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Murder Talk

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Where everyone is dying to be in the spotlight.

~ Owen “Mac” McKenzie is a household name for his TV show, “Murder Talk,” where he discusses big stories and unsolved crimes. What the fans don’t know is that he committed some of those murders, and he has no plans to stop.

~ Ethan Miller is a struggling chef with an empty bank account who listens to crime podcasts to stay sane. When he witnesses a celebrity talk show host kill a billionaire CEO, Ethan isn’t sure whether to clap or run screaming for the hills.

~ Call it hubris or confidence, but Mac never expects to get caught. He decides to take the cute witness with him, not sure if he will kill the boy or keep him as a pet… When his assistant goes missing, and Ethan’s dad might be involved, the two team up to find out who is to blame.

***

Spotlight 14 authors bring you 14 original stories of killers in the public eye.

192 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 21, 2026

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About the author

R.A. Frick

31 books99 followers
R.A. Frick is a queer author of steamy queer romance, often with angst, always with a HEA! Focusing on non-binary, trans, and gay characters is close to RA's lived experiences, though they have written everything from YA dystopian time travel to dark taboo romance, and added paranormal romance to their repertoire in 2025.

RA's books have been on multiple bestseller lists, and they are usually found writing with their corgi in Northern California.

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5 stars
33 (34%)
4 stars
32 (33%)
3 stars
21 (21%)
2 stars
9 (9%)
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1 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Teigan.
418 reviews78 followers
July 28, 2026
“You can keep me forever, Sir.”
If I have my way, I will.

^ Page 158.

2.5✨ as I have no idea how to rate this.

Ethan is obsessed with sex and kink, straight up asks Owen to take him to a sex club when they first meet, and sucks Owen's dick once he kidnaps him.

Owen had more chemistry with his assistant than Ethan at some points of this story. He just liked owning Ethan because he's a psychopath.

So psycho and sex addict pretty much. No character development. Plot was kinda losing me cos it didn't really go anywhere.
Profile Image for Sara Husser.
676 reviews8 followers
July 20, 2026
☠️Hybristophilia: an attraction to criminals, especially serial killers. Do I have that?👨‍🍳

"Hybristophilia: an attraction to criminals, especially serial killers. Do I have that?"

"He offers me food like we're friends. Like he's not my captive chained to a bed. F***, he really is an innocent."

"Sit." Ethan blinks at me, then plots himself down at my feet. He looks up at me through those impossibility thick, dark lashes, "Like this, Sir?" His obedience is so ingrained in him, it's a beautiful thing to behold. "Good pet."

"I liked that he's older, serious, charming, and intelligent. Him being dominant and kinky only heightened my attraction. Apparently, being a murderous psychopath wasn't disqualifying for my libido."

"Mac is a psychopathic serial killer, and he treats me better than any relationship I've ever had. How messed up is that?"

"He should be attached to me, Ethan Miller belongs to me and no one else."

"I don't form attachments, but E feels like an extension of myself. He belongs to me, and I can't help hoping I don't have to kill him."

"The Greeks believe people were split in half by Zeus, and needed to seek out their other half. The Chinese tell of the red thread, that fate connects us supernaturally. The Jews have a bashert or "destined one" we're connected to. I'm not sure anyone could be as perfect a match for me as you."

"I can't help but agree. Right here, in the arms of a killer, my killer, is the perfect place for me to be."

This is my first book by this author and I definitely will be checking out more! I really enjoyed this book and it was a fantastic addition to this series. This series is everything so far. The spice and kink in this story were delicious 🔥🔥🔥. I loved the dynamics between the characters and the power exchange. I really enjoyed the plot of this story as well.

This story follows Ethan/E and Mac. Mac is a host on his show Murder Talk. He is also a serial killer/vigilante who takes out criminals and bad people. Some of them happen to be talked about on his show 🤣. He is at a gala where he runs into Ethan. Ethan comes from a rich family but has been cut off. Now he is a sous chef working the event. Ethan sees Mac killing someone so Mac decides to kidnap him. He holds him captive and things get spicy. Ethan thinks if he can seduce Mac, his celebrity crush 😏😉, then he won't die. These two build a Sir/pet relationship in the meantime. Di, Mac's assistant and bestie gets kidnapped again. They believe Ethan's father is involved as he's the head of a trafficking ring. Mac and E go to rescue her. Mac ends up trading E for Di and E is gutted. What he doesn't know is that his Sir will always come back for him. Can Mac get to his pet in time and save him from his horrible, abusive father?

I really loved the relationship between these two. E was touch and love starved. He had a rough upbringing and no one has ever loved him. He has a bratty, rebellious side and also talks a lot. He is the perfect obedient submissive. Mac is cold, calculated, emotionless, and forms no attachments. His form of love is very different. He is dominant and always has to be in control. Their chemistry was chef's kiss 🥵🥵. The spice and kink was written so well and sexy 🔥🔥🔥. I loved their Dom/sub relationship. I love how Mac took care of E and gave him everything. I loved how easily E accepted Mac. I loved how Mac wanted to control all aspects of E's life and how E loved every minute of it 😏. Di was a great side character as well. This was a fantastic story. ☠️🩸🔪👨‍🍳😈📺⛓️🖤
Profile Image for True Loveislovereview.
3,007 reviews1 follower
April 21, 2026
4.5 stars. Owen MacKenzie, aka Mac, is an investigative reporter and has his own TV show ‘Murderer Talk’
It’s quite sinister, some of the cases he discusses are where he is the murderer. Nobody knows of course. He’s a psychopath and loves to hurt people. Now, he’s older he tracks down the big guys, the guys with money who do bad things, like human trafficking.

Being disinherited by his abusive father, Ethan is broke and working part-time sous chef gigs in the San Francisco Bay. He was hitting on a hot guy. On his pause in the alley, he recognises the hot guy as Owen Mackenzie, the TV celebrity. But he’s doing something that seems like… murder? Yes, it is!
Mac threatens him and takes him with him. That will be the end of Ethan.

Hmm, what will Mac do with Ethan? The guy is too willing to please him. Di, Mac’s assistant finds out that Ethan is the son of the billionaire Thomas Miller. The man they have been following for a while.
Mac feels more protective of Ethan than the urge to kill him, he wants to control and own his ‘pet’, and Ethan is more aroused by Mac than afraid of him.

When Di is kidnapped and Ethan’s father seems involved, Mac and Ethan have to work side by side.

I loved this story, it’s dark, and the above should tell enough. There are still some moments that are a tiny bit sweeter. The writing was flawless, the story captivating and super entertaining, and not one second was dull.
The story goes with trigger warnings.

Review also on Love Bytes LGBTQ bookreviews
Profile Image for Deb Kel.
3,056 reviews12 followers
April 21, 2026
This book looks at the darker side of romance, and though it won’t be for everyone I ended up being completely hooked.

Mac is not your typical main character. He’s calculating, ruthless, and fully aware of what he is, which made his POV both unsettling and weirdly compelling. The whole concept of a public figure who secretly commits the crimes he talks about added an extra layer of tension that kept things interesting the entire way through.

Ethan, in contrast, brings a very different energy. He’s thrown into an absolutely insane situation, yet adapts in a way that’s both surprising and, at times, a little unsettling in its own right. Their dynamic leans heavily into that morally grey (or honestly just dark) territory, where you’re not always sure whether to root for them, but you can’t look away either.

I liked that the story didn’t rush past the darker elements. There’s a lot of focus on control, power, and the blurred lines between fear and attraction, but it’s balanced with moments that almost feel soft in comparison. The plot with the missing assistant and Ethan’s father added some extra intrigue and gave the story more depth beyond just their relationship.

Overall, a gripping and twisted read with a unique premise and characters that are anything but conventional. Definitely check the content warnings, but if you enjoy darker, morally complex stories, this one delivers.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,527 reviews31 followers
April 22, 2026
So enjoyable
Owen McKenzie is a TV show host of murder talk and he has been on telly for years. He is a local celebrity who wizzes around town in his sporty car but what people don’t know is he is also a serial killer. It’s fair to say that Mac enjoys taking down people that do wrong. His Assistant was once trafficked and Mac will do anything to keep her safe. One night when he is out killing a guy who is connected to human trafficking he is spotted by a sous chef. And for once it’s not Mac first instinct to kill him. He actually kidnapped him.
Ethan had been thrown out of his father‘s Property weeks ago. He was now making money as a sous chef. Ethan had seen some disgusting behaviour at his father‘s house so was glad to be away from him even even though it meant he was struggling to survive now, but when he goes on a break, he spots a TV star drugging a man. And the next thing he knows they are running away and Ethan is scared as he don’t know if he’s the next one to die. He finds himself chained up in a guest house not knowing what will happen to him next. He chooses to get Mac to trust him even if that means seducing him. Now there is another story brewing behind these two when Mac Assistant Di is taken once again. And Mac will do anything to save her, but can he trust Ethan????
I really like the dynamic between Mac and E. What started as a kidnapping soon turned into a partnership. Mac thought he wasn’t capable to love but this fast paced story brings up some surprises.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Showarst.
1,244 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 22, 2026
Murder Talk by R.A. Frick is part of a multiauthor universe in which public figures moonlight as serial killers. Owen MacKenzie, host of the highly popular true crime show, is hunting down men and women who do bad things and are not punished for it. Ethan Miller stumbles upon Owen killing someone. Since Owen cannot leave Ethan with this knowledge, he kidnaps Ethan and takes him home as his “pet”. I loved the dynamic between these two so much. They literally are perfect for each other. Owen wants to be in control and Ethan wants to submit. The kink was perfect and I was on the edge of my seat until the very end. This had everything that I love: kink dynamic, obsession, psychopath in love, and found family. I cannot wait to see what else awaits in this series. I have a feeling it is going to be a great one!

I received an ARC from the author and BookSprout for my honest review.
Profile Image for Johanna.
6,524 reviews113 followers
April 25, 2026
'Murder Talk is part of the Spotlight multi-author collaboration, and is a standalone novel. 14 authors bring you 14 original stories of killers in the public eye. Where everyone is dying to be in the spotlight.'

The characters were very complex and compelling and complicated and dark and obsessive and perfectly steamy together. Plot was intriguing and intense and exciting and well paced. World building was solidly drawn and impressive. Thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend.

Grab a copy, kick back and enjoy!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
937 reviews11 followers
April 29, 2026
3.5 stars
MM
Plot 3.5/5
Spice 2/5
Dom/sub vibes
Unaliver/ kidnappee


Mac had a mission to unalive all the people who hurt his assistant and meets E who see him in the act! so the only logical thing to do would be to take the witness with you right? of course! Now turns out E is already a little messed up in the head (arent we all) so he takes to being kidnapped really well and decides that sleeping with your kidnapper is the way to go!

This was actual a decent book, the story moves quickly and the spice is woven in in the times that make sense! I enjoyed the murder talk show as a cover for Mac!!
Profile Image for Sophia.
29 reviews
April 30, 2026
This was an enjoyable read. I feel like it's a little rough around the edges. When I say that, I feel like Ethan was too pliable. It's understandable that there is shock when something unexpected or bad happens especially with his history, but he was almost to passive. Mac is definitely the strong possessive type.

If your looking for some spicy smut this will check the box, but it also has a plot that moves the story along. I feel like there are a few scenes that are rushed with a to convenient solution. Like a plug and go feel.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for SJ.
1,454 reviews18 followers
May 7, 2026
Okay, so I had no idea this was a whole series written by different authors and I'm so excited there are going to be more books to read because so far this has been such a ridiculously good time. This is the second book in the In The Spotlight series, and it was so addictive. This dark MM romance had some of the most entertaining banter, and the heat was kinky and off the charts. Mac and Ethan's story had me giggling and squirming. It's a fast-paced, easy to read in one sitting with all the dark serial unaliver rom-com vibes.

Tropes:
Serial unaliver
Celebrity
Kinky
Age-gap
Daddy Vibes
Dual POV

Check TW
Profile Image for Priscilla.
1,156 reviews
Review of advance copy
April 19, 2026
After E witnessed a murder, Mac had to decide what to do with him. It was a bit of a whirlwind for their relationship that quickly became more especially when they had to rescue Mac's personal assistant. The story was cute and a bit dark with a side of kinky. Check the triggers list. It was a fun story with light drama.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Saskia Veldhuis .
2,328 reviews19 followers
April 24, 2026
A very appealing darker romance, with serial unaliver Mac being the host of a crime show - in which some of the murders he discusses are actually his own. E witnesses one and Mac takes him captive, only for both to discover a strong mutual attraction. Mac's assistant Di made for a good side character. E's father was really a bit over the top evil, but the team trying to stop him made for an entertaining plot.
Thanks for the advance copy via Booksprout, I am happy to leave a voluntary review.
Profile Image for LC.
832 reviews9 followers
April 28, 2026
Wow! I’m really getting into dark romance and this book by R.A. Frick is great. It has moments of suspense and steam. I enjoyed the back and forth of E and Mac. I liked how the story revolves around the relationship between Di and Mac at first and then grows to include E. The dynamic between Master/pet is interesting and plays out through the story with Mac putting a collar on E. The ending is amazing!!
316 reviews6 followers
April 23, 2026
Cute book, but to be honest kind of basic. The concept of a serial killer with his own talk show was very creative. How quickly E. became Mac's sub and partner just felt rushed. Maybe I've read too many grey characters and it's just me and readers want some light hearted morally grey relationships. It is a good book for that.
Profile Image for Samantha.
20 reviews
April 25, 2026
SIR!

This was a wonderful experience. I am enjoying the whole series so far and reading them as they come out. This is my first book by this author and I am enthralled. I was worried the bathroom stuff would detour me but you know what. I loved that part to! Their dynamic was gorgeous and Di was amazing. I want more.
Profile Image for Bookivore Unforgiven.
167 reviews
June 9, 2026
This is a good one

This book is crazy obsessive love with a side of morally grey and a lot of red flags but I am here for it. R.A. Frick doesn’t write a bad book and this one doesn’t disappoint. If you’re looking for some murder with a side of love pick this one up and get to reading cause you won’t be disappointed.
Profile Image for Amanda Reeves.
4,305 reviews44 followers
April 21, 2026
Murder Talk is part of the multi-author In the Spotlight series and can be read as a standalone. This is a forced proximity, age gap, suspenseful, kinky read about Owen and Ethan. I just loved this, it was just dark enough and had enough suspense to keep my attention throughout.
Profile Image for Louise Lilly.
197 reviews4 followers
April 24, 2026
This book had a balance of action, plot and romance. Of course you need to suspend your belief but thats not the point.
Tropes: serial killer, morally grey MC, kidnapping, bdsm (somnophilia, bondage), age gap
Profile Image for Amanda Grange.
985 reviews6 followers
May 12, 2026
Listen....I'm enjoying the entire series, but Ethan and Mac are my current favorites. There isn't anything about this book that i don't like. I'm not sure if it's supposed to be as funny as I found it but it had me cackling.

Profile Image for Molly Otto.
1,661 reviews36 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 21, 2026
What happens when a nationally known Murder Talk Host gets caught in the act? Well in the eyes of Mac you kidnap the man and make him your own. When Ethan sees Mac in the act he goes along and sees what happens next, at this point in life how could things get any worse? E is the perfect submissive to the dominant Mac that allows these two to let each other in and become something more. When Mac's only friend is taken once again the two join forces to get them back and learn to trust and work together. This was a fun and quick read right on the edge of dark but not too much over that cliff for those who do not generally read the genre.
Profile Image for Natalie.
223 reviews1 follower
April 22, 2026
A great read. It was a sweet/spicy little novella. I could’ve had darker, but it was fun!
Profile Image for Scar Reads.
26 reviews
May 21, 2026
4.5 stars rounded up. This was sexy, fun, and kinky. It resolved a little too easily but it's still a great read.
161 reviews
July 14, 2026
An entertaining story, with those touches of D/s which are always welcome ;)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews