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Hitman vs Hitman #1
Hitman vs Hitman
Ricardo Torralba and August Morrison don’t agree on much besides the fact that they hate each other. According to Ricardo, August is a spoiled brat who really needs to knock off the sass once in a while. August insists that Ricardo needs a sense of humor, a good lay, or a well-placed bullet. Maybe all three.
Fortunately, the assassin’s profession is a solitary one, and they can go about their lives without getting in each other’s way.
Usually.
When a contracted hit turns out to be a setup for both of them, they narrowly escape with their lives. Now, even if they don’t like it (spoiler: they don’t), August and Ricardo have to work together if they want a shot at survival.
In between firefights and questionable interrogation methods as they hunt down their would-be killer, the cranky assassins discover that under all that mutual loathing is a spark of chemistry they can’t ignore. They want to ignore it, they probably should ignore it, but August can’t help flirting to annoy Ricardo, and Ricardo can think of at least one way to shut him up for a while.
But they need to focus, damn it, and figure out who’s gunning for them and why.
Assuming they don’t kill each other first.
Hitman vs Hitman is a standalone gay romantic suspense featuring two men who’d rather chew glass than fall for each other, a whole lot of inappropriate comments, and some buttons that will need resewing.
Fortunately, the assassin’s profession is a solitary one, and they can go about their lives without getting in each other’s way.
Usually.
When a contracted hit turns out to be a setup for both of them, they narrowly escape with their lives. Now, even if they don’t like it (spoiler: they don’t), August and Ricardo have to work together if they want a shot at survival.
In between firefights and questionable interrogation methods as they hunt down their would-be killer, the cranky assassins discover that under all that mutual loathing is a spark of chemistry they can’t ignore. They want to ignore it, they probably should ignore it, but August can’t help flirting to annoy Ricardo, and Ricardo can think of at least one way to shut him up for a while.
But they need to focus, damn it, and figure out who’s gunning for them and why.
Assuming they don’t kill each other first.
Hitman vs Hitman is a standalone gay romantic suspense featuring two men who’d rather chew glass than fall for each other, a whole lot of inappropriate comments, and some buttons that will need resewing.
278 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2020
About the author
Cari Z.
138 books560 followersCari Z. is a Colorado girl who loves snow and sunshine. She has a wonderful relationship with her husband, a complex relationship with the characters in her head and a sadomasochistic relationship with her exercise routine. She feels like Halloween should happen every month, which is why you get this picture of her, and hopes that you enjoy reading what she's put out there as much as she enjoyed writing it in the first place.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews
March 28, 2021
259 pages. 31 sighs. 44 eyerolls.
44 eyerolls! Am I reading about teenagers, you might ask? No, I'm reading about two adult men. Two adult men who are professional assassins.
The tone of the book is playful and silly -- deliberately so. Which made me willing to cut it some slack. But there are limits, people. Good lord.
You and me too, buddy.
DNF @20%.
44 eyerolls! Am I reading about teenagers, you might ask? No, I'm reading about two adult men. Two adult men who are professional assassins.
The tone of the book is playful and silly -- deliberately so. Which made me willing to cut it some slack. But there are limits, people. Good lord.
"Ricardo rolled his eyes. He was actually getting a headache from doing that"
You and me too, buddy.
DNF @20%.
August 13, 2020
September 2022: Audiobook = ***2.5 - 3 Stars***
************************
Original review August 2020:
***3.5 Stars***rounded up due to last 25%
This was fun! 😎 So, if you like your hitmen all broody, mysterious and hard-eyed.... yeah, probably better look elsewhere. #protip
Oh, and August: I hate to break it to you, but despite the wearing-socks-in-bed thing, you can't hold a candle - ugh, what the hell am I saying? Not even a match! - to Ethan Blade, who will always and forever remain my favorite assassin. 🔫🚘🐪😉
************************
Original review August 2020:
***3.5 Stars***rounded up due to last 25%
This was fun! 😎 So, if you like your hitmen all broody, mysterious and hard-eyed.... yeah, probably better look elsewhere. #protip
Oh, and August: I hate to break it to you, but despite the wearing-socks-in-bed thing, you can't hold a candle - ugh, what the hell am I saying? Not even a match! - to Ethan Blade, who will always and forever remain my favorite assassin. 🔫🚘🐪😉
October 7, 2026
This was silly fun and easy on the noggin kind of read.
The title obviously gives away it's hitman vs hitman working out who has set them up.
Even though these men are seemingly competent hitmen... I couldn't get it out of my head that these two were giving me...... ✨Home alone villain✨ vibes
AND I DON'T KNOW WHY.😂😂😂
I think it's because one was kindy sassy, and the other one Michael feriuolololol does the most FUCKING HORRENDOUS accent for that it kind of makes him comical even though it's not meant to be funny?
I love that they are like....... annoying rivals to.... reluctant allies to.... hooking up? and the book ends with no love declaration. So it feels more towards slowburn emotionally? I assume that's saved for further books, and I love that.
The title obviously gives away it's hitman vs hitman working out who has set them up.
Even though these men are seemingly competent hitmen... I couldn't get it out of my head that these two were giving me...... ✨Home alone villain✨ vibes
AND I DON'T KNOW WHY.😂😂😂
I think it's because one was kindy sassy, and the other one Michael feriuolololol does the most FUCKING HORRENDOUS accent for that it kind of makes him comical even though it's not meant to be funny?
I love that they are like....... annoying rivals to.... reluctant allies to.... hooking up? and the book ends with no love declaration. So it feels more towards slowburn emotionally? I assume that's saved for further books, and I love that.
August 16, 2020
15/4/23
I’m just glad it’s not a stand-alone anymore. Also, August is making it on the list of my favourite characters. Love him and his suits😌
——————————————————
The only problem is in the blurb. It says standalone gay romantic suspense. I mean there was suspense, action, first class humour, tension, romance and every other thing promised. But why is it a standalone? Give me 10 more books with August and Ricardo. They are just so diverse a character you can fill pages about them. The book didn't give me much of an insight on their past and the ending demands more.
It was a book on TWO hitmen. Yo! And they were the proper hitmen, not the legal CIA hitman which we usually read. Opposites of each other in most ways possible. Competitors, lead into a plot where they are forced to work together. There was a plot better then I expected. And there was action. Then there was August😍
I want more!!
I’m just glad it’s not a stand-alone anymore. Also, August is making it on the list of my favourite characters. Love him and his suits😌
——————————————————
The only problem is in the blurb. It says standalone gay romantic suspense. I mean there was suspense, action, first class humour, tension, romance and every other thing promised. But why is it a standalone? Give me 10 more books with August and Ricardo. They are just so diverse a character you can fill pages about them. The book didn't give me much of an insight on their past and the ending demands more.
It was a book on TWO hitmen. Yo! And they were the proper hitmen, not the legal CIA hitman which we usually read. Opposites of each other in most ways possible. Competitors, lead into a plot where they are forced to work together. There was a plot better then I expected. And there was action. Then there was August😍
I want more!!
April 1, 2022
❝i couldn’t even leave this one behind, and believe me, i wanted to.❞
❝pfft.❞ august thumped the back of ricardo’s headrest. ❝you didn’t want anything to happen to my pretty ass. admit it.❞
❝it’s not too late for something to happen to your pretty ass,❞ ricardo grumbled. the idiot brightened.
❝so you admit my ass is pretty?❞
and this is why i never fully give up on any book, cause funny story 😅 i actually dnf'd hitman vs hitman a couple of times. for some reason, though … i actually finished it this time? eh, go figure 🤷♀️
hitman vs hitman, for the most part, really worked for me. the humor more often than not, hit. i ended up enjoying the dynamic between august and ricky, plus … their chemistry was somehow slow-burn, but also not?
that being said, there are two reasons i'm rating hvh under four stars. firstly, only my favorite assassin, ethan blade, can get away with the socks thing. the minute ricky mentioned the socks thing i was side eyeing august hard … yes i'm aware of how petty this makes me look, tyvm.
my second, and actual reason, reason is, well … for some reason hitman vs hitman felt extremely long. like, i even double checked on goodreads and allegedly this book clocks in well under three hundred pages.
ahahahaha, lies 🙃
all in all though, i actively enjoyed hitman vs hitman. the humor walked the line perfectly, the two leads were charismatic, and i loved the way the romance developed. so yeah … i'll probably, eventually, check out books two and three.
hitman vs hitman 𖤐𖤐𖤐½
sniper vs spotter ᴍᴀʏʙᴇ ᴛʙʀ
killer vs kingpin ᴍᴀʏʙᴇ ᴛʙʀ
capo vs capo ᴍᴀʏʙᴇ ᴛʙʀ
September 13, 2021
Well, this was entertaining. Rival hitmen forced to work together to figure out who wanted both of them dead. Ricardo is more serious and stoic. August is funny, egoistic and can't keep his mouth shut. I enjoyed their banter, August always try to rile up Ricardo with his blabbermouth and princely attitude. Ricardo might just found out as annoying as August is, he can't stay away from the guy. There is action and humor and a little sexy. I'm so happy to hear there is a sequel coming up because I need more of their sexy times.
February 8, 2025
I DNF’d this book three times before finally finishing it.
I think this book was trying to recreate the magic of Jack and Ethan Blade. August is ridiculous, and Ricardo has too grumpy.
I think this book was trying to recreate the magic of Jack and Ethan Blade. August is ridiculous, and Ricardo has too grumpy.
November 8, 2022
Awesome 😃
I’ve never read about a character who is as annoying as August 😂😂 he is just too much but you can’t help falling in love with him 😂😂. Drama queen, snob , bratty and everything you could think of but beneath all that is a ruthless assassin, he is a conundrum and I just find him fascinating
Ricardo is the broody type just as dangerous as August if not more and he is August’s victim 😂😂
When I started reading the story I almost stopped because they were behaving like a bunch of teens but as I continued it became obvious that that was because of their “rivalry” and they both really didn’t know each other. This was a fun and funny story to read and these two are really bad boys it’s shocking what they are both capable of and I like it 😄
I’ve never read about a character who is as annoying as August 😂😂 he is just too much but you can’t help falling in love with him 😂😂. Drama queen, snob , bratty and everything you could think of but beneath all that is a ruthless assassin, he is a conundrum and I just find him fascinating
Ricardo is the broody type just as dangerous as August if not more and he is August’s victim 😂😂
When I started reading the story I almost stopped because they were behaving like a bunch of teens but as I continued it became obvious that that was because of their “rivalry” and they both really didn’t know each other. This was a fun and funny story to read and these two are really bad boys it’s shocking what they are both capable of and I like it 😄
April 13, 2025
Fun fastpaced book about two hitmen. Assigned to the same target. Without knowing it's a set up. 3 🧿🧿🧿
August 17, 2020
**grm**
I really liked this book and I wished it had more chapters. Sure, there wasn't a lot of romance and my thirsty side wasn't really happy with the lack of sex scenes, since there was only one on page, but I enjoyed the bickering and I found Ricardo and August to be a strange, but believable couple. I wouldn't mind reading more books about them.
There were also some things that made me roll my eyes and that did make me guess their intelligence twice, like not using the condom the first time they had sex, or the fact that August never disguised himself while doing a job, despite being well known and famous for being the son of some billionairs....That didn't make a lot of sense.
But well, ingnoring this, the book was interesting enough to rate 4 stars.
I really liked this book and I wished it had more chapters. Sure, there wasn't a lot of romance and my thirsty side wasn't really happy with the lack of sex scenes, since there was only one on page, but I enjoyed the bickering and I found Ricardo and August to be a strange, but believable couple. I wouldn't mind reading more books about them.
There were also some things that made me roll my eyes and that did make me guess their intelligence twice, like not using the condom the first time they had sex, or the fact that August never disguised himself while doing a job, despite being well known and famous for being the son of some billionairs....That didn't make a lot of sense.
But well, ingnoring this, the book was interesting enough to rate 4 stars.
October 7, 2020
Liked this!
It wasn't a romance per se but still saw the relationship between the two assassins develop into one where they were HFN.
More in-depth review when I can manage it
It wasn't a romance per se but still saw the relationship between the two assassins develop into one where they were HFN.
More in-depth review when I can manage it
July 26, 2020
L.A. Witt and Cari Z teaming up again for an enjoyable story about TWO hitmen!
Ricardo Torralba and August Morrison are two of the best hitmen although they couldn't tolerate each other. Much. But then they are both set-up to kill the same target, and things all the way wrong, because clearly it's more about killing the two of them, rather than the target. So Ricardo and August have to work together if they want to survive and find out who want them both dead.
L.A. Witt and Cari Z both have become one of my favorite author-collaborators for the past few years. I can expect for a thrilling read when I pick up their book. This one is no different. Despite they're not exactly friendly with one another, there's still mutual respect, AND the chemistry is crazy sparkling. Even if that means August flirts and jokes while Ricardo rolls his eyes hard.
I can't say that this is a heavy romance book, though. Yes, there's sizzling kisses and sex of course, but the big part of this book is how Ricardo and August are working to uncover the person behind that set-up. It's a great partnership... and I kind of wanting this one to become a new series for them.
Ricardo Torralba and August Morrison are two of the best hitmen although they couldn't tolerate each other. Much. But then they are both set-up to kill the same target, and things all the way wrong, because clearly it's more about killing the two of them, rather than the target. So Ricardo and August have to work together if they want to survive and find out who want them both dead.
L.A. Witt and Cari Z both have become one of my favorite author-collaborators for the past few years. I can expect for a thrilling read when I pick up their book. This one is no different. Despite they're not exactly friendly with one another, there's still mutual respect, AND the chemistry is crazy sparkling. Even if that means August flirts and jokes while Ricardo rolls his eyes hard.
I can't say that this is a heavy romance book, though. Yes, there's sizzling kisses and sex of course, but the big part of this book is how Ricardo and August are working to uncover the person behind that set-up. It's a great partnership... and I kind of wanting this one to become a new series for them.
February 11, 2025
I only have one question. How is this NOT an Alice Winters book specifically about Leland and Jackson?
Because the similarities are eerie.
A mildly sane hitman (Ricardo) almost driven to madness by a certifiably insane hitman (August) but he's increasingly indulgent with him.
Narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo.
Like, don't get me wrong, it was enjoyable. But it REALLY read like something I've read before even though none of the plotlines were particularly similar.
Because the similarities are eerie.
A mildly sane hitman (Ricardo) almost driven to madness by a certifiably insane hitman (August) but he's increasingly indulgent with him.
Narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo.
Like, don't get me wrong, it was enjoyable. But it REALLY read like something I've read before even though none of the plotlines were particularly similar.
July 27, 2020
3.5 Entertaining stars
Kind of a fun romp in parts but lots of OTT action, bullets, bombs and gore. Little sex and I didn’t really feel the romance myself. Telling each other their histories was kind of awful, especially August. Good distraction because it’s not remotely connected to reality. I still wouldn’t give either of them 5 stars on Rate My Hit.
Kind of a fun romp in parts but lots of OTT action, bullets, bombs and gore. Little sex and I didn’t really feel the romance myself. Telling each other their histories was kind of awful, especially August. Good distraction because it’s not remotely connected to reality. I still wouldn’t give either of them 5 stars on Rate My Hit.
September 16, 2026
I don’t know what it is about hitman romances, but I’m always fascinated by them. There’s something so interesting about seeing how different authors interpret assassins, their backgrounds, their morals, and the reasons they ended up in that life. Are they psychopaths, people forced into the profession, or men shaped by painful pasts? The possibilities make for some really entertaining and complicated relationship dynamics.
Hitman vs Hitman by Cari Z and L.A. Witt gave me the kind of “assassin light” romance I didn’t know I needed. The violence is mostly quick and action-focused, with the torture and more disturbing moments kept in the past or off-page. There are explosions, gunshots, flashbangs, dead bodies, and plenty of action, but nothing overly graphic.
What I loved most was how different the two men were in personality and background, yet their values and beliefs made them fit together so naturally. Their sarcastic humour, snippy dialogue, witty exchanges, and the way the action blended with their memories and growing relationship were all so well done.
This actually reminded me a lot of Alice Winters’ Hitman’s Guide series, especially Leland and Jackson. I clearly have a weakness for sarcastic, deadly men who somehow find love while surrounded by chaos. 😂
I stayed invested in both men, the storyline, and their relationship from beginning to end. I could definitely read more about this killer couple, and luckily, there’s more to come because I’m already moving on to the next book.
Such a fun, entertaining read, and one I’d happily recommend!
Hitman vs Hitman by Cari Z and L.A. Witt gave me the kind of “assassin light” romance I didn’t know I needed. The violence is mostly quick and action-focused, with the torture and more disturbing moments kept in the past or off-page. There are explosions, gunshots, flashbangs, dead bodies, and plenty of action, but nothing overly graphic.
What I loved most was how different the two men were in personality and background, yet their values and beliefs made them fit together so naturally. Their sarcastic humour, snippy dialogue, witty exchanges, and the way the action blended with their memories and growing relationship were all so well done.
This actually reminded me a lot of Alice Winters’ Hitman’s Guide series, especially Leland and Jackson. I clearly have a weakness for sarcastic, deadly men who somehow find love while surrounded by chaos. 😂
I stayed invested in both men, the storyline, and their relationship from beginning to end. I could definitely read more about this killer couple, and luckily, there’s more to come because I’m already moving on to the next book.
Such a fun, entertaining read, and one I’d happily recommend!
January 4, 2021
2 generous stars. 😑
-Ricardo was all right as a character, but the voice the narrator used when Ricardo was speaking... let’s just say it sounded like an extremely strong accent combined with what made it sound like, he was speaking with a sucker in his mouth...😒
-Augustus, here’s all I have to say about him : he is aggravating, frivolous, can’t be serious, annoying, flippant, frustrating, etc... I disliked him so much that there were times where I was fighting the urge to grit my teeth 🤬
-Ricardo was all right as a character, but the voice the narrator used when Ricardo was speaking... let’s just say it sounded like an extremely strong accent combined with what made it sound like, he was speaking with a sucker in his mouth...😒
-Augustus, here’s all I have to say about him : he is aggravating, frivolous, can’t be serious, annoying, flippant, frustrating, etc... I disliked him so much that there were times where I was fighting the urge to grit my teeth 🤬
July 26, 2020
3.5 ⭐
An enjoyable book.
It's perfect for a light summer reading, if you like crime stories, featuring hitmen and action a little more than romance.
(But don't read this book searching for a realistic setting!)
An enjoyable book.
It's perfect for a light summer reading, if you like crime stories, featuring hitmen and action a little more than romance.
(But don't read this book searching for a realistic setting!)
February 10, 2024
3.5 stars
Never mind the morals, enjoy the pace. Decent snark, bonkers plot.
The sequels are OK, though don't match up to this.
Cover Art by Lori Witt.
Never mind the morals, enjoy the pace. Decent snark, bonkers plot.
The sequels are OK, though don't match up to this.
Cover Art by Lori Witt.
December 30, 2022
*2,5 - 3 STARS
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!
This is quite a difficult one to rate, I shall explain why:
As for the romance, there wasn’t much of it. I think the MCs have chemistry and it could develop into a good thing. Maybe in later books? To be honest, I’m not sure if I will continue with the series…we shall see.
SPOILERS AHEAD!!!!
This is quite a difficult one to rate, I shall explain why:
As for the romance, there wasn’t much of it. I think the MCs have chemistry and it could develop into a good thing. Maybe in later books? To be honest, I’m not sure if I will continue with the series…we shall see.
December 24, 2020
"God, he wore Hawaiian shirts? How many Hawaiian shirts did one douchebag need? No wonder someone had ordered a hit on him"
I actually liked this one more than I thought. The two authors aren't new to me but I can't say they are auto-buy either.
With a healthy dose of humor, lots of adventure, explosions, and heat, it was an enjoyable read/listen
I actually liked this one more than I thought. The two authors aren't new to me but I can't say they are auto-buy either.
With a healthy dose of humor, lots of adventure, explosions, and heat, it was an enjoyable read/listen
May 14, 2021
Narration 5 stars
Book 2 stars
I should have known from the last book i read from Cari Z and LA Witt that they aren't for me.
I really liked the premise of this book, but i just didn't enjoy how it was played out, i didn't feel much of the relationship chemistry between the two main characters.
I went in with high hopes to be disappointed... oh well on to the next.
Book 2 stars
I should have known from the last book i read from Cari Z and LA Witt that they aren't for me.
I really liked the premise of this book, but i just didn't enjoy how it was played out, i didn't feel much of the relationship chemistry between the two main characters.
I went in with high hopes to be disappointed... oh well on to the next.
Read
July 8, 2020Available July 20th.
July 8, 2022
So much fun. Really enjoyed this. Lots of action, snark and a genuine chemistry of sunshine v grump.
Narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo - excellent
Narrated by Michael Ferraiuolo - excellent
July 27, 2025
Story 5 stars
Audiobook 5 stars, Michael Ferraiuolo does a wonderful job with August and Ricardo.
Especially with Ricardo, he invents a Catalan accent for English. I'm sure the narrator has heard a Catalan speak.
I laughed a lot with these two, with their banter, with August's nonsense and with how stoic Ricardo is, which deep down he is not.
Ricardo Torralba is an assassin for hire, who is given a job, to end the life of a millionaire. When he is infiltrating, as an expert in killing pests, he meets August, another contract killer, who has been commissioned to do the same job.
It´s trap to kill each other, but they decide to work together to find out who has orchestrated everything.
I have started the second one, after finishing this one.
Audiobook 5 stars, Michael Ferraiuolo does a wonderful job with August and Ricardo.
Especially with Ricardo, he invents a Catalan accent for English. I'm sure the narrator has heard a Catalan speak.
I laughed a lot with these two, with their banter, with August's nonsense and with how stoic Ricardo is, which deep down he is not.
Ricardo Torralba is an assassin for hire, who is given a job, to end the life of a millionaire. When he is infiltrating, as an expert in killing pests, he meets August, another contract killer, who has been commissioned to do the same job.
It´s trap to kill each other, but they decide to work together to find out who has orchestrated everything.
I have started the second one, after finishing this one.
August 8, 2020
I’m surprised I didn’t enjoy this one more, given it had everything I love in a book. Two hitmen at each other’s throats whilst hunting down the one who set them up. What’s not to love. Mostly action, a little romance and plenty of bickering, but I just couldn’t get into it until towards the end. Just felt there was something missing.
October 21, 2025
For a story about two murderers, this was surprisingly light and funny.
I laughed and enjoyed the adventure.
They're not the best communicators, but I have faith they'll happily kill lots of bad(ish) people together.
I laughed and enjoyed the adventure.
They're not the best communicators, but I have faith they'll happily kill lots of bad(ish) people together.
September 7, 2020
A book in the same fashion as How to Shield an Assassin though not as much banter and a bit more serious. Definitely in the fiction category but a lot of fun to read with OTT stuff - Victor (the bad guy), the mafia don and not to forget August's house defenses!! Overall a good easy, forget the world state, read.
November 22, 2021
A fun read!
They need to focus and figure out who’s gunning for them and why...
Assuming they don’t kill each other first...
A fun assassin read that will bring you enjoy and thrills. It has a nice balance of humour and danger.
I loved these characters and they were good for each other. They both needed each other and different personalities mixed well.
Full of action, survival, assassins, contracts, humour and suspense.
Perfect for readers of romantic suspenses.
They need to focus and figure out who’s gunning for them and why...
Assuming they don’t kill each other first...
A fun assassin read that will bring you enjoy and thrills. It has a nice balance of humour and danger.
I loved these characters and they were good for each other. They both needed each other and different personalities mixed well.
Full of action, survival, assassins, contracts, humour and suspense.
Perfect for readers of romantic suspenses.
August 24, 2020
It was fun but could have used more sexual tension between the characters. It lacked some longing and buildup but the suspense aspect was on point.
January 5, 2021
Book Reaction: https://neverhollowed.com/2021/01/05/...
Rating: 3.5 Stars – that place between like and love
Rating: 3.5 Stars – that place between like and love
Displaying 1 - 30 of 214 reviews