"But you never were a snitch, were you? But I can assure you, from the second I laid eyes on you, you were mine."
I purchased this book with my own money, and this review reflects only my personal reading experience and opinions of the story.
This story follows two main protagonists:
Ava - an FBI agent dedicated to hunting serial killers. Crow - one of the very killers she has been investigating.
Ava is a strong, sharp-witted, and courageous FMC who is exceptionally well written. From the very first page, the reader gains a clear understanding of who she is, what drives her, and what she stands for. Crow, on the other hand, is mysterious, morally ambiguous, and slightly unhinged, yet beneath his dangerous reputation lies an unexpectedly soft and caring side.
Ava is investigating the “Birds of a Feather” killers, a trio of vigilante murderers who torture and kill individuals they believe have committed horrific crimes. The group consists of The Hawk, The Raven, and the MMC, The Crow. After Ava comes dangerously close to solving the case, Crow threatens her life, forcing her into witness protection.
From the opening chapter, Ava and Crow begin communicating through text messages, immediately establishing strong chemistry and sharp, witty banter. When Ava’s current WITSEC handler abruptly leaves, a new handler named Rook is assigned to protect her. Readers quickly realize that Rook is actually Crow, though Ava remains unaware.
Rook’s original mission is to eliminate Ava to protect both himself and his partners from exposure. However, he soon discovers that carrying out that plan is far more complicated than he expected, as Ava begins to get under his skin. I loved the chemistry between them and especially enjoyed Rook’s internal conflict between loyalty to his friends and his growing feelings for Ava.
Ava also faces compelling internal struggles throughout the story: her strange attraction to Crow, her growing feelings for Rook, her doubts about the effectiveness of the justice system, and her conflicted thoughts regarding the morality of the Birds of a Feather killers’ actions.
I particularly enjoyed the banter and camaraderie between the trio and how each member played a distinct role in the crimes they committed. The introduction of August and the found-family dynamic Ava gradually develops within the group added another emotional layer to the story.
The additional mystery surrounding Rook’s stalker, along with the backstories of the Birds of a Feather trio, added depth and intrigue to the narrative. The pacing was fast, gripping, and impossible to put down. I was completely immersed from the very first page.
I cannot wait to read book two, uncover more of the mystery, and see what happens next for Ava and the trio.
❝I’ll turn her into the queen she was born to be, and I’ll worship her every step of the way.❞
SO enjoyable! Really liked the characters. Loved the FBI aspect and how badass Ava is. I liked the birds of a feather group and how they all bring something different to the table (personality wise and skills) I really want more of August, she seems fun and I like that her and Ava are on the same brainwave as soon as they meet.
Can’t wait to see what happens in the next book because how that ended… I need that next book!
Lil spoiler:
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When Rook was on his knees? Goddamn, give me 10 of it. Love a man on his knees AND when he started crawling??? Dead, biting my knuckles!