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Not What It Seems
They say I killed them. They say I’m sick. They’re wrong. Nothing is as it seems.
Renowned psychiatrist Dr. Cyrus Irvine takes his job and his life very seriously. He is well-respected in his field and has worked hard to get where he is.
But he’s lonely.
When called in to evaluate a murder suspect, the last person he expects to find is the man he slept with a few months ago. The man who ghosted him and wounded his fragile heart.
Ethically, he should turn around and walk away, but he doesn’t. For as much as Cyrus understands the human brain, he can’t understand the pull he feels toward the patient.
One session with River Jenkins and Cyrus is sure of three River and everything about his preliminary diagnosis is a lie, his feelings toward River haven’t gone away, and despite his professional code, he isn’t going anywhere.
Someone needs to get to the bottom of this.
Cyrus’s world is turned upside down as he and River team up to find the truth.
During their quest for answers, Cyrus discovers the hardest part of his decision isn’t the risk to his career, it’s the risk to his heart.
**Not What It Seems is a 115k MM romantic suspense with doctor / patient, forced proximity, and age gap themes.**
Renowned psychiatrist Dr. Cyrus Irvine takes his job and his life very seriously. He is well-respected in his field and has worked hard to get where he is.
But he’s lonely.
When called in to evaluate a murder suspect, the last person he expects to find is the man he slept with a few months ago. The man who ghosted him and wounded his fragile heart.
Ethically, he should turn around and walk away, but he doesn’t. For as much as Cyrus understands the human brain, he can’t understand the pull he feels toward the patient.
One session with River Jenkins and Cyrus is sure of three River and everything about his preliminary diagnosis is a lie, his feelings toward River haven’t gone away, and despite his professional code, he isn’t going anywhere.
Someone needs to get to the bottom of this.
Cyrus’s world is turned upside down as he and River team up to find the truth.
During their quest for answers, Cyrus discovers the hardest part of his decision isn’t the risk to his career, it’s the risk to his heart.
**Not What It Seems is a 115k MM romantic suspense with doctor / patient, forced proximity, and age gap themes.**
449 pages, Paperback
First published September 6, 2021
149 people are currently reading
965 people want to read
About the author
Nicky James
77 books2,289 followersI live in the small town of Petrolia, Ontario, Canada and I am a mother to a wonderful teenage boy (didn't think those words could be typed together...surprise) and wife to a truly supportive and understanding husband, who thankfully doesn't think I'm crazy.
I have always had two profound dreams in life. To fall back hundreds of years in time and live in a simpler world, not bogged down by technology and to write novels. Since only one of these was a possibility I decided to make the other come alive on paper.
I write mm romance novels that take place in fantastical medieval type settings and love to use the challenges of the times to give my stories and characters life.
I have always had two profound dreams in life. To fall back hundreds of years in time and live in a simpler world, not bogged down by technology and to write novels. Since only one of these was a possibility I decided to make the other come alive on paper.
I write mm romance novels that take place in fantastical medieval type settings and love to use the challenges of the times to give my stories and characters life.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 247 reviews
September 7, 2021
content warning: violence against women, verbal abuse
to break down this book simply:
💀 mystery/suspense - 4 stars
❤️ romance - 2 stars
🥵 sex - 3 stars
with nicky james' new book not what it seems, all i can say is that the mystery and the suspense revolving around these barely legal women got me turning the pages fast. for me, i consider this story definitely unputdownable through and through. no dull moment in this aspect. i mean it wasn't the best but i can assure you my eyes were glued the moment the mystery popped before the mcs. we meet (i) dr. cyrus irvine, a well known psychiatrist specializing in cases of schizophrenia whose second opinion is needed for (ii) river jenkins who was accused for the murder of these women. the thing was that cyrus got a prior engagement with river making their current set up a conflict of interest. river tells cyrus that he didn't kill those women even in the presence of strong evidence against him. do we believe him or not?
actually my biggest struggle here was cyrus' character. he was 24/7 breaking down in each page and i just got exhausted by it. i know i know this is somehow warranted for the abuse he got from his ex but still highly frustrating and exhausting. because cyrus' failed to completely grab my attention, i didn't really vibe with the romance as well. it was okay but there was no any urgency in me to root for these two as a couple. cyrus keeps on retreating to his shell and i just can't deal with it. in short, the suspense fed me while the romance got me on a strict diet. on the brighter side, the sex was hot though. it involved something i wasn't expecting.
to break down this book simply:
💀 mystery/suspense - 4 stars
❤️ romance - 2 stars
🥵 sex - 3 stars
He was giving me a chance. Now, all I had to do was the impossible: convince a renowned psychiatrist I wasn't mentally ill despite the sheer volume of evidence that suggested I possibly was.
with nicky james' new book not what it seems, all i can say is that the mystery and the suspense revolving around these barely legal women got me turning the pages fast. for me, i consider this story definitely unputdownable through and through. no dull moment in this aspect. i mean it wasn't the best but i can assure you my eyes were glued the moment the mystery popped before the mcs. we meet (i) dr. cyrus irvine, a well known psychiatrist specializing in cases of schizophrenia whose second opinion is needed for (ii) river jenkins who was accused for the murder of these women. the thing was that cyrus got a prior engagement with river making their current set up a conflict of interest. river tells cyrus that he didn't kill those women even in the presence of strong evidence against him. do we believe him or not?
The minute I laid eyes on him, I knew it was all a lie.
actually my biggest struggle here was cyrus' character. he was 24/7 breaking down in each page and i just got exhausted by it. i know i know this is somehow warranted for the abuse he got from his ex but still highly frustrating and exhausting. because cyrus' failed to completely grab my attention, i didn't really vibe with the romance as well. it was okay but there was no any urgency in me to root for these two as a couple. cyrus keeps on retreating to his shell and i just can't deal with it. in short, the suspense fed me while the romance got me on a strict diet. on the brighter side, the sex was hot though. it involved something i wasn't expecting.
January 17, 2022
3.5 Stars
For three days they shared a bed and now after two months they met again, but this time in a psychiatric hospital, River as a patient and Cyrus as a doctor whom his opinion determines if River should be treated as a patient or a criminal (for three murders) and it’s a risk to his career and to his heart…
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s a standalone novel. My first issue with this story was that it felt too long. It dragged a lot and it could have been a bit shorter. My second issue was with Cyrus. His insecurity was on my nerves. He was 45 years old but he couldn’t act like one, he was pathetic. I wished there was more build-up for their romance. But the bright side was that I couldn’t guess the twist. Overall, it wasn’t that bad but it wasn’t that good either, hope you enjoy it more than me!
For three days they shared a bed and now after two months they met again, but this time in a psychiatric hospital, River as a patient and Cyrus as a doctor whom his opinion determines if River should be treated as a patient or a criminal (for three murders) and it’s a risk to his career and to his heart…
Told in dual POV, 1st person, it’s a standalone novel. My first issue with this story was that it felt too long. It dragged a lot and it could have been a bit shorter. My second issue was with Cyrus. His insecurity was on my nerves. He was 45 years old but he couldn’t act like one, he was pathetic. I wished there was more build-up for their romance. But the bright side was that I couldn’t guess the twist. Overall, it wasn’t that bad but it wasn’t that good either, hope you enjoy it more than me!
September 14, 2021
This was more mystery than romance, but I was weirdly ok with it, the crime was that good. 😍😍
At the begging I had so many theories that my head was gonna explode, the step by step was explained really early so you could analyze it and wonder who the fuck the bad guy was. I did kind of solve it at 30% but I think I had luck... Or not (fbi call me 😉).
The development was really packed, something was happening all the time, every chapter gave us a new lead and yeah, it was really a good crime story.
The romance was there, I felt it moved quickly I mean, I guess I would have liked to see those 3 days they spent together, because those feelings started there, so I felt they started without me.
Cyrus was a really complicated character, I actually know someone like him, so I understood him a little and I knew that while he was under that much pressure he was gonna be like he was, a mess. 🤣🤣🤣 One would think that as a psychiatrist he has tools to deal with everything, but I think he knows the theory not how to implement it and he specializes in schizophrenia so... I dunno, he irritated me sometimes, but deep down I understood him.
And River was so opposite that he also didn't seem real sometimes, he was too calm, too collected and yeah, when you have someone freaking out your own meltdown steps aside, but it does happen, later.
So, they were a weird match and too much of polar opposites but the romance we got was nice, a little more depth would have been perfect but I enjoyed it!! 🤗🤗
At the begging I had so many theories that my head was gonna explode, the step by step was explained really early so you could analyze it and wonder who the fuck the bad guy was. I did kind of solve it at 30% but I think I had luck... Or not (fbi call me 😉).
The development was really packed, something was happening all the time, every chapter gave us a new lead and yeah, it was really a good crime story.
The romance was there, I felt it moved quickly I mean, I guess I would have liked to see those 3 days they spent together, because those feelings started there, so I felt they started without me.
Cyrus was a really complicated character, I actually know someone like him, so I understood him a little and I knew that while he was under that much pressure he was gonna be like he was, a mess. 🤣🤣🤣 One would think that as a psychiatrist he has tools to deal with everything, but I think he knows the theory not how to implement it and he specializes in schizophrenia so... I dunno, he irritated me sometimes, but deep down I understood him.
And River was so opposite that he also didn't seem real sometimes, he was too calm, too collected and yeah, when you have someone freaking out your own meltdown steps aside, but it does happen, later.
So, they were a weird match and too much of polar opposites but the romance we got was nice, a little more depth would have been perfect but I enjoyed it!! 🤗🤗
April 26, 2022
Audio - 5 Stars
Story - 3.5 Stars
I enjoyed the mystery A LOT more than I did the romance. It took me a long time to feel anything between the MCs even though this was a close proximity situation, and both MCs were great characters.
I wanted to experience their relationship development, instead of being told about it briefly in the beginning and then again getting bits and pieces of it mentioned throughout the story. It just didn't work for me.
The ending was also unimpressive. I would really appreciate a novella to make up for the mediocre romance.
Story - 3.5 Stars
I enjoyed the mystery A LOT more than I did the romance. It took me a long time to feel anything between the MCs even though this was a close proximity situation, and both MCs were great characters.
I wanted to experience their relationship development, instead of being told about it briefly in the beginning and then again getting bits and pieces of it mentioned throughout the story. It just didn't work for me.
The ending was also unimpressive. I would really appreciate a novella to make up for the mediocre romance.
September 7, 2021
3.5 ⭐️ I'm a bit on the fence about rating the book. The story started off with something pretty intense and promising. Not gonna lie, I had no idea where the story was going on, and everything was quite unpredictable. But my higher piqued interest for the rest of the story became a lower rate with a little action that was happening from both parties, and I had expected the book would give me something more unbelievable and made me thrilled at the end of the story. Turn out, it wasn't too thriller or suspenseful, and the mystery part wasn't too much mysterious. Anyway, it wasn't as bad as I'm telling it is.
This book had more suspension than her previous one, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story of River and Cyrus.
⚠️ There might be spoilers in my review! ⚠️
River Jenkins was a cocky, witty, snarky, and self-confident guy, where Cyrus Irvine was utterly different. Cyrus was mentally abused by his ex, and his low self-esteem wasn't something he was proud of. He had a mountain of insecurities. Cyrus was a baby compared to River even though he was forty-five years old.
River and Cyrus met at a bar, and Cyrus’s curly hair and powder blue eyes heightened River’s interest at an impressive rate. The first sight of Cyrus made River captivated by the guy.
“There was something about Cyrus that had caught my eye and drawn me in.”
But everything changed after two months of their initial fling. Because the stranger River, Cyrus met at the bar two months ago became his new patience at New Horizon Psychiatric Institute.
The mystery : River was framed for a murder he didn't do. But all the evidence was telling another story by accusing River as the murderer of three women. Pretending he had schizophrenia, River was admitted to the New Horizon Psychiatric Institute that would otherwise be led him to rot in the cell of the prison. Cyrus was the appointed psychiatrist who was going to affirm his schizophrenia to the police.
“I’d spent all afternoon and evening reading about River Jenkins, the man I’d let fuck me six ways to Sunday before he’d up and vanished without a see ya later.”
Two months ago, the fling River and Cyrus had made Cyrus emotionally connected to River. Cyrus was scared to death that it would affect him to analyze this whole case. More importantly, he wondered how the hell this River guy committed three murders, and how this mental hospital became the place where they meet each other again after two months.
“Our gazes clashed. “I. Didn’t. Kill. Anyone. Someone out there did. They framed me, and I doubt they’re finished.”
River and Cyrus had great chemistry. Oh my god, the banter. It was great and something I expect from every book. The sex scenes are deliciously written and I couldn't expect anything more.
“I don’t know what love is. I’ve never felt this way before. I dream about you at night. I’ve longed to touch you and kiss you again.”
I love River and Cyrus so much. The journey they were going through was epic and horrible.
This book had more suspension than her previous one, and I thoroughly enjoyed reading the story of River and Cyrus.
⚠️ There might be spoilers in my review! ⚠️
River Jenkins was a cocky, witty, snarky, and self-confident guy, where Cyrus Irvine was utterly different. Cyrus was mentally abused by his ex, and his low self-esteem wasn't something he was proud of. He had a mountain of insecurities. Cyrus was a baby compared to River even though he was forty-five years old.
River and Cyrus met at a bar, and Cyrus’s curly hair and powder blue eyes heightened River’s interest at an impressive rate. The first sight of Cyrus made River captivated by the guy.
“There was something about Cyrus that had caught my eye and drawn me in.”
But everything changed after two months of their initial fling. Because the stranger River, Cyrus met at the bar two months ago became his new patience at New Horizon Psychiatric Institute.
The mystery : River was framed for a murder he didn't do. But all the evidence was telling another story by accusing River as the murderer of three women. Pretending he had schizophrenia, River was admitted to the New Horizon Psychiatric Institute that would otherwise be led him to rot in the cell of the prison. Cyrus was the appointed psychiatrist who was going to affirm his schizophrenia to the police.
“I’d spent all afternoon and evening reading about River Jenkins, the man I’d let fuck me six ways to Sunday before he’d up and vanished without a see ya later.”
Two months ago, the fling River and Cyrus had made Cyrus emotionally connected to River. Cyrus was scared to death that it would affect him to analyze this whole case. More importantly, he wondered how the hell this River guy committed three murders, and how this mental hospital became the place where they meet each other again after two months.
“Our gazes clashed. “I. Didn’t. Kill. Anyone. Someone out there did. They framed me, and I doubt they’re finished.”
River and Cyrus had great chemistry. Oh my god, the banter. It was great and something I expect from every book. The sex scenes are deliciously written and I couldn't expect anything more.
“I don’t know what love is. I’ve never felt this way before. I dream about you at night. I’ve longed to touch you and kiss you again.”
I love River and Cyrus so much. The journey they were going through was epic and horrible.
September 17, 2021
3.7⭐
I don't know about you, but the beginning in nicky's books are usually very intriguing.
Nicky did it againf with the mcs. I love that about her. I am not going to say that it is always balanced, because not. Here I felt that I got to know Cyrus a lot more and everything with insecurities and the break downs he had. I understand that he can be annoying, he also altered my nerves, but the development that he had won my heart. I can appreciate his character, because he is not perfect. 🤧
As for the mystery it really was great... It crossed my mind who might be behind all this. But I said 'no. There is no way'
Nicky: 🤨💅 💁♀️
Me: 🤡🤡🤡
And well, I can't say that I loved it but I didn't hate it. It was more of a 'well, okay' and keep reading. 😂
It wasn't my favorite, but it's definitely not bad! I liked it a lot! ❤️
I don't know about you, but the beginning in nicky's books are usually very intriguing.
Nicky did it againf with the mcs. I love that about her. I am not going to say that it is always balanced, because not. Here I felt that I got to know Cyrus a lot more and everything with insecurities and the break downs he had. I understand that he can be annoying, he also altered my nerves, but the development that he had won my heart. I can appreciate his character, because he is not perfect. 🤧
As for the mystery it really was great... It crossed my mind who might be behind all this. But I said 'no. There is no way'
Nicky: 🤨💅 💁♀️
Me: 🤡🤡🤡
And well, I can't say that I loved it but I didn't hate it. It was more of a 'well, okay' and keep reading. 😂
It wasn't my favorite, but it's definitely not bad! I liked it a lot! ❤️
September 8, 2021
[4.5] ahhhhhhh i’m riding such a high after finishing this book !!!
y’all know i’ve been in a bit of a reading slump as of late but there’s nothing quite like death and murder to shake things up 🤪
when faced with an incompetent police force and shoddy investigative work, the mcs bite off more than they can chew by taking the investigation into their own hands in sometimes questionable ways. in my head this played out like an amateur nancy drew x prison break crossover that ofc requires some suspension of disbelief but nevertheless kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. i love how the book immediately jumps right into the thick of things and preserves a live wire of tension throughout.
Cyrus, mentally bruised and battered by a toxic ex and a victim of his own neurotic thinking, acted incredibly realistic for a character who views himself as a coward but is also too much of a Good Samaritan to let others get hurt because of his inaction.
while his constant self-doubt and poor reaction to the guilt eating away at his conscience went overboard at times, for a psychiatrist whose only real tether to society is his parents and his job, well, i’d frankly be turned off if he was suddenly okay with everything. not to say i didn’t want to shake him a few times, but the way he’d get the job done despite perpetually being on the verge of having a heart attack should count as a true testament of his cowardly lion courage, and i’m glad River reminds him of that time to time. as a fellow horrible liar who suffers from hyperhidrosis secondary to stressful situations (i'm finally seen 🤣), half the time i was too busy reading through my fingers and dying from secondhand anxiety to really focus, but the final confrontation was rather satisfying on a character development front and i’m so proud of him for coming this far 🥺
River was a bit of a mixed bag and it did take a while for me to warm up to him (maybe because he wouldn’t let up on calling Cyrus a prude at the beginning and would keep goading him/trying to get in his pants when it really wasn’t the time for that 🙄😅), but he grew on me by the end after seeing how his general nonchalance and daring yet also caring personality paired well with Cyrus’s near-crippling anxious nature (the massages 🥺). on a side note, i get the plot line isn’t exactly conducive to this, but i do wish we got some kind of positive sex worker depiction somewhere (me @ River using “whore” as an insult two times more than necessary: 😬)
it was one suspenseful move to the next, with nothing getting unnecessarily dragged out, and the dual povs worked like a charm (especially at the start when they’re sitting on opposite sides of the interview table—the mind games lmao).
the ending swiftly wrapped everything up *snaps fingers* like that, so part of me wishes we could’ve gotten more, but the journey was still a compelling adventure overall and one i’d highly recommend to anyone looking for a quality suspense mystery m/m!
y’all know i’ve been in a bit of a reading slump as of late but there’s nothing quite like death and murder to shake things up 🤪
when faced with an incompetent police force and shoddy investigative work, the mcs bite off more than they can chew by taking the investigation into their own hands in sometimes questionable ways. in my head this played out like an amateur nancy drew x prison break crossover that ofc requires some suspension of disbelief but nevertheless kept me on the edge of my seat the whole time. i love how the book immediately jumps right into the thick of things and preserves a live wire of tension throughout.
Cyrus, mentally bruised and battered by a toxic ex and a victim of his own neurotic thinking, acted incredibly realistic for a character who views himself as a coward but is also too much of a Good Samaritan to let others get hurt because of his inaction.
while his constant self-doubt and poor reaction to the guilt eating away at his conscience went overboard at times, for a psychiatrist whose only real tether to society is his parents and his job, well, i’d frankly be turned off if he was suddenly okay with everything. not to say i didn’t want to shake him a few times, but the way he’d get the job done despite perpetually being on the verge of having a heart attack should count as a true testament of his cowardly lion courage, and i’m glad River reminds him of that time to time. as a fellow horrible liar who suffers from hyperhidrosis secondary to stressful situations (i'm finally seen 🤣), half the time i was too busy reading through my fingers and dying from secondhand anxiety to really focus, but the final confrontation was rather satisfying on a character development front and i’m so proud of him for coming this far 🥺
River was a bit of a mixed bag and it did take a while for me to warm up to him (maybe because he wouldn’t let up on calling Cyrus a prude at the beginning and would keep goading him/trying to get in his pants when it really wasn’t the time for that 🙄😅), but he grew on me by the end after seeing how his general nonchalance and daring yet also caring personality paired well with Cyrus’s near-crippling anxious nature (the massages 🥺). on a side note, i get the plot line isn’t exactly conducive to this, but i do wish we got some kind of positive sex worker depiction somewhere (me @ River using “whore” as an insult two times more than necessary: 😬)
it was one suspenseful move to the next, with nothing getting unnecessarily dragged out, and the dual povs worked like a charm (especially at the start when they’re sitting on opposite sides of the interview table—the mind games lmao).
the ending swiftly wrapped everything up *snaps fingers* like that, so part of me wishes we could’ve gotten more, but the journey was still a compelling adventure overall and one i’d highly recommend to anyone looking for a quality suspense mystery m/m!
September 18, 2021
It's not every day that I come across a character that is as unique, believable and relatable as Cyrus Irvine. He is a well-respected psychiatrist in his mid-forties and single. He has followed ethics and every moral code there, without question, in his entire life. At least until now!
Now that he's asked to evaluating a patient accused of triple murder and diagnose the possibility of malingering, the last thing he expects is to meet the hot guy he hooked up with - and then got ditched by a couple of months ago.
When River Jenkins picked up Cyrus from a bar, he was looking for a one night stand. They spent three days over a weekend sharing a bed. But the bed wasn’t the only thing they shared. There was a connection, something more than two bodies joining for a one night stand. They both felt it, or that was what Cy thought. The feeling hadn’t been mutual, since, after three nights full of passion and hot sex, Cy has been ghosted by River like he’s never even existed!
Now, River is accused of murder and stuck in a mental hospital and Karma is a bitch! Certainly, for River, things don't look good. His life is in the hands of a man who is not his biggest fan after being lied to and rejected. River needs to rebuild the bridge he destroyed a couple of months ago and get on Cy’s good side again.
The tango these two do around each other to rebuild the trust is amazing to watch and I loved reading the detailed analysis each man had to go through in their head to make the next move.
There's a good mystery going on in the story and with an entertaining pace, it's neither boring to follow nor keeps you constantly on your toes. Some very easy to miss clues are cleverly hidden in the story from early on but they are not patronizing hints or extremely unbelievable as sometimes is the case.
When the truth is finally revealed it does seem slightly far-fetched but the reader is eased into the flow of events so smoothly that at the end it's all accepted[ and forgiven!].
What I loved the most about the book is the characters and how they’re developed. Cyrus and his insecurities, his physical traits, those unruly curls and of course his fetish for feet, is far away from a usual character.
On the other hand, River is the typical bad boy with a typical back history of hard and loveless childhood in foster care. Without the quirky personality of Cyrus, he would stay just like that: a typical character!
Their relationship takes them both to another level where they evolve and grow and become something even more interesting to read about. The change in their relationship is gradual and natural. The author stays true to the characters and their tendencies till the end and no last-minute flips are happening!
This was a fantastic read and I enjoyed it a lot. A well written and engaging story of people that you’d find interesting to know and root for them till the end.
I recommend it and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
PS: I love that cover!
Now that he's asked to evaluating a patient accused of triple murder and diagnose the possibility of malingering, the last thing he expects is to meet the hot guy he hooked up with - and then got ditched by a couple of months ago.
When River Jenkins picked up Cyrus from a bar, he was looking for a one night stand. They spent three days over a weekend sharing a bed. But the bed wasn’t the only thing they shared. There was a connection, something more than two bodies joining for a one night stand. They both felt it, or that was what Cy thought. The feeling hadn’t been mutual, since, after three nights full of passion and hot sex, Cy has been ghosted by River like he’s never even existed!
Now, River is accused of murder and stuck in a mental hospital and Karma is a bitch! Certainly, for River, things don't look good. His life is in the hands of a man who is not his biggest fan after being lied to and rejected. River needs to rebuild the bridge he destroyed a couple of months ago and get on Cy’s good side again.
The tango these two do around each other to rebuild the trust is amazing to watch and I loved reading the detailed analysis each man had to go through in their head to make the next move.
There's a good mystery going on in the story and with an entertaining pace, it's neither boring to follow nor keeps you constantly on your toes. Some very easy to miss clues are cleverly hidden in the story from early on but they are not patronizing hints or extremely unbelievable as sometimes is the case.
When the truth is finally revealed it does seem slightly far-fetched but the reader is eased into the flow of events so smoothly that at the end it's all accepted[ and forgiven!].
What I loved the most about the book is the characters and how they’re developed. Cyrus and his insecurities, his physical traits, those unruly curls and of course his fetish for feet, is far away from a usual character.
On the other hand, River is the typical bad boy with a typical back history of hard and loveless childhood in foster care. Without the quirky personality of Cyrus, he would stay just like that: a typical character!
Their relationship takes them both to another level where they evolve and grow and become something even more interesting to read about. The change in their relationship is gradual and natural. The author stays true to the characters and their tendencies till the end and no last-minute flips are happening!
This was a fantastic read and I enjoyed it a lot. A well written and engaging story of people that you’d find interesting to know and root for them till the end.
I recommend it and I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
PS: I love that cover!
March 10, 2022
First advice:
Approach this book as a mystery suspense more so than a romance because ultimately, the Mystery trumps the romance in this book. I guarantee that you would enjoy the book more that way.
Second Advice: Get the audio of this book because Nick Russo knocks it out of the park as usual. He brought the book to life. the voices, the inflections the emotions... He nailed it.
Review:
What I Loved:
1. The mystery whodunnit: I honesty didn't have an inkling who the villain was and was very surprised when it was revealed.
2. Cyrus: I loved his strength despite his vulnerability, anxiousness and extreme lack of confidence. He did the right thing against all of the odds because he was convinced that he was right and that River was innocent. even his light kink and his self consciousness about it. he was a mess most of the book but a cute mess and I was charmed by him.
3. The steam: What was on page was great and what was mentioned off age was hotter. I wish we had those on page too lol.
4. Dual POV which I loved in this case because we needed to be in both character's heads.
5. The HEA: Loved it!
On the other hand, I struggled to warm up to River. He was too calm at times and that made him, for me, a bit one-layered.
Approach this book as a mystery suspense more so than a romance because ultimately, the Mystery trumps the romance in this book. I guarantee that you would enjoy the book more that way.
Second Advice: Get the audio of this book because Nick Russo knocks it out of the park as usual. He brought the book to life. the voices, the inflections the emotions... He nailed it.
Review:
What I Loved:
1. The mystery whodunnit: I honesty didn't have an inkling who the villain was and was very surprised when it was revealed.
2. Cyrus: I loved his strength despite his vulnerability, anxiousness and extreme lack of confidence. He did the right thing against all of the odds because he was convinced that he was right and that River was innocent. even his light kink and his self consciousness about it. he was a mess most of the book but a cute mess and I was charmed by him.
3. The steam: What was on page was great and what was mentioned off age was hotter. I wish we had those on page too lol.
4. Dual POV which I loved in this case because we needed to be in both character's heads.
5. The HEA: Loved it!
On the other hand, I struggled to warm up to River. He was too calm at times and that made him, for me, a bit one-layered.
May 16, 2024
Solid writing, clusterfuck of a mystery, unsympathetic MCs.
Cyrus had a near panic attack in basically every chapter. I get that his ex was abusive, but ffs, pull yourself together, man. Considering Cyrus's personality, it made no sense that he believed River so quickly and easily.
As for River, I didn't like him much better. He was manipulative and careless. He didn't deserve to be framed for murder, but he didn't deserve Cyrus's help either.
The story was suspenseful enough but not remotely believable. The police ignored important evidence. Where are Valor and Doyle when you need them, amirite?
The epilogue was for shit. All that, and no HEA, just a rushed, lukewarm HFN.
Cyrus had a near panic attack in basically every chapter. I get that his ex was abusive, but ffs, pull yourself together, man. Considering Cyrus's personality, it made no sense that he believed River so quickly and easily.
As for River, I didn't like him much better. He was manipulative and careless. He didn't deserve to be framed for murder, but he didn't deserve Cyrus's help either.
The story was suspenseful enough but not remotely believable. The police ignored important evidence. Where are Valor and Doyle when you need them, amirite?
The epilogue was for shit. All that, and no HEA, just a rushed, lukewarm HFN.
December 1, 2021
It was OK. I mostly skipped the mystery stuff. Just didn't interest me enuf (tho many readers read it for the mystery). Writing was fine as usual. I just didn't really get into it. between the MCs esp since River starts out as a manwhore... just don't like his sort of character and didn't really grow on me. Plus the other MC wasn't terribly compelling either. So...
September 6, 2021
Nicky James is not only one of the most talented authors in the MM romance genre - or any genre, for that matter, but she also has one of the most diverse catalogs.
With this book, she's pivoted about 90 degrees from her last release, End of the Line, and crafted a taut psychological thriller that's both suspenseful and sexy. Told in first person, dual POV, Not What It Seems throws together two completely opposite men, separated by by age and life experiences, and puts them under intense pressure that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
The emotional relationship between these two men is a bit of a slow burn, but the physical one starts right away, and is sizzling hot.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to whatever comes next from this versatile writer.
With this book, she's pivoted about 90 degrees from her last release, End of the Line, and crafted a taut psychological thriller that's both suspenseful and sexy. Told in first person, dual POV, Not What It Seems throws together two completely opposite men, separated by by age and life experiences, and puts them under intense pressure that had me on the edge of my seat from start to finish.
The emotional relationship between these two men is a bit of a slow burn, but the physical one starts right away, and is sizzling hot.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and am looking forward to whatever comes next from this versatile writer.
February 10, 2025
3.5
I really liked the idea of this story with a psychiatrist and patient/former hookup but the characters didn't feel believable to me.
Cyrus was such a wet blanket with huge self esteem issues and I just found it unbelievable that he would take the actions that he did. They didn't marry with any aspect of his personality that we were shown, and he irritated the life out of me. The indecision over every single decision he needs to make got old so fast.
River was also an odd duck. He goes from being adamant he wants no romantic relationship to being in love within days.... Again it didn't match what we were told about his personality? Very confusing!!
The bad guy was also super obvious from very early on so I was effectively just waiting for the reveal to take place.
Definitely not my favourite from Nicky James unfortunately.
I really liked the idea of this story with a psychiatrist and patient/former hookup but the characters didn't feel believable to me.
Cyrus was such a wet blanket with huge self esteem issues and I just found it unbelievable that he would take the actions that he did. They didn't marry with any aspect of his personality that we were shown, and he irritated the life out of me. The indecision over every single decision he needs to make got old so fast.
River was also an odd duck. He goes from being adamant he wants no romantic relationship to being in love within days.... Again it didn't match what we were told about his personality? Very confusing!!
The bad guy was also super obvious from very early on so I was effectively just waiting for the reveal to take place.
Definitely not my favourite from Nicky James unfortunately.
September 28, 2021
So implausible.
They’re too dumb to solve the case.
Fuck. Whine. Repeat. Yuck.
They’re too dumb to solve the case.
Fuck. Whine. Repeat. Yuck.
February 2, 2022
When in doubt, I find myself turning to Nicky James lately. To me she is reliable, even if I don't rate all her books 5 stars, I enjoy most of them.
This was different. I had to suspend disbelief. It was a bit OTT. But I enjoyed it. It was cheeky and sexy. It kind of reminded me of The Freshman by Louise Collins, just less wild. XD Chances are, if you liked that one, you would enjoy this too.
It took a bit to get going, but it is a fast-paced book. Cyrus and River are amateur sleuthing, and it's not a good look on them. Despite Cyrus being somewhat close to the police, he doesn't know anything about investigating a homicide. And it shows in the way how he's just throwing ideas out there and hoping something sticks. And miraculously it does, eventually. But there's a lot of poking in the dark.
Cyrus's psychological dilemma was fascinating to watch. The doctor is a bit of a head case. I liked the dynamic between Cyrus and River, it felt natural.
Overall the story was jut a bit too predictable, the mystery just a bit too much for me. But I liked the romance.
This was different. I had to suspend disbelief. It was a bit OTT. But I enjoyed it. It was cheeky and sexy. It kind of reminded me of The Freshman by Louise Collins, just less wild. XD Chances are, if you liked that one, you would enjoy this too.
It took a bit to get going, but it is a fast-paced book. Cyrus and River are amateur sleuthing, and it's not a good look on them. Despite Cyrus being somewhat close to the police, he doesn't know anything about investigating a homicide. And it shows in the way how he's just throwing ideas out there and hoping something sticks. And miraculously it does, eventually. But there's a lot of poking in the dark.
Cyrus's psychological dilemma was fascinating to watch. The doctor is a bit of a head case. I liked the dynamic between Cyrus and River, it felt natural.
Overall the story was jut a bit too predictable, the mystery just a bit too much for me. But I liked the romance.
September 12, 2021
God this book dragged. 314 pages? Felt like 614.
They could have all died, all of the characters except Cyrus' parents, but they were just a bit of a plot device, really, and I would have been okay with that. Actually I would have liked it more.
It must be different in Canada to a lot of other countries, a psychiatrist for 20 years and he's 45?
I'm probably done with this author as I find most of her characters awful, and I say this as someone who reads dark books, but there's a difference when I'm supposed to like the MCs, like here. And the undertone is mostly misogynist in her books. There has been one exception that I have read where the women weren't plot driven 'bitches and whores', the very good The Devil Inside, which I really, really liked.
I gave it 2 stars because I finished it.
They could have all died, all of the characters except Cyrus' parents, but they were just a bit of a plot device, really, and I would have been okay with that. Actually I would have liked it more.
It must be different in Canada to a lot of other countries, a psychiatrist for 20 years and he's 45?
I'm probably done with this author as I find most of her characters awful, and I say this as someone who reads dark books, but there's a difference when I'm supposed to like the MCs, like here. And the undertone is mostly misogynist in her books. There has been one exception that I have read where the women weren't plot driven 'bitches and whores', the very good The Devil Inside, which I really, really liked.
I gave it 2 stars because I finished it.
March 11, 2022
There's just something about this book that makes me feel intense dislike and appreciation at the same time😔.
Read
October 25, 2022DNF @57% but skimmed the end to see who done it.
Cyrus I couldn’t stand you, it was too much of not having a backbone that I was done. I understand his ex caused quite the psychological effect but Jesus, you are a psychiatrist you know to reach out for help when needed…
And river you were fine, idk nothing to write home about.
Bummed that the last couple Nicky James books didn’t work for me.
Nick J Russo did an amazing job narrating the book though haha!
Cyrus I couldn’t stand you, it was too much of not having a backbone that I was done. I understand his ex caused quite the psychological effect but Jesus, you are a psychiatrist you know to reach out for help when needed…
And river you were fine, idk nothing to write home about.
Bummed that the last couple Nicky James books didn’t work for me.
Nick J Russo did an amazing job narrating the book though haha!
October 5, 2022
I really don’t know how you do it every time I pick up one of your books, but Nicky James, you sure are the best!
What a rollercoaster ride this was and Nick Russo nailed it again.
RTC
What a rollercoaster ride this was and Nick Russo nailed it again.
RTC
October 14, 2021
DNF @ 41%
I don’t really like Cyrus 😬 And I’m just bored.
This wasn’t a win for me but Nicky is still a one click author for me so I’m not mad about it.
P.S. Can someone tell me who the killer is? Just DM me or something LOL
I don’t really like Cyrus 😬 And I’m just bored.
This wasn’t a win for me but Nicky is still a one click author for me so I’m not mad about it.
P.S. Can someone tell me who the killer is? Just DM me or something LOL
January 22, 2023
Super impressed with this book! Not only do we have a romance, but we have a mystery/thriller too!
Psychiatrist, Dr. Cyrus Irvine, is well respected in his field of work. He takes his job very seriously. When he's called in to evaluate a murder suspect, he's shocked to see the man he spent a wonderful weekend with and then was ghosted by him.
River Jenkins may not be the type of man to settle down or be with a guy like Cyrus, but he's not a bad guy. He's also not a killer, nor should he be in a psychiatric ward.
Cyrus realizes all this right away. He knows River is lying, but why? He knows he's innocent. Should he risk everything and try to help River? Or are his emotions getting in the way of his evaluation? Much to Cyrus's disbelief, he's determined to find the truth about who's murdering innocent women and why frame River. As Cyrus and River team up to solve these crimes, their relationship sky rockets to new levels.
I loved this! It was sexy, thrilling and suspenseful! Everything I love in one book! Nick Russo did an amazing job at narrating this story. Highly recommend.
Psychiatrist, Dr. Cyrus Irvine, is well respected in his field of work. He takes his job very seriously. When he's called in to evaluate a murder suspect, he's shocked to see the man he spent a wonderful weekend with and then was ghosted by him.
River Jenkins may not be the type of man to settle down or be with a guy like Cyrus, but he's not a bad guy. He's also not a killer, nor should he be in a psychiatric ward.
Cyrus realizes all this right away. He knows River is lying, but why? He knows he's innocent. Should he risk everything and try to help River? Or are his emotions getting in the way of his evaluation? Much to Cyrus's disbelief, he's determined to find the truth about who's murdering innocent women and why frame River. As Cyrus and River team up to solve these crimes, their relationship sky rockets to new levels.
I loved this! It was sexy, thrilling and suspenseful! Everything I love in one book! Nick Russo did an amazing job at narrating this story. Highly recommend.
June 3, 2023
The audio was 5 stars! Story was more along the lines of mystery more, romance less, but I wouldn't say that's necessarily bad. I JUST VERY VERY BADLY NEED A NOVELLA!
September 19, 2021
"I was compromised even as I stared at the profile of the man standing at the window. Why I chose to move forward and not backward was a question I would ponder for years to come."
I loved this🖤🖤.
Not What It Seems was a combination of angsty m/m romantic suspense and murder/mystery thriller. Totally different to the other Nicky James books I have read.
I loved the psychological angle to it all, and the fact that one of our MCs (Cyrus) was a psychiatrist, totally compromising himself for a patient/murder suspect that he had a weekend hook up with (totally out of character).
River was a great protagonist, I adored his character and his resilience and of course the dynamic and evolving relationship between him and Cyrus.
As you'd expect with a Nicky James book, the steam is high when the scenes call for it 🔥🔥🔥 but this is not a smut-fest, it's a really cracking read 😊.
Recommended.
4 steamy ✨✨✨✨
I loved this🖤🖤.
Not What It Seems was a combination of angsty m/m romantic suspense and murder/mystery thriller. Totally different to the other Nicky James books I have read.
I loved the psychological angle to it all, and the fact that one of our MCs (Cyrus) was a psychiatrist, totally compromising himself for a patient/murder suspect that he had a weekend hook up with (totally out of character).
River was a great protagonist, I adored his character and his resilience and of course the dynamic and evolving relationship between him and Cyrus.
As you'd expect with a Nicky James book, the steam is high when the scenes call for it 🔥🔥🔥 but this is not a smut-fest, it's a really cracking read 😊.
Recommended.
4 steamy ✨✨✨✨
March 6, 2022
Amazing Book!
Wow, just wow! Nick J Russo just slayed this narration. He captured Cyrus and River perfectly. His narration was just so on point and adapted to the story brilliantly. He was quiet and tender in the moments when they were getting to know each other, he was light and flirty when they were bantering, he was intense and captivating as everything was unraveling with the suspense plot...just amazing
This book was so appropriately named, Not What It Seems. That is how I was feeling the entire time I was reading this amazing book! I was sucked into this from page 1 and did not want to put it down until it was over. I thought I had guessed what was going to happen, I thought I figured out where the story was taking me, but I was wrong so many times. This story was a fabulous “who done it” murder mystery set against a glorious romance between Cyrus and River. The mystery and facts of the case as they unfolded throughout the course of the book had me on the edge of my seat. My mouth dropped open in surprise and I was proven wrong in my assumptions quite a few times! There were clues and facts discovered along the way, all leading up to a shocking reveal and an explosive showdown that made me gasp out loud! I loved it!
Now let’s talk about the love story between Cyrus and River. I adored everything about them. Their connection was so strong from the moment Cyrus walked into New Horizons to talk to River. I just wanted to give Cyrus a hug. He was so strong and confident in his role as a psychiatrist and so weak and insecure in his role as a man and a worthy partner in a relationship. River was absolutely perfect for him. He was wonderful at showing Cyrus he deserved to be loved and cared about. I really enjoyed their conversations, their banter and teasing, and their steamy times were smoking hot! Cyrus has a fetish I have not come across often in books and I thought I would not like it, but it was addressed so perfectly here that I found it endearing, sexy and sweet all at the same time! In between trying to solve a murder mystery they found plenty of time to connect in the bedroom and it was SAF. Their HEA was absolutely perfect too!
Nicky James is just a power house of a writer. Every one of her books just captivates me and I get engrossed in the worlds and stories she creates. This was no different. I loved everything about this book. It was long and descriptive and amazing. Highest recommendation from me!
Wow, just wow! Nick J Russo just slayed this narration. He captured Cyrus and River perfectly. His narration was just so on point and adapted to the story brilliantly. He was quiet and tender in the moments when they were getting to know each other, he was light and flirty when they were bantering, he was intense and captivating as everything was unraveling with the suspense plot...just amazing
This book was so appropriately named, Not What It Seems. That is how I was feeling the entire time I was reading this amazing book! I was sucked into this from page 1 and did not want to put it down until it was over. I thought I had guessed what was going to happen, I thought I figured out where the story was taking me, but I was wrong so many times. This story was a fabulous “who done it” murder mystery set against a glorious romance between Cyrus and River. The mystery and facts of the case as they unfolded throughout the course of the book had me on the edge of my seat. My mouth dropped open in surprise and I was proven wrong in my assumptions quite a few times! There were clues and facts discovered along the way, all leading up to a shocking reveal and an explosive showdown that made me gasp out loud! I loved it!
Now let’s talk about the love story between Cyrus and River. I adored everything about them. Their connection was so strong from the moment Cyrus walked into New Horizons to talk to River. I just wanted to give Cyrus a hug. He was so strong and confident in his role as a psychiatrist and so weak and insecure in his role as a man and a worthy partner in a relationship. River was absolutely perfect for him. He was wonderful at showing Cyrus he deserved to be loved and cared about. I really enjoyed their conversations, their banter and teasing, and their steamy times were smoking hot! Cyrus has a fetish I have not come across often in books and I thought I would not like it, but it was addressed so perfectly here that I found it endearing, sexy and sweet all at the same time! In between trying to solve a murder mystery they found plenty of time to connect in the bedroom and it was SAF. Their HEA was absolutely perfect too!
Nicky James is just a power house of a writer. Every one of her books just captivates me and I get engrossed in the worlds and stories she creates. This was no different. I loved everything about this book. It was long and descriptive and amazing. Highest recommendation from me!
March 29, 2022
Soy la oveja negra, pero es que esta historia "no hay por dónde cogerla"!!
Cyrus, 45 años, con tantas inseguridades que debería estar todo el libro sentado en el diván de un psicólogo y me quieres convencer que él es el valoradisimo psiquiatra....!!
River, 28 años, acusado de tres asesinatos que consigue hacerse pasar por esquizofrénico , "porque es tan fácil!!! " y que en ningún momento se le ve acojonado de pasar el resto de su vida en la cárcel.....
Y pese a todo, los dos "más salidos que el mango de una sartén" solo piensan en"echar kikis!! a todas horas.
Con estos protagonistas tan poco creíbles , la intriga, obviamente, pierde fuerza.
Muy, muy flojo, y eso que los primeros capítulos son bastante buenos, irreal, ilógico y aburrido para mi gusto.
Cyrus, 45 años, con tantas inseguridades que debería estar todo el libro sentado en el diván de un psicólogo y me quieres convencer que él es el valoradisimo psiquiatra....!!
River, 28 años, acusado de tres asesinatos que consigue hacerse pasar por esquizofrénico , "porque es tan fácil!!! " y que en ningún momento se le ve acojonado de pasar el resto de su vida en la cárcel.....
Y pese a todo, los dos "más salidos que el mango de una sartén" solo piensan en"echar kikis!! a todas horas.
Con estos protagonistas tan poco creíbles , la intriga, obviamente, pierde fuerza.
Muy, muy flojo, y eso que los primeros capítulos son bastante buenos, irreal, ilógico y aburrido para mi gusto.
September 16, 2025
I've given this an A for narration and a B for content at AudioGals, so 4.5 stars.
Not What It Seems is a standalone romantic suspense story from Nicky James with a premise that drew me in from the moment I read the synopsis. The two protagonists are River Jenkins, a man in his late twenties accused of the murder of three women and Dr. Cyrus Irvine, a renowned psychiatrist in his mid-forties who is called in to assess River’s mental state after his arrest. It’s a difficult book to review – not just because it’s a mystery and I don’t want to give too much away, but also because it took quite a while for me to warm to the characters or invest in their relationship – although many of the reasons for that make perfect sense in the context of who these people are and the situations they find themselves in. I’m sure it takes considerable skill on the part of an author to be able to write hard-to-like characters and make their flaws feel realistic and well-founded, and then to pull them back from being completely unlikeable without giving them a personality transplant. Nicky James manages it here, although it was a close-run thing for a time!
When Cyrus walks into the room at New Horizon Psychiatric Institute to meet the patient he’s been asked to evaluate, his first instinct is to turn around and walk out again. River Jenkins is the man he’d known as “Craig” for the weekend they’d spent screwing around two months ago, and who has ghosted him since. Staying to do what he’s been asked to do – assess the patient, review his file and reach a diagnosis – would be a massive conflict of interest – and yet Cyrus can’t bring himself to leave.
River is a desperate man. Accused of a crime he did not commit, he claimed to be mentally ill, counting on being sent to an appropriate facility rather than to a prison cell. He’s managed to keep up the act so far, successful to the degree that the police have called in an expert to determine whether he’s faking or not. The irony is that he told them nothing but the truth during their numerous interrogations, about the noises that woke him in the middle of the night every night for two weeks, the sound of someone throwing stones at the window of his apartment; about the voice whispering his name and the woman he’d seen silhouetted in the distance – who was not there when he’d gone outside. Recounting everything, River had started to wonder if he really was ill and not just sleep-deprived and anxious – until he realised it had all stopped once he’d been admitted to the hospital. He knows he’s been framed, but has no clue as to why or by whom – and when Cyrus enters the room… he knows he’s screwed. Yet Cyrus is also likely his only chance of escaping life imprisonment – if River can only convince him that he didn’t murder the women and then get Cyrus to help him prove it.
That’s the set-up and is all I’ll say in detail about the plot so as not to spoil it. River decides to use the fact that Cyrus is obviously still attracted to him to try to get him to help him escape; the only way he can prove his innocence is to find out who has framed him and he can’t do that from inside the hospital. Cyrus recognises River’s attempts to manipulate him but at the same time, can’t be completely sure that he isn’t telling the truth. With the pressure to make a decision mounting, Cyrus decides to ask a few questions of his own – and what he discovers just muddies the waters even further.
As I said at the beginning, I really liked the premise of this story, but although I enjoyed the listen overall, I had a number of issues with it that have brought down my final grade a bit. There are several pacing issues that really slow things down; for example, the scene in which River escapes the hospital is so bogged down in internalisation that it has no sense of urgency whatsoever, no feeling that he could be caught at any time. On the other hand, the final third of the book is terrific; the twists and turns of the plot culminate in a reveal I really didn’t see coming and the author does a good job of building and maintaining the tension there.
River and Cyrus are complex characters who aren’t always easy to like. River comes across as cocky, pushy, manipulative and even a bit cruel to start with; he tries to use Cyrus’ attraction to him against him and isn’t above reminding him about their weekend together in a way that isn’t always flattering. He’s a desperate man and is prepared to do whatever he has to in order to exonerate himself – but the way he treats Cyrus in the first part of the story makes it difficult to feel too much sympathy for him. This does change, fortunately, as River starts to admit – to himself at least – the real reason he ghosted Cyrus after their weekend together was because he’d enjoyed hanging out with Cyrus as much as the mindblowing sex and he’d felt a real connection – and it scared him.
Cyrus has recently ended an emotionally abusive long-term relationship with someone who completely destroyed his confidence. His self-esteem is at an all-time low, and his job is the one high point in his life; he’s the top expert in his field and proud of his reputation – and he’s absolutely terrified of what could happen to that and to him should his prior association with River become known. On the one hand this feels pretty realistic, but on the other, he seems to be on the verge of a nervous breakdown most of the time, and is at the mercy of his own neurotic thinking and perfectionism – and it’s exhausting! Yet he can’t stand by and see a man he’s coming to believe is innocent wrongly convicted of murder, and the fact that he helps River anyway, despite his very real fears is admirable – but while I get that his ex really did a number on him, he’s a forty-five-year-old professional who doesn’t often act like one. This is another thing I meant about this being a difficult book to review; River’s cunning and Cyrus’ insecurities make perfect sense given their relative situations, but doesn’t make them particularly easy to relate to.
The odd thing is that while they probably shouldn’t work as a couple… they somehow do. Their emotional relationship is a slower burn than their physical one, but it works, with River slowly revealing himself to be just the sort of supportive, non-judgmental guy Cyrus needs. They have strong chemistry and I liked the way their relationship evolves from something convenient and more than a bit one-sided to something based on mutual understanding and caring.
Nick J. Russo has narrated a number of Nicky James’ books (including Clashing Hearts , which I reviewed in 2021) and is always reliably good, so I happily settled in to this one expecting to enjoy the narration – and I did, very much. In fact, it’s a terrific performance that works on every level; it’s technically accomplished, the characterisations are spot on and the emotional content of the story is superbly communicated. Mr. Russo’s portrayal of the two leads is excellent; River’s cockiness in the early part of the story is imbued with an underlying note of vulnerability (and just a little cruelty), but slowly, his humour becomes more real and less caustic, and a genuine warmth begins to emerge. There’s an edge to Mr. Russo’s interpretation of Cyrus that conveys just how tightly wound he is, and his insecurities are especially close to the surface. The emotional connection between the two men is well-realised, with perfectly-timed banter in their lighter, more flirtatious conversations, while a quiet tenderness underpins moments of truth and intimacy. He really knows how to ramp up the tension in the more action-packed, suspenseful moments as well, and all in all, I’d say this is easily one of his best performances.
Although Not What It Seems has a few weak spots that keep it from a top grade, I liked enough about it to want to listen to more of the author’s work, and already have more of her audiobooks waiting for me in my Audible library. Nick J. Russo’s brilliantly characterised and expressive performance is a definite plus, and if you‘re looking for a story with an intriguing plot and plenty of steam, this one might be worth checking out despite its flaws.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals .
Not What It Seems is a standalone romantic suspense story from Nicky James with a premise that drew me in from the moment I read the synopsis. The two protagonists are River Jenkins, a man in his late twenties accused of the murder of three women and Dr. Cyrus Irvine, a renowned psychiatrist in his mid-forties who is called in to assess River’s mental state after his arrest. It’s a difficult book to review – not just because it’s a mystery and I don’t want to give too much away, but also because it took quite a while for me to warm to the characters or invest in their relationship – although many of the reasons for that make perfect sense in the context of who these people are and the situations they find themselves in. I’m sure it takes considerable skill on the part of an author to be able to write hard-to-like characters and make their flaws feel realistic and well-founded, and then to pull them back from being completely unlikeable without giving them a personality transplant. Nicky James manages it here, although it was a close-run thing for a time!
When Cyrus walks into the room at New Horizon Psychiatric Institute to meet the patient he’s been asked to evaluate, his first instinct is to turn around and walk out again. River Jenkins is the man he’d known as “Craig” for the weekend they’d spent screwing around two months ago, and who has ghosted him since. Staying to do what he’s been asked to do – assess the patient, review his file and reach a diagnosis – would be a massive conflict of interest – and yet Cyrus can’t bring himself to leave.
River is a desperate man. Accused of a crime he did not commit, he claimed to be mentally ill, counting on being sent to an appropriate facility rather than to a prison cell. He’s managed to keep up the act so far, successful to the degree that the police have called in an expert to determine whether he’s faking or not. The irony is that he told them nothing but the truth during their numerous interrogations, about the noises that woke him in the middle of the night every night for two weeks, the sound of someone throwing stones at the window of his apartment; about the voice whispering his name and the woman he’d seen silhouetted in the distance – who was not there when he’d gone outside. Recounting everything, River had started to wonder if he really was ill and not just sleep-deprived and anxious – until he realised it had all stopped once he’d been admitted to the hospital. He knows he’s been framed, but has no clue as to why or by whom – and when Cyrus enters the room… he knows he’s screwed. Yet Cyrus is also likely his only chance of escaping life imprisonment – if River can only convince him that he didn’t murder the women and then get Cyrus to help him prove it.
That’s the set-up and is all I’ll say in detail about the plot so as not to spoil it. River decides to use the fact that Cyrus is obviously still attracted to him to try to get him to help him escape; the only way he can prove his innocence is to find out who has framed him and he can’t do that from inside the hospital. Cyrus recognises River’s attempts to manipulate him but at the same time, can’t be completely sure that he isn’t telling the truth. With the pressure to make a decision mounting, Cyrus decides to ask a few questions of his own – and what he discovers just muddies the waters even further.
As I said at the beginning, I really liked the premise of this story, but although I enjoyed the listen overall, I had a number of issues with it that have brought down my final grade a bit. There are several pacing issues that really slow things down; for example, the scene in which River escapes the hospital is so bogged down in internalisation that it has no sense of urgency whatsoever, no feeling that he could be caught at any time. On the other hand, the final third of the book is terrific; the twists and turns of the plot culminate in a reveal I really didn’t see coming and the author does a good job of building and maintaining the tension there.
River and Cyrus are complex characters who aren’t always easy to like. River comes across as cocky, pushy, manipulative and even a bit cruel to start with; he tries to use Cyrus’ attraction to him against him and isn’t above reminding him about their weekend together in a way that isn’t always flattering. He’s a desperate man and is prepared to do whatever he has to in order to exonerate himself – but the way he treats Cyrus in the first part of the story makes it difficult to feel too much sympathy for him. This does change, fortunately, as River starts to admit – to himself at least – the real reason he ghosted Cyrus after their weekend together was because he’d enjoyed hanging out with Cyrus as much as the mindblowing sex and he’d felt a real connection – and it scared him.
Cyrus has recently ended an emotionally abusive long-term relationship with someone who completely destroyed his confidence. His self-esteem is at an all-time low, and his job is the one high point in his life; he’s the top expert in his field and proud of his reputation – and he’s absolutely terrified of what could happen to that and to him should his prior association with River become known. On the one hand this feels pretty realistic, but on the other, he seems to be on the verge of a nervous breakdown most of the time, and is at the mercy of his own neurotic thinking and perfectionism – and it’s exhausting! Yet he can’t stand by and see a man he’s coming to believe is innocent wrongly convicted of murder, and the fact that he helps River anyway, despite his very real fears is admirable – but while I get that his ex really did a number on him, he’s a forty-five-year-old professional who doesn’t often act like one. This is another thing I meant about this being a difficult book to review; River’s cunning and Cyrus’ insecurities make perfect sense given their relative situations, but doesn’t make them particularly easy to relate to.
The odd thing is that while they probably shouldn’t work as a couple… they somehow do. Their emotional relationship is a slower burn than their physical one, but it works, with River slowly revealing himself to be just the sort of supportive, non-judgmental guy Cyrus needs. They have strong chemistry and I liked the way their relationship evolves from something convenient and more than a bit one-sided to something based on mutual understanding and caring.
Nick J. Russo has narrated a number of Nicky James’ books (including Clashing Hearts , which I reviewed in 2021) and is always reliably good, so I happily settled in to this one expecting to enjoy the narration – and I did, very much. In fact, it’s a terrific performance that works on every level; it’s technically accomplished, the characterisations are spot on and the emotional content of the story is superbly communicated. Mr. Russo’s portrayal of the two leads is excellent; River’s cockiness in the early part of the story is imbued with an underlying note of vulnerability (and just a little cruelty), but slowly, his humour becomes more real and less caustic, and a genuine warmth begins to emerge. There’s an edge to Mr. Russo’s interpretation of Cyrus that conveys just how tightly wound he is, and his insecurities are especially close to the surface. The emotional connection between the two men is well-realised, with perfectly-timed banter in their lighter, more flirtatious conversations, while a quiet tenderness underpins moments of truth and intimacy. He really knows how to ramp up the tension in the more action-packed, suspenseful moments as well, and all in all, I’d say this is easily one of his best performances.
Although Not What It Seems has a few weak spots that keep it from a top grade, I liked enough about it to want to listen to more of the author’s work, and already have more of her audiobooks waiting for me in my Audible library. Nick J. Russo’s brilliantly characterised and expressive performance is a definite plus, and if you‘re looking for a story with an intriguing plot and plenty of steam, this one might be worth checking out despite its flaws.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals .
August 25, 2022
I love Nicky James' writing. She always compels me so much.
Literally the only reason I - okay. Two reasons - didn't read this quicker was, 1) I went on vacation but, mostly, 2) I've really been into a video game. Been a long time since that's happened so I haven't been doing much else, especially since my partner plays as well... Also, I finished reading this at midnight yesterday 23/24th so good thing I took many screen shots!
But...! I really liked how this went. I liked the dynamic between Cyrus and River. It was great seeing their surprise in the beginning and then the progression throughout. It was sad with all Cyrus' insecurities from Grant butI can relate I loved how River handled them. He was so caring and snarky at the same time. He knew what Cyrus needed. Of course, River's upbringing was much different than Cyrus' but he had a different type of insight. Cyrus' is from studying, while River's is from surviving. They can both read each other, and it was fantastic.
I liked the mystery aspect to this as well. What Cyrus did wasn't a surprise 'cause how could you have a story otherwise...? But I liked how the whole family(ies) bit worked out. Not a fan of River's family, but I did like how River actually spoke with his father in the end and how that was going. It was completely his choice with no pressure whatsoever. In contrast, I liked how close Cyrus was to his parents. It was sweet how he called them every day to catch up, making adjustments for his father's lack of hearing and his mother helping the both of them out.
This book had so many sweet, caring, sad, enraging, funny, interesting bits.
I would love to read more about these two.
(3.5 stars, rounded up.)
And I'm just going to throw some quotes at the end this time. The last one is rather long so...
"Christ. Remind me to grab some condoms from the bedside table."
Cyrus shot me a dirty look. "Why?"
"Because you need a good hard dick up your ass to chill you the fuck out, and I intend on delivering. You are absolutely insufferable like this."
"Well, excuse me. I lived an honest life before I met you. And I'm not insufferable," he mumbled. "I don't need a good dicking to chill me out, thank you very much."
"Oh, oh! I know this one! What are things I say to make myself feel better, Alex."
"What happened to the polite and professional doctor from the hospital?"
"He's gone. He was manipulated by a patient and forced to do things against his will."
"Forced?"
"Yes. The patient charmed him with his come-fuck-me eyes and magical dick until the doctor had no choice but to break his oath and say yes, I will do anything you desire."
I tried really, really hard to hold onto my pissed-off expression, but River hooted, tossing his head back as he clutched his stomach. "Oh, that's beautiful. I want that written on a plaque and framed."
A snort escaped me before I could stop it. In the end, we were both laughing, and I was in jeopardy of driving off the road.
But sometimes, [Cyrus] desperately wanted to let go of all the responsibility. He wanted the freedom to not be in control for a change. He sought dominating men who would take that role. He wanted someone else to take care of him. The problem was, he'd found a guy who'd abused that power and done more damage than good. Cyrus was a sensitive soul underneath the professional exterior. He strived to make people happy. But it opened him up to being mistreated.
"Or maybe they're getting the dungeon ready for us. We're earlier than they expected. Do you think they'll have a torture chamber?"
"You can only hope."
"What does that mean?"
"It means I know you like getting your ass smacked, so maybe there are other BDSM-y things you'd like."
He might be outwardly cocky and brash, but inside there was a man who cared. A man who'd gone to great lengths to reassure me when I stumbled. He stopped my incessant self-recriminations every time they fell from my mouth. He built me up when Grant had only ever torn me down.
River's brows winged up, and he laughed. "Really? Right now, when I'm bearing my heart, you need to jump in and start a fight?"
"There's nothing to fight about. I'm just correcting the error. Go on."
River gaped. Without warning, he stalked forward and pressed me against the counter. His forehead collided with mine, and his voice dropped to a rumbling whisper. "I just drove all the way here from London to tell you I'm in love with you, and that's what I get?"
My jaw hit the ground. "What?"
River chuckled and tucked a finger under my chin, drawing me closer so he could nip at my lips.
"Did you just say what I think you said?" My words were muffled against his mouth.
"Depends." He pecked my lips again. "Do you think I said I love you?"
"Yeah. That's what it sounded like, but it's possible I've lost touch with reality and my sanity is slipping. A lot has happened, and I maybe not have--"
River crushed our mouths together, deepening our connection until his kiss radiated through my whole body. "Then you heard what I said."
"But--"
He pressed his mouth to mine. I melted under his touch when he glided both hands to my nape and took two firm fists full of my curls.
"Say it again," I begged.
He broke the kiss and peered deep into my eyes. "I love you, Cyrus Irvine. Maybe you want to argue that I don't know what love is, but let me tell you something. I've spent three weeks unable to get you off my mind. I can't eat, I can't sleep, I can't think. You're in my head twenty-four-seven, and I've been aching to see you, to talk to you, to be with you. I couldn't go another day without you. This is new for me, but if that's not love, I don't know what love is. I've never felt this way before. I dream about you at night. I've longed to touch you and kiss you again. I'm probably going to make mistakes. I'm far from perfect, but I promise you, I will never take you for granted. I will never treat you like Grant treated you. I treasure all the quirky things that make you who you are. I want to help you overcome your insecurities, help you build trust and confidence, and heal from the abuse that man put you through. I want to show you how beautiful you are inside and out and how strong you can be. And I will do my best to ensure you know every day just how loved you are. Will you please by my boyfriend? Nothing would make me happier."
I whimpered, which was the least coherent response I could have given, but River smiled.
"I adore you," he said, caressing my cheeks.
"I love you," I squeaked, barely able to form words.
Literally the only reason I - okay. Two reasons - didn't read this quicker was, 1) I went on vacation but, mostly, 2) I've really been into a video game. Been a long time since that's happened so I haven't been doing much else, especially since my partner plays as well... Also, I finished reading this at midnight yesterday 23/24th so good thing I took many screen shots!
But...! I really liked how this went. I liked the dynamic between Cyrus and River. It was great seeing their surprise in the beginning and then the progression throughout. It was sad with all Cyrus' insecurities from Grant but
I liked the mystery aspect to this as well. What Cyrus did wasn't a surprise 'cause how could you have a story otherwise...? But I liked how the whole family(ies) bit worked out. Not a fan of River's family, but I did like how River actually spoke with his father in the end and how that was going. It was completely his choice with no pressure whatsoever. In contrast, I liked how close Cyrus was to his parents. It was sweet how he called them every day to catch up, making adjustments for his father's lack of hearing and his mother helping the both of them out.
This book had so many sweet, caring, sad, enraging, funny, interesting bits.
I would love to read more about these two.
(3.5 stars, rounded up.)
And I'm just going to throw some quotes at the end this time. The last one is rather long so...
"Christ. Remind me to grab some condoms from the bedside table."
Cyrus shot me a dirty look. "Why?"
"Because you need a good hard dick up your ass to chill you the fuck out, and I intend on delivering. You are absolutely insufferable like this."
"Well, excuse me. I lived an honest life before I met you. And I'm not insufferable," he mumbled. "I don't need a good dicking to chill me out, thank you very much."
"Oh, oh! I know this one! What are things I say to make myself feel better, Alex."
"What happened to the polite and professional doctor from the hospital?"
"He's gone. He was manipulated by a patient and forced to do things against his will."
"Forced?"
"Yes. The patient charmed him with his come-fuck-me eyes and magical dick until the doctor had no choice but to break his oath and say yes, I will do anything you desire."
I tried really, really hard to hold onto my pissed-off expression, but River hooted, tossing his head back as he clutched his stomach. "Oh, that's beautiful. I want that written on a plaque and framed."
A snort escaped me before I could stop it. In the end, we were both laughing, and I was in jeopardy of driving off the road.
But sometimes, [Cyrus] desperately wanted to let go of all the responsibility. He wanted the freedom to not be in control for a change. He sought dominating men who would take that role. He wanted someone else to take care of him. The problem was, he'd found a guy who'd abused that power and done more damage than good. Cyrus was a sensitive soul underneath the professional exterior. He strived to make people happy. But it opened him up to being mistreated.
"Or maybe they're getting the dungeon ready for us. We're earlier than they expected. Do you think they'll have a torture chamber?"
"You can only hope."
"What does that mean?"
"It means I know you like getting your ass smacked, so maybe there are other BDSM-y things you'd like."
He might be outwardly cocky and brash, but inside there was a man who cared. A man who'd gone to great lengths to reassure me when I stumbled. He stopped my incessant self-recriminations every time they fell from my mouth. He built me up when Grant had only ever torn me down.
River's brows winged up, and he laughed. "Really? Right now, when I'm bearing my heart, you need to jump in and start a fight?"
"There's nothing to fight about. I'm just correcting the error. Go on."
River gaped. Without warning, he stalked forward and pressed me against the counter. His forehead collided with mine, and his voice dropped to a rumbling whisper. "I just drove all the way here from London to tell you I'm in love with you, and that's what I get?"
My jaw hit the ground. "What?"
River chuckled and tucked a finger under my chin, drawing me closer so he could nip at my lips.
"Did you just say what I think you said?" My words were muffled against his mouth.
"Depends." He pecked my lips again. "Do you think I said I love you?"
"Yeah. That's what it sounded like, but it's possible I've lost touch with reality and my sanity is slipping. A lot has happened, and I maybe not have--"
River crushed our mouths together, deepening our connection until his kiss radiated through my whole body. "Then you heard what I said."
"But--"
He pressed his mouth to mine. I melted under his touch when he glided both hands to my nape and took two firm fists full of my curls.
"Say it again," I begged.
He broke the kiss and peered deep into my eyes. "I love you, Cyrus Irvine. Maybe you want to argue that I don't know what love is, but let me tell you something. I've spent three weeks unable to get you off my mind. I can't eat, I can't sleep, I can't think. You're in my head twenty-four-seven, and I've been aching to see you, to talk to you, to be with you. I couldn't go another day without you. This is new for me, but if that's not love, I don't know what love is. I've never felt this way before. I dream about you at night. I've longed to touch you and kiss you again. I'm probably going to make mistakes. I'm far from perfect, but I promise you, I will never take you for granted. I will never treat you like Grant treated you. I treasure all the quirky things that make you who you are. I want to help you overcome your insecurities, help you build trust and confidence, and heal from the abuse that man put you through. I want to show you how beautiful you are inside and out and how strong you can be. And I will do my best to ensure you know every day just how loved you are. Will you please by my boyfriend? Nothing would make me happier."
I whimpered, which was the least coherent response I could have given, but River smiled.
"I adore you," he said, caressing my cheeks.
"I love you," I squeaked, barely able to form words.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2023
3.9 Stars
It could almost have worked. Actually some parts of it even did.
What I liked most about "Not what it seems" was definitely the crime story - except for the end/solution which was just way out of the ballpark, too coincidential and made me feel like I had been cheated. Otherwise I felt intrigued. The concept of deciding if this was a case of mental illness or deception was new and interesting.
Sadly I didn't really like the characters. Cyrus was a complete wuss and River was a major jerk. And the love story between them ... I didn't feel it. I couldn't follow it. I didn't believe it.
And if I try to imagine these two living together a year later - I can't see it.
A word about the audio: Nick J Russo has a very specific style. There are definitely worse voice actors than him and generally I would say he is not totally annoying. Sometimes though he makes the characters come across as presumptious or condescending. I wish I could tell him to just tone it down a little - I feel I could really like him if he did.
It could almost have worked. Actually some parts of it even did.
What I liked most about "Not what it seems" was definitely the crime story - except for the end/solution which was just way out of the ballpark, too coincidential and made me feel like I had been cheated. Otherwise I felt intrigued. The concept of deciding if this was a case of mental illness or deception was new and interesting.
Sadly I didn't really like the characters. Cyrus was a complete wuss and River was a major jerk. And the love story between them ... I didn't feel it. I couldn't follow it. I didn't believe it.
And if I try to imagine these two living together a year later - I can't see it.
A word about the audio: Nick J Russo has a very specific style. There are definitely worse voice actors than him and generally I would say he is not totally annoying. Sometimes though he makes the characters come across as presumptious or condescending. I wish I could tell him to just tone it down a little - I feel I could really like him if he did.
September 12, 2023
3.5 rounded up
I do love Nicky James' writing, especially considering the work she does to make her stories believable, gripping and insightful. This book is no exception, a real page-turner. But the main characters and their "romance". No, just no. Red flag. It was too much. Of everything. In a bad way.
I do love Nicky James' writing, especially considering the work she does to make her stories believable, gripping and insightful. This book is no exception, a real page-turner. But the main characters and their "romance". No, just no. Red flag. It was too much. Of everything. In a bad way.
March 4, 2026
This was a bit slow. It was setting up for the climax for way too long.
Otherwise, plot was interesting
Otherwise, plot was interesting
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