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Don't Call Me Hero #3
Cold Blooded Lover
Former Marine, Cassidy Miller knew what it took to be a good soldier and even a decent beat cop. She was starting to figure out how to be a girlfriend as her relationship with Julia Desjardin progressed, but what did she know about being a cold case detective?
Buried under paperwork in the basement of the Fourth Police Precinct, she was going to have to figure it out. An unidentified Jane Doe, an unusual poison, and a decade passing since the murder wasn't going to make it easy on her. Plus a call in the middle of the night reminds her that as much as she might want to move on from her time in the military, some things would always keep dragging her back.
Buried under paperwork in the basement of the Fourth Police Precinct, she was going to have to figure it out. An unidentified Jane Doe, an unusual poison, and a decade passing since the murder wasn't going to make it easy on her. Plus a call in the middle of the night reminds her that as much as she might want to move on from her time in the military, some things would always keep dragging her back.
264 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 29, 2017
147 people are currently reading
353 people want to read
About the author
Eliza Lentzski
30 books851 followersEliza Lentzski is the best-selling author of sapphic fiction, romance, and erotica including the Winter Jacket and Don’t Call Me Hero series. A historian by day, Eliza is passionate about telling the stories of marginalized communities.
Born and raised in the upper Midwest—a landscape that often shapes her novels—Eliza now lives in Boston with her wife and their cat, Charley.
Born and raised in the upper Midwest—a landscape that often shapes her novels—Eliza now lives in Boston with her wife and their cat, Charley.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
January 19, 2020
Another great book in the series
It usually doesn't take me this long to read a book but gosh darnit if Mass Effect Andromeda is nit eating up all my spare time and sleep hours...ok back to the review.
This is the third installment in the "Don't Call Me Hero" series and picks up pretty much where the last one left off, Cassidy "promoted" to detective and working Cold Case and Julia as a defense attorney. The main story is about Cassidy and how her life is changing both professionally and personally. There are no drastic changes in any of the characters but there is growth in their relationship. They way it ended, it looks as if the next installment (fingers crossed it continues) will be centered more around Julia, from Cassidy's POV of course.
Read it...but not before the other ones...but yea read it!
It usually doesn't take me this long to read a book but gosh darnit if Mass Effect Andromeda is nit eating up all my spare time and sleep hours...ok back to the review.
This is the third installment in the "Don't Call Me Hero" series and picks up pretty much where the last one left off, Cassidy "promoted" to detective and working Cold Case and Julia as a defense attorney. The main story is about Cassidy and how her life is changing both professionally and personally. There are no drastic changes in any of the characters but there is growth in their relationship. They way it ended, it looks as if the next installment (fingers crossed it continues) will be centered more around Julia, from Cassidy's POV of course.
Read it...but not before the other ones...but yea read it!
April 27, 2018
Picking up almost right where book 2 left off, we once again dive into the lives of Cassidy, who is now a cold case detective and her defense attorney girlfriend Julia as they try and balance their relationship, work and life in general. Of course that's a lot easier said than done and there are quite a few bumps in the road but I really liked the way these were handled. They really seem to balance each other out so much better now.
As for the crime aspect of the book, I was a little disappointed because we didn't get a lot of answers about a case that Cassidy is working on. In fact a lot of questions I still have from book 1 & 2 are still left unanswered. Hopefully the author will tackle these in the next installment of this fantastic series.
One of the minor things I didn't like was Julia still using "dear" as a term of endearment. It makes her sound like she went to school with Wilma Flintstone. Thankfully that only occurred a few times so it didn't annoy me as much as in the first two novels. My biggest issue with this book however is that it's part of a series. Before reading this I skimmed through the first two books again to reacquaint myself with the characters and where the story left off. Once again though I'm left hanging, wondering when the next book will arrive. Hopefully soon. *fingers crossed*
Full of ups and downs, sweet moments and scorching hot sex scenes, this is a series you need to read! (especially if you're a SwanQueen fan) 4,5*
As for the crime aspect of the book, I was a little disappointed because we didn't get a lot of answers about a case that Cassidy is working on. In fact a lot of questions I still have from book 1 & 2 are still left unanswered. Hopefully the author will tackle these in the next installment of this fantastic series.
One of the minor things I didn't like was Julia still using "dear" as a term of endearment. It makes her sound like she went to school with Wilma Flintstone. Thankfully that only occurred a few times so it didn't annoy me as much as in the first two novels. My biggest issue with this book however is that it's part of a series. Before reading this I skimmed through the first two books again to reacquaint myself with the characters and where the story left off. Once again though I'm left hanging, wondering when the next book will arrive. Hopefully soon. *fingers crossed*
Full of ups and downs, sweet moments and scorching hot sex scenes, this is a series you need to read! (especially if you're a SwanQueen fan) 4,5*
June 24, 2019
4.5 stars - I absolutely love this series. I think this one may have been my favourite? The sex scenes were hella hot. I have a big crush on Julia.
March 30, 2021
What!! Still can’t share with us readers your age? Still... I’m loving this series....and Julia Desjardin 🙂
April 5, 2017
My favorite on this series so far.
Cassidy matured a bit and of course their relationship too.
She actually redeemed herself here.
Julia! Julia! Julia! You make my heart melt always.
Ice Queens are my weakness.
So happy they took their relationship to the next level.
I don't think this is the end of the series. There are still so many unanswered questions. I'm curious who really killed Tracey. Please tell me there's more!!! :(
Cassidy matured a bit and of course their relationship too.
She actually redeemed herself here.
Julia! Julia! Julia! You make my heart melt always.
Ice Queens are my weakness.
So happy they took their relationship to the next level.
I don't think this is the end of the series. There are still so many unanswered questions. I'm curious who really killed Tracey. Please tell me there's more!!! :(
February 19, 2020
MC Cassidy has been moved to Cold Case Division, not by her choice, frankly she's pissed, as she has to learn new ropes, new team mates, all while continuing to build her relationship with MC Julia, the ice-queen attorney. This is another fairly solid story in the series, but did have a few flaws.
The story centers around a cold case Cassidy is put on, and a few new secondary characters are involved who are mildly entertaining (truth or dare anyone?). It didn't have the best resolution, so I wonder if it will be brought up again in the next book. This part was ok but not super strong, as again, the main show of this series is the relationship b/w Cassidy and Julia. I truly, truly love this couple, with all their insecurities and coldness and intensity and heat and growth. They push each others boundaries in so many ways, emotionally and physically, all while try to support one another as best they can.
I remain confused as to why Cassidy was taken off active duty though. There was a lame mention of not following an order by her dickhead partner from the previous book, who clearly had something crawling up his ass, but then this story-line was completely left open. Huh....
There was one a jarring part worth mentioning that really confused me near the end. One chapter ends with Julia accompanying Cassidy to a funeral (a very short chapter that I thought was hastily added), and the next chapter starts with Cassidy stating that Julia wasn't speaking to her. I was so confused, I went back three times and try and figure out what I missed, and was convinced something was missing in the ebook I got. Later in the chapter it is somewhat shakily revealed, with very poor flow. Had this been completed with more detail right away without all the guesswork, it could have made the funeral story line more important and relevant.
Again the sex, the sex! Wow just.....wow. I can't even rate it, off the charts. Whew, pass me a fan. If I had sex like this I would leave the house dancing like this guy, mos def with that leg kick at 1:35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_426...
I really enjoy Ms. Lentzski's writing. I quickly put these two characters on my list of top lesfic couples and I look forward to continuing on their journey with book 4.
The story centers around a cold case Cassidy is put on, and a few new secondary characters are involved who are mildly entertaining (truth or dare anyone?). It didn't have the best resolution, so I wonder if it will be brought up again in the next book. This part was ok but not super strong, as again, the main show of this series is the relationship b/w Cassidy and Julia. I truly, truly love this couple, with all their insecurities and coldness and intensity and heat and growth. They push each others boundaries in so many ways, emotionally and physically, all while try to support one another as best they can.
I remain confused as to why Cassidy was taken off active duty though. There was a lame mention of not following an order by her dickhead partner from the previous book, who clearly had something crawling up his ass, but then this story-line was completely left open. Huh....
There was one a jarring part worth mentioning that really confused me near the end. One chapter ends with Julia accompanying Cassidy to a funeral (a very short chapter that I thought was hastily added), and the next chapter starts with Cassidy stating that Julia wasn't speaking to her. I was so confused, I went back three times and try and figure out what I missed, and was convinced something was missing in the ebook I got. Later in the chapter it is somewhat shakily revealed, with very poor flow. Had this been completed with more detail right away without all the guesswork, it could have made the funeral story line more important and relevant.
Again the sex, the sex! Wow just.....wow. I can't even rate it, off the charts. Whew, pass me a fan. If I had sex like this I would leave the house dancing like this guy, mos def with that leg kick at 1:35. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a_426...
I really enjoy Ms. Lentzski's writing. I quickly put these two characters on my list of top lesfic couples and I look forward to continuing on their journey with book 4.
June 15, 2021
Julia and Cassidy just get better and better. I must reiterate that Julia is totally swoonworthy!
April 15, 2017
This is not my favorite in the series..but I seriously love me some Julia and Cassidy. Can't wait for more!!!!
April 23, 2017
This is by far the best book in the series. Looking forward to the next book!
July 13, 2024
4 Stars
What can I say? The story endures. Book 3 focuses on Cassidy changing departments at work and solving a cold case. Relationship wise, there’s a bit of trouble but the couple is made of two strong willed women.
What can I say? The story endures. Book 3 focuses on Cassidy changing departments at work and solving a cold case. Relationship wise, there’s a bit of trouble but the couple is made of two strong willed women.
May 1, 2024
I love this series so much. I am so grateful that it was adapted into an audiobook. Lori Prince was phenomenal as always.
April 8, 2017
Great 3rd book in the series. There are other things that happen in these books but it's the relationship between Cassidy and Julia that holds. I got so involved I read the whole book in one sitting. Hope we don't have to wait too long for another.
July 23, 2022
I’m really enjoying this series and the way this couple grows and interacts.
March 3, 2020
These days, I hate committing myself to read series but Don't Call Me Hero is The.Series. no one who reads Lesbian Romance should missed. I read book 1 ages ago and decided to pick the 2nd book up as I was missing Lentzski's writing but didn't want to reread. The most logical thing to do, read and try to finish up this series.
About the story... One thing I HATE in books is insta-love. Just doesn't seem real no matter how it's portrayed. This DOESN'T happen here. Cassidy and Julia's relationship was just so REAL from the beginning to the end, and that's another thing I absolutely loved! They start off pretty much confused with each other, even with the sexual attraction, and it takes them a while to get to liking, and then something deeper, to start a relationship. It was a slow build through the series, both with the story and their emotions, and I guess the same was with my feelings about it. I started off liking the book but the more I read the more I fell in love, and by the time I finished I was ready to propose and have my "happily ever after" with it.
So Readers, watch two most stubborn and wonderful people come together - in every sense. I love Julia. Capable. Strong. A class act. It's nice to see a heroine who is the opposite of bitchy. Julia is quite flawless and for a filthy rich lady she doesn't shove her wealth on Cassidy's face. Even though Julia is older, the allure and intelligence in her captivated Cassidy. She is very attractive, incredibly kind-hearted, generous and open-minded. On top of that, the mind-shattering sex is helping them to get along just fine.
Well, Cassidy…beer and pizza lover, who radiates presence from head to toes. Strong. Sexy. Minimal self-confident. Protective. Unpretentious. Cassidy sometimes believes that she doesn't belong there and has to deal with her well written ptsd issues. Classy Julia seems to be quite out of her league, will she ever be enough for Julia??
Highly recommended if you're looking for a sinfully hot read with a certain substance. This read is proof that an author can write an erotic book with style and class. There is absolutely no need for hard-core-porn-slutty sex and speech.
One scene in this had my jaw dropped and panties drenched in the speed of Og. It was Julia's birthday, she got Cassidy a gift - what a girlfriend right? Yes and so much more. God that scene + all the sex scenes in DCMH series put Lentzski among the top sex scene master builder in both hetero and lesbian genre. No sex scenes are the same and you'll be climaxing at different heights too.
Happy reading and some helpful tips
- your panties will remain wet throughout the books, so heavy duty panty liners MIGHT help... I call bullshit.
- check the battery level for your current favorite toy.
- tell your friends/family members that you got fired/dumped and need some alone time (to process everything) to devour this power couple. Privacy is one of the most vital element to enjoy DCMH.
About the story... One thing I HATE in books is insta-love. Just doesn't seem real no matter how it's portrayed. This DOESN'T happen here. Cassidy and Julia's relationship was just so REAL from the beginning to the end, and that's another thing I absolutely loved! They start off pretty much confused with each other, even with the sexual attraction, and it takes them a while to get to liking, and then something deeper, to start a relationship. It was a slow build through the series, both with the story and their emotions, and I guess the same was with my feelings about it. I started off liking the book but the more I read the more I fell in love, and by the time I finished I was ready to propose and have my "happily ever after" with it.
So Readers, watch two most stubborn and wonderful people come together - in every sense. I love Julia. Capable. Strong. A class act. It's nice to see a heroine who is the opposite of bitchy. Julia is quite flawless and for a filthy rich lady she doesn't shove her wealth on Cassidy's face. Even though Julia is older, the allure and intelligence in her captivated Cassidy. She is very attractive, incredibly kind-hearted, generous and open-minded. On top of that, the mind-shattering sex is helping them to get along just fine.
Well, Cassidy…beer and pizza lover, who radiates presence from head to toes. Strong. Sexy. Minimal self-confident. Protective. Unpretentious. Cassidy sometimes believes that she doesn't belong there and has to deal with her well written ptsd issues. Classy Julia seems to be quite out of her league, will she ever be enough for Julia??
Highly recommended if you're looking for a sinfully hot read with a certain substance. This read is proof that an author can write an erotic book with style and class. There is absolutely no need for hard-core-porn-slutty sex and speech.
One scene in this had my jaw dropped and panties drenched in the speed of Og. It was Julia's birthday, she got Cassidy a gift - what a girlfriend right? Yes and so much more. God that scene + all the sex scenes in DCMH series put Lentzski among the top sex scene master builder in both hetero and lesbian genre. No sex scenes are the same and you'll be climaxing at different heights too.
Happy reading and some helpful tips
- your panties will remain wet throughout the books, so heavy duty panty liners MIGHT help... I call bullshit.
- check the battery level for your current favorite toy.
- tell your friends/family members that you got fired/dumped and need some alone time (to process everything) to devour this power couple. Privacy is one of the most vital element to enjoy DCMH.
June 20, 2021
So good, so good!
Lentzski is one of my favorite author's. She creates the most interesting stories, deep emotions, interesting and likeable characters. This book is no exception.
This is the 3rd book in the "Hero" series. I suggest you start with book I but this could be read as a standalone. But you would be missing so much character color and especially the relationship development between Cassidy and Julia.
I already have book 4 and I will be starting it right now.
I highly recommend this series.
Lentzski is one of my favorite author's. She creates the most interesting stories, deep emotions, interesting and likeable characters. This book is no exception.
This is the 3rd book in the "Hero" series. I suggest you start with book I but this could be read as a standalone. But you would be missing so much character color and especially the relationship development between Cassidy and Julia.
I already have book 4 and I will be starting it right now.
I highly recommend this series.
July 8, 2021
This is the third of the five books in this series. I was hoping they would get better as they go, but it’s pretty much even on them all. This one did have a little more grammar errors than the others. The sex scenes are on point but the plot is predictable. Regardless, it’s entertaining and I’m moving into book four.
April 5, 2017
Great book
I really love these characters and their relationship. I like reading about how Cassidy has changed from the first book, Julia too.
I really love these characters and their relationship. I like reading about how Cassidy has changed from the first book, Julia too.
June 10, 2024
One of the problems with books in series is the wait and the loss of memory on what the ones you've read was all about before reading the ones not yet read. Thus, i had to reread the previous two books before embarking on this.
The relationship here seems more settled, even though i still get an unequal vibe. And i think ptsd is already on a journey of the past.
The relationship here seems more settled, even though i still get an unequal vibe. And i think ptsd is already on a journey of the past.
June 14, 2021
Very good book
Like the first two books this one is very good. The relationship between Julia and Cassidy is really intense and sexy. The cold case mystery was very interesting and I was hooked from the get go. Very good book.
Like the first two books this one is very good. The relationship between Julia and Cassidy is really intense and sexy. The cold case mystery was very interesting and I was hooked from the get go. Very good book.
July 11, 2021
10Jul21 - With the release of the the 5th book, I read the entire series again. Very impressive writing that draws readers in easily. I am falling in love with the characters, Julia and Cassidy all over again
January 9, 2024
Book three in the Don’t Call Me A Hero series was a very comfortable and pleasant reading experience. I loved it so much that I savored every page! It was very easy reading. Cassidy was now working on cold cases and the first case was easy to follow and easy to figure out. That didn’t bother me because the book was also interspersed with a lot of very nice sex scenes. In fact, I’m declaring Eliza Lentzski the author with best intimate scenes!
I just love Cassidy and Julia and their chemistry. There were also other interesting characters that provided some humor and some sadness.
I just love Cassidy and Julia and their chemistry. There were also other interesting characters that provided some humor and some sadness.
June 26, 2017
An enjoyable read that had me hooked from start to finish. Julia Desjardin and Cassidy Miller, what a dynamic couple. The support they provide each other is so real, you can feel it. Opposites attract comes to mind as you watch and cheer for their coupling. Oh yeah, the sex is smoking hot.
April 7, 2021
The book was good but I didn't like the end. I was hoping for Cassidy to really engage in the new job and solve the case. Although it was very entrentaniment to see her relationship with Julia evolve, to see how the couple dealt with their struggles and really figure it out how to work as a team.
This is a good series and I find myself enjoying very much Eliza's writing.
This is a good series and I find myself enjoying very much Eliza's writing.
October 13, 2017
Nice ending
I think most of the questions are answered. I found it strange that there was no real follow-up with Julia's mom. This book did bring a bit of detective work which also fell a bit short for me. Other than that it was a nice ending.
I think most of the questions are answered. I found it strange that there was no real follow-up with Julia's mom. This book did bring a bit of detective work which also fell a bit short for me. Other than that it was a nice ending.
November 14, 2018
Loved the series! This was my second time reading. I hope we see another book in this series!
July 10, 2019
4 stars | I have such a huge crush on Julia... Ice queens get to me.
August 20, 2024
Cold Blooded Lover? If you're expecting an interspecies romance between a woman and an alligator, I'm here to disappoint you. The title refers to nothing in the story. I mean, if the crime had been solved with the reveal of a merciless killer (oops, spoiler) maybe it could have meant something. However, the title's meaning is as mysterious as the killer in this third book in the series--but at least it had a killer instead of an embezzler and a parking rules violator from the first two books. So, with the generous curve in mind, and the distaste of the second book lingering, Book 3 gets 3-stars.
Honestly, I think Lentzski intended to reveal the killer, but then changed her mind once she realized she had hit critical mass in the page count. Could she have opted to have had less "sex is the panacea for pain and trauma" scenes and more plot and character development? Sure. Instead, she opted to not solve the mystery (i.e., resolve the main plot) and played it off like "you can't win 'em all" and other pathetic bromides like "everything happens for a reason."
While complaining about the author, I would be remiss if I did not mention her consistent misuse of terms. The two that stand out are "dissemble" and "dirty bomb." Since she has misused both of them in each book, I have to assume the Lentzski is coming from a place of misinformed ignorance and not simply an editorial whoopsie.
To be clear, according to Merriam-Webster and every other dictionary:
DISSEMBLE
verb
dis·sem·ble di-ˈsem-bəl
transitive verb
1
: to hide under a false appearance
However, in each use of this word in these books, it has followed an instance of a character being surprisingly forthright, from the POV of the narrator, Cassidy. The author clearly thinks "to dissemble" means the exact opposite of lying.
What about Dirty Bomb? Well...
According to Britannica (and Wikipedia and really any source):
DIRTY BOMB
weapon
dirty bomb, explosive device designed to scatter radioactive material, hence the adjective dirty.
In these books, Cassidy constantly refers to a "dirty bomb" that injured her, blew of Pensacola's legs and killed her squad. What she means is IED (Improvised Explosive Device), and she sometimes does call it an IED. However, the author has confused the typically crude nature of an IED's construction with being "dirty". Likely she conflated news stories about concerns for IEDs and "Dirty" Bombs.
As with "dissemble", as a one-time error, it's not so bad. However, she really leans into it. Plus, this is the keystone event in the main character's backstory. That's why I always say, "Devote a modicum of research to major aspects of a character's life." Okay, I don't always say it. I just made it up now, but I stand by it. Get the major details correct--which leads me to another problem.
Why is Cassidy Miller a detective? (follow-up questions: Why do people think she is a good cop?). Cassidy was one year out of the Academy when she quit the Minneapolis Police. She spent a few months in Embarrass, MN (maybe) and the Chief called her a detective there as well, but since Embarrass doesn't have a police force (or mayor or...), I suppose they don't have to follow the rules. In any case, Cassidy returns to the MPD and her partner, after a few weeks, partly out of spite and partly out of truthful observation of her behavior, dubs Cassidy unfit for active duty. She is assigned to the Cold Case unit as a "compromise" (which in the real world would mean, to avoid lawsuits) and she gets the title of "Detective" again--a promotion from "Officer." The problem is that to become a police detective requires four or five years of service. Special classes and training. Interviews. A test. She does none of that. I'd have to imagine that an officer, little more than a rookie who essentially washed out (twice), gets to the title of detective would make her one of the most hated members of the force where her gender and sexual orientation would be used in the cries of preferential treatment.
Hey! Why aren't you talking about the story! These are just quibbling details. Like I said, they don't solve the case. What's the point of describing wheels spinning? After two other characters, Stanley and Sarah did the grunt work of finding out the name of the Jane Doe, the case--for all intents--stalled.
What about the romance? The reason for the reading for most of us! Well, yes, there is a lot of sex in this story. Cassidy and Julia can barely keep their hands off each other when they aren't harping about petty stuff to then lead to even more sex.
As far as positives are concerned in this regard, Lentzski handles the first-time use of a strap-on better than I've seen any other in this genre so far. Most of the time, despite never having used one, the characters take to it like a fish to water, with glee and vigor. In this story, by comparison, the presentation was remarkably realistic with legitimate confusion and nervousness and a natural building of confidence.
Thus ends the positives.
Three books in, it is clear that Cassidy and Julia should not be together. Oh, sure, the author has all the characters say how great they are together, but they're not. They are in a toxic codependent relationship. Julia is domineering and selfish with significant narcissistic tendencies and Cassidy is pathologically insecure. On her first week (day?!) of her new job, Julia becomes upset that Cassidy gets called into work. This is the first time it has happened (granted it happened when she was a beat cop too) and she acts like it's a pattern. All this while completely ignoring that she constantly brings work home. Cassidy notes this but meekly says nothing. She "doesn't want to fight" and worst of all, "being in love is better than being right" as if the two are mutually exclusive or as if that was a bedrock truism.
Is it worth getting into a fight with your beloved over which way to face the toilet paper? Probably not. I mean, sure the patent shows the forward-facing placement--but never mind. However, this is Julia saying, "Your job is not as important as my job." Or, more fundamentally, "When I do it, it's okay because it's me but not when it's you." Worse still, invariably, Cassidy comes crawling back to apologize. Julia may say, "No, I should apologize" but it's never independent of Cassidy trying to apologize despite not having done anything wrong. Being "right" here matters because it is reflective of how the partners regard and treat each other.
The "going into work" thing "pays off" later with another scene when it is Julia's birthday. Improbably--nonsensically--ludicrously--Cassidy doesn't know Julia's age or even the date on the calendar of her birth. I mean, Cassidy worked with David in Embarrass and he and Julia were in school together. Does she not know how old David is? Or are her alleged detective skills so poor she can't connect the dots? Grace Kelly is literal town gossip. She knows "everyone" in town. So, it never came up?
Annnnyyywayyy, Julia tells Cassidy it is her birthday the morning of and gives her a strap-on and tells her she wants Cassidy to use it on her that night for her present. No, she doesn't bother to ask Cassidy if she is okay with using such a device. People like Julia don't ask. So, when (prepare to be shocked) Cassidy is forced to work late (are you shocked?), Julia gets upset (another shocker). After Cassidy explains the situation (informing parents about the death of their daughter) and that her captain is making her go, Julia pretends to understand then slips in "I can't believe you're leaving me alone on my birthday." Remember, she just told Cassidy that morning it was her birthday, so how important could it possibly be? If you didn't want her to make a fuss, you can't make a fuss either when the fuss you wanted doesn't...fuss...out. Where was I? Ah yes...
So, the night, Cassidy (feeling bad) calls Julia because she's worried that she might have a PTSD episode and that her coworker Sarah will freak out. Julia's reaction after saying she'd be there for her-she could call and talk through it-- is to realize Sarah will be sharing a hotel room (because the department is cheap) and gets jealous and upset. This ends in a fight and Julia goes incommunicado until the next day--because her selfish needs weren't met, she left Cassidy and PTSD on her own. Another author might then use this as a springboard of self-reflection on the nature of their relationship--but here, Julia and Cassidy have sex in Julia's office and everything is better--because, remember, "Sex fixes everything!" That's healthy, right? Don't think about my broken promises or my mistreatment--the sex is hot, yeah?
If Julia was a man, critical readers might be saying, "What is this, misogynistic psychological abuse? Is Colleen Hoover writing under a pseudonym?" But no. It's two women. So, it's fine. It's beautiful even.
If Eliza Lentzski doesn't have the literary courage to break up these two, she could at least shift the focus to the two female characters who are engaging and funny without being toxic trash, Sarah and Grace Kelly. These two haven't met in the Don't Be a Hero universe yet, I'd read it (heck I've read this far)--a victim rights advocate and the publisher of a weekly rag--solving mysteries. It's fun. It's fresh. Plus, the two MCs don't have to crash the story momentum because they need to bang each other.
Honestly, I think Lentzski intended to reveal the killer, but then changed her mind once she realized she had hit critical mass in the page count. Could she have opted to have had less "sex is the panacea for pain and trauma" scenes and more plot and character development? Sure. Instead, she opted to not solve the mystery (i.e., resolve the main plot) and played it off like "you can't win 'em all" and other pathetic bromides like "everything happens for a reason."
While complaining about the author, I would be remiss if I did not mention her consistent misuse of terms. The two that stand out are "dissemble" and "dirty bomb." Since she has misused both of them in each book, I have to assume the Lentzski is coming from a place of misinformed ignorance and not simply an editorial whoopsie.
To be clear, according to Merriam-Webster and every other dictionary:
DISSEMBLE
verb
dis·sem·ble di-ˈsem-bəl
transitive verb
1
: to hide under a false appearance
However, in each use of this word in these books, it has followed an instance of a character being surprisingly forthright, from the POV of the narrator, Cassidy. The author clearly thinks "to dissemble" means the exact opposite of lying.
What about Dirty Bomb? Well...
According to Britannica (and Wikipedia and really any source):
DIRTY BOMB
weapon
dirty bomb, explosive device designed to scatter radioactive material, hence the adjective dirty.
In these books, Cassidy constantly refers to a "dirty bomb" that injured her, blew of Pensacola's legs and killed her squad. What she means is IED (Improvised Explosive Device), and she sometimes does call it an IED. However, the author has confused the typically crude nature of an IED's construction with being "dirty". Likely she conflated news stories about concerns for IEDs and "Dirty" Bombs.
As with "dissemble", as a one-time error, it's not so bad. However, she really leans into it. Plus, this is the keystone event in the main character's backstory. That's why I always say, "Devote a modicum of research to major aspects of a character's life." Okay, I don't always say it. I just made it up now, but I stand by it. Get the major details correct--which leads me to another problem.
Why is Cassidy Miller a detective? (follow-up questions: Why do people think she is a good cop?). Cassidy was one year out of the Academy when she quit the Minneapolis Police. She spent a few months in Embarrass, MN (maybe) and the Chief called her a detective there as well, but since Embarrass doesn't have a police force (or mayor or...), I suppose they don't have to follow the rules. In any case, Cassidy returns to the MPD and her partner, after a few weeks, partly out of spite and partly out of truthful observation of her behavior, dubs Cassidy unfit for active duty. She is assigned to the Cold Case unit as a "compromise" (which in the real world would mean, to avoid lawsuits) and she gets the title of "Detective" again--a promotion from "Officer." The problem is that to become a police detective requires four or five years of service. Special classes and training. Interviews. A test. She does none of that. I'd have to imagine that an officer, little more than a rookie who essentially washed out (twice), gets to the title of detective would make her one of the most hated members of the force where her gender and sexual orientation would be used in the cries of preferential treatment.
Hey! Why aren't you talking about the story! These are just quibbling details. Like I said, they don't solve the case. What's the point of describing wheels spinning? After two other characters, Stanley and Sarah did the grunt work of finding out the name of the Jane Doe, the case--for all intents--stalled.
What about the romance? The reason for the reading for most of us! Well, yes, there is a lot of sex in this story. Cassidy and Julia can barely keep their hands off each other when they aren't harping about petty stuff to then lead to even more sex.
As far as positives are concerned in this regard, Lentzski handles the first-time use of a strap-on better than I've seen any other in this genre so far. Most of the time, despite never having used one, the characters take to it like a fish to water, with glee and vigor. In this story, by comparison, the presentation was remarkably realistic with legitimate confusion and nervousness and a natural building of confidence.
Thus ends the positives.
Three books in, it is clear that Cassidy and Julia should not be together. Oh, sure, the author has all the characters say how great they are together, but they're not. They are in a toxic codependent relationship. Julia is domineering and selfish with significant narcissistic tendencies and Cassidy is pathologically insecure. On her first week (day?!) of her new job, Julia becomes upset that Cassidy gets called into work. This is the first time it has happened (granted it happened when she was a beat cop too) and she acts like it's a pattern. All this while completely ignoring that she constantly brings work home. Cassidy notes this but meekly says nothing. She "doesn't want to fight" and worst of all, "being in love is better than being right" as if the two are mutually exclusive or as if that was a bedrock truism.
Is it worth getting into a fight with your beloved over which way to face the toilet paper? Probably not. I mean, sure the patent shows the forward-facing placement--but never mind. However, this is Julia saying, "Your job is not as important as my job." Or, more fundamentally, "When I do it, it's okay because it's me but not when it's you." Worse still, invariably, Cassidy comes crawling back to apologize. Julia may say, "No, I should apologize" but it's never independent of Cassidy trying to apologize despite not having done anything wrong. Being "right" here matters because it is reflective of how the partners regard and treat each other.
The "going into work" thing "pays off" later with another scene when it is Julia's birthday. Improbably--nonsensically--ludicrously--Cassidy doesn't know Julia's age or even the date on the calendar of her birth. I mean, Cassidy worked with David in Embarrass and he and Julia were in school together. Does she not know how old David is? Or are her alleged detective skills so poor she can't connect the dots? Grace Kelly is literal town gossip. She knows "everyone" in town. So, it never came up?
Annnnyyywayyy, Julia tells Cassidy it is her birthday the morning of and gives her a strap-on and tells her she wants Cassidy to use it on her that night for her present. No, she doesn't bother to ask Cassidy if she is okay with using such a device. People like Julia don't ask. So, when (prepare to be shocked) Cassidy is forced to work late (are you shocked?), Julia gets upset (another shocker). After Cassidy explains the situation (informing parents about the death of their daughter) and that her captain is making her go, Julia pretends to understand then slips in "I can't believe you're leaving me alone on my birthday." Remember, she just told Cassidy that morning it was her birthday, so how important could it possibly be? If you didn't want her to make a fuss, you can't make a fuss either when the fuss you wanted doesn't...fuss...out. Where was I? Ah yes...
So, the night, Cassidy (feeling bad) calls Julia because she's worried that she might have a PTSD episode and that her coworker Sarah will freak out. Julia's reaction after saying she'd be there for her-she could call and talk through it-- is to realize Sarah will be sharing a hotel room (because the department is cheap) and gets jealous and upset. This ends in a fight and Julia goes incommunicado until the next day--because her selfish needs weren't met, she left Cassidy and PTSD on her own. Another author might then use this as a springboard of self-reflection on the nature of their relationship--but here, Julia and Cassidy have sex in Julia's office and everything is better--because, remember, "Sex fixes everything!" That's healthy, right? Don't think about my broken promises or my mistreatment--the sex is hot, yeah?
If Julia was a man, critical readers might be saying, "What is this, misogynistic psychological abuse? Is Colleen Hoover writing under a pseudonym?" But no. It's two women. So, it's fine. It's beautiful even.
If Eliza Lentzski doesn't have the literary courage to break up these two, she could at least shift the focus to the two female characters who are engaging and funny without being toxic trash, Sarah and Grace Kelly. These two haven't met in the Don't Be a Hero universe yet, I'd read it (heck I've read this far)--a victim rights advocate and the publisher of a weekly rag--solving mysteries. It's fun. It's fresh. Plus, the two MCs don't have to crash the story momentum because they need to bang each other.
April 19, 2017
I need more!!
Ok, so I reread the first two books to reunite with the characters. The two main characters are hilarious. They are so opposite to each other they actually work. Also, I'm going out on a limb here but there has to be a fourth book. Too many unanswered questions. Well there had better be. It's a great book dealing with a really sensitive subject. The author deals with PTSD with sensitivity and compassion. Her knowledge of the subject is extensive and she writes very well about it. It's an easy book to read. It's actually a fascinating read. I really enjoyed it and I Learned a lot. Enjoy!
Ok, so I reread the first two books to reunite with the characters. The two main characters are hilarious. They are so opposite to each other they actually work. Also, I'm going out on a limb here but there has to be a fourth book. Too many unanswered questions. Well there had better be. It's a great book dealing with a really sensitive subject. The author deals with PTSD with sensitivity and compassion. Her knowledge of the subject is extensive and she writes very well about it. It's an easy book to read. It's actually a fascinating read. I really enjoyed it and I Learned a lot. Enjoy!
July 11, 2018
I really only skipped to the parts that were moments between Cassidy and Julia. I love them. But.. it was also because I just did not care for the side-plot of the cold case mystery. Wasn't very interesting to me. Would love a Julia-perspective book though.
September 19, 2020
Another great book by Eliza Lentzski!
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