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Cardinal Sins #1
Kill Song
Open Case File
Memo
Honor my father.
There are four types of serial killers.
Hedonistic.
Power/control.
Mission-oriented.
Visionary.
Not all serial killers are caught. At any given point, there could be as many as fifty serial killers active at a time.
Fifty.
I’m looking for one.
He’s male, likely in his forties or fifties now. He’s been killing successfully for more than three decades. I suspect even longer, though our timeline is based only on the earliest victim we’ve identified with his signature mark.
Seventy-nine kills that we are certain of.
A year ago, the unsub’s methods changed. It was a subtle shift. Instead of one or two bodies a year, five have been dropped. Forensic evidence remains inconclusive, but in my gut, I know something’s changed.
Either the unsub has a partner or he’s about to become a spree killer.
It’s only a matter of time before someone puts the coin into the right slot and the kill song begins.
Finding the unsub is my obsession. It was my father’s. He died without solving the mystery.
I won’t.
KILL SONG is a full length dark adult romance and psychological thriller with suspenseful themes. Any trigger warnings will be included in the foreword. Some situations may be uncomfortable for readers. This is a reverse harem novel, meaning the main character has more than one love interest. This is book one in the series.
Memo
Honor my father.
There are four types of serial killers.
Hedonistic.
Power/control.
Mission-oriented.
Visionary.
Not all serial killers are caught. At any given point, there could be as many as fifty serial killers active at a time.
Fifty.
I’m looking for one.
He’s male, likely in his forties or fifties now. He’s been killing successfully for more than three decades. I suspect even longer, though our timeline is based only on the earliest victim we’ve identified with his signature mark.
Seventy-nine kills that we are certain of.
A year ago, the unsub’s methods changed. It was a subtle shift. Instead of one or two bodies a year, five have been dropped. Forensic evidence remains inconclusive, but in my gut, I know something’s changed.
Either the unsub has a partner or he’s about to become a spree killer.
It’s only a matter of time before someone puts the coin into the right slot and the kill song begins.
Finding the unsub is my obsession. It was my father’s. He died without solving the mystery.
I won’t.
KILL SONG is a full length dark adult romance and psychological thriller with suspenseful themes. Any trigger warnings will be included in the foreword. Some situations may be uncomfortable for readers. This is a reverse harem novel, meaning the main character has more than one love interest. This is book one in the series.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 23, 2021
674 people are currently reading
2240 people want to read
About the author
Heather Long
260 books2,280 followersI love books. Not just a little bit, but a lot. Books were my best friends when I was growing up. Books didn’t care if I was new to a town or to a class. They were always there, my trustiest of companions. Until they turned on me and said I had to write them.
I can tell you that my own personal happily ever after included writing books. I’ve always said that an HEA is a work in progress. It’s true in my marriage, my friendships, and in my career. I am constantly nurturing my muse as we dive into new tales, new tropes, new characters and more.
After seventeen years back in Texas, we relocated to the Pacific Northwest in search of seasons, new experiences, and new geography. I can’t wait to discover what life (and my muse) have in store for me.
Maybe writing was always my destiny and romance my fate. After all, my grandmother wasn’t a fan of picture books and used to read me her Harlequin Romance novels.
Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, you name it, I love them and love to write them. I started with Earth Witches Aren’t Easy, the first in the Chance Monroe trilogy, but my characters and I have traveled a long way since I created that urban fantasy world.
One of the series I hear my readers recommend the most is the Untouchable series followed in quick succession by the Vandals, and that just delights me. No lie, whenever one of my readers brings up my wolves, I do a little a fist pump.
I’m active on social media, and I love hearing from readers. Feel free to tag me with a question about any of my books, or just say hi!
I can tell you that my own personal happily ever after included writing books. I’ve always said that an HEA is a work in progress. It’s true in my marriage, my friendships, and in my career. I am constantly nurturing my muse as we dive into new tales, new tropes, new characters and more.
After seventeen years back in Texas, we relocated to the Pacific Northwest in search of seasons, new experiences, and new geography. I can’t wait to discover what life (and my muse) have in store for me.
Maybe writing was always my destiny and romance my fate. After all, my grandmother wasn’t a fan of picture books and used to read me her Harlequin Romance novels.
Friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, friends to enemies to lovers, you name it, I love them and love to write them. I started with Earth Witches Aren’t Easy, the first in the Chance Monroe trilogy, but my characters and I have traveled a long way since I created that urban fantasy world.
One of the series I hear my readers recommend the most is the Untouchable series followed in quick succession by the Vandals, and that just delights me. No lie, whenever one of my readers brings up my wolves, I do a little a fist pump.
I’m active on social media, and I love hearing from readers. Feel free to tag me with a question about any of my books, or just say hi!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 230 reviews
September 5, 2022
A low 2.5 ish. Every once in a while a reverse harem reads more on the openly cheating and forcing your lover to accept it side to me, and that's exactly what this one felt like. I'm sure it gets accepted in later books, but I don't like how it was done in this one. I was looking forward to a fierce Woman Who Kills novel, but I was ultimately bored with a the passive FMC who did nothing but be "amused" at everything that happened around her. A lot went on but nothing actually really happened, you know?
November 22, 2021
Kill Song is the first book in the new Cardinal Sins series by Heather and Blake. I'm going to try and keep my review as vague as possible about what actually happens in the book. The reason for that is that when I read the blurb, I thought I knew what the book was going to be about. Well it is, but not at all in the way that I thought. It was a pleasant surprise for me and I don't want to ruin that for anyone else.
What I can say about this book. Vienna is different from your typical main female lead. I think in some cases she may be hard to relate to but the further we get in the book, the more we can connect with her. She has a very interesting story and I admire her passion for what she does. This is on the slower side for the intimacy. We do have two guys in our sights. We have Merrick who is the sweetest killer we will probably ever meet. Whoever thought you could say that? 😂😂 Although he is a giant teddy bear, he is also incredibly fierce and protective of Vi. I love when he gets all growly. Then we have Fletcher. To be honest, I did not like Fletcher when he first showed up. He has a very strong personality and I didn't think he would fit into their lives smoothly. He surprised me though.
Then there is Cash. I'm not sure yet how he's going to play into the story. If he is going to be friend or foe. Which is really intriguing. I like a little mystery and we have some serious mystery going on with this book. I can say that Vi's father was murdered and she's been trying to find out who did it. Then we have the ending. You know that Heather Long is not going to let us go lightly. Blake and Heather together, killer ending! However, if you read the forward in the book, which hardly anyone does, then you would already know that we were not going to get our happy ending in the first book. It's going to be a journey to the happiness and I am here for the ride. Great job ladies.
What I can say about this book. Vienna is different from your typical main female lead. I think in some cases she may be hard to relate to but the further we get in the book, the more we can connect with her. She has a very interesting story and I admire her passion for what she does. This is on the slower side for the intimacy. We do have two guys in our sights. We have Merrick who is the sweetest killer we will probably ever meet. Whoever thought you could say that? 😂😂 Although he is a giant teddy bear, he is also incredibly fierce and protective of Vi. I love when he gets all growly. Then we have Fletcher. To be honest, I did not like Fletcher when he first showed up. He has a very strong personality and I didn't think he would fit into their lives smoothly. He surprised me though.
Then there is Cash. I'm not sure yet how he's going to play into the story. If he is going to be friend or foe. Which is really intriguing. I like a little mystery and we have some serious mystery going on with this book. I can say that Vi's father was murdered and she's been trying to find out who did it. Then we have the ending. You know that Heather Long is not going to let us go lightly. Blake and Heather together, killer ending! However, if you read the forward in the book, which hardly anyone does, then you would already know that we were not going to get our happy ending in the first book. It's going to be a journey to the happiness and I am here for the ride. Great job ladies.
May 19, 2025
Safety info, content warnings and tropes down below.
This is my third time reading this book (will reread the whole series), and it’s almost exclusively because of Rick. He’s one of my all-time favorite book boyfriends. He’s a total lovable goof but also damn scary and possessive, mixed with attachment issues. There’s something about a man admitting to separation anxiety and wanting good communication and reassurance that is so sweet.
Fletcher is a good MMC too, and one you’ll like more as the series goes on. Drew is a badass FMC but not always lovable, although she has her moments. She wasn’t raised to be emotionally available, so the fact that she tries for Rick and Fletcher is sweet.
There’s a lot of plot happening throughout the books and lots of setting up future stuff in this book. I’m looking forward to continue the reread — especially more great Rick moments.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Killer FMC
Slow-building harem
Why choose
Lovable scary MMC
Hacker wizard MMC
Attachment disorder
Duet narration
Obsessive MC
Service top/caretaking MC
Pierced MMC: tongue, dong, nips
FBI agent MMC
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Voluntary mental hospital stay (leaves as the book starts)
MCs murdering bad guys on page
MC stopping (believed) assault
Graphic violence
Death of parents (drunk driver, past)
Grief, death of parent (past)
Gun violence
Explicit sexual content
On-page intoxication
Themes of human trafficking
Torture of bad guy
Mention of bad guy sexually assaulting women (past, off page, few details)
MC drugging other MC with melatonin
Misogynistic comments by MC
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Jealousy between MMCs as the harem builds. FMC is kisses MMC2 before talking to MMC1, Although they haven’t talked about exclusivity and MMC1 knows things are progressing.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, multi
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/F
Strict roles or versatile: N/A
Main characters’ age: 23, 27 and not specified
Series: Series
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 336
Happy ending: Not yet
"That I was in a program?" He rubbed a hand against his jaw, almost thoughtful. "I can see how that might worry you. I mean, you're gorgeous, not that being gorgeous is worrisome. But you're a gorgeous, single woman, who was just accosted in a dark alley and now you've got me, a perfect stranger, who just got out of a 'program' in your car." He frowned. Practice kept my expression in check. It probably occurred to him he wasn't doing himself any favors. "I may have worded that badly," Merrick admitted. "No, I think you summed it up beautifully."
"That I was in a program?" He rubbed a hand against his jaw, almost thoughtful. "I can see how that might worry you. I mean, you're gorgeous, not that being gorgeous is worrisome. But you're a gorgeous, single woman, who was just accosted in a dark alley and now you've got me, a perfect stranger, who just got out of a 'program' in your car." He frowned. Practice kept my expression in check. It probably occurred to him he wasn't doing himself any favors. "I may have worded that badly," Merrick admitted. "No, I think you summed it up beautifully."
"What if I waited in the car? I could be back-up—" Unfortunately, she was already shaking her head. "You and I both know, you wouldn't stay in the car." I sighed. "I would try." "I know you would, and I love that you're honest enough to admit that you would likely not be successful.”
“Are you okay?” I kept my voice low so I didn’t startle him. Right now, it seemed like any small thing could set him off, and as much as I liked Merrick, I didn’t know everything about him. The one thing I did know, was that he could beat a man to death and not be bothered at all.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
This is my third time reading this book (will reread the whole series), and it’s almost exclusively because of Rick. He’s one of my all-time favorite book boyfriends. He’s a total lovable goof but also damn scary and possessive, mixed with attachment issues. There’s something about a man admitting to separation anxiety and wanting good communication and reassurance that is so sweet.
Fletcher is a good MMC too, and one you’ll like more as the series goes on. Drew is a badass FMC but not always lovable, although she has her moments. She wasn’t raised to be emotionally available, so the fact that she tries for Rick and Fletcher is sweet.
There’s a lot of plot happening throughout the books and lots of setting up future stuff in this book. I’m looking forward to continue the reread — especially more great Rick moments.
Blanket spoiler warning ⬇️
⚠️ Tropes & content tags ⚠️
Killer FMC
Slow-building harem
Why choose
Lovable scary MMC
Hacker wizard MMC
Attachment disorder
Duet narration
Obsessive MC
Service top/caretaking MC
Pierced MMC: tongue, dong, nips
FBI agent MMC
⚠️ Content warning ⚠️
Voluntary mental hospital stay (leaves as the book starts)
MCs murdering bad guys on page
MC stopping (believed) assault
Graphic violence
Death of parents (drunk driver, past)
Grief, death of parent (past)
Gun violence
Explicit sexual content
On-page intoxication
Themes of human trafficking
Torture of bad guy
Mention of bad guy sexually assaulting women (past, off page, few details)
MC drugging other MC with melatonin
Misogynistic comments by MC
⚠️Book safety ⚠️
Cheating: No
Other person drama: Jealousy between MMCs as the harem builds. FMC is kisses MMC2 before talking to MMC1, Although they haven’t talked about exclusivity and MMC1 knows things are progressing.
Breakup: No
POV: 1st person, multi
Genre: Romantic suspense
Pairing: M/F
Strict roles or versatile: N/A
Main characters’ age: 23, 27 and not specified
Series: Series
Kindle Unlimited: Yes
Pages: 336
Happy ending: Not yet
"That I was in a program?" He rubbed a hand against his jaw, almost thoughtful. "I can see how that might worry you. I mean, you're gorgeous, not that being gorgeous is worrisome. But you're a gorgeous, single woman, who was just accosted in a dark alley and now you've got me, a perfect stranger, who just got out of a 'program' in your car." He frowned. Practice kept my expression in check. It probably occurred to him he wasn't doing himself any favors. "I may have worded that badly," Merrick admitted. "No, I think you summed it up beautifully."
"That I was in a program?" He rubbed a hand against his jaw, almost thoughtful. "I can see how that might worry you. I mean, you're gorgeous, not that being gorgeous is worrisome. But you're a gorgeous, single woman, who was just accosted in a dark alley and now you've got me, a perfect stranger, who just got out of a 'program' in your car." He frowned. Practice kept my expression in check. It probably occurred to him he wasn't doing himself any favors. "I may have worded that badly," Merrick admitted. "No, I think you summed it up beautifully."
"What if I waited in the car? I could be back-up—" Unfortunately, she was already shaking her head. "You and I both know, you wouldn't stay in the car." I sighed. "I would try." "I know you would, and I love that you're honest enough to admit that you would likely not be successful.”
“Are you okay?” I kept my voice low so I didn’t startle him. Right now, it seemed like any small thing could set him off, and as much as I liked Merrick, I didn’t know everything about him. The one thing I did know, was that he could beat a man to death and not be bothered at all.
You can find most of my reviews on Instagram as well: https://www.instagram.com/booksafety?...
March 5, 2023
I was in the mood for an fbi/ serial killer why choose romance and this one delivered. This is only the first in the series so therefore the third guy in the harem has not come into the picture. We do get a few of his povs though. This book does end on a slight cliffhanger but luckily the next book and the rest of the series is out :)
A few things:
Serial killer FMC
Hero 1: lovesick puppy, fresh out of rehab from dealing with one too many heartbreaks. Hero 2: the flirty hacker who is also following the heroine around like a lovesick puppy. Hero 3: fbi agent. Hero 3 has not been introduced to the main characters yet but I’m pretty sure that will happen in the second book.
I’m thoroughly surprised this book didn’t have an ex fuck buddy show up or OW drama. Hero 1 had of course had his fair share of girlfriends that led to heartbreak. Hero 2 doesn’t have much of a past mentioned but he doesn’t seem like a virgin at all. The heroine found pics of him at his family galas with women on his side and he said it was to piss his family off but at least he had a good time with them. (I’m thinking he probably had sex with them.) Hero 3 has an ex girlfriend who is a cop or fbi agent and it didn’t work out because he was too engrossed in finding the serial killer. (aka the fmc and her dad) There’s no mention of his past since we haven’t learned much about his character but fingers crossed in the next few books no ex fuck buddies show up.
Updated safety:
I’m on book 3 and so far no OW drama or past fuck buddies showing up. No mention of when the last time Rick and Fletcher had sex but they are both clean. Cash hasn’t had sex in a year :)
I’m very surprised how this series isn’t full of manwhore heroes. That’s something I don’t come across very much in RH’s. This series is definitely one of the few I’ve come across where there is no OW drama.
A few things:
Serial killer FMC
Hero 1: lovesick puppy, fresh out of rehab from dealing with one too many heartbreaks. Hero 2: the flirty hacker who is also following the heroine around like a lovesick puppy. Hero 3: fbi agent. Hero 3 has not been introduced to the main characters yet but I’m pretty sure that will happen in the second book.
I’m thoroughly surprised this book didn’t have an ex fuck buddy show up or OW drama. Hero 1 had of course had his fair share of girlfriends that led to heartbreak. Hero 2 doesn’t have much of a past mentioned but he doesn’t seem like a virgin at all. The heroine found pics of him at his family galas with women on his side and he said it was to piss his family off but at least he had a good time with them. (I’m thinking he probably had sex with them.) Hero 3 has an ex girlfriend who is a cop or fbi agent and it didn’t work out because he was too engrossed in finding the serial killer. (aka the fmc and her dad) There’s no mention of his past since we haven’t learned much about his character but fingers crossed in the next few books no ex fuck buddies show up.
Updated safety:
I’m on book 3 and so far no OW drama or past fuck buddies showing up. No mention of when the last time Rick and Fletcher had sex but they are both clean. Cash hasn’t had sex in a year :)
I’m very surprised how this series isn’t full of manwhore heroes. That’s something I don’t come across very much in RH’s. This series is definitely one of the few I’ve come across where there is no OW drama.
November 8, 2021
I love when I can walk into a book so blind that everything surprises and takes me off guard! This book took so many turns and developed it’s characters in such a way that I honestly did not know who I was supposed to be trusting to tell the story.. only that I fell a little in love with them chapter by chapter.. and their dialogue with each other had me laughing, crying and holding my breath back to back.. I made this review vague but hopefully with enough enticing thoughts that you immediately run to order this book.. to give you anything would spoil the ride I had with it.. but take my advice and go right now and read it.. all the fun, dark, quirky and steamy from Blake and Heather you would expect with a twist! Amazing job Ladies!!
March 20, 2022
After reading the blurb for this book i wasnt quite sure how it would play out but my goodness was it a cracking read. It completely threw me but in a bloody great way. Vienna (FMC) is the epitome of an anti-hero and that in itself is the beauty of her. Shes a killer without a doubt but shes also kick***, bad*** with a quiet way about her. Especially with regards to Merrick. There was a genuine sweetness between them that i liked. Dark and seductive with a story that completely draws you in. I read it one day as it was so good i couldnt put it down. A brilliant start to this series. So flaming good!!
November 17, 2021
A thrilling first book in a new series with a lot of twists and turns. The good guys and the bad guys are not clear cut and you never know what is happening next. It’s deliciously twisted! I can't wait to see what happens in the next book!
Read
December 23, 2021DNF’d @ 69%. I wanted to love this book and just didn’t. I feel like the female character is confusing. She’s a serial killer raised alone and to trust no one, but she trusts every attractive guy she meets and opens her home to them? I also found the guys to be annoyingly clingy. It just wasn’t for me.
June 23, 2024
This was great and different, I especially liked how slow burn it was and that despite it being a reverse harem it's not filled to the brim with smut, the story here is so intriguing, obviously we do get some in this first book but it's a smaller part of the overall picture. So basic gist, this is a reverse-harem, though this is very much still developing. Our girl Vienna has had an unconventional childhood. Her father hunts monsters as he labels them and he has never hidden this from his daughter. She's been raised as a chip off the old block and as an adult of twenty-three, she has been working with him at this task for years. They are part of a network which they utilise in their quest to rid the streets of filth, it's their vocation in life. When Vienna's father is killed she has suspicions that the criminal network they work within has been compromised and she's determined to discover the truth of his demise.
Merrick is an unusual character and I bloody adored him he has some different traits and has a history of forming unhealthy attachments. After another voluntary stint in a facility for more therapy, he manages to stumble on Vienna with her latest target. Believing her in danger he intervenes she in turn then goes against all of her father's teachings and takes him home with her.
We also have Fletcher, hacker and an incorrigible flirt, He and Vienna first come into contact on a job and she needs his services to continue the hunt for her father's killer. He's the complete opposite of Rick in his temperament, Rick who Vienna has come to trust and rely on but Fletcher also stirs similar emotions in Vienna.
Then we have Cash he's very much in the background at the moment but I'm convinced he's the missing link. He's an FBI agent obsessed with completing the task his father was fixated on before he died. He's hunting the unsub monikered The Judge, and he's like a dog with a bone. For the moment he and Vienna are still very much strangers but I'm sure that's a temporary state.
This was such an intriguing read, it's well-written with some great characters that managed to endear themselves to me. I found Rick bloody adorable and loved the dynamic between him and Vienna they just click. Fletcher has also grown on me and Cash is still mostly a mystery. After the way this concluded, I'm excited to see what happens next but yeh overall this was a fantastic beginning to the series and I recommend reading.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
March 14, 2023
Serial Killers + RH = Sign me up
Vienna and her father are different from everyone else. They see the world differently and thus their role/job in the world is rare but as they would claim necessary. They rid the world of monsters and now that Vienna's father has been killed, not only will she continue on his work, she has plans to find out who betrayed him. With a rag tag team Vienna is no longer on her own but she will have to learn to adapt. While Vienna is not someone most would befriend, somehow fate lands these guys right in her orbit and together they just work. So far so good and I am hooked, can't wait to see whats next and who the hell would betray her father?!?!?
Vienna and her father are different from everyone else. They see the world differently and thus their role/job in the world is rare but as they would claim necessary. They rid the world of monsters and now that Vienna's father has been killed, not only will she continue on his work, she has plans to find out who betrayed him. With a rag tag team Vienna is no longer on her own but she will have to learn to adapt. While Vienna is not someone most would befriend, somehow fate lands these guys right in her orbit and together they just work. So far so good and I am hooked, can't wait to see whats next and who the hell would betray her father?!?!?
November 20, 2021
Kill Song by Heather Long and Blake Blessing is a dark reverse harem romantic suspense. This is the first book in the Cardinal Sins series.
Heather and Blake did a great job pulling me into the story. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I am loving the slow burn romance between Vienna, Merrick, and Fletcher. I really enjoyed getting Vienna, Merrick, Fletcher, and Cash's points of view throughout the book. it really brought the story to life.
The book ends on an great cliffhanger that left me begging for more. I can't wait for the next book in the series First Chorus to be released on March 15, 2022.
I would recommend this book if you like romantic suspense, psychological thrillers, or dark romances.
Heather and Blake did a great job pulling me into the story. I couldn't wait to see what was going to happen next. I am loving the slow burn romance between Vienna, Merrick, and Fletcher. I really enjoyed getting Vienna, Merrick, Fletcher, and Cash's points of view throughout the book. it really brought the story to life.
The book ends on an great cliffhanger that left me begging for more. I can't wait for the next book in the series First Chorus to be released on March 15, 2022.
I would recommend this book if you like romantic suspense, psychological thrillers, or dark romances.
November 15, 2021
All we can say is WOW. This book blew us away completely.
It was not at all what we anticipated and yet everything we needed all at once. From reading the blurb we knew we needed to read this book like NOW, and we were sucked in from the get go.
This book is for you if you love:
1. Badass, sexy, intelligent women who can drop a man with a few swift moves;
2. Serial killer suspenses with a Dexter feel;
3. Flirty computer hackers who have hardware in the office, and in the bedroom;
4. Obsessive FBI agents who will not stop until they find the killer; and
5. Sexy men who may form attachments a little too easily, but who you never want to let go........
We will be counting down the days until book 2. Grab your copy, like yesterday.
It was not at all what we anticipated and yet everything we needed all at once. From reading the blurb we knew we needed to read this book like NOW, and we were sucked in from the get go.
This book is for you if you love:
1. Badass, sexy, intelligent women who can drop a man with a few swift moves;
2. Serial killer suspenses with a Dexter feel;
3. Flirty computer hackers who have hardware in the office, and in the bedroom;
4. Obsessive FBI agents who will not stop until they find the killer; and
5. Sexy men who may form attachments a little too easily, but who you never want to let go........
We will be counting down the days until book 2. Grab your copy, like yesterday.
November 26, 2021
Destroying monsters is the family business and Vienna is very good at it. Her father taught her well. There are rules to follow and Vienna is breaking them all. She brought someone home with her. She got attached. Then another. What would her father think? But he's gone and she still has their list of monsters to hunt, as well as finding out which monster got to her father. These men can help. And they make her happy. However, Vienna isn't the only one hunting.
I'm not sure how to review this most unusual book. Is it well written? Certainly. Is it original? Absolutely. Are the characters unique, refreshing, well-developed? Without a doubt. I liked the Goddess of Death with her Daddy Issues and the Lethal Marshmellow quite a lot and was partly irritated by/partly warming up to the Pincushion. I am curious to see how explosive it will be with her Opposing Equivalent Agency Man. They are the same but on opposite sides. We will see how long that lasts. And yet, I had a hard time connecting with the story. It had nothing to do with being squeamish or my morality, it was interesting, I just didn't get caught up in it. May have been the timing or my mood because I can't pinpoint any specific issue with the story. I think others who enjoy a good twisted tale will love this. I hope I can become more engrossed in the next book and the sense of disconnect fades away.
I'm not sure how to review this most unusual book. Is it well written? Certainly. Is it original? Absolutely. Are the characters unique, refreshing, well-developed? Without a doubt. I liked the Goddess of Death with her Daddy Issues and the Lethal Marshmellow quite a lot and was partly irritated by/partly warming up to the Pincushion. I am curious to see how explosive it will be with her Opposing Equivalent Agency Man. They are the same but on opposite sides. We will see how long that lasts. And yet, I had a hard time connecting with the story. It had nothing to do with being squeamish or my morality, it was interesting, I just didn't get caught up in it. May have been the timing or my mood because I can't pinpoint any specific issue with the story. I think others who enjoy a good twisted tale will love this. I hope I can become more engrossed in the next book and the sense of disconnect fades away.
May 25, 2023
Soooo I think this book wasn't for me even if it fits into a lot of my boxes...
First off, the synopsis led me wrong. I thought this was going in a way different direction than it did. So I can say for certainty this was not what I was planning on reading.
Secondly, the "why choose" romance part felt a lot like cheating and I really am not down for that. I wish it didn't feel like that because I really loved the plotline even if it wasn't what I had initially anticipated. This really ruined the book for me. It made the love plot seem like the protagonist was just forcing both parties into something they really didn't want.
Thirdly, the plot was immaculate. I loved that this was a true thriller/suspense romance even if that wasn't what I had wanted to read currently. There is a lot of mysteries and you are left on a cliffhanger that makes you want to dive into the next book immediately! I think this works better for people that like the love triangle trope more where the end result is a reverse harem as well.
The protagonist is a badass, the love interests are as well in their own right. I think the opening scene was a great and interesting start to the series. I wish there had been more detail about her relationship with her dad but I bet that is in the later books more so.
Sadly, I don't think I will be continuing the series. I think I will gradually become uninterested due to the love triangle aspect of the reverse harem part of this book. However, I do think others will enjoy this book series than I did.
First off, the synopsis led me wrong. I thought this was going in a way different direction than it did. So I can say for certainty this was not what I was planning on reading.
Secondly, the "why choose" romance part felt a lot like cheating and I really am not down for that. I wish it didn't feel like that because I really loved the plotline even if it wasn't what I had initially anticipated. This really ruined the book for me. It made the love plot seem like the protagonist was just forcing both parties into something they really didn't want.
Thirdly, the plot was immaculate. I loved that this was a true thriller/suspense romance even if that wasn't what I had wanted to read currently. There is a lot of mysteries and you are left on a cliffhanger that makes you want to dive into the next book immediately! I think this works better for people that like the love triangle trope more where the end result is a reverse harem as well.
The protagonist is a badass, the love interests are as well in their own right. I think the opening scene was a great and interesting start to the series. I wish there had been more detail about her relationship with her dad but I bet that is in the later books more so.
Sadly, I don't think I will be continuing the series. I think I will gradually become uninterested due to the love triangle aspect of the reverse harem part of this book. However, I do think others will enjoy this book series than I did.
September 19, 2025
Let me start by saying that I LOVE Heather Long’s books. I’m literally obsessed with everything I’ve read so far…but I unfortunately had to DNF this book. One of my biggest annoyances in romance books (especially dark romance books) is when the relationship moves way too quickly and the guy becomes obsessively attached to the girl at the beginning of the book. This is exactly what happened with this one. I’ll keep it vague, but within a few chapters, the guy moved into the girl’s house and he wouldn’t stop talking about how much he wants to protect her and save her. It drove me crazy. I get that he forms attachments easily and that’s a big part of his character, but still. Hard pass. I read further into the book to give it a fair shot, but I just couldn’t get into the storyline.
January 12, 2022
Kill Song is the first book in the Cardinal Sins series by Heather Long and Blake Blessing and I wasn’t sure exactly what I was getting myself into when I started but I definitely couldn’t stop once I had started! I absolutely love our FMC Vienna, so strong, bold, lives by her code and lives for destroying monsters of the world. If you want a RH with a difference this is definitely one to get your hands on it’s got plenty of twists turns and mystery on top of totally being unexpected from what I thought it would be!
December 4, 2021
This was my first book by either author, separate or as co-authors. I was very impressed with the way the book pulled me in from the start and really kept my interest. Sometimes when there is the bad guy and then the police chasing the bad guy, it can get boring or repetitive. Kill Song is neither of those things. The characters will all pull at your heart. They will make you laugh and probably cry. I can not wait until the next book comes out!
November 19, 2021
Okay I am not sure what I was expecting when I was heading into this story but it blew my freaking mind. I was sucked in from the opening page, I meant if we are being honest here it was from the moment I read the blurb. This book seriously sucker punched me in the best ways it was everything I didn’t know I needed and so much more. This is one of those stories that is so hard to review because you cannot give anything away you need to just drive in and enjoy the ride!!! These ladies amaze me and I cannot wait for the next book. I definitely need more!!
December 3, 2021
absolutely fabulous!!
Read
May 17, 2023dnf’ed/pausing for now at 45%
might come back later
might come back later
February 5, 2025
This was a very interesting story. I like the idea of a female killer. Very interested to see where this story goes. Great first book in this series.
June 28, 2025
interesting start giving Mindf*ck vibes. curious to see where this goes. love the Rick character and his quirks.
November 23, 2021
Page turner
I don't think I've ever been hooked from a prologue before, but damn, these ladies delivered big time and I absolutely enjoyed the heck out of this book!
I don't think I've ever been hooked from a prologue before, but damn, these ladies delivered big time and I absolutely enjoyed the heck out of this book!
January 1, 2023
I tried to finish but the guy was an instant stage 5 clinger and a pussy.
March 24, 2023
Interesting premise, so far at least
I’m not quite sure how to rate this book. We get introduced to three of the main characters, Vienna, Rick, and Fletcher. The entire story is heavy on the mystery and lite on much of anything else. The only thing we truly know is she’s trying to find who killed her father and she’s carrying her father’s legacy of killing monsters.
Right now I’m not a big fan of Fletcher, but it’s more his attitude towards Rick than him as a character. He just doesn’t present himself in a flattering lite. Vienna is a badass, hands down, but she’s emotionally repressed and I don’t know, she’s not clicking for me yet. Rick on the other hand, is my boy! I love his protective caretaker nature and his utter genuineness. Don’t get me wrong, he’s not to be messed with especially when it comes to Vienna.
There is a cliffhanger, but I’d say it’s a soft one. I was left more confused than anything. Hopefully the next book sheds some light on… everything. 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
I’m not quite sure how to rate this book. We get introduced to three of the main characters, Vienna, Rick, and Fletcher. The entire story is heavy on the mystery and lite on much of anything else. The only thing we truly know is she’s trying to find who killed her father and she’s carrying her father’s legacy of killing monsters.
Right now I’m not a big fan of Fletcher, but it’s more his attitude towards Rick than him as a character. He just doesn’t present himself in a flattering lite. Vienna is a badass, hands down, but she’s emotionally repressed and I don’t know, she’s not clicking for me yet. Rick on the other hand, is my boy! I love his protective caretaker nature and his utter genuineness. Don’t get me wrong, he’s not to be messed with especially when it comes to Vienna.
There is a cliffhanger, but I’d say it’s a soft one. I was left more confused than anything. Hopefully the next book sheds some light on… everything. 3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 2, 2022
Love the authors but....
I do love both of these authors but this book just falls a bit short. It's not disjointed or anything like that. It actually flows quite seamlessly considering it was written by a duo. I just really don't like the main female character. She is just boring, she could be an amazing character, the foundation is there for her to be completely kick a## and strong but it's not there yet. Such a shame as I love the idea of the book and think it has so much potential.
I do love both of these authors but this book just falls a bit short. It's not disjointed or anything like that. It actually flows quite seamlessly considering it was written by a duo. I just really don't like the main female character. She is just boring, she could be an amazing character, the foundation is there for her to be completely kick a## and strong but it's not there yet. Such a shame as I love the idea of the book and think it has so much potential.
May 29, 2023
Struggled to vibe with the characters and didn’t find them all that likeable. The main female character we’re told is a badass but I just didn’t feel like she was, she was kind of average. Merrick I liked but Fletcher I couldn’t stand and found it hard to enjoy reading his POV
dnf
August 8, 2022DNF 35%
June 26, 2025
I love a strong and independent woman. But Vienna Drew was not really it.
I just felt like she was using them. And the affection she had for, especially Rick, was more like the affection one has for a puppy.
Like, he wanted to take care of her and protect her. And she would silently be amused because she didn’t need protection, but she would «let him» keep living in the delusion of that he could.
And he would share stuff with her, and she would actively redirect the conversation when he asked her questions so she wouldn’t have to share anything.
And suddenly they were in a romantic relationship like the flip of a switch. And still she wouldn’t really tell him anything about anything.
There were things she would open up about eventually. But she always disappeared for several hours and never told him or Fletcher where she was going or really what she was doing.
And it really wasn’t fair, because Rick gave up everything to be with her.
She literally brought him to Fletcher without telling him anything, and then got his entire life completely erased. He literally found out as she asked Fletcher if he could do it.
And she was using Fletcher as well.
In the beginning I sort of got it, cause she had saved his life. But she continued on with these tests, and I was a little pissed off.
Whenever the guys argued about something she would also be mildly amused, which made me feel like she was an adult supervising her children who couldn’t get along.
This was magnified by the fact that she would always chastise them gently, or get the conversation back on track.
Like, I don’t think she ever joined in and made it funny or anything.
She was in her twenties and stilled referred to her father as «Daddy».
I don’t know if this is a normal thing for those who have English as their mother tongue, but I honestly cannot stand it. I couldn’t stop thinking about it as I was reading. And she would sometimes use the word “Daddy” several times on the same page in her inner monologue.
It was driving me nuts.
Why is Cash even there?
I wanted to read this book series because of Vienna and Cash. I’m reading another book series within this world, and those people briefly met up with Vienna and Cash, to kill some guy. And I was intrigued because Vienna seemed to be in charge.
She doesn’t deserve to be. Seriously.
She just dragged these two guys into her world, especially Rick, and doesn’t really have any issues with tasking them with helping her solve her father’s murder.
There were certain things like her basement where some disgusting things happened that she didn’t want to drag them into. But it felt more like she was saying “yet”.
Like, maybe lay all the cards on the table before you erase someone’s entire life and drag them with you to hell?
Wait, I was talking about Cash, then got carried away.
He had maybe three or four chapters. And yes, I get it, he is clearly getting into the story eventually. But really. He felt irrelevant here. He didn’t interact with them even once.
I didn’t care to read about him being at the crime scenes after the fact. Not when we didn’t actually see it lead anywhere.
I don’t want to say anything bad about Rick because of how the poor guy was treated. But he certainly felt like two different people.
Fletcher described him as very intimidating, and like someone who wouldn’t hesitate to snap anyone’s necks.
But the real Rick couldn’t stop talking, and wasn’t even close to being a match for Vienna when it came to self defence and stuff.
He also didn’t really know anything about their world. Which again made me feel sorry for him, even though he never gave any indication it bothered him.
He was literally only doting on Vienna🙄🙄
I know this is reverse harem. But it really only works when the guys are clearly okay with it and know about it.
As Vienna was with Rick she would still flirt with Thatcher and let him flirt with her.
Rick was also insecure about whether or not she would leave him. She might be amused every time they started to argue because Fletcher flirted with her, but Rick was right to not blindly trust her and be happy.
She was all “I can’t constantly give assurances when he gets insecure” like, am I being gaslit? You are literally flirting with this other guy right in front of him.
And then she and Fletcher made out towards the end. And she was immediately thinking “fuck, Rick”
Like, she didn’t think what she did was okay, and she didn’t think Rick would be okay with it.
I have read other books by Heather Long, and whenever the FMC has a small moment of doubt, of whether or not she did something wrong. The others are quick to reassure her that they don’t have a problem with it. Because they always knew the other guys were into her and wanted to/would make a move.
Now. Most people might think I will be giving up on this.
But I love several book series written by Heather Long, and I still have faith this story could get turned around.
Hopefully there will be some character development.
I just felt like she was using them. And the affection she had for, especially Rick, was more like the affection one has for a puppy.
Like, he wanted to take care of her and protect her. And she would silently be amused because she didn’t need protection, but she would «let him» keep living in the delusion of that he could.
And he would share stuff with her, and she would actively redirect the conversation when he asked her questions so she wouldn’t have to share anything.
And suddenly they were in a romantic relationship like the flip of a switch. And still she wouldn’t really tell him anything about anything.
There were things she would open up about eventually. But she always disappeared for several hours and never told him or Fletcher where she was going or really what she was doing.
And it really wasn’t fair, because Rick gave up everything to be with her.
She literally brought him to Fletcher without telling him anything, and then got his entire life completely erased. He literally found out as she asked Fletcher if he could do it.
And she was using Fletcher as well.
In the beginning I sort of got it, cause she had saved his life. But she continued on with these tests, and I was a little pissed off.
Whenever the guys argued about something she would also be mildly amused, which made me feel like she was an adult supervising her children who couldn’t get along.
This was magnified by the fact that she would always chastise them gently, or get the conversation back on track.
Like, I don’t think she ever joined in and made it funny or anything.
She was in her twenties and stilled referred to her father as «Daddy».
I don’t know if this is a normal thing for those who have English as their mother tongue, but I honestly cannot stand it. I couldn’t stop thinking about it as I was reading. And she would sometimes use the word “Daddy” several times on the same page in her inner monologue.
It was driving me nuts.
Why is Cash even there?
I wanted to read this book series because of Vienna and Cash. I’m reading another book series within this world, and those people briefly met up with Vienna and Cash, to kill some guy. And I was intrigued because Vienna seemed to be in charge.
She doesn’t deserve to be. Seriously.
She just dragged these two guys into her world, especially Rick, and doesn’t really have any issues with tasking them with helping her solve her father’s murder.
There were certain things like her basement where some disgusting things happened that she didn’t want to drag them into. But it felt more like she was saying “yet”.
Like, maybe lay all the cards on the table before you erase someone’s entire life and drag them with you to hell?
Wait, I was talking about Cash, then got carried away.
He had maybe three or four chapters. And yes, I get it, he is clearly getting into the story eventually. But really. He felt irrelevant here. He didn’t interact with them even once.
I didn’t care to read about him being at the crime scenes after the fact. Not when we didn’t actually see it lead anywhere.
I don’t want to say anything bad about Rick because of how the poor guy was treated. But he certainly felt like two different people.
Fletcher described him as very intimidating, and like someone who wouldn’t hesitate to snap anyone’s necks.
But the real Rick couldn’t stop talking, and wasn’t even close to being a match for Vienna when it came to self defence and stuff.
He also didn’t really know anything about their world. Which again made me feel sorry for him, even though he never gave any indication it bothered him.
He was literally only doting on Vienna🙄🙄
I know this is reverse harem. But it really only works when the guys are clearly okay with it and know about it.
As Vienna was with Rick she would still flirt with Thatcher and let him flirt with her.
Rick was also insecure about whether or not she would leave him. She might be amused every time they started to argue because Fletcher flirted with her, but Rick was right to not blindly trust her and be happy.
She was all “I can’t constantly give assurances when he gets insecure” like, am I being gaslit? You are literally flirting with this other guy right in front of him.
And then she and Fletcher made out towards the end. And she was immediately thinking “fuck, Rick”
Like, she didn’t think what she did was okay, and she didn’t think Rick would be okay with it.
I have read other books by Heather Long, and whenever the FMC has a small moment of doubt, of whether or not she did something wrong. The others are quick to reassure her that they don’t have a problem with it. Because they always knew the other guys were into her and wanted to/would make a move.
Now. Most people might think I will be giving up on this.
But I love several book series written by Heather Long, and I still have faith this story could get turned around.
Hopefully there will be some character development.
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