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Criminal Intentions #6
Where There’s Smoke
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
They say where there's smoke, there's fire—but Malcolm and Seong-Jae have a lot of blood and no body in a case where the only witness to a murder may be the killer himself. Yet as they chase down a victim who may or may not exist in a crime that may or may not have happened, it's the sparks flying between them that threaten to ignite into dangerous flame...and by the time this case is over, their relationship may never be the same. One kiss, one case, one night may change everything...
...and when Malcolm and Seong-Jae come together, someone's going to get burned.
They say where there's smoke, there's fire—but Malcolm and Seong-Jae have a lot of blood and no body in a case where the only witness to a murder may be the killer himself. Yet as they chase down a victim who may or may not exist in a crime that may or may not have happened, it's the sparks flying between them that threaten to ignite into dangerous flame...and by the time this case is over, their relationship may never be the same. One kiss, one case, one night may change everything...
...and when Malcolm and Seong-Jae come together, someone's going to get burned.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 10, 2018
75 people are currently reading
536 people want to read
About the author
Cole McCade
65 books1,530 followersSlender. Angry. (Part) Asian.
Yeah, that about sums me up.
Hi. I’m Cole. Xen. Whatever you want to call me; both are true, and both are lies. My pen names are multitudes, my nicknames legion. Tall, bi/queer, introverted author of a brown-ish persuasion made up of various flavors of Black, Asian, and Native American. I’m cuter than Hello Kitty, more bitter than the blackest coffee, and able to trip over cats in a single half-asleep lurch; I’m what happens when a Broody Antihero and a Manic Pixie Dream Boy fight to the death, and someone builds a person from the scraps left behind. Beardless, I look like the uke in every yaoi manga in existence; bearded or not, I sound like Barry White. About half my time is spent as a corporate writer, and the other half riding a train of WTFery that sometimes results in a finished book. Romance, erotica, sci-fi, horror, paranormal; LGBTQIA and cishet; diverse settings and diverse characters from a diverse author.
Sometimes I shout about things on the internet. Usually intersectional feminism and marginalized voices, and whomever’s punching down in those directions today. Sometimes human sociology, the psychology of sex and gender, and my own gender non-conforming arse (he/him, by the way). Sometimes I get really mad at Stephen Hawking and nerd out all over the place about hairy black holes, and believe it or not, that’s not a terrible pun or even worse innuendo.
That’s it. I’m a huge dork. My humor’s so dry it could empty oceans. I’m a native Southerner from the New Orleans area with zero Southern accent; I’m a mess of multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual influences; I have two cats. I wake up at daft hours of the morning to go running. I crochet terrible, lumpy things that never really turn into anything. I’m older than you think I look. I’m much more shy than my fury makes me sound (signifying gods only know what, but probably nothing). Recently I decided, at 36, that I needed to restart my life and move cross-country, so I tossed 75% of my possessions in the trash and randomly trucked it to Seattle. I’m in love with books and music and technology, and they war with each other for dominance and sometimes come together in a beautiful confluence. Most of the physical books I own are strange, obscure, out of print, overseas imports, or any combination of the four. Most of the physical books I used to own were destroyed in Hurricane Katrina, and have been replaced with the infinite library on my Nook. My wallet has a dangerous attraction to anything with pages; it flirts and teases and gives its all, until there’s nothing left but emptiness and ruin.
There will always be things you don’t know, and I won’t tell.
But ask me late at night over live music in a seedy bar, and you might just get an honest answer.
...or you can poke me via:
* Email: blackmagic@blackmagicblues.com
* Twitter: @thisblackmagic
* Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/xen.cole
* Website & Blog: http://www.blackmagicblues.com
* Tumblr: http://thisblackmagic.tumblr.com/
And there's my Xen Sanders SFF / Horror profile:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Yeah, that about sums me up.
Hi. I’m Cole. Xen. Whatever you want to call me; both are true, and both are lies. My pen names are multitudes, my nicknames legion. Tall, bi/queer, introverted author of a brown-ish persuasion made up of various flavors of Black, Asian, and Native American. I’m cuter than Hello Kitty, more bitter than the blackest coffee, and able to trip over cats in a single half-asleep lurch; I’m what happens when a Broody Antihero and a Manic Pixie Dream Boy fight to the death, and someone builds a person from the scraps left behind. Beardless, I look like the uke in every yaoi manga in existence; bearded or not, I sound like Barry White. About half my time is spent as a corporate writer, and the other half riding a train of WTFery that sometimes results in a finished book. Romance, erotica, sci-fi, horror, paranormal; LGBTQIA and cishet; diverse settings and diverse characters from a diverse author.
Sometimes I shout about things on the internet. Usually intersectional feminism and marginalized voices, and whomever’s punching down in those directions today. Sometimes human sociology, the psychology of sex and gender, and my own gender non-conforming arse (he/him, by the way). Sometimes I get really mad at Stephen Hawking and nerd out all over the place about hairy black holes, and believe it or not, that’s not a terrible pun or even worse innuendo.
That’s it. I’m a huge dork. My humor’s so dry it could empty oceans. I’m a native Southerner from the New Orleans area with zero Southern accent; I’m a mess of multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual influences; I have two cats. I wake up at daft hours of the morning to go running. I crochet terrible, lumpy things that never really turn into anything. I’m older than you think I look. I’m much more shy than my fury makes me sound (signifying gods only know what, but probably nothing). Recently I decided, at 36, that I needed to restart my life and move cross-country, so I tossed 75% of my possessions in the trash and randomly trucked it to Seattle. I’m in love with books and music and technology, and they war with each other for dominance and sometimes come together in a beautiful confluence. Most of the physical books I own are strange, obscure, out of print, overseas imports, or any combination of the four. Most of the physical books I used to own were destroyed in Hurricane Katrina, and have been replaced with the infinite library on my Nook. My wallet has a dangerous attraction to anything with pages; it flirts and teases and gives its all, until there’s nothing left but emptiness and ruin.
There will always be things you don’t know, and I won’t tell.
But ask me late at night over live music in a seedy bar, and you might just get an honest answer.
...or you can poke me via:
* Email: blackmagic@blackmagicblues.com
* Twitter: @thisblackmagic
* Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/xen.cole
* Website & Blog: http://www.blackmagicblues.com
* Tumblr: http://thisblackmagic.tumblr.com/
And there's my Xen Sanders SFF / Horror profile:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 473 reviews
December 13, 2021
Reread - December 2021
I have read chapter 13, way too many times.
*********************************************
WARNING! This is just gushing and quotes.
OH! MY! GAH!
7++++++ stars
Malcolm let himself go and followed Seong-Jae into the dark, no matter how deep or how far he fell, no matter what depths of destructive, ripping pleasure he sought.
Always, always he would follow Seong-Jae.
Even if he led Malcolm into ruin.
I...I... Can't breathe
At once shy and sly, that curve of his lips enticed with a thousand more secrets waiting to be discovered, that could rock Malcolm’s world and leave him shaken and torn and utterly ruined. A few nods, an unheard exchange, and then he returned to the mic, gripping it in both hands, leaning in with those angled, beautifully darkened eyes half-closed, long lashes sweeping down, as the quartet blended into the deep, winding, throbbingly exhilarating first notes of a song Malcolm recognized. One of his favorites, a modern cover version of Peggy Lee’s “Why Don’t You Do Right?” only slowed down, darkened, until it became a thing of slow sweet liqueur and heated whispers in the black of night.
DEAD! GONE!
AAASSJDFJDSKDKSDJIEJFFDDJFJJDHSIGGGGJJKKLLKJJNSJ;;
I … I… CAN’T EVEN
Where there’s smoke! There’s FIIIIIREEEEE!! THIS BOOK IS FIIIIIIIREEEEEE!!!
The writing is magnificent and enchanting, I get lost in the words. I love that this case is ripped from the headlines. We get to follow the BPD as they do their job and it is so believable. This one hit hard and for Seong-Jae it hit harder. Seeing these characters vulnerable and emotional was so much wonderful. They are partners all the way, they support each other, they may have different approach sometimes but they always come together. GAAAAAAAHHH! I am obsessed.
He closed his eyes, resting his cheek to Malcolm’s chest, over the soothing, hypnotic beat of that strong, ever-steady heart.
“This is your fault,” Seong-Jae whispered.
Malcolm’s body shook around him as he made an amused sound. “Is it? What did I do?”
“You are simply…you.”
“Yeah?” That growling voice softened. “I’ll take that.”
Seong-Jae did not answer.
The only answer he could think of, in this moment…
Was to simply stay, and let this moment be.
With each episode we get to learn more about the characters and Seong-Jae surprised the fuck out me. Damn! The black cat is a menace and a riot! ME LOVEY HIM ALOOOOOOOT!!!!
And Malcolm! GAAAAAHHH this old wolf is just to die for! This guy is my kind of guy, damaged, flawed and just simply the best. My list of book boyfriends keeps growing….I am a player and I love it.
The chemistry between Malcolm and Seong-Jae is off the charts, i can feel what they feel. The UST alone is enough to make me combust.
He tasted Seong-Jae in a desperate rush, traced every texture of him, lingered on the heady compulsion of those full lips, the roughness of his tongue, the way his breaths rushed and caught and somehow they were tangled, body to body, those long fingers in Malcolm’s hair and he was burning, burning, burning up and crashing hard and there was nothing for him but this kiss, this moment, and the feeling of Seong-Jae like poison in his veins, infecting him and searing deep and killing him with the haunt and hunger of a need he would never be free from again.
Ok! I can’t go further! Chapter 13! Chapter freaking 13! GOOOOOOOONE
GAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
I have read chapter 13, way too many times.
*********************************************
WARNING! This is just gushing and quotes.
OH! MY! GAH!
7++++++ stars
Malcolm let himself go and followed Seong-Jae into the dark, no matter how deep or how far he fell, no matter what depths of destructive, ripping pleasure he sought.
Always, always he would follow Seong-Jae.
Even if he led Malcolm into ruin.
I...I... Can't breathe
At once shy and sly, that curve of his lips enticed with a thousand more secrets waiting to be discovered, that could rock Malcolm’s world and leave him shaken and torn and utterly ruined. A few nods, an unheard exchange, and then he returned to the mic, gripping it in both hands, leaning in with those angled, beautifully darkened eyes half-closed, long lashes sweeping down, as the quartet blended into the deep, winding, throbbingly exhilarating first notes of a song Malcolm recognized. One of his favorites, a modern cover version of Peggy Lee’s “Why Don’t You Do Right?” only slowed down, darkened, until it became a thing of slow sweet liqueur and heated whispers in the black of night.
DEAD! GONE!
AAASSJDFJDSKDKSDJIEJFFDDJFJJDHSIGGGGJJKKLLKJJNSJ;;
I … I… CAN’T EVEN
Where there’s smoke! There’s FIIIIIREEEEE!! THIS BOOK IS FIIIIIIIREEEEEE!!!
The writing is magnificent and enchanting, I get lost in the words. I love that this case is ripped from the headlines. We get to follow the BPD as they do their job and it is so believable. This one hit hard and for Seong-Jae it hit harder. Seeing these characters vulnerable and emotional was so much wonderful. They are partners all the way, they support each other, they may have different approach sometimes but they always come together. GAAAAAAAHHH! I am obsessed.
He closed his eyes, resting his cheek to Malcolm’s chest, over the soothing, hypnotic beat of that strong, ever-steady heart.
“This is your fault,” Seong-Jae whispered.
Malcolm’s body shook around him as he made an amused sound. “Is it? What did I do?”
“You are simply…you.”
“Yeah?” That growling voice softened. “I’ll take that.”
Seong-Jae did not answer.
The only answer he could think of, in this moment…
Was to simply stay, and let this moment be.
With each episode we get to learn more about the characters and Seong-Jae surprised the fuck out me. Damn! The black cat is a menace and a riot! ME LOVEY HIM ALOOOOOOOT!!!!
And Malcolm! GAAAAAHHH this old wolf is just to die for! This guy is my kind of guy, damaged, flawed and just simply the best. My list of book boyfriends keeps growing….I am a player and I love it.
The chemistry between Malcolm and Seong-Jae is off the charts, i can feel what they feel. The UST alone is enough to make me combust.
He tasted Seong-Jae in a desperate rush, traced every texture of him, lingered on the heady compulsion of those full lips, the roughness of his tongue, the way his breaths rushed and caught and somehow they were tangled, body to body, those long fingers in Malcolm’s hair and he was burning, burning, burning up and crashing hard and there was nothing for him but this kiss, this moment, and the feeling of Seong-Jae like poison in his veins, infecting him and searing deep and killing him with the haunt and hunger of a need he would never be free from again.
Ok! I can’t go further! Chapter 13! Chapter freaking 13! GOOOOOOOONE
GAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHH!!!!!!!!
April 24, 2023
— 4.5 stars ☆
oh my gosh FINALLY. after more than 1000 pages finally these two idiots got themselves together and admitted their feelings 🥺🥰 i've got to say, that scene was absolutely glorious. chef's kiss. loved it. mal and seong-jae have my heart. 💗
oh my gosh FINALLY. after more than 1000 pages finally these two idiots got themselves together and admitted their feelings 🥺🥰 i've got to say, that scene was absolutely glorious. chef's kiss. loved it. mal and seong-jae have my heart. 💗
July 31, 2025
Patrícia 💖 told me I would be a puddle of horny goo by the end of this installment... And Patrícia DOTH TELL NO LIES!!! 🥵🥵🥵
"I will hurt you"
"Not the best threat to make when you're naked and defenseless"
"Naked" Seonjae pointed out. "Not defenseless"
OH WELL, EXCUSE FUCKING ME? HANG ON A SECOND WHILE I-
I feel I should add that quote has no real sexual meaning behind it either. SO ITS JUST SO MUCH HOTTER. I NEED A MASSAGE AFTER ALL DIS TENSIONNNNNNNNN.
THIS IS WHAT BOOK BUILD UP TENSION IS SUPPOSED TO FEEL LIKE?
If you ain't squealing, feet kicking, feet swinging, grinning at your kindle or barking, WHAT DA FUQ WAS THE POINT????
Malcom will follow Seongjae into ruin, and so will I.
The build up in these books is EVERYTHING.
👏 Every-fucking-thing 👏
I don't come for the murder or mystery, even if it's 'predictable' I love it because I don't wanna be thinking about murder, I came for tension and fondling (physically and emotionally).
I love the murder victim POV, and I come back for my boys.
Would bark for Seongjae.
Silas needs to respectfully fuck off.
Cade and Mal need to make up.
XOXO
"I will hurt you"
"Not the best threat to make when you're naked and defenseless"
"Naked" Seonjae pointed out. "Not defenseless"
OH WELL, EXCUSE FUCKING ME? HANG ON A SECOND WHILE I-
I feel I should add that quote has no real sexual meaning behind it either. SO ITS JUST SO MUCH HOTTER. I NEED A MASSAGE AFTER ALL DIS TENSIONNNNNNNNN.
THIS IS WHAT BOOK BUILD UP TENSION IS SUPPOSED TO FEEL LIKE?
If you ain't squealing, feet kicking, feet swinging, grinning at your kindle or barking, WHAT DA FUQ WAS THE POINT????
Malcom will follow Seongjae into ruin, and so will I.
The build up in these books is EVERYTHING.
👏 Every-fucking-thing 👏
I don't come for the murder or mystery, even if it's 'predictable' I love it because I don't wanna be thinking about murder, I came for tension and fondling (physically and emotionally).
I love the murder victim POV, and I come back for my boys.
Would bark for Seongjae.
Silas needs to respectfully fuck off.
Cade and Mal need to make up.
XOXO
July 4, 2024
Attention please! Favorite material here!
Argh, who am I kidding? This is my favorite in this series so far!!!
I basically swooned from one scene to the next...
... and one scene in particular - nope, not the one above but see for yourselves! - ...
... was sooo worth waiting for!
And according to the Q & A section with the author at the end of this book, it will only get better. Six down, thirty-three to go... ;-)
Argh, who am I kidding? This is my favorite in this series so far!!!
I basically swooned from one scene to the next...
Seong-Jae felt so right against him, his weight holding Malcolm to earth, and the fact that he would give Malcolm this moment - this moment when their body heat mingled into a single steady glow of warmth, this moment when skin to skin and heartbeat to heartbeat made them the same creature - meant everything, everything.
... and one scene in particular - nope, not the one above but see for yourselves! - ...
... was sooo worth waiting for!
And according to the Q & A section with the author at the end of this book, it will only get better. Six down, thirty-three to go... ;-)
May 11, 2021
You wouldn’t believe how much I’m loving this series. Well, you may do, because I can’t shut up... It’s just everything I’ve ever wanted! Cole McCade writes the best slow burn and his writing style is so beautiful! I’m OBSESSED.
“You are all spikes and ice on the outside, but inside… there’s more emotion than I think even you know how to handle, Seong-Jae. You’re a storm of silence, seen through glass.”
Some of my favourites quotes spoiler-free, because they are gorgeous and I truly don’t want to spoil anything from this beautiful episode:
“Being out here every day is crushing, Seong-Jae. Soul-destroying. (...) So I smile to remind myself I still have a soul left, so I can keep moving and do what I need to do.”
That fucking ghost of a smile, Malcolm will do anything for that ghost of a smile; would drug himself in it, destroy himself for it, anything for Seong-Jae to look at him the way he was now. Somehow Seong-Jae had a way of making the small things into something shattering, and Malcolm would hang on every last one of those small things until he lived for them day to day, if only Seong-Jae would let him.
“Always, always he would follow Seong-Jae.
Even if he led Malcolm into ruin.”
For those who read the book:
“You are all spikes and ice on the outside, but inside… there’s more emotion than I think even you know how to handle, Seong-Jae. You’re a storm of silence, seen through glass.”
Some of my favourites quotes spoiler-free, because they are gorgeous and I truly don’t want to spoil anything from this beautiful episode:
“Being out here every day is crushing, Seong-Jae. Soul-destroying. (...) So I smile to remind myself I still have a soul left, so I can keep moving and do what I need to do.”
That fucking ghost of a smile, Malcolm will do anything for that ghost of a smile; would drug himself in it, destroy himself for it, anything for Seong-Jae to look at him the way he was now. Somehow Seong-Jae had a way of making the small things into something shattering, and Malcolm would hang on every last one of those small things until he lived for them day to day, if only Seong-Jae would let him.
“Always, always he would follow Seong-Jae.
Even if he led Malcolm into ruin.”
For those who read the book:
January 11, 2025
That fucking ghost of a smile. Malcolm would do anything for that ghost of a smile; would drug himself on it, lose himself in it, destroy himself for it, anything for Seong- Jae to look at him the way he was now. Somehow Seong- Jae had a way of making the small things into something shattering, and Malcolm would hang on every last one of those small things until he lived for them day to day, if only Seong- Jae would let him.
I AM SILENTLY (AND NOT SO SILENTLY) SCREAMING INTO MY HANDS!!!
The last 10% of this book was genuinely some of the hottest and most romantic chemistry I think I have ever read (I am still a bit in shock that a police procedural series has come along and so thoroughly blown so many other romantic books I've read completely out of the water, but honestly it continues to speak volumes for McCades writing skills).
Every moment of angst and stupidity these fucking dumbos have put me through was worth it for that final 10%. I am completely feral for these idiots.
And for a moment, alone in the car, Malcolm let his grin come back, a wide thing that made him feel every sharp edge of his teeth.
Because sometimes, Seong- Jae just made him want to pull him close and bite just to see how he tasted when he was so, so very flustered.
I AM SILENTLY (AND NOT SO SILENTLY) SCREAMING INTO MY HANDS!!!
The last 10% of this book was genuinely some of the hottest and most romantic chemistry I think I have ever read (I am still a bit in shock that a police procedural series has come along and so thoroughly blown so many other romantic books I've read completely out of the water, but honestly it continues to speak volumes for McCades writing skills).
Every moment of angst and stupidity these fucking dumbos have put me through was worth it for that final 10%. I am completely feral for these idiots.
And for a moment, alone in the car, Malcolm let his grin come back, a wide thing that made him feel every sharp edge of his teeth.
Because sometimes, Seong- Jae just made him want to pull him close and bite just to see how he tasted when he was so, so very flustered.
April 27, 2025
Re-read.
For five books, I have suffered under Cole McCade's evil methods of psychological slow-burn torture. 🤨
I watched him, in slow motion, light a flame for a fire of epic proportions.
Patiently NOT.
It was a crescendo of reluctant touches and glances that sparkled into a fire, finally escalating out of control in this episode.
Thank you, lawd, for small mercies.
As for the mystery, it was terrific. I do have an issue with Sila, though. But at this point,
Gotta trust the author.
That end...........
Just kill me now.
For five books, I have suffered under Cole McCade's evil methods of psychological slow-burn torture. 🤨
I watched him, in slow motion, light a flame for a fire of epic proportions.
Patiently NOT.
It was a crescendo of reluctant touches and glances that sparkled into a fire, finally escalating out of control in this episode.
Thank you, lawd, for small mercies.
As for the mystery, it was terrific. I do have an issue with Sila, though. But at this point,
Gotta trust the author.
That end...........
Just kill me now.
April 6, 2023
4.5 “Hate you.” “I’m starting to think you mean something else when you say that.” Stars!
Thoughts:
FINALLY!!! THE MOMENT I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR! SLOW BURNS DO PAY OFF!The way I just know these two won’t give us peace though, and shenanigans are going to start next book.
Malcolm and I are both simps for SJ! Everyone else can just get in line hehe. No, truthfully they are soulmates and no one else can get in the way. You hear me Cole McCade! Please don’t break apart our babies!
While I am still partial to book 5 because of the speech and certain moments, book 6 brought everything I have been begging for! I loved this one so much as well. The case for book 6 has also been the best of any of them so far too. My heart broke and was put back together many times.
I say it time and time again, but it must be mentioned that the writing is fantastic. The inclusion and diversity is what separates this series from so many others as well. Cole McCade is really just doing it right.
What we get:
-B A N T E R
-Shameless flirting
-More backstory and explanation
-He smiles just for him moments
-’Malcolm leaned against one side of the doorframe’ THE. BOOK. MOVE. THAT. MAKES. US. WEAK.
-”Go get dressed.” “You want to watch?” Shameless see! The point needed to be made twice!
-MORE SHIRTLESS SCENES BETWEEN BOTH OF THEM BECAUSE WHO NEEDS CLOTHES I GUESS!
-Side ships starting to set their course
-”Look at me.” *melts again as I reread this because aklsisjgmjsuskle*
-
There is no going back. MalxSJ own my heart now, and I have zero intentions of not completing this series!
Would I recommend this and to who:
Crime junkies and slow burn romance lovers
Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook/E-book:
KU E-book :)
How did I discover this:
In lila we trust!
Pace:
Fast
POV:
Multi - Malcolm and Seong-Jae primarily
Quotes: *spoilers in this, but if you read them it might encourage you to start this series so read away!*
‘it was bittersweet and beautiful and hurtful and wonderful, how just being near Seong-Jae tore Malcolm apart and put him back together and made him feel far, far too much with such overwhelming intensity.’
“You have no idea how much this is fucking with me.” “Please tell me you are not the sort of man who enjoys seeing the object of his desire in his clothing.” “And if I am? What if I’m territorial, Seong-Jae?” “Tch.” “Don’t blush in front of me. It just makes it worse.”
‘That fucking ghost of a smile. Malcolm would do anything for that ghost of a smile; would drug himself on it, lose himself in it, destroy himself for it, anything for Seong-Jae to look at him the way he was now.’
“You are an arrogant ass.” “And it’s just part of my charm. Admit it.” “Absolutely not”
“Because I know you … Better every day. You’re all spikes and ice on the outside, but inside…there’s more emotion than I think even you know how to handle, Seong-Jae. You’re a storm of silence, seen through glass.”
“You almost never smile, anyway. Only when you mean it. That’s why I love seeing it so much.”
‘Always, always he would follow Seong-Jae. Even if he led Malcolm into ruin.’
Triggers:
Death, Murder, Graphic Horrific Details, Swearing, Slurs, Racism, Sexual Content, Injury, Gore, Toxic Relationships, etc.
Thoughts:
FINALLY!!! THE MOMENT I’VE BEEN WAITING FOR! SLOW BURNS DO PAY OFF!
Malcolm and I are both simps for SJ! Everyone else can just get in line hehe. No, truthfully they are soulmates and no one else can get in the way. You hear me Cole McCade! Please don’t break apart our babies!
While I am still partial to book 5 because of the speech and certain moments, book 6 brought everything I have been begging for! I loved this one so much as well. The case for book 6 has also been the best of any of them so far too. My heart broke and was put back together many times.
I say it time and time again, but it must be mentioned that the writing is fantastic. The inclusion and diversity is what separates this series from so many others as well. Cole McCade is really just doing it right.
What we get:
-B A N T E R
-Shameless flirting
-More backstory and explanation
-He smiles just for him moments
-’Malcolm leaned against one side of the doorframe’ THE. BOOK. MOVE. THAT. MAKES. US. WEAK.
-”Go get dressed.” “You want to watch?” Shameless see! The point needed to be made twice!
-MORE SHIRTLESS SCENES BETWEEN BOTH OF THEM BECAUSE WHO NEEDS CLOTHES I GUESS!
-Side ships starting to set their course
-”Look at me.” *melts again as I reread this because aklsisjgmjsuskle*
-
There is no going back. MalxSJ own my heart now, and I have zero intentions of not completing this series!
Would I recommend this and to who:
Crime junkies and slow burn romance lovers
Paperback/Hardcover/Audiobook/E-book:
KU E-book :)
How did I discover this:
In lila we trust!
Pace:
Fast
POV:
Multi - Malcolm and Seong-Jae primarily
Quotes: *spoilers in this, but if you read them it might encourage you to start this series so read away!*
‘it was bittersweet and beautiful and hurtful and wonderful, how just being near Seong-Jae tore Malcolm apart and put him back together and made him feel far, far too much with such overwhelming intensity.’
“You have no idea how much this is fucking with me.” “Please tell me you are not the sort of man who enjoys seeing the object of his desire in his clothing.” “And if I am? What if I’m territorial, Seong-Jae?” “Tch.” “Don’t blush in front of me. It just makes it worse.”
‘That fucking ghost of a smile. Malcolm would do anything for that ghost of a smile; would drug himself on it, lose himself in it, destroy himself for it, anything for Seong-Jae to look at him the way he was now.’
“You are an arrogant ass.” “And it’s just part of my charm. Admit it.” “Absolutely not”
“Because I know you … Better every day. You’re all spikes and ice on the outside, but inside…there’s more emotion than I think even you know how to handle, Seong-Jae. You’re a storm of silence, seen through glass.”
“You almost never smile, anyway. Only when you mean it. That’s why I love seeing it so much.”
‘Always, always he would follow Seong-Jae. Even if he led Malcolm into ruin.’
Triggers:
Death, Murder, Graphic Horrific Details, Swearing, Slurs, Racism, Sexual Content, Injury, Gore, Toxic Relationships, etc.
October 13, 2024
Reread #2
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Reread #1
All hail chapter 13. That is all.
FINALLY!
FINALLLLLYYYYYY
AND IT WAS SO GOOOOOD!
This book...
I don't care about the case....although it was a good one.
But the banter, the UST, the intimacy...
SJ snarling and snapping at M and M laughing and flirting.
So many secrets, so many feels....
I smiled so much reading this book just because of the way SJ and M interact.
SJ is so salty...I love him
Mal is the sweetest cinnamon roll and love him too.
God this was good.
SJ in the piano bar!!!! Yaaas.
And then they DID IT! And it was HAWT.
Love them so much!
PS.... I really love all the side characters in this series. Powerful women who aren't bitchy, representation of everyone under the rainbow, awesome character development, authentic representation of POC and different culture. #ChapeauBas
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥
Reread #1
All hail chapter 13. That is all.
FINALLY!
FINALLLLLYYYYYY
AND IT WAS SO GOOOOOD!
This book...
I don't care about the case....although it was a good one.
But the banter, the UST, the intimacy...
SJ snarling and snapping at M and M laughing and flirting.
So many secrets, so many feels....
I smiled so much reading this book just because of the way SJ and M interact.
SJ is so salty...I love him
Mal is the sweetest cinnamon roll and love him too.
God this was good.
SJ in the piano bar!!!! Yaaas.
And then they DID IT! And it was HAWT.
Love them so much!
PS.... I really love all the side characters in this series. Powerful women who aren't bitchy, representation of everyone under the rainbow, awesome character development, authentic representation of POC and different culture. #ChapeauBas
May 11, 2021
I have no words.
"Malcolm let himself go and followed Seong-Jae into the dark, no matter how deep or how far he fell, no matter what depths of destructive, ripping pleasure he sought.
Always, always he would follow Seong-Jae. Even if he led Malcolm into ruin."
OMG. OMG. OMG. THE WAIT IS WORTH IT!!!
I would like to write a better review, but I have no words. Simply the best of all so far.
I have it bad for these two.
I'm a mess.
Send help🤣☠️.
"Malcolm let himself go and followed Seong-Jae into the dark, no matter how deep or how far he fell, no matter what depths of destructive, ripping pleasure he sought.
Always, always he would follow Seong-Jae. Even if he led Malcolm into ruin."
OMG. OMG. OMG. THE WAIT IS WORTH IT!!!
I would like to write a better review, but I have no words. Simply the best of all so far.
I have it bad for these two.
I'm a mess.
Send help🤣☠️.
May 12, 2021
Re-read may 2021.
Since my luck with books has been so bad lately everytime I DNF one I just come to read a little bit of this series. I also blame Marian for this, her fangirling has woken up my fangirling and I've found stuff that I had forgotten about Mal and Seong Jae's beginnings, but what doesn't change no matter what is that they are COUPLE GOALS! 🥰🥰
------‐-------------------🥰🥰😍😍😍💜💜💜❤❤❤🔥🔥🔥😭😭🤩🤩🤩
I have so many emotions right now that I don't know how to express them. But holy shit what a book! Oh my god I need to hibernate after this, GOD!
I knew it was going to blow my mind because this is a relationship that was fought for, it was slowly developed, it was sweet and caring, almost innocent in the way they danced around each other until they couldn't deny it anymore. It build up so high and so painfully sweet that when it came together it was beautiful and pure fire and I'm still recovering from it.
I think that Cole McCade's writing style is poetic even in moments where is hard to be it. But also is clear in the way that you understand and you feel whats he's giving and that also makes it beautiful. God! is just increíble! *squeals like a little girl* I'm so in love with them that I just can't...
So I'll stop talking about them and I'll talk about the case, it was a hurtful one where a young woman was in danger, it was full of suspense and nail bitting moments and the interactions with the families involved broke my heart every time. The end made me cry so much. It was the best case from books 1 to 6, from my opinion of course.
Now... Fucking Silas better not come to fuck everything up! I'm sensible right now and can't handle bad stuff. I NEED SWEETNESS IN THE NEXT BOOK!!!! NEED IT!!
Oh and a little bit of Korean culture: they take promises seriously, they are very hard on themselves when they think they have failed. Thank god Malcolm is there to teach Seong Jae a little bit of flexibility and self forgiveness.
On to the next!!! And Silas better not appear!! I'll flip! 😤🥰❤
Since my luck with books has been so bad lately everytime I DNF one I just come to read a little bit of this series. I also blame Marian for this, her fangirling has woken up my fangirling and I've found stuff that I had forgotten about Mal and Seong Jae's beginnings, but what doesn't change no matter what is that they are COUPLE GOALS! 🥰🥰
------‐-------------------🥰🥰😍😍😍💜💜💜❤❤❤🔥🔥🔥😭😭🤩🤩🤩
I have so many emotions right now that I don't know how to express them. But holy shit what a book! Oh my god I need to hibernate after this, GOD!
I knew it was going to blow my mind because this is a relationship that was fought for, it was slowly developed, it was sweet and caring, almost innocent in the way they danced around each other until they couldn't deny it anymore. It build up so high and so painfully sweet that when it came together it was beautiful and pure fire and I'm still recovering from it.
I think that Cole McCade's writing style is poetic even in moments where is hard to be it. But also is clear in the way that you understand and you feel whats he's giving and that also makes it beautiful. God! is just increíble! *squeals like a little girl* I'm so in love with them that I just can't...
So I'll stop talking about them and I'll talk about the case, it was a hurtful one where a young woman was in danger, it was full of suspense and nail bitting moments and the interactions with the families involved broke my heart every time. The end made me cry so much. It was the best case from books 1 to 6, from my opinion of course.
Now... Fucking Silas better not come to fuck everything up! I'm sensible right now and can't handle bad stuff. I NEED SWEETNESS IN THE NEXT BOOK!!!! NEED IT!!
Oh and a little bit of Korean culture: they take promises seriously, they are very hard on themselves when they think they have failed. Thank god Malcolm is there to teach Seong Jae a little bit of flexibility and self forgiveness.
On to the next!!! And Silas better not appear!! I'll flip! 😤🥰❤
January 12, 2025
Book 5: "Damn I'm full of sexual tension" 🤭
Book 6: "Uhuh" smirking smugly 😏
👁️👄👁️ um...so...
JBFUHRGFJHBKVJHSDFBKNKJB!!!!!!!
Excuse me while I attempt to stop wheezing incoherently 😳😳 That.. may take a while 😳
What the actual FUCK was that, the last two chapters?? Those scenes (and I'm not talking just about the very end) had NO right to be this sensual and hot, and this romantic, NO RIGHT! 🔥 And I'm saying that as a completely aromantic asexual person so take that as you will 👁️👄👁️
I can't even-
Nope, this review has no chance of making any sense, sorry, I'm way too overwhelmed. Okay. Shout-out to Gabi, that woman is strength and poise and prideful elegance and gentleness in a human being. Love the SJ/Cara friendship. I fucking miss Sade/Mal banter and I want them to be okay again! The case itself was incredibly nerve-wracking, wow. And Sila can once again fuck off, he's scaring me more and more.
That's about it. Now I can go continue wheezing and scaring my neighbors with strange inhuman noises 👁️👄👁️
Book 6: "Uhuh" smirking smugly 😏
👁️👄👁️ um...so...
JBFUHRGFJHBKVJHSDFBKNKJB!!!!!!!
Excuse me while I attempt to stop wheezing incoherently 😳😳 That.. may take a while 😳
What the actual FUCK was that, the last two chapters?? Those scenes (and I'm not talking just about the very end) had NO right to be this sensual and hot, and this romantic, NO RIGHT! 🔥 And I'm saying that as a completely aromantic asexual person so take that as you will 👁️👄👁️
I can't even-
Nope, this review has no chance of making any sense, sorry, I'm way too overwhelmed. Okay. Shout-out to Gabi, that woman is strength and poise and prideful elegance and gentleness in a human being. Love the SJ/Cara friendship. I fucking miss Sade/Mal banter and I want them to be okay again! The case itself was incredibly nerve-wracking, wow. And Sila can once again fuck off, he's scaring me more and more.
That's about it. Now I can go continue wheezing and scaring my neighbors with strange inhuman noises 👁️👄👁️
November 19, 2024
Am I still breathing? My heart leapt through the last pages of this book like crazy. I don't think I survived that ... Someone should perform CPR on me ...
...
I now understand why this book is so highly praised. I honestly have no words ...
...
I've never read so much perfection.
I was always a bit afraid to read this installment. I figured if you have to endure 6 books of building tension between Malcom and Seong-Jae, and then when it finally happens, it's got to be epic. And yes, I knew the author could do it, I knew I should be able to trust it and yet there was this voice inside me that kept warning me that it could never, ever be that badass good.
...
Yes, I was wrong. That was EPIC.
Seong-Jae was crushed between the weight of these irritating fucking emotions that would not leave him be. And what had begun as never had become first simply an unwise improbability, then an unlikely possibility, then a possible eventuality, and now… 😍😍😍
Fuck. He shouldn’t…he shouldn’t like this so much. Standing so close he could smell Seong-Jae—and Seong-Jae smelled like his soap, like a hint of volcanic lava rock and musk and that smoke and diesel scent that was so very Seong-Jae—while those dark eyes seemed to swallow him with a steady and unmoving stare, that perfect gilt-edged body right at his fingertips, the soft folds of his own shirt clinging to lingering damp spots on Seong-Jae’s skin until the pale linen turned to translucent, soft white gold. 🫠🫠🫠
...
I now understand why this book is so highly praised. I honestly have no words ...
...
I've never read so much perfection.
I was always a bit afraid to read this installment. I figured if you have to endure 6 books of building tension between Malcom and Seong-Jae, and then when it finally happens, it's got to be epic. And yes, I knew the author could do it, I knew I should be able to trust it and yet there was this voice inside me that kept warning me that it could never, ever be that badass good.
...
Yes, I was wrong. That was EPIC.
Seong-Jae was crushed between the weight of these irritating fucking emotions that would not leave him be. And what had begun as never had become first simply an unwise improbability, then an unlikely possibility, then a possible eventuality, and now… 😍😍😍
Fuck. He shouldn’t…he shouldn’t like this so much. Standing so close he could smell Seong-Jae—and Seong-Jae smelled like his soap, like a hint of volcanic lava rock and musk and that smoke and diesel scent that was so very Seong-Jae—while those dark eyes seemed to swallow him with a steady and unmoving stare, that perfect gilt-edged body right at his fingertips, the soft folds of his own shirt clinging to lingering damp spots on Seong-Jae’s skin until the pale linen turned to translucent, soft white gold. 🫠🫠🫠
October 31, 2023
4.5/5
These two, they will kill me, with how much I love them. It was totally worth waiting these five books to see them finally give up, because the tension between them was so thick I could have cut it with a knife.
So far my favorite book in the series. I will probably repeat this in most of my next reviews, but I read it in one go without tearing myself away from it even once.
As always, some of my favorite moments:
Their bickering throughout the series gives me the will to live. Every time Malcom flirts with him and Seong-Jae tries to pretend he's not blushing and tells him to shut up, these moment in the series will probably be my favorite ones.
These two, they will kill me, with how much I love them. It was totally worth waiting these five books to see them finally give up, because the tension between them was so thick I could have cut it with a knife.
So far my favorite book in the series. I will probably repeat this in most of my next reviews, but I read it in one go without tearing myself away from it even once.
As always, some of my favorite moments:
"he caught Seong-Jae starting to peel out of his shirt. “You don’t have to do that,” he said dryly. Please don’t do that. I need my mind on the case, not on you."
“Please tell me you are not the sort of man who enjoys seeing the object of his desire in his clothing.”
“And if I am?” Malcolm didn’t look away from that compelling black gaze, even as he moved on to the next button…and lingered
“What if I’m territorial, Seong-Jae?”
“Tch.”“Don’t blush in front of me.” Malcolm smiled slightly, finished the button, and moved on to the last, just under Seong-Jae’s chin. “It just makes it worse.”
"Malcolm’s voice as he continued, “I like it. It’s…it’s just…you.” That touch lingered, hand resting to Seong-Jae’s shoulder. “And I like you.”
“You are an ass,” he bit off, and knocked Malcolm’s hand away. Yet Malcolm only laughed, calm and utterly unfazed. “I knew you were going to insult me.”
Their bickering throughout the series gives me the will to live. Every time Malcom flirts with him and Seong-Jae tries to pretend he's not blushing and tells him to shut up, these moment in the series will probably be my favorite ones.
July 23, 2021
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*Slowly Getting There*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
This was tiny better than the last one. I liked that we FINALLY got to see some proper vulnerability and finally get to see some more feelings explored. I have to be honest and say that this book brought some smiles on my face. I enjoyed it enough, but I also won't lie and say that I wasn't in the best mood today. I was taking my first vaccine today and I'm TERRIFIED of needles. Also my eyes was super dry. I don't know if this effected my rating. That said, I liked it, it's not great, yet, but I did like it. On to the next one.
The Characters:
The list is a bit long so I've put it in a spoilers tag.
“Why. Are. You. So. Fucking. Happy?”
“Because right now I am dreading finding the body of a girl who never should have had to die, and I’ll take any reason I can to smile and remember how to breathe when that’s going to hurt like fuck.” He glanced at Seong-Jae as he killed the engine. “You’re a good enough reason.”
Seong-Jae faltered, his scowl melting into a single wide-eyed moment of surprise, lips parting.
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary (Slow-Burn)
Series: - Series, Book Six.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Malcolm ‘Mal’ Khalaji.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes, I think so.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure.
Will I read this again in the future? - Probably not...?
Rating - 3 stars.
May 22, 2019
*THUD*
That was the sound of my body hitting the floor. I'm posting from beyond the grave, because this installment killed me.
The promise all that crackling, snapping chemistry made? It didn't just fulfill it, it was destroyed in a brilliant, whitehot blaze of passion and desire. I was obliterated.
This might honestly be the single hottest thing I've ever read. Maybe, just maybe it's because I'm so invested in them but I'm pretty damn sure it's just that meltingly hot.
Seriously, I have nothing else for you. The story was, as always, tense and fast and left me wrapped in knots. The investigation was authentic and so real, but this time with a twist I was happy for, in more ways than one.
My only complaint? Waiting sucks. *pouts*
That was the sound of my body hitting the floor. I'm posting from beyond the grave, because this installment killed me.
The promise all that crackling, snapping chemistry made? It didn't just fulfill it, it was destroyed in a brilliant, whitehot blaze of passion and desire. I was obliterated.
This might honestly be the single hottest thing I've ever read. Maybe, just maybe it's because I'm so invested in them but I'm pretty damn sure it's just that meltingly hot.
Seriously, I have nothing else for you. The story was, as always, tense and fast and left me wrapped in knots. The investigation was authentic and so real, but this time with a twist I was happy for, in more ways than one.
My only complaint? Waiting sucks. *pouts*
March 26, 2024
MERECE 10 STARS ⭐Só vou dizer uma coisa aqui... Esse livro 6 foi o melhor que li (ouvi) dessa série até o momento! Foi o caso solucionado que eu mais sofri de angústiaaaaaaa, nunca torci tanto por um desfecho de caso como torci nesse livro. Seong-Jae tava perfeito nesse livro, meu paiiiiii tava perfeitooooo🤩 O capítulo 13 foi poesia, poesia para os meus ouvidooos 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼 Sei nem o que comentar, estou extasiada, vibrando e já angustiada tentando prever o que Silas está armando para Seong-Jae e Malcolm. Só sei que quero guardar esses dois num potinho e protegê-los.
February 13, 2019
Without a shadow of a doubt my favourite of the series so far, and not only for the reason I’m sure lovers of the series are going to be beside themselves over. A thrilling ride in every possible way.
...it was bittersweet and beautiful and hurtful and wonderful...”
...it was bittersweet and beautiful and hurtful and wonderful...”
![Profile Image for moonlight ☾ [semi-hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1645500038i%2F37448930._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
September 14, 2021
4.5 stars ☆
And when that next beguiling sigh of melody whispered get out of here, somehow the way Seong-Jae looked at him said, instead...
Stay.
beautiful. this series is beautiful. Malcolm and Seongjae are beautiful. 🥰
And when that next beguiling sigh of melody whispered get out of here, somehow the way Seong-Jae looked at him said, instead...
Stay.
beautiful. this series is beautiful. Malcolm and Seongjae are beautiful. 🥰
January 12, 2022
4.5 stars**
July 3, 2023
𝟬𝟰/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬 - 𝟰.𝟳𝟱 ★
𝟬𝟵/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬 - 𝟰 ★
𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝗥𝗘𝗖
— 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗗𝗼 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁?
That ending, though… 😭🥵😭🥰
I have things to say about this episode, I swear I do, but first… I need to point out a potential inside joke ➜ so, has anyone else noticed that every woman Mal and Seong-Jae come into contact with inevitably ship them?
For real, we have Cara two seconds away from locking Mal and Seong-Jae in a closet. Anjulie verbally smacked all of the density out of Mal. Seong-Jae got spoon fed Malcolm's obvious love for him by Gabi, Malcolm's literal ex-wife. Oh, and let's not forget Ms. Jones, the real MVP of this book.
Like - 😂 it's so freaking funny, but I also low-key feel like I'm kinda onto something...
𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 & 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 (𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡)
♥ ~ Seong-Jae (once again, my favorite ice-King)
♥ ~ Malcolm (awhh, i like this version of Mal the best…)
🅾🅺 ~ Sade (i deeply resent all of the ❝yes❞ texts they sent Mal)
♥ ~ This whole ass mood ☟☟
✘ ~ Sila (please exit stage left, thank you very much)
✔ ~ Gabi (yes, i actually really like Gabi)
♥ ~ The kitchen back massage ☟☟
✘ ~ Pacing (things sorta dragged in the middle)
✔ ~ The case (as i've said, i like when Mal and Seong-Jae work cases like this)
♥ ~ The romance (it's really starting to hit its stride, so to speak)
🅾🅺 ~ Communication (hey, they're getting better at it…)
♥ ~ Malcolm's car (poor thing, it keeps getting scratched, dented, and shot at)
♥ ~ This scene ☟☟
♥ ~ The ending (if you read the book, you know)
┍━━━━━✧✦━━━━━┑
𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦: 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗡𝗘
𝟭. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗻𝘀 - 𝟰.𝟱 ✩
𝟮. 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗸 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀 - 𝟯.𝟱 ✩
𝟯. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝘆𝗲 - 𝟰 ✩
𝟰. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 - 𝟰.𝟲 ✩
𝟱. 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 - 𝟱 ✩
𝟲. 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗦𝗺𝗼𝗸𝗲 - 𝟰 ✩
𝟳. 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 - 𝟰.𝟮𝟱 ✩
𝟴. 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲 - 𝟰.𝟳𝟱/𝟱 ✩
𝟵. 𝗔 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲'𝘀 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗲 - 𝟰.𝟮𝟱 ✩
𝟭𝟬. 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 - 𝟰.𝟱 ✩
𝟭𝟭. 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗼 - 𝟯.𝟱 ✩
𝟭𝟮. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿'𝘀 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲: 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗜 - 𝟯.𝟮𝟱 ✩
𝟭𝟯. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿'𝘀 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲: 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗜𝗜 - 𝟰 ✩
┕━━━━━✧✦━━━━━┙
°
°
°
°
°
°
°
𝙾𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 - 𝟶𝟺/𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟶
4.75 STARS!!
<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
“Seong-Jae,” he whispered, and God, he could taste it, hot and deep and intimate on his tongue, and “Malcolm,” Seong-Jae answered, rolling the syllables over decadent lips with husky sweetness. “May I kiss you?” Swaying closer, closer, drawn in, and… “Just once.”
"You’re all spikes and ice on the outside, but inside…there’s more emotion than I think even you know how to handle, Seong-Jae. You’re a storm of silence, seen through glass.”
“But for all that my ex-husband is remarkably indirect…he is also remarkably in love with you, Detective Yoon.”
I love this series!
𝟬𝟵/𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟬 - 𝟰 ★
❝I almost miss you breaking in, though.❞
❝I never ❛broke in,❜❞ Seong-Jae retorted haughtily, lifting his chin, that stubborn jaw. ❝I just picked the lock.❞
❝Seong-Jae, that’s breaking in.❞
❝It is not. Nothing is broken. The lock still works just fine.❞
Malcolm swallowed his laugh. ❝I really don’t know what to do with you sometimes.❞
𝗦𝗢𝗡𝗚 𝗥𝗘𝗖
— 𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗗𝗼𝗻'𝘁 𝗬𝗼𝘂 𝗗𝗼 𝗥𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁?
That ending, though… 😭🥵😭🥰
… ❝I still remember that sound you made when I bit you, Malcolm.❞
Malcolm’s eyes closed, a shaky breath tearing from him as heat rolled through him. ❝Fuck, Seong-Jae…❞
But Seong-Jae only withdrew, that burnt-silk voice husky with amusement as he said, ❝Goodnight.❞
I have things to say about this episode, I swear I do, but first… I need to point out a potential inside joke ➜ so, has anyone else noticed that every woman Mal and Seong-Jae come into contact with inevitably ship them?
For real, we have Cara two seconds away from locking Mal and Seong-Jae in a closet. Anjulie verbally smacked all of the density out of Mal. Seong-Jae got spoon fed Malcolm's obvious love for him by Gabi, Malcolm's literal ex-wife. Oh, and let's not forget Ms. Jones, the real MVP of this book.
Like - 😂 it's so freaking funny, but I also low-key feel like I'm kinda onto something...
𝗧𝗛𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗦 & 𝗧𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 (𝗔𝗚𝗔𝗜𝗡)
❝Do you just wear the same shirt every day?❞
A disgusted, annoyed sound. ❝No.❞
❝So you just buy Hanes in bulk, then.❞
❝No.❞
Malcolm grinned. ❝What was that you said about why you like fucking with me so much?❞
❝I will hurt you.❞
❝Not the best threat to make when you’re naked and defenseless.❞
❝Naked,❞ Seong-Jae pointed out. ❝Not defenseless.❞
♥ ~ Seong-Jae (once again, my favorite ice-King)
♥ ~ Malcolm (awhh, i like this version of Mal the best…)
🅾🅺 ~ Sade (i deeply resent all of the ❝yes❞ texts they sent Mal)
♥ ~ This whole ass mood ☟☟
… ❝I-is…is Trae okay? D-did he kill him?❞
“Trae is the reason we found you,❞ Seong-Jae said. ❝He is in the hospital…and he will be very happy to see you.❞
Tisha cringed, sniffling hard. ❝D-don’t…d-don’t let him s-see me all c-cut up like this, I…I l-look d-damn ratchet r-right now…❞
At that, Seong-Jae could not help but smile. ❝To him, I am certain that you have never looked more beautiful.❞
✘ ~ Sila (please exit stage left, thank you very much)
✔ ~ Gabi (yes, i actually really like Gabi)
♥ ~ The kitchen back massage ☟☟
He sighed with pleasure. ❝You’re going to turn me into a masochist.❞
❝You have not told me to stop yet.❞
❝You’re touching me,❞ he murmured. ❝I’ll deal with the pain.❞
✘ ~ Pacing (things sorta dragged in the middle)
✔ ~ The case (as i've said, i like when Mal and Seong-Jae work cases like this)
♥ ~ The romance (it's really starting to hit its stride, so to speak)
🅾🅺 ~ Communication (hey, they're getting better at it…)
♥ ~ Malcolm's car (poor thing, it keeps getting scratched, dented, and shot at)
♥ ~ This scene ☟☟
❝So. Gay, single, and…do you need taking care of, Seong-Jae?❞ He smirked. ❝Should Anita Jones ❛feel for the man❜ who has to take care of your ass?❞
Seong-Jae shot Malcolm an exasperated look. ❝Are you volunteering for the role?❞
❝What if I am?❞ Malcolm asked, just a little too quietly, and—
❝Case,❞ Seong-Jae growled.
Malcolm’s chuckle drifted between them. ❝Yeah,❞ he murmured. ❝Case.❞
♥ ~ The ending (if you read the book, you know)
┍━━━━━✧✦━━━━━┑
𝗖𝗥𝗜𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟 𝗜𝗡𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗧𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦: 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗢𝗡 𝗢𝗡𝗘
𝟭. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗴𝗮𝗻𝘀 - 𝟰.𝟱 ✩
𝟮. 𝗝𝘂𝗻𝗸 𝗦𝗵𝗼𝗽 𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗲𝘀 - 𝟯.𝟱 ✩
𝟯. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗠𝗮𝗻 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘀 𝗘𝘆𝗲 - 𝟰 ✩
𝟰. 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗙𝗮𝗰𝗲𝘀 - 𝟰.𝟲 ✩
𝟱. 𝗜𝘁'𝘀 𝗪𝗶𝘁𝗰𝗵𝗰𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 - 𝟱 ✩
𝟲. 𝗪𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲’𝘀 𝗦𝗺𝗼𝗸𝗲 - 𝟰 ✩
𝟳. 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁 𝗼𝗳 𝗣𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 - 𝟰.𝟮𝟱 ✩
𝟴. 𝗖𝗼𝗹𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗗𝗮𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗲 - 𝟰.𝟳𝟱/𝟱 ✩
𝟵. 𝗔 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗹𝗲 𝗕𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗱𝗹𝗲'𝘀 𝗙𝗹𝗮𝗺𝗲 - 𝟰.𝟮𝟱 ✩
𝟭𝟬. 𝗕𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗱𝗿𝗮𝗳𝘁 - 𝟰.𝟱 ✩
𝟭𝟭. 𝗖𝗿𝗲𝘀𝗰𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗼 - 𝟯.𝟱 ✩
𝟭𝟮. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿'𝘀 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲: 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗜 - 𝟯.𝟮𝟱 ✩
𝟭𝟯. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗛𝗮𝘁𝘁𝗲𝗿'𝘀 𝗚𝗮𝗺𝗲: 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁 𝗜𝗜 - 𝟰 ✩
┕━━━━━✧✦━━━━━┙
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𝙾𝚛𝚒𝚐𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚟𝚒𝚎𝚠 - 𝟶𝟺/𝟸𝟶𝟸𝟶
4.75 STARS!!
<3 <3 <3 <3 <3 <3
“Seong-Jae,” he whispered, and God, he could taste it, hot and deep and intimate on his tongue, and “Malcolm,” Seong-Jae answered, rolling the syllables over decadent lips with husky sweetness. “May I kiss you?” Swaying closer, closer, drawn in, and… “Just once.”
"You’re all spikes and ice on the outside, but inside…there’s more emotion than I think even you know how to handle, Seong-Jae. You’re a storm of silence, seen through glass.”
“But for all that my ex-husband is remarkably indirect…he is also remarkably in love with you, Detective Yoon.”
I love this series!
Read
September 22, 2021👣
“You,” Malcolm whispered hoarsely as he moved up to the next button, “have no idea how much this is fucking with me.”
Dark eyes narrowed—yet where normally Seong-Jae’s words would be clipped, cutting, there was a husky edge that betrayed him now even as he said,
“Please tell me you are not the sort of man who enjoys seeing the object of his desire in his clothing.”
“And if I am?” Malcolm didn’t look away from that compelling black gaze, even as he moved on to the next button…and lingered, toying with the closure just over Seong-Jae’s chest, grappling with the need to curl his fingers in the linen and jerk him close. “What if I’m territorial, Seong-Jae?”
The silence that answered bordered on a challenge, building high and hot between them, waiting to break—until Seong-Jae abruptly looked away, glaring fiercely across the apartment, his mouth set in a sullen line.
And a touch of red in his cheeks, making soft watercolor washes that turned his skin into pale rose gold.
“Tch.”
“Don’t blush in front of me.” Malcolm smiled slightly, finished the button, and moved on to the last, just under Seong-Jae’s chin. “It just makes it worse.”
soooooooo. it is honestly hard to rate this series. i loved the couple but the books r not only ab them (theres also the mysteries, plot & other stuff like gabrielle & anjulie's build up which i couldnt care less for & bores me). so idk how to feel bout the story as a whole bcs of those things
'Seong-jae, Malcolm thought, was sulking.
Again.
And it was fucking adorable.
Probably not the best word to describe a six foot three whipcord of pure raw strength shaped into a razor blade of a man, crafted from steel and gold and obsidian and just a touch of perfectly cut ruby…
But when Seong-Jae was slouched down in the passenger’s seat with his shoulders up around his ears and his mouth set in a sullen little twist and his glare fixed firmly out the window, Malcolm really didn’t know what else to call it.
He wasn’t sure why, either, but right now, from the way Seong-Jae was doggedly ignoring him, Malcolm had an idea it just might have something to do with him—and if he poked the crow right now, he would likely get his eyes pecked out for his troubles.
“Stop,” Seong-Jae growled, “grinning.”
“Was I grinning?” He damned well was. “So sorry.”
“Why. Are. You. So. Fucking. Happy?”
“Because right now I am dreading finding the body of a girl who never should have had to die, and I’ll take any reason I can to smile and remember how to breathe when that’s going to hurt like fuck.” He glanced at Seong-Jae as he killed the engine. “You’re a good enough reason.”
Seong-Jae faltered, his scowl melting into a single wide-eyed moment of surprise, lips parting.
Before a glower slammed down like a closing door, and he shot Malcolm an absolutely seething look as he shoved his way out of the car and crashed the door closed behind him, rocking the Camaro on its tires.
And for a moment, alone in the car, Malcolm let his grin come back, a wide thing that made him feel every sharp edge of his teeth.
Because sometimes, Seong-Jae just made him want to pull him close and bite just to see how he tasted when he was so, so very flustered.'
but can we take a moment to appreciate whipped-malcolm?
'Seong-Jae just looked at George coolly—his icy, emotionless façade back in place within a breath. Apparently he was only sullen and scowling and flustered with Malcolm.
Fancy that.'
mal was (almost) all in here, no more doubting his feelings. fancy that.
May 26, 2021
5 stars 💫
Oh my God. The wait is soooo worth it. This one hits so hard. I loved this series.
Finally, Seong-Jae removes his guard and lets himself show his vulnerability in front of Malcolm.
The ending killed me. I liked that moment when Seong-Jae realized that the only thing he ever wanted and the only thing his heart didn't deny were Malcolm. How Malcolm comforted Seong-Jae was utterly sweet and I loved how trusted Seong-Jae was toward Malcolm. They deserved better. ❤️
“He drank those pained, needy cries from Seong-Jae lips and gave him more, more, always more, and if Seong-Jae asked...”
“As much of himself as he wanted of Seong-Jae, because he knew now that just this once would never be enough...”
Oh my God. The wait is soooo worth it. This one hits so hard. I loved this series.
Finally, Seong-Jae removes his guard and lets himself show his vulnerability in front of Malcolm.
The ending killed me. I liked that moment when Seong-Jae realized that the only thing he ever wanted and the only thing his heart didn't deny were Malcolm. How Malcolm comforted Seong-Jae was utterly sweet and I loved how trusted Seong-Jae was toward Malcolm. They deserved better. ❤️
“He drank those pained, needy cries from Seong-Jae lips and gave him more, more, always more, and if Seong-Jae asked...”
“As much of himself as he wanted of Seong-Jae, because he knew now that just this once would never be enough...”
January 9, 2019
SO. GOOD.
I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!!
Things between Malcom and Seong-Jae finally shift past this sort of...almost holding pattern they've been in, us and them KNOWING they want each other but not doing anything about it. Now I won't say how they shift past it, but it's goood and amazing and makes just want to squeal and go ashdaskjdhajk!!
It's crazy to think in the timeline of these books it's only been a little more than a month and a half since they met. But I think given that they see each other every day and work together every day, they spend more time together than a typical couple does, so it feels like it's been longer, like they've known each other longer.
And this book is mainly focused on them - it would be like a shipper's dream episode if it was TV lol, only a few scenes here and there with a focus on other people - mainly Gabrielle.
This takes place over two days as Malcom and Seong-Jae work a case of a possible murder, with a girl who is missing but with the amount of blood at the crime scene...could also be dead.
This was definitely one of the more uplifting cases - not that it wasn't gruesome and all that, but it had a better outcome than previous ones.
Also interesting, Sila makes his presence known more solidly than he ever has before to Seong-Jae, and it's so cool for the story but frustrating because we don't know what he's up to and exactly what happened with Seong-Jae and Sila in Seong-Jae's past.
(Also I still think it is who I think it is, like )
This whole installment was so amazingly good and the ending just made me want more more more and also adadhakjj I can't believe I have to wait a month! It feels so far away!
A must read, this is a pivotal book in the series. Massive thumbs up!!!
I HAVE BEEN WAITING FOR THIS!!
Things between Malcom and Seong-Jae finally shift past this sort of...almost holding pattern they've been in, us and them KNOWING they want each other but not doing anything about it. Now I won't say how they shift past it, but it's goood and amazing and makes just want to squeal and go ashdaskjdhajk!!
It's crazy to think in the timeline of these books it's only been a little more than a month and a half since they met. But I think given that they see each other every day and work together every day, they spend more time together than a typical couple does, so it feels like it's been longer, like they've known each other longer.
And this book is mainly focused on them - it would be like a shipper's dream episode if it was TV lol, only a few scenes here and there with a focus on other people - mainly Gabrielle.
This takes place over two days as Malcom and Seong-Jae work a case of a possible murder, with a girl who is missing but with the amount of blood at the crime scene...could also be dead.
This was definitely one of the more uplifting cases - not that it wasn't gruesome and all that, but it had a better outcome than previous ones.
Also interesting, Sila makes his presence known more solidly than he ever has before to Seong-Jae, and it's so cool for the story but frustrating because we don't know what he's up to and exactly what happened with Seong-Jae and Sila in Seong-Jae's past.
(Also I still think it is who I think it is, like )
This whole installment was so amazingly good and the ending just made me want more more more and also adadhakjj I can't believe I have to wait a month! It feels so far away!
A must read, this is a pivotal book in the series. Massive thumbs up!!!
January 29, 2025
Damn I am INVESTED. Can’t stop to write a review. Must read the next book. Need more Seong-Jae in my life. This kept me up half the night and it was 100% worth it.
April 4, 2020
It was all plodding along very nicely ... another crime to solve, the chemistry, the push and pull, the sexual tension ... "Grand, so", I said to myself ...
Then ...
Yeah, you know what I am on about (if you have read it)!!
But, I digress. Let's get back to the crime (do we have to ?????)
No, we don't ... suffice to say, it was a gory crime, as usual and Mal and Seong-Jae had to try and solve it. LOL. I was going to say I didn't give a shit about the crime. I did ... but I had more important things on my mind.
Never you mind, Mal. I'd be doing the same thing!!
The writing is amazing. Never a dull moment. The characterization of Malcolm and Seong-Jae and the supporting cast is superb. We are still getting a glimpse into their past, especially that of Seong-Jae - what is his story?? I need to know!
Definitely ...
Then ...
Yeah, you know what I am on about (if you have read it)!!
But, I digress. Let's get back to the crime (do we have to ?????)
No, we don't ... suffice to say, it was a gory crime, as usual and Mal and Seong-Jae had to try and solve it. LOL. I was going to say I didn't give a shit about the crime. I did ... but I had more important things on my mind.
And what had begun as never had become first simply an unwise improbability, then an unlikely possibility, then a possible eventuality, and now ..
He did not know ...
Bloody fuck, Malcolm shouldn't be standing here watching and guessing like some sort of pervert.
Never you mind, Mal. I'd be doing the same thing!!
The writing is amazing. Never a dull moment. The characterization of Malcolm and Seong-Jae and the supporting cast is superb. We are still getting a glimpse into their past, especially that of Seong-Jae - what is his story?? I need to know!
Time.
They both needed time.
... he would risk it all.
"Serendipity and synchronicity are beautiful things."
Definitely ...
December 1, 2022
Great case, great romance. What else can I ask for?!
August 17, 2021
911, someone help me, I'm so deep in this shit no one has enough force to stop me. Not even me.
“So now you are explaining me to myself?”
“Hey. You said we’re confusing because we can’t see ourselves. Sometimes, though, it helps to ask what other people see that we can’t.”
July 20, 2023
Finally! The UST is resolved and boy was it worth it!
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