Kismet

by Nicky James, Nick J. Russo (Narrator)

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?

Genres: M M Romance, Mystery, Romance, Crime, Contemporary, Suspense, Audiobook

Audible Audio

First published December 22, 2025

About the author

I 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.

Reviews

[~✡~Dαni(ela) ♥ ♂♂ love & semicolons~✡~ · Rating 4 out of 5]

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 tundra refused to freeze my heart. It burned and ached and cried for all I'd had and all I'd lost.

[Renée · Rating 1 out of 5]

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.

[martina (the life of a chaotic reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Jan]

DNF 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.

[Cadiva · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.


I love books with unreliable narrators, The Murder of Roger Akroyd is one of my favourite books because of said trope.

However, I also spent twenty years as a journalist, where reporting the truth and being a regular at both the Magistrates' Court and Crown Court were part of that job, seeing criminals going through due process and being found guilty based on unquestionable evidence.

So, the big twist in this book, and yes I did see it coming from about three quarters of the way in - although I didn't see the secondary twist, which was a brilliant plot device and very cleverly done - really made me rage.

Not that the murders were vigilante killings, but that a policeman would ignore the evidence he'd found which tied in the man he was in a relationship with directly to said crimes, along with a confession of guilt.

It infuriated me so much that Kobe would turn his back on due process, on the evidence before him and just let the case fade into obscurity. I don't care that the victims were bad people who deserved it simply because of the nature of the type of crime used as the driving factor.

They still deserved to have their deaths fully investigated and prosecuted because if we don't do that with this type of crime, what happens when it's the other way round and an innocent person is being accused of something they didn't do?

And, on top of that, I just didn't feel the romance in this one at all. For me it was more like Kobe had a crush and Dominique was taking advantage given his actions.

So that meant the big ending reveal just pissed me off even more!

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!

[BookSafety Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

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?...

[Ariana (mostly offline) · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Caz · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[el :) · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 🤭🤭

[Papie]

DNF 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.

[Mirian · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded

Keeping it brief to avoid spoilers.
Outstanding mystery, okay-ish romance, simple but effective ending.

[Sofi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this book took me on a journey. I hate to admit it, but I wasn’t loving it at first. I mean, I started really excited, but then it got kind of boring, and it wasn’t until exactly chapter 26 that I really got into it. And it was only because I started to doubt one MMC, and my mind just couldn’t let it go until I knew who the killer was. And wowww, I was expecting it… but at the same time, not.

And honestly, I knew the twist before it was revealed, but there were still surprising things that made it good. And I meaaaan… one of the MMCs being the killer? THAT, when I started to doubt Dom, was what really pulled me in and ended up shaping my rating of this book.

The case was really interesting and heartbreaking, but I have to be honest and say that while it caught my attention at the beginning, it started to lose focus. I just didn’t feel the urgency, and the “let’s follow the victims’ movements and relationships and really get to know them to figure it out” aspect I’ve come to expect from this author’s books wasn’t there for me.

I mean, it was never ignored or forgotten, and I still think there was a good balance between the plot and the romance, but something about it just didn’t fully work for me. It felt like they were doing the digging off page and then just telling us afterward, and it didn’t feel like the step by step development I expected. That didn’t make it bad, but it did disappoint me, especially since I’ve come to love following the mystery just as much as the romance in this author’s books. Still, it was a strong case that ended up being just as impactful.

That said, in terms of the relationship, I actually loved it. I love that in this author’s books, the romance feels so normal. Like, yeah, there is conflict and things both MMCs have to figure out to make it work, it’s never a perfect relationship. Dom and Kobe each have their baggage and personalities, but the development of their relationship felt so natural, so real, and I love that there is no added drama. It just feels like two imperfect men falling in love.

I loved both Dom and Kobe. Do I wish I had gotten to know them more? Yes. I wish there had been more time to explore them more deeply without taking time away from the case, but that doesn’t mean they felt incomplete, because they didn’t. I guess I just wanted more.

I love the fact that they were both morally gray characters, which made this book even more interesting. And I am so happy with the ending. In books, it’s one of the few places where you can root for morally gray characters, and this was no different. I wanted them to end up together, and I am so happy they did.

It took me a minute to get there, but I ended up impressed and really loving this book. I’m rating it 3.8 stars, but rounding it up to 4. I absolutely love this author’s books, and I already know I’ll be reading a lot more from her this year, which makes me so excited!

------------------------

Really long quotes but so worth mentioning:

“He was right there. Above me. Inside me. Around me. Whispering, “Let me love you, Dominique.” His voice cracked with emotion as he thrust deep into my body. “I don’t know how to stop. It consumes me. Overwhelms me. It devastates me. I love you,” he said against my mouth. “I love you, I love you, I love you.” It was a prayer, a plea, a pledge. A promise.”

“I focused on the moment and the man between my legs who had taken the wheel and seemed determined to steer me out of the path of self-destruction. The pit of sorrow and regret and anger grew smaller every day as he drew me from its gaping maw, bathing me in sunlight and hope and happiness.”

“Will you let me love you?” I closed my eyes, absorbing the impact of those six words, and squeezed Kobe tighter in my arms. I had yearned and feared this moment. A lump formed in my throat, but I swallowed it down. I had never stood a chance. From the day Kobe turned his boyish smile in my direction, sat on the living room floor and played Polly Pockets with Cosette, from the first moment the fires of injustice burned in his eyes, I knew, I knew, there was no turning back.
“I will be hard to love, Kobe.”
“Not so far.”
“I carry a lot inside me.”
“We all do.”
“You barely know me.”
“I know enough.”
We danced. I could find no more arguments. At one point, Kobe drew back to look me in the eye. He hid nothing. His heart was on display, raw and open and hopeful. “Could you ever love again?”
We came to a slow stop as I peered into the many layers of this most unexpected man. Where had he come from? Where had he been in my darkest hours? How could I go on without his fire lighting my path? “I already do.”

[Evelyn220 · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Ana · Rating 1 out of 5]

Just no.
If the book would have ended @96% I maybe would have rated this higher... But it just made me hate this story more.
I get grey, nothing in life is black and white but this kind of grey is taking it too far.

Nicky James is a brilliant author and I had to pick up my jaw at how the case unfurled, but the circumstances just didn't sit right with me.

Ah yes: the romance didn't work for me at all. Moving on

[Simone - on indefinite hiatus - · Rating 4 out of 5]

***4.5 Stars***

This was incredibly well written. Yet, I had a hunch and... Goddammit, sometimes I really hate when I'm right...

[Nelly S. · Rating 4 out of 5]

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.

[Caz · Rating 4 out of 5]

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!

[AL♡ · Rating 5 out of 5]

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).

[Kazza · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was an incredibly ambitious book by Nicky James. It was too long and could have had at least 100 pages cut off. At times it was repetitive - 'he's not twenty five, he's thirty two' or 'I'm being unprofessional' following similar boundary less, out loud thoughts by Kobe.

Other reviewers have said, and I agree, it is best to go into the book without any spoilers.

This book. It gets into your very marrow.

[Mandy Tunstill · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.

[Julia · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐️
Promising Young Woman, but make it an MM romantic suspense.

[Nadya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ахуй, больше ниче не скажу

[Suzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

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!

[Emilie · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[juli✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

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 them getting together at the end left me scratching my head tbh. Kobe, my guy, did you really like, or know, Dominique's murdery-ass enough to go be with him? DID YOU?), 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.

[AGandyGirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

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.

[Sammy! · Rating 5 out of 5]

Kismet by Nicky James may be set during the Christmas season, but don’t go in expecting anything soft or festive. This is a dark, emotionally intense romantic suspense that dives into heavy themes, particularly surrounding sexual assault (handled off-page but discussed throughout). It’s important to check content warnings because the story doesn’t shy away from uncomfortable, morally grey territory.

It’s also the kind of book that’s hard to talk about without ruining the experience. The plot is carefully constructed with twists that hit harder the less you know going in, so it’s best approached with minimal spoilers.

The story follows Detective Kobe Haven, who, despite being intelligent and perceptive, struggles with authority and self-doubt in his role. He’s quietly crushing on Dominique Chevalier, a reserved and enigmatic pathologist. When they’re brought together on a murder case, their interactions remain professional at first, but there’s an undeniable tension simmering underneath. Kobe is awkward but endearing, while Dominique, still grieving and caring for a young child, is emotionally closed off—yet drawn to Kobe in a way he can’t ignore.

Their relationship develops slowly and realistically, shaped by their individual baggage. Kobe craves stability but fears pushing too hard, while Dominique is hesitant to let anyone in. Despite this, they fit together in a way that feels natural—two damaged people seeking something steady in a world that hasn’t been kind to them.

The murder investigation itself is disturbing and gripping. The victims are found in staged, symbolic ways, each crime hinting at deeper motives tied to past abuse and injustice. As the case unfolds, it becomes clear that the killer may be acting out of revenge for crimes that were ignored or dismissed. This adds a layer of emotional conflict, especially for Kobe, who understands what it feels like to be unheard and begins to question whether justice is always so clear-cut.

The book delivers a strong commentary on how victims of assault are often overlooked or disbelieved, making it both a difficult and important read. The mystery is tightly plotted, with twists that are both shocking and deeply emotional. Even if you start to suspect where things are going, the final reveal still lands with devastating impact.

Nicky James excels at creating flawed, complex characters who feel real. Kobe is easy to love with his vulnerability and quiet strength, while Dominique takes more time to understand, his guarded nature slowly peeling back as the story progresses.
Overall, Kismet is a gripping, thought-provoking read that stays with you long after you finish. It’s not an easy story, but it’s a powerful one—layered, emotional, and far from predictable.

[Debra ~~ seriously slacking on her reviews ~~]

Since my Kindle note ability is not working at the moment and my kindle decided to update, I need to make my usual note of a suspect that I will eventually delete when I am wrong because I need to get this out of my head. I've been wondering how Kobe knows Dom was married 15 years when we were never told that and there is something sketchy here since Dom never says they were married, and no wedding ring even though his grief is strong. I don't think they were, I think Cosette is Dom's sister's kid, or some relation? That would explain the "together 15 years", also his parents don't know the kid exists and are estranged. The kids that came into the precinct a few years back but never made a report? Maybe they were married and I'm way off, but after the last body I think Dom is the killer (his gym visit, the bruise on the face, the sex that Kobe mused was too good for a man with little/no experience with men, the messy scene, he missed a fiber on the body) but Kobe will be okay with it, hence the book title. I think Cosette's mom was raped at a campus party and was probably that girl from the police station, and Dom is the one taking them all out. Or maybe I'm just reading too many Freida McFadden and expect my flabber to be ghasted in the last few chapters of a book. lol

[paracosmere · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars!

I didn't like at least the first three-quarters of the book. It was kinda slow and I found it hard to find a convincing connection between Kobe and Dominique. I just couldn't feel the spark I usually look for to keep me engaged in a book. I had a hard time getting into the MCs as well because their thoughts swing from work mode to personal/lust-filled, and it wasn't done smoothly. My like for the character hadn't been established well, too, as I mentioned above, that's why I wasn't entirely on board with their story.

Kobe's personality didn't endear me as well. But I think it all made sense when I finally got near the end. His character supported his decisions, it didn't come from nowhere. I'd give the author that vindication.

That twist at the end though. Nicky James got me. I wasn't expecting that at all. I suspected Bastian, even Yates, but never Dominique. Nicky James did a great job on his POVs that I never even linked him to the case. Great, great job!

I'm glad the breakup happened, too. I would've been disappointed if they both acted like nothing happened and went on with their lives together. The break was necessary. That ending earned the book an extra half star and a bump to a rounded up four stars.