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Kismet
My name is Dominique Chevalier, and I am broken. Two years ago, a beloved part of me died. Angelique was everything, but she left me alone.
Alone with an infant, a broken heart, unimaginable pain, and a promise that I’ll never forget.
After relocating and taking a job as Ottawa’s chief forensic pathologist, I find purpose.
I find escape from the anguish that threatens to drown me.
I find him.
Detective Kobe Haven is everything I can’t have but everything I want.
Our paths cross when we are called to investigate a murder. Kobe is charming, smart, and relentless, but I can’t move on. I’m not ready. Before I know what’s happening, he’s under my skin, inside my veins, warming a special place in my heart.
I can’t turn him off.
He’s all I think about.
But do I really know him?
Does he really know me?
As the case unravels and the bodies pile up, true feelings surface.
Winter storms rage. Spring is nothing more than a feverish wish on a cold night. Eternally out of reach.
Or is it?
Is Kobe someone I can trust?
Is he someone I can love?
Alone with an infant, a broken heart, unimaginable pain, and a promise that I’ll never forget.
After relocating and taking a job as Ottawa’s chief forensic pathologist, I find purpose.
I find escape from the anguish that threatens to drown me.
I find him.
Detective Kobe Haven is everything I can’t have but everything I want.
Our paths cross when we are called to investigate a murder. Kobe is charming, smart, and relentless, but I can’t move on. I’m not ready. Before I know what’s happening, he’s under my skin, inside my veins, warming a special place in my heart.
I can’t turn him off.
He’s all I think about.
But do I really know him?
Does he really know me?
As the case unravels and the bodies pile up, true feelings surface.
Winter storms rage. Spring is nothing more than a feverish wish on a cold night. Eternally out of reach.
Or is it?
Is Kobe someone I can trust?
Is he someone I can love?
472 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 22, 2025
232 people are currently reading
569 people want to read
About the author
Nicky James
77 books2,279 followersI live in the small town of Petrolia, Ontario, Canada and I am a mother to a wonderful teenage boy (didn't think those words could be typed together...surprise) and wife to a truly supportive and understanding husband, who thankfully doesn't think I'm crazy.
I have always had two profound dreams in life. To fall back hundreds of years in time and live in a simpler world, not bogged down by technology and to write novels. Since only one of these was a possibility I decided to make the other come alive on paper.
I write mm romance novels that take place in fantastical medieval type settings and love to use the challenges of the times to give my stories and characters life.
I have always had two profound dreams in life. To fall back hundreds of years in time and live in a simpler world, not bogged down by technology and to write novels. Since only one of these was a possibility I decided to make the other come alive on paper.
I write mm romance novels that take place in fantastical medieval type settings and love to use the challenges of the times to give my stories and characters life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
December 31, 2025
Actual footage of me in the aftermath:
The less you know going in, the better, so I'll keep this brief:
1. Outstanding mystery: serial killer targeting the dregs of humanity.
2. Subdued romance between Kobe, a hotshot detective, and Dominique, a forensic pathologist; two broken men who meet in the worst of circumstances and form a unique, unlikely bond.
3. A bit of holiday cheer (really) because light shines in the darkness.
4. Heart-stopping, unsettling ending; not a HEA but something small and hopeful.
The less you know going in, the better, so I'll keep this brief:
1. Outstanding mystery: serial killer targeting the dregs of humanity.
2. Subdued romance between Kobe, a hotshot detective, and Dominique, a forensic pathologist; two broken men who meet in the worst of circumstances and form a unique, unlikely bond.
3. A bit of holiday cheer (really) because light shines in the darkness.
4. Heart-stopping, unsettling ending; not a HEA but something small and hopeful.
The tundra refused to freeze my heart. It burned and ached and cried for all I'd had and all I'd lost.
December 27, 2025
I hated this book. I love this author, and she weaves a great story, so it wasn't like I suffered through terrible writing (I would've DNF'd).
And it wasn't the vigilante angle. I'm fine with that too.
One of the main themes of this book is that accusations should count for everything regardless of evidence. (And I'm not just talking about the main case here, where they were clearly guilty). This went beyond the main case, strongly saying that due process shouldn't matter.
So this is what infuriated me throughout the second half of the story - has this author never heard of the Salem Witch trials? Has she never heard of Project Innocence, where accusations are recanted all the time? Due process is a cornerstone of a strong judicial system. So to have an MC who's a POLICE OFFICER not give a shit about it - not for me. I wanted to throw my Kindle across a room so many times.
But James writes a good story that pulls you in. I wanted to see it through to the end. I didn't actually expect the twist at all, so I was entertained. But then the ending? It was so abrupt and unsatisfying. That was my romance?
So I'm actually giving this book 1 star. I rarely do that, but I hate everything about it that much.
And it wasn't the vigilante angle. I'm fine with that too.
One of the main themes of this book is that accusations should count for everything regardless of evidence. (And I'm not just talking about the main case here, where they were clearly guilty). This went beyond the main case, strongly saying that due process shouldn't matter.
So this is what infuriated me throughout the second half of the story - has this author never heard of the Salem Witch trials? Has she never heard of Project Innocence, where accusations are recanted all the time? Due process is a cornerstone of a strong judicial system. So to have an MC who's a POLICE OFFICER not give a shit about it - not for me. I wanted to throw my Kindle across a room so many times.
But James writes a good story that pulls you in. I wanted to see it through to the end. I didn't actually expect the twist at all, so I was entertained. But then the ending? It was so abrupt and unsatisfying. That was my romance?
So I'm actually giving this book 1 star. I rarely do that, but I hate everything about it that much.
December 27, 2025
my main issues with mysteries in a book is that i get completely sucked in by them and i can’t think about anything else.
like, the two mcs were trying to build a relationship and i was screaming at them that they could fuck later because we had a killer to catch.
i didn’t like the relationship, because i wasn’t invested in it. it completely faded in the background compared to the murders. they were way more interesting than the relationship.
my other issue is that i read about too many morally gray characters, so i was fully sympathizing with the killer. like, i was genuinely baffled that the rest of the characters didn’t appreciate the killer’s work. i, for one, was a big fan.
i can’t comment on anything else without spoilers, but i want to leave this spoiler free, so i’ll just say that i have conflicting feelings about some choices that the author made.
the plot twist is good, because it’s actually two in one. a plot twist in the plot twist. i enjoyed that a lot.
also, can i say that i knew who the killer was, if my suspects were literally every single character we talked to? like, i was suspicious of everyone.
all in all, i had fun, however if you don’t want me to root for the killer, you can’t make them the coolest character in the entire book.
like, the two mcs were trying to build a relationship and i was screaming at them that they could fuck later because we had a killer to catch.
i didn’t like the relationship, because i wasn’t invested in it. it completely faded in the background compared to the murders. they were way more interesting than the relationship.
my other issue is that i read about too many morally gray characters, so i was fully sympathizing with the killer. like, i was genuinely baffled that the rest of the characters didn’t appreciate the killer’s work. i, for one, was a big fan.
i can’t comment on anything else without spoilers, but i want to leave this spoiler free, so i’ll just say that i have conflicting feelings about some choices that the author made.
the plot twist is good, because it’s actually two in one. a plot twist in the plot twist. i enjoyed that a lot.
also, can i say that i knew who the killer was, if my suspects were literally every single character we talked to? like, i was suspicious of everyone.
all in all, i had fun, however if you don’t want me to root for the killer, you can’t make them the coolest character in the entire book.
Read
December 27, 2025DNF 28%
I know I won't finish a book when I start getting distracted by other synopses.😖
The mystery is quite engaging, but I am a romance reader through and through, and in that aspect, it is not working for me.
The dialogue between the MCs is flat, and I am bored; there is no tension, and I can't feel their chemistry. So, I'm tapping out here.
I know I won't finish a book when I start getting distracted by other synopses.😖
The mystery is quite engaging, but I am a romance reader through and through, and in that aspect, it is not working for me.
The dialogue between the MCs is flat, and I am bored; there is no tension, and I can't feel their chemistry. So, I'm tapping out here.
January 3, 2026
I've gone in the middle for this one because some of it was a 1* read for me and other parts were a 5* effort.
I'm going to rant so don't read the spoiler if you want your experience of this book ruined because it's best if you go in blind.
Right, as I said, don't read the above if you don't want the narrative spoiled. I will say, even with my rant, that this is a superbly written and crafted book with a very clever plot arc that takes the reader through all kinds of emotions.
For me, I just wish there'd been as much time and space given to building up the romance alongside the suspense element because that aspect of it just didn't connect with me unfortunately.
But, I give Nicky James all the flowers for having the confidence in her writing skills to come up with this book. It's definitely worth the read and the intense reaction it will likely bring to each reader!
I'm going to rant so don't read the spoiler if you want your experience of this book ruined because it's best if you go in blind.
Right, as I said, don't read the above if you don't want the narrative spoiled. I will say, even with my rant, that this is a superbly written and crafted book with a very clever plot arc that takes the reader through all kinds of emotions.
For me, I just wish there'd been as much time and space given to building up the romance alongside the suspense element because that aspect of it just didn't connect with me unfortunately.
But, I give Nicky James all the flowers for having the confidence in her writing skills to come up with this book. It's definitely worth the read and the intense reaction it will likely bring to each reader!
February 2, 2026
Safety info, content warnings and tropes down below.
It's not often you'll catch me advocating for 'going in blind’, but if the content warnings are okay with you, please don’t get any more spoilers on the plot unless necessary for safety reasons. This book was way different from anything I expected from Nicky James, and I loved it. She’s written plenty of murder mysteries and police procedurals, but – without being able to say why without spoiling – it felt very different.
Kobe was an interesting character. He's quite confident in a work setting, but when talking to Dominique he’s just a fumbling, flirty cutie, and I really enjoyed that. He felt different from her other characters and detectives. Dominique is a heavy character, carrying a lot of grief and generally being reluctant. It takes a while to get to know him, but it works in the story. His kid is also super cute, and while she’s (obviously) a big part of the story, it doesn't take over, which I appreciate.
It is a heavy story with some pretty rough themes, but man I loved it. I was reluctant to start it, but it I’m so glad I listened.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Murder mystery
Single dad
Dimples
Forensic pathologist
Homicide detective
French-Canadian MC
Medium burn
Love after loss
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Themes of spousal death (past)
Graphic details of murder victim and autopsy
MC estranged from parent
Alcohol consumption
Brief mention of past drunk driving (MC)
Mention of SA/attempted SA between murder victim and their victim (past, few details
Details of victim blaming (past, not MC)
Details of past child abuse and neglect (verbal)
Mentions of food insecurity (SC, child)
Rough sex
Death of child (past, suicide, some details)
Themes of child sexual assault
Explicit sexual content
Mention of child abandonment (past)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Yes, 6 months
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 32 and 38
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 472
Happy ending: Yes
“You’re like a flustered teenager.” “I’m not flustered.” “Think you can manage to concentrate and not spend the entire time ogling the guy? We have a job to do.” “I can multitask.”
Not only was he older than I expected but far keener. If I wasn’t careful, Kobe Haven, with his boyish good looks, unfairly cute dimples, and fumbling flirtations, would ruin me.
“To live without risk is to risk not living.” I couldn’t recall who said it, but it had been rolling around my brain a lot lately. Perhaps Kobe Haven was a risk worth taking.
Kobe Haven had more layers than I believed possible. He was a spark of life in my dreary existence. One I didn’t deserve. A firefly. I wanted to capture him in the palm of my hand and make a wish.
In those few blissful moments, I forgot who I was and where I’d been, and for the first time in two and a half years, the sorrow and pain that lived in the carcass of my soul faded. I was free. Reborn. Alive.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
It's not often you'll catch me advocating for 'going in blind’, but if the content warnings are okay with you, please don’t get any more spoilers on the plot unless necessary for safety reasons. This book was way different from anything I expected from Nicky James, and I loved it. She’s written plenty of murder mysteries and police procedurals, but – without being able to say why without spoiling – it felt very different.
Kobe was an interesting character. He's quite confident in a work setting, but when talking to Dominique he’s just a fumbling, flirty cutie, and I really enjoyed that. He felt different from her other characters and detectives. Dominique is a heavy character, carrying a lot of grief and generally being reluctant. It takes a while to get to know him, but it works in the story. His kid is also super cute, and while she’s (obviously) a big part of the story, it doesn't take over, which I appreciate.
It is a heavy story with some pretty rough themes, but man I loved it. I was reluctant to start it, but it I’m so glad I listened.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Murder mystery
Single dad
Dimples
Forensic pathologist
Homicide detective
French-Canadian MC
Medium burn
Love after loss
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Themes of spousal death (past)
Graphic details of murder victim and autopsy
MC estranged from parent
Alcohol consumption
Brief mention of past drunk driving (MC)
Mention of SA/attempted SA between murder victim and their victim (past, few details
Details of victim blaming (past, not MC)
Details of past child abuse and neglect (verbal)
Mentions of food insecurity (SC, child)
Rough sex
Death of child (past, suicide, some details)
Themes of child sexual assault
Explicit sexual content
Mention of child abandonment (past)
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: No
Breakup: Yes, 6 months
POV: 1st person, dual
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/M
Strict roles or versatile: Versatile
Main characters’ age: 32 and 38
Series: Standalone
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 472
Happy ending: Yes
“You’re like a flustered teenager.” “I’m not flustered.” “Think you can manage to concentrate and not spend the entire time ogling the guy? We have a job to do.” “I can multitask.”
Not only was he older than I expected but far keener. If I wasn’t careful, Kobe Haven, with his boyish good looks, unfairly cute dimples, and fumbling flirtations, would ruin me.
“To live without risk is to risk not living.” I couldn’t recall who said it, but it had been rolling around my brain a lot lately. Perhaps Kobe Haven was a risk worth taking.
Kobe Haven had more layers than I believed possible. He was a spark of life in my dreary existence. One I didn’t deserve. A firefly. I wanted to capture him in the palm of my hand and make a wish.
In those few blissful moments, I forgot who I was and where I’d been, and for the first time in two and a half years, the sorrow and pain that lived in the carcass of my soul faded. I was free. Reborn. Alive.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
January 11, 2026
Nicky James, Afterword:
“My goal when writing mystery and suspense is to activate your brain and suspense and hopefully leave your jaw on the floor at the end. I want you to step back and say, “Whoa! I didn’t see that coming.”
Well, I certainly didn’t (even if some little details jarred that should have made me alert). And my jaw was on the floor. And I still haven’t got over it.
The twist at about 91% is one of the biggest I’ve read. (totally comparable to the ‘big one’ in Tal Bauer’s ‘Enemies of the State’).
And it’s virtually impossible to write a review without mentioning it in some way, so I decided to say very little and be 100% vague. Sorry.
First, the author took a huge chance with writing a story like this. Kudos to courage and doing something different. Tbh, to really appreciate this book and see how clever the author has been, you’d probably need to reread it as a whole.
Second, be aware that there is no black and white here, only various shades of grey, some damn near black. For example, I found Kobe’s reluctance to ‘stick to the rules’ and ‘due process’ unsettling, if not irritating.
Third, the romance exists, but that’s all I can say about it. It happens all very fast and is usually sidelined by the mystery plot. I have no idea how Dom and Kobe end up at ILYs so soon. One reviewer mentioned that Nicky James said she wants to dive more into mystery than romance, and it seems she has started that process.
Fourth, I found the ending rather … unsatisfactory? Weird? Hollow? Wrong? I bet there is a good word out there I can’t think about just now, but it certainly didn’t sit easy with me.
But I guess I’m not supposed to feel ‘easy’, ‘happy’ and ‘gratified’.
Bottom line: Did I enjoy it?
Mystery: 5*
Twist: 5*
Relationship: 4*
Romance: 2,5*
Heat: 3* (yes, THAT scene was a bit strange, although I get in hindsight why it happened)
Feel good factor: 2*
Which gives this an average of about 3,5.
Upgraded to 4 stars because the mystery did it for me.
“My goal when writing mystery and suspense is to activate your brain and suspense and hopefully leave your jaw on the floor at the end. I want you to step back and say, “Whoa! I didn’t see that coming.”
Well, I certainly didn’t (even if some little details jarred that should have made me alert). And my jaw was on the floor. And I still haven’t got over it.
The twist at about 91% is one of the biggest I’ve read. (totally comparable to the ‘big one’ in Tal Bauer’s ‘Enemies of the State’).
And it’s virtually impossible to write a review without mentioning it in some way, so I decided to say very little and be 100% vague. Sorry.
First, the author took a huge chance with writing a story like this. Kudos to courage and doing something different. Tbh, to really appreciate this book and see how clever the author has been, you’d probably need to reread it as a whole.
Second, be aware that there is no black and white here, only various shades of grey, some damn near black. For example, I found Kobe’s reluctance to ‘stick to the rules’ and ‘due process’ unsettling, if not irritating.
Third, the romance exists, but that’s all I can say about it. It happens all very fast and is usually sidelined by the mystery plot. I have no idea how Dom and Kobe end up at ILYs so soon. One reviewer mentioned that Nicky James said she wants to dive more into mystery than romance, and it seems she has started that process.
Fourth, I found the ending rather … unsatisfactory? Weird? Hollow? Wrong? I bet there is a good word out there I can’t think about just now, but it certainly didn’t sit easy with me.
But I guess I’m not supposed to feel ‘easy’, ‘happy’ and ‘gratified’.
Bottom line: Did I enjoy it?
Mystery: 5*
Twist: 5*
Relationship: 4*
Romance: 2,5*
Heat: 3* (yes, THAT scene was a bit strange, although I get in hindsight why it happened)
Feel good factor: 2*
Which gives this an average of about 3,5.
Upgraded to 4 stars because the mystery did it for me.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A/ 5 stars
While it’s set around the Christmas period, Nicky James’ latest standalone romantic suspense novel is most certainly not a fluffy-bunny holiday story. And then some. Kismet is a superbly plotted emotional rollercoaster of a read that goes to some dark places – please read the author’s warnings on her website - because the mystery is centred around sexual assault (none of it takes place on the page though) and there is a lot of discussion around the subject and some opinions expressed that I’m going to call ‘morally grey’.
It’s actually a difficult book to review, because saying too much about Kismet’s structure and narrative devices would give away big spoilers; I’ll talk a bit about the basic premise and characters, but this is a story you need to experience without knowing too much about it beforehand.
Detective Kobe Haven of the Ottawa PD knows he’s not particularly well thought-of by his superior officers and was only promoted from patrol because of a dearth of other candidates. He’s good at his job – he’s intelligent, observant and perceptive – but he can be impulsive and isn’t always good at toe-ing the official line, so is almost always looking over his shoulder waiting for the reprimand that will get him sent back into uniform. He’s got a rather ill-concealed crush on the city’s new chief pathologist, Dominque Chevalier; their interactions have been minimal but Kobe is well and truly smitten, drawn to the other man’s good looks and aura of quiet introspection.
When Kobe and his partner, Rue, pick up a new murder investigation a few weeks before Christmas, he can’t help the little jolt of anticipation that runs through him when he learns that Dr. Chevalier is the on-duty pathologist and is already assessing the scene. The victim is a man in his fifties whose body appears to have been posed on a wooden bench along a riverside trail; the bruising around the neck indicates strangulaion, but the most striking thing is the plastic spike protruding from his chest, which Kobe guesses has impaled the heart. Attached to the spike is a single white rose, and dangling from the stem is a piece of card with something written on it in black ink. “A heartless bastard.”
Kobe is almost sure the pathologist’s eyes linger on him for a second when he registers his presence, pleased when the other man remembers his name as they greet each other. But a murder scene is no place to try to get flirtatious or personal, so Kobe tamps down his attraction to focus on the task in hand. Dominique is not very forthcoming, insisting that he can’t give any detailed information until he’s performed the autopsy - a standard response, but a frustrating one nonetheless. Also frustrating is that Kobe can’t quite work out if the flashes of admiration he thinks he’s seen in the handsome doctor’s eyes mean that his interest might be reciprocated. He’s never been good at picking up on those types of signals, but he decides to take a risk the next day, and asks Dominique out for a drink – but is no less confused (and maybe a teeny bit disappointed) when the other man suggests they can talk about his findings in more pleasant surroundings than his lab. But it’s not an outright rejection, which is something.
For his part, Dominique is not at all sure he should be getting involved with anyone (let alone someone he works with), but something about Kobe Haven calls to him. Dominque is caring for two-and-a-half-year-old Cosette and is still clearly grieving her mother, and while he adores the little girl, it’s been so long since he’s felt anything deep inside other than exhaustion, emptiness and loneliness that he can’t being intrigued by Kobe, who is such an endearing mix of shyness and sharp intelligence that he finds himself, for the first time in years, wanting to let someone in.
Their romance moves fairly slowly, which makes perfect sense for who these two men are – Dominique, still grieving and needing to focus on Cosette; Kobe, a bit clueless about relationships although aware that his need for security can cause him to push for too much too soon because it’s scared guys off in the past. His uncertainty in his personal interactions is a good contrast with the way he acts in his professional life; although he has insecurities there as well, he’s more confident and authoritative when it comes to his job, good at spotting connections and progressing theories in an intelligent and logical way. Dominique is more enigmatic – the story is told from dual perspectives, but even when we’re in his PoV, there’s an underlying cautiousness that characterises his part of the narrative. Yet somehow, they just fit – two damaged souls looking for connection and understanding, and yearning for the kind of normalcy in their lives that neither has has experienced for a very long time.
The mystery plot is propelled forward when another murder victim is found – this time a young man in his twenties – with a flower spike driven through his penis with a note attached that says “A self-righteous prick”. Kobe suspects that sexual assault is somehow involved, a suspicion confirmed when two more young male victims are found with exactly the same injuries, and he theorises that whoever is responsible for the murders is out for revenge for an assault or assaults that were never investigated or prosecuted. As someone who was a victim of abuse himself (not sexual), he can understand what might be driving the perpetrator to such extremes – not being seen, not being taken seriously, not being listened to when begging for help - so he’s not at all surprised at the idea of a victim fighting back. And if that’s the case, Kobe isn’t at all sure he wants to find the killer.
There’s an undeniable message here about the way victims are still routinely dismissed when reporting sexual assaults and which shows perfectly why so many of them never come forward. It’s an uncomfortable subject and is hard to read about, especially in a world where misogyny is rife and getting worse – but it’s not something that should ever be brushed under the carpet and I’m pleased the author doesn’t do that.
Nicky James has a real gift for coming up with clever, twisty-turny plots, but the final big twist in Kismet is totally devastating in a way I don't think she's done before. I admit that I had an inkling of where things might be heading, but I wasn’t completely sure until the reveal – and having suspicions in advance made what happens no less of an emotional gut-punch to read.
She’s also amazingly good at crafting complex, but flawed characters. Sometimes they’re characters you don’t warm to straight away – like Dominique, who is very reserved - and who grow on you slowly; sometimes they’re like Kobe, who is immediately adorable in his awkwardness, with a heart-breaking backstory that makes what he’s been able to achieve all the more impressive in a way that he doesn’t see for himself.
Kismet is a gripping read and one I found hard to put down. It’s a multi-faceted story featuring superbly written characters and a tightly-plotted mystery, and I suspect that when the audiobook comes out and I go back to the story, I will notice things about it that will make me go ‘oh, of course – now I see how/why X’. I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days after I finished it; it’s refreshing to read something that isn’t simple or simplistic that acknowledges that life is rarely black-and-white, and I enjoyed it a great deal.
While it’s set around the Christmas period, Nicky James’ latest standalone romantic suspense novel is most certainly not a fluffy-bunny holiday story. And then some. Kismet is a superbly plotted emotional rollercoaster of a read that goes to some dark places – please read the author’s warnings on her website - because the mystery is centred around sexual assault (none of it takes place on the page though) and there is a lot of discussion around the subject and some opinions expressed that I’m going to call ‘morally grey’.
It’s actually a difficult book to review, because saying too much about Kismet’s structure and narrative devices would give away big spoilers; I’ll talk a bit about the basic premise and characters, but this is a story you need to experience without knowing too much about it beforehand.
Detective Kobe Haven of the Ottawa PD knows he’s not particularly well thought-of by his superior officers and was only promoted from patrol because of a dearth of other candidates. He’s good at his job – he’s intelligent, observant and perceptive – but he can be impulsive and isn’t always good at toe-ing the official line, so is almost always looking over his shoulder waiting for the reprimand that will get him sent back into uniform. He’s got a rather ill-concealed crush on the city’s new chief pathologist, Dominque Chevalier; their interactions have been minimal but Kobe is well and truly smitten, drawn to the other man’s good looks and aura of quiet introspection.
When Kobe and his partner, Rue, pick up a new murder investigation a few weeks before Christmas, he can’t help the little jolt of anticipation that runs through him when he learns that Dr. Chevalier is the on-duty pathologist and is already assessing the scene. The victim is a man in his fifties whose body appears to have been posed on a wooden bench along a riverside trail; the bruising around the neck indicates strangulaion, but the most striking thing is the plastic spike protruding from his chest, which Kobe guesses has impaled the heart. Attached to the spike is a single white rose, and dangling from the stem is a piece of card with something written on it in black ink. “A heartless bastard.”
Kobe is almost sure the pathologist’s eyes linger on him for a second when he registers his presence, pleased when the other man remembers his name as they greet each other. But a murder scene is no place to try to get flirtatious or personal, so Kobe tamps down his attraction to focus on the task in hand. Dominique is not very forthcoming, insisting that he can’t give any detailed information until he’s performed the autopsy - a standard response, but a frustrating one nonetheless. Also frustrating is that Kobe can’t quite work out if the flashes of admiration he thinks he’s seen in the handsome doctor’s eyes mean that his interest might be reciprocated. He’s never been good at picking up on those types of signals, but he decides to take a risk the next day, and asks Dominique out for a drink – but is no less confused (and maybe a teeny bit disappointed) when the other man suggests they can talk about his findings in more pleasant surroundings than his lab. But it’s not an outright rejection, which is something.
For his part, Dominique is not at all sure he should be getting involved with anyone (let alone someone he works with), but something about Kobe Haven calls to him. Dominque is caring for two-and-a-half-year-old Cosette and is still clearly grieving her mother, and while he adores the little girl, it’s been so long since he’s felt anything deep inside other than exhaustion, emptiness and loneliness that he can’t being intrigued by Kobe, who is such an endearing mix of shyness and sharp intelligence that he finds himself, for the first time in years, wanting to let someone in.
Their romance moves fairly slowly, which makes perfect sense for who these two men are – Dominique, still grieving and needing to focus on Cosette; Kobe, a bit clueless about relationships although aware that his need for security can cause him to push for too much too soon because it’s scared guys off in the past. His uncertainty in his personal interactions is a good contrast with the way he acts in his professional life; although he has insecurities there as well, he’s more confident and authoritative when it comes to his job, good at spotting connections and progressing theories in an intelligent and logical way. Dominique is more enigmatic – the story is told from dual perspectives, but even when we’re in his PoV, there’s an underlying cautiousness that characterises his part of the narrative. Yet somehow, they just fit – two damaged souls looking for connection and understanding, and yearning for the kind of normalcy in their lives that neither has has experienced for a very long time.
The mystery plot is propelled forward when another murder victim is found – this time a young man in his twenties – with a flower spike driven through his penis with a note attached that says “A self-righteous prick”. Kobe suspects that sexual assault is somehow involved, a suspicion confirmed when two more young male victims are found with exactly the same injuries, and he theorises that whoever is responsible for the murders is out for revenge for an assault or assaults that were never investigated or prosecuted. As someone who was a victim of abuse himself (not sexual), he can understand what might be driving the perpetrator to such extremes – not being seen, not being taken seriously, not being listened to when begging for help - so he’s not at all surprised at the idea of a victim fighting back. And if that’s the case, Kobe isn’t at all sure he wants to find the killer.
There’s an undeniable message here about the way victims are still routinely dismissed when reporting sexual assaults and which shows perfectly why so many of them never come forward. It’s an uncomfortable subject and is hard to read about, especially in a world where misogyny is rife and getting worse – but it’s not something that should ever be brushed under the carpet and I’m pleased the author doesn’t do that.
Nicky James has a real gift for coming up with clever, twisty-turny plots, but the final big twist in Kismet is totally devastating in a way I don't think she's done before. I admit that I had an inkling of where things might be heading, but I wasn’t completely sure until the reveal – and having suspicions in advance made what happens no less of an emotional gut-punch to read.
She’s also amazingly good at crafting complex, but flawed characters. Sometimes they’re characters you don’t warm to straight away – like Dominique, who is very reserved - and who grow on you slowly; sometimes they’re like Kobe, who is immediately adorable in his awkwardness, with a heart-breaking backstory that makes what he’s been able to achieve all the more impressive in a way that he doesn’t see for himself.
Kismet is a gripping read and one I found hard to put down. It’s a multi-faceted story featuring superbly written characters and a tightly-plotted mystery, and I suspect that when the audiobook comes out and I go back to the story, I will notice things about it that will make me go ‘oh, of course – now I see how/why X’. I couldn’t stop thinking about it for days after I finished it; it’s refreshing to read something that isn’t simple or simplistic that acknowledges that life is rarely black-and-white, and I enjoyed it a great deal.
February 4, 2026
THE TRUE CRIME LOVER IN ME ABSOLUTELY DEVOURED THIS!! i just had to know what was to come next, and there also was a romance part in it, which was a bonus, but i was more interested in the crime part 🤪 nah bc i was like who did commit all those murders?? i thought everyone was suspicious lmao. the ending had me shook and i might’ve cried as well 🫠 overall, this was fire!! i’m gonna read all of nicky james’ romantic suspense novels now 🤭🤭
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February 28, 2026DNF at 22%
I am not engaged at all in this book. I can’t stand Dominique and his mixed messages. The kid annoys me, even though she is not doing anything. And who even names their kid Cosette?
Now I am all grumpy so time to quit.
I am not engaged at all in this book. I can’t stand Dominique and his mixed messages. The kid annoys me, even though she is not doing anything. And who even names their kid Cosette?
Now I am all grumpy so time to quit.
February 17, 2026
3.75 rounded
Keeping it brief to avoid spoilers.
Outstanding mystery, okay-ish romance, simple but effective ending.
Keeping it brief to avoid spoilers.
Outstanding mystery, okay-ish romance, simple but effective ending.
January 2, 2026
***4.5 Stars***
This was incredibly well written. Yet, I had a hunch and... Goddammit, sometimes I really hate when I'm right...
This was incredibly well written. Yet, I had a hunch and... Goddammit, sometimes I really hate when I'm right...
February 14, 2026
B / 4 stars for the narration; A / 5 stars for the story. 4.5 stars for the AUDIO version.
Kismet is a 5-star read. The storyline and characterisation are excellent and the story packs a real emotional punch when the author incorporates an amazing twist. My review of the book is HERE and it was one of my favourite books of 2025.
Nick J. Russo is one of my favourite narrators. He's a terrific vocal actor and is exceptionally good at conveying all the emotions in the story, which makes him a great fit for Nicky James' books, which are always compelling, intelligently written and emotionally satisfying. That aspect of his performance here is truly excellent; he captures all the characters' insecurities, their vulnerability and their very understandable hesitancy absolutely perfectly. (The Big Reveal is handled perfectly.) BUT - I really didn't like the French accent he uses for Dominique here. The character is French-Canadian so there's no question an accent was needed - it just grated on me (as someone who teaches French and spends a fair bit of time around French people speaking Engiish) - and while I did kind of get used to it, I simply couldn't "unhear" it and often was listening to it rather than the actual words being said.
That said, this is very much a 'me' thing, and I did listen to Kismet all the way through, so it didn't turn me off completely. If you're interested in the story and can read the book, I highly recommend it. If you prefer audio and aren't as picky about accents as I am, then you should definitely go for it!
Kismet is a 5-star read. The storyline and characterisation are excellent and the story packs a real emotional punch when the author incorporates an amazing twist. My review of the book is HERE and it was one of my favourite books of 2025.
Nick J. Russo is one of my favourite narrators. He's a terrific vocal actor and is exceptionally good at conveying all the emotions in the story, which makes him a great fit for Nicky James' books, which are always compelling, intelligently written and emotionally satisfying. That aspect of his performance here is truly excellent; he captures all the characters' insecurities, their vulnerability and their very understandable hesitancy absolutely perfectly. (The Big Reveal is handled perfectly.) BUT - I really didn't like the French accent he uses for Dominique here. The character is French-Canadian so there's no question an accent was needed - it just grated on me (as someone who teaches French and spends a fair bit of time around French people speaking Engiish) - and while I did kind of get used to it, I simply couldn't "unhear" it and often was listening to it rather than the actual words being said.
That said, this is very much a 'me' thing, and I did listen to Kismet all the way through, so it didn't turn me off completely. If you're interested in the story and can read the book, I highly recommend it. If you prefer audio and aren't as picky about accents as I am, then you should definitely go for it!
January 30, 2026
2.5⭐️ Overall, I think this book was a fantastic idea, but the execution failed.
It was way too long. There was no reason for it to be 500 pgs. I could have skipped entire chapters and not missed anything.
Also, the romance was so lackluster and boring. They were fine but I didn’t feel any chemistry or anticipation or stomach-swoopy feelings between Kobe and Dom.
The only saving grace was that the murder mystery was interesting, and I actually really liked the twists at the end. I didn’t see them coming. Too bad the only great part of this book was the final 40 pages.
It was way too long. There was no reason for it to be 500 pgs. I could have skipped entire chapters and not missed anything.
Also, the romance was so lackluster and boring. They were fine but I didn’t feel any chemistry or anticipation or stomach-swoopy feelings between Kobe and Dom.
The only saving grace was that the murder mystery was interesting, and I actually really liked the twists at the end. I didn’t see them coming. Too bad the only great part of this book was the final 40 pages.
December 22, 2025
another twisted mystery.
great standalone from NJ that tugged at my heartstrings.
I did not cry (I whispered to myself as I wiped a tear from my cheek).
great standalone from NJ that tugged at my heartstrings.
I did not cry (I whispered to myself as I wiped a tear from my cheek).
December 22, 2025
Kismet Absolutely Brilliant
OH....... WOW........ Simply & utterly blown away Nicky James as done it again Kismet is Absolutely Brilliant was hooked from the start could not put it down a riveting murder, mystery story full of twists and turns and a big reveal that I didn't see coming and I had to go back to read again I was that blown away I loved Kobe & Dominique together both damaged souls but slowly from an undeniable bond a detective and forensic pathologist working together to catch a killer what can happen when truths are uncovered in an ending that Nicky did so Fantastic I recommend so much.
OH....... WOW........ Simply & utterly blown away Nicky James as done it again Kismet is Absolutely Brilliant was hooked from the start could not put it down a riveting murder, mystery story full of twists and turns and a big reveal that I didn't see coming and I had to go back to read again I was that blown away I loved Kobe & Dominique together both damaged souls but slowly from an undeniable bond a detective and forensic pathologist working together to catch a killer what can happen when truths are uncovered in an ending that Nicky did so Fantastic I recommend so much.
February 1, 2026
3.75 stars
Well so that was an utter mindf*ck! I’ve never finished a book and felt so confused about where I stood about it at the end. The writing is beautiful, the characters are complex, the mystery is gripping and yet…Be prepared for moral ambiguity.
Well so that was an utter mindf*ck! I’ve never finished a book and felt so confused about where I stood about it at the end. The writing is beautiful, the characters are complex, the mystery is gripping and yet…Be prepared for moral ambiguity.
February 8, 2026
3.5 ⭐️
December 23, 2025
Kismet just blown my mind, this book is a mystery/suspense story. Kobe is a detective with the Ottawa Police Department, clever, smart and a good man, his past left him with insecurities and fears but he is a good guy. Dr. Dominique Chevalier knew at the forensic department, and Kobe as the biggest crush on him. Dominique is reserve and just have his daughter, Dominique is intrigued about Kobe, he can’t resist his charm personality and agreed to go out with Kobe. I like how their relationship develops as they get to know each other, they have different personalities and accept their boundaries and just like to spend time together. Kobe case was so interesting, his way of thinking was very engaging and I like how he wants to solve the case but have his doubts, Nicky was very clever in how she tells the story and how intricate the plot was that when the big reveal is made everything becomes more clear, OMG I really never saw that coming!! After everything both characters went through I was happy with their HEA, they both had a difficult choices but at the end they just love each other!
January 29, 2026
Wow! Nicky James does it again! Another amazing mystery that had me on the edge of my seat the entire book. And that ending, just wow! I was clueless to the very end. Nick J Russo's performance was perfection! He truly brought this story to life. I loved Kismet, I can't recommend this book enough!
December 24, 2025
Hi,
No sense to have Dominic’s POV when you have the revelation , and I am feeling betrayed by this
The romance was a little bit boring , the first sex scene when Kobe was sleeping was disturbing , sleep is not consent.
No sense to have Dominic’s POV when you have the revelation , and I am feeling betrayed by this
The romance was a little bit boring , the first sex scene when Kobe was sleeping was disturbing , sleep is not consent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 2, 2026
Kismet was one of my most anticipated books of the holiday season and overall I would say Nicky James did not disappoint.
Despite my lukewarm feelings towards the main romance (and by lukewarm, I do mean tepid and not super invested… like ), I was absolutely locked-in on the case. The twists and turns were well done, and the big reveal made me want to go back and re-read the whole thing asap.
This one pairs excellently with the newest Knives Out movie, Wake Up Dead Man, if I do say so myself.
Despite my lukewarm feelings towards the main romance (and by lukewarm, I do mean tepid and not super invested… like ), I was absolutely locked-in on the case. The twists and turns were well done, and the big reveal made me want to go back and re-read the whole thing asap.
This one pairs excellently with the newest Knives Out movie, Wake Up Dead Man, if I do say so myself.
January 12, 2026
Giving this one 3 stars because I honestly don't know if I loved this or hated it. LOL. This is quite the read though. Loved Nicky's comment at the end.
Currently reading
March 2, 2026January 6, 2026
Just Brilliant!
Wow, just wow! This was Nicky James at her best and I 100% recommend it.
This book was so full of twists and turns and the author manipulated us readers until almost the end. I think the sign of a good book is when you keep skipping back to clarify and understand what you missed. The clues are there but they are subtle and that ending, OMG I did not see that coming and I am usually good at sussing out the murderer and what inventive murders they were, the author must of had a lot of readers wincing!
The relationship between Kobe, a detective and Dominique, a pathologist, was deep and complicated owing to their pasts and at times awkward but I felt protective of them and wanted them to work and as for little Cosette, what a sweetheart.
I have to say that I really didn’t take to Kobe’s partner Rue or his boss. What a pair of obnoxious condescending women. I felt really sorry for Kobe, every time he opened his mouth he was shot down. Whatever happened to good cop bad cop?
I will now have to read this book again it was that good.
Wow, just wow! This was Nicky James at her best and I 100% recommend it.
This book was so full of twists and turns and the author manipulated us readers until almost the end. I think the sign of a good book is when you keep skipping back to clarify and understand what you missed. The clues are there but they are subtle and that ending, OMG I did not see that coming and I am usually good at sussing out the murderer and what inventive murders they were, the author must of had a lot of readers wincing!
The relationship between Kobe, a detective and Dominique, a pathologist, was deep and complicated owing to their pasts and at times awkward but I felt protective of them and wanted them to work and as for little Cosette, what a sweetheart.
I have to say that I really didn’t take to Kobe’s partner Rue or his boss. What a pair of obnoxious condescending women. I felt really sorry for Kobe, every time he opened his mouth he was shot down. Whatever happened to good cop bad cop?
I will now have to read this book again it was that good.
December 24, 2025
Personally the twist was the only part I liked really. Both Dom and Kobe were kind of annoying in their own ways and their romance was just bland. I didn’t particularly feel like they had any real chemistry.
I think Kobe was treated pretty poorly by everyone in the story. Obviously Dominique lied to him the entire time but both his partner and boss were pretty horrible. I didn’t feel like anything he was saying or assuming about the case warranted the reactions he was getting from his partner. She was just rude and dismissive of him continuously, it wasn’t very nice to read.
It was also too long, there was a lot of repetition that was unnecessary to the story. Almost 500 pages for what was basically like 4 weeks of time. We also ended up not really knowing either MC all that well. Because Dom was hiding such a big secret he shared so little and other than a quick mention of Kobe’s past we don’t get much from him. I kept waiting for them to open up to each other about more than the case but they just didn’t.
I really wanted to give this 2 stars but I think the twist was so unexpected that it deserves 3.
I think Kobe was treated pretty poorly by everyone in the story. Obviously Dominique lied to him the entire time but both his partner and boss were pretty horrible. I didn’t feel like anything he was saying or assuming about the case warranted the reactions he was getting from his partner. She was just rude and dismissive of him continuously, it wasn’t very nice to read.
It was also too long, there was a lot of repetition that was unnecessary to the story. Almost 500 pages for what was basically like 4 weeks of time. We also ended up not really knowing either MC all that well. Because Dom was hiding such a big secret he shared so little and other than a quick mention of Kobe’s past we don’t get much from him. I kept waiting for them to open up to each other about more than the case but they just didn’t.
I really wanted to give this 2 stars but I think the twist was so unexpected that it deserves 3.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 24, 2025
Wow! I was not expecting this. Kobe and Dominique are powerful, strong characters who struggle with moral dilemmas through the story. Nothing is easy in this book and I loved every minute. The reveal at the end came completely out of left field for me. Perhaps other readers caught the subtle nuances, but I was totally blown away. This was my first experience of this author but I don’t think it’ll be the last.
December 27, 2025
Dom is a new pathelogist who comes to work in Ottawa. There he meets Kobe, a local police detective.
They meet over the first in a series of killings. Kobe assumes Dom is getting over the death of his wife and isnt even sure Dom is gay.
Over the next weeks, there are 3 more murders and Kobe and his partner are no further into solving it.
Kobe thinks that a previous assault might have something to do with the killings and what he finds shocks him to the core and has a big decision to make.
I have read a few books now with this twist and I am waiting for the cop to make a different decision.
They meet over the first in a series of killings. Kobe assumes Dom is getting over the death of his wife and isnt even sure Dom is gay.
Over the next weeks, there are 3 more murders and Kobe and his partner are no further into solving it.
Kobe thinks that a previous assault might have something to do with the killings and what he finds shocks him to the core and has a big decision to make.
I have read a few books now with this twist and I am waiting for the cop to make a different decision.
January 3, 2026
I almost never give one-star reviews, and I actually really like the author and have enjoyed reading many of her books. I don't want to give away any spoilers, and I have to say I didn't see the ending coming at all, which I always appreciate in mystery books. However, this book completely violated my ethical values. I don't think I'm giving too much away when I say that the detective in this story not only sympathizes with the killer, which I could understand under the circumstances, but throughout the entire book he considers whether he even wants to arrest him because he doesn't find the legal system fair. And yes, the legal system has its flaws and isn't always just, BUT for me, vigilantism is NOT a solution. NO ONE should be allowed to decide who lives and who dies, so defending murder is simply unacceptable to me, and I also think it's wrong to dismiss the legal system outright because it's still fairer than having a single person act as judge, jury, and executioner. And I am aware that this is fiction and for entertainment purposes, but it simply made me deeply angry, and after reading the ending, I truly wished I had never read the book.
Furthermore, I am a romance reader and I love romantic suspense, but the romance part is always very important to me, and I found it very flat here, and I didn't feel any chemistry between the MCs at all.
Furthermore, I am a romance reader and I love romantic suspense, but the romance part is always very important to me, and I found it very flat here, and I didn't feel any chemistry between the MCs at all.
December 26, 2025
This is one of those books where you just sit there in the aftermath and wonder "what just happened?" Nicky is an absolute genius when it comes to twisted, crazy, mysteries and Kismet is no exception. Looking back I can see all the little clues sprinkled throughout the book. It moved a little fast for my liking but I was hooked. I'm really glad it ended with a HEA because it had the potential to end badly. I shouldn't have worried though because Nicky always delivers excellent things. If you want something a little bizarre and a little sweet this is the book for you.
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