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Dead Generations #1
The Dead Don't Lie
While young doctor Adam Morrow resigns himself to an uninformed existence, world-weary assassin Ian Abbott struggles with a life he never asked for. When the two strangers meet by chance, the attraction is immediate. And deadly, as Adam walks in on Ian in the middle of a hit.
The situation spirals out of control once Ian discovers he and Adam share a connection far more profound than either imagined. Shocked by the discovery, Ian makes the hasty decision to kidnap him.
Overnight Adam is torn from his promising career and a family who believes him dead. Things go from bad to worse when he finds himself reunited with a mother he never knew who is now head of a covert and shadowy group of killers for hire. Forced into joining their ranks, with Ian as his reluctant trainer and handler, Adam is given a series of impossible tasks to complete.
To survive, he must fight with everything he has to keep his life, his sanity, and his very soul from being swept up in a violent and chaotic world even as he battles his unwanted and complicated feelings for Ian.
For his part, Ian, a man with dark secrets of his own, has a past he isn't ready to share with Adam even as the other man worms into his life in more ways than one. The two grow closer and lines blur -- between good and evil, friend or foe, enemy or lover. But something, or someone, plots against them, determined to do everything in their power to keep them apart. Even if it means destroying them both.
Trigger Warnings: This story contains a brief scene of sexual assault and features an unresolved ending/cliffhanger.
The situation spirals out of control once Ian discovers he and Adam share a connection far more profound than either imagined. Shocked by the discovery, Ian makes the hasty decision to kidnap him.
Overnight Adam is torn from his promising career and a family who believes him dead. Things go from bad to worse when he finds himself reunited with a mother he never knew who is now head of a covert and shadowy group of killers for hire. Forced into joining their ranks, with Ian as his reluctant trainer and handler, Adam is given a series of impossible tasks to complete.
To survive, he must fight with everything he has to keep his life, his sanity, and his very soul from being swept up in a violent and chaotic world even as he battles his unwanted and complicated feelings for Ian.
For his part, Ian, a man with dark secrets of his own, has a past he isn't ready to share with Adam even as the other man worms into his life in more ways than one. The two grow closer and lines blur -- between good and evil, friend or foe, enemy or lover. But something, or someone, plots against them, determined to do everything in their power to keep them apart. Even if it means destroying them both.
Trigger Warnings: This story contains a brief scene of sexual assault and features an unresolved ending/cliffhanger.
250 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2021
4 people are currently reading
317 people want to read
About the author
Anne Russo
9 books63 followersAnne makes her home in Connecticut with her wonderful and ever-so-patient partner—a lifelong reader, writer, and curious student, Anne hopes to create exciting multi-dimensional characters and worlds with a queer sensibility. She is the author of the Dead Generations series, including the recently released The Dead Don’t Run.
When she’s not dreaming of or writing romantic suspense thrillers, you’ll find Anne reading (biographies being her favorite), and whenever she can, spending time outdoors in nature. Anne also enjoys baking, listening to podcasts, discovering new music, and exploring museums, bookstores, and flea markets.
To learn more, visit her website at annerusso.com.
When she’s not dreaming of or writing romantic suspense thrillers, you’ll find Anne reading (biographies being her favorite), and whenever she can, spending time outdoors in nature. Anne also enjoys baking, listening to podcasts, discovering new music, and exploring museums, bookstores, and flea markets.
To learn more, visit her website at annerusso.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 22, 2021
What happens when the line between black and white blurs? What happens when you find yourself unable to distinguish clearly between right and wrong? What happens when your mind tells you something but your heart orders you to do the opposite? In The Dead Don’t Lie, the protagonist Adam Morrow finds himself in huge trouble when he walks in on an assassin right in the middle of an operation! How can the assassin (Ian Abbott) protect his secret? Either by killing the witness or just kidnaping him.
When Adam gets to know that his kidnapper is a member of an organized group of assassins, he is forced to join them in order to survive. Ian becomes his personal trainer and with time more shocking secrets get revealed to him involving his family. All that he can still manage but his attraction for Ian and Ian’s desires for him are the things besides this new brutal life that make him feel at war from inside.
Let me say that for a debut novel The Dead Don’t Lie is excellent. Anne Russo has a winner here. There is lots of angst, uneasy feelings, and some violence. All this will definitely stir your inner emotions and make you feel uneasy if you are not used to reading dark-themed stories. I enjoyed the amount of tension a lot between the two main characters. You have two main characters who are conflicted about each other and one of them (Adam) is even more conflicted and unsure about his sexuality. The feeling of being attracted to another man, and what makes it even worse is that this man is his kidnapper! The one who took his freedom and took him away from his family and job! I think the author has created intriguing chemistry between the two main characters. Yes, sometimes they frustrated me when one was trying to get closer the other would back away and so on, but I can’t complain much about it because that is what caused all that tension between them. It helped in making a great build-up looking at the overall picture.
Besides the main characters, the secondary characters were fun too. Kalifa, Mei, Hector, and the others are great additions to the story. But Katherine is the most interesting character who is vicious and a psycho! Her presence added lots of discipline as she was the one who was in charge of it all. However, her relationship with Adam feels somehow a convenient coincidence. Not sure why the author thought it was necessary to make a bond between the two. Probably we will know more about it in the next book.
The Dead Don’t Lie is an entertaining gay thriller with a romantic attraction between the two main characters. An intense attraction that develops between a captor and his captive. The story is consolidated with a spellbinding set of characters and a fast-moving plot. Beware that it ends with a cliffhanger so if you are OK with that I don’t see a reason you would not enjoy it.
Many thanks to the author Anne Russo for providing me a free copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily after being sent the book.
The Review
When Adam gets to know that his kidnapper is a member of an organized group of assassins, he is forced to join them in order to survive. Ian becomes his personal trainer and with time more shocking secrets get revealed to him involving his family. All that he can still manage but his attraction for Ian and Ian’s desires for him are the things besides this new brutal life that make him feel at war from inside.
Let me say that for a debut novel The Dead Don’t Lie is excellent. Anne Russo has a winner here. There is lots of angst, uneasy feelings, and some violence. All this will definitely stir your inner emotions and make you feel uneasy if you are not used to reading dark-themed stories. I enjoyed the amount of tension a lot between the two main characters. You have two main characters who are conflicted about each other and one of them (Adam) is even more conflicted and unsure about his sexuality. The feeling of being attracted to another man, and what makes it even worse is that this man is his kidnapper! The one who took his freedom and took him away from his family and job! I think the author has created intriguing chemistry between the two main characters. Yes, sometimes they frustrated me when one was trying to get closer the other would back away and so on, but I can’t complain much about it because that is what caused all that tension between them. It helped in making a great build-up looking at the overall picture.
Besides the main characters, the secondary characters were fun too. Kalifa, Mei, Hector, and the others are great additions to the story. But Katherine is the most interesting character who is vicious and a psycho! Her presence added lots of discipline as she was the one who was in charge of it all. However, her relationship with Adam feels somehow a convenient coincidence. Not sure why the author thought it was necessary to make a bond between the two. Probably we will know more about it in the next book.
The Dead Don’t Lie is an entertaining gay thriller with a romantic attraction between the two main characters. An intense attraction that develops between a captor and his captive. The story is consolidated with a spellbinding set of characters and a fast-moving plot. Beware that it ends with a cliffhanger so if you are OK with that I don’t see a reason you would not enjoy it.
Many thanks to the author Anne Russo for providing me a free copy of this book. I am leaving this review voluntarily after being sent the book.
The Review
April 30, 2021
The Dead Don’t Lie, the first in Anne Russo’s Dead Generations series, is amazing, intriguing, suspenseful and brutal. The only thing that could have made it better? Not ending on a cliffhanger. I need some miniscule of resolution at the conclusion of a thrill ride such as this. With a series there is always the allure of what is yet to come that one expects, but leaving me with nothing but the knowledge of a continuation doesn’t feel right…. Gah! With that said, Adam and Ian’s journey, to this point, has been hella fascinating.
Engrossed in his budding medical career, Adam Morrow’s only focus is being the best he can be to the detriment of his personal life, up until the fateful moment he is in the wrong place at the wrong time. From this moment on his life forever changes. For all intent, he doesn’t exist any longer and is thrust into a dark and savage world. One he was actually born into but was freed of at birth.
Assassin Ian Abbott is extremely complex and struggles with an odd past that remains a mystery for most of this first book in the series. There is a part of him that is loving and caring, but his training and history prevent these doors from opening. That is until the spark and undeniable connection to the sexy doctor chip away at his resolve.
Adam’s cushy, albeit stressful, world flips on its axis to one that is dark – consisting of murder, torture, and unscrupulous behavior. Even at his darkest moments Adam hangs onto his inner humanity and caring nature. He is revolted by his pure desire and intense attraction to the assassin that yanked him from his “perfect” life. I wasn’t able to determine if there was meant to be a bit of Stockholm Syndrome in play with their relationship but it definitely feels to be a contributing factor.
Little by little Adam sneaks past Ian’s defenses and moments of the hidden side of Ian emerge. However, Ian’s conditioning combines with the forces working against them to quickly slam his walls back in place. The moments they do share are passionate and consuming and fulfill both men to a level neither has ever experienced.
The band of assassins and their leader, Katherine, vary greatly in degrees of humanity, with Katherine being one of the all-time greatest villains. This makes her ties to both Adam and Ian heartbreaking. Although, you can’t help admiring her as the villainess she is while at the same time wishing the wench would die.
The Dead Don’t Lie is a great beginning to the dark world that Anne Russo has created. It will be interesting to see how this debut author and the Dead Generations series progress and to reconnect with the characters, getting answers to the plethora of unanswered questions.
Engrossed in his budding medical career, Adam Morrow’s only focus is being the best he can be to the detriment of his personal life, up until the fateful moment he is in the wrong place at the wrong time. From this moment on his life forever changes. For all intent, he doesn’t exist any longer and is thrust into a dark and savage world. One he was actually born into but was freed of at birth.
Assassin Ian Abbott is extremely complex and struggles with an odd past that remains a mystery for most of this first book in the series. There is a part of him that is loving and caring, but his training and history prevent these doors from opening. That is until the spark and undeniable connection to the sexy doctor chip away at his resolve.
Adam’s cushy, albeit stressful, world flips on its axis to one that is dark – consisting of murder, torture, and unscrupulous behavior. Even at his darkest moments Adam hangs onto his inner humanity and caring nature. He is revolted by his pure desire and intense attraction to the assassin that yanked him from his “perfect” life. I wasn’t able to determine if there was meant to be a bit of Stockholm Syndrome in play with their relationship but it definitely feels to be a contributing factor.
Little by little Adam sneaks past Ian’s defenses and moments of the hidden side of Ian emerge. However, Ian’s conditioning combines with the forces working against them to quickly slam his walls back in place. The moments they do share are passionate and consuming and fulfill both men to a level neither has ever experienced.
The band of assassins and their leader, Katherine, vary greatly in degrees of humanity, with Katherine being one of the all-time greatest villains. This makes her ties to both Adam and Ian heartbreaking. Although, you can’t help admiring her as the villainess she is while at the same time wishing the wench would die.
The Dead Don’t Lie is a great beginning to the dark world that Anne Russo has created. It will be interesting to see how this debut author and the Dead Generations series progress and to reconnect with the characters, getting answers to the plethora of unanswered questions.
June 29, 2021
The Dead Don’t Lie (Dead Generations #1) is Anna Russo’s debut novel. This is probably one of the most angsty and violent stories that I’ve read in a while, but I was completely drawn in by it.
Dr. Adam Morrow goes to check on a patient one night and comes face to face with an assassin in the middle of a hit. Ian Abbott experiences about a million emotions the moment he first sees Adam Morrow. He recognizes his… is attracted to him…and doesn’t know what to do with him. In a handful of moments, Ian realizes their lives are already entangled and decides to take Adam with him.
I think this book is about survival. Ian has a troubled past, a dangerous present and a lot of secrets. As he takes on the task of training Adam… things get messy. Ian is who he is to survive … and Adam must learn how to survive within the dark world he now resides in. His family, his fiancée, his career… it’s all gone. What’s ahead of his
There is a lot of violence, cruelty and angst in this novel. It’s certainly not something you would pick up if you’re looking for a “romance”. This book isn’t the beginning of a romance; it’s the beginning of a battle between two men.
Adam an Ian are definitely attracted to one another. There are forces that are hell bent on keeping them apart; not the least of which is Ian’s need to keep both himself, and Adam alive. It’s a dangerous world and the two of them are both trapped in their own ways.
Please read the content warnings for this book. There are quite a few things that could be problems for people. If you’re like me and you love the darker side of fiction, then this is a book you won’t want to miss out on.
I am definitely looking forward to more of this series!
Dr. Adam Morrow goes to check on a patient one night and comes face to face with an assassin in the middle of a hit. Ian Abbott experiences about a million emotions the moment he first sees Adam Morrow. He recognizes his… is attracted to him…and doesn’t know what to do with him. In a handful of moments, Ian realizes their lives are already entangled and decides to take Adam with him.
I think this book is about survival. Ian has a troubled past, a dangerous present and a lot of secrets. As he takes on the task of training Adam… things get messy. Ian is who he is to survive … and Adam must learn how to survive within the dark world he now resides in. His family, his fiancée, his career… it’s all gone. What’s ahead of his
There is a lot of violence, cruelty and angst in this novel. It’s certainly not something you would pick up if you’re looking for a “romance”. This book isn’t the beginning of a romance; it’s the beginning of a battle between two men.
Adam an Ian are definitely attracted to one another. There are forces that are hell bent on keeping them apart; not the least of which is Ian’s need to keep both himself, and Adam alive. It’s a dangerous world and the two of them are both trapped in their own ways.
Please read the content warnings for this book. There are quite a few things that could be problems for people. If you’re like me and you love the darker side of fiction, then this is a book you won’t want to miss out on.
I am definitely looking forward to more of this series!
April 9, 2021
A Joyfully Jay review.
3.25 stars
The Dead Don’t Lie is the first book in the Dead Generations series by author Anne Russo. It combines a lot of interesting themes, including assassins-for-hire, age difference with a side of unrequited love, and what I would consider a version of Stockholm Syndrome. It’s set in modern day New York City and features a cast of elite assassins with arguably nebulous end goals. As a whole, this book didn’t really work for me. The writing felt unpolished in ways that distracted me as a reader.
Overall, I found it difficult to get into the book. The first hurdle was the writing. A second hurdle is how it feels like plot points got recycled.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
3.25 stars
The Dead Don’t Lie is the first book in the Dead Generations series by author Anne Russo. It combines a lot of interesting themes, including assassins-for-hire, age difference with a side of unrequited love, and what I would consider a version of Stockholm Syndrome. It’s set in modern day New York City and features a cast of elite assassins with arguably nebulous end goals. As a whole, this book didn’t really work for me. The writing felt unpolished in ways that distracted me as a reader.
Overall, I found it difficult to get into the book. The first hurdle was the writing. A second hurdle is how it feels like plot points got recycled.
Read Camille’s review in its entirety here.
June 29, 2023
A Lesson in Frustration
This is an interesting story but it definitely left me frustrated. Between Ian's flip flopping nature and that mysterious ending, I have to see what happens in book two. Be aware that there is a scene near the end of the book containing an assault on one of the MCs that may be hard to read.
This is an interesting story but it definitely left me frustrated. Between Ian's flip flopping nature and that mysterious ending, I have to see what happens in book two. Be aware that there is a scene near the end of the book containing an assault on one of the MCs that may be hard to read.
January 11, 2022
I received a free ARC of this book from Booksprout in exchange for an honest review.
This book was both riveting and frustrating, and I get the feeling it’ll be more satisfying to read all the books right in a row rather than waiting for the next one in the series to come out (so I’m glad the second book is out already!)
I thought Ian and Adam were really interesting characters, both on their own and together. I sympathize with Adam and his total frustration with Ian - he has been relentlessly hot and cold with Adam, and at the moment I’m only able to understand why to an extent. Katherine seems to be pulling the strings, but Ian doesn’t seem to be very resistant to what I assume are her orders, and he always flips faster than a light-switch so I’m still not 100% certain what his intentions are. I don’t fault the book for having a frustrating character, but his behavior towards Adam is so repetitive that it made the book feel longer than it was, and I did have a little bit of an issue with that That said, the unanswered questions along with the cliffhanger absolutely left me wanting to know more.
I loved Adam, but he confused me a bit, because I never really understood why he fell for Ian or why he let Ian pull the same thing on him over and over. I understand there was probably some Stockholm Syndrome and the obvious physical attraction, but the passion he had for him didn’t make a lot of sense to me based on their interactions.
Even though there were a few parts that dragged for me and I wasn’t always entirely synced with where these characters thoughts and actions were coming from, I still thought this was a well-written and very impressive debut from this author. I’m looking forward to reading book 2 and more of her future works.
This book was both riveting and frustrating, and I get the feeling it’ll be more satisfying to read all the books right in a row rather than waiting for the next one in the series to come out (so I’m glad the second book is out already!)
I thought Ian and Adam were really interesting characters, both on their own and together. I sympathize with Adam and his total frustration with Ian - he has been relentlessly hot and cold with Adam, and at the moment I’m only able to understand why to an extent. Katherine seems to be pulling the strings, but Ian doesn’t seem to be very resistant to what I assume are her orders, and he always flips faster than a light-switch so I’m still not 100% certain what his intentions are. I don’t fault the book for having a frustrating character, but his behavior towards Adam is so repetitive that it made the book feel longer than it was, and I did have a little bit of an issue with that That said, the unanswered questions along with the cliffhanger absolutely left me wanting to know more.
I loved Adam, but he confused me a bit, because I never really understood why he fell for Ian or why he let Ian pull the same thing on him over and over. I understand there was probably some Stockholm Syndrome and the obvious physical attraction, but the passion he had for him didn’t make a lot of sense to me based on their interactions.
Even though there were a few parts that dragged for me and I wasn’t always entirely synced with where these characters thoughts and actions were coming from, I still thought this was a well-written and very impressive debut from this author. I’m looking forward to reading book 2 and more of her future works.
August 1, 2021
A bit of a slow start for me but it did pick up.
Ian and Adam's @relationship' was definitely a slow burner, lots of insta-hate.
There is no HEA or HFN, but a bot of a cliffy. So if you dont like cliffies wait until book 2 is out before you read this.
Ian and Adam's @relationship' was definitely a slow burner, lots of insta-hate.
There is no HEA or HFN, but a bot of a cliffy. So if you dont like cliffies wait until book 2 is out before you read this.
May 2, 2021
Reviewed by Taylin
Raised to be merciless, Ian is the lead assassin in a team of equally ruthless people, organized by his hard-assed, callous stepmother. When taking care of a hospital job, Ian recognizes the surgeon who walks in mid-hit – Adam Morrow. Forced to either kill or kidnap Adam, he chooses the latter, plunging Adam into a world of death and destruction. At first, Adam has no idea who Ian is, just that he is a killer who gives Adam no other choice but to survive or die at the end of a gun.
The Dead Don’t Lie is the first book in the Dead Generations series and is NOT a standalone story. The tale is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Adam and Ian. Technically, it could be better, but the imagery is good, and from the first page, the storyline is gripping. However, the phrase ‘come for me’ and the eternal bitten lip comes into play, which firmly belongs in my room 101. They are overused in the m/m genre, and their use makes me cringe.
Ian and Adam have troubled pasts. Ian is…complicated. He must train Adam to be an assassin which is more complex than it looks. After all, how does one change the thinking of a rebellious person trained to save lives – not take them. Adam awakens passions in Ian that don’t belong in his world.
Nevertheless, amid the cold reality of his situation and expectations of his stepmother, Ian is a deeply emotional person who, for years, has locked everything away. On the outside, Ian is indifferent – inside, there is a raging storm. He is also the type of man who will raise heaven and earth to protect his team.
Adam too is conflicted. Adopted, he battles his religious upbringing with his bisexuality. He hates Ian for forcing him into a world of violence that he never wanted. But there is also something about Ian that draws him in. As such, their relationship is highly love/hate and primal. In the beginning, I found this aspect dramatic and page-turning. But throughout, it is a relentless case of one step forward – several backward. As the story progressed, the moments lost their dramatic edge in favor of frustration. I needed a few more forwards and less back, but as this is a series, who knows what will happen in the next installment.
The other cast members have their talents and range in their friendliness, with Mei being the most loyal and vocal of Ian’s team.
This is a series that has the potential to be excellent, and if you don’t mind the main story carry over, then hell yes, it’s a recommended read. But if you are not a fan of unfinished arcs, it may be best to put it on your watch list until the series end.
Raised to be merciless, Ian is the lead assassin in a team of equally ruthless people, organized by his hard-assed, callous stepmother. When taking care of a hospital job, Ian recognizes the surgeon who walks in mid-hit – Adam Morrow. Forced to either kill or kidnap Adam, he chooses the latter, plunging Adam into a world of death and destruction. At first, Adam has no idea who Ian is, just that he is a killer who gives Adam no other choice but to survive or die at the end of a gun.
The Dead Don’t Lie is the first book in the Dead Generations series and is NOT a standalone story. The tale is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Adam and Ian. Technically, it could be better, but the imagery is good, and from the first page, the storyline is gripping. However, the phrase ‘come for me’ and the eternal bitten lip comes into play, which firmly belongs in my room 101. They are overused in the m/m genre, and their use makes me cringe.
Ian and Adam have troubled pasts. Ian is…complicated. He must train Adam to be an assassin which is more complex than it looks. After all, how does one change the thinking of a rebellious person trained to save lives – not take them. Adam awakens passions in Ian that don’t belong in his world.
Nevertheless, amid the cold reality of his situation and expectations of his stepmother, Ian is a deeply emotional person who, for years, has locked everything away. On the outside, Ian is indifferent – inside, there is a raging storm. He is also the type of man who will raise heaven and earth to protect his team.
Adam too is conflicted. Adopted, he battles his religious upbringing with his bisexuality. He hates Ian for forcing him into a world of violence that he never wanted. But there is also something about Ian that draws him in. As such, their relationship is highly love/hate and primal. In the beginning, I found this aspect dramatic and page-turning. But throughout, it is a relentless case of one step forward – several backward. As the story progressed, the moments lost their dramatic edge in favor of frustration. I needed a few more forwards and less back, but as this is a series, who knows what will happen in the next installment.
The other cast members have their talents and range in their friendliness, with Mei being the most loyal and vocal of Ian’s team.
This is a series that has the potential to be excellent, and if you don’t mind the main story carry over, then hell yes, it’s a recommended read. But if you are not a fan of unfinished arcs, it may be best to put it on your watch list until the series end.
June 28, 2021
This book was provided free in exchange for a fair and honest review for
Love Bytes
Raised to be merciless, Ian is the lead assassin in a team of equally ruthless people, organized by his hard-assed, callous stepmother. When taking care of a hospital job, Ian recognizes the surgeon who walks in mid-hit – Adam Morrow. Forced to either kill or kidnap Adam, he chooses the latter, plunging Adam into a world of death and destruction. At first, Adam has no idea who Ian is, just that he is a killer who gives Adam no other choice but to survive or die at the end of a gun.
The Dead Don’t Lie is the first book in the Dead Generations series and is NOT a standalone story. The tale is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Adam and Ian. Technically, it could be better, but the imagery is good, and from the first page, the storyline is gripping. However, the phrase ‘come for me’ and the eternal bitten lip comes into play, which firmly belongs in my room 101. They are overused in the m/m genre, and their use makes me cringe.
Ian and Adam have troubled pasts. Ian is…complicated. He must train Adam to be an assassin which is more complex than it looks. After all, how does one change the thinking of a rebellious person trained to save lives – not take them. Adam awakens passions in Ian that don’t belong in his world.
Nevertheless, amid the cold reality of his situation and expectations of his stepmother, Ian is a deeply emotional person who, for years, has locked everything away. On the outside, Ian is indifferent – inside, there is a raging storm. He is also the type of man who will raise heaven and earth to protect his team.
Adam too, is conflicted. Adopted, he battles his religious upbringing with his bisexuality. He hates Ian for forcing him into a world of violence that he never wanted. But there is also something about Ian that draws him in. As such, their relationship is highly love/hate and primal. In the beginning, I found this aspect dramatic and page-turning. But throughout, it is a relentless case of one step forward - several backward. As the story progressed, the moments lost their dramatic edge in favor of frustration. I needed a few more forwards and less back, but as this is a series, who knows what will happen in the next installment.
The other cast members have their talents and range in their friendliness, with Mei being the most loyal and vocal of Ian’s team.
This is a series that has the potential to be excellent, and if you don’t mind the main story carry over, then hell yes, it’s a recommended read. But if you are not a fan of unfinished arc’s, it may be best to put it on your watch list until the series end.
Love Bytes
Raised to be merciless, Ian is the lead assassin in a team of equally ruthless people, organized by his hard-assed, callous stepmother. When taking care of a hospital job, Ian recognizes the surgeon who walks in mid-hit – Adam Morrow. Forced to either kill or kidnap Adam, he chooses the latter, plunging Adam into a world of death and destruction. At first, Adam has no idea who Ian is, just that he is a killer who gives Adam no other choice but to survive or die at the end of a gun.
The Dead Don’t Lie is the first book in the Dead Generations series and is NOT a standalone story. The tale is told in the third person from the viewpoints of Adam and Ian. Technically, it could be better, but the imagery is good, and from the first page, the storyline is gripping. However, the phrase ‘come for me’ and the eternal bitten lip comes into play, which firmly belongs in my room 101. They are overused in the m/m genre, and their use makes me cringe.
Ian and Adam have troubled pasts. Ian is…complicated. He must train Adam to be an assassin which is more complex than it looks. After all, how does one change the thinking of a rebellious person trained to save lives – not take them. Adam awakens passions in Ian that don’t belong in his world.
Nevertheless, amid the cold reality of his situation and expectations of his stepmother, Ian is a deeply emotional person who, for years, has locked everything away. On the outside, Ian is indifferent – inside, there is a raging storm. He is also the type of man who will raise heaven and earth to protect his team.
Adam too, is conflicted. Adopted, he battles his religious upbringing with his bisexuality. He hates Ian for forcing him into a world of violence that he never wanted. But there is also something about Ian that draws him in. As such, their relationship is highly love/hate and primal. In the beginning, I found this aspect dramatic and page-turning. But throughout, it is a relentless case of one step forward - several backward. As the story progressed, the moments lost their dramatic edge in favor of frustration. I needed a few more forwards and less back, but as this is a series, who knows what will happen in the next installment.
The other cast members have their talents and range in their friendliness, with Mei being the most loyal and vocal of Ian’s team.
This is a series that has the potential to be excellent, and if you don’t mind the main story carry over, then hell yes, it’s a recommended read. But if you are not a fan of unfinished arc’s, it may be best to put it on your watch list until the series end.
February 3, 2024
This book has a good premise, but is executed poorly. The switching perspectives in the middle of a scene just didn't work, a few times I was left confused which character was the PoV. There were also a few spelling errors, and a lot of repatition of words in the same sentence. I'm normally not too fussy on this, but when other elements are bringing me out of the story, I do tend to notice and get annoyed by things like this more.
The side characters were more interesting than the main characters, which is not ideal. Their actions often didn't make sense, I had no feeling of what their motivation was. They acted a lot younger than they actually were - I would find some of the situations more believable if the characters were teenagers.
There was not a lot of plot: things happened to the characters, but they weren't really connected. I believe the main plot of this book was the romance one, but this really didn't land for me. I didn't feel the connection between Adam and Ian, and Ian's constant hot and cold was annoying, especially the whole "No one can have you" part. I can quite like that if it is done well, but this was not done well.
My biggest issue was that nothing made sense; why kidnap a doctor, then train him to be an assassin? Wouldn't his medical skills he more important? Why fake his death, but still remain in the same city, and let him wander about without changing his appearance? Why did Adam just accept all of this?
Katherine was also completely incomprehensible - she was more of a plot device than a character in her own right. She just knew things when it was needed, harangued everyone when it was needed, but otherwise stayed out of the way.
I still have no idea how their organisation works, or what they do. All of their hits seem to be bad people, but is that their thing? How do they get their targets? And Ian just, goes off after someone he has beef with, and this is OK? Or was that a contract too? And why does the guy know Ians name, but not who he works for?
So, as I said, there is a good concept under this. I am super frustrated that there is 0 communication between Ian and Adam, but I am hopeful that the next book is going to start to resolve this. Ian is obviously incredibly traumatised by years of emotional abuse, I just wish this was leaned into a bit more.
I'm going to continue with this series, as I have a feeling it will improve. I just hope I am right
The side characters were more interesting than the main characters, which is not ideal. Their actions often didn't make sense, I had no feeling of what their motivation was. They acted a lot younger than they actually were - I would find some of the situations more believable if the characters were teenagers.
There was not a lot of plot: things happened to the characters, but they weren't really connected. I believe the main plot of this book was the romance one, but this really didn't land for me. I didn't feel the connection between Adam and Ian, and Ian's constant hot and cold was annoying, especially the whole "No one can have you" part. I can quite like that if it is done well, but this was not done well.
My biggest issue was that nothing made sense; why kidnap a doctor, then train him to be an assassin? Wouldn't his medical skills he more important? Why fake his death, but still remain in the same city, and let him wander about without changing his appearance? Why did Adam just accept all of this?
Katherine was also completely incomprehensible - she was more of a plot device than a character in her own right. She just knew things when it was needed, harangued everyone when it was needed, but otherwise stayed out of the way.
I still have no idea how their organisation works, or what they do. All of their hits seem to be bad people, but is that their thing? How do they get their targets? And Ian just, goes off after someone he has beef with, and this is OK? Or was that a contract too? And why does the guy know Ians name, but not who he works for?
So, as I said, there is a good concept under this. I am super frustrated that there is 0 communication between Ian and Adam, but I am hopeful that the next book is going to start to resolve this. Ian is obviously incredibly traumatised by years of emotional abuse, I just wish this was leaned into a bit more.
I'm going to continue with this series, as I have a feeling it will improve. I just hope I am right
July 15, 2021
On the brink of turning twenty-six, Adam Morrow, has a somewhat normal life. He’s engaged to his girlfriend, but his career as a doctor has been consuming his time. Adam has worked hard to make it as a cardiothoracic surgeon and is interning at one of the most prestigious cardiac centers. All it took was just one shift and his personal life took a turn for the worse. Doing a favor for another doctor, he finds himself attending to a notorious patient. And that became one of the biggest mistakes of his life.
Cold blooded, assassin, Ian Abbott, assignments are always aimed for high crime lords, mobsters and criminals. Ian himself, is a dark, confused, complex individual. His past itself is twisted and his training as an assassin has made him dangerous to everyone.
Adam has no choice now. He finds himself kidnapped and there’s no way out. Besides Ian, he meets several other misfits: Mei, Vince, Regan, Hector and Kalifa.
Adam seems to make friends with some but can he completely trust any of them.
Even though he makes a connection with Ian, it’s very harmful to his physical and mental being. As there’s a very thin line between love and hate, Adam spirals deep and deeper into this black hole of insanity.
Who is the most dangerous and manipulating to whom? Ian Abbott the most dangerously skilled, assassin? Katherine the iron fist, domineering mother?
First time read, for me, by Anne Russo and it’s a very dark, psychological, gruesome theme. The author sets the reader on edge and lures them into thinking everything will smooth out between Adam and Ian and then you’re hit with another gut wrenching shocker and heart stopping moment. “The Dead Don’t Lie” is over the top with: suspense, intrigue, blood boiling insanity, and grit.
As a follower of so many types of mysteries this is an "edge of your seat”, nail bitter. Some readers won’t like cliff hanger, but I couldn’t see this ending any other way, it adds to the insanity. I for one will be waiting to see what heart stopper Anne Russo will bring next for the “Dead Generations” series.
Cold blooded, assassin, Ian Abbott, assignments are always aimed for high crime lords, mobsters and criminals. Ian himself, is a dark, confused, complex individual. His past itself is twisted and his training as an assassin has made him dangerous to everyone.
Adam has no choice now. He finds himself kidnapped and there’s no way out. Besides Ian, he meets several other misfits: Mei, Vince, Regan, Hector and Kalifa.
Adam seems to make friends with some but can he completely trust any of them.
Even though he makes a connection with Ian, it’s very harmful to his physical and mental being. As there’s a very thin line between love and hate, Adam spirals deep and deeper into this black hole of insanity.
Who is the most dangerous and manipulating to whom? Ian Abbott the most dangerously skilled, assassin? Katherine the iron fist, domineering mother?
First time read, for me, by Anne Russo and it’s a very dark, psychological, gruesome theme. The author sets the reader on edge and lures them into thinking everything will smooth out between Adam and Ian and then you’re hit with another gut wrenching shocker and heart stopping moment. “The Dead Don’t Lie” is over the top with: suspense, intrigue, blood boiling insanity, and grit.
As a follower of so many types of mysteries this is an "edge of your seat”, nail bitter. Some readers won’t like cliff hanger, but I couldn’t see this ending any other way, it adds to the insanity. I for one will be waiting to see what heart stopper Anne Russo will bring next for the “Dead Generations” series.
July 20, 2021
*I received this novel for free in exchange for an honest review*
When Doctor Adam Morrow stumbles in whilst assassin Ian Abbott is carrying out a hit, both men’s lives change forever. Instead of killing Adam, Ian makes the decision to kidnap him. Forced into training as an assassin, Adam struggles to deal with his new reality as well as his complicated feelings for Ian. Little does he know that Ian has his own secrets. Secrets that may destroy any chance they have of being together.
The Dead Don’t Lie is the first novel in the Dead Generations series. It is a dark, gritty novel filled with suspense, violence and death. The two main characters at first seem to contrast starkly from each other. Adam is kind and compassionate and tends to wear his heart on his sleeve, whilst Ian is cold and ruthless. However, as the story progresses you get to see different sides to both of them. Ian does have feelings and the fleeting moments when these are on display make for very tender scenes between them. Adam possesses an inner strength that he did not know he had, and when he finds it, he becomes much stronger and able to deal with his new world better. To begin with, Adam hates that Ian stole his life from him and is forcing him to become someone that he is not. Ian hates that Adam is awakening emotions in him that he is afraid to confront. Over time the two of them start to become closer, however there is a lot of ‘will they won’t they’ due to external conflicts as well as their own reluctance.
Much of the novel focuses on Adam’s training and his complex relationship with his kidnapper now trainer. However, his new skills are soon put to the test when he finds himself a target of a man who has a score to settle with Ian.
I really enjoyed the dark world of assassins that this first book in series introduced me to. There was plenty of twists and turns as well as action and romance and I look forward to reading further books in the series.
When Doctor Adam Morrow stumbles in whilst assassin Ian Abbott is carrying out a hit, both men’s lives change forever. Instead of killing Adam, Ian makes the decision to kidnap him. Forced into training as an assassin, Adam struggles to deal with his new reality as well as his complicated feelings for Ian. Little does he know that Ian has his own secrets. Secrets that may destroy any chance they have of being together.
The Dead Don’t Lie is the first novel in the Dead Generations series. It is a dark, gritty novel filled with suspense, violence and death. The two main characters at first seem to contrast starkly from each other. Adam is kind and compassionate and tends to wear his heart on his sleeve, whilst Ian is cold and ruthless. However, as the story progresses you get to see different sides to both of them. Ian does have feelings and the fleeting moments when these are on display make for very tender scenes between them. Adam possesses an inner strength that he did not know he had, and when he finds it, he becomes much stronger and able to deal with his new world better. To begin with, Adam hates that Ian stole his life from him and is forcing him to become someone that he is not. Ian hates that Adam is awakening emotions in him that he is afraid to confront. Over time the two of them start to become closer, however there is a lot of ‘will they won’t they’ due to external conflicts as well as their own reluctance.
Much of the novel focuses on Adam’s training and his complex relationship with his kidnapper now trainer. However, his new skills are soon put to the test when he finds himself a target of a man who has a score to settle with Ian.
I really enjoyed the dark world of assassins that this first book in series introduced me to. There was plenty of twists and turns as well as action and romance and I look forward to reading further books in the series.
August 1, 2021
Adam and Ian meet briefly in the hospital elevator. But when Adam comes face to face with Ian who is an assassin in the middle of taking out Adam’s patient. Which starts a chain reaction of events?
Ian recognises Adams features and realises Adam is his boss Kathrine’s Son. Reacting quickly, he forces Adam at gunpoint to go with him. Anyone else and they would have been dead alongside his target.
What follows is a brutal journey of Adams training to become an assassin, something he does not want to do. But has no option. Ian and Kathrine will not let him escape, so it is either tow the line or be killed.
The story is gritty and down to earth, I like the heated relationship between Ian and Adam, with hot angry sex. I found their interactions and self-denials as their feelings for each other grew. The story is strong and has plenty of thrilling danger. Characters are well rounded and strong. Even the minor characters are well developed and add to the overall story.
If there was one thing, I was not so keen on it is that we do not really know what the organisation is or what it stands for. Yes, it is a group of assassins created by Kathrine. But do they kill anyone for the right price? Or do they only kill bad guys? As the author hints. If it is the latter, how is it decided who they target. A little back story would help a lot on this issue. Maybe’s we will find out more as the series continues.
If you like action thrillers, then you will love this book, it has the makings of a Hollywood thriller.
The book certainly delivers on the synopsis, and I am thoroughly looking forward to book 2.
Ian recognises Adams features and realises Adam is his boss Kathrine’s Son. Reacting quickly, he forces Adam at gunpoint to go with him. Anyone else and they would have been dead alongside his target.
What follows is a brutal journey of Adams training to become an assassin, something he does not want to do. But has no option. Ian and Kathrine will not let him escape, so it is either tow the line or be killed.
The story is gritty and down to earth, I like the heated relationship between Ian and Adam, with hot angry sex. I found their interactions and self-denials as their feelings for each other grew. The story is strong and has plenty of thrilling danger. Characters are well rounded and strong. Even the minor characters are well developed and add to the overall story.
If there was one thing, I was not so keen on it is that we do not really know what the organisation is or what it stands for. Yes, it is a group of assassins created by Kathrine. But do they kill anyone for the right price? Or do they only kill bad guys? As the author hints. If it is the latter, how is it decided who they target. A little back story would help a lot on this issue. Maybe’s we will find out more as the series continues.
If you like action thrillers, then you will love this book, it has the makings of a Hollywood thriller.
The book certainly delivers on the synopsis, and I am thoroughly looking forward to book 2.
February 2, 2022
What is an emotional read an outstanding book
And be ready for the worst cliffhanger going because you were gonna wanna read a book two straight away. I screamed at the ending of this book and you will find yourself screaming too!!!!
This book left me speechless because I just couldn’t believe what I was reading at times.
Adam is a young Doctor Who is doing well for himself, concentrating on work but doesn’t always see what’s going on in his personal life and his fiancée leaves him. When he goes to To drop off some files for a patient Adam walks in on an assassin And find himself being kidnapped. But the shocker is who he finds, its his real mother. And she is Part of this mercenary hitman assassination group. And they have no plans to let Adam go in fact they start training them up to become Part of the team. They somehow get everyone to believe that he died and he now has no life other than with them. The guy that took him it’s called Ian and the attraction between them is instant, but there are secrets and twists and turns everywhere in this book.
This book is going to get your heart racing I am telling you right now. I really found myself struggling to like Ian but until you find out More about him you will not understand this man. I don’t know if I truly do now at the end of this book because you just know there’s so much more to come. I honestly couldn’t put the book down and desperately need Book two straight away. . I screamed at the ending of this book and you will find yourself screaming too!!!! There is so much to more to tell from these two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
And be ready for the worst cliffhanger going because you were gonna wanna read a book two straight away. I screamed at the ending of this book and you will find yourself screaming too!!!!
This book left me speechless because I just couldn’t believe what I was reading at times.
Adam is a young Doctor Who is doing well for himself, concentrating on work but doesn’t always see what’s going on in his personal life and his fiancée leaves him. When he goes to To drop off some files for a patient Adam walks in on an assassin And find himself being kidnapped. But the shocker is who he finds, its his real mother. And she is Part of this mercenary hitman assassination group. And they have no plans to let Adam go in fact they start training them up to become Part of the team. They somehow get everyone to believe that he died and he now has no life other than with them. The guy that took him it’s called Ian and the attraction between them is instant, but there are secrets and twists and turns everywhere in this book.
This book is going to get your heart racing I am telling you right now. I really found myself struggling to like Ian but until you find out More about him you will not understand this man. I don’t know if I truly do now at the end of this book because you just know there’s so much more to come. I honestly couldn’t put the book down and desperately need Book two straight away. . I screamed at the ending of this book and you will find yourself screaming too!!!! There is so much to more to tell from these two.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 5, 2021
There’s a lot of darkness in this story, and if you don’t want to read about a fair amount of psychological and physical torture, some of it inflicted on one love interest by the other, because he’s ostensibly too broken to show affection without causing pain, this book won’t be a good fit for you. Because it is so bleak, in fact, I found the flashes of humor and lightness (the rest of the assassins who are somehow a banter-exchanging friend group, for example) somewhat odd and disconcerting— out of place with the real ethos of the work. It’s not an easy read, but it can be engrossing if you want to get pulled into a world of broken people, bad decisions, and the consequences of lasting psychological trauma (the horrifying process by which Ian became the deeply problematic character he is when he kidnaps Adam is a big focus of the story). While I sympathized with Adam, I found his actions and feelings inexplicable sometimes (falling for the person who tortures you is…something. Stockholm syndrome, maybe?) I have no idea how to feel about Ian, and it’s impossible not to hate Katherine, the sociopath who pulls the strings in ways so evil she makes cartoon villains look subtle. This story definitely made me uneasy, but I’m pretty sure it was designed to do exactly that, and since I couldn’t look away from the carnage, physical and emotional, as it was happening I would say the book succeeds at what it’s designed to do.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
*I received an ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 2, 2023
Dead Don't Lie is the first book in the Dead Generations series - A highly suspenseful, action-packed novel that runs hot with smexual tension between our two main characters
Adam, a cardiac surgeon, is already having a bad day and it is about to get so much worse. While checking on a patient he finds himself in the middle of a murder scene
We all know witness can not be left behind
Enter Ian, an assassin-for-hire
This was a fast-paced read - Lots of actions and crimson splatter
They are assassins after all - Pretty creative ones too
Some of the events play just outside the realm of possibility but not impossible.
A strong cast of characters - Some I instantly loathed (dear old mom) - Others were just so easy to like, then there were a couple that I didn't get to know well enough so I am still on the fence
A strong storyline that kept me engaged and guessing - I am still trying to put the pieces into place
I enjoyed watching Adam grow and find his spine as the story progressed.
Ian comes across as heartless, cold, and quite ruthless - which he is - but there is more to him and there is a reason behind his behaviors
I am still not sure that our little assassin family are the good guys
I keep questioning if the person pulling the strings has ulterior motives
I recommend it to those who enjoy fast-paced gritty no apology crime novels that will keep you guessing from beginning to end
Adam, a cardiac surgeon, is already having a bad day and it is about to get so much worse. While checking on a patient he finds himself in the middle of a murder scene
We all know witness can not be left behind
Enter Ian, an assassin-for-hire
This was a fast-paced read - Lots of actions and crimson splatter
They are assassins after all - Pretty creative ones too
Some of the events play just outside the realm of possibility but not impossible.
A strong cast of characters - Some I instantly loathed (dear old mom) - Others were just so easy to like, then there were a couple that I didn't get to know well enough so I am still on the fence
A strong storyline that kept me engaged and guessing - I am still trying to put the pieces into place
I enjoyed watching Adam grow and find his spine as the story progressed.
Ian comes across as heartless, cold, and quite ruthless - which he is - but there is more to him and there is a reason behind his behaviors
I am still not sure that our little assassin family are the good guys
I keep questioning if the person pulling the strings has ulterior motives
I recommend it to those who enjoy fast-paced gritty no apology crime novels that will keep you guessing from beginning to end
February 8, 2022
Wrong place, wrong time leads to an absolutely gripping story
I didn't know what to expect when I read the blurb but it sounded gritty and intrigued me. What I actually got was so much more than I anticipated and it was completely enthralling, thrilling, heart-wrenching, and heart-stopping at times.
Ian is bloody and brutal, with walls so high that no one can climb over them. Adam is a doctor, kind and caring, open and honest. They meet in the most awful of ways and their lives change immediately.
As the story unfolds, each man is revealed slowly to the reader while keeping their secrets from each other. The attraction is instant and electric but the path of true love definitely does not run smooth when it comes to the assassin and the doctor.
I'm not going to give too much away but I simultaneously wanted to bang their heads together and for Adam just to shoot Ian and have done with it. My emotions reading it were as strong as Ian's and Adam's emotions and I was truly swept up, as though I was actually a fly on the wall actively watching everything unfold before my eyes rather than just passively reading about it. I can't give Anne Russo better praise than that.
Just be aware that it is violent and may not be for everyone. It ends on a shocking cliffhanger that left me reeling but Book Two is out and I'm off to read that right now.
I didn't know what to expect when I read the blurb but it sounded gritty and intrigued me. What I actually got was so much more than I anticipated and it was completely enthralling, thrilling, heart-wrenching, and heart-stopping at times.
Ian is bloody and brutal, with walls so high that no one can climb over them. Adam is a doctor, kind and caring, open and honest. They meet in the most awful of ways and their lives change immediately.
As the story unfolds, each man is revealed slowly to the reader while keeping their secrets from each other. The attraction is instant and electric but the path of true love definitely does not run smooth when it comes to the assassin and the doctor.
I'm not going to give too much away but I simultaneously wanted to bang their heads together and for Adam just to shoot Ian and have done with it. My emotions reading it were as strong as Ian's and Adam's emotions and I was truly swept up, as though I was actually a fly on the wall actively watching everything unfold before my eyes rather than just passively reading about it. I can't give Anne Russo better praise than that.
Just be aware that it is violent and may not be for everyone. It ends on a shocking cliffhanger that left me reeling but Book Two is out and I'm off to read that right now.
Read
October 27, 2021A good book written really well but this triggered me, I would have loved to have given this a 5. A first read for this author with this book.
When Ian and Adam keep meeting up briefly with a bit of sizzle between them happening but when Ian’s latest job goes off track with a witness he didn’t plan on.
Adam’s job gets a upheaval at being at the wrong place at the wrong time curiosity of Dr Chase. I really felt for Adam not having a clue to what was happening.
Okay I was loving this up to a certain point but there are hard scenes in this that triggered. Scenes of physical and mental torture and held captive violence where too much for me. I loved to start of an included twist about who they are to each other and sensed more to the story about Rhys but I didn’t keep reading. yah no spoilers here..
Ian was a professional gunman with his family business looking for a patient in hospital. Things work out but he’s stuck with Adam complicated things with the witnesses identity.
Adam was a heart doctor and with his fiancee having little to no sleep as work schedule were hectic didn’t do well for his relationship of Allison. But that all goes to hell when he's kidnapped at a wrong timing.
When Ian and Adam keep meeting up briefly with a bit of sizzle between them happening but when Ian’s latest job goes off track with a witness he didn’t plan on.
Adam’s job gets a upheaval at being at the wrong place at the wrong time curiosity of Dr Chase. I really felt for Adam not having a clue to what was happening.
Okay I was loving this up to a certain point but there are hard scenes in this that triggered. Scenes of physical and mental torture and held captive violence where too much for me. I loved to start of an included twist about who they are to each other and sensed more to the story about Rhys but I didn’t keep reading. yah no spoilers here..
Ian was a professional gunman with his family business looking for a patient in hospital. Things work out but he’s stuck with Adam complicated things with the witnesses identity.
Adam was a heart doctor and with his fiancee having little to no sleep as work schedule were hectic didn’t do well for his relationship of Allison. But that all goes to hell when he's kidnapped at a wrong timing.
May 27, 2023
Oh wow, this was a tough read, but I just couldn't put it down. Adam falls into anyone's worst nightmare - drugged, kidnapped, his death faked, forced to abandon everything and everyone he knew, his fiance, his mother -- or sign their death warrants. To top it all, the paid assassins he has to live with and learn to kill with are employed and run with a heavy hand by -- wait for it -- his mother. There are too many spoilers if I go into the story in depth -- and don't look for a happy ending even though Adam finds a kind of kindred spirit in Ian with whom he becomes enamored. The ending had me reeling - and yes it's a cliffhanger, and I think I'll have the will to order the 2nd book. But beware oh ye with tender sensibilities -- this is not the book for you. Read the trigger warnings carefully. One peeve - too many typos, even with one of the mcs name -- twice in one sentence! Come on, editor and proofer - if I can spot them so should you have!
July 1, 2021
Reading the blurb gives you an idea of what happens in this story, but it doesn't prepare you for the punch in the guts from the writing as the author takes reader and characters on a major thrill ride. Do not start this one at night unless you are prepared not to get any sleep. Once Adam walks into Ian's life all bets are off as these two have an immediate connection that overrides any sense of caution either man ever had. Little do they know, however, that deeper connections exist between them and that there are forces darker than either could have imagined out there pulling strings. If you like stories with truly evil villains to root against you are going to love this. It does end on a cliffhanger so be prepared but don't let that stop you.
July 28, 2021
The Dead Don’t Lie is an intriguing read that caught me a little off guard. I so enjoyed the ride this unlikely pseudo-romance took me on with twists coming right up to the very end. For those who like definitive resolutions in their stories, take heed—The Dead Don’t Lie ends with a massive cliffhanger that left me a little speechless.
Although Ian and Adam aren’t necessarily what I’d term likable characters, they and their journeys were incredibly interesting. While I knew that the plot was a little on the darker side, I definitely hadn’t anticipated just how twisted it could get at times or how emotionally invested I’d become in the characters. I especially liked the hidden depths to Ian even though his hot/cold attitude toward Adam was frustrating.
Adam and Ian don’t have a traditional romance by any stretch of the imagination and The Dead Don’t Lie doesn’t even end with a happy-for-now resolution. However, my streak for reading things I’d normally not pick up continues to deliver. I found Adam and Ian’s relationship progression intriguing and that this story consistently had me guessing. If you like twisted stories and going on unexpected adventures, I’d definitely recommend checking out this book.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
Although Ian and Adam aren’t necessarily what I’d term likable characters, they and their journeys were incredibly interesting. While I knew that the plot was a little on the darker side, I definitely hadn’t anticipated just how twisted it could get at times or how emotionally invested I’d become in the characters. I especially liked the hidden depths to Ian even though his hot/cold attitude toward Adam was frustrating.
Adam and Ian don’t have a traditional romance by any stretch of the imagination and The Dead Don’t Lie doesn’t even end with a happy-for-now resolution. However, my streak for reading things I’d normally not pick up continues to deliver. I found Adam and Ian’s relationship progression intriguing and that this story consistently had me guessing. If you like twisted stories and going on unexpected adventures, I’d definitely recommend checking out this book.
***Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure. A review wasn’t a requirement. ***
November 21, 2021
Whan an intense roller-coaster ride that had me white knuckling and desperately turning the pages for more.
Adam and Ian, both thrust into a life neither one wanted and becoming someone destined to live an ambiguously and morally grey existence.
They're drawn to each other and yet keep each other at arms length to protect themselves.
After denying themselves for so long they finally come together in the throes of passion, only to have it all go sideways.
I absolutely hate Katherine.
She's absolutely vile and I know what she's done and why, apart from lying and being the worst kind of interloper.
The book ends on a cliffhanger and I'm left desperately awaiting the continuation or conclusion.
Whichever it is, it can't happen fast enough.
Adam and Ian, both thrust into a life neither one wanted and becoming someone destined to live an ambiguously and morally grey existence.
They're drawn to each other and yet keep each other at arms length to protect themselves.
After denying themselves for so long they finally come together in the throes of passion, only to have it all go sideways.
I absolutely hate Katherine.
She's absolutely vile and I know what she's done and why, apart from lying and being the worst kind of interloper.
The book ends on a cliffhanger and I'm left desperately awaiting the continuation or conclusion.
Whichever it is, it can't happen fast enough.
April 4, 2021
The only good thing was the cover.
There's no plot. No goal to look forward to. And not enough character development. I don't learn anything significant about most of them. Katherine is the very definition of one-note. Every mention of her is the same behavior and words. I didn't believe the chemistry and the "relationship" between adam and ian. It came off as forced and unbelievable.
At about 65% mark, I stopped caring and skimmed to the end. It wasn't satisfying or gripping.
Ends on a cliffhanger that made me feel like reading it was a waste of time.
Asked for a refund. Don't bother buying it.
There's no plot. No goal to look forward to. And not enough character development. I don't learn anything significant about most of them. Katherine is the very definition of one-note. Every mention of her is the same behavior and words. I didn't believe the chemistry and the "relationship" between adam and ian. It came off as forced and unbelievable.
At about 65% mark, I stopped caring and skimmed to the end. It wasn't satisfying or gripping.
Ends on a cliffhanger that made me feel like reading it was a waste of time.
Asked for a refund. Don't bother buying it.
April 5, 2021
I don’t know what that one star guy was smoking when he read this book but he is way off base. I absolutely loved this book and can’t wait for the second one! I personally didn’t want to stop reading from the minute I opened it. I loved all of the characters not just the MCs, Katherine may be one of my favorite villains of all time. Ian is a complex character with many flaws but he would also do anything to help the people he loves. Adam coming into this as an outsider acts as a voice of reason. I felt this was a great introduction into the dark world this author has created. I would absolutely recommend this book to anyone who likes dark and angsty romances!
October 24, 2021
I metaphorically walked into this without thinking, with no expectations, and it left me stunned.
The ‘romance’ element (which is in inverted commas because no one was being romanced) is MM. But essentially this is a suspense/thriller.
It’s gritty and dark and has no light at the end of the tunnel. However, the characters are surprisingly likeable (except one I wished they’d shoot) and they have a bond that’s unbreakable. They are a misfit bunch but find a family of sorts together.
The story was immersive and thrilling, well put together and that ending…..
I highly recommend you give this a go.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The ‘romance’ element (which is in inverted commas because no one was being romanced) is MM. But essentially this is a suspense/thriller.
It’s gritty and dark and has no light at the end of the tunnel. However, the characters are surprisingly likeable (except one I wished they’d shoot) and they have a bond that’s unbreakable. They are a misfit bunch but find a family of sorts together.
The story was immersive and thrilling, well put together and that ending…..
I highly recommend you give this a go.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 19, 2022
This book isn’t worth a cent, i am sorry to say this.
Besides the major lack of quality in the writing department, numerous words missing which led to a stop and go reading. There is not much professionalism in the attempt of the author to make the characters believable in their actions and emotional pull towards each other. It’s an old scheme the love hate relationship, yet the author couldn’t make it work for me. The process of the characters wasn’t authentic at all. And as it is the major leading plot it wasn’t fun to read.
It is disappointing because I was really looking forward to enjoy this book and even willing to spend some money but the cover is deceiving.
Besides the major lack of quality in the writing department, numerous words missing which led to a stop and go reading. There is not much professionalism in the attempt of the author to make the characters believable in their actions and emotional pull towards each other. It’s an old scheme the love hate relationship, yet the author couldn’t make it work for me. The process of the characters wasn’t authentic at all. And as it is the major leading plot it wasn’t fun to read.
It is disappointing because I was really looking forward to enjoy this book and even willing to spend some money but the cover is deceiving.
July 18, 2021
First, I can't wait for book 2! Second, this definitely got my heart racing. Does it count as cardio if a book is getting your heart rate up instead of exercise? Anyway - although this isn't the steamiest book I've read, it has a great story line, and a lot of teasing. The characters have a lot of depth, and there are ones you love and ones you love to hate (looking at you Katherine). I became so immersed in Adam and Ian's story that I was a bit disappointed at the end, and I'm looking forward to the next installment.
December 12, 2021
The Dead Don't Lie is just amazing. I was hooked and couldn't put this book down. Oh man, the plot was just riveting. The characters - really so well-written, so well-developed - they were all very interesting. There was so much emotion. It was one hell of a ride. I'm still reeling from the ending - really from the journey of Ian and the journey of Adam's and their journey together. I want more from this series..I want more from Anne Russo. She's now a one-click author for me.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 1, 2021
This was an angst filled, enemies to lovers, hurt / comfort romance.
This is my first time picking up a book from this author. I didn't really expect the amount of angst this book had going in, but it suited the storyline quite well.
I like the characters. They were real and relatable.
The storyline was interesting and engaging.
I liked the authors writing style and look forward to her future works
This is my first time picking up a book from this author. I didn't really expect the amount of angst this book had going in, but it suited the storyline quite well.
I like the characters. They were real and relatable.
The storyline was interesting and engaging.
I liked the authors writing style and look forward to her future works
May 1, 2021
Adam and Ian's push and pull chemistry ruined me a little bit. You get just enough to think, "oh finally everything is gonna be okay" and then NOPE. I'm glad this is a series because that ending was no joke in the way of cliffhangers. My heart rate was up not realizing this was a series. I need part two NOW!
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