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Mourningkill #4
Overkill
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
September 21, 2026
Molly Briar does romantic suspense right. Seriously, there's just the right amount of relationship building to level out the tension in the suspense to give a book that never feels like it drags while we establish the romance and threaten the characters. The plot here, in particular, was really well done. Obviously we know that Melody is guilty of Luke Grey's death, but Greg doesn't know. We even know that the pool of possible villains is small, but it still works to keep the anxiety ratcheted up. Even between attacks on Melody, the threat is still there. We're never really given many chances to relax about Melody's secret and whoever is trying to get her out of the way of Luke's inheritance.
The dynamics between Melody and Greg in the meantime are perfect. Is it kind of codependent and a little worrisome that Greg constantly tells himself that he just wants to be useful and needed? Absolutely. It's really the kind of thinking that only works in fiction (if there's no therapy involved.) I read the book preceding this and I still maintain that the side characters are kind of awful when they have any kind of hard feelings for another person. The fact that Griff was holding a grudge that long on Greg even after the man was really, actively trying to be better and make amends. I mean, Griff was married again and in love but he was still burning about an ex-wife? Be so for real.
There were some inconsistencies in the writing. Briar indicates that people at the McClanahan farm give her cold shoulders and side eyes, but every interaction in this has them being welcoming (for the most part.) Griff is kind of a dick but that seems to be his character in this book and the one before it. There seems to be some editing that's needed but this is an ARC (a very welcomed one) so I'm not detracting from the book for that. Overall, another great romantic suspense from an author I really enjoy reading from.
The dynamics between Melody and Greg in the meantime are perfect. Is it kind of codependent and a little worrisome that Greg constantly tells himself that he just wants to be useful and needed? Absolutely. It's really the kind of thinking that only works in fiction (if there's no therapy involved.) I read the book preceding this and I still maintain that the side characters are kind of awful when they have any kind of hard feelings for another person. The fact that Griff was holding a grudge that long on Greg even after the man was really, actively trying to be better and make amends. I mean, Griff was married again and in love but he was still burning about an ex-wife? Be so for real.
There were some inconsistencies in the writing. Briar indicates that people at the McClanahan farm give her cold shoulders and side eyes, but every interaction in this has them being welcoming (for the most part.) Griff is kind of a dick but that seems to be his character in this book and the one before it. There seems to be some editing that's needed but this is an ARC (a very welcomed one) so I'm not detracting from the book for that. Overall, another great romantic suspense from an author I really enjoy reading from.
October 2, 2026
I was hooked from that opening chapter; Melody is such a great FMC and a survivor through and through. I loved how all in Greg was with her even if she questioned just about everything along the way! The tension and suspense with the stalker as well as the discovery of the body had me on the edge of my seat. I felt for Melody every time her and Marc had a run in - the scenes where he was spouting the nonsense he had had heard from his friends just broke my heart for her after everything she had been through and done for her siblings.
I haven't read Griff's book but he was really grinding my gears; I get Griff was hurt but from what I understand about the situation Greg didn't know who she was and didn't do it to hurt Griff. Greg has clearly put in the work to better himself and that scene where Griff was truly spiteful as Greg spiralled, as well as the scene in the diner were quite hard to read. Cobra is still my favourite in the Mourningkill family but Greg is close second and I really wanted someone in Greg's corner rooting for him (and an on page reckoning for Griff to be honest which he totally deserved; I could totally understand where Taz was coming from as he would not let it go, despite now being with the love of his life).
I'm hoping the Gray family are about to have their time come crashing down though; their shadow seems to reach far and I'd love to see some more justice coming their way!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
I haven't read Griff's book but he was really grinding my gears; I get Griff was hurt but from what I understand about the situation Greg didn't know who she was and didn't do it to hurt Griff. Greg has clearly put in the work to better himself and that scene where Griff was truly spiteful as Greg spiralled, as well as the scene in the diner were quite hard to read. Cobra is still my favourite in the Mourningkill family but Greg is close second and I really wanted someone in Greg's corner rooting for him (and an on page reckoning for Griff to be honest which he totally deserved; I could totally understand where Taz was coming from as he would not let it go, despite now being with the love of his life).
I'm hoping the Gray family are about to have their time come crashing down though; their shadow seems to reach far and I'd love to see some more justice coming their way!
My interpretation of the star system;
3 stars - I enjoyed it; would read the author again
4 stars - I really liked it; I am invested and definitely want more from this author/series
5 stars - I loved it; I engaged with this book completely until I finished it and it is one I will re-read
September 27, 2026
Oh, how I have waited for Vedder's story, and I was not disappointed. Molly, you did it again! I fell in love all over with Mourningkill. ❤️
Throughout this read, I just wanted to reach in and just hug these two broken people who felt less than loveable. So much trauma from their past truly affected their future until they found each other. Greg and Melody have this amazing push-pull chemistry that will have you screaming yet loving them all on one page. But no matter what, Melody just took things with stride, especially from her little brother, who I wanted to str@ngle half the time. Having to grow up and raise her siblings in a town that made her feel worthless just erked me to no end. Then you had a man like Greg who saw the woman that she is and wanted to be that missing link Melody needed and wanted. Helping her lift the weight she has carried for so long. And when these two came together, it was gentle and intimate and just what they needed. Plus, all our favorite characters make an appearance in this read, and they will have you laughing your a$$ off with their banter.
I have been with Molly from the beginning, and she knows exactly how to write these characters we will always love.
Throughout this read, I just wanted to reach in and just hug these two broken people who felt less than loveable. So much trauma from their past truly affected their future until they found each other. Greg and Melody have this amazing push-pull chemistry that will have you screaming yet loving them all on one page. But no matter what, Melody just took things with stride, especially from her little brother, who I wanted to str@ngle half the time. Having to grow up and raise her siblings in a town that made her feel worthless just erked me to no end. Then you had a man like Greg who saw the woman that she is and wanted to be that missing link Melody needed and wanted. Helping her lift the weight she has carried for so long. And when these two came together, it was gentle and intimate and just what they needed. Plus, all our favorite characters make an appearance in this read, and they will have you laughing your a$$ off with their banter.
I have been with Molly from the beginning, and she knows exactly how to write these characters we will always love.
Review of advance copy
GREG AND MELODY… WOW!!! 😭🔥 I absolutely DEVOURED Overkill. Molly Briar had me hooked from the murder mystery straight into the romance and then there was absolutely no escaping these two!!
Greg!!! This man. Protective, determined, completely drawn to Melody and unable to walk away from her even when he probably should have. I was GONE for him. And Melody broke my heart while also making me love her so damn much. The weight she carries, protecting her siblings and trying to hold everything together while everyone suspects her… I just wanted to wrap her up and protect her too.
But Greg and Melody together?! THE TENSION. THE CHEMISTRY. The protectiveness. The secrets. The danger. 😮💨🔥 I loved how everything between them built while Greg was trying to uncover the truth about Luke’s murder, especially knowing that the answers could destroy everything developing between them.
Romantic suspense is dangerous for my sleep schedule because once I needed answers, there was NO putting this down 😂 Every time I thought I had things figured out, I needed just one more chapter.
Greg and Melody… WOW. Just WOW. I loved them so freaking much!!
Greg!!! This man. Protective, determined, completely drawn to Melody and unable to walk away from her even when he probably should have. I was GONE for him. And Melody broke my heart while also making me love her so damn much. The weight she carries, protecting her siblings and trying to hold everything together while everyone suspects her… I just wanted to wrap her up and protect her too.
But Greg and Melody together?! THE TENSION. THE CHEMISTRY. The protectiveness. The secrets. The danger. 😮💨🔥 I loved how everything between them built while Greg was trying to uncover the truth about Luke’s murder, especially knowing that the answers could destroy everything developing between them.
Romantic suspense is dangerous for my sleep schedule because once I needed answers, there was NO putting this down 😂 Every time I thought I had things figured out, I needed just one more chapter.
Greg and Melody… WOW. Just WOW. I loved them so freaking much!!
September 29, 2026
📚BOOK REVIEW📚
🖤OVERKILL🖤
✍️MOLLY BRIAR✍️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When I say I have been WAITING for Greg Vedder’s story for what seems like FOREVER, I mean it! He first shows up in Four Calling Birds as the black sheep of unit 13. And the snippet of his story intrigued me so much that I have been chomping at the bits for more of him!
Finding out more about him seriously had me crying (and honestly next time Molly says she cried writing a story I’ll believe her). I was on and off crying between him and sweet Melody. The adults just trying to overcome their childhoods and their pasts. Neither of them thinking they are worthy of the love that they deserve, but being able to talk and be with each other changes everything.
As always with the Mourningkill series, the plot, action, and spice are all portrayed perfectly. I loved being able to see more of the Lucky 13 crew, and now I will be (im)patiently waiting for Goose’s story!
🖤OVERKILL🖤
✍️MOLLY BRIAR✍️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
When I say I have been WAITING for Greg Vedder’s story for what seems like FOREVER, I mean it! He first shows up in Four Calling Birds as the black sheep of unit 13. And the snippet of his story intrigued me so much that I have been chomping at the bits for more of him!
Finding out more about him seriously had me crying (and honestly next time Molly says she cried writing a story I’ll believe her). I was on and off crying between him and sweet Melody. The adults just trying to overcome their childhoods and their pasts. Neither of them thinking they are worthy of the love that they deserve, but being able to talk and be with each other changes everything.
As always with the Mourningkill series, the plot, action, and spice are all portrayed perfectly. I loved being able to see more of the Lucky 13 crew, and now I will be (im)patiently waiting for Goose’s story!
September 29, 2026
Justice is bribable
How does surviving harm you?
Melody was parentified young, living with her stepsiblings. She survived through tenacity and spite.
Greg Vedder survived through sheer bloodyminded determination and his old squad.
When he discovers her troubles, she learns there is more in her future than the same old.
But he was paid to investigate her. By her father in law.
So much pain and suffering in two people takes a lot of work and supportive relationships to work through.
Yet with perseverance and familial dedication, there's a HEA of you're willing to aim for it.
A tough read, at times, there is no doubt this author nails traumatised character thoughts.
Please please please read those content warnings. This is another tough one for survivors
How does surviving harm you?
Melody was parentified young, living with her stepsiblings. She survived through tenacity and spite.
Greg Vedder survived through sheer bloodyminded determination and his old squad.
When he discovers her troubles, she learns there is more in her future than the same old.
But he was paid to investigate her. By her father in law.
So much pain and suffering in two people takes a lot of work and supportive relationships to work through.
Yet with perseverance and familial dedication, there's a HEA of you're willing to aim for it.
A tough read, at times, there is no doubt this author nails traumatised character thoughts.
Please please please read those content warnings. This is another tough one for survivors
September 30, 2026
The Mourningkill saga continues.
I’ve been waiting for Vedder’s story since Four Calling Birds and it was absolutely worth the wait. Molly’s Lucky 13 is a gang of misfits and they a special place in my heart.
Greg and Melody are two broken people who are both struggling to cope with the trauma of their past. They each have a lot of healing to do. Can these two wayward souls find peace and healing and maybe learn to trust themselves and each other?
LOTS of angst in this one. Plenty of snarky banter from Vedder’s found family. A small town run by old money and steeped in secrets. A couple of gunfights. A couple of unreliable narrators. Plenty of yearning and a touch of spice. Everything I’ve come to love about the Briarverse!
I’ve been waiting for Vedder’s story since Four Calling Birds and it was absolutely worth the wait. Molly’s Lucky 13 is a gang of misfits and they a special place in my heart.
Greg and Melody are two broken people who are both struggling to cope with the trauma of their past. They each have a lot of healing to do. Can these two wayward souls find peace and healing and maybe learn to trust themselves and each other?
LOTS of angst in this one. Plenty of snarky banter from Vedder’s found family. A small town run by old money and steeped in secrets. A couple of gunfights. A couple of unreliable narrators. Plenty of yearning and a touch of spice. Everything I’ve come to love about the Briarverse!
October 1, 2026
5 STARS for Overkill by Molly Briar part of the Mourningkill Series. What got my attention is the cover and book blurb because it definitely would want me to dive it. Great visual of our MMC I use add …
This author is hands down a favorite in writing romantic suspense. A page turner ! This is an excellent story !
Melody and Greg do not disappoint as main characters. I really hoped that they would overcome the obstacles life threw at them and come out the other side - better for it and together!
Chemistry
Plot Twists
Sarcastic humor & banter
Damaged / flawed characters
Angst , angst more angst
Protector vibes
I just found myself rooting for these two characters the whole way !
Loved it and love Molly Briar’s work !
This author is hands down a favorite in writing romantic suspense. A page turner ! This is an excellent story !
Melody and Greg do not disappoint as main characters. I really hoped that they would overcome the obstacles life threw at them and come out the other side - better for it and together!
Chemistry
Plot Twists
Sarcastic humor & banter
Damaged / flawed characters
Angst , angst more angst
Protector vibes
I just found myself rooting for these two characters the whole way !
Loved it and love Molly Briar’s work !
October 5, 2026
Please check all CW and TW before reading Melody's story, she has gone through it!!! I absolutely love the complexity of these characters. Melody and Greg have had some difficult moments in their past, which has shaped them into I believe strong people. I wanted to wrap Melody in my arms as we got to understand how her upbringing was, and how she made sure she was there for her siblings even when they didn't fully see her sacrifices. I thought Greg was just the right person for both her and her siblings. Had me swooning there at the end.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was incredible. I was thoroughly engrossed and engaged in the story from start to finish. It is written very well. I loved the romantic suspense as well. Plus the characters were amazing. The plot was well done and it definitely kept me turning the pages. The tension, the chemistry, and the romance was well balanced throughout the narrative. I enjoyed this book so much. It's a must read.
September 29, 2026
ARC review
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️
OMG! Where do I start? I was HOOKED! Greg? OMG! He had me 🫠. There is so much about this book that makes me want to read it AGAIN! I loved this book!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️
OMG! Where do I start? I was HOOKED! Greg? OMG! He had me 🫠. There is so much about this book that makes me want to read it AGAIN! I loved this book!!
October 6, 2026
I was anticipating Vedders story. It was a great story for sure. Really loving this crew and their stories. Would recommend.
September 26, 2026
Gregory Issac Vedder! This man felt he wasn't worthy enough for anyone. He saw Millie Grey and she made him want to be a better man. My heart melted when he would call her baby or sweetheart. I adored the way he helped with her little brother and sister. Millie had a few secrets that consumed her. She felt her secrets made her unlovable, and unworthy. She was drowning and Greg came in to save her, even from herself. Their journey towards each other tore my heart and mended it back together!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews