this becoming a series, sooo… pretty please Ms. Dunn? 😍
Highly recommend!
4,5⭐️
Picture this: Rav, a young, cool, posh-as-fuck NYPD detective with something to prove, gets handed a high-profile murder case. His prime suspect? None other than Jack - shy, anxious, heartbreakingly beautiful rockstar Jack. And yes, obviously, sparks fly, even though they definitely are not supposed to 😏
I absolutely loved Rav’s character and his POV. He’s calm, competent, stylish, and unruffled, but there’s this spark in him, and this care, that made him feel so real and compelling. And Jack? Oh, Jack. Characters with anxiety and panic attacks have such a special place in my heart and the way he’s written, and especially the way he’s cared for when things get hard, made me melt.
And the two of them together gave me SO MANY BUTTERFLIES 🦋; their attraction and pull was that convincing and the slow-burn build-up very swoon worthy.
I also really appreciated the way their intimacy was written - open door enough to feel honest, but never explicit. It was exactly the right tone for this story and felt like such a refreshing choice.
The supporting cast was another highlight. They brought so much warmth, personality, and depth to the story without ever distracting from the main plot.
Speaking of plot: the murder mystery element was just as gripping as the romance. Some twists I saw coming, some completely blindsided me (in the best way), and the balance between emotional beats and suspense was very well done in my humble opinion. This one will absolutely satisfy both murder mystery fans and/or romance lovers.
The writing style and third person, single POV reminded me of E.L. Massey at times, which is a very good thing in my book. While I personally wouldn’t have minded even more depth in the romance department, or Rav acting a bit more like the professional detective he’s supposed to be (lol), those are minor quibbles.
This was a total page-turner. Smart, swoony, emotionally satisfying. I could easily see this becoming a series, sooo… pretty please Ms. Dunn? 😍
Highly recommend!
4,5⭐️
June 12, 2025
Came for the romance, stayed for the mystery.
This is one of the books I’m sad I didn’t like better. It’s about Rav, a policeman, and Jack, a rockstar.
Rav is one of a kind: his father is a Lord in the UK, his mother a model/socialite, but to his family’s dismay , he works as a cop in NYC. He’s very posh, wears designer suits and is ambitious. You can imagine that all these things put together doesn’t endear him to many of his colleagues.
And then there’s Jack, the singer of a rock band, who’s somehow entangled with the death of his old label boss. Handsome ofc, mysterious and shy underneath all the glitz.
The book starts strong, but once the romance between Rav and Jack started, I felt… meh. I loved Rav (we’re getting his POV after all, even though 3rd person pov + the use of present tense made it harder for me to connect). Jack was… idk. Elusive somehow. He starts off as being a sensitive artist with anxiety attacks, but then… I just think that he was very inconsistent. Not calling/texting Rav for days, only to invite him VIA HIS ASSISTANT to a date/booty call to his hotel room? Only to have him sneaked in via the service elevator, because there’s a paparazzo in the lobby? (And seriously - what high end hotel would allow that?). But then making out in plain sight on the balcony?
I’m sorry, but if a guy doesn’t call you, or at least text you, for DAYS, he’s just not that much into you 🤷♀️ no idea why Rav was so whipped at that point already (after having seen Jack only a handful of times) that he didn’t care. Rav is smart, handsome and confident. Jack wasn’t good enough for him. At one point, Rav is wondering how someone as handsome and perfect as Jack could want HIM of all men. No, Rav, it’s more like how someone as amazing as YOU would settle for someone like Jack, who blows you off after you dared to doubt him for approximately 0.2 seconds. Who lets his assistant call you. Who makes everything about himself, like “giving Rav another chance” is particularly generous. Also: going inkognito to a private airport close to Cannes to pick Rav up, only to drive him home in a silver vintage Aston Martin he bought on a whim, admiring the stars because there’s no light pollution along the coast around there??? Pleeeeaaaaase 🙄
Fuck Jack. Rav was too good for him.
On top of that, I struggled with the narration. Yes, Rav is from England, so the British accent makes sense. But why do so many people sound English, too? Yes, the narrator occasionally switched to other accents, but they rarely sounded American - and after all, 90% of the characters were from the US. And Aisha? Why did she sound like she grew up in India and not NYC?
Also, it was hard to distinguish his voices (even the male/female ones), and I struggled keeping up who’s the one talking.
On top of that - SO MANY CHARACTERS. So many names. The dead label boss, the band, the PA, the bodyguard(s), the police squad, FBI, hackers, reporters and fans. I felt the urge to draw a map 😅 Oh and all the song titles, album names, song lyrics.
On top of that, no idea why, it gave me 1D fanfic vibes, with Jack being Harry Styles 🤷♀️
Another pet peeve of mine: using too many pop cultural references. That’s a thing that CAN work - in my case, listening to Lana Del Rey’s “moody voice croon” is a turnoff. Sorry 😂 Or Timothy Chalamet. Robert Pattinson. Bono. It felt a bit much, ngl.
I loved the mystery though, even though my slight suspicion turned out to be true. Despite my many niggles, I’ll rate it with 3 stars - maybe if have rated it higher if I’d read it and if I wouldn’t have had my issues with the narration. I would have switched, but it’s not on KU, so I stayed with the audio.
This is one of the books I’m sad I didn’t like better. It’s about Rav, a policeman, and Jack, a rockstar.
Rav is one of a kind: his father is a Lord in the UK, his mother a model/socialite, but to his family’s dismay , he works as a cop in NYC. He’s very posh, wears designer suits and is ambitious. You can imagine that all these things put together doesn’t endear him to many of his colleagues.
And then there’s Jack, the singer of a rock band, who’s somehow entangled with the death of his old label boss. Handsome ofc, mysterious and shy underneath all the glitz.
The book starts strong, but once the romance between Rav and Jack started, I felt… meh. I loved Rav (we’re getting his POV after all, even though 3rd person pov + the use of present tense made it harder for me to connect). Jack was… idk. Elusive somehow. He starts off as being a sensitive artist with anxiety attacks, but then… I just think that he was very inconsistent. Not calling/texting Rav for days, only to invite him VIA HIS ASSISTANT to a date/booty call to his hotel room? Only to have him sneaked in via the service elevator, because there’s a paparazzo in the lobby? (And seriously - what high end hotel would allow that?). But then making out in plain sight on the balcony?
I’m sorry, but if a guy doesn’t call you, or at least text you, for DAYS, he’s just not that much into you 🤷♀️ no idea why Rav was so whipped at that point already (after having seen Jack only a handful of times) that he didn’t care. Rav is smart, handsome and confident. Jack wasn’t good enough for him. At one point, Rav is wondering how someone as handsome and perfect as Jack could want HIM of all men. No, Rav, it’s more like how someone as amazing as YOU would settle for someone like Jack, who blows you off after you dared to doubt him for approximately 0.2 seconds. Who lets his assistant call you. Who makes everything about himself, like “giving Rav another chance” is particularly generous. Also: going inkognito to a private airport close to Cannes to pick Rav up, only to drive him home in a silver vintage Aston Martin he bought on a whim, admiring the stars because there’s no light pollution along the coast around there??? Pleeeeaaaaase 🙄
Fuck Jack. Rav was too good for him.
On top of that, I struggled with the narration. Yes, Rav is from England, so the British accent makes sense. But why do so many people sound English, too? Yes, the narrator occasionally switched to other accents, but they rarely sounded American - and after all, 90% of the characters were from the US. And Aisha? Why did she sound like she grew up in India and not NYC?
Also, it was hard to distinguish his voices (even the male/female ones), and I struggled keeping up who’s the one talking.
On top of that - SO MANY CHARACTERS. So many names. The dead label boss, the band, the PA, the bodyguard(s), the police squad, FBI, hackers, reporters and fans. I felt the urge to draw a map 😅 Oh and all the song titles, album names, song lyrics.
On top of that, no idea why, it gave me 1D fanfic vibes, with Jack being Harry Styles 🤷♀️
Another pet peeve of mine: using too many pop cultural references. That’s a thing that CAN work - in my case, listening to Lana Del Rey’s “moody voice croon” is a turnoff. Sorry 😂 Or Timothy Chalamet. Robert Pattinson. Bono. It felt a bit much, ngl.
I loved the mystery though, even though my slight suspicion turned out to be true. Despite my many niggles, I’ll rate it with 3 stars - maybe if have rated it higher if I’d read it and if I wouldn’t have had my issues with the narration. I would have switched, but it’s not on KU, so I stayed with the audio.
June 5, 2025
You know when you find a book that is unlike anything else you've read? This is it. And this is quite hard to do when you've read 1k+ books.
This is a romance and a mystery/thriller mashed up together. One of the main characters is a singer in a rock band, and the other a detective of the NYPD. A murder happens and our rockstar is the main suspect.
It might not seem like a big deal or nothing new, but for some reason it felt like a breath of fresh air in the romance genre.
First, it has pretty much no spice, or I guess I should say there isn't any smut, but the tension is delicious, the chemistry jumps off the page. The cast of characters is so rich, and they are all so fleshed out you feel like you could walk by them on the streets.
The investigation aspect was also so well done, it kept me guessing to the very end, and I was very satisfied with how it all turned out.
Usually, I would feel like a second pov would elevate the book, but here it's the opposite, it's almost like having only one side was necessary.
Erin Dunn did a fantastic job with this book, I can only give it the highest praise.
This is a romance and a mystery/thriller mashed up together. One of the main characters is a singer in a rock band, and the other a detective of the NYPD. A murder happens and our rockstar is the main suspect.
It might not seem like a big deal or nothing new, but for some reason it felt like a breath of fresh air in the romance genre.
First, it has pretty much no spice, or I guess I should say there isn't any smut, but the tension is delicious, the chemistry jumps off the page. The cast of characters is so rich, and they are all so fleshed out you feel like you could walk by them on the streets.
The investigation aspect was also so well done, it kept me guessing to the very end, and I was very satisfied with how it all turned out.
Usually, I would feel like a second pov would elevate the book, but here it's the opposite, it's almost like having only one side was necessary.
Erin Dunn did a fantastic job with this book, I can only give it the highest praise.
August 14, 2025
Intriguing premise, sharp writing, interesting MCs, but I could not get into this book to save my life.
The narrative is third-person, singular POV, which I find limiting and dull, regardless of the genre (but especially so when it comes to romance).
Rav is a fun character. Unfortunately, his narration wasn't enough to carry the book for me. I wish Jack had been given a voice as well. As is, his personality was all tell, no show.
Never mind that the romance played second-fiddle to everything else. The relationship was behind the scenes, and Jack never crawled out of his self-imposed hidey-hole.
The mystery felt manufactured, and while I enjoyed the snarky humor and the banter between Rav and his NYPD partner, it didn't quite fit the plot.
There were also too many references to pop culture for my liking. I had vague One Direction fanfic vibes while reading He's to Die For. I haven't read a lot of fanfic though, so I may well be wrong.
The narrative is third-person, singular POV, which I find limiting and dull, regardless of the genre (but especially so when it comes to romance).
Rav is a fun character. Unfortunately, his narration wasn't enough to carry the book for me. I wish Jack had been given a voice as well. As is, his personality was all tell, no show.
Never mind that the romance played second-fiddle to everything else. The relationship was behind the scenes, and Jack never crawled out of his self-imposed hidey-hole.
The mystery felt manufactured, and while I enjoyed the snarky humor and the banter between Rav and his NYPD partner, it didn't quite fit the plot.
There were also too many references to pop culture for my liking. I had vague One Direction fanfic vibes while reading He's to Die For. I haven't read a lot of fanfic though, so I may well be wrong.
August 30, 2025
He’s to Die For was a book at the top of my TBR for 2025. I was delighted to receive an ARC of the book and suspected this would be something I’d love. A rockstar love interest? I’m the exact target audience for this book.
I am the biggest fan of queer celebrity romance books and adore anything that features a forbidden romance. However, I’ve never read one like this before. The romance takes a backseat to the murder mystery at the heart of the story. Yet, the relationship between Rav and Jack, and the murder plot, worked so well together. The romantic scenes in Jack’s hotel room or Rav’s flat were my favourite moments of the story. I loved how the relationship developed and how the obstacles in their romance were tied to the murder mystery.
The writing was great, and the characters were charming and unique. I would have loved it if the celebrity aspect of the relationship had been expanded more, but I appreciated that, since the book was from Rav’s perspective, it was more about the mystery. I’ve always adored when authors include different formats throughout the story, like newspaper articles or social media posts, and felt this story was missing some of those elements. It didn’t necessarily take away from the story, and is more of a personal preference.
Jack was my favourite character. He was anxious and struggled with panic attacks, but had a heart of gold. I adored the way that Rav handled Jack’s anxiety.
I’d recommend He’s to Die For to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance or murder mysteries. I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as I did!
Thank you to the publisher and the author for sending an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
I post about queer books on: Instagram Twitter TikTok
I am the biggest fan of queer celebrity romance books and adore anything that features a forbidden romance. However, I’ve never read one like this before. The romance takes a backseat to the murder mystery at the heart of the story. Yet, the relationship between Rav and Jack, and the murder plot, worked so well together. The romantic scenes in Jack’s hotel room or Rav’s flat were my favourite moments of the story. I loved how the relationship developed and how the obstacles in their romance were tied to the murder mystery.
The writing was great, and the characters were charming and unique. I would have loved it if the celebrity aspect of the relationship had been expanded more, but I appreciated that, since the book was from Rav’s perspective, it was more about the mystery. I’ve always adored when authors include different formats throughout the story, like newspaper articles or social media posts, and felt this story was missing some of those elements. It didn’t necessarily take away from the story, and is more of a personal preference.
Jack was my favourite character. He was anxious and struggled with panic attacks, but had a heart of gold. I adored the way that Rav handled Jack’s anxiety.
I’d recommend He’s to Die For to anyone who enjoys contemporary romance or murder mysteries. I’m sure you’ll love it just as much as I did!
Thank you to the publisher and the author for sending an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review!
I post about queer books on: Instagram Twitter TikTok
June 3, 2025
He's to Die For pulled me out of a reading slump with how funny, charming, and intriguing it is! An absolute delight of a book! ❤️
Listen, sometimes the chemistry is so amazing that what was supposed to be a police interview with a murder suspect turns into a murder-meet-cute 🤷♀️
It took maybe a handful of pages for me to fall in love with Ravi, the British-Indian, queer, NYC cop who's at the top of his game both job and style-wise. He's funny, charming, and ready to show he can be the lead on a big murder case, impress his bosses (and maybe even his parents), and he's not about to let anything get in his way.
Rav didn't account for Jack Vale though, the lead singer of a famous band who's nowhere near as arrogant and aloof as his status suggests he would be. Instead he's kind, anxious, and intriguing in a way Rav wasn't prepared for. Oh, and he's also the main suspect in a murder. Or two.
Rav and Jack make me want to scream into my pillow with how freaking cute and good they are together, I absolutely adore both characters and their romance 🥰🥰
Besides the fantastic romance aspect that made me positively giddy, He's to Die For also has a great murder mystery plot. Romance and plot are well-balanced and the book had me hooked really fast!
✨️Read He's to Die For for:
💙Stylish af British NYC cop/murder suspect rock star
🖤Crime mystery romance
💙Text flirting!
🖤Amazing chemistry!
💙Anxiety rep
🖤Single POV (3rd person)
Thanks to Minotaur Books and St. Martin's Press for the ARC. He's to Die For is out June 3
Listen, sometimes the chemistry is so amazing that what was supposed to be a police interview with a murder suspect turns into a murder-meet-cute 🤷♀️
It took maybe a handful of pages for me to fall in love with Ravi, the British-Indian, queer, NYC cop who's at the top of his game both job and style-wise. He's funny, charming, and ready to show he can be the lead on a big murder case, impress his bosses (and maybe even his parents), and he's not about to let anything get in his way.
Rav didn't account for Jack Vale though, the lead singer of a famous band who's nowhere near as arrogant and aloof as his status suggests he would be. Instead he's kind, anxious, and intriguing in a way Rav wasn't prepared for. Oh, and he's also the main suspect in a murder. Or two.
Rav and Jack make me want to scream into my pillow with how freaking cute and good they are together, I absolutely adore both characters and their romance 🥰🥰
Besides the fantastic romance aspect that made me positively giddy, He's to Die For also has a great murder mystery plot. Romance and plot are well-balanced and the book had me hooked really fast!
✨️Read He's to Die For for:
💙Stylish af British NYC cop/murder suspect rock star
🖤Crime mystery romance
💙Text flirting!
🖤Amazing chemistry!
💙Anxiety rep
🖤Single POV (3rd person)
Thanks to Minotaur Books and St. Martin's Press for the ARC. He's to Die For is out June 3
November 25, 2025
This was simply, fucking adorable.
And hilarious and emotional.
4.75 stars
I loved both of the main characters, Rav and Jack. Rav was such an old man, lmao, this quote perfectly sums him up:
“The Nicks. The New Knickerbockers? You know, the band?”
“Sorry, I’m not up on what the kids are listening to these days.”
“You’re twenty-nine years old.”
Anyway, we love a “detective falls in love with the murder suspect” trope. And if that’s not a trope, it is now. I said so.
There was a little spicy spice, some emotional trauma, some side characters that clearly should hook up, and of course, the murder mystery aspect.
Overall, such a fun read! Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and the author for this PR package!
“I’ll call you tomorrow,” Jack says.
“Sure,” Rav says. “Yep.” He gives Jack a thumbs-up
For fuck’s sake.
And hilarious and emotional.
4.75 stars
I loved both of the main characters, Rav and Jack. Rav was such an old man, lmao, this quote perfectly sums him up:
“The Nicks. The New Knickerbockers? You know, the band?”
“Sorry, I’m not up on what the kids are listening to these days.”
“You’re twenty-nine years old.”
Anyway, we love a “detective falls in love with the murder suspect” trope. And if that’s not a trope, it is now. I said so.
There was a little spicy spice, some emotional trauma, some side characters that clearly should hook up, and of course, the murder mystery aspect.
Overall, such a fun read! Thank you so much to St. Martin’s Press and the author for this PR package!
“I’ll call you tomorrow,” Jack says.
“Sure,” Rav says. “Yep.” He gives Jack a thumbs-up
For fuck’s sake.
![Profile Image for Megan [At The Cottage].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1634561405i%2F25103878._UY200_CR50%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
paused-will-finish-later
June 17, 2025MM Romance
Rock Star/Cop
Paused @ 52%
I loved the first part of this book but it’s lost steam as it’s progressed and I just cannot get back into it right now. I like the mystery aspect but I came for the romance and it’s just not working for me. I think this would have been better if it had been in both POVs but in just the one, it makes the rock star MC feel super one dimensional. That said I have it paused and not a true DNF because I want to check out the audiobook, I just don’t have time to do that before the feedback is due.
Thanks netgalley for the arc.
Rock Star/Cop
Paused @ 52%
I loved the first part of this book but it’s lost steam as it’s progressed and I just cannot get back into it right now. I like the mystery aspect but I came for the romance and it’s just not working for me. I think this would have been better if it had been in both POVs but in just the one, it makes the rock star MC feel super one dimensional. That said I have it paused and not a true DNF because I want to check out the audiobook, I just don’t have time to do that before the feedback is due.
Thanks netgalley for the arc.
October 10, 2024
This entire story scratched my brain just right, I don't know how else to explain it 🤷♀️💅 Rav and Jack supremacy ✨️
June 26, 2025
A- / 4.5 stars rounded up.
Erin Dunn’s He’s to Die For is one of those books I could tell I was going to love from the very first page. It’s a superb combination of mystery and romance in which the author – in her first published novel, no less - does a terrific job of balancing the various elements of the story so that neither the romance nor the murder mystery feels short-changed. The characters are engaging, the mystery is clever and the humor is on point; it’s the strangest mix of fluffy and gritty – and yet it works splendidly.
Detective Rav Trivedi is something of an anomaly within the NYPD. Not only is he, at twenty-nine, the youngest detective on the force, he’s the Oxford-educated son of an English life-peer (of Indian descent) and a supermodel, and was brought up in the UK. He’s openly gay, classy, posh and has a penchant for the finest designer suits and accessories, all things which put him out of step in his white, male-dominated workplace, but Rav is unapologetically who he is, and while there are certainly some… undercurrents to the snarky comments sometimes directed his way at work, for the most part he has a decent relationship with his colleagues, and his impressive solve-rate generally keeps anyone minded to grumble about his being a ‘diversity hire’ grumbling to themselves.
When his Captain offers him the chance to take the lead on a really high-profile case, Rav jumps at it – it’s the chance he’s waited for to prove, once and for all, that he really belongs there and has earned his place like everybody else. Music executive Richard Vanderford has been found dead, killed execution style by two shots, one to the head, one to the chest, and the man’s connection to one of the biggest rock bands on the planet means Rav and his partner, Will, are going to be under intense media pressure to find out who did it. It turns out that Vanderford wasn’t exactly Mr. Popular in the business or with music fans, and even less so with the members of the New Knickerbockers, who have been engaged in a legal dispute with him since he bought the master recordings of their first two albums when their original record company went under, and has been licensing their songs for use to whoever would pay for them, concerned only about making as much money as he can without considering the damage he’s going to their brand and reputation. Lead singer and songwriter Jack Vale is known to have had a massive row with Vanderford a couple of days earlier – a real barn-burner, apparently. Security called and everything – so it looks as though Rav and Will have their first suspect.
Rav isn’t into the music scene, so has no idea of just how big the New Knickerbockers are, or of the level of fame Jack Vale enjoys (or not – maybe that should be ‘endures’), but celebrities don’t faze him – he grew up in that world, after all. He quite expects Jack Vale to be one of that ilk; spoiled, arrogant and self-absorbed, so finding out he’s the exact opposite - quiet, thoughtful and unassuming - comes as something of a surprise. Jack is also jaw-droppingly gorgeous, possessed of a kind of effortless sexiness that, for some indefinable reason, Rav finds annoying. But then a look passes between them, a faint smile curves Jack’s lips… and Rav feels electicity crackle through him for just a second, before he remembers he has a job to do. And that getting a crush on the prime suspect in a murder investigation is a really bad idea.
Okay, so yes, it’s a familiar trope, but the author puts a wonderfully fresh, modern spin on it here. As the investigation progresses as it becomes apparent that Jack isn’t the only one with a grudge against Vanderford, and a link emerges between the murder and a recent incident at a New Knickerbocker’s concert in which a man with a gun – a known conspiracy theorist who has been stalking Jack for ages – tried to force his way backstage. The mystery becomes more complicated as the suspect pool widens, and whoever is responsible is revealed to be clever, cunning and absolutely determined to avoid discovery no matter the cost. Kudos to Ms. Dunn for not making it easy to guess the identity of the culprit – I didn’t figure it out until shortly before Rav does – and the twists, turns and red-herrings will keep readers on their toes at the same time as the tender, swoony romance between Rav and Jack will charm and delight them.
And the romance is lovely. I was pleased that nothing physical happens, other than some longing looks and flirty conversations, until Rav’s part in the investigation ends, but after that, they’re free to explore the attraction that’s been growing between them since their first meeting. The story is told entirely from Rav’s perspective, but the author does a good job of showing us that the attraction is mutual, and while the chemistry between the pair is evident from the start, the romance doesn’t smack of instalove. Jack’s in the middle of a tour, so he and Rav spend time getting to know each other through the light-hearted, flirty conversations and messages they exchange while he’s away. They’re both young – in their twenties (Jack is a few years younger than Rav) - but there’s a maturity to them because of who they are and what they do, and they’re easy to root for as a couple and to like individually. Jack is hugely talented, generous and protective of the people he cares about, but he’s prone to panic attacks and isstill struggling to process his grief over the death of his best friend and bandmate in an accident a few years earlier, and Rav, while an excellent detective and rising star, has had little time for anything else in his life, and his determination to get results hasn’t made him many friends in the department. He’s warm, funny and keenly intelligent; he’s a wonderfully engaging narrator and I liked him a lot.
There’s a strongly-written secondary cast here, including Rav’s down-to-earth partner, Will, and Jack’s no-nonsense bodyguard, Matteo, who all feel well fleshed-out, and I appreciated the frank acknowledgement that Jack’s megastar status doesn’t come without a lot of strings attached; the intrusion of social media, the abundance of gossip sites and the increasing use of deepfake images and videos are part of celebrity culture nowadays.
One thing I wasn’t the biggest fan of is the third person present tense narrative – I’d just finished reading a book also written in third person present tense that reminded me that I really dislike it – but the story and characters quickly won me over here so that in the end, I didn’t really notice it. The ending is perhaps a bit rushed and unrealistic, and some parts of the narrative feel a bit clunky, plus I’d have liked to have known a little more about Rav’s background and couldn’t help wondering how someone like him ended up in the NYPD. In the end, though, I enjoyed the story enough for those things not to have spoiled my enjoyment of it. He’s to Die For is a thoroughly entertaining début novel, and I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for whatever Erin Dunn comes up with next.
Erin Dunn’s He’s to Die For is one of those books I could tell I was going to love from the very first page. It’s a superb combination of mystery and romance in which the author – in her first published novel, no less - does a terrific job of balancing the various elements of the story so that neither the romance nor the murder mystery feels short-changed. The characters are engaging, the mystery is clever and the humor is on point; it’s the strangest mix of fluffy and gritty – and yet it works splendidly.
Detective Rav Trivedi is something of an anomaly within the NYPD. Not only is he, at twenty-nine, the youngest detective on the force, he’s the Oxford-educated son of an English life-peer (of Indian descent) and a supermodel, and was brought up in the UK. He’s openly gay, classy, posh and has a penchant for the finest designer suits and accessories, all things which put him out of step in his white, male-dominated workplace, but Rav is unapologetically who he is, and while there are certainly some… undercurrents to the snarky comments sometimes directed his way at work, for the most part he has a decent relationship with his colleagues, and his impressive solve-rate generally keeps anyone minded to grumble about his being a ‘diversity hire’ grumbling to themselves.
When his Captain offers him the chance to take the lead on a really high-profile case, Rav jumps at it – it’s the chance he’s waited for to prove, once and for all, that he really belongs there and has earned his place like everybody else. Music executive Richard Vanderford has been found dead, killed execution style by two shots, one to the head, one to the chest, and the man’s connection to one of the biggest rock bands on the planet means Rav and his partner, Will, are going to be under intense media pressure to find out who did it. It turns out that Vanderford wasn’t exactly Mr. Popular in the business or with music fans, and even less so with the members of the New Knickerbockers, who have been engaged in a legal dispute with him since he bought the master recordings of their first two albums when their original record company went under, and has been licensing their songs for use to whoever would pay for them, concerned only about making as much money as he can without considering the damage he’s going to their brand and reputation. Lead singer and songwriter Jack Vale is known to have had a massive row with Vanderford a couple of days earlier – a real barn-burner, apparently. Security called and everything – so it looks as though Rav and Will have their first suspect.
Rav isn’t into the music scene, so has no idea of just how big the New Knickerbockers are, or of the level of fame Jack Vale enjoys (or not – maybe that should be ‘endures’), but celebrities don’t faze him – he grew up in that world, after all. He quite expects Jack Vale to be one of that ilk; spoiled, arrogant and self-absorbed, so finding out he’s the exact opposite - quiet, thoughtful and unassuming - comes as something of a surprise. Jack is also jaw-droppingly gorgeous, possessed of a kind of effortless sexiness that, for some indefinable reason, Rav finds annoying. But then a look passes between them, a faint smile curves Jack’s lips… and Rav feels electicity crackle through him for just a second, before he remembers he has a job to do. And that getting a crush on the prime suspect in a murder investigation is a really bad idea.
Okay, so yes, it’s a familiar trope, but the author puts a wonderfully fresh, modern spin on it here. As the investigation progresses as it becomes apparent that Jack isn’t the only one with a grudge against Vanderford, and a link emerges between the murder and a recent incident at a New Knickerbocker’s concert in which a man with a gun – a known conspiracy theorist who has been stalking Jack for ages – tried to force his way backstage. The mystery becomes more complicated as the suspect pool widens, and whoever is responsible is revealed to be clever, cunning and absolutely determined to avoid discovery no matter the cost. Kudos to Ms. Dunn for not making it easy to guess the identity of the culprit – I didn’t figure it out until shortly before Rav does – and the twists, turns and red-herrings will keep readers on their toes at the same time as the tender, swoony romance between Rav and Jack will charm and delight them.
And the romance is lovely. I was pleased that nothing physical happens, other than some longing looks and flirty conversations, until Rav’s part in the investigation ends, but after that, they’re free to explore the attraction that’s been growing between them since their first meeting. The story is told entirely from Rav’s perspective, but the author does a good job of showing us that the attraction is mutual, and while the chemistry between the pair is evident from the start, the romance doesn’t smack of instalove. Jack’s in the middle of a tour, so he and Rav spend time getting to know each other through the light-hearted, flirty conversations and messages they exchange while he’s away. They’re both young – in their twenties (Jack is a few years younger than Rav) - but there’s a maturity to them because of who they are and what they do, and they’re easy to root for as a couple and to like individually. Jack is hugely talented, generous and protective of the people he cares about, but he’s prone to panic attacks and isstill struggling to process his grief over the death of his best friend and bandmate in an accident a few years earlier, and Rav, while an excellent detective and rising star, has had little time for anything else in his life, and his determination to get results hasn’t made him many friends in the department. He’s warm, funny and keenly intelligent; he’s a wonderfully engaging narrator and I liked him a lot.
There’s a strongly-written secondary cast here, including Rav’s down-to-earth partner, Will, and Jack’s no-nonsense bodyguard, Matteo, who all feel well fleshed-out, and I appreciated the frank acknowledgement that Jack’s megastar status doesn’t come without a lot of strings attached; the intrusion of social media, the abundance of gossip sites and the increasing use of deepfake images and videos are part of celebrity culture nowadays.
One thing I wasn’t the biggest fan of is the third person present tense narrative – I’d just finished reading a book also written in third person present tense that reminded me that I really dislike it – but the story and characters quickly won me over here so that in the end, I didn’t really notice it. The ending is perhaps a bit rushed and unrealistic, and some parts of the narrative feel a bit clunky, plus I’d have liked to have known a little more about Rav’s background and couldn’t help wondering how someone like him ended up in the NYPD. In the end, though, I enjoyed the story enough for those things not to have spoiled my enjoyment of it. He’s to Die For is a thoroughly entertaining début novel, and I’m definitely going to keep an eye out for whatever Erin Dunn comes up with next.
August 17, 2025
I want to start off by saying that Sid Sagar's narration was fantastic. He really brought Rav and Jack to life.
I don't typically read murder mysteries, but wanted to give this a shot and was pleasantly surprised with it! There was a good balance between the romance plotline and the murder plotline, and both were compelling to read. I thought everything tied in well and came to a satisfying conclusion that didn't feel overly dramatic, confusing, or unrealistic. The only reason I didn't rate this higher was because while still a good story with good writing, not much stood out; no quotes I fell in love with, no truly memorable moments I could easily reflect on once I finished the audiobook. But I will say that Jack was the highlight of the story. His empathy and kindness despite everything he was dealing with really resonated with me.
I do still highly recommend this book to anyone in need of a sweet romance and a good whodunit plot.
I don't typically read murder mysteries, but wanted to give this a shot and was pleasantly surprised with it! There was a good balance between the romance plotline and the murder plotline, and both were compelling to read. I thought everything tied in well and came to a satisfying conclusion that didn't feel overly dramatic, confusing, or unrealistic. The only reason I didn't rate this higher was because while still a good story with good writing, not much stood out; no quotes I fell in love with, no truly memorable moments I could easily reflect on once I finished the audiobook. But I will say that Jack was the highlight of the story. His empathy and kindness despite everything he was dealing with really resonated with me.
I do still highly recommend this book to anyone in need of a sweet romance and a good whodunit plot.
May 26, 2025
This is an entertaining, well-written, romantic murder mystery novel. It has an intelligent, likable and engaging male protagonist, wit, a touch of humor, sizzling chemistry, a heartwarming romance, an intriguing mystery, twists and turns, and a satisfying conclusion. The song lyrics were lovely, and added a nice touch. Many thanks to St. Martin's Press, Ms. Dunn, and NetGalley, who provided me with an advanced reader copy of this fantastic novel. This is my honest opinion.
October 21, 2025
Rav is not your typical NYC cop -- he's a posh British gay man; the son of a British lord, with an ivy league education and a penchant for designer clothing. Rav loves being on the force and is thrilled when his lieutenant gives him a high profile case involving a music executive. As part of the case, he meets Jack, the lead singer for the famous band The Knickerbockers. Sparks fly between Jack and Rav immediately, but unfortunately, Jack is a suspect in Rav's case. Getting close with him means an end to Rav's career.
I'm always a sucker for the "regular" person and famous person romances. This story pairs that storyline with an over-the-top mystery. At times, it feels like a lot of plot jammed in! There are dying people tossed in with FBI agents and conspiracy theories galore. Add that to Jack and Rav's relationship ups and downs, and it can become very difficult to keep all the mystery threads straight!
Still, Rav and Jack are cute together, and while there's nothing really revolutionary about this romance, it's a fun m/m romance with a mystery twist.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books in return for an unbiased review.
I'm always a sucker for the "regular" person and famous person romances. This story pairs that storyline with an over-the-top mystery. At times, it feels like a lot of plot jammed in! There are dying people tossed in with FBI agents and conspiracy theories galore. Add that to Jack and Rav's relationship ups and downs, and it can become very difficult to keep all the mystery threads straight!
Still, Rav and Jack are cute together, and while there's nothing really revolutionary about this romance, it's a fun m/m romance with a mystery twist.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books in return for an unbiased review.
dnf
March 24, 2025DNF @ 34%
I was pretty certain after finishing one chapter that He’s To Die For wasn’t going to work for me, and I should have listened to my gut.
For me, there are a few issues that make it so I can’t push through the book, no do I care what happens:
1)The main characters: Rav is supposed to be this young and successful homicide detective who nobody respects for no good reason but I can tell you the reason: he’s insufferable. Also he’s not very professional for the fact he starts falling for a possible suspect in the murder and the narrative writes off his concern over that pretty quickly.
Jack, the rockstar possible murder love interest, reminds me of every guy in college who thought he was deep but really should just be in therapy. There isn’t much the reader gets about Jack beyond his anxiety and cluelessness about the world around him.
These two kissed at the 34% mark, I didn’t care, and that was the final nail in the coffin.
2) I honest to god cared more about the murder case than the romantic plot, but as that was secondary in this book (which is fine!),I couldn’t stick around to find out what happened.
3) The constant cultural references/details that are going to age this book faster than climate change will affect the planet. The brand name clothing Raf wears is constantly name-dropped (ew), the references back to Brooklyn 99 (saying a character is “The female Captain Holt” does not make your book like the show, in fact it alienates readers who haven’t seen it and it shows weak writing, actually), and other character descriptions like “an off-brand Tom Brady,” mentions of social media sites “He refused to call it X” - you get the picture.
I know this is a debut, and I do think the bones of a good story is there, but if the Romance isn’t going to carry the Romance Book, everything else in the pages need to be stronger - and it wasn’t.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC!
I was pretty certain after finishing one chapter that He’s To Die For wasn’t going to work for me, and I should have listened to my gut.
For me, there are a few issues that make it so I can’t push through the book, no do I care what happens:
1)The main characters: Rav is supposed to be this young and successful homicide detective who nobody respects for no good reason but I can tell you the reason: he’s insufferable. Also he’s not very professional for the fact he starts falling for a possible suspect in the murder and the narrative writes off his concern over that pretty quickly.
Jack, the rockstar possible murder love interest, reminds me of every guy in college who thought he was deep but really should just be in therapy. There isn’t much the reader gets about Jack beyond his anxiety and cluelessness about the world around him.
These two kissed at the 34% mark, I didn’t care, and that was the final nail in the coffin.
2) I honest to god cared more about the murder case than the romantic plot, but as that was secondary in this book (which is fine!),I couldn’t stick around to find out what happened.
3) The constant cultural references/details that are going to age this book faster than climate change will affect the planet. The brand name clothing Raf wears is constantly name-dropped (ew), the references back to Brooklyn 99 (saying a character is “The female Captain Holt” does not make your book like the show, in fact it alienates readers who haven’t seen it and it shows weak writing, actually), and other character descriptions like “an off-brand Tom Brady,” mentions of social media sites “He refused to call it X” - you get the picture.
I know this is a debut, and I do think the bones of a good story is there, but if the Romance isn’t going to carry the Romance Book, everything else in the pages need to be stronger - and it wasn’t.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the ARC!
August 3, 2025
It took a while to get into this one because I wasn't sold on the writing style, but it grew on me and I ended up really enjoying the story.
It's definitely more of a crime mystery with a romantic subplot, but I really liked Jack and Rav together. The crime was interesting and I had my suspicions, but ultimately it was a surprise and I was happy with the conclusion.
What I struggled with though was the lack of emotional connection to either MC. The POV is 3rd person omniscient, which is never my favourite! I prefer to be inside a character's mind to see exactly how they're feeling and what they're thinking. I feel like I'm reading a clinical report sometimes when the POV is like this one, and I'm just more of an emotion based reader. It was still enjoyable but I felt like I wasn't too fussed either way with their relationship.
*
*
*
HRCYED2: Q's Recommendations
It's definitely more of a crime mystery with a romantic subplot, but I really liked Jack and Rav together. The crime was interesting and I had my suspicions, but ultimately it was a surprise and I was happy with the conclusion.
What I struggled with though was the lack of emotional connection to either MC. The POV is 3rd person omniscient, which is never my favourite! I prefer to be inside a character's mind to see exactly how they're feeling and what they're thinking. I feel like I'm reading a clinical report sometimes when the POV is like this one, and I'm just more of an emotion based reader. It was still enjoyable but I felt like I wasn't too fussed either way with their relationship.
*
*
*
HRCYED2: Q's Recommendations
May 8, 2025
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for a free, electronic ARC of this novel received in exchange for an honest review.
Expected publication date: June 5, 2025
Canadian author Erin Dunn combines romance with a murder investigation in her debut novel, “He's to Die For”. When an NYPD detective falls in love with the main suspect of his murder case, there is bound to be trouble (and spicy, fiery sparks!)
Rav is the son of a Lord and a supermodel and, going against everything his parents wanted for him, he is now an NYPD police detective, trying to make his mark and help people in the process. When a high-powered record executive is found dead, Rav’s captain takes a chance and puts him in charge of the case and Rav is pulled into the world of glitz and glamour when his first suspects are members of an uber popular indie rock band. It isn’t until Rav meets the band’s gorgeous and talented frontman, Jack, that he realizes how difficult his investigation is going to be- not only does Rav have to stay out of the spotlight and solve the murder, he also has to pretend he isn’t head over heels in love with the main suspect.
“Die” is sharp and funny, a modern romance full of mystery and intrigue. Dunn delivers an atypical protagonist in suit-loving, homosexual, posh Brit, Rav, who is delightfully out of place in his white-male-dominated workplace. He makes no excuses and accepts who he is whole-heartedly, which serves to connect readers with him almost immediately.
There are multiple potential suspects in the investigation, due to the number of people involved in the inner workings of rock superstardom, but the twist at the end caught me by surprise. “Die” combines the high-powered world of the music industry with the gritty, taxing world of policing which isn’t supposed to work, but in this case, it really, really does.
Not only do readers want the killer to be caught, but they are also cheering for the relationship between cop and rockstar, and both plotlines are addicting and page-turning and I couldn’t wait to see how it played out. The dynamic between Rav and Jack was endearing and charming, and they provided all the swoon. Combined with the dangerous world of police investigation, and “Die” doesn’t slow down until the final pages.
Dunn is a new author and “Die” was a debut that will appeal to modern readers who are looking for a little murder with their romance.
Expected publication date: June 5, 2025
Canadian author Erin Dunn combines romance with a murder investigation in her debut novel, “He's to Die For”. When an NYPD detective falls in love with the main suspect of his murder case, there is bound to be trouble (and spicy, fiery sparks!)
Rav is the son of a Lord and a supermodel and, going against everything his parents wanted for him, he is now an NYPD police detective, trying to make his mark and help people in the process. When a high-powered record executive is found dead, Rav’s captain takes a chance and puts him in charge of the case and Rav is pulled into the world of glitz and glamour when his first suspects are members of an uber popular indie rock band. It isn’t until Rav meets the band’s gorgeous and talented frontman, Jack, that he realizes how difficult his investigation is going to be- not only does Rav have to stay out of the spotlight and solve the murder, he also has to pretend he isn’t head over heels in love with the main suspect.
“Die” is sharp and funny, a modern romance full of mystery and intrigue. Dunn delivers an atypical protagonist in suit-loving, homosexual, posh Brit, Rav, who is delightfully out of place in his white-male-dominated workplace. He makes no excuses and accepts who he is whole-heartedly, which serves to connect readers with him almost immediately.
There are multiple potential suspects in the investigation, due to the number of people involved in the inner workings of rock superstardom, but the twist at the end caught me by surprise. “Die” combines the high-powered world of the music industry with the gritty, taxing world of policing which isn’t supposed to work, but in this case, it really, really does.
Not only do readers want the killer to be caught, but they are also cheering for the relationship between cop and rockstar, and both plotlines are addicting and page-turning and I couldn’t wait to see how it played out. The dynamic between Rav and Jack was endearing and charming, and they provided all the swoon. Combined with the dangerous world of police investigation, and “Die” doesn’t slow down until the final pages.
Dunn is a new author and “Die” was a debut that will appeal to modern readers who are looking for a little murder with their romance.
December 16, 2025
I enjoyed this so much!
Pining, flirting, slow burn romance and a murder to solve?
Yes please!
Rav is one of my most favourite new characters in a very long time!
Highly enjoyed wandering around inside his head.
Much love to NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for my copy!
Pining, flirting, slow burn romance and a murder to solve?
Yes please!
Rav is one of my most favourite new characters in a very long time!
Highly enjoyed wandering around inside his head.
Much love to NetGalley & St. Martin's Press for my copy!
February 10, 2025
He's to Die For is a charming romantic suspense pairing a rockstar and a homicide detective that broke a few tropes I'm tired of in MM romance in a refreshing way.
First, Detective Rav Trivedi is a breath of fresh air among MM cop romances. Finally, an openly gay cop who's not also hyper-masculine. Rav's Indian-American by way of Britain, a trust fund baby born to a lord and a model, very demanding but distant parents. Posh and classy, he wears the finest designer suits and accessories, a fashion sense that will come in handy in his investigation in a clever complement. But his knowledge of pop culture isn't quite so avant-garde.
Then he meets the latest suspect in his new murder investigation, a rockstar with surprising humility who gets panic attacks. Trivedi's swept up in an embarassing and verging on creepy crush, and the feeling's requited. But it never felt instalove rushed or pockmarked by the usual juvenile misunderstandings; the tension between them was real and exciting. You could immediately tell how they felt about each other even in a single-person point of view, if only they'd figure it out.
The tension came mainly from the forbidden element of crushing on a suspect, not so much Jack Vale's celebrity life, though that factored in as well. What I loved about their romance was that it could have easily been purely physical, but they had emotionally intimate, flirty conversations that made each other feel safe and seen. That made me root for them to make it although I was annoyed at the situationship they found themselves stuck in for most of the book, but again understandable given the conflicts of interest.
The mystery, which took center stage, was twisty and kept me guessing. I also liked how this wasn't copganda and it showed Rav's struggles at being taken seriously as more than a "DEI hire" which the department clearly saw him as. I liked how he had the support of his stuffy partner and how his department ribbed him for the viral moments of his romance.
All in all this was a fun mystery and a swoonworthy romance that I felt emotionally connected to.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
First, Detective Rav Trivedi is a breath of fresh air among MM cop romances. Finally, an openly gay cop who's not also hyper-masculine. Rav's Indian-American by way of Britain, a trust fund baby born to a lord and a model, very demanding but distant parents. Posh and classy, he wears the finest designer suits and accessories, a fashion sense that will come in handy in his investigation in a clever complement. But his knowledge of pop culture isn't quite so avant-garde.
Then he meets the latest suspect in his new murder investigation, a rockstar with surprising humility who gets panic attacks. Trivedi's swept up in an embarassing and verging on creepy crush, and the feeling's requited. But it never felt instalove rushed or pockmarked by the usual juvenile misunderstandings; the tension between them was real and exciting. You could immediately tell how they felt about each other even in a single-person point of view, if only they'd figure it out.
The tension came mainly from the forbidden element of crushing on a suspect, not so much Jack Vale's celebrity life, though that factored in as well. What I loved about their romance was that it could have easily been purely physical, but they had emotionally intimate, flirty conversations that made each other feel safe and seen. That made me root for them to make it although I was annoyed at the situationship they found themselves stuck in for most of the book, but again understandable given the conflicts of interest.
The mystery, which took center stage, was twisty and kept me guessing. I also liked how this wasn't copganda and it showed Rav's struggles at being taken seriously as more than a "DEI hire" which the department clearly saw him as. I liked how he had the support of his stuffy partner and how his department ribbed him for the viral moments of his romance.
All in all this was a fun mystery and a swoonworthy romance that I felt emotionally connected to.
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the advance review copy. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 16, 2025
A perfect blend of humor, suspense, and romance. Rav was a great main character and I really enjoyed every side character as well.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.
November 16, 2025
This was cute and adventurous, and really hard to put down! Excellent read while on holiday and having limited time for reading.
April 10, 2025
When I saw that this is a murder mystery where the love interest is a rockstar, but also the suspect? I just knew I’m going to love this and I was 100% right.
The style of writing was amazing, I just flew through the pages! Rav’s thoughts were hilarious and I loved that he was a little ✨extra✨ for a hardworking detective with a good head on his shoulder.
The mystery was really gripping, while the romance was super soft and sweet. Rav turning out to be such a simp made me smile like an idiot. I loved the open communication like actual adults!
The reveal had me on the edge of my seat and I really liked how it all turned out in the end.
The only thing I really didn’t like in this is how they drink alcohol every. single. day. There wasn’t a day that went without Rav drinking and I really didn’t appreciate that. It stuck out a lot and to me it felt really weird.
Other than that this is definitely a new favourite of mine and I can’t wait to read more books by this author!
Actual rating: 4,5
The style of writing was amazing, I just flew through the pages! Rav’s thoughts were hilarious and I loved that he was a little ✨extra✨ for a hardworking detective with a good head on his shoulder.
The mystery was really gripping, while the romance was super soft and sweet. Rav turning out to be such a simp made me smile like an idiot. I loved the open communication like actual adults!
The reveal had me on the edge of my seat and I really liked how it all turned out in the end.
The only thing I really didn’t like in this is how they drink alcohol every. single. day. There wasn’t a day that went without Rav drinking and I really didn’t appreciate that. It stuck out a lot and to me it felt really weird.
Other than that this is definitely a new favourite of mine and I can’t wait to read more books by this author!
Actual rating: 4,5
June 16, 2025
Erin Dunn's debut novel "He's to Die For" delivers exactly what its brilliant tagline promises: murder cute in the first degree. This captivating blend of romantic comedy and police procedural follows Detective Rav Trivedi, a sharp-dressed, Ivy League-educated gay British detective whose meteoric rise through the NYPD ranks makes him the youngest member of the homicide squad. When record executive Richard Vanderford turns up murdered, Rav finds himself assigned to the highest-profile case of his career—and inexorably drawn to his prime suspect, rock star Jack Vale of the band New Knickerbockers.
The premise crackles with tension from page one. Dunn masterfully establishes the central conflict: professional duty versus personal desire, ambition versus authentic connection. Rav's internal struggle feels genuinely earned rather than manufactured, particularly as Dunn peels back layers of his character to reveal someone who has sacrificed personal relationships for career advancement his entire life.
Character Development That Hits All the Right Notes
Rav Trivedi: More Than Just a Pretty Detective
Dunn crafts Rav as a complex protagonist who could easily have fallen into stereotype territory but instead emerges as refreshingly three-dimensional. His designer suits and cutting wit mask deeper insecurities about belonging—whether in the NYPD, where his background sets him apart, or in relationships, where his career has always taken precedence. The author's decision to make him British adds an interesting outsider perspective that enriches his character without feeling gimmicky.
Rav's evolution throughout the story feels organic. His growing willingness to risk everything for Jack represents genuine character growth, not just romantic plot convenience. The scenes where he questions his own instincts—particularly when evidence seems to point definitively at Jack—showcase internal conflict that many readers will recognize from their own lives.
Jack Vale: Vulnerability Behind the Spotlight
Jack Vale could have been another shallow celebrity love interest, but Dunn imbues him with authentic vulnerability and complexity. His anxiety issues, grief over his best friend Tommy's death, and the suffocating pressure of fame create a character who feels real rather than idealized. The author handles Jack's mental health struggles with sensitivity, showing how anxiety affects his daily life without making it his only defining characteristic.
The chemistry between Rav and Jack develops naturally through shared moments of genuine connection. Their rooftop conversation at the Palace Hotel, where Jack opens up about feeling like "a dog on ten leashes," demonstrates Dunn's skill at creating intimacy through dialogue that serves both character development and plot advancement.
A Mystery That Keeps You Guessing
Plot Construction and Pacing
The murder mystery element provides solid scaffolding for the romance without overwhelming it. Dunn weaves clues throughout the narrative with impressive skill, particularly the revelation about Ryan Nash and Tommy Esposito's death. The twist involving Erika Strauss feels both surprising and inevitable—a hallmark of effective mystery writing.
The pacing occasionally stumbles in the middle act, where the investigation sometimes feels secondary to relationship development. However, the final act's explosive revelation and confrontation sequence more than compensates for any earlier lag. The action sequence in France demonstrates Dunn's ability to write compelling suspense while maintaining character focus.
Red Herrings and Revelations
The deepfake video subplot adds contemporary relevance while serving the mystery's misdirection needs. The revelation that Erika orchestrated the false evidence campaign against Jack showcases how easily public opinion can be manipulated in the social media age. This feels particularly timely given current discussions about disinformation and celebrity culture.
The Joseph Miller subplot initially appears to be typical conspiracy theorist material, but Dunn's revelation that he was actually correct about Tommy's death adds layers to what could have been a simple throwaway plot device. This attention to detail elevates the mystery beyond simple whodunit territory.
Romance That Sizzles Without Sacrificing Substance
Emotional Authenticity
The romantic elements succeed because Dunn grounds them in genuine emotional connection rather than pure physical attraction. The scene where Rav realizes he's "enough" for Jack provides the emotional payoff that romance readers crave while feeling earned through character development rather than plot manipulation.
The author handles the power imbalance between detective and suspect with care, acknowledging the ethical complexities without letting them derail the romance. Rav's internal struggle over his professional obligations feels real and adds tension that pure enemies-to-lovers stories sometimes lack.
Supporting Cast Excellence
Will, Rav's partner, provides excellent grounding as the voice of professional reason. Lieutenant Howard emerges as a complex authority figure who balances departmental politics with genuine care for her detectives. Even secondary characters like Ana feel fully realized rather than purely functional.
The portrayal of the music industry through characters like Eloise, the perpetually nervous PA, adds authentic detail that enhances the story's believability. Dunn clearly researched both police procedures and celebrity culture thoroughly.
Writing Style and Technical Elements
Dunn's Voice and Technique
Dunn writes with a breezy confidence that makes the pages fly by. Her dialogue sparkles with wit while serving character development efficiently. The author's background clearly includes extensive research into both police procedure and music industry operations, lending authenticity to technical details without overwhelming general readers.
The British elements of Rav's background feel authentic rather than forced, particularly his internal observations about American policing culture. Dunn avoids the trap of making his foreignness a constant source of humor while still using it to provide fresh perspective on familiar settings.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The book's greatest strength lies in its character development and the genuine chemistry between its leads. Dunn creates believable people dealing with realistic conflicts, even within the heightened circumstances of murder investigation and celebrity culture.
Some plot conveniences feel slightly forced, particularly the timing of certain revelations. The social media subplot, while relevant, occasionally feels heavy-handed in its commentary on cancel culture and public shaming. Additionally, some supporting characters could use more development, particularly Ryan Nash, whose motivations sometimes feel unclear until the final revelation.
Themes and Social Commentary
Identity and Belonging
The novel explores themes of identity and belonging through multiple lenses. Rav's struggle to fit within NYPD culture while maintaining his authentic self resonates with anyone who has felt like an outsider in professional settings. Jack's battle against the constraints of fame and public image adds another layer to questions about authentic self-expression.
Modern Celebrity Culture
Dunn's commentary on celebrity culture feels sharp without being preachy. The portrayal of social media harassment, fan entitlement, and the isolation of fame rings true to contemporary experiences. The author avoids both idealizing and demonizing celebrity, instead presenting it as a complex system with genuine costs for those within it.
Final Verdict: A Promising Debut with Series Potential
"He's to Die For" represents an impressive debut that successfully balances multiple genre demands without sacrificing character development or emotional authenticity. While some plot elements feel convenient and pacing occasionally falters, the strong character work and genuine chemistry between leads overcome these minor shortcomings.
Dunn demonstrates clear understanding of both romance and mystery genre expectations while bringing fresh perspective through contemporary settings and social commentary. The resolution satisfies both romantic and mystery plot threads while leaving room for potential future installments featuring these compelling characters.
The premise crackles with tension from page one. Dunn masterfully establishes the central conflict: professional duty versus personal desire, ambition versus authentic connection. Rav's internal struggle feels genuinely earned rather than manufactured, particularly as Dunn peels back layers of his character to reveal someone who has sacrificed personal relationships for career advancement his entire life.
Character Development That Hits All the Right Notes
Rav Trivedi: More Than Just a Pretty Detective
Dunn crafts Rav as a complex protagonist who could easily have fallen into stereotype territory but instead emerges as refreshingly three-dimensional. His designer suits and cutting wit mask deeper insecurities about belonging—whether in the NYPD, where his background sets him apart, or in relationships, where his career has always taken precedence. The author's decision to make him British adds an interesting outsider perspective that enriches his character without feeling gimmicky.
Rav's evolution throughout the story feels organic. His growing willingness to risk everything for Jack represents genuine character growth, not just romantic plot convenience. The scenes where he questions his own instincts—particularly when evidence seems to point definitively at Jack—showcase internal conflict that many readers will recognize from their own lives.
Jack Vale: Vulnerability Behind the Spotlight
Jack Vale could have been another shallow celebrity love interest, but Dunn imbues him with authentic vulnerability and complexity. His anxiety issues, grief over his best friend Tommy's death, and the suffocating pressure of fame create a character who feels real rather than idealized. The author handles Jack's mental health struggles with sensitivity, showing how anxiety affects his daily life without making it his only defining characteristic.
The chemistry between Rav and Jack develops naturally through shared moments of genuine connection. Their rooftop conversation at the Palace Hotel, where Jack opens up about feeling like "a dog on ten leashes," demonstrates Dunn's skill at creating intimacy through dialogue that serves both character development and plot advancement.
A Mystery That Keeps You Guessing
Plot Construction and Pacing
The murder mystery element provides solid scaffolding for the romance without overwhelming it. Dunn weaves clues throughout the narrative with impressive skill, particularly the revelation about Ryan Nash and Tommy Esposito's death. The twist involving Erika Strauss feels both surprising and inevitable—a hallmark of effective mystery writing.
The pacing occasionally stumbles in the middle act, where the investigation sometimes feels secondary to relationship development. However, the final act's explosive revelation and confrontation sequence more than compensates for any earlier lag. The action sequence in France demonstrates Dunn's ability to write compelling suspense while maintaining character focus.
Red Herrings and Revelations
The deepfake video subplot adds contemporary relevance while serving the mystery's misdirection needs. The revelation that Erika orchestrated the false evidence campaign against Jack showcases how easily public opinion can be manipulated in the social media age. This feels particularly timely given current discussions about disinformation and celebrity culture.
The Joseph Miller subplot initially appears to be typical conspiracy theorist material, but Dunn's revelation that he was actually correct about Tommy's death adds layers to what could have been a simple throwaway plot device. This attention to detail elevates the mystery beyond simple whodunit territory.
Romance That Sizzles Without Sacrificing Substance
Emotional Authenticity
The romantic elements succeed because Dunn grounds them in genuine emotional connection rather than pure physical attraction. The scene where Rav realizes he's "enough" for Jack provides the emotional payoff that romance readers crave while feeling earned through character development rather than plot manipulation.
The author handles the power imbalance between detective and suspect with care, acknowledging the ethical complexities without letting them derail the romance. Rav's internal struggle over his professional obligations feels real and adds tension that pure enemies-to-lovers stories sometimes lack.
Supporting Cast Excellence
Will, Rav's partner, provides excellent grounding as the voice of professional reason. Lieutenant Howard emerges as a complex authority figure who balances departmental politics with genuine care for her detectives. Even secondary characters like Ana feel fully realized rather than purely functional.
The portrayal of the music industry through characters like Eloise, the perpetually nervous PA, adds authentic detail that enhances the story's believability. Dunn clearly researched both police procedures and celebrity culture thoroughly.
Writing Style and Technical Elements
Dunn's Voice and Technique
Dunn writes with a breezy confidence that makes the pages fly by. Her dialogue sparkles with wit while serving character development efficiently. The author's background clearly includes extensive research into both police procedure and music industry operations, lending authenticity to technical details without overwhelming general readers.
The British elements of Rav's background feel authentic rather than forced, particularly his internal observations about American policing culture. Dunn avoids the trap of making his foreignness a constant source of humor while still using it to provide fresh perspective on familiar settings.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The book's greatest strength lies in its character development and the genuine chemistry between its leads. Dunn creates believable people dealing with realistic conflicts, even within the heightened circumstances of murder investigation and celebrity culture.
Some plot conveniences feel slightly forced, particularly the timing of certain revelations. The social media subplot, while relevant, occasionally feels heavy-handed in its commentary on cancel culture and public shaming. Additionally, some supporting characters could use more development, particularly Ryan Nash, whose motivations sometimes feel unclear until the final revelation.
Themes and Social Commentary
Identity and Belonging
The novel explores themes of identity and belonging through multiple lenses. Rav's struggle to fit within NYPD culture while maintaining his authentic self resonates with anyone who has felt like an outsider in professional settings. Jack's battle against the constraints of fame and public image adds another layer to questions about authentic self-expression.
Modern Celebrity Culture
Dunn's commentary on celebrity culture feels sharp without being preachy. The portrayal of social media harassment, fan entitlement, and the isolation of fame rings true to contemporary experiences. The author avoids both idealizing and demonizing celebrity, instead presenting it as a complex system with genuine costs for those within it.
Final Verdict: A Promising Debut with Series Potential
"He's to Die For" represents an impressive debut that successfully balances multiple genre demands without sacrificing character development or emotional authenticity. While some plot elements feel convenient and pacing occasionally falters, the strong character work and genuine chemistry between leads overcome these minor shortcomings.
Dunn demonstrates clear understanding of both romance and mystery genre expectations while bringing fresh perspective through contemporary settings and social commentary. The resolution satisfies both romantic and mystery plot threads while leaving room for potential future installments featuring these compelling characters.
June 29, 2025
The Charm Offensive meets Brooklyn 99 had me by the throat. Surely the book couldn't pull that off? Friends, IT DID. This is also perfect for fans of If This Gets Out. And it had major Psych vibes. The chief is 100% Chief Vick, I won't be taking any comments at this time.
TW: Stalking (major theme); Murder (on-page); Panic attacks (on-page); Gun violence; Past death of a loved one (member of the band); Grief; Use of deepfakes; Kidnapping; References to suicide
CW: Harry Potter reference; Mention of vomiting; Homophobia mentioned
Rav was a trust fund kid raised by a lord in London, but he took his sexy accent and designer suits to New York to become a detective and create distance from his famous parents. He was quickly promoted to Homicides and we start the book as he's handed his first huge case. A big time executive of a record label was murdered, and days before his death he was seen arguing with the lead singer of the band over the ownership of their masters. So yes, I did pretend that the dead guy was Scott Borchetta. Fitting that I picked this up one week after Taylor Swift was able to buy back her masters (!).
No workplace forbidden romance has forbidden romanced like a detective falling for the lead suspect in his first big case (we are not including dark romance in this competition). I ate this book up like it was the leftover sauce on your plate after finishing your pasta and you have some of that crispy bread that mops up the extra flavor. I couldn't get enough!!
This is not a perfect book. Why the hell is there a Harry Potter reference in a 2025 release? Rav's Indian heritage is mentioned exactly one time and never brought up again. It also feels a tad preachy at times, particularly while justifying Rav's decision to become a cop. But the ratio of kicking feet and hair twirling to time spent reading and overall enjoyment meant this couldn't be anything less than 5/5. I make the rules.
I love a book about musicians and I love a book about grief and I love some well-written chemistry. He's to Die For is the trifecta. I can't wait to see what else this author does!
I will now be accepting as many mystery romance recs as possible. The only other one I've read was The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year, which was also fantastic.
Rep: Half-Indian gay main character; queer love interest (sexuality is never labeled); Latina side character; many queer side characters and characters of color
TW: Stalking (major theme); Murder (on-page); Panic attacks (on-page); Gun violence; Past death of a loved one (member of the band); Grief; Use of deepfakes; Kidnapping; References to suicide
CW: Harry Potter reference; Mention of vomiting; Homophobia mentioned
Rav was a trust fund kid raised by a lord in London, but he took his sexy accent and designer suits to New York to become a detective and create distance from his famous parents. He was quickly promoted to Homicides and we start the book as he's handed his first huge case. A big time executive of a record label was murdered, and days before his death he was seen arguing with the lead singer of the band over the ownership of their masters. So yes, I did pretend that the dead guy was Scott Borchetta. Fitting that I picked this up one week after Taylor Swift was able to buy back her masters (!).
No workplace forbidden romance has forbidden romanced like a detective falling for the lead suspect in his first big case (we are not including dark romance in this competition). I ate this book up like it was the leftover sauce on your plate after finishing your pasta and you have some of that crispy bread that mops up the extra flavor. I couldn't get enough!!
This is not a perfect book. Why the hell is there a Harry Potter reference in a 2025 release? Rav's Indian heritage is mentioned exactly one time and never brought up again. It also feels a tad preachy at times, particularly while justifying Rav's decision to become a cop. But the ratio of kicking feet and hair twirling to time spent reading and overall enjoyment meant this couldn't be anything less than 5/5. I make the rules.
I love a book about musicians and I love a book about grief and I love some well-written chemistry. He's to Die For is the trifecta. I can't wait to see what else this author does!
I will now be accepting as many mystery romance recs as possible. The only other one I've read was The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year, which was also fantastic.
Rep: Half-Indian gay main character; queer love interest (sexuality is never labeled); Latina side character; many queer side characters and characters of color
June 8, 2025
2.25 stars
So, this story isn't horrible, but I do have one very big problem with this book, and it's the fact that the author, in 2025, uses a HP reference. And in a queer romance, no less. One of the side characters asks the MC about Hogwarts houses, and can't we just get past these references considering all the harm that the author has inflicted on the LGBTQ+ community, especially trans people? Once I read that, the rest of the story felt insincere. The reference wasn't necessary. Aside from that, the story started off strong but quickly lost steam by the halfway point. I did really enjoy the narrator, but unfortunately, they didn't do enough to save the last half of the story for me. This had potential, but it just didn't reach that.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
So, this story isn't horrible, but I do have one very big problem with this book, and it's the fact that the author, in 2025, uses a HP reference. And in a queer romance, no less. One of the side characters asks the MC about Hogwarts houses, and can't we just get past these references considering all the harm that the author has inflicted on the LGBTQ+ community, especially trans people? Once I read that, the rest of the story felt insincere. The reference wasn't necessary. Aside from that, the story started off strong but quickly lost steam by the halfway point. I did really enjoy the narrator, but unfortunately, they didn't do enough to save the last half of the story for me. This had potential, but it just didn't reach that.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 5, 2025
I HAVE SO MUCH TO SAY ABOUT THIS BOOK
This might be in my top 3 of favourite books ever. The story is interesting and it keeps shocking you, the emotions that this book makes you feel. the comfort, happiness, sadness, grief that both of the characters feel is impressive. I cried for this book and i laughed. The characters were all very catchy and i am sad that i finished this book 😭 i loveddddd it so much.
Jack was definitely my favourite character and his way of being..i relate a lot to him. I’m glad I got the opportunity to read an arc
This might be in my top 3 of favourite books ever. The story is interesting and it keeps shocking you, the emotions that this book makes you feel. the comfort, happiness, sadness, grief that both of the characters feel is impressive. I cried for this book and i laughed. The characters were all very catchy and i am sad that i finished this book 😭 i loveddddd it so much.
Jack was definitely my favourite character and his way of being..i relate a lot to him. I’m glad I got the opportunity to read an arc
June 10, 2025
A very straightforward romance, which is what I needed.
There isn’t a lot of depth to this story. There seems to be an attempt at Mental Health or Anxiety being a “plus” element but it wasn’t significant enough to be the main theme of the store. So it really was a standard celeb/rockstar type romance. The mystery element did add a bit though which was a nice change of pace. Added needed tension.
I’ve been craving good gay romances as I feel like some of the art of them has faded. I miss the days of The Charm Offensive and Red, White, and Royal Blue. And although this one wasn’t up to the level of those, this one was perfectly sufficient for the niche.
There isn’t a lot of depth to this story. There seems to be an attempt at Mental Health or Anxiety being a “plus” element but it wasn’t significant enough to be the main theme of the store. So it really was a standard celeb/rockstar type romance. The mystery element did add a bit though which was a nice change of pace. Added needed tension.
I’ve been craving good gay romances as I feel like some of the art of them has faded. I miss the days of The Charm Offensive and Red, White, and Royal Blue. And although this one wasn’t up to the level of those, this one was perfectly sufficient for the niche.
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