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Deadly Mistakes #1
A Simple Mistake
Liam
Weirdly, people don’t react overly well when you’re caught standing over the dead body of a murderer who’d walked free.
It’s not that I thought my fellow homicide detective would rejoice when he saw what I’d done, but is a pat on the back too much to ask for? Maybe a gold star at the very least?
The problem is that the person who caught me is Gabriel, the only person I care for and adore… and he’s prepared to look the other way if I leave homicide and promise to never kill again. Yet when Gabriel gets taken by a serial killer, there’s absolutely no way I can sit back while this parasite takes what is mine.
But what the killer doesn’t know is that I’m coming for him and that I would destroy the world to keep Gabriel safe. After all, who could hunt a serial killer better than another one?
Gabriel
Drawing Liam back into homicide is the last thing I thought I’d ever do, but the killer is picking off my fellow detectives, and the only way we’re going to make it out of this is with Liam heading the case (even if there’s one—or five—coworkers he’d rather not save).
Liam is smart, sarcastic, and the most dangerous man I’ve ever met, and yet I can’t look away—even if he calls my adorable cat Lucy Fur. No one has any idea just how far Liam will go for me, especially not the killer, who won’t realize until too late that the prey he hunts is actually a predator.
Weirdly, people don’t react overly well when you’re caught standing over the dead body of a murderer who’d walked free.
It’s not that I thought my fellow homicide detective would rejoice when he saw what I’d done, but is a pat on the back too much to ask for? Maybe a gold star at the very least?
The problem is that the person who caught me is Gabriel, the only person I care for and adore… and he’s prepared to look the other way if I leave homicide and promise to never kill again. Yet when Gabriel gets taken by a serial killer, there’s absolutely no way I can sit back while this parasite takes what is mine.
But what the killer doesn’t know is that I’m coming for him and that I would destroy the world to keep Gabriel safe. After all, who could hunt a serial killer better than another one?
Gabriel
Drawing Liam back into homicide is the last thing I thought I’d ever do, but the killer is picking off my fellow detectives, and the only way we’re going to make it out of this is with Liam heading the case (even if there’s one—or five—coworkers he’d rather not save).
Liam is smart, sarcastic, and the most dangerous man I’ve ever met, and yet I can’t look away—even if he calls my adorable cat Lucy Fur. No one has any idea just how far Liam will go for me, especially not the killer, who won’t realize until too late that the prey he hunts is actually a predator.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 14, 2025
532 people are currently reading
1056 people want to read
About the author
Alice Winters
61 books2,714 followersAlice Winters started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to turn her ideas into written words. She loves writing a variety of things from romance and comedy to action. She also enjoys reading, horseback riding, and spending time with her pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 342 reviews
May 25, 2025
✅ 2 POVs
✅ Plot
✅ Police / Investigative work
✅ Pace and action
✅ Interesting MC
✅ Romance and some smut
✅ Mild age gap (about 8 years)
✅(🆗) Alice Winter’s OTT humour (but sometimes it just was not the right time for it)
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: mentions of blood and deaths, death of parents (seen in flashbacks), stalking, shootings, decapitation (off-page), abduction and torture (off-page)
This book starts intriguingly, with Gabriel witnessing his detective partner, Liam, murder someone. Even though Liam explains that he only kills bad guys who escaped the police, Gabriel decides to keep it quiet, only if Liam promises to disappear from his life and never kill again. One year later, though, Liam has no choice but to break his promise when Gabriel is abducted by a serial killer, and only Liam’s astounding deduction and observation skills can save Gabriel in time.
The intrigue and investigation part was good. I don’t read crime/investigation series that often, but I enjoyed the plot of this book. It was complex enough to keep me engaged and guessing at most of it, even though some parts were more obvious and I figured them out before the big reveal, without being too complex and having connections that seemed to come out of nowhere.
There are also flashbacks in the book, and I enjoyed them, even though I am not usually the biggest fan of flashbacks. The chapters happening one or two years prior were not too numerous, and they served a purpose in the plot, helping us better understand the progression of Liam and Gabriel’s professional relationship and semi-friendship, before it all fell apart. They also gave us some insight into Liam’s reasoning for what he does.
Liam is a mix of Sherlock Holmes and Dexter. Liam is a great detective, but when the justice system fails and the bad guys are being set free, he comes in with his justice system and ensures that those horrible people are never seen or heard of again. Liam is brilliant and has a peculiar mind that allows him to notice details or make connections others do not. He is brutally (and hilariously) honest, and struggles with human emotions and interactions, except when it comes to Gabriel, as he is the only one able to make him feel something good, and care about someone else.
Gabriel is the sunshine to Liam’s antisocial grumpiness. He developed feelings for Liam before he found out about his extra-curricular activities, and now that Liam is back in his life, he is experiencing a lot of conflicted feelings. Gabriel is a good detective, but a law-abiding one. He understands why Liam does what he does, but he can’t help but feel that it is wrong because he is killing people. He knows they are horrible people, but he is not at ease with this nonetheless, and he is also scared that Liam will get caught eventually and go to jail.
It was fun watching Liam go from tolerating Gabriel at best (and only because he was forced to work with him), to being obsessed with him. Now, this relationship is not the healthiest and might become even more toxic as Gabriel and Liam spend more time together, so I am curious to see how the author will handle this. This is not just about Liam caring about Gabriel, when he never loved anyone before; this is about him being obsessed with him, and being willing to do anything Gabriel asks simply because Gabriel is the one asking. Liam will also not hesitate to maim and kill anyone who mistreats or threatens Gabriel, but this level of obsession, and the fact that Liam’s whole happiness relies only on Gabriel wanting to spend time with him, is not something that shows a healthy romance. It also puts a lot of pressure on poor Gabriel, who is already struggling with all his conflicted feelings toward Liam and his darker side.
This book has the signature Alice Winter’s over-the-top humour, but it was more subdued than some of her other works. There is a nasty, sassy cat that stole the show a few times, and Liam’s dryness and complete lack of tact and basic interaction skills created many funny situations, but it was not too over-the-top in general, thankfully, because the plot had a darker and more serious vibe. There are a few times when a joke just didn’t feel like it belonged, and it felt like the author was forcing some OTT humor on us, but overall, I still enjoyed this book greatly, and I can’t wait to read the next one!
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✅ Plot
✅ Police / Investigative work
✅ Pace and action
✅ Interesting MC
✅ Romance and some smut
✅ Mild age gap (about 8 years)
✅(🆗) Alice Winter’s OTT humour (but sometimes it just was not the right time for it)
❗️❗️Trigger warnings: mentions of blood and deaths, death of parents (seen in flashbacks), stalking, shootings, decapitation (off-page), abduction and torture (off-page)
This book starts intriguingly, with Gabriel witnessing his detective partner, Liam, murder someone. Even though Liam explains that he only kills bad guys who escaped the police, Gabriel decides to keep it quiet, only if Liam promises to disappear from his life and never kill again. One year later, though, Liam has no choice but to break his promise when Gabriel is abducted by a serial killer, and only Liam’s astounding deduction and observation skills can save Gabriel in time.
The intrigue and investigation part was good. I don’t read crime/investigation series that often, but I enjoyed the plot of this book. It was complex enough to keep me engaged and guessing at most of it, even though some parts were more obvious and I figured them out before the big reveal, without being too complex and having connections that seemed to come out of nowhere.
There are also flashbacks in the book, and I enjoyed them, even though I am not usually the biggest fan of flashbacks. The chapters happening one or two years prior were not too numerous, and they served a purpose in the plot, helping us better understand the progression of Liam and Gabriel’s professional relationship and semi-friendship, before it all fell apart. They also gave us some insight into Liam’s reasoning for what he does.
"You're the only personin my entire life who's made me feel something. Who's made me feel human... I don't know why. It's the only mystery I've bever been able to figure out."
Liam is a mix of Sherlock Holmes and Dexter. Liam is a great detective, but when the justice system fails and the bad guys are being set free, he comes in with his justice system and ensures that those horrible people are never seen or heard of again. Liam is brilliant and has a peculiar mind that allows him to notice details or make connections others do not. He is brutally (and hilariously) honest, and struggles with human emotions and interactions, except when it comes to Gabriel, as he is the only one able to make him feel something good, and care about someone else.
“You know, when I walked in this place and someone said my partner was Detective Paige and at least ten heads whipped around to look at me, I was a little bit worried. Someone even gave me a blessing when I was at the urinal. It was the most awkward thing I’ve ever done with my pants down.”
Gabriel is the sunshine to Liam’s antisocial grumpiness. He developed feelings for Liam before he found out about his extra-curricular activities, and now that Liam is back in his life, he is experiencing a lot of conflicted feelings. Gabriel is a good detective, but a law-abiding one. He understands why Liam does what he does, but he can’t help but feel that it is wrong because he is killing people. He knows they are horrible people, but he is not at ease with this nonetheless, and he is also scared that Liam will get caught eventually and go to jail.
It was fun watching Liam go from tolerating Gabriel at best (and only because he was forced to work with him), to being obsessed with him. Now, this relationship is not the healthiest and might become even more toxic as Gabriel and Liam spend more time together, so I am curious to see how the author will handle this. This is not just about Liam caring about Gabriel, when he never loved anyone before; this is about him being obsessed with him, and being willing to do anything Gabriel asks simply because Gabriel is the one asking. Liam will also not hesitate to maim and kill anyone who mistreats or threatens Gabriel, but this level of obsession, and the fact that Liam’s whole happiness relies only on Gabriel wanting to spend time with him, is not something that shows a healthy romance. It also puts a lot of pressure on poor Gabriel, who is already struggling with all his conflicted feelings toward Liam and his darker side.
“So when she ‘acts out’ it’s cute, but when I ‘act out’ you get mad.”
“Reaching for a piece of pork and murdering someone are wildly different things.”
“I feel like you’re unfairly biased toward that cat. She committed murder today too and you thought it was cute and helpful. Did that little mouse murder his wife and child?”
“It’s honestly fascinating how you try to rationalize things to gain my favor.”
This book has the signature Alice Winter’s over-the-top humour, but it was more subdued than some of her other works. There is a nasty, sassy cat that stole the show a few times, and Liam’s dryness and complete lack of tact and basic interaction skills created many funny situations, but it was not too over-the-top in general, thankfully, because the plot had a darker and more serious vibe. There are a few times when a joke just didn’t feel like it belonged, and it felt like the author was forcing some OTT humor on us, but overall, I still enjoyed this book greatly, and I can’t wait to read the next one!
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February 3, 2025
Ok, so my friend Todd convinced me to give this one a go since the humor is dialed down a few hundred notches. And he was right - it was. This was a much more enjoyable read from this author without all the OTT verbal antics that make me want to choke a bitch.
I guess I will need Todd to filter future stories first? Heh.
But I liked this one. It was lighter on the romance, but the mystery kept me intrigued.
I guess I will need Todd to filter future stories first? Heh.
But I liked this one. It was lighter on the romance, but the mystery kept me intrigued.
January 18, 2025
I haven’t read a book by this author since 2020 when I reviewed the audio version of
Within the Mind
(2019) and found it very disappointing. The one thing I thought the author did well, though, was the darker elements of the story (which is a paranormal procedural), so when I read the synopsis for A Simple Mistake – which sounded like a darker story than Ms. Winters usually writes – I thought it was time to revisit her work. She's very popular and very prolific, and while I don't subscribe to the “she must be good if so many people love her stuff” school of thought, I thought maybe the five-year-gap might mean she’s developed as an author and learned to create complex, three-dimensional characters and dialogue that is actually funny.
Sadly not.
A Simple Mistake is a romantic suspense tale that contains little of either. Liam, a cop, is actually a serial killer who only kills those who deserve it (à la Dexter) and his work partner (and love interest) Gabriel is far too trusting and naïve to be a cop. The story opens one year earlier, with Gabriel catching Liam getting ready to dispose of the body of a man they knew was guilty of the murder of his wife and son but who walked free from court. Horrified, Gabriel knows he should call it in, but instead, lets Liam go with the proviso that he walk away from being a cop and from Gabriel forever. In the present day, Liam learns that Gabriel has been kidnapped (and that some other cops have been murdered), so Liam returns all guns blazing determined to save “his” Gabriel. Of course he does, and the present day part of the story is about their search for the twisted killer.
In flashbacks, we get the story of the wife/son murderer and how Liam and Gabriel set about finding the evidence to prove his guilt.
God, this was a slog. It’s way too long and rather dull; I normally enjoy the use of flashbacks in books, but they just didn’t work here – again, they’re too long and rather dull. The story is dual PoV, but Liam is clearly the author’s favoured child although he’s basically a one-note character. He’s grumpy, he’s a genius who is usually several steps ahead of everyone else when it comes to solving crimes, he’s rude, he’s dismissive of everyone … except Gabriel. For reasons that are not really clear, Liam becomes obsessed with Gabriel (I can’t call it love – it’s way too possessive for that) – he thinks of him as “his Gabriel” and would do literally anything for him. Gabriel becomes fond of Liam for reasons that are equally obscure, and I have no idea whatsoever why – or how - they fall in love. In fact, the romance is a non-starter because we don’t really see it develop; it’s clear Liam is obsessed with Gabriel from the first page, and I couldn’t work out what Gabriel saw in Liam, when he's basically someone whose moral code (such as it is) is the complete opposite to his.
From reading reviews, it seems this grumpy genius/sweet sunshine pairing is the author’s usual MO, and I certainly don’t object to the trope, but the characters need depth and nuance, which aren’t present here. The plot is clunky and lacks tension, and the dialogue – which so many readers praise for its hilarity – is flat and tries too hard to be funny (and fails.)
I know I’m an outlier here and that the author and her many fans won’t care what I have to say. But clearly, Alice Winters isn’t for me.
Sadly not.
A Simple Mistake is a romantic suspense tale that contains little of either. Liam, a cop, is actually a serial killer who only kills those who deserve it (à la Dexter) and his work partner (and love interest) Gabriel is far too trusting and naïve to be a cop. The story opens one year earlier, with Gabriel catching Liam getting ready to dispose of the body of a man they knew was guilty of the murder of his wife and son but who walked free from court. Horrified, Gabriel knows he should call it in, but instead, lets Liam go with the proviso that he walk away from being a cop and from Gabriel forever. In the present day, Liam learns that Gabriel has been kidnapped (and that some other cops have been murdered), so Liam returns all guns blazing determined to save “his” Gabriel. Of course he does, and the present day part of the story is about their search for the twisted killer.
In flashbacks, we get the story of the wife/son murderer and how Liam and Gabriel set about finding the evidence to prove his guilt.
God, this was a slog. It’s way too long and rather dull; I normally enjoy the use of flashbacks in books, but they just didn’t work here – again, they’re too long and rather dull. The story is dual PoV, but Liam is clearly the author’s favoured child although he’s basically a one-note character. He’s grumpy, he’s a genius who is usually several steps ahead of everyone else when it comes to solving crimes, he’s rude, he’s dismissive of everyone … except Gabriel. For reasons that are not really clear, Liam becomes obsessed with Gabriel (I can’t call it love – it’s way too possessive for that) – he thinks of him as “his Gabriel” and would do literally anything for him. Gabriel becomes fond of Liam for reasons that are equally obscure, and I have no idea whatsoever why – or how - they fall in love. In fact, the romance is a non-starter because we don’t really see it develop; it’s clear Liam is obsessed with Gabriel from the first page, and I couldn’t work out what Gabriel saw in Liam, when he's basically someone whose moral code (such as it is) is the complete opposite to his.
From reading reviews, it seems this grumpy genius/sweet sunshine pairing is the author’s usual MO, and I certainly don’t object to the trope, but the characters need depth and nuance, which aren’t present here. The plot is clunky and lacks tension, and the dialogue – which so many readers praise for its hilarity – is flat and tries too hard to be funny (and fails.)
I know I’m an outlier here and that the author and her many fans won’t care what I have to say. But clearly, Alice Winters isn’t for me.
March 31, 2025
4.25**** stars
Always a pleasure listening to Greg B bringing a book to life. And I really liked this one, very entertaining. Liam was a character after my taste and I loved that he new-named Gabriel’s cat Lucy-Fur —which only made sense to me when I said it out loud, or rather Greg B did. *lol
Sadly (for me, not the book) this is one of those where you have to pay close attention, especially with two timelines and two cases involved. Otherwise, if you don’t, you end up very confused, like me. Because for this ended like ”Huh? Who even is that dude who ended up being the culprit? Was he always in this story?” So yeah, better pay attention, people!
Always a pleasure listening to Greg B bringing a book to life. And I really liked this one, very entertaining. Liam was a character after my taste and I loved that he new-named Gabriel’s cat Lucy-Fur —which only made sense to me when I said it out loud, or rather Greg B did. *lol
“So when she ‘acts out’ it’s cute, but when I ‘act out’ you get mad.”
“Reaching for a piece of pork and murdering someone are wildly different things.”
“I feel like you’re unfairly biased toward that cat. She committed murder today too and you thought it was cute and helpful. Did that little mouse murder his wife and child?”
“It’s honestly fascinating how you try to rationalize things to gain my favor.”
Sadly (for me, not the book) this is one of those where you have to pay close attention, especially with two timelines and two cases involved. Otherwise, if you don’t, you end up very confused, like me. Because for this ended like ”Huh? Who even is that dude who ended up being the culprit? Was he always in this story?” So yeah, better pay attention, people!
January 22, 2025
Book safety, content warnings, and tropes down below.
Why does he dislike every person he comes across but not me? What did I do that snagged his attention? What could make me special to this man? Why does that terrify me… but also excite me?
I mean, it’s a book by Alice Winters so I should’ve expected the heavy focus on humor and silliness, but the blurb and tropes made me think it would be more serious. I really enjoyed the book, tho, silliness and all. A lot of the humor worked for me, but by the end I did wish it would’ve been more serious.
I really enjoyed both MCs and the plot/mystery was so well done. The entire thing felt original and I’m curious about what will happen in book 2.
“You’re back!” Penny says as she comes up from behind me and gives me a hug. I’d much rather she’d choked me or something less revolting.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Law enforcement
Vigilante MC
Serial killer hunting a serial killer
Homicide detectives
Funny
Slow burn
Touch him and 💀
Protective MC
‘We shouldn’t’
Romantic suspense
Mortal peril
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Graphic violence
Gun violence
MC killing bad guys (off page)
MC kidnapped (off page)
MC held captive
Injured MCs
SC cheating on spouse (mentioned several times)
Details of murder scene
Brief mention of death of parent
Near-death of SC
Explicit sexual content
On-page home invasion (past)
MC and parent injured and held hostage
MC’s parents killed on page (past)
Injured MC (gunshot wound, hospitalized)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles (for now)
Main characters’ age: 32 and 38 (maybe)
Series: Duology
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 368
Happy ending: Yes
Sometimes I’m so fucking stupid I can’t understand how people think I’m intelligent.
“You know, when I walked in this place and someone said my partner was Detective Paige and at least ten heads whipped around to look at me, I was a little bit worried. Someone even gave me a blessing when I was at the urinal. It was the most awkward thing I’ve ever done with my pants down.”
“So when she ‘acts out’ it’s cute, but when I ‘act out’ you get mad.” “Reaching for a piece of pork and murdering someone are wildly different things.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
Why does he dislike every person he comes across but not me? What did I do that snagged his attention? What could make me special to this man? Why does that terrify me… but also excite me?
I mean, it’s a book by Alice Winters so I should’ve expected the heavy focus on humor and silliness, but the blurb and tropes made me think it would be more serious. I really enjoyed the book, tho, silliness and all. A lot of the humor worked for me, but by the end I did wish it would’ve been more serious.
I really enjoyed both MCs and the plot/mystery was so well done. The entire thing felt original and I’m curious about what will happen in book 2.
“You’re back!” Penny says as she comes up from behind me and gives me a hug. I’d much rather she’d choked me or something less revolting.
⬇️ Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Law enforcement
Vigilante MC
Serial killer hunting a serial killer
Homicide detectives
Funny
Slow burn
Touch him and 💀
Protective MC
‘We shouldn’t’
Romantic suspense
Mortal peril
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Graphic violence
Gun violence
MC killing bad guys (off page)
MC kidnapped (off page)
MC held captive
Injured MCs
SC cheating on spouse (mentioned several times)
Details of murder scene
Brief mention of death of parent
Near-death of SC
Explicit sexual content
On-page home invasion (past)
MC and parent injured and held hostage
MC’s parents killed on page (past)
Injured MC (gunshot wound, hospitalized)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Strict roles (for now)
Main characters’ age: 32 and 38 (maybe)
Series: Duology
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 368
Happy ending: Yes
Sometimes I’m so fucking stupid I can’t understand how people think I’m intelligent.
“You know, when I walked in this place and someone said my partner was Detective Paige and at least ten heads whipped around to look at me, I was a little bit worried. Someone even gave me a blessing when I was at the urinal. It was the most awkward thing I’ve ever done with my pants down.”
“So when she ‘acts out’ it’s cute, but when I ‘act out’ you get mad.” “Reaching for a piece of pork and murdering someone are wildly different things.”
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
February 14, 2025
I’ve never gelled well with this author's particular humour (way too much, way too OTT for me), and although I enjoyed one or two of her books, I usually stay clear of them now.
This, however, sounded promising.
The book starts off with a bang and a very intriguing scenario.
One of the MCs is a killer, and there’s absolutely NO remorse about what he’s done. Liam believes in his own justice, killing when the justice system fails victims (in his opinion) and lets killers off the hook.
Basically, he is a vigilante cop with his own very grey moral code. Which kind of puts you into the dilemma whether to root for him or judge him, or what the heck do you do with him?
I guess it depends what your feelings are about vigilantes who take the law into their own hands.
I did love Liam’s cleverness and Sherlock Holmes- like detection skills. That was great fun! And somehow his abrasiveness with people comes across more as 100% honesty (I don’t like people). It’s probably because I could relate to this on some level. 😂
The author certainly tries her best, as we go along, to make a case for what Liam does. Or that’s how it felt to me, anyway. And yes, I could see where Liam is coming from, but I can’t help that his actions left a slightly ‘wrong’ feeling in my gut.
Tbh, Gabe is going through exactly the same emotions.
And more so because he is a cop, too. A law-abiding one. And because he has fallen in love with Liam before he finds out about him. Gabe is the ultimate good guy, and yes, comparisons to a golden retriever puppy are definitely spot on.
His dilemma of deciding whether to trust/like/love Liam despite his actions and of what he thinks is right and wrong is very well explored. It’s a huge dilemma, until … well until events overtake any uncertainties.
I really enjoyed all the superior sleuthing Liam does, but was surprised at the gruesome/violent elements in the story. Still, I thought I was heading for a 5 star read until about 65% when suddenly the author turned her usual humour up a notch, and left me sighing and asking ‘WHY’???
Anyway, this book asks some morally interesting questions, and I guess most of us could not answer them unless we were going through a similar trauma as Gabe.
This, however, sounded promising.
The book starts off with a bang and a very intriguing scenario.
One of the MCs is a killer, and there’s absolutely NO remorse about what he’s done. Liam believes in his own justice, killing when the justice system fails victims (in his opinion) and lets killers off the hook.
Basically, he is a vigilante cop with his own very grey moral code. Which kind of puts you into the dilemma whether to root for him or judge him, or what the heck do you do with him?
I guess it depends what your feelings are about vigilantes who take the law into their own hands.
I did love Liam’s cleverness and Sherlock Holmes- like detection skills. That was great fun! And somehow his abrasiveness with people comes across more as 100% honesty (I don’t like people). It’s probably because I could relate to this on some level. 😂
The author certainly tries her best, as we go along, to make a case for what Liam does. Or that’s how it felt to me, anyway. And yes, I could see where Liam is coming from, but I can’t help that his actions left a slightly ‘wrong’ feeling in my gut.
Tbh, Gabe is going through exactly the same emotions.
And more so because he is a cop, too. A law-abiding one. And because he has fallen in love with Liam before he finds out about him. Gabe is the ultimate good guy, and yes, comparisons to a golden retriever puppy are definitely spot on.
His dilemma of deciding whether to trust/like/love Liam despite his actions and of what he thinks is right and wrong is very well explored. It’s a huge dilemma, until … well until events overtake any uncertainties.
I really enjoyed all the superior sleuthing Liam does, but was surprised at the gruesome/violent elements in the story. Still, I thought I was heading for a 5 star read until about 65% when suddenly the author turned her usual humour up a notch, and left me sighing and asking ‘WHY’???
Anyway, this book asks some morally interesting questions, and I guess most of us could not answer them unless we were going through a similar trauma as Gabe.
October 23, 2025
A Simple Mistake is a thriller, action packed, bloody, it has snark, banter, two detectives in love with one detective having a vigilante second life. It was darker than most of Alice's books but still, even with the mystery and the drama, there was space for humor and feelings. Liam was such a charming character: late 30s, a very smart detective who solves cases faster than anyone else, and who serves justice in private when the system fails to do so.
At the other side there's Gabriel, younger detective and Liam's partner other than the only person Liam listens to and the one he would burn the world for, or hunt a killer until they can't threaten the life of the man he loves.
The story is intense, it goes back and forth for a bit from the day Gabriel becomes Liam's partners, then to the day everything changes; when Gabriel finds out about Liam's extracurricular activities and tells him to quit his job and never see him again. A killer targetting the police brings them back together and their partnership is incredible both while working and in private when Gabriel dotes on his cat Lucille Pawl who hates everyone but him, and Liam trying not to get murdered by the evil cat. Their banter is hilarious and Gabriel is the leash that keeps Liam in check, seeing as he hates everyone but somehow people keep being closed to him. Which he hates, but he tolerates it when Gabriel is next to him teaching how to act like a human being. I just loved Liam and I would've helped him get rid of all the bad guys, not questions asked! I'm your woman, I'll bring a shovel! Gabriel being a cat dad thinking his cat is the most perfect angel was very relatable. I am too a mom of a cat who does nothing wrong, the perfect angel.
A Simple Mistake has the perfect mix of everything I loved and I can't wait to read more stories about Liam and Gabriel and Lucy Fur, no sorry, Lucille Pawl.
At the other side there's Gabriel, younger detective and Liam's partner other than the only person Liam listens to and the one he would burn the world for, or hunt a killer until they can't threaten the life of the man he loves.
The story is intense, it goes back and forth for a bit from the day Gabriel becomes Liam's partners, then to the day everything changes; when Gabriel finds out about Liam's extracurricular activities and tells him to quit his job and never see him again. A killer targetting the police brings them back together and their partnership is incredible both while working and in private when Gabriel dotes on his cat Lucille Pawl who hates everyone but him, and Liam trying not to get murdered by the evil cat. Their banter is hilarious and Gabriel is the leash that keeps Liam in check, seeing as he hates everyone but somehow people keep being closed to him. Which he hates, but he tolerates it when Gabriel is next to him teaching how to act like a human being. I just loved Liam and I would've helped him get rid of all the bad guys, not questions asked! I'm your woman, I'll bring a shovel! Gabriel being a cat dad thinking his cat is the most perfect angel was very relatable. I am too a mom of a cat who does nothing wrong, the perfect angel.
A Simple Mistake has the perfect mix of everything I loved and I can't wait to read more stories about Liam and Gabriel and Lucy Fur, no sorry, Lucille Pawl.
February 21, 2025
A Joyfully Jay review.
4.5 stars
A Simple Mistake starts the new Deadly Mistake series from Alice Winters and I totally loved this one. While the story does have some of Winters’ trademark humor, this is definitely a darker and less comedic tone and it really worked for me. Winters sets the suspense plot up so well, opening the book with Liam being discovered by Gabriel while standing over the body of the man he just killed. We quickly learn that the guys are police partners, the victim was a murderer who walked free, and Liam is madly in love with Gabriel.
The book opens with a bang and it is a non-stop thrill ride that kept me totally engaged. I enjoyed Liam and Gabriel together and am so happy that there are more books to come for these guys. If you like Winters’ style, or are looking for a suspense story with a little more of morally gray main character, I can definitely recommend A Simple Mistake.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
4.5 stars
A Simple Mistake starts the new Deadly Mistake series from Alice Winters and I totally loved this one. While the story does have some of Winters’ trademark humor, this is definitely a darker and less comedic tone and it really worked for me. Winters sets the suspense plot up so well, opening the book with Liam being discovered by Gabriel while standing over the body of the man he just killed. We quickly learn that the guys are police partners, the victim was a murderer who walked free, and Liam is madly in love with Gabriel.
The book opens with a bang and it is a non-stop thrill ride that kept me totally engaged. I enjoyed Liam and Gabriel together and am so happy that there are more books to come for these guys. If you like Winters’ style, or are looking for a suspense story with a little more of morally gray main character, I can definitely recommend A Simple Mistake.
Read Jay’s review in its entirety here.
May 12, 2025
reread/relisten May 2025.
Had to relisten/reread because the second book’s audio just dropped this weekend!
Audio: 500 stars for Greg B
Book: 4.5-5 stars
Loved every moment of this and so happy the audio just came out, it was so worth the wait!
I am looking forward to the next book, and what other mischief Liam can get into!
Liam definitely is the love child of Sherlock Holmes (BBC Version) and Dexter mix and I ate it up! I could just read about him and love every minute!
This will definitely go in my reread mix!
Had to relisten/reread because the second book’s audio just dropped this weekend!
Audio: 500 stars for Greg B
Book: 4.5-5 stars
Loved every moment of this and so happy the audio just came out, it was so worth the wait!
I am looking forward to the next book, and what other mischief Liam can get into!
Liam definitely is the love child of Sherlock Holmes (BBC Version) and Dexter mix and I ate it up! I could just read about him and love every minute!
This will definitely go in my reread mix!
May 13, 2025
Such a cute new series, basically Dexter in a book, if you liked Dexter and want a mystery with a mm romance this book is for you!
January 18, 2025
5 phenomenonal Stars. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
If I could give it more stars, I would.
This was my second Alice Winters book, and wow! Talent.
So much Sass, dark humour, mystery, romance... well... weird obsessive romance. And a cat!!!! I love an evil, vicious cat. Lucy Fur. lol
I loved the two MMCs, the snarky, dangerous, twisted Liam and the sweet, adorable, innocent Gabriel (of course he'd have the name of an angel😇).
I can't wait to read some more Alice Winters.
If I could give it more stars, I would.
This was my second Alice Winters book, and wow! Talent.
So much Sass, dark humour, mystery, romance... well... weird obsessive romance. And a cat!!!! I love an evil, vicious cat. Lucy Fur. lol
I loved the two MMCs, the snarky, dangerous, twisted Liam and the sweet, adorable, innocent Gabriel (of course he'd have the name of an angel😇).
I can't wait to read some more Alice Winters.
January 18, 2025
My first 5* read of the year.
I loved this one.
Alice winters is one of my favourite authors. And her Hitman books are (in my opinion) the funniest books ever written. That’s not to say I like all her books. Sometimes I like the characters but not the story and vice versa. Here I loved both.
This is a darker read but it still has Alice’s trademark sarcastic humour running through it. Liam is delicious as the homicide detective/serial killer. I can’t begin to describe how brilliant he is.
He has no time for anyone and he isn’t shy about letting them know. But he’s so good at his job they have to tolerate him.
This changes when Gabriel enters his life. He would do anything for him.
Now I’m just left waiting for the next book and hoping the wait isn’t too long…..
January 18, 2025
This book didn’t work for me. The time jumps were overwhelming, and they ruined the romantic progression between the main characters. When the story started, they were already obsessed with each other, so there were no sweet falling-in-love moments. The love itself felt one-sided—Liam clearly loved Gabriel more, to the point of obsession. Gabriel, on the other hand, manipulated Liam, using that love to get what he wanted.
The book left me with some icky feelings. It also lacked humor, which made it feel even heavier. Liam felt like a darker, more mature version of Leland from “The Hitman’s Guide” series, but instead of being an upgrade, he came across as a watered-down copy. It felt like the author was trying to recreate the magic of that series but missed the mark. I don’t think I’ll be continuing with this series.
The book left me with some icky feelings. It also lacked humor, which made it feel even heavier. Liam felt like a darker, more mature version of Leland from “The Hitman’s Guide” series, but instead of being an upgrade, he came across as a watered-down copy. It felt like the author was trying to recreate the magic of that series but missed the mark. I don’t think I’ll be continuing with this series.
June 19, 2025
4.5⭐️ Probably my favorite Alice Winters so far. I love Liam so much, he’s such a charming grump. He reminds me of Adam from Unhinged by Onley James—total psycho serial killer but funny, loyal, and completely obsessed with Gabriel. This book is hilarious and the mystery was great.
May 17, 2025
Rating: 3.5
I love Liam, he's so full of himself and for good reason. He definitely carried the book and Gabriel was kind of just of there.
Great audiobook like always with Alice Winters' books
I love Liam, he's so full of himself and for good reason. He definitely carried the book and Gabriel was kind of just of there.
Great audiobook like always with Alice Winters' books
February 26, 2025
The humor isn't on level 11 in this, and I appreciate so much that Alice has learned to dial it back a smidge. Her humor is great, but sometimes it clubs you over the head hard enough to kill a man.
While I was, once again, completely wrong trying to figure out who the culprit was for this case, I still had fun trying to guess. This also lets me know that I need to up my standards and start demanding ice cream cake as a reward for my good deeds.
Main sticking point: "resting my chin on my elbow..."
CUE ME TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE PHYSICS OF THIS SHIT.
While I was, once again, completely wrong trying to figure out who the culprit was for this case, I still had fun trying to guess. This also lets me know that I need to up my standards and start demanding ice cream cake as a reward for my good deeds.
Main sticking point: "resting my chin on my elbow..."
CUE ME TRYING TO FIGURE OUT THE PHYSICS OF THIS SHIT.
October 28, 2025
A homicide detective must hunt down a serial killer who kidnapped his partner, but there's a twist - he's a killer himself who will stop at nothing to save the one he loves.
I have to wonder a bit about myself...of course there are many folks that also do:) But I found that this murdering, sarcastic serial killer, who is also a homicide detective, has now become one of my favorite people.
The story is a lot "darker" than this authors usually writes, but the awesome "morally gray" Liam, makes it work. Liam doesn't discriminate...he hates everybody, and he's not at all shy, about letting them know. You'll quicky meet Donna...poor Donna... I don’t know what she had ever done to him, probably just blinked or breathed! Liam is very good at his job, even if he does make his fellow officers want to cry, fume and grit their teeth, they can’t do without him. However, changes are coming, and Liam’s whole life is about to change. It's the day that his new partner, Gabriel, walks into the office and straight into Liam's heart. Liam falls hard and fast for this sweet man. That could, maybe should, have changed the day Gabriel unexpectedly finds Liam disposing of his latest very dead...body. Liam has to leave the department and swear to Gabriel, on everything he holds dear and holy, that he will not kill again. We all know how this is going to turn out.
Liam really does try. He does as Gabriel asked...but all bets are off when he finds that a serial killer has kidnapped his "heart and soul"...his loveable, sweet Gabriel. The killer has no idea what he has unleashed...and the predator has now become the prey!
The story seems to have everything. There's murder, lots of twists and turns, sweet, hot, sexy romance... humor... and a sassy "murder cat", named "Lucille Pawl", but Liam calls her "Lucy Fur", (cute play on the names "Lucifer" as well as "Lucille Ball"). The cat hates Liam just as much as he hates her, but Gabriel loves his sweet "fur baby", so Liam puts up with being regularly glared at, mauled and regularly having "cat butt" in his face!
There were lots of tension and emotion and I really liked how Alice Winters conveyed the absolute terror that Gabriel was suffering as the serial killer kept stalking him, as well as his heartfelt plea to Liam.
This came out as a new series in January of this year and book 2 in the series, A Forgotten Mistake, came out in May...so I have a new Liam & Gabriel book. I look forward meeting up with the two guys and "Lucy Fur", again. The two guys still have a lot to work out, especially Gabriel who has to come to terms with Liam and the biggest change in his life.
I have to wonder a bit about myself...of course there are many folks that also do:) But I found that this murdering, sarcastic serial killer, who is also a homicide detective, has now become one of my favorite people.
The story is a lot "darker" than this authors usually writes, but the awesome "morally gray" Liam, makes it work. Liam doesn't discriminate...he hates everybody, and he's not at all shy, about letting them know. You'll quicky meet Donna...poor Donna... I don’t know what she had ever done to him, probably just blinked or breathed! Liam is very good at his job, even if he does make his fellow officers want to cry, fume and grit their teeth, they can’t do without him. However, changes are coming, and Liam’s whole life is about to change. It's the day that his new partner, Gabriel, walks into the office and straight into Liam's heart. Liam falls hard and fast for this sweet man. That could, maybe should, have changed the day Gabriel unexpectedly finds Liam disposing of his latest very dead...body. Liam has to leave the department and swear to Gabriel, on everything he holds dear and holy, that he will not kill again. We all know how this is going to turn out.
Liam really does try. He does as Gabriel asked...but all bets are off when he finds that a serial killer has kidnapped his "heart and soul"...his loveable, sweet Gabriel. The killer has no idea what he has unleashed...and the predator has now become the prey!
The story seems to have everything. There's murder, lots of twists and turns, sweet, hot, sexy romance... humor... and a sassy "murder cat", named "Lucille Pawl", but Liam calls her "Lucy Fur", (cute play on the names "Lucifer" as well as "Lucille Ball"). The cat hates Liam just as much as he hates her, but Gabriel loves his sweet "fur baby", so Liam puts up with being regularly glared at, mauled and regularly having "cat butt" in his face!
There were lots of tension and emotion and I really liked how Alice Winters conveyed the absolute terror that Gabriel was suffering as the serial killer kept stalking him, as well as his heartfelt plea to Liam.
This came out as a new series in January of this year and book 2 in the series, A Forgotten Mistake, came out in May...so I have a new Liam & Gabriel book. I look forward meeting up with the two guys and "Lucy Fur", again. The two guys still have a lot to work out, especially Gabriel who has to come to terms with Liam and the biggest change in his life.
Read
August 31, 2025Didn’t get all the way to the end with this one because my Kindle Unlimited subscription expired when I was close to finishing. I’ll circle back when I can - really was enjoying the book and I’m excited to read the sequel!
☆ Book Reviews | Bluesky | Twitter | Threads ☆
☆ Book Reviews | Bluesky | Twitter | Threads ☆
March 17, 2025
I enjoyed this. The author's usual over-the-top, manic humor was dialed down a bit, and the story kept me interested. Liam is very much a Leland-type character, but being a cop who is a serial killer was an interesting twist. Gabriel struggled with Leland's "proclivities" and doesn't easily give in on that front.
The crimes were creepy and the mystery was good. I'm hoping the series keeps up with the darker elements (I was always hoping for another In The Mind book and this had a similar vibe) and the toned-down humor (not that Liam wasn't full of snark and ridiculousness). I'm looking forward to the next book.
The crimes were creepy and the mystery was good. I'm hoping the series keeps up with the darker elements (I was always hoping for another In The Mind book and this had a similar vibe) and the toned-down humor (not that Liam wasn't full of snark and ridiculousness). I'm looking forward to the next book.
January 6, 2025
I've always thought Alice Winters would write a great sociopath character, a killer who kills because he wants to, because he enjoys it.
And I was right. Liam and Gabriel were wonderful. Liam's an anti-social killer who only cares about Gabriel, who is his complete opposite and cares about everyone. The two were wonderful together and so was Lucy Fur the car.
I'm looking forward to reading more of their adventures.
*I recieved an ARC and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.*
And I was right. Liam and Gabriel were wonderful. Liam's an anti-social killer who only cares about Gabriel, who is his complete opposite and cares about everyone. The two were wonderful together and so was Lucy Fur the car.
I'm looking forward to reading more of their adventures.
*I recieved an ARC and I'm leaving this review voluntarily.*
April 30, 2025
Another absolute winner for me from Alice!
What I really liked that this felt more serious, definitely a touch darker and more business, than say....Leland lol. Liam truly is psychotic, and I loved him so so much. He says what we all think and wish we could say! (Think if the Mulvaneys blended with Hitman or VRC, this is like their baby lol)
I absolutely loved Liam's mentality of "fuck everyone in the world but for this ONE person" - Gabriel. And I loved the two of them coming back together and finding each other again.
I also really enjoyed the structure of this one - having the 2 years ago flashbacks mixed in with the present.
Also - Greg did a phenomenal job narrating this one! The complete snark and deadbeat serious lines from Liam were just priceless. Lucille being re-named Lucy-fur (I assume lol since I only listened) had me cackling every time.
All in all - amazing audio and book. Now I NEED the second one to come out on audio! It's the best way to read Alice's books, trust me - get them all in audio!
What I really liked that this felt more serious, definitely a touch darker and more business, than say....Leland lol. Liam truly is psychotic, and I loved him so so much. He says what we all think and wish we could say! (Think if the Mulvaneys blended with Hitman or VRC, this is like their baby lol)
I absolutely loved Liam's mentality of "fuck everyone in the world but for this ONE person" - Gabriel. And I loved the two of them coming back together and finding each other again.
I also really enjoyed the structure of this one - having the 2 years ago flashbacks mixed in with the present.
Also - Greg did a phenomenal job narrating this one! The complete snark and deadbeat serious lines from Liam were just priceless. Lucille being re-named Lucy-fur (I assume lol since I only listened) had me cackling every time.
All in all - amazing audio and book. Now I NEED the second one to come out on audio! It's the best way to read Alice's books, trust me - get them all in audio!
February 4, 2025
“𝚈𝚘𝚞’𝚛𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚛𝚎 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎 𝚠𝚑𝚘’𝚜 𝚖𝚊𝚍𝚎 𝚖𝚎 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐. 𝚆𝚑𝚘’𝚜 𝚖𝚊𝚍𝚎 𝚖𝚎 𝚏𝚎𝚎𝚕 𝚑𝚞𝚖𝚊𝚗...𝙸 𝚍𝚘𝚗’𝚝 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠 𝚠𝚑𝚢. 𝙸𝚝’𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚘𝚗𝚕𝚢 𝚖𝚢𝚜𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚢 𝙸’𝚟𝚎 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚋𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚊𝚋𝚕𝚎 𝚝𝚘 𝚏𝚒𝚐𝚞𝚛𝚎 𝚘𝚞𝚝.”
Firstly, in case you were wondering about Alice's newest MCs: Liam is insane and I absolutely adore him. Gabriel is the complete opposite in that he's a freaking puffball full of kindness. I don't think Liam's been kind to anyone other than Gabriel in his entire adult life. It was actually hilarious seeing how he treated people at the police department he worked for, yet they always did what he asked. Liam is something of a genius. He's also likely a sociopath.
I tend to be a big fan of flashbacks in books and I really enjoyed them in this one. We start out in the present with the major event that accounts for the book's title. "A Simple Mistake" that forever changes the lives and relationship between Liam and Gabriel. This mistake is anything but simple. Gabriel, the sweetie pie, would wholeheartedly agree with me on that one.
“𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠, 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚜𝚊𝚒𝚍 𝚖𝚢 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚗𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝙳𝚎𝚝𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝙿𝚊𝚒𝚐𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚝 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚎, 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚋𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚍. 𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚐𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚖𝚎 𝚊 𝚋𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚞𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚕. 𝙸𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚊𝚠𝚔𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙸’𝚟𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚍𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚖𝚢 𝚙𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚜 𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗.”
It was fun seeing Liam go from barely tolerant of Gabriel when they first met to the way he felt about him now. I don't think anyone was more surprised than Liam when he began to realize his obsession. And though Liam is insanely protective of Gabriel, he would never do anything to purposely cause him distress. This was different from most books I have read about serial killers devoid of empathy. If Gabriel told Liam to never contact him again, Liam would listen. He'd listen to anything Gabriel asked of him even if it went against Liam's own wants. It was a heady power he'd placed in Gabriel's hands.
"𝙸 𝚔𝚒𝚜𝚜 𝚑𝚒𝚖, 𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚎’𝚜 𝚜𝚊𝚏𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚜, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚞𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎."
My guesses for who the killer was were all over the place. I even wondered if Liam was wrong at one point, but then dismissed that idea since the man is NEVER wrong in his predictions. Alice didn't leave us hanging for long once it came to light either. We get to enjoy a cat and mouse game that I was positive the killer was not going to win. He underestimated his opponent when he targeted Gabriel and I knew there was only one way this was going to end with Liam on the hunt.
Firstly, in case you were wondering about Alice's newest MCs: Liam is insane and I absolutely adore him. Gabriel is the complete opposite in that he's a freaking puffball full of kindness. I don't think Liam's been kind to anyone other than Gabriel in his entire adult life. It was actually hilarious seeing how he treated people at the police department he worked for, yet they always did what he asked. Liam is something of a genius. He's also likely a sociopath.
I tend to be a big fan of flashbacks in books and I really enjoyed them in this one. We start out in the present with the major event that accounts for the book's title. "A Simple Mistake" that forever changes the lives and relationship between Liam and Gabriel. This mistake is anything but simple. Gabriel, the sweetie pie, would wholeheartedly agree with me on that one.
“𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠, 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚕𝚔𝚎𝚍 𝚒𝚗 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚜 𝚙𝚕𝚊𝚌𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚜𝚊𝚒𝚍 𝚖𝚢 𝚙𝚊𝚛𝚝𝚗𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝙳𝚎𝚝𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚒𝚟𝚎 𝙿𝚊𝚒𝚐𝚎 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚊𝚝 𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚝 𝚝𝚎𝚗 𝚑𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚜 𝚠𝚑𝚒𝚙𝚙𝚎𝚍 𝚊𝚛𝚘𝚞𝚗𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚕𝚘𝚘𝚔 𝚊𝚝 𝚖𝚎, 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚊 𝚕𝚒𝚝𝚝𝚕𝚎 𝚋𝚒𝚝 𝚠𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚒𝚎𝚍. 𝚂𝚘𝚖𝚎𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚗 𝚐𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚖𝚎 𝚊 𝚋𝚕𝚎𝚜𝚜𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝙸 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚊𝚝 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚞𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚕. 𝙸𝚝 𝚠𝚊𝚜 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚖𝚘𝚜𝚝 𝚊𝚠𝚔𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙸’𝚟𝚎 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚍𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑 𝚖𝚢 𝚙𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚜 𝚍𝚘𝚠𝚗.”
It was fun seeing Liam go from barely tolerant of Gabriel when they first met to the way he felt about him now. I don't think anyone was more surprised than Liam when he began to realize his obsession. And though Liam is insanely protective of Gabriel, he would never do anything to purposely cause him distress. This was different from most books I have read about serial killers devoid of empathy. If Gabriel told Liam to never contact him again, Liam would listen. He'd listen to anything Gabriel asked of him even if it went against Liam's own wants. It was a heady power he'd placed in Gabriel's hands.
"𝙸 𝚔𝚒𝚜𝚜 𝚑𝚒𝚖, 𝚙𝚕𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚑𝚎’𝚜 𝚜𝚊𝚏𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚊𝚛𝚖𝚜, 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚔𝚗𝚘𝚠𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚗𝚘𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚎 𝚋𝚎𝚝𝚠𝚎𝚎𝚗 𝚞𝚜 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚒𝚝 𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚊𝚕𝚒𝚟𝚎."
My guesses for who the killer was were all over the place. I even wondered if Liam was wrong at one point, but then dismissed that idea since the man is NEVER wrong in his predictions. Alice didn't leave us hanging for long once it came to light either. We get to enjoy a cat and mouse game that I was positive the killer was not going to win. He underestimated his opponent when he targeted Gabriel and I knew there was only one way this was going to end with Liam on the hunt.
March 13, 2025
Anyone who reads Alice Winters knows she only writes the same two characters. Put Felix and Lane, or Leland and Jackson in this story, tone down the humour, and it would be the exact same. Fortunately I do like these two characters! However, with the humour turned down, it’s even more obvious how much emotion is lacking in her writing.
I liked the plot here a lot. I very much wished there was more romance, we were shown the characters falling in love, and more emotion as well.
Will I read the next one? Yeah you know I will.
I liked the plot here a lot. I very much wished there was more romance, we were shown the characters falling in love, and more emotion as well.
Will I read the next one? Yeah you know I will.
February 17, 2025
3.25 Stars
A fast, fun read with a great detective - serial killer dynamic. Gabriel and Liam's relationship keeps things entertaining with plenty of humor and tension. The story moves quickly and delivers exactly what you'd expect from Alice Winters-fun and engaging.
My favorite thing here is the dynamic and the trope. I love a good morally ambiguious character. I rated in 3.25 because I tend to want deeper, more lasting impact when I read romance lately. This leands more towards quick, surface-level, which works well for escapism.
A fast, fun read with a great detective - serial killer dynamic. Gabriel and Liam's relationship keeps things entertaining with plenty of humor and tension. The story moves quickly and delivers exactly what you'd expect from Alice Winters-fun and engaging.
My favorite thing here is the dynamic and the trope. I love a good morally ambiguious character. I rated in 3.25 because I tend to want deeper, more lasting impact when I read romance lately. This leands more towards quick, surface-level, which works well for escapism.
August 12, 2025
Liam is a detective whose partner, Gabriel, catches him killing a guilty murder suspect who got away with it and is like oops, my bad 🤷♀️ This is how his by the book object of desire discovers that Liam is a serial killer, and forces him into early retirement from both the police force… and killing people. Then Gabriel gets kidnapped and Liam is ready to burn down the world to get him back, and maybe take advantage of the situation to get back in Gabriel’s good graces.
Liam was an absolute treat. He casually blackmails most of his colleagues and generally does whatever TF he wants, while being an unapologetic asshole, because he can. He’s the smartest guy in every room and probably a textbook sociopath, but there’s a tragic backstory that made him that way. There is exactly ONE person he likes, and that is Gabriel, who I can only describe as a sweet summer child. Liam would do literally anything for scraps of Gabriel’s attention, and I ate it up. I laughed out loud at Liam’s absurdity so many times. I loved how he became a reluctant cat dad to Gabriel’s black and white ball of fury. The investigation kept me entertained and guessing. This book did a great job of balancing dark subject matter with humor, which is my fave. Can’t wait to read more from this author!
Liam was an absolute treat. He casually blackmails most of his colleagues and generally does whatever TF he wants, while being an unapologetic asshole, because he can. He’s the smartest guy in every room and probably a textbook sociopath, but there’s a tragic backstory that made him that way. There is exactly ONE person he likes, and that is Gabriel, who I can only describe as a sweet summer child. Liam would do literally anything for scraps of Gabriel’s attention, and I ate it up. I laughed out loud at Liam’s absurdity so many times. I loved how he became a reluctant cat dad to Gabriel’s black and white ball of fury. The investigation kept me entertained and guessing. This book did a great job of balancing dark subject matter with humor, which is my fave. Can’t wait to read more from this author!
January 15, 2025
The book opens in the middle of the action. Liam is a homicide detective who gets caught red handed by his partner Gabriel unaliving someone they had previously arrested but walked due to lack of evidence. Gabriel simply gives Liam an ultimatum to leave and never show his face or unalive again. If he can agree to that, he will not report him for what he has done. Fast forward to one year later and Gabriel has disappeared at the hand of a suspect who is targeting the police. Liam finds out and he goes scorched earth to find him and end the culprit.
Liam is a wonderful character. He’s so different from any other character Alice has ever written. Yes, he’s still funny and quick witted (which is a staple for a Winters MC) but he has a much darker edge to him than I have seen from her before. I am very intrigued where he’ll go and how he’ll grow now that he has Gabriel is in his life not just as a partner but as his love interest/moral compass. Gabriel reminds me of Jackson from the Hitman series, because even though he grows to accept the man he loves no matter that he is someone who is capable of committing the ultimate act, he still tries to rein him in, worried about his soul/redemption and has a very strong personal moral code. The side characters who work in the precinct with them were absolutely fabulous and I look forward to many more interactions with them in future books.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Liam is a wonderful character. He’s so different from any other character Alice has ever written. Yes, he’s still funny and quick witted (which is a staple for a Winters MC) but he has a much darker edge to him than I have seen from her before. I am very intrigued where he’ll go and how he’ll grow now that he has Gabriel is in his life not just as a partner but as his love interest/moral compass. Gabriel reminds me of Jackson from the Hitman series, because even though he grows to accept the man he loves no matter that he is someone who is capable of committing the ultimate act, he still tries to rein him in, worried about his soul/redemption and has a very strong personal moral code. The side characters who work in the precinct with them were absolutely fabulous and I look forward to many more interactions with them in future books.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
dnf
November 15, 2025DNF 31%
I really tried. I wanted to use this book for two different challenges, but I just couldn't force myself to read it anymore. Liam was an asshole. He treated everyone, including his fellow detectives and sergeant, like they were TSTL. He was so condescending and smug. Only he could find Gabriel. How in the world did the department ever survive without him?
Read November 15, 2025
I really tried. I wanted to use this book for two different challenges, but I just couldn't force myself to read it anymore. Liam was an asshole. He treated everyone, including his fellow detectives and sergeant, like they were TSTL. He was so condescending and smug. Only he could find Gabriel. How in the world did the department ever survive without him?
Read November 15, 2025
September 5, 2025
Liam is my kind of person. His bluntness/directness just works for me and the reactions it causes are priceless. His character made it a very interesting story next to a not that obvious mystery with a lot of psychological manipulation.
Really enjoyed this book and will probably pick up the rest of the series...
Really enjoyed this book and will probably pick up the rest of the series...
June 30, 2025
4.5⭐️ - I loved Liam and Gabriel so much!! They complimented each so well. Liam’s brand of psychopath was funny and quirky but his love for Gabriel really did it for me! He was so sincere and would sacrifice anything for that man. Gabriel was so patient with Liam but was no push over.
January 19, 2025
I don’t think Alice Winters knows how to write any other kind of character. What should have been a truly interesting and engaging romantic thriller was instead a long and tedious look at any two other characters she’s ever written plunked in a different universe. In fact if you simply assume that her very first couple are being dropped into new universes it might make her books more bearable. Because they’re all the same. Absolutely no effort is made to distinguish the personalities of her characters across her many different series and I have no idea why I thought this one would be any different.
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