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Killer Kin #2
How to Kill Your Rival: The brand new enemies to lovers contract killer dark romantic comedy for fans of Lights Out and Butcher and Blackbird for 2026
From dark romance sensation Effie Campbell comes the next addictive instalment in her steamy and stabby dark romcom seriesThose who slay together… Stay together.
As the heir apparent to the Death Council – a secret organisation of elite contract killers – Eliza Hamilton is fighting to prove herself in a room full of men who'd rather take advice from a corpse than a woman.
Then someone starts sabotaging her kills.
Her targets keep turning up dead before she can get to them, damaging her reputation and making her look incompetent.
Her prime suspect is her new stepbrother, James an infuriatingly gorgeous professional pain in her arse, and her biggest rival. Also one of the few people alive skilled enough to pull it off.
But when a far deadlier threat emerges, Eliza and James are forced to do the work together.
As the body count rises, so does the tension between them. Between the arguments, the sabotage and a shared enthusiasm for creative homicide, an inconvenient attraction begins to spark. One built on competition, mutual respect, and entirely too much eye contact over dead bodies.
But solving the mystery means getting closer than either of them would like, and the line between rivalry and obsession is becoming harder to ignore. After all, there's a fine line between wanting to kill someone...
...and wanting to kiss them.
Praise for How to Kidnap a Fake Date:
'I couldn't put How to Kidnap a Fake Date down. It's raunchy, hilarious, and seriously hot. Effie Campbell blew me away with this one!' Lauren Biel, bestselling author of the Slaycation series
'Packed with dark humour, quirky chaos and scorching chemistry, this dark rom-com is impossible to resist.' Bestselling dark romance author Harleigh Beck
'A thrilling romance of figuring out who you are and hiking — I mean, accidentally finding — love along the way.' D.L. Darby, author of Dolls & Daggers
'If it’s a deliciously dark rom-com you’re after, then Effie Campbell will have you hooked.' B.J. Alpha, bestselling dark romance author
As the heir apparent to the Death Council – a secret organisation of elite contract killers – Eliza Hamilton is fighting to prove herself in a room full of men who'd rather take advice from a corpse than a woman.
Then someone starts sabotaging her kills.
Her targets keep turning up dead before she can get to them, damaging her reputation and making her look incompetent.
Her prime suspect is her new stepbrother, James an infuriatingly gorgeous professional pain in her arse, and her biggest rival. Also one of the few people alive skilled enough to pull it off.
But when a far deadlier threat emerges, Eliza and James are forced to do the work together.
As the body count rises, so does the tension between them. Between the arguments, the sabotage and a shared enthusiasm for creative homicide, an inconvenient attraction begins to spark. One built on competition, mutual respect, and entirely too much eye contact over dead bodies.
But solving the mystery means getting closer than either of them would like, and the line between rivalry and obsession is becoming harder to ignore. After all, there's a fine line between wanting to kill someone...
...and wanting to kiss them.
Praise for How to Kidnap a Fake Date:
'I couldn't put How to Kidnap a Fake Date down. It's raunchy, hilarious, and seriously hot. Effie Campbell blew me away with this one!' Lauren Biel, bestselling author of the Slaycation series
'Packed with dark humour, quirky chaos and scorching chemistry, this dark rom-com is impossible to resist.' Bestselling dark romance author Harleigh Beck
'A thrilling romance of figuring out who you are and hiking — I mean, accidentally finding — love along the way.' D.L. Darby, author of Dolls & Daggers
'If it’s a deliciously dark rom-com you’re after, then Effie Campbell will have you hooked.' B.J. Alpha, bestselling dark romance author
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Published October 11, 2026
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Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Step Siblings and archenemies in the serial killer world… say less
The story follows our badass FMC Eliza, who takes over a secret society of serial killers, the Death Council, after her father steps down because of health issues. She is determined to show all the members that she is just as capable as they are, but when someone starts messing with her kills, she shows up to find them dead instead. Naturally, she suspects her stepbrother and arch nemesis, James
James falls first and waay harder, even before they became step siblings. He has always been obsessed with Eliza and had this whole rivalry with her just so he could snag her attention because he wants her all to himself
He stalks her, admires her while she cuts up her targets, and is ready to do anything for her. So when her kills suddenly start getting messed up, he steps up to help her and tries his hardest to make her trust him and love him as much as he does
And the spice!!! Holy shit, it was really good. A lot of knives were used there, iykyk ;) 🔪👙🍆
I really liked the dynamic and the setting of the story. It made me chuckle and swoon and everything in between I really liked Fraser and hope that he will have his own book!
I just wish we could have gotten more of a background story of the Council and their relationships. It felt so sudden being thrown into their story, and I was a bit confused for the first couple of chapters
__________
Pre read
guess who was lucky enough to get this on NetGalley
MEEE
__________
Instagram
Facebook
Blog/Website ;)
“I’ll build the walls of our home with the bones of any man who so much as looks at you,” he grunts. “Starting with whoever is tormenting you.”
The story follows our badass FMC Eliza, who takes over a secret society of serial killers, the Death Council, after her father steps down because of health issues. She is determined to show all the members that she is just as capable as they are, but when someone starts messing with her kills, she shows up to find them dead instead. Naturally, she suspects her stepbrother and arch nemesis, James
He sweeps his dark hair back from his forehead with one hand and cradles a whisky in the other. So hot that I want to cut his face off and put it on my nightstand to look at when he’s not there.she's so damn funny 🤣
James falls first and waay harder, even before they became step siblings. He has always been obsessed with Eliza and had this whole rivalry with her just so he could snag her attention because he wants her all to himself
Outwardly, I try to remain impartial. Internally, I may as well be wearing a neon sign that says, I need you, Eliza Hamilton. Choose me.
He stalks her, admires her while she cuts up her targets, and is ready to do anything for her. So when her kills suddenly start getting messed up, he steps up to help her and tries his hardest to make her trust him and love him as much as he does
Despite myself, a bolt of jealousy hits me. I’d take a stabbing, too, if it meant getting her undivided attention like that.
And the spice!!! Holy shit, it was really good. A lot of knives were used there, iykyk ;) 🔪👙🍆
I really liked the dynamic and the setting of the story. It made me chuckle and swoon and everything in between I really liked Fraser and hope that he will have his own book!
I just wish we could have gotten more of a background story of the Council and their relationships. It felt so sudden being thrown into their story, and I was a bit confused for the first couple of chapters
__________
Pre read
guess who was lucky enough to get this on NetGalley
MEEE
__________
Instagram Facebook Blog/Website ;) 
September 19, 2026
I was hoping to love Eliza’s story just as much as Maggie and Roman’s, and it 100% delivered—it was funny, witty, and delightfully unhinged! You know how much I love a golden retriever MMC, and James is so sweet, which feels wild to say about someone in a crime syndicate family! Eliza is such a remarkably strong FMC who holds her own ground, with the people around her only adding to her strengths without becoming vulnerabilities. Getting to catch up on Maggie and Roman’s story was such a treat, and now I’m so ready for the little brother’s book next!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
The banter and the spicy scenes alone make this book readable. The story is great as well and it really was a fun read. Eliza and James are really made for one another and it shows. I wasn't sure how the whole step sibling thing would work and I was expecting to be a bit creeped out but I wasn't at all. Overall if you are a fan of the dark comedy serial killer romance genre, you will love this one.
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 10/16/26
Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for access to the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Pub Date: 10/16/26
October 23, 2026
(Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC, views are my own)
Oh yes, this delivered exactly what I was expecting of Eliza after book one.
Type A contract killer stepping up in a male dominated world and being belittled and sabotaged despite being very good at her craft.
Extreme rivalry with a step bother that turns out to be something else (don't worry they didn't grow up together).
The denial, the tension, the banter, the stabby humour.
'So hot that I want to cut his face off and put it on my nightstand to look at when he's not there.'
Oh yes, this delivered exactly what I was expecting of Eliza after book one.
Type A contract killer stepping up in a male dominated world and being belittled and sabotaged despite being very good at her craft.
Extreme rivalry with a step bother that turns out to be something else (don't worry they didn't grow up together).
The denial, the tension, the banter, the stabby humour.
'So hot that I want to cut his face off and put it on my nightstand to look at when he's not there.'
September 5, 2026
Effie Campbell wrote a stepsibling rivalry between two professional killers and somehow made "we're both suspects in each other's murder cover-up" the least chaotic thing happening between them.
Eliza Hamilton is the heir apparent to the Death Council, a secret organisation of elite contract killers who would rather take career advice from one of their own corpses than from her. She's fighting to prove she belongs, and then her targets start turning up dead before she can get to them. Someone is sabotaging her kills. Her prime suspect is James, her new stepbrother, her biggest rival, and one of the only people alive skilled enough to pull it off. Also, infuriatingly gorgeous. When something far worse than a saboteur shows up, Eliza and James get stuck working together, and the body count and the tension climb at exactly the same rate.
What worked: the banter is doing heavy lifting and it is fully qualified for the job. Eliza refusing to admit she's into James while simultaneously threatening to end him is the emotional throughline of this entire book, and I was HERE for it. And then Campbell drops the fact that James has been in love with her for YEARS and suddenly every insult, every competitive kill, every "I hate you" reads completely differently in retrospect. Devastating in the best way. The competitive flirting over crime scenes should not have worked as well as it did. Hate-kissing while actively withholding a murder confession from each other is a bit I will be thinking about for a while.
Trope Chaos Check
✨ Killer rivals-to-lovers (literally, they are both killers, this is not a metaphor)
✨ Murder as a love language
✨ Extremely poor workplace boundaries
✨ Badass heroine who'd rather die than admit feelings
✨ He's loved her for YEARS and said nothing (sir. SIR.)
✨ Mutual pining, mutual threats
✨ Hate-kissing
✨ Competitive flirting
✨ Red flags are their favourite colour (a whole moodboard)
★★★★☆ - stabby, sharp-tongued, and one slightly-too-tidy mystery away from perfect.
Thank you Boldwood Books for the ARC!
Eliza Hamilton is the heir apparent to the Death Council, a secret organisation of elite contract killers who would rather take career advice from one of their own corpses than from her. She's fighting to prove she belongs, and then her targets start turning up dead before she can get to them. Someone is sabotaging her kills. Her prime suspect is James, her new stepbrother, her biggest rival, and one of the only people alive skilled enough to pull it off. Also, infuriatingly gorgeous. When something far worse than a saboteur shows up, Eliza and James get stuck working together, and the body count and the tension climb at exactly the same rate.
What worked: the banter is doing heavy lifting and it is fully qualified for the job. Eliza refusing to admit she's into James while simultaneously threatening to end him is the emotional throughline of this entire book, and I was HERE for it. And then Campbell drops the fact that James has been in love with her for YEARS and suddenly every insult, every competitive kill, every "I hate you" reads completely differently in retrospect. Devastating in the best way. The competitive flirting over crime scenes should not have worked as well as it did. Hate-kissing while actively withholding a murder confession from each other is a bit I will be thinking about for a while.
Trope Chaos Check
✨ Killer rivals-to-lovers (literally, they are both killers, this is not a metaphor)
✨ Murder as a love language
✨ Extremely poor workplace boundaries
✨ Badass heroine who'd rather die than admit feelings
✨ He's loved her for YEARS and said nothing (sir. SIR.)
✨ Mutual pining, mutual threats
✨ Hate-kissing
✨ Competitive flirting
✨ Red flags are their favourite colour (a whole moodboard)
★★★★☆ - stabby, sharp-tongued, and one slightly-too-tidy mystery away from perfect.
Thank you Boldwood Books for the ARC!
October 5, 2026
This really is giving like a mix of Lights Out and Butcher & Blackbird, minus the stalking though! But there is murder, eyeballs, other gross stuff, and a lot of humor hahaha. 😭
So Eliza Hamilton and her stepbrother James (his mother married her father) are part of a ”contract-killing” family, and when Eliza is undermined by the boorish old men at the “death council” the two of them team up, together with her siblings, to figure out who’s responsible. They are also rivals who fight over the ”contract killings”, which was somehow both disturbing and cute in a weird way hahahhaha
I gotta say, one thing I thought was lacking a little was the fact that the romance felt like it moved so quickly after the first chapter. Believe me I absolutely LOVED that James was obsessed with her from the beginning, but I would’ve liked it even more if Eliza wasn’t aware of that fact quite so early and to see more of his yearning from her perspective and experiencing even more of the rivalry vibes. But I also understand it because the book is quite short, so I mean it makes sense! I think if it had been longer, the development between them would’ve been perfect. For me at least.
It was still very fun, cute and enjoyable though! A quick read for sure 🤍
Be prepared for some GROSS stuff though 😭 But James being that obsessed is worth all the nasty scenes hahahahha. That man was DOWN BAD.
Thank you to NetGalley and Effie Campbell for this eARC 🤍
So Eliza Hamilton and her stepbrother James (his mother married her father) are part of a ”contract-killing” family, and when Eliza is undermined by the boorish old men at the “death council” the two of them team up, together with her siblings, to figure out who’s responsible. They are also rivals who fight over the ”contract killings”, which was somehow both disturbing and cute in a weird way hahahhaha
I gotta say, one thing I thought was lacking a little was the fact that the romance felt like it moved so quickly after the first chapter. Believe me I absolutely LOVED that James was obsessed with her from the beginning, but I would’ve liked it even more if Eliza wasn’t aware of that fact quite so early and to see more of his yearning from her perspective and experiencing even more of the rivalry vibes. But I also understand it because the book is quite short, so I mean it makes sense! I think if it had been longer, the development between them would’ve been perfect. For me at least.
It was still very fun, cute and enjoyable though! A quick read for sure 🤍
Be prepared for some GROSS stuff though 😭 But James being that obsessed is worth all the nasty scenes hahahahha. That man was DOWN BAD.
Thank you to NetGalley and Effie Campbell for this eARC 🤍
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
I really enjoyed this one! It was such a fun, chaotic read and I loved the whole enemies to lovers vibe between Eliza and James.
The banter between them was definitely one of my favourite parts, especially because they’re both so stubborn 😂 I really liked their dynamic and watching everything play out between them.
I also really liked the killer family side of things and the Death Council. There was plenty of murder, spice and dark humour which kept things interesting, although I did feel like some parts were a little predictable and I would have liked a bit more from the actual story.
Overall though, this was a really easy and entertaining read and I definitely had fun with it. If you like enemies to lovers, morally questionable characters, murder and a bit of chaos then I think you’ll enjoy this one!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
I really enjoyed this one! It was such a fun, chaotic read and I loved the whole enemies to lovers vibe between Eliza and James.
The banter between them was definitely one of my favourite parts, especially because they’re both so stubborn 😂 I really liked their dynamic and watching everything play out between them.
I also really liked the killer family side of things and the Death Council. There was plenty of murder, spice and dark humour which kept things interesting, although I did feel like some parts were a little predictable and I would have liked a bit more from the actual story.
Overall though, this was a really easy and entertaining read and I definitely had fun with it. If you like enemies to lovers, morally questionable characters, murder and a bit of chaos then I think you’ll enjoy this one!
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC.
October 11, 2026
I enjoyed the first book of this series it was so fun. But this one is so much better! The tension! I love a stabby girl, and Eliza is such a badass. She is the heir to a family empire of contract murders. But her family only kill the once that had it coming.
James is part of that word and his mum just recently married Elizas father, so he is her stepbrother...
James has had his eye on Eliza for ages so it doesn't count or does it?
They squabble, and fight, they are in constant competition and the sparks are flying.
It's such a fun read. I absolutely adore the characters. There's no need to read the first book of this series but I'd recommend for fun and entertainment.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author Effie Campbell for the eARC
James is part of that word and his mum just recently married Elizas father, so he is her stepbrother...
James has had his eye on Eliza for ages so it doesn't count or does it?
They squabble, and fight, they are in constant competition and the sparks are flying.
It's such a fun read. I absolutely adore the characters. There's no need to read the first book of this series but I'd recommend for fun and entertainment.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author Effie Campbell for the eARC
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to Boldwood Books, NetGalley, and the author for a copy of this book.
This book was so sweet, in a murder for hire, elite underground assassin sort of way! We met the family in the first book in the series, now we are following Eliza, the new head of the assassins council after taking over for her father, and her new step brother James. They’ve always been rival assassins but now that their parents married, they are siblings, but that hasn’t changed how James feels about her. He’s wanted her since the moment he saw her when they were teens and he will do anything for her.
This book was so sweet, in a murder for hire, elite underground assassin sort of way! We met the family in the first book in the series, now we are following Eliza, the new head of the assassins council after taking over for her father, and her new step brother James. They’ve always been rival assassins but now that their parents married, they are siblings, but that hasn’t changed how James feels about her. He’s wanted her since the moment he saw her when they were teens and he will do anything for her.
October 12, 2026
I finished this book in less than 4 hours, I honestly could not put it down. It was such a fun read! It had the vibe of Butcher and Blackbird, and I'm a big fan of that author and series. The instant longing and chemistry really made the whole book a vibe.
September 23, 2026
─── 4 starts ᯓ★ˎˊ˗
❝ ‘I’ll build the walls of our home with the bones of any man who so much as looks at you,’ he grunts. ‘Starting with whoever is tormenting you.’ ❞
! Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the copy of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own !
⋆˙⟡ I don’t know what Effie Campbell put in this book but the stepsiblings and archenemies tropes in this book are so addictive because they’re written so well and the chemistry between the two characters and their dynamic are so genuine and so beautiful writing. And i love the yearning in the book and the development of Eliza and her problems and i absolutely loved the mystery part because when you think you know who can be you are still so invested on it, it’s crazy. But i loved it so much
❝ ‘I’ll build the walls of our home with the bones of any man who so much as looks at you,’ he grunts. ‘Starting with whoever is tormenting you.’ ❞
! Thank you NetGalley and Boldwood Books for the copy of the book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own !
⋆˙⟡ I don’t know what Effie Campbell put in this book but the stepsiblings and archenemies tropes in this book are so addictive because they’re written so well and the chemistry between the two characters and their dynamic are so genuine and so beautiful writing. And i love the yearning in the book and the development of Eliza and her problems and i absolutely loved the mystery part because when you think you know who can be you are still so invested on it, it’s crazy. But i loved it so much
September 24, 2026
I pluck another wet leaf from my tangled hair and set it on the side of the table.
It's the third one I've found so far, along with five small branches, and what looks to be some sort of dead bug the size of my thumb.
Looking back in front of me, I see Fraser sitting there with a smug look on his face as if this was the most amusing thing he's seen all day.
I narrow my eyes back at him and sneer while leaning back and crossing my arms; sizing up the reason my entire appearance looks the way it is.
Just four hours ago, Fraser and I were assigned a job, my first one to be exact, since I joined the Death Council under Eliza's reign. She's been looking for more women to even the playing field within the "career activities" that go on within this group and approached me with an opportunity after meeting each other in the hallway of an interview that I had just finished a couple months ago. I didn't think anything of it as I smiled back at Eliza, making my way back to my apartment in defeat of another failed interview, but when I received an email from her to meet at local coffee shop the next day, I was surprised to find that she was interested in offering me a temporary position at her company. The details were sparse, which seemed suspicious, but the need of a computer hacker was on her list, and when presenting me with a few challenges to showcase my capabilities, she was more than eager to offer me a job, which, based on the pay, I could NOT refuse. After a couple months of working behind a computer screen, she invited me to her Hamilton Estate, where herself, her husband, and several other Hamilton Family Members were waiting for me like a sheep attending a lion's den. Fortunately, they were very welcoming, but when she eased her way into explaining what I had been doing and why, this brought a whole new view into the reason why I was actually hired and needed - in fact, it showcased exactly what I was providing to them and helping them do. I kind of had an idea that what we were doing wasn't fully "legal", but couldn't pinpoint exactly what was happening besides the tasks they provided me. Eliza was a little hesitant in how to approach it, but after taking a deep breath, just ripped off the bandaid, per say, and laid everything out for me to see. She then, at the end of the absurd truth spill, asked me whether I wanted to join as an official council member, which would require me to remain in my position but, occasionally help with "side quests" when needed.
As I'm sure you can tell by now, I accepted, and my first side quest just happened four hours ago. Unfortunately, this side quest was partnered with her brother, Fraser, who is, and has always been since the first time I met him, the most INFURIATING man on this planet. I wouldn't put it past him that he was the reason the culprit was able to release himself from the chair and make a dash through the woods. I'm almost sure he did it on purpose just so that he could see me stumble through the unknown territory while trying to keep up with a man who obviously runs marathons in his spare time. Of course, he ends up catching the guy with little to no effort after watching me fumble through and completing our task; which brings me to question why I was even assigned as help when he could have done it on his own.
"Go to hell." I mouth to him while rolling my eyes as far back as I could to show my distaste for him.
He smiles while twirling one of the twigs I pulled out of my hair in the air and then focuses his eyes on back on me.
Still smiling and biting that god forbid, sexy lip ring, he mouths back, "Sure, princess."
THIS. IS. WAR.
I'm not going to lie - I've been sitting here trying to figure out a way to jump inside this book….literally. You know those reels you see where people open a book and you see them diving into the middle of it to find themselves surrounded by the world inside of the story? That is me right now - except with my Kindle and stepping my right foot over and over again onto the screen. I'm seeing one of the Hamilton siblings is currently available and trying to figure out a way to get myself in there to claim the man before the next book comes. Alas, I've had no luck and am, instead, sitting here writing a review for an ARC of How To Kill Your Rival by Effie Campbell, which was so graciously given to me by Boldwood Books. This series is hands down one of my top favorites I've read this year and could not WAIT to download and start reading this when I received an invite in my mailbox to read it. With the second one, scheduled to release OCTOBER 11, 2026, I imagined it was going to be just as great as the first - but did not expect to love this one EVEN MORE. I'm currently now counting down the days for book three and DYING to know when it will be released so that I can IMMEDIATELY get my hands on it, or, you know, pencil in the date to try and figure out how to get myself in that book before then.
While I try to keep myself from pouting at the fact that I'm not able to get myself over to Fraser in time, let's take a look at the tropes you can expect to find within the book and also the main concept so you have a feel of what to expect with this AMAZING five star read:
We have our FMC, Eliza, who has been passed down as the heir to the Death Council, a position that has been labeled as one who should always be passed down to a "son" rather than a "daughter". She is fighting each day to prove to everyone around her and those surrounding the table at the Death Council that she deserves to be there and lead the future of the council in her father's footsteps. Sitting at that table is none other than our MMC, James, who is not only paying 100% focus on her, but doing so with the utmost love and devotion as James has been in love with Eliza for YEARS. The only issue here? Eliza doesn't have time for love, nor is she looking for it - her main focus is leading the Council while also figuring out the mystery of who seems to be taking her targets and killing them before she gets there. No matter how many times James tries to get her attention, it is only when he treats their kills a competition between each other that she pays attention to him. For James, this is enough as he will take anything he can get from Eliza - even if that's just "playful competition" between them both. He's confident that one day she will see the man that he is and get married - well, that is if he can get her to realize their undying chemistry between them and settle the little issue that they are currently step-siblings; all while helping her determine who the culprit is taking those contracted targets from her count.
Sounds pretty good, right?
I COMPLETELY agree!
Don't forget about some of the tropes you can find within the story as well:
💀 Rivals To Lovers
💀 Step Siblings
💀 Spicy Banter x Undying Chemistry
💀 YEARNING, Patient, & OBSESSED MMC
💀 Strong & Confident FMC
💀 Mutual Pining x Mutual Threats
As I mentioned previously, I absolutely LOVED the first book in this series which was with the Hamilton sibling, Maggie, and the kidnapping/fake dating of her main squeeze, Roman. This time around, we got to learn about the love story between the Hamilton sibling, Eliza, and her oh so patient, yet completely OBSESSED, perfect man, James. Reading this book, I was not expecting to find myself kicking my feet in giddiness over the PERFECTION that is Eliza and James. It was so easy to connect with these characters and was tossing and turning holding my Kindle smiling ear to ear. Eliza reminds me a lot of myself in the real world - a woman within a designated "man's career", and even down to the "wall building shields" for emotions. Her interactions and thought process on many of the events that happen in this storyline are very relatable to someone like myself which was nice to see representation of when it comes to a romance labeled book. In addition, I literally COULD NOT with the banter on this…this banter and playful competition between them both is seriously CHEF'S KISS. Not to mention that even being step-siblings (which is NOT a favorite trope of mine), it didn't bother me at all when reading this. In fact, most of the time I completely forgot that they were until it was briefly mentioned every now and then.
Overall, I absolutely LOVED this book and it's another 5 STAR read from this author from me. I seriously CANNOT WAIT for the third book to come out and recommend this entire series with my whole heart if you have not picked up this one or the first one yet to add to your TBR. This book will launch OCTOBER 11, 2026, and the first one is out now for you to pick up. TRUST ME - it is absolutely worth it x10000000000000000000000!!!!
It's the third one I've found so far, along with five small branches, and what looks to be some sort of dead bug the size of my thumb.
Looking back in front of me, I see Fraser sitting there with a smug look on his face as if this was the most amusing thing he's seen all day.
I narrow my eyes back at him and sneer while leaning back and crossing my arms; sizing up the reason my entire appearance looks the way it is.
Just four hours ago, Fraser and I were assigned a job, my first one to be exact, since I joined the Death Council under Eliza's reign. She's been looking for more women to even the playing field within the "career activities" that go on within this group and approached me with an opportunity after meeting each other in the hallway of an interview that I had just finished a couple months ago. I didn't think anything of it as I smiled back at Eliza, making my way back to my apartment in defeat of another failed interview, but when I received an email from her to meet at local coffee shop the next day, I was surprised to find that she was interested in offering me a temporary position at her company. The details were sparse, which seemed suspicious, but the need of a computer hacker was on her list, and when presenting me with a few challenges to showcase my capabilities, she was more than eager to offer me a job, which, based on the pay, I could NOT refuse. After a couple months of working behind a computer screen, she invited me to her Hamilton Estate, where herself, her husband, and several other Hamilton Family Members were waiting for me like a sheep attending a lion's den. Fortunately, they were very welcoming, but when she eased her way into explaining what I had been doing and why, this brought a whole new view into the reason why I was actually hired and needed - in fact, it showcased exactly what I was providing to them and helping them do. I kind of had an idea that what we were doing wasn't fully "legal", but couldn't pinpoint exactly what was happening besides the tasks they provided me. Eliza was a little hesitant in how to approach it, but after taking a deep breath, just ripped off the bandaid, per say, and laid everything out for me to see. She then, at the end of the absurd truth spill, asked me whether I wanted to join as an official council member, which would require me to remain in my position but, occasionally help with "side quests" when needed.
As I'm sure you can tell by now, I accepted, and my first side quest just happened four hours ago. Unfortunately, this side quest was partnered with her brother, Fraser, who is, and has always been since the first time I met him, the most INFURIATING man on this planet. I wouldn't put it past him that he was the reason the culprit was able to release himself from the chair and make a dash through the woods. I'm almost sure he did it on purpose just so that he could see me stumble through the unknown territory while trying to keep up with a man who obviously runs marathons in his spare time. Of course, he ends up catching the guy with little to no effort after watching me fumble through and completing our task; which brings me to question why I was even assigned as help when he could have done it on his own.
"Go to hell." I mouth to him while rolling my eyes as far back as I could to show my distaste for him.
He smiles while twirling one of the twigs I pulled out of my hair in the air and then focuses his eyes on back on me.
Still smiling and biting that god forbid, sexy lip ring, he mouths back, "Sure, princess."
THIS. IS. WAR.
I'm not going to lie - I've been sitting here trying to figure out a way to jump inside this book….literally. You know those reels you see where people open a book and you see them diving into the middle of it to find themselves surrounded by the world inside of the story? That is me right now - except with my Kindle and stepping my right foot over and over again onto the screen. I'm seeing one of the Hamilton siblings is currently available and trying to figure out a way to get myself in there to claim the man before the next book comes. Alas, I've had no luck and am, instead, sitting here writing a review for an ARC of How To Kill Your Rival by Effie Campbell, which was so graciously given to me by Boldwood Books. This series is hands down one of my top favorites I've read this year and could not WAIT to download and start reading this when I received an invite in my mailbox to read it. With the second one, scheduled to release OCTOBER 11, 2026, I imagined it was going to be just as great as the first - but did not expect to love this one EVEN MORE. I'm currently now counting down the days for book three and DYING to know when it will be released so that I can IMMEDIATELY get my hands on it, or, you know, pencil in the date to try and figure out how to get myself in that book before then.
While I try to keep myself from pouting at the fact that I'm not able to get myself over to Fraser in time, let's take a look at the tropes you can expect to find within the book and also the main concept so you have a feel of what to expect with this AMAZING five star read:
We have our FMC, Eliza, who has been passed down as the heir to the Death Council, a position that has been labeled as one who should always be passed down to a "son" rather than a "daughter". She is fighting each day to prove to everyone around her and those surrounding the table at the Death Council that she deserves to be there and lead the future of the council in her father's footsteps. Sitting at that table is none other than our MMC, James, who is not only paying 100% focus on her, but doing so with the utmost love and devotion as James has been in love with Eliza for YEARS. The only issue here? Eliza doesn't have time for love, nor is she looking for it - her main focus is leading the Council while also figuring out the mystery of who seems to be taking her targets and killing them before she gets there. No matter how many times James tries to get her attention, it is only when he treats their kills a competition between each other that she pays attention to him. For James, this is enough as he will take anything he can get from Eliza - even if that's just "playful competition" between them both. He's confident that one day she will see the man that he is and get married - well, that is if he can get her to realize their undying chemistry between them and settle the little issue that they are currently step-siblings; all while helping her determine who the culprit is taking those contracted targets from her count.
Sounds pretty good, right?
I COMPLETELY agree!
Don't forget about some of the tropes you can find within the story as well:
💀 Rivals To Lovers
💀 Step Siblings
💀 Spicy Banter x Undying Chemistry
💀 YEARNING, Patient, & OBSESSED MMC
💀 Strong & Confident FMC
💀 Mutual Pining x Mutual Threats
As I mentioned previously, I absolutely LOVED the first book in this series which was with the Hamilton sibling, Maggie, and the kidnapping/fake dating of her main squeeze, Roman. This time around, we got to learn about the love story between the Hamilton sibling, Eliza, and her oh so patient, yet completely OBSESSED, perfect man, James. Reading this book, I was not expecting to find myself kicking my feet in giddiness over the PERFECTION that is Eliza and James. It was so easy to connect with these characters and was tossing and turning holding my Kindle smiling ear to ear. Eliza reminds me a lot of myself in the real world - a woman within a designated "man's career", and even down to the "wall building shields" for emotions. Her interactions and thought process on many of the events that happen in this storyline are very relatable to someone like myself which was nice to see representation of when it comes to a romance labeled book. In addition, I literally COULD NOT with the banter on this…this banter and playful competition between them both is seriously CHEF'S KISS. Not to mention that even being step-siblings (which is NOT a favorite trope of mine), it didn't bother me at all when reading this. In fact, most of the time I completely forgot that they were until it was briefly mentioned every now and then.
Overall, I absolutely LOVED this book and it's another 5 STAR read from this author from me. I seriously CANNOT WAIT for the third book to come out and recommend this entire series with my whole heart if you have not picked up this one or the first one yet to add to your TBR. This book will launch OCTOBER 11, 2026, and the first one is out now for you to pick up. TRUST ME - it is absolutely worth it x10000000000000000000000!!!!
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Ahhh!
Soo Goood!
This is the second in this series and having loved the first book (with Maggie and Roman), I was excited for this one and I ripped through it! So easy to read, such fun banter, engaging situations, and addictive sizzling attraction! Love that!
Eliza Hamilton is absolutely lethal and a formidable woman. In the business of contract k!ll!ng, she has few equals, but James (her step brother) might just be one.
The chemistry between these two is addictive and easy to connect with, and I LOVED how he championed and supported her. He has been waiting for her for a while, and for her to choose him.
The rivalry between them definitely keeps the pages flipping and while some of their actions are just, ewwwww, I really enjoyed myself! The playfulness of this HEA was really entertaining, but the situation with the Death Council is still tense and I cannot WAIT to see how things resolve.
I recommend reading in order for the best experience with the characters and storyline.
I thank Boldwood Books and the author for my ARC, and happily leave my thoughts.
Soo Goood!
This is the second in this series and having loved the first book (with Maggie and Roman), I was excited for this one and I ripped through it! So easy to read, such fun banter, engaging situations, and addictive sizzling attraction! Love that!
Eliza Hamilton is absolutely lethal and a formidable woman. In the business of contract k!ll!ng, she has few equals, but James (her step brother) might just be one.
The chemistry between these two is addictive and easy to connect with, and I LOVED how he championed and supported her. He has been waiting for her for a while, and for her to choose him.
The rivalry between them definitely keeps the pages flipping and while some of their actions are just, ewwwww, I really enjoyed myself! The playfulness of this HEA was really entertaining, but the situation with the Death Council is still tense and I cannot WAIT to see how things resolve.
I recommend reading in order for the best experience with the characters and storyline.
I thank Boldwood Books and the author for my ARC, and happily leave my thoughts.
October 10, 2026
Obsessed
🔪 Killêr step-sibling rivals-to-lovers
💜 Mùrdêr as a love language
🔪 Competitive flirting
💜 Badâss heroine who’d rather dìè than admit feelings
🔪 Mutual pining, mutual threats
💜 Hate-kissing
🔪 Competitive flirting
💜 Red flags are their favorite color
🔪Golden retriever MMC
💜Extremely poor workplace boundaries
If you know me, you know Effie Campbell is an automatic read for me. I’ve been shouting about her books for years, and I see absolutely no signs of shutting up anytime soon. I loved How to Kidnap a Fake Date, but I think Eliza and James might have edged Maggie and Roman out just a little.
I already adored Eliza after meeting her in book 1, and her story gave me everything I wanted and then some. She's strong, snarky, fiercely independent, and unapologetically herself. She's loyal to her family but keeps her feelings locked down tight. She also has a one-eyed raven named Coffin and feeds her unwanted problems to her pigs, Hewie, Dewie, and Louie. Honestly, she's exactly who little Rachel in the '90s wanted to grow up to be. Maybe with slightly fewer murder-related hobbies.
And then there's James. A confident, shameless flirt who's been completely gone for Eliza forever. This man is a professional killer and somehow still manages to be the sweetest golden retriever MMC. He's obsessed with her, isn't afraid to show it, and will happily support her without taking away her ability to handle her own business. Watching him champion her while letting her remain the badass she is? Absolutely delicious.
“Call her off? Who do you think I am? She doesn't follow me. I'm her loyal follower in every way. I'll juggle your fucking balls after she cuts them off.”
The banter between these two is some of the hottest foreplay I've read in a while. Their competitiveness, constant needling, and ridiculous chemistry had me hooked. These two could turn bickering into a Broadway production, and I’d never miss a show.
I also loved seeing Maggie and Roman again, and Fraser getting more page time has me ridiculously excited for book three. I already need it.
Effie has once again delivered a romance that's sexy, hilarious, gory, and wonderfully unhinged. The chemistry is addictive, the family dynamics are fantastic, and the story had me flying through the pages.
This series just keeps getting better, and I cannot wait to see what Effie does next.
Thank you, Effie, NetGalley, and Boldwood Books for the ARC.
🔪 Killêr step-sibling rivals-to-lovers
💜 Mùrdêr as a love language
🔪 Competitive flirting
💜 Badâss heroine who’d rather dìè than admit feelings
🔪 Mutual pining, mutual threats
💜 Hate-kissing
🔪 Competitive flirting
💜 Red flags are their favorite color
🔪Golden retriever MMC
💜Extremely poor workplace boundaries
If you know me, you know Effie Campbell is an automatic read for me. I’ve been shouting about her books for years, and I see absolutely no signs of shutting up anytime soon. I loved How to Kidnap a Fake Date, but I think Eliza and James might have edged Maggie and Roman out just a little.
I already adored Eliza after meeting her in book 1, and her story gave me everything I wanted and then some. She's strong, snarky, fiercely independent, and unapologetically herself. She's loyal to her family but keeps her feelings locked down tight. She also has a one-eyed raven named Coffin and feeds her unwanted problems to her pigs, Hewie, Dewie, and Louie. Honestly, she's exactly who little Rachel in the '90s wanted to grow up to be. Maybe with slightly fewer murder-related hobbies.
And then there's James. A confident, shameless flirt who's been completely gone for Eliza forever. This man is a professional killer and somehow still manages to be the sweetest golden retriever MMC. He's obsessed with her, isn't afraid to show it, and will happily support her without taking away her ability to handle her own business. Watching him champion her while letting her remain the badass she is? Absolutely delicious.
“Call her off? Who do you think I am? She doesn't follow me. I'm her loyal follower in every way. I'll juggle your fucking balls after she cuts them off.”
The banter between these two is some of the hottest foreplay I've read in a while. Their competitiveness, constant needling, and ridiculous chemistry had me hooked. These two could turn bickering into a Broadway production, and I’d never miss a show.
I also loved seeing Maggie and Roman again, and Fraser getting more page time has me ridiculously excited for book three. I already need it.
Effie has once again delivered a romance that's sexy, hilarious, gory, and wonderfully unhinged. The chemistry is addictive, the family dynamics are fantastic, and the story had me flying through the pages.
This series just keeps getting better, and I cannot wait to see what Effie does next.
Thank you, Effie, NetGalley, and Boldwood Books for the ARC.
September 8, 2026
A brilliant second instalment to the series. I loved Maggie and Roman but Effie Campbell absolutely knocked it out of the park with Eliza and James.
If you have read book one, you will have gotten to know the Hamilton family and understand that they are unalivers, with the exception of sweet Maggie who chose not to follow in her family’s footsteps. Eliza is a queen and the best of the best. She is cunning, ruthless and she certainly does not back down even more now that she has taken over her father’s seat on the Death Council.
Our MMC James is follows the same profession as Eliza and is also her new step brother after her father married his mother. These two love to compete with one another on various jobs. James has been head over heels for Eliza since he first met her and if he has to use this competitive aspect so he can get close to Eliza so she would give him the time of day, then so be it. Honestly you could cut the tension with a spoon between these two and their banter is absolutely impeccable. James is absolutely head over heels for her, yet she keeps her heart closely guarded and she has a reason for this. The last thing Eliza wants is to come across weak and James understands why she puts on this persona.
There has been some discourse on the council due to Eliza taking over her father’s position, yet she has his full support and has also proved herself in every way that it is her rightful position. When some of Eliza’s jobs are becoming sabotaged James steps in to help her to get to the bottom of things.
I loved our cameos from Maggie, Roman, Mr. Hamilton and Eliza’s younger brother Fraser. I also loved the sibling bonding as we only saw little of this in the first book. Eliza always went to her older sister for advice and help, even if Maggie says the things she was denying herself.
James only wanted to see our Eliza thrive and honestly he worshiped the ground she walked on. While she was definitely in control in the daily aspects, he took the reins inside the bedroom.
Overall I absolutely loved this book and I cannot wait for the next book in the series. Thank you to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
If you have read book one, you will have gotten to know the Hamilton family and understand that they are unalivers, with the exception of sweet Maggie who chose not to follow in her family’s footsteps. Eliza is a queen and the best of the best. She is cunning, ruthless and she certainly does not back down even more now that she has taken over her father’s seat on the Death Council.
Our MMC James is follows the same profession as Eliza and is also her new step brother after her father married his mother. These two love to compete with one another on various jobs. James has been head over heels for Eliza since he first met her and if he has to use this competitive aspect so he can get close to Eliza so she would give him the time of day, then so be it. Honestly you could cut the tension with a spoon between these two and their banter is absolutely impeccable. James is absolutely head over heels for her, yet she keeps her heart closely guarded and she has a reason for this. The last thing Eliza wants is to come across weak and James understands why she puts on this persona.
There has been some discourse on the council due to Eliza taking over her father’s position, yet she has his full support and has also proved herself in every way that it is her rightful position. When some of Eliza’s jobs are becoming sabotaged James steps in to help her to get to the bottom of things.
I loved our cameos from Maggie, Roman, Mr. Hamilton and Eliza’s younger brother Fraser. I also loved the sibling bonding as we only saw little of this in the first book. Eliza always went to her older sister for advice and help, even if Maggie says the things she was denying herself.
James only wanted to see our Eliza thrive and honestly he worshiped the ground she walked on. While she was definitely in control in the daily aspects, he took the reins inside the bedroom.
Overall I absolutely loved this book and I cannot wait for the next book in the series. Thank you to the author who provided this e-arc for my honest thoughts 💭
October 11, 2026
💜 Frankenwoofs, Filthy Banter & Five-Star Obsession 🔥
If you like your romance dark, your banter filthy, your vocabulary delightfully unhinged, your MMCs obsessively devoted, and your animals assembled from leftover body parts, buckle up, because this absolute ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ masterpiece had me highlighting like my life depended on it!
MY FAVORITE QUOTES:
✍️ "They already act like having breasts impairs my mental faculties in some way." "You having breasts impairs their mental facilities."
✍️ Eliza leaves me there, no closer to winner her heart. Or her knickers.
✍️ Gaston appears to be assembled from leftover parts of other dogs. The frankenwoof. He's Chihuaha-small, and has their bugged eyes, but set far more in the shape of a bulldog. I think.
✍️ Fool me once, shame on me, and all. And now I'm stuck trying very hard not to fall arse over tit into a thing with my step-brother.
✍️ "He. Is. Mine," I repeat with a low growl to the words. God, I may as well cock my leg and fucking piss on him at this point.
✍️ "And you're fucking mine. This is my home. Not the estate, but right here between your soaked thighs."
✍️ Even crumbs from her are better than a buffet elsewhere.
WHAT I LOVED:
💜 the dedication: To all the reads who love a bit of battle in the bedroom, this one's for you.
💜 the writing style, which I first fell in love with through How to Kidnap a Fake Date - I highlighted 89 quotes!? 🫣
💜 how badass she is; stepping up as her dad battles cancer
💜 how he plays the long game: his understanding, his patience, his persistence, his support,… 🫠
💜 how he is willing to take her last name #swoon
💜 the D.E.L.E.C.T.A.B.L.E. vocabulary, as usual, including: billy-big-balls, bolthole, testiclectomy, bagsy not me, twatty cunts, drier than a camel's armpit, hashafashasha, clodhoppers, fuckity-fuck-fuck-fuck, thundercunt, dilly-dallying, calm your tits,...
💜 the hilarious animals: Coffin the one-eyed crow, Gaston the Frankenwoof, the pigs 👀
💜 the D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S. language: 238 f*cks, 30 mo*ns, 34 b*lls, 27 t*ts, 25 d*cks, 14 c*nts,...
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
• dual POV, 1st person
• dark assassin romcom
• rivals-to-lovers
• forbidden romance (step-siblings)
• competitive flirting
• mutual pining
• contract killer family
• obsessed MMC x badass FMC
• murder as foreplay
• pierced MMC with veined forearms
• amazing banter
• he falls first, he falls harder
• he washes her hair, he brushes her knots out,...
• HEA
⚠️ murder, dismemberment, body disposal Hannibal-style, battle with cancer,…
If you like your romance dark, your banter filthy, your vocabulary delightfully unhinged, your MMCs obsessively devoted, and your animals assembled from leftover body parts, buckle up, because this absolute ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ masterpiece had me highlighting like my life depended on it!
MY FAVORITE QUOTES:
✍️ "They already act like having breasts impairs my mental faculties in some way." "You having breasts impairs their mental facilities."
✍️ Eliza leaves me there, no closer to winner her heart. Or her knickers.
✍️ Gaston appears to be assembled from leftover parts of other dogs. The frankenwoof. He's Chihuaha-small, and has their bugged eyes, but set far more in the shape of a bulldog. I think.
✍️ Fool me once, shame on me, and all. And now I'm stuck trying very hard not to fall arse over tit into a thing with my step-brother.
✍️ "He. Is. Mine," I repeat with a low growl to the words. God, I may as well cock my leg and fucking piss on him at this point.
✍️ "And you're fucking mine. This is my home. Not the estate, but right here between your soaked thighs."
✍️ Even crumbs from her are better than a buffet elsewhere.
WHAT I LOVED:
💜 the dedication: To all the reads who love a bit of battle in the bedroom, this one's for you.
💜 the writing style, which I first fell in love with through How to Kidnap a Fake Date - I highlighted 89 quotes!? 🫣
💜 how badass she is; stepping up as her dad battles cancer
💜 how he plays the long game: his understanding, his patience, his persistence, his support,… 🫠
💜 how he is willing to take her last name #swoon
💜 the D.E.L.E.C.T.A.B.L.E. vocabulary, as usual, including: billy-big-balls, bolthole, testiclectomy, bagsy not me, twatty cunts, drier than a camel's armpit, hashafashasha, clodhoppers, fuckity-fuck-fuck-fuck, thundercunt, dilly-dallying, calm your tits,...
💜 the hilarious animals: Coffin the one-eyed crow, Gaston the Frankenwoof, the pigs 👀
💜 the D.E.L.I.C.I.O.U.S. language: 238 f*cks, 30 mo*ns, 34 b*lls, 27 t*ts, 25 d*cks, 14 c*nts,...
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW:
• dual POV, 1st person
• dark assassin romcom
• rivals-to-lovers
• forbidden romance (step-siblings)
• competitive flirting
• mutual pining
• contract killer family
• obsessed MMC x badass FMC
• murder as foreplay
• pierced MMC with veined forearms
• amazing banter
• he falls first, he falls harder
• he washes her hair, he brushes her knots out,...
• HEA
⚠️ murder, dismemberment, body disposal Hannibal-style, battle with cancer,…
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
⭐ 4.5
🌶️ 3
🥵 Spicy Chapters: 1, 8, 14, 16, 20, 24, 29
❤️🔥 Swoon Factor: 3
👫 Eliza + James
📚 Tropes/Themes: Killers in love, rivals to lovers, mutual pining, dark rom-com, step siblings, forced proximity, workplace rivalry, it's always been you
👀 Dual POV 3rd person
💔 Content warnings: Murder, killing, kidnapping, violence, death, gore
🎀 Special editions: none
Ok, this was ridiculously fun 😂 And SERIOUSLY SWOONY? I genuinely did not expect that much swoon, I'll be honest
I feel like the trend is second books in a series are usually not as good but this one was absolutely better than the first book. I mean, I definitely enjoyed the first one but I liked this one more.
I wish they had been more character development with the two MCs, but I still enjoyed both characters a lot...but especially James. Honestly I was just so blindsided by how down bad he was for Eliza that I didn't really notice much about the rest 😅 We rate on vibes here, friends
Actually, I think this is one of my fave microtropes, when the MMC is just so confident that he's gonna marry the FMC, there's no question about it. (not in the creepy, possessive way, of course)
Anyway so yeah, I just could not get past the chemistry between E & J, it was so good. I did feel like the spice seemed a little out of the blue toward the beginning though. I understand the point is to emphasize how Eliza wants him just as much but doesn't want to give in but idk, it almost felt like we'd skipped a couple steps at first. Beyond the first few times though, the spice was an excellent emotional payoff.
But other than that, I really enjoyed this book, and definitely recommend it. Now I just can't wait to read Frasier's book!!
🌶️ 3
🥵 Spicy Chapters: 1, 8, 14, 16, 20, 24, 29
❤️🔥 Swoon Factor: 3
👫 Eliza + James
📚 Tropes/Themes: Killers in love, rivals to lovers, mutual pining, dark rom-com, step siblings, forced proximity, workplace rivalry, it's always been you
👀 Dual POV 3rd person
💔 Content warnings: Murder, killing, kidnapping, violence, death, gore
🎀 Special editions: none
Ok, this was ridiculously fun 😂 And SERIOUSLY SWOONY? I genuinely did not expect that much swoon, I'll be honest
I feel like the trend is second books in a series are usually not as good but this one was absolutely better than the first book. I mean, I definitely enjoyed the first one but I liked this one more.
I wish they had been more character development with the two MCs, but I still enjoyed both characters a lot...but especially James. Honestly I was just so blindsided by how down bad he was for Eliza that I didn't really notice much about the rest 😅 We rate on vibes here, friends
Actually, I think this is one of my fave microtropes, when the MMC is just so confident that he's gonna marry the FMC, there's no question about it. (not in the creepy, possessive way, of course)
Anyway so yeah, I just could not get past the chemistry between E & J, it was so good. I did feel like the spice seemed a little out of the blue toward the beginning though. I understand the point is to emphasize how Eliza wants him just as much but doesn't want to give in but idk, it almost felt like we'd skipped a couple steps at first. Beyond the first few times though, the spice was an excellent emotional payoff.
But other than that, I really enjoyed this book, and definitely recommend it. Now I just can't wait to read Frasier's book!!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
As elite contract killers, James and Eliza are part of the Death Council. But the other members refuse to take Eliza seriously because she’s a woman, so she has to work twice as hard as everyone else to prove she belongs there.
Meanwhile, James is completely head over heels for Eliza, and the attraction is definitely mutual. The problem? They’re step siblings, and James has a seat on the Death Council. That’s why Eliza refuses to get involved with him, she knows it could jeopardize her credibility on the Council. And as if that wasn’t enough, something is going wrong with her contracts, and she needs to figure out what’s really happening.
I absolutely adored Eliza! She’s such a badass, strong, smart, and determined. I was rooting for her the whole time. And James? This man is the sweetest. He fell first, he fell hard, and he was so obviously gone for her. I couldn’t get enough of him. Their dynamic was so much fun to watch, especially because Eliza was trying so hard to resist him while James was basically already all in.
The chemistry between them is so hot, and I loved all their chaotic, funny moments. They also make such a great team, which made their scenes together even more fun to read.
The book had my attention from the very beginning thanks to the whole contract killer setup, and when operation Fraser came into play, I was even more invested. I was 500% focused on those chapters and needed to know what was going on.
How to Kill Your Rival is such a fun mix of spicy, sweet romance and a darker vibe that pulls you into the story right away. I’m obsessed with this family. They’re hilarious, chaotic, and somehow always entertaining. I need more of them!
Meanwhile, James is completely head over heels for Eliza, and the attraction is definitely mutual. The problem? They’re step siblings, and James has a seat on the Death Council. That’s why Eliza refuses to get involved with him, she knows it could jeopardize her credibility on the Council. And as if that wasn’t enough, something is going wrong with her contracts, and she needs to figure out what’s really happening.
I absolutely adored Eliza! She’s such a badass, strong, smart, and determined. I was rooting for her the whole time. And James? This man is the sweetest. He fell first, he fell hard, and he was so obviously gone for her. I couldn’t get enough of him. Their dynamic was so much fun to watch, especially because Eliza was trying so hard to resist him while James was basically already all in.
The chemistry between them is so hot, and I loved all their chaotic, funny moments. They also make such a great team, which made their scenes together even more fun to read.
The book had my attention from the very beginning thanks to the whole contract killer setup, and when operation Fraser came into play, I was even more invested. I was 500% focused on those chapters and needed to know what was going on.
How to Kill Your Rival is such a fun mix of spicy, sweet romance and a darker vibe that pulls you into the story right away. I’m obsessed with this family. They’re hilarious, chaotic, and somehow always entertaining. I need more of them!
October 11, 2026
One hundred percent a read that deserves raving about, this is a smart, witty, incredibly charming, and delightfully murdery dark rom com that takes rivals to lovers to soaring and outrageously competitive new heights and it’s a hell of a good time!
Let me start off by saying that I firmly believe Eliza Hamilton is a queen and that she has the strongest iron will I’ve ever seen, because to be totally honest I would have folded to the chemistry she has with James and the way he is literally a foolishly in love with her simp like a cheap paper bag about three pages in. Not our Eliza though she stands firm, toys with him, runs scared, and rules the Death Council with an iron fist and more balls than any of the men also on the council. So, props to her and props to Effie Campbell who has made competing about pretty much anything sexy and fun, contract killing a double-crossing deepest secret sharing good time, and falling for your stepsibling an absolute riot. This is killing with morals, a woman proving that not only has she earned her seat at the table but she did it better than the guys and can lead more effectively than any of them ever dreamed, sabotage, kidnapping, elite primal play and all kinds of smoking hot tension, a man that has been in love with his girl since the moment he laid eyes on her and thinks the most heart melting thoughts about how bloody amazing she is, and letting yourself fall for the guy who is wearing his heart on his sleave for you and proves over and over again that when he says you’ll be my wife he damn well means it. A must read of epic proportions!
Let me start off by saying that I firmly believe Eliza Hamilton is a queen and that she has the strongest iron will I’ve ever seen, because to be totally honest I would have folded to the chemistry she has with James and the way he is literally a foolishly in love with her simp like a cheap paper bag about three pages in. Not our Eliza though she stands firm, toys with him, runs scared, and rules the Death Council with an iron fist and more balls than any of the men also on the council. So, props to her and props to Effie Campbell who has made competing about pretty much anything sexy and fun, contract killing a double-crossing deepest secret sharing good time, and falling for your stepsibling an absolute riot. This is killing with morals, a woman proving that not only has she earned her seat at the table but she did it better than the guys and can lead more effectively than any of them ever dreamed, sabotage, kidnapping, elite primal play and all kinds of smoking hot tension, a man that has been in love with his girl since the moment he laid eyes on her and thinks the most heart melting thoughts about how bloody amazing she is, and letting yourself fall for the guy who is wearing his heart on his sleave for you and proves over and over again that when he says you’ll be my wife he damn well means it. A must read of epic proportions!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
"How to Kill Your Rival" is an incredibly fast-paced, deadly, and entertaining read, packed with tension, competition, and just the right amount of chaos to keep me completely hooked.
I loved Eliza from the very first book, so I had a feeling we were in for one hell of a fiery ride with her story. And honestly, she did not disappoint. 🔥
Eliza and James are contract killers, step-siblings who turn the “family business” into a competition from the very beginning. Who’s faster? Who’s better? Who can get the job done first? When both of them are equally deadly, you just know things are going to get interesting. 🔪
They’re both dangerously sexy assassins. She’s the kind of woman who has bigger balls than every man in the room, while James is a tiny begging puppy whenever he’s around her. And honestly? I was here for it. 😂
I was also really happy to see Maggie and Roman make an appearance. I absolutely love their story, so getting more of them was such a nice bonus. ❤️
I absolutely adore every single member of the Hamilton family. Eliza’s and Maggie’s brother, Fraser, is going to have an interesting mission, and I’m already dying to see how it unfolds. I can’t wait to get more of him and, honestly, I’m already looking forward to his story.
If you’re looking for something with Mr. & Mrs. Smith vibes, but with more assassins, more chaos, and a LOT more spice, definitely add this one to your TBR. 🔥
I loved Eliza from the very first book, so I had a feeling we were in for one hell of a fiery ride with her story. And honestly, she did not disappoint. 🔥
Eliza and James are contract killers, step-siblings who turn the “family business” into a competition from the very beginning. Who’s faster? Who’s better? Who can get the job done first? When both of them are equally deadly, you just know things are going to get interesting. 🔪
They’re both dangerously sexy assassins. She’s the kind of woman who has bigger balls than every man in the room, while James is a tiny begging puppy whenever he’s around her. And honestly? I was here for it. 😂
I was also really happy to see Maggie and Roman make an appearance. I absolutely love their story, so getting more of them was such a nice bonus. ❤️
I absolutely adore every single member of the Hamilton family. Eliza’s and Maggie’s brother, Fraser, is going to have an interesting mission, and I’m already dying to see how it unfolds. I can’t wait to get more of him and, honestly, I’m already looking forward to his story.
If you’re looking for something with Mr. & Mrs. Smith vibes, but with more assassins, more chaos, and a LOT more spice, definitely add this one to your TBR. 🔥
September 10, 2026
James is obsessed with Eliza Hamilton. He’s been obsessed for years, since before their parents married. He wants to marry her. Eliza is focused on work, contract killing and James is her rival. But with someone seemingly out to ruin her reputation and career she turns more to James. The fact he’s attractive and does anything she asks is a bonus.
This book is the second in the Killer Kin series (whilst I haven’t read “How to Kidnap a First date” I read the earlier iteration “The Unwilling Plus One”I really liked the main characters. The FMC is not your typical pushover, she’s focused on her career. And the MMC is obsessed with her, with only slight stalker tendencies. The sexual tension between the pair is well written. The story has a good balance of plot and spice. Including drama on the death council, related to events of the first book, although it can be read as a standalone. Coffin is back, as are the pigs, and of course Maggie, Roman and the rest of the family from book one. Finally (I’m guessing) the next book, with Fraser, has been set up - one I plan to read.
On a less positive note, the Americanisations in a British set novel grated. “Could care less”, really?Gotten. I could go on but I’ll just annoy myself.
Hopefully the typos get fixed before publication(yeeked instead of yeeted. Wholey instead of wholly etc).
This book is the second in the Killer Kin series (whilst I haven’t read “How to Kidnap a First date” I read the earlier iteration “The Unwilling Plus One”I really liked the main characters. The FMC is not your typical pushover, she’s focused on her career. And the MMC is obsessed with her, with only slight stalker tendencies. The sexual tension between the pair is well written. The story has a good balance of plot and spice. Including drama on the death council, related to events of the first book, although it can be read as a standalone. Coffin is back, as are the pigs, and of course Maggie, Roman and the rest of the family from book one. Finally (I’m guessing) the next book, with Fraser, has been set up - one I plan to read.
On a less positive note, the Americanisations in a British set novel grated. “Could care less”, really?Gotten. I could go on but I’ll just annoy myself.
Hopefully the typos get fixed before publication(yeeked instead of yeeted. Wholey instead of wholly etc).
October 10, 2026
🔪☠️ When the tension is just as deadly as the killers…
Eliza Hamilton is a badass assassin with a sharp tongue, a serious body count and absolutely no interest in being underestimated by the men on the Death Council. She’s determined to prove she has what it takes to rule, but there’s just one little problem… someone keeps killing her targets before she can get to them!
Naturally, her suspicions fall on James Rutherford, her ridiculously gorgeous new stepbrother, biggest rival and the one person who seems capable of staying one step ahead of her. 😏
But when a much bigger threat comes along, Eliza and James have no choice but to put their rivalry aside and work together. Between the constant bickering, dangerous chemistry and their mutual appreciation for murder, things are about to get VERY complicated!
Honestly, this sounds like such a chaotic, unhinged read, and I’m absolutely here for it! 😂 Give me a morally grey heroine who doesn’t take nonsense from anyone, a rival who knows exactly how to push her buttons, and enough tension to make you wonder whether they’re going to kiss or kill each other next.
The killer rivals-to-lovers trope, mutual pining, hate-kissing and competitive flirting? Sign me UP! 🔥 I also love the idea of murder being their love language because apparently, in this world, a little threat of homicide is just another way of showing affection. 💀😂
If you’re a fan of dark romance, morally grey characters, sharp banter and completely unhinged chemistry, this sounds like one to add to your TBR immediately!
❤️🔥 Tell me, are you here for the murderous chaos, the romance, or BOTH? Because personally, I’m here for all of it! 🔪🖤
Eliza Hamilton is a badass assassin with a sharp tongue, a serious body count and absolutely no interest in being underestimated by the men on the Death Council. She’s determined to prove she has what it takes to rule, but there’s just one little problem… someone keeps killing her targets before she can get to them!
Naturally, her suspicions fall on James Rutherford, her ridiculously gorgeous new stepbrother, biggest rival and the one person who seems capable of staying one step ahead of her. 😏
But when a much bigger threat comes along, Eliza and James have no choice but to put their rivalry aside and work together. Between the constant bickering, dangerous chemistry and their mutual appreciation for murder, things are about to get VERY complicated!
Honestly, this sounds like such a chaotic, unhinged read, and I’m absolutely here for it! 😂 Give me a morally grey heroine who doesn’t take nonsense from anyone, a rival who knows exactly how to push her buttons, and enough tension to make you wonder whether they’re going to kiss or kill each other next.
The killer rivals-to-lovers trope, mutual pining, hate-kissing and competitive flirting? Sign me UP! 🔥 I also love the idea of murder being their love language because apparently, in this world, a little threat of homicide is just another way of showing affection. 💀😂
If you’re a fan of dark romance, morally grey characters, sharp banter and completely unhinged chemistry, this sounds like one to add to your TBR immediately!
❤️🔥 Tell me, are you here for the murderous chaos, the romance, or BOTH? Because personally, I’m here for all of it! 🔪🖤
October 24, 2026
A light, slightly dark read... but most importantly, FUNNY. And I mean the kind of funny that makes you laugh out loud, so I definitely wouldn’t recommend reading this book in public.
If you’re looking for pitch-black main characters, this might not be for you. But otherwise, I absolutely recommend picking this one up.
James was incredibly sweet, and I fell in love with him almost immediately. The way he’s obsessed is just adorable, and I absolutely adore him for it.
Eliza? An FMC who knows how to stand her ground and is definitely NOT a damsel in distress.
The chemistry between them was amazing, and the spicy scenes were absolutely worth it... but for me, the real highlight of this book was the humor. This was exactly what I needed right now. Scenes you definitely wouldn’t want to find yourself in, but on paper? Absolutely hilarious.
There were several moments like that, and I enjoyed every single one of them, along with the entire story. And even though this book had a great plot, I honestly think I could read a book twice this long consisting of nothing but the characters’ dialogue because it’s just THAT good.
If you’re looking for pitch-black main characters, this might not be for you. But otherwise, I absolutely recommend picking this one up.
James was incredibly sweet, and I fell in love with him almost immediately. The way he’s obsessed is just adorable, and I absolutely adore him for it.
Eliza? An FMC who knows how to stand her ground and is definitely NOT a damsel in distress.
The chemistry between them was amazing, and the spicy scenes were absolutely worth it... but for me, the real highlight of this book was the humor. This was exactly what I needed right now. Scenes you definitely wouldn’t want to find yourself in, but on paper? Absolutely hilarious.
There were several moments like that, and I enjoyed every single one of them, along with the entire story. And even though this book had a great plot, I honestly think I could read a book twice this long consisting of nothing but the characters’ dialogue because it’s just THAT good.
September 27, 2026
4.5⭐️ | 2🌶️ | ARC Review
I’m not always a romcom girl, but Effie Campbell knows exactly how to lure me in—with a bada$$ FMC, an unhinged romance, and a mystery that makes me think I’ve cracked the case right before proving me spectacularly wrong. 😂 After loving Maggie’s story, I was a little nervous Eliza’s wouldn’t hit quite the same way. I should’ve known better.
Eliza is strong, independent, and takes absolutely no 💩, and her rivalry with James is delicious. The crime scene competition, sharp banter, competitive flirting, and all that pent-up yearning had me hooked. And the hate kissing? The rough desire? The knives?! I was having the time of my life. 🔪🔥
Somehow Effie makes this story dark, spicy, twisty, and laugh-out-loud funny without missing a beat. I’m so glad I got to read both books in this series as ARCs, and I’m already impatient for the next one! 🖤
Tropes:
💜Archenemies to lovers
🔪 Bada$$ FMC
💜 Mutual pining
🔪 Stalker
💜 Forced proximity
🔪 Step-siblings
💜 Serial unalivers
🔪 Competitive flirting
I’m not always a romcom girl, but Effie Campbell knows exactly how to lure me in—with a bada$$ FMC, an unhinged romance, and a mystery that makes me think I’ve cracked the case right before proving me spectacularly wrong. 😂 After loving Maggie’s story, I was a little nervous Eliza’s wouldn’t hit quite the same way. I should’ve known better.
Eliza is strong, independent, and takes absolutely no 💩, and her rivalry with James is delicious. The crime scene competition, sharp banter, competitive flirting, and all that pent-up yearning had me hooked. And the hate kissing? The rough desire? The knives?! I was having the time of my life. 🔪🔥
Somehow Effie makes this story dark, spicy, twisty, and laugh-out-loud funny without missing a beat. I’m so glad I got to read both books in this series as ARCs, and I’m already impatient for the next one! 🖤
Tropes:
💜Archenemies to lovers
🔪 Bada$$ FMC
💜 Mutual pining
🔪 Stalker
💜 Forced proximity
🔪 Step-siblings
💜 Serial unalivers
🔪 Competitive flirting
Review of advance copy received from Publisher
Eliza Hamilton is now the head of the Death Council, a secret society of elite killers, and the last thing she needs is someone messing with her kills. Her prime suspect? James, her infuriatingly gorgeous stepbrother, lifelong rival, and the man who’s been obsessed with her for YEARS. 👀🔪
He wants her heart. She wants to prove she’s the deadliest person in the room. And somewhere between murder, banter, and a whole lot of sexual tension, things get messy.
James is down SO BAD for Eliza, and watching this lethal man turn into a lovesick, attention-seeking puppy around her was bookish gold. Meanwhile, Eliza is badass, ruthless, and not about to let a man distract her from her body count. Or so she claims. 👀
I loved how their rivalry slowly revealed just how deep James's obsession ran. Every little interaction hit differently once you realised how long he'd been gone for her. And Eliza? Watching her hold her own in a world full of men who underestimate her was SO satisfying.
Another great addition to the Killer Kin series. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in Fraser’s story!
He wants her heart. She wants to prove she’s the deadliest person in the room. And somewhere between murder, banter, and a whole lot of sexual tension, things get messy.
James is down SO BAD for Eliza, and watching this lethal man turn into a lovesick, attention-seeking puppy around her was bookish gold. Meanwhile, Eliza is badass, ruthless, and not about to let a man distract her from her body count. Or so she claims. 👀
I loved how their rivalry slowly revealed just how deep James's obsession ran. Every little interaction hit differently once you realised how long he'd been gone for her. And Eliza? Watching her hold her own in a world full of men who underestimate her was SO satisfying.
Another great addition to the Killer Kin series. I’m looking forward to seeing what happens in Fraser’s story!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
How to Kill Your Rival by Effie Campbell sounds like the kind of book that will keep you hooked! This dark romantic comedy brought together the perfect recipe for chaos: rival contract killers, undeniable tension, dangerous chemistry, and two people who might want to kill each other just as much as they want to kiss each other. The enemies-to-lovers trope is always a favorite, but when both characters are deadly, the stakes become even higher! What makes this kind of story so entertaining is the push and pull between hatred and attraction. The banter, the competition, and the constant question of whether these characters will destroy each other or fall hopelessly in love make for a deliciously chaotic romance. Overall, How to Kill Your Rival was a romance where the line between wanting to strangle someone and wanting to kiss them is dangerously thin.
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
I received an ARC copy from NetGalley. Thank you for giving me the chance to read this novel and share my honest review of the novel
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Eliza Hamilton is the current leader of the Death Council, after her father had to step down to health issues. The Death Council is made up of a lot of contract killer families that kill the scum of the Earth for money. Eliza has a lot on her plate: dealing with her stepbrother, James Rutherford, constantly competing and flirting with her, and now the possibility of misogynistic men in the Council sabotaging her contracts. Can Eliza and James hash out their feelings? Will they be able to unveil the person or persons behind the sabotage? You will only be able to find out if you read this!
The spicy bits were spicy and the attraction between James and Eliza was fiery, however, the dialogue could have used some work, and I would have liked for some of the storyline to be elaborated upon.
#ThxNetGalley #EffieCampbell #HowtoKillYourRival
The spicy bits were spicy and the attraction between James and Eliza was fiery, however, the dialogue could have used some work, and I would have liked for some of the storyline to be elaborated upon.
#ThxNetGalley #EffieCampbell #HowtoKillYourRival
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
3.25 ⭐️
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the eARC ❤️
If you know me, I am NEVER skipping a stepsibling trope 🌚 I loveddddd how down bad James was. He didn't care that they were stepsiblings, he knew what he wanted and he was unashamed of it. My issue was with Eliza 😮💨 she was so frustrating because she was chest deep in denial. Like girl, stop denying you love him!!!
The story took a while to really settle in and get moving. The first 30% was quite slow but once the ball started rolling, it was really engaging. 👏🏻 I preferred the plot in the first book but the romance was sweeter and hotter in this one 🫶🏻 I didn't feel like the plot in this was especially great but the romance made up for it.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for the eARC ❤️
If you know me, I am NEVER skipping a stepsibling trope 🌚 I loveddddd how down bad James was. He didn't care that they were stepsiblings, he knew what he wanted and he was unashamed of it. My issue was with Eliza 😮💨 she was so frustrating because she was chest deep in denial. Like girl, stop denying you love him!!!
The story took a while to really settle in and get moving. The first 30% was quite slow but once the ball started rolling, it was really engaging. 👏🏻 I preferred the plot in the first book but the romance was sweeter and hotter in this one 🫶🏻 I didn't feel like the plot in this was especially great but the romance made up for it.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy of this book.
I was looking forward to reading Maggie’s story, I love a strong FmC and she was a force to be reckoned with, smart and witty who can more than hold her own. Pair that with James, who matches her strength, is soft only for her, and appreciated her for exactly who she is, they are just fire together 🔥🔥
I liked the rivalry and competitiveness, constantly trying to outdo each other, but then as soon as it hits the fan, Maggie just has James’ unwavering support, we love to see it.
It was quick paced which made it seem even more tense and exciting, especially towards the end, and as per usual with Effie’s books, it flowed really well and was easy to read.
A great follow up from the first in the series, it was good to catch up with the family, especially coffin, bless him. I’m looking forward to reading Fraser’s book!
I was looking forward to reading Maggie’s story, I love a strong FmC and she was a force to be reckoned with, smart and witty who can more than hold her own. Pair that with James, who matches her strength, is soft only for her, and appreciated her for exactly who she is, they are just fire together 🔥🔥
I liked the rivalry and competitiveness, constantly trying to outdo each other, but then as soon as it hits the fan, Maggie just has James’ unwavering support, we love to see it.
It was quick paced which made it seem even more tense and exciting, especially towards the end, and as per usual with Effie’s books, it flowed really well and was easy to read.
A great follow up from the first in the series, it was good to catch up with the family, especially coffin, bless him. I’m looking forward to reading Fraser’s book!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I am completely captivated by this book and its characters. I had a glimpse of these characters in the first installment, which already piqued my interest. I truly believed she would never give him the time of day. Thankfully, he waited for her and continuously showed her how much he cares and desires her.
This is the second book in the series, and I highly recommend reading the first one. Not only is it absolutely incredible, but it also provides background and insight into each couple and the family business.
I genuinely can't wait for the release of the third book!
Thank you for this amazing opportunity to read the eARC, and I am happy to provide my honest review in return.
This is the second book in the series, and I highly recommend reading the first one. Not only is it absolutely incredible, but it also provides background and insight into each couple and the family business.
I genuinely can't wait for the release of the third book!
Thank you for this amazing opportunity to read the eARC, and I am happy to provide my honest review in return.
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