Slash & Strangle

Serial Killers in Love #1

by Adara Wolf, R. Phoenix

Ryker is everything you don't want to meet in the middle of nowhere: dark, dangerous, and probably a serial killer.

Scratch that: definitely a serial killer.

Anybody with half an ounce of sense would stay away.

Good thing I've never been accused of having any sort of self-preservation instincts, and murder is more of a turn-on than turn-off for me.

There's just one little problem. Ryker doesn't want to see me again. He has no patience for "stupid brats." His words, not mine.

Too bad for him, I've never taken no for an answer. And if I need to leave a few bodies behind to draw his attention... well, I guess I've gotta become the star of a true crime podcast.

SLASH & STRANGLE is a dark, codependent M/M romance featuring a bratty, submissive twink and the dark, dangerous man he wants to attract. Check your morals at the door, because neither of these men have any. HEA. No cliffhanger. Standalone.

Genres: Dark, M M Romance, Serial Killer, Dark Romance, Romance, Crime, Contemporary

418 pages, Paperback

Published March 17, 2026

About the author

I write almost exclusive m/m, but I have a fondness for bisexual protagonists. I enjoy a lot of darker themes, so you'll see a lot of that around here.

When I’m not writing, I’m reading, painting, playing video games, and rescuing cats. I also enjoy learning about languages and other cultures.

If you're ever curious about the contents of my works, I put content notes on my website (http://adarawolf.com)

You can also follow me on facebook and twitter. I also have a Patreon account

Reviews

[Brooke · Rating 2 out of 5]

⭐️ 2.5 stars ⭐️

A little bit of orgasm denial in exchange for a bloody murder or three? Yeah. I’m in.

A pretty typical dark romance (reminded me of Dysfunctional but more OTT), but something about it just didn’t do it for me.

Both the MCs are unlikeable, especially rich spoiled brat Liam. And Ryker has as much personality as a blank wall.
There isn’t much depth to the story, the characters or the romance. It’s murder and smut. Plus some weird family and friend dynamics that don’t make sense?

“You want me to mark you?” I ask, my voice uneven. “You want to be mine, you brat?”

The dynamic between them had potential, but it’s also very been there done that. Aggressive dom sadist and a brat with a pain kink. Literally every other serial killer/dark romance has the same dynamic.

I was honestly ready to DNF this right from the start, because when they first meet they immediately talk about the best way to murder someone. But I did end up finishing it. So either this wasn’t that bad of a book or I was just unwilling to quit. We’ll never know.

Overall, I guess it wasn’t terrible. It’s just too similar to others in the genre, and the fact that I kind of hated every single character didn’t make it stand out in a good way.

“Next time, I’ll show you a beating heart.” I groan against his mouth, letting him taste me. “Never let anyone tell you that you aren’t romantic,” I tease.

I received a copy of this book from Gay Romance Reviews, and this is my honest review.

CW and NSFW info (spoilers):
- Serial killer MCs
- Gore/death/violence
- Age gap (31 vs 22)
- Top/bottom
- Knife & blood play
- CBT
- Orgasm denial & edging
- Pain kink
- Rough sex
- Spit as lube
- Coming hands-free
- Phone sex
- Brief sharing scene (glory hole blowjob w/ stranger)

[Teigan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe I can keep him. It’s not every day you meet a man willing to let you kill him.
^ Page 192.

Love fictional serial killers and their dark romance stories. I didn't even mind that this one felt repetitive at times because it kept me interested throughout the book. Hot sex and murder.

Would've been nice for Ryker to confess or just finally say something about who he actually is at the end of the book. I know he's mysterious but I would've liked to see that to fill in some blanks.

The first part where Liam kept leaving calling cards just to make Ryker come back and see him was somewhat entertaining and I found it really amusing.

One scene I wasn't 100% on though, was the glory hole scene. Ryker is possessive and his own psychopathic version of being in love for Liam. But you're telling me he sticks Liam's dick in a hole in the toilet stall and tells random men to suck his dick? It just felt very off character?

[Alix · Rating 4 out of 5]

Serial unaliver brat + serial unaliver top + lots of kinks and lots of morally black activities made for a dark and sexy read! Good banter, lots of smut, and very dark deeds….plus HEA.

[Rae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder boyfriends with S&M and lots of other kinky things?! Yes please 😅

Liam and Ryker are not vigilantes who murder bad people - they’re straight up serial killers. Their relationship isn’t romantic, but hot and they somehow work with their vastly different personalities (except for the murder kink 😅). I love murder books and spicy books so this was right up my alley 😅 Also, I love Gran, she’s hilarious!

[Ashley -Goldstarreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liam is a rich brat who finds he has a lust for strangling and murdering men. He is new at it and sloppy. Ryker has a true psychopathic blood lust but he has amazing control over his impulses until he picks up a twink that threatens to unravel his tightly bound control. He doesn’t do feelings. He doesn’t do jealousy. But for Liam? He fights against his urges to make Liam one of his victims, and he keeps coming back even though the brat has gotten himself into some trouble and on the FBI’s radar. Ryker likes to cut his victims and bleed them. Liam likes to drug and strangle them. Hence the title. Both have two different styles for their extracurriculars. And on top of that, they are kinky as all get out. High heat, lots of kink and some murder thrown in there, makes an interesting and intriguing read in the New Bristol universe. Well written, lots of bratty banter, a possessive psychopath with amazing control. My only problem is I didn’t really connect with Liam as much as Ryker. And I didn’t like Liam’s bestie at all. But otherwise great read.

[audiobook_chaos · Rating 5 out of 5]

Liam just might be

the brattiest brat that ever bratted and it'll take a brat tamer like Ryker to control him. Or will it ?
You know the saying you'll never see two serial killers in the same vehicle , well it's wrong.

[Maggie May · Rating 5 out of 5]

A bloody good time. I inhaled this book, didn’t want to put it down. Liam is a fun character. I was glad that the narrative slightly favored his point of view. I loved how he got Ryker’s attention after they first met. The flow of this story is very good, the characterization is terrific, and it was kept plausible even when it wasn’t realistic.

[Natalie H]

April 2026
Kindle edition

DNF @ forget when
Not for me. How they haven't already been caught is beyond me.

[Kellyn]

DNF at 44%. This book had me rolling my eyes too much for me to continue. No rating because I usually like these authors. This one was just a miss for me.

[Adara Wolf]

I'm brimming with excitement about this book! It was such a blast to write. The banter, the dark humor, the fact that these characters are villains through and through... Also, it has some of my favorite kinks. ;)

If you've been wanting more bratty subs, orgasm denial, and painplay... yep, this is the book for you.

While you wait for the release (3/24 direct or 3/31 Amazon), why not check out the prologue for free?

[Sara Husser · Rating 5 out of 5]

🩸Maybe I can keep him. It's not every day you meet a man willing to let you kill him☠️

"Is that something you should be telling a potential axe murderer?"
"Eh, I've had my share of bad luck for the day. The universe has to come through for me at some point, right?"

"And most people wouldn't want to marry a serial killer. It'd be dishonest to go into a relationship without disclosing that."

"I really should murder you. I wonder what the news would say about you. Choked to death on c***."

"Maybe if I kill him and make enough of a spectacle of it, Ryker will finally return and I'll get the f*** I've been dreaming of."

"There's violence in his eyes, too, the kind of wild lust that no other man has ever shown me. I've never felt so ferociously desired before, and now that I've felt it, I'm not sure I want to go without it again."

"But I have to admit, I like the attention he's giving me. I like how he looks at me. I love how f****** submissive he is, and how desperately he wants me."

"The praise has the intended effect: Liam preens and smiles at me. Yeah, he's a f****** puppy."

"Oh. Are you gonna kill me, then?"
"It would serve you right, with how stupid you're being. Give me one good reason why I shouldn't."
"Mm, I'm too pretty to die. You want to cut me up and choke me and do all sorts of things to me. Can't do that if I'm dead."
"F****** brat."

"Maybe I can keep him. It's not every day you meet a man willing to let you kill him."

"I want to have Liam at my feet, obedient and worshipping me again and again and again, covered in blood and desperate for every scrap of attention I give him."

"He might say I'm his, but he's every bit as much mine."

"Next time, I'll show you a beating heart."
"Never let anyone tell you that you aren't romantic."

This book was everything I wanted and more. This was a dark book with so many trigger warnings, so definitely heed the warning. What's better than reading about one unhinged murderous psychopath? TWO! In the story, both of the MMCs are both murderous, unhinged wild, and very psychotic. If you're looking for these men to be vigilantes or killing for justice, then this book is not for you. The spice in this was spicing hard and very darkly delicious 🔥🔥🔥. I also loved the variety of kinks in this 😜. These authors both have a fantastic writing style and flow. I was glued to my kindle until the very last page.

This story follows Ryker and Liam. Ryker is coming back from killing somebody and is driving in the middle of nowhere when he picks up Liam, who is hitchhiking. He notices Liam looks disheveled and has blood on him. These two have some humorous murder banter and he drops Liam off in his hometown. Some time has passed and these two continue to think about one another. Liam decides to start killing more people to get Ryker's attention. He even leaves a calling card for him. This pisses Ryker off, so he tracks Liam down to tell him how stupid he is. Things get heated and spicy fast 🥵. Liam doesn't like that Ryker leaves, so he continues to bait him with more murders and other shenanigans. This leads some FBI agents to Liam's door. During this time we see their relationship develop. Lots of murderous foreplay, push and pull dynamics, a lot of orgasm denial 🤣, and some confusing feelings. Ryker hates people and only likes to be in nature. Somehow he is obsessed with his rich brat who loves attention and murder. Can he teach his brat how to not get caught? What will happen when the agents come back to harass Liam?

This couple was everything and more. I loved the banter and humor between them so much. These two had me cackling so much 🤣. The camping scenes had me laughing hard 😅. The chemistry and tension was chef's kiss. The spice and kink was bloody delicious 🩸🥵🔥🔥🔥. I loved how opposite they both were. Liam was a brash, reckless, sloppy murderer who was also a golden retriever that needed attention 🤣. Not to mention the biggest brat 😈. Ryker was a quiet, calm, methodical, mysterious guy. He hated people and loved simple basic things and nature. Liam needed his luxury and hotels. Despite being so different, these two slot together so well. Their desires, urges, and needs were the same. I loved how emotional, needy, and vulnerable Liam would get with Ryker. Especially when he kept leaving. I loved how protective and obsessive Ryker was with Liam. Even when he tried to deny those feelings 😂. I loved how they both went back and forth with "should I kill him or keep him" 🤣🤣. These two were absolutely feral for each other. I was so happy to see these two psychos get their HEA 🖤❤️. ⛰️🏕☠️🩸🔪🧻🫀👮‍♂️😈

[Abrianna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A book about serial killers? Yes, please. I have been looking forward to this book since it was announced by the authors, and in terms of genre expectations, it excels. It is the perfect balance of morally gray characters with just enough hint of humanity to make them feel as if they have earned and deserve the HEA they end up with.

For two serial killers, these characters were both unique in the way they approached their…hobby, and in their personalities, it brought a sense of freshness and made it easy to distinguish one character from the other.

Liam is an unrepentant brat in every sense of the word. He is spoiled, sassy, and reflects someone who is used to getting his way while still being naive to how the world works. He is the character you love to hate and hate to love because he makes some…questionable decisions that have you wondering how he lives to the end of the book. In hindsight, that is a brilliant move on the authors’ part, as they show how the psychological drive to kill, to go against society’s norms, isn’t restricted to people who come from an underprivileged or terrible background. Though Liam does have family issues that are common with his status, they only add to his attention-seeking nature, making him an easy target for both the other MC and his own urges.

Ryker, meanwhile, is the complete opposite of Liam. In both class wealth and the way he holds himself. He is methodical, careful, and turned out to be my favorite of the two MCs simply for the way he held himself and the dominant way he was able to get Liam under control… Though that statement is debatable, as Liam is still Liam, but he gives the younger man a sense of belonging no one else has managed. Ryker seems like he would fit the mold of what a serial killer would be, and the way the authors wrote him is the perfect counterpart to Liam. He is careful, controlled, and determined to not become like those before him—his love of true crime podcasts is more a guide of what not to do than anything.

If, like me, you have a penchant for messy, bloody, and edging into unsafe relationships, then what develops between the two MCs will be for you. In the backdrop of their serial killing nature, they find a balance between the two of them that helps relieve the pressure without ever taking away from who they are. The sadistic and masochistic aspects of them are quite a mirror to the way they each prefer to take out their victims, and whether intentional or not, it helps draw you in that much further.

Overall, this book delivered what it promised while staying in the morally gray area that this genre expects. Though I expected nothing less from either author and am curious about where they might go next in this world, especially with how they have a habit of connecting their books and series through locations and previous character cameos.

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is definitely dark, has multiple murders, two unique MC's, and a chance encounter where they each recognize the darkness within the other and leads to a complex relationship between them.
Liam is a sassy brat who gets and does what he wants, mainly to prevent his own boredom and get the attention he craves. He's a classic rich boy who is ignored by his parents, but I think that whatever humanity he has comes from his close relationship with his grandmother. His first kill is more for self preservation, but it awakens a craving for more within him. He then kills chaotically, for the thrills and feelings he gets from it. Total sociopath.
Ryker is a very controlled and methodical person, shows no emotions, but can be charming when required. His upbringing wasn't a good one either, but his family never had any wealth. When it comes to his kills, he plans everything, which leans into his methodical personality. Complete psychopath.
That one chance encounter changes both their lives by leaving an indelible imprint on the other, no matter how much time passes, thoughts of the other person are always prevalent.
Liam becomes desperate for Ryker's attention and devises a plan to get it. He senses Ryker is more skilled and familiar with killing and wants to learn from him. He also craves praise, and is very submissive and needy. Ryker exudes dominant control and is also a sadist, and Liam is totally on board with all of it - which leads to another dimension in their connection and some steamy, but potentially dangerous sexy times.
There are some differences between them, but it's the striking similarities of their fantasies and favorite pastime that make it unsurprising they connect so deeply. Their heads may be twisted, but their hearts are true and they find an unexpected and truly unconventional love between them.
I wouldn't label this book as morally grey, like perhaps having vigilante killers would be, as these two really have little to no morals when it comes to killing. Other than their victim being male, there is no rhyme or reason to their kills as the person chosen is mostly from chance.
Overall, this is a dark and twisted story that is very entertaining if you can check your own morals at the door. While I usually prefer to read about the vigilante type killers, this book kept me engaged with the unique characters and the undeniable connection they had.

[Ashley Dead.inside_but_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Check the TWs before jumping into this one!
This is a very Dark Romance with 2 Serial Un-Alivers! These are actual Un-Alivers here we are not talking about vigilantes! We are talking about guys who just delete because they got an itch. When they recommend you check your morals at the door they mean it! Check them completely out 🤣 There is a HEA it's obviously a Dark one but there is one!

🌶🌶🌶.5

Liam and Ryker have a sorta meet cute after Ryker picks up a hitch hiking Liam. They have one of those moments where the darkness in one can see the darkness in the other and they sorta bond.....well Liam imprints on Ryker like a little baby bird 🤣 but after Ryker drops Liam back in civilization Liam has no way of getting back in touch with Ryker. The only thing Liam knows is Ryker loves crime stories/podcasts so when Liam has that itch to delete again he has to make this one interesting enough to warrant an episode on one of these podcasts, and oh boy does he! Now though Liam has more then just Rykers attention...he has the attention of the FBI....
Ok ok I know these guys are bad guys...I do! BUT I was just like please don't catch Liam Mr. FBI guys PLEASE! Ryker will be so mad and never talk to him again 🤣 These two reminded me of the saying "There is a lid for every pot!" And Ryker is Liam's lid...please don't get this twisted though Ryker is no Saint he just has slightly better control when he needs it 😈
So without giving more away.... if your ok with Morally Black guys and rooting for the Un-Alivers to get their chance at being together then this one is for you! 😂😂💀

[True Loveislovereview · Rating 5 out of 5]

These men like to kill, just for fun, because they can. They are completely devoid of morals.
To be honest, it was so much fun to watch their derailed thoughts and performances.
For example, Ryker once buried someone alive, but that was no fun; he likes to watch someone bleed out.

Liam is a killer, too, and after he got a lift in the middle of nowhere from Ryker, he wants his attention. After the ride, Ryker made it clear he didn’t want to see the mouthy brat ever again.
Ha! He doesn’t know how persistent Liam can be.
Back to seeking attention, Liam hopes Ryker sees it’s him, killing men, and already planning the next.
Little does he know Ryker is jerking off thinking about Liam and blood, or better bloody Liam.

“Sunshine! That’s what you are. So much sun, all the guys go blind.”

Liam is a sloppy killer, and Ryker is irritated by how stupid Liam is.
They came to the point of killing each other!
There’s more to this story, and I won’t spoil, but if you love some morally grey guys and bloody situations, I’d say read this!

Liam and Ryker are opposites. I loved how they were crafted: one is an ordered, disciplined killer, and the other a completely chaotic, sassy brat of a killer. Somehow they fit well.
I enjoyed this story immensely. The writing was quite attractive and super entertaining!

Review also on LoveBytes - LGBTQ bookreviews

[Dee Layton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I will say please read your trigger warnings before because your mental health matters. Myself on the other hand loves psychopathic serial killers and this floats my boat. Omg this was an absolutely amazing book. Ryker and Liam were a match made in hell but isn’t that the fun of it all. They are two very kinky men and it doesn't disappoint in any department. The authors did there thing with this book like they always do.

Liam is a spoiled, rich, brat that is very submissive. He also has a very lustful obsession with Ryker. Ryker on the other hand is very controlled and methodical person, shows no emotions, but can be charming when he wants to be. Ryker is also very methodical with his Murders as opposed to Liam who is sloppy. The only humanity I think Liam has his relationship with his grandmother but that is still pushing it. I didn’t care for Liam’s best friend, but I think his character wasn’t supposed to be really like. I will say Liam’s first kill was very chaotic and it opened up a can of worms in him keeps him craving it.
Ryker like I said is controlled and shows no emotions at all. His past was not a good one, his family was not wealthy like Liam’s. When Ryker offs someone he is very precise, plans everything down to the smallest detail. Which in my book he is a complete Psychopath and Liam is a complete Sociopath.
Overall, this was a very amazing book. I hate it ended. This book grabbed me by the throat and held me to the very end. I am so glad I received an advanced reader copy of this book. I am waiting to see what happens next.

[Abigail Beckwith · Rating 3 out of 5]

Here's "Slash & Strangle" by Adara Wolf and R Phoenix. It's the first novel in the Serial Killers In Love series.

["Ryker is everything you don't want to meet in the middle of nowhere: dark, dangerous, and probably a serial killer.

Scratch that: definitely a serial killer.

Anybody with half an ounce of sense would stay away.

Good thing I've never been accused of having any sort of self-preservation instincts, and murder is more of a turn-on than turn-off for me.

There's just one little problem. Ryker doesn't want to see me again. He has no patience for "stupid brats." His words, not mine.

Too bad for him, I've never taken no for an answer. And if I need to leave a few bodies behind to draw his attention... well, I guess I've gotta become the star of a true crime podcast."]

These two were...a ride. They were both hot messes (okay, so only Liam was a hot mess) and a little crazy (or a little psychopathic) and a little toxic (and a lot in denial). But somehow, they made each other better, they made each other happier. Even if Liam had the FBI circling...even if Ryker denied what they were for sooo long.

Trigger Warnings: violence, murder, mild gore, toxic love, and more.

#arcs #arcteammember #grr #gayromancereviews
#slashandstrangle #adrarawolf #rphoenix #serialkillersinlove #serialkillersinloveseries #books #queerbooks #queererotica #bodicerippers #bookstagram #bookphotography #ilovebooks

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review for (Serial Killers in Love-1) Slash & Strangle by Adara Wolf & R. Phoenix

Who would have thought that I would someday read and love books with serial killers and that it would be a romance on top of it lol? Not me. But oh, I can't say enough about Adara Wolf & R. Phoenix's writing styles. I fell in love with them a few years back and can't read enough of them. I loved Ryker. Who doesn't love a dark, dangerous man who is also a serial killer? What man would want to meet up and not only talk but also do some other things with this man? Well, here comes Liam, a man who gets hot and bothered, not disgusted by this trait that Ryker has. Ryker picks Liam up from the side of the road and drives him near where he wants to be. Liam discovers his attraction to Ryker and desires more during their ride together. Liam finds out that Ryker thinks he doesn't want anything to do with him. Liam decides he will change Ryker's thoughts by just walking away, or should I say driving away, and never see him again. Liam will prove to Ryker that he not only wants him but also needs him, no matter what it takes. I loved these characters, but what am I talking about? I love all that these two writers have written. This is another winner that someday, when I can afford it, I want to buy in print. I wish I could review print books because I know I would love anything these two write, so then I would want to own them all, lol.

Nicole Harvey

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dark but good

🌕🌕🌕🌕

This is dark, really dark and gory, without being distasteful. The violence and gore are necessary in a way, like when you’re listening to the true crime podcasts that Ryker likes so much, and they give details to help the listener get into the killer’s mind a little bit, to understand what he did so we can understand in part why. And neither Ryker nor Liam have a “good reason” to kill, they do simply because they want to, it thrills them. I found Ryker’s “moral code” fascinating, or maybe I should call it his personal arsenal of self justification. I liked seeing those details because it makes him more human, more realistic. It took me a bit to warm up to Liam before he was too cocky, not experienced entirely, and thinking he can get away with murder while messing it up at the same time. Would I like to meet these kind of characters in real life? No. Did I like them? No, but I really enjoyed the story. It was well written, and I found it fascinating. The authors strike a hard balance between making a character likable and relatable and making them compelling without making them likable, and I enjoyed that. It’s a fascinating book, and when I finished it I realized I enjoyed it, even though I did not like the characters, but that didn’t take away from my enjoyment. It was a unique experience, and I look forward to reading more by them.

[H Reads · Rating 2 out of 5]

This….idk. For there to be as much murder as there was, it was kind of boring??

Neither MC really had much of a personality. Liam is the stereotypical spoiled rich kid. He’s a sociopath. All he does is party, sleep around, and the occasional murder. Oh and in case you missed it, he’s a brat (you can’t actually miss it. It’s mentioned over a 100 times). Ryker is a psychopath with the standard inability to empathize and intense level of control. His entire life is work, camping, and murder.

Idk. I’m honestly struggling to write this review because basically nothing happened. Liam murdered people, they had sex, rinse and repeat. We get a couple brief views of Ryker killing. Both MCs had weird family issues. Ryker’s basically stemmed from his psychopathy and being in the closet. Liam’s seemed more vague, and I was disappointed they didn’t address it more. I think exploring that could have added some much needed depth to the story.

Liam not being caught was honestly so unbelievable. He was a TERRIBLE murdered. They even had the perfect opportunity to ensure he was never looked at again, and they threw it away.

Not my favorite read, but I did finish it. So take that however you want.

[Deb Kel · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely one of those books where you need to go in knowing exactly what you’re getting, a dark, unapologetic, and completely centred on morally twisted characters storyline.

The dynamic between Ryker and Liam is just so good. Ryker is controlled, precise, and unsettlingly calm, which makes the moments where that control slips far more interesting. Liam, in contrast, is chaotic and reckless, constantly pushing boundaries just to get a reaction. Their back-and-forth has a sharp, almost playful edge, even when it veers into darker territory.

There’s a clear contrast in how they operate, not just in personality but in everything they do, which adds an extra layer to their connection. It’s less about romance in a traditional sense and more about obsession, control, and finding someone who matches or challenges that darkness.

The writing keeps things engaging, especially through the banter and tension between them giving us a bold, high-heat read that fully commits to its promise. If you’re looking for something dark, intense, and a bit chaotic, then you will love this.
I received a free arc copy and this is my honest review

[Siobhan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Slash & Strangle is the first book in the Serial Killers in Love series from Adara Wolf and R. Phoenix, and it is a story that immediately grabbed my attention. Serial killer romances seem to be the in thing at the moment, and I find my feelings are often mixed. Nevertheless, I had my fingers crossed for Slash & Strangle.

I will be honest and say that Slash & Strangle did not stand out quite as much as I had hoped. It was certainly a fun read that had me devouring it, yet there were many elements that I have seen done before. A part of me was disappointed that there was not the something extra needed to make the story stand out from the crowd. Despite this, it was one of the better stories I have read within the genre. It was addictive and easy, ensuring I was hooked on every page, devouring it in no time. Thus, the story made for a perfect quick read, even though it did not quite have enough to make it stand out more.

All in all, this was a fun and addictive read. I will likely give the next book in the series a read, crossing my fingers that it will do a bit more than Slash & Strangle.

[Mel Polk · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was extremely fun. Two serial murderers who have no remorse for what they do and become obsessed with one another. Love it. That Ryker is super into true crime podcasts tickled me. I love how they met, how Liam craved Ryker's attention, how they grew closer even though one of them really didn't want to. Do you need to suspend your disbelief a little? Sure. But the parts that could have been annoying (actual police/FBI procedure, the intricacies of all their actions/preparations, the legal system, surveillance, etc) were touched on only enough to move the plot forward and I, for one, am a huge fan of that approach. I was here for the characters and their lack of morals and (as they always do) the authors more than delivered.

I highly recommend this read if you've had it with killers who do bad things for good reasons, who turn over a new leaf for love, who lose their darkness as the book progresses. If you like morally bankrupt characters who remain that way throughout, look no further.

[Elaine Gray · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you’ve ever wondered what would happen if a spoiled rich kid with zero impulse control teamed up (romantically? homicidally? both?) with a highly disciplined psychopath who treats murder like a Michelin‑star craft, this book answers that question with enthusiasm. Liam is basically a chaotic raccoon in designer clothes — messy, loud, and constantly getting himself into situations that would make the FBI cry. Ryker, meanwhile, is Ryker; on the other hand, is a controlled, calculated predator with a razor‑sharp edge and zero interest in emotions… until Liam throws his world completely off balance. Their dynamic is intense, unhinged, and full of heat. The contrast between their “extracurriculars” adds a fascinating layer to the story, and the kink factor is definitely high. The banter is bratty and fun, the writing is tight, and Ryker steals the show with his possessive, ice‑cold charisma. But overall, this is a gripping, high‑heat, dark read that fans of morally questionable characters will devour.

[Emeli Webb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Liam is a rich brat who finds he has a lust for strangling and murdering men. He is new at it and sloppy. Ryker has a true psychopathic blood lust but he has amazing control over his impulses until he picks up a twink that threatens to unravel his tightly bound control. He doesn’t do feelings. He doesn’t do jealousy. But for Liam? He fights against his urges to make Liam one of his victims, and he keeps coming back even though the brat has gotten himself into some trouble and on the FBI’s radar. Ryker likes to cut his victims and bleed them. Liam likes to drug and strangle them. Hence the title. Both have two different styles for their extracurriculars. And on top of that, they are kinky as all get out. High heat, lots of kink and some murder thrown in there, makes an interesting and intriguing read in the New Bristol universe. Well written, lots of bratty banter, a possessive psychopath with amazing control. My only problem is I didn’t really connect with Liam as much as Ryker. And I didn’t like Liam’s bestie at all. But otherwise great read

[Amanda Winter · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was such an unhinged good time.

Liam and Ryker are absolute chaos together and I loved every second of it. Liam is a full-on brat with zero limits, constantly pushing Ryker’s buttons just to get a reaction and honestly, it was so entertaining to watch. Ryker starts off set in his ways, but Liam completely upends his life in the best (and most chaotic) way.

Their dynamic is wild but weirdly balanced. Liam pushes Ryker out of his comfort zone, while Ryker brings a bit of structure and makes Liam actually think about consequences for once. The push and pull between them, and the way Ryker “handles” Liam’s antics, made for some very fun (and slightly questionable) moments.

They’re not good people… at all. But somehow, they’re still incredibly likeable and work together in this messy, twisted way that just makes sense.

Also, shoutout to Gran—iconic.

If you like your romances dark, chaotic, and a little morally unhinged, this is a super fun, entertaining read. Just check your triggers and enjoy the ride.

[Ana Silva · Rating 4 out of 5]

Unhinged and deadly, just how I like them!

I probably shouldn’t say this but this was such a fun read. I loved Ryker and Liam’s “love” story. It was chaotic, bloody, toxic and oh so hot!

When Ryker gave Liam a ride in the middle of nowhere, he never expected that he’d get a clingy, needy twink who would do anything to get his attention, including unaliving someone.

The smart thing for Ryker to do would have been ignoring Liam and going on about his life. Instead, he fell for Liam’s trap and became just as obsessed with him despite of how much he wants to deny it.

Liam became obsessed with Ryker. He loved all the naughty things Ryker did to him, to the point of being willing to be his canvas.

Ryker was everything Liam ever wanted in a partner. Someone who understood his need to unalive others and the joy that brought to him. So it was a no brainer for him to cling to Ryker and enjoy the most epic seggs of his life.

They were a match made in heaven and even knowing what a brat Liam was, Ryker loved every second of it.

[RN · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first real foray into the serial killer trope, and I'm not sure what I was expecting, but I do know these authors write a great story, so I gave it a try. The story was dark, although not as dark as I anticipated, and there were gory bits about the murders which were a bit more than I wanted to read. Despite their complete absence of conscience or empathy, I couldn't help but become invested in the outcome for Ryker and Liam. I probably shouldn't have been wanting these two to have their HEA as much as I did (because, I mean, these guys are awful), but they were well-suited to each other in a bizarre, unhinged way. Liam's lack of concern over outcomes or fear for himself was somewhat concerning, whereas Ryker was more deliberate in all his actions. They make a strange, twisted couple!

I received an advance copy of this book for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Flick · Rating 3 out of 5]

Does what it says on the tin!

I just want to put as a preface that this is 100% a love story between serial killers. Not vigilantes. Not assassins with a moral code. Ryker and Liam simply enjoy killing people. Unsurprisingly, their romance is just as atypical as their preferred hobbies. In many ways, it's a fairly standard serial killer romance; they flirt through dead bodies, one is dominant, one is bratty. There's some background plot with the FBI getting involved (because Liam is a messy, messy baby which frustrates Ryker to no end). It was a fun read but I don't think it's one that you would read hoping for something new. There's nothing wrong with that, don't get me wrong, not everything you read has to be novel. It's a fun read and whilst it has some silliness (serial killer romance will always be a little silly I think - there has to be some level of escapism because it wouldn't work otherwise) it's a good read.

[Andrea · Rating 3 out of 5]

MM
🌶️🌶️
Dark

Ryker comes across Liam on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere. They strike up a conversation about killing people. Hypothetical scenarios. When Ryker drops Liam off, he hands him a square of toilet paper and tells him to wipe off the blood on his wrist before anybody sees it.

Turns out Liam just killed someone. And he wants to get Ryker’s attention because he thinks Ryker kills people too. So, he kills someone else and wraps their neck with toilet paper. And Ryker shows up, scolding him for being stupid. He knows he should stay far away from Liam, otherwise he might get caught up in his stupidity and he will be looked into further exposing his hobby.

But it is easier said than done.

This wasn’t as bloody as I thought it’d be. But it was entertaining enough to hold my attention. Ryker is kinda a dick but Liam lives every minute of it. To each their own, I guess.