Jump to ratings and reviews

The Dinner Club #2

After a Killer

A murderous, second-chance, frenemies-to-lovers romantic comedy with an obsessed MMC who would do anything for the closed-off and untrusting FMC. This is the second book in The Dinner Club series, but can be read as a standalone.

Dr. Jacob Jones knows exactly who he is: a loyal friend, an army psychologist, and—according to one fiery redhead—a complete pain in the ass. Their monthly college dinner club is the only thing keeping them in each other’s orbit, until one weekend changes everything.

When they wake up in the same bed, insults fly, and threats are made. But before they can retreat to safer ground, fate pulls them into something far more dangerous than unresolved chemistry: a murder investigation. Jonesy quickly learns just how dark and demanding Katie’s world can be as she hunts the city’s worst criminals.

Dr. Katie Murphy is running on empty. After a brutal year with the Seattle Police Department, all she has left is dinner club nights—and trading barbs with the man who broke her heart eight years ago. Sleep has become a stranger to her ever since a serial killer case awakened something she doesn’t fully understand.

Now forced to work together, Katie faces an impossible choice:
Can she trust Jonesy with the truth?
What if he tells their friends?
What if he’s disgusted by what she’s become?

As Jonesy helps her finally find rest, Katie begins to piece herself back together. But leaning on him is only a temporary fix—and falling for him again could shatter her all over.

With a new murder to solve and the pressure mounting, Katie must decide what matters more: protecting herself, or trusting Jonesy with her life—and her heart.

435 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 28, 2026

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Ali Roberts

8 books78 followers

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
59 (41%)
4 stars
57 (40%)
3 stars
23 (16%)
2 stars
2 (1%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Profile Image for Jennah Gray.
242 reviews6 followers
April 29, 2026
ARC Review:
Katie and Jonesy were best friends turned rivals, back and forth petty insults and banter between the two kept things light and humorous.

When a murder cases forces them to work together the banter and insults just build to the tension between them.

Jonesy isn’t aware of the struggles Katie faces from her experience last year with serial killer Thomas Vale, all he knows is that he’s capable of helping her if she lets him.

I love love love Katie and Jonesy, just pure chemistry between them. Katie is one boss b*tch to go through what she went through with Vale and then deal with this case. And Jonesy is protective and straight up obsessed with Katie, but I love how supportive and understanding he was when she started to open up to him about last year.

I wasn’t expecting who done it, it definitely had you thinking otherwise. Who doesn’t love a bit of romance with figuring out a murder mystery? I mean how can you not!
Profile Image for Rafaella Bailey.
7 reviews
May 4, 2026
After a Killer (Dinner Club Book 2) ARC

Second-chance romance meets murder mystery 🔪❤️
Dr. Katie Murphy and Dr. Jacob “Jonesy” Jones have spent years as sharp-tongued frenemies, bound only by their college dinner club—and a past that still stings. But after one unexpected night together, they’re thrown into something much darker: a murder investigation that forces them to confront both a killer… and their unresolved feelings.

How I adore Ali’s writing, and seeing it progress. I loved Jonesy and his hidden adoration for his She- Devil. As someone who is very obsessed with Criminal Minds and various other programs that breakdown serial killers this was fantastic to me. I loved the witty banter between Katie and Jonesy, including the constant one upping each other (although Katie wins 80% of the time). Seeing Katie become comfortable asking for what she wants/needs in the bedroom despite her unresolved feelings and Jonesy gives her everything she needs and more, even though she maybe threatens to stab him 🙈
Absolutely phenomenal. 5/5⭐️ love love love. Next book ASAP Please and thank you 🙏
ARC FROM NETGALLEY
Profile Image for Nikkie.
37 reviews
May 1, 2026
After a Killer 🔪💗

I absolutely devoured this book! The history, connection and banter between Jonesy and Katie is everything and really makes you feel for their relationship. And who doesn’t love 15 years of yearning?!

Katie is a bad ass FMC and I loved everything about her. She went through so much and still came out of it all being a strong independent woman, and that will always be a win to me. Jonesy being the strong, obsessed MMC is everything and I just couldn’t help but love him too.

I also really enjoyed the way that kink, role play and fantasy was explored and communicated in a positive and safe way, and it lead to so much fun and pleasure for both characters in different ways.

Add in a murder mystery to the yearning and romance and you’ve got yourself a gripping book that you just can’t put down!

Thank you to NetGalley and Ali Roberts for the ARC 💗
Profile Image for Rebeka.
32 reviews
June 9, 2026
I actually loved this book. I really liked that beside the super spicy scenes it had some interesting plots. The banter was amazing and I really felt the chemistry between them. Two psychologists on different fields is really not common so that was a refreshment. The only thing is that I did not read the first book so I dont know but from this one I missed some interactions between the serial killer and Katie. 10/6 altogether, I would recommend it.
3 reviews
May 2, 2026
Just finished my ARC of Author Ali Roberts’s 3rd book and let me tell you she just keeps getting better and better.
Katie and Jonesy are the ultimate mix of playfulness and outright hatred off each other. The banta back and forth, his protective nature, her beautiful wit and defiance builds tension and suspense throughout.
The story and ongoing investigation is always developing until the climax. You would think Ali Roberts has written crime before, it’s so easy to read, but has an attention to detail that makes the whole thing feel real.
Great work Ali, can’t wait for the next book. Xxx
Profile Image for Kenny__Reads.
419 reviews4 followers
June 9, 2026
I absolutely devoured this book. The combination of a second chance, many years of yearning, and a chilling murder mystery had me not wanting to put it down. Katie and Jonesy's history, chemistry, and sharp-witted banter were everything, with their constant one-upping adding so much fun to the story. Katie is a strong, resilient heroine who has been through so much yet remains fiercely independent, while Jonesy's quiet obsession and unwavering devotion to his "She-Devil" completely stole my heart. I also appreciated how the book explored communication, trust, and fantasy in a positive and healthy way, adding even more depth to their relationship. As a fan of Criminal Minds and serial killer profiling, I loved the suspense and investigation woven throughout the story. Ali's writing continues to get stronger with every book, and this was the perfect blend of romance, tension, humor, and mystery.

Thank you to Netgalley & Ali Robert’s for the early copy in exchange for an honest review!
Profile Image for Mayssa.
103 reviews2 followers
June 2, 2026
This book was so FKN entertaining. I was hooked from page one. There wasn’t a single moment I was bored. I loved how the author immediately started with the murder plot. Along with the romance of Jonsey and Katie, I was hooked. Both characters were so likeable. I loved Jonsey calling Katie a she devil, LMFAO. That made me laugh. He was so down bad for her. You can tell no matter where life took them, they were always gonna end up together.

This is a second chance romance. They’ve been friends for 15 years and liked each other since college. When they were 26, they kissed eachother and he didn’t call or message her when he had to go off to Afghanistan for a year. When he came back, he wanted to tell her he loved her, but the idiot thinks he can just come back and she was gonna be all smiles?? No. Instead, she found the hottest guy she could get and paraded him around JONSEY. LMFAOOO. I LOVE HER FOR THAT.

That’s when their rivalry started, and they would fight like cat and dogs for 8 years. I lowkey loved it, LMFAO. There was 0 other woman drama. There was other man drama.

They both get together when there 32

No third act break up

They both were with other people in those 15 years, both had good sex lives, both didn’t last in relationships, and only got into relationships to spite the other person. For example, if he dated a lawyer, she would date a doctor LMFAO. They were lowkey so funny. I love them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for EKO_TheNeurospicyAfterDarkArchive Oakley.
52 reviews1 follower
May 29, 2026
Title: After a Killer
Author: Ali Roberts
Genre/Subgenres: Dark Romance | Romantic Suspense | Psychological Thriller

My Rating: 4.5/5
Spice: 4/5

Tropes:
• Morally Grey Characters
• Serial Killer Romance
• Obsession
• Cat-and-Mouse Dynamics
• Touch Her and Die
• Dark Secrets
• Trauma Bonding
• Dangerous Attraction
• Protective Antihero
• High Tension Romance

Content Warnings - Please check trigger warnings before reading, as this book contains potentially sensitive material including:
• Violence
• Murder
• Blood/Gore
• Psychological Manipulation
• Stalking Behaviors
• Trauma/PTSD Themes
• Explicit Sexual Content
• Death
• Dark Mental Health Themes
• Emotional Abuse

My Thoughts:
After a Killer was one of those dark romances for me that immediately pulled me into its atmosphere and refused to let go. Ali Roberts did an excellent job creating an intense, suspenseful story filled with tension, danger, and morally questionable characters that somehow keep you emotionally invested.

What stood out most to me was the psychological aspect of the story. The book constantly walks the line between attraction and danger, which created a very addictive reading experience. I found myself wanting to know what would happen next while also questioning nearly every character’s motives. The suspense elements blended well with the romance, making the emotional stakes feel even higher.

The chemistry between the main characters was dark, messy, and incredibly intense. Their relationship isn’t soft or healthy in the traditional sense, but that’s exactly what makes this book work for readers who enjoy darker romance dynamics. The emotional tension and obsessive undertones added so much depth to their interactions.

The FMC in After a Killer is compelling and emotionally complex character. She finds herself navigating situations far darker and more dangerous than she ever expected. She doesn’t know what to do with new desires she uncovers as a result and feels shame, which I felt was extremely relatable to how a lot of women feel within our society.

I would say that what I appreciated most about her was her resilience; even when faced with fear, uncertainty, and emotional turmoil, she continues to push forward rather than simply becoming a passive participant in the story. She feels authentically flawed, making mistakes and questioning her own judgment in ways that make her relatable despite the circumstances surrounding her. Her internal struggles add depth to the narrative, and watching her balance vulnerability with determination made her character arc particularly engaging. Throughout the story, she grows stronger and more self-aware, which made me even more invested in her journey.

The MMC in After a Killer is the definition of a morally grey crossed with hero type character. I found him intense, unpredictable, and impossible to ignore. The things I found most intriguing about him was the way Ali Roberts layered his character, revealing glimpses of vulnerability beneath his dangerous exterior. He walks a fine line between protector and threat, creating constant tension whenever he is on the page. He has an obsessive nature and ridiculously complicated motivations towards the FMC, which make him a fascinating character while also allowing the reader to love him. While he certainly won't be everyone's ideal book boyfriend, fans of dark romance will likely find his complexity and intensity one of the most captivating aspects of the story.

The chemistry between the FMC and MMC in After a Killer is intense, super sexy, emotionally charged, and woven deeply into the darker themes of the story. Their connection is fueled by strain, passion, and a dynamic interplay that keeps the relationship feeling unpredictable. They start the book on the enemies’ side of romance, but I would say it is more miscommunication enemies than true enemies to romance trope. The spice scenes serve to deepen their emotional bond in addition to highlighting the complicated nature of their relationship rather than existing solely for shock value.

What Worked for Me
• The dark and suspenseful atmosphere was incredibly immersive. In fact I plan to read the first novel in the series because I loved the world the author created. Even better that it was set in PNW!
• The morally grey characters felt layered, relatable even instead of one-dimensional as can sometimes happen in dark romance novels.
• The psychological tension kept me engaged from beginning to end. I wanted to see the two get there HEA but also know the conclusion of the overarching plotline mystery.
• The pacing stayed strong and consistently built suspense. It was excellent. It didn’t slow or speed up. I was deliciously happy with the entire novel.
• The romance and thriller elements balanced each other well.
• The emotional intensity made the story feel addictive and hard to put down. I didn’t in fact put the novel down until I finished it. I had to keep reading their story because I loved it.

What Didn’t Work for Me
• Some scenes felt emotionally heavy and may be overwhelming for sensitive readers. The ending is hard to read. I appreciated that the author didn’t sugarcoat or shy away from details, but I do warn readers to check content warnings. Take care of your mental health.
• Certain character choices were frustrating at times, especially when emotions overrode logic. This is always annoying for me. I wouldn’t say “it didn’t work for me” more that it was annoying, but I do really think it was for plotline/character development.
• The darker relationship dynamics definitely won’t work for every reader. Check the content warnings!

Things to Consider Prior to Reading:
This is a very dark romance with psychological thriller elements.

If you enjoy morally grey characters, dangerous relationships, suspense, obsession, and emotionally intense storytelling, this will likely work well for you.

However, readers looking for lighthearted romance or emotionally healthy dynamics will struggle with some aspects of the story.

The book leans heavily into darker themes and emotional manipulation, so checking trigger warnings beforehand is strongly recommended.

In summary I believe that After a Killer by Ali Roberts delivered an intense and gripping dark romance experience. The psychological tension and morally grey dynamics made this a compelling read that kept me hooked throughout. While it definitely ventures into darker territory, fans of twisted romance and thriller-heavy storytelling will likely find themselves completely absorbed in this story.

If you love dark romance that blurs the line between danger and desire, After a Killer is absolutely worth adding to your TBR.

This one is going into my rent free forever, I will be reading the first book in this series as a result. This is definitely a new favorite author!

Disclaimer: I received an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of this book voluntarily, and this review reflects my honest and unbiased opinions. I was not compensated in any way for reading or reviewing this book. All thoughts and feelings expressed are entirely my own.
Profile Image for malaha marlowe.
144 reviews5 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 13, 2026
Thank you to Ali Roberts and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review!

ACTUALLY helpful stuff to find out if you'll like this:
1. kink - masks, roleplay ( cnc ) , fear play, knife play, restraints
2. socially awkward and relatable (but still very hot)
3. girlboss fmc
4. AMAZING SIDE CHARACTERS

The pacing was perfect, legit perfect. Never too fast, never too slow. The world felt immersive and the writing made you feel like you were in the book.

below are my rambling thoughts, feel free to skip them if you wish.



"He's a good actor," Officer Sanchez says, and the detective nods.
"Maybe, maybe not. We'll determine that when we interview him." Katie shrugs.
You tell them, girl


Feminist icon, basically.

Along the start, I was glad to have Jones' POV first since it allowed me to have a look into his head, and sift through some stuff. It's not often I see a male POV first (unless its a BL) so it was refreshing. Anyway, Jones is a very realistic dude - awkward, and defensive because he doesn't know what else to do. My favorite type of men, naturally. He doesn't hate Katie, (and he barely claims to do so), he just finds her a tad bit intimidating and thinks she doesn't like him and would claw his eyes out if she got the chance. I like how he's comfortable (kind of anyway) with her and their history shows in their interactions.

"Hmm, so you weren't planning on getting laid tonight by Detective Biceps. Good to know."
"They don't match because I'm not wearing any. Can't with this skirt. The panty line shows."


Now one thing I will point out is how much some of Jonesy's thoughts irked me. What the fuck did he mean by,

I'm not scared of women.
Maybe one woman.
The she-devil.
The pantiless, perfectly full-boobed she-devil


It rubbed me the wrong way, you know? I refuse to think men actually think like that because if they do, I'm transferring to an all girls institution and becoming a lesbian (no hate to lesbians, fellow bisexual here anyway). Jonesy is just very horny in the first chapters.

Caleb can't commit to anyone. He runs around like a 22-year-old fuck boy all because he can't admit to Lottie that he's been in love with her since college, and Alfie Adams finally took his head out of his ass after working with Mia for two years.. or was it three? And it took a patient to abduct her for him to get his shit together and tell her that he wants to be with her. If I wanted a lecture from the cast of The Muppets, I would have called Kermit. These two can fuck off.


Jonesy is also pretty funny. I liked his POVs a lot. Though one thing I disliked was that he often thought of Katie as just a hot chick with perfect boobs and perfect body blah fucking blah, and that pissed me off. Yes, I understand that he felt bad after that and he only felt jealous and thought that but Jacob, honey, that doesn't excuse you reducing an intelligent and capable woman to just a good thing to ogle.

Around the 60% mark, it really because interesting. At first it was slow but now it has settled into a very interesting rhythm. Only a few pages ago did Jacob look through Katie's back which is never okay. But what Katie said to him and what Jacob said back - JUST COMMUNICATE ONGGGG AHHH 😭 It's not that hard, I promise. Please just talk.


Okay so now we'll talk about Katie. She reminded me a lot of Jules from the Twisted Series but smarter. She's a forensic psychologist, and an absolute diva. Her clapbacks are insane and she's actual person instead of being a cardboard cut out. But her head was a tad bit boring to be in. In Jacob's head, I felt included (idk how, dont ask) and it was fun to be in there, but in Katie's head, everything felt cynical and clinical and stuff. Usually, in romance books, it's the opposite with the male pov being boring as fuck but since the POVs are so short and limited, we have to force ourselves to enjoy. In After a Killer, it didn't feel like that. And I have to digitally hug the author for that (everyone say, thank you, ali).

Katie's one line has haunted me, even as I finished it.

"How many people did you kill, Travis?"


Note: Quotes are taken from an ARC and may differ from the final published book

Profile Image for Gabby.
578 reviews1 follower
May 7, 2026
This enemies to lovers book was exactly what I needed. It had history between the to MC’s, banter and also vulnerability. Chapter one, I was already cracking up from Jonesy’s inside thoughts along with his teasing he did to Katie. But Katie gave back as good as she got and mostly one upped Jonesy. I loved this book from start to finish.

This book is the second in The Dinner Club Series and is about Jonesy and Katie, two people who are “sworn enemies” but have been pining for each other for 15 years, in their own ways. They really don’t know each other anymore though, only really seeing each other for Dinner Club once a month with their friends. After finding out that they will be working together on a murder case, will they grow closer or always “hate” each other?

Jonesy in this book was so down BAD for Katie, there was no chance of this man giving up on what they could be. He didn’t care how he got her attention, he just knew he needed it. I loved how boyish he was around Katie though. The back and forth between them really made me feel like he was pulling her pigtails on the playground. He also had this raw masculinity to him, especially in the bedroom. I was literally melting at some of the scenes, see: ripping her panties off in his sleep and men in uniform.

Katie was a force to be reckoned with in this. She’s been holding onto her anger towards Jonesy for so long, she doesn’t know if her feelings for him are going to break her heart again. I loved all the times this woman one upped him and left him speechless. But there was also a vulnerability to Katie in this after a high profile case from a year ago has made her question if she’s still good at what she does and how her kinks in the bedroom have changed.

The chemistry between these two characters were off the charts. These two really challenged each other but just also understood each other on a deeper level. The tension was incredible and the way the buildup was written, chefs kiss Ali Roberts.

Thank you to Ali Roberts and Victory Editing for this ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. 

Tropes:
✨Forced proximity
✨Second chance
✨Only one bed
✨Obsessed MMC
✨Fear play x masked man
✨Enemies to lovers
Profile Image for Morally UnBound.
83 reviews
June 2, 2026
After a Killer absolutely DEVOURRRRED me. 🔥🔪❤️

Ali Roberts has this ridiculous talent for writing characters that feel so real they crawl under your skin and refuse to leave. Katie and Jonesy consumed my entire life while reading this book. Eight years of tension, heartbreak, obsession, vicious banter, unresolved feelings, and chemistry so explosive it felt like every interaction could combust at any second. 😩

And somehow Ali balances all of that emotional chaos with a genuinely gripping murder investigation, trauma healing, laugh-out-loud humour, and one of the MOST addictive romances. I could not put this book down. Every chapter ended with me saying “just one more” and I felt beyond sad that it was over. 🤦‍♀️📚

Katie Murphy is SUCH a phenomenal FMC. She’s brilliant, stubborn, messy, traumatized, competitive, hilarious, vulnerable, and impossible not to root for. And Jonesy??? Lord have mercy. A massive military psychologist who is secretly soft for one woman and has been hopelessly obsessed with her since college??? SIGN. ME. UP. 🫠🪖❤️

The emotional intimacy in this book is what truly wrecked me though. The tiny moments mattered just as much as the huge ones. Sleeping beside someone because the nightmares are too loud. Quiet touches. Shared grief. Wanting to protect someone even while fighting with them every five minutes. Ali writes yearning and emotional tension better than so many authors out there and it’s honestly insane. 😭

And the humor??? The Dinner Club friend group is CHAOTIC perfection. Lottie especially deserves jail time for what she pulled with that cot. 💀

This book was sexy, emotional, hilarious, tense, healing, addictive, and so unbelievably bingeable. Ali Roberts genuinely knows how to make readers FEEL every single emotion at full force and I’m obsessed. ❤️‍🔥
Profile Image for Smutasaurus Rex .
85 reviews
June 22, 2026
After a Killer

The spice in this book was really well written, and lasted longer than the previous books. I enjoyed the characters, and how Jonesy was able to be vulnerable and grovel for her when he needed to. I also love how he just knew her and was able to read her, understand her, make her feel safe and validate her. It was nice to have appearances from characters in the other books too, of course.
There were some plot errors, and sometimes the way things were described were really confusing and not clearly written, eg when Caleb caught the murderer, and some of the positioning during spicy scenes. There were also some repetitive words, usually descriptors in the same paragraph, as well as grammatical errors. It would be great to not read "whilst" all the time as well. That said, I hope the author continues to work on improving these skills, as Ali does plot a really great story and has the ability to make the reader able to really connect and bond with the characters.
POTENTIAL SPOILERS:
Really hoping Anthony and the EMT become a thing, and when is the author going to get Caleb and Lottie together, because it's long overdue!!!
159 reviews2 followers
September 4, 2026
LISTEN Jacob and Katie are A+ couple goals

Don’t even listen to the negative reviews. This is AMAZING lol The banter is top tier — Jacob’s thoughts are even funnier 🤣

I laughed so much and kicked my feet and highlighted so many moments 😂

Both Katie and Jacob snipe at each other - fight with each other - constantly and it just amps the tension up. Honestly - sign me up for a relationship just like this. They fight and bicker but both secretly love it and wouldn’t have it any other way. They do get ugly with each other occasionally but they manage to actually apologize.

I need a man like Jacob because phewwww 😮‍💨 🥵 🔥 the things he did and said … goodness. The physique??? 🤤

There are some minor nuances that can distract from
the story - like the author forgetting what the safe word was, and sometimes not accurately describing a situation correctly (like how the characters are laid out or moving) and sometimes forgetting which POV it was (for example, “my brows furrowed..” when it should’ve said “her brows…”)

All in all it was a fantastic read and I’m definitely reading more by this author
Profile Image for ABookishVet.
327 reviews21 followers
June 30, 2026
In this story we meet Dr. Katie Murphy and Dr. Jacob Jones (Jonesy), both psychiatrists. They have been frenemies for years. He once broke her heart. He's been obsessed with her for years. They both live for Dinner Club nights as a way to banter and needle each other, and blow off steam. Until one night, when they wake up in the same bed.

As they try to figure out what happened, it becomes clear that there is a larger problem at hand...a murder. Every one of the participants/suspects have complexities that these two must work through together. Additionally, Katie is an insomniac after some of her experiences with a serial killer and she's running on fumes. Can she trust Jonesy enough to help her, through some not-PG methodologies?

This is my first story with this author, but I enjoyed the style of writing so much that I'm planning to go back to read book 1 in the series (The Dinner Club).

All opinions are my own.

Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the gift of the ARC.
Profile Image for Chantell Reilly.
49 reviews
Review of advance copy received from Author
May 2, 2026
Thank you for the advance reader copy, I was desperate for this after the two previous books released by Ali & I was not disappointed.
This is a second chance romance between Jonsey and Katie, they are childhood friends turned rivals turned lovers, eventually. Full of tropes that just WORK…
Workplace romance
ONE BED (twice!)
Forced proximity
Second chance
Childhood friends
Murder mystery

Everything just works, it’s a fab romcom and while it touches on some heavy themes it still feels like a nice light read although that could just be because I’m so used to reading dark romance so check the triggers.
Profile Image for lovelettersandbooks.
134 reviews7 followers
Review of advance copy received from Author
April 29, 2026
Sweet and Spicy with a Side of Suspense!

I received an ARC copy and devoured it in one sitting. I could not get enough of Katie and Jonesy! The connection, the history, the banter, and the fights! I also loved the exploration of fantasy, role play, and kink in a way that highlights intimacy, communication, and safety while also being so much fun (Katie has oh so much fun, and we love this for her). I really enjoyed both books in the Dinner Club series and can't wait for the next book in the series!
266 reviews1 follower
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 15, 2026
Thank you NetGalley for this ARC! This was the perfect follow-up to "After Hours" and I'm so happy we didn't have to wait too long for Katie and Jonesy's story. Their chemistry was undeniable; I truly don't know how they lasted 8 years hating each other, but the payoff was worth it. We got to see what a great team they made working the murder case together, fixing up Katie's house, and tackling Katie's past traumas in the bedroom. I will definitely be back for the next book in this series....hopefully Lottie & Caleb!
Profile Image for Zoe Lipman.
2,169 reviews38 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 18, 2026
3.25/5

I really was expecting to like this book more. But it had such sudden shifts between the murderous moments and the sexual ones. I wanted a much smoother transition, it felt too sudden. That made it more difficult to get behind their relationship.

This did read super quickly though. It isn't super long, but I did speed through it.

Basically, I wanted more from the murder mystery and less from the relationship.

Thanks to NetGalley for the e-ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review!
Profile Image for ThatsSomeGoodSmut.
473 reviews11 followers
June 15, 2026
Thank you to NetGalley, Victory Editing NetGalley Co-op, and the author for a copy of this book.

3.5 rounded up to 4

Friends to enemies/rivals to lovers, two psychologist Katie and Jonsey are assigned what looks like an open and shut case, until they dig a little deeper. Jonsey and Katie bicker constantly, Jonsey hiding the pining and longing he's had for Katie for many years. There were definitely some darker aspects and a few twists I wasn't expecting, this was an interesting murder mystery romance!
Profile Image for Ivana.
71 reviews1 follower
June 5, 2026
This was SOOOO GOOD!
Loved the character growth and honest and emotionally mature adults!
Great spice.
The mystery and suspense was so great I think I had mild anxiety for the entire second half of the book. It’s so well written and I was surprised by the ending.
Highly recommend. Such incredible banter from all characters.
Profile Image for Rah.
1,092 reviews
June 10, 2026
Oh! It’s so good!

“You know we’re going to kill each other within a week.”
“But what a week it would be, princess.” He winks, and my lips involuntarily twitch upward.

Jonesy. Welcome to the Book Boyfriend Hall of Fame! My god man.

The majority of this is great. I have one issue with Katie deciding to go somewhere by herself towards the end of the book. Come on, the woman is not that stupid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Gabriela Morris.
24 reviews2 followers
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
May 20, 2026
Katie and Jonesy have been frienemies for 15 years. A complicated love/hate. The book also has some good suspense as they work together to solve a murder and see if they can figure out who the true killer may be.
Profile Image for Faye Clarke.
3 reviews
August 1, 2026
I devoured this book !! I love Ali’s Dinner Club series and this one did not disappoint. Ali has such an art on creating tension and I loved the dynamic between Katie and Jonesy. The crime plot also added another layer to the story which worked so well! Congrats on another incredible read Ali🌟
Profile Image for Truth Amidon.
21 reviews
August 22, 2026
ARC for Netgalley! It was a fun read. Was repetitive about them being friends for 15 years and constantly bickering but it had a lot of lot of twists
Profile Image for Kate Pazanin.
324 reviews32 followers
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
May 20, 2026
After a Killer by Ali Roberts was such an intense, gritty read. The suspense kept me hooked the entire time, and the emotional tension layered throughout made it hard to put down. The characters were flawed, messy, and realistic in a way that pulled me deeper into the story.
The pacing started a little slower for me, but once things picked up, the twists and darker moments absolutely delivered. If you love morally gray characters, danger, and a romance wrapped in chaos and trauma, this one is worth checking out. 👏📖
92 reviews
September 20, 2026
3.5 rounded down. I needed an easy fun book to get my mind off of all the academic reading I’ve been doing and this is perfect for that! Since it’s technically a “second book” there is some of a call back to the first one (which I haven’t read), but not enough that it annoyed. The premise is kind of simple although I love that for once it’s the FMC who has and expresses some dark wants. I feel like a lot of stuff is glazed over like why the security guard is doing the bidding of a serial killer with the letter thing in the first place or why the MMC just ignored her after being stationed abroad. And the fact that the first time he tells her that he loves her is in the middle of a court room, and it’s mouthed not even out loud?? Idk but regardless, I liked this book enough to give it 3.5 and finished it in a day. Also rivals to lovers? Love it haha. The yearning was vivid which was so enjoyable.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Alena Walker.
263 reviews1 follower
May 5, 2026
A quick thank you to NetGalley and Ali Roberts for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this ARC. This review is my honest opinion of the book 📕

Who did what now? 👀
Okay, I loved it! Look at the title (After A Killer), look at the cover, now just imagine the vibes right? I glanced over the blurb (I feel like reading them is a spoiler 😅) and knew I’d enjoy this book. Based on my skimming, I wasn’t entirely sure what all the book would entail, but was confident in my ability to love it. Serial killers, second chances, rom-com. Say no more, I don’t need more information😂
It was so much better than I could have thought! I absolutely loved the investigation. I was all in, participating like I was one of the team (call me detective 🕵️‍♀️), jotting down notes, capturing ever suspicious twitch. I was invested. The overall case was great. I loved the way the story was told, information gathered, lies, bad guys, all of it!
The friends-to-enemies-to- situationship-to-? was a fun ride. I loved watching how things unraveled, getting new bits of past information, and watching how the relationship kept going back and forth. The banter, the jabs, the longing. 🫠 I’d happily melt for it.
Now this book is spicy. Reader discretion is advised because there are kinks that may not be everyone’s shot of whiskey (I was all on board (choo choo)).
Ali has a way of assuring you as the reader along with her characters when it comes to enjoying smex and safe practices that allow fantasies to be played out and enjoyed. Loved that!
Seriously, this was such a fun read and I loved every second of it. Ali, you’ve got yourself another fan 😍 going to go stalk your other books now 😘
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews