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It Had to Be You
Two contract killers, each with a hit out on the other, must fight their growing attraction as they face off in an epic game of lust and murder across Western Europe.When Eva and Jonathan hook up on the sleeper train from Florence to Paris, they think they’ll never see each other again. Which is too bad, because neither has ever felt a spark like this for another person. But love isn’t on the agenda in their line of work. Six months later, they run into each other in the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles. This meeting is not by chance, because Eva has been hired to kill Jonathan. She’s a contract killer, but what she doesn’t know is that he is too.Their meeting kicks off a high-stakes cross-continent adventure across Western Europe. There will be tourism. There will be bodies. Eva and Jonathan might even fall for each other.As the two get closer to completing their assignments, it becomes clear that they are also being hunted—by something even more dangerous than love. . .
384 pages, Hardcover
First published July 16, 2024
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May 28, 2024
Arc Review
Publishing Date-7/16/2024
My Rating- 4.5 Stars
“She wears a long black dress and long black gloves to hide any bloodstains. She carries a silver purse, a Glock, and a prayer”
What To Expect/Content Warnings
❤️🔥Dark Romantic Comedy
❤️🔥Dual POV
❤️🔥He Falls First
❤️🔥Contract Killers
❤️🔥European Setting
❤️🔥Spice, Spice and more Spice
❤️🔥Murders
❤️🔥Talks Of Suicide
❤️🔥Use of Guns & Knives
“She is crazy, and it is so fucking hot. I want to get down on my knees and worship her, the only god in this whole chapel”
My Thoughts-
This book is exactly what I needed to get me out of a slump. I throughly enjoyed this book. For me this was such a fun and face paced read. The premise is so unique. Two contract killers who are both ordered to kill one another, but end of falling in love. Sign me up. This was a very engaging read. I wanted to know who put the hit out on the both of them, and I wanted to see what would happen between these two, romantically or in death. Between the banter and inner monologues I was cackling. This is certainly a deranged and dark book but the comedy aspect lightens the mood. The characters were very likable and flawed. Even though the main characters were cold blooded killer, they both had a soft side that most can relate to. This was a chaotic read and I loved every page, I definitely recommend this book.
“What did I expect was going to happen? He told me he was going to kill me, several times. I acted like it was foreplay”
“I would die for her, I think. I might even let her kill me”
Playlist-
💋Bad Guy- Billie Ellish
💋Burning Desire- Lana Del Rey
💋Too Sweet- Hozier
💋Never Be The Same- Camila Cabello
💋Bad Habits- Steve Lacy
💋Down Bad- Taylor Swift
💋Paint The Town Red- Doja Cat
💋Sunflower- Post Malone
💋We Found Love- Rihanna
💋Dont Blame Me- Taylor Swift
💋Blinding Lights- The Weekend
💋Levitating- Dua Lipa
💋Murder On The Dancefloor- Sophie Ellis Bextor
💋Passport Bros- Bas, J.cole
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, & Berkley Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ✨
Publishing Date-7/16/2024
My Rating- 4.5 Stars
“She wears a long black dress and long black gloves to hide any bloodstains. She carries a silver purse, a Glock, and a prayer”
What To Expect/Content Warnings
❤️🔥Dark Romantic Comedy
❤️🔥Dual POV
❤️🔥He Falls First
❤️🔥Contract Killers
❤️🔥European Setting
❤️🔥Spice, Spice and more Spice
❤️🔥Murders
❤️🔥Talks Of Suicide
❤️🔥Use of Guns & Knives
“She is crazy, and it is so fucking hot. I want to get down on my knees and worship her, the only god in this whole chapel”
My Thoughts-
This book is exactly what I needed to get me out of a slump. I throughly enjoyed this book. For me this was such a fun and face paced read. The premise is so unique. Two contract killers who are both ordered to kill one another, but end of falling in love. Sign me up. This was a very engaging read. I wanted to know who put the hit out on the both of them, and I wanted to see what would happen between these two, romantically or in death. Between the banter and inner monologues I was cackling. This is certainly a deranged and dark book but the comedy aspect lightens the mood. The characters were very likable and flawed. Even though the main characters were cold blooded killer, they both had a soft side that most can relate to. This was a chaotic read and I loved every page, I definitely recommend this book.
“What did I expect was going to happen? He told me he was going to kill me, several times. I acted like it was foreplay”
“I would die for her, I think. I might even let her kill me”
Playlist-
💋Bad Guy- Billie Ellish
💋Burning Desire- Lana Del Rey
💋Too Sweet- Hozier
💋Never Be The Same- Camila Cabello
💋Bad Habits- Steve Lacy
💋Down Bad- Taylor Swift
💋Paint The Town Red- Doja Cat
💋Sunflower- Post Malone
💋We Found Love- Rihanna
💋Dont Blame Me- Taylor Swift
💋Blinding Lights- The Weekend
💋Levitating- Dua Lipa
💋Murder On The Dancefloor- Sophie Ellis Bextor
💋Passport Bros- Bas, J.cole
✨Thanks to NetGalley, The Author, & Berkley Publishing for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review ✨
Want to read
June 25, 2024
Two contract killers, each with a hit out on the other, must fight their growing attraction as they face off in an epic game of lust and murder across Western Europe.
This sounds so cool, I love romantic suspense mysteries!!!
This sounds so cool, I love romantic suspense mysteries!!!
June 4, 2024
Everyone knows that Eliza Jane Brazier is a full-blown auto-read author for me and her latest 2024 novel, IT HAD TO BE YOU, further cements that. IT HAD TO BE YOU is the most unhinged, spicy, and BEST novel that she has ever written and I cannot wait for everyone to get their hands on this unique romance-thriller!
Eva and Jonathan are two contract killers who meet unexpectedly on a sleeper train from Florence to Paris; unbeknownst to them about their secret career paths. Their chemistry is magnetic and the two hook up while on the train, but leave each other thinking they may never see each other again. When the two end up running into each other six month later in the Hall of Mirrors (my favorite place ever!!) in Versailles, the two's magnetic pull towards each other further is harnessed. However, Eva was contracted to kill Jonathan, leading to a total collision of their worlds in ways we would never expect.
I knew this book would be spicy but HOT DAMN did it get spicy! IT HAD TO BE YOU is the perfect combination of Carola Lovering meets Lisa Jewell. This book is sexy, wild, unhinged, amazing, spectacular, the moment, iconic, and a total blast. I read IT HAD TO BE YOU in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. I do think this book hits harder for me because it involves toxic romance and ummmm, I can relate! This book is so unique and hard to pinpoint how to categorize, but I think it's a romance-thriller? All I know is that Eliza Jane Brazier has busted the door down on a new subgenre that I want more of. Readers of this author must prioritize this—it's an amazing beach read. Expect IT HAD TO BE YOU to be in my top reads of the year!
Eva and Jonathan are two contract killers who meet unexpectedly on a sleeper train from Florence to Paris; unbeknownst to them about their secret career paths. Their chemistry is magnetic and the two hook up while on the train, but leave each other thinking they may never see each other again. When the two end up running into each other six month later in the Hall of Mirrors (my favorite place ever!!) in Versailles, the two's magnetic pull towards each other further is harnessed. However, Eva was contracted to kill Jonathan, leading to a total collision of their worlds in ways we would never expect.
I knew this book would be spicy but HOT DAMN did it get spicy! IT HAD TO BE YOU is the perfect combination of Carola Lovering meets Lisa Jewell. This book is sexy, wild, unhinged, amazing, spectacular, the moment, iconic, and a total blast. I read IT HAD TO BE YOU in one sitting because I couldn't put it down. I do think this book hits harder for me because it involves toxic romance and ummmm, I can relate! This book is so unique and hard to pinpoint how to categorize, but I think it's a romance-thriller? All I know is that Eliza Jane Brazier has busted the door down on a new subgenre that I want more of. Readers of this author must prioritize this—it's an amazing beach read. Expect IT HAD TO BE YOU to be in my top reads of the year!
September 29, 2024
“The world is filled with people living the most extraordinary, ordinary lives.”
When I saw this one at my local library, I thought at first, “you have got to be kidding me!” But then it made sense. This really seemed like an almost perfect premise. And, a truly quick read! Yes! It took me just a day to read.
How could you not like a story where two people meet on a train and their next kill orders are for each other for romance in this Mr. & Mrs. Smith way? (Think Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie when they liked each other.) And, they didn’t know that they were both assassins. But not only were they both assassins, but they were both assassins set up with kill orders to kill each other! How do you do that, after you meet each other on a train and practically fall for each other? (And, I’m not giving away spoilers, this is all told to readers from the get-go.)
So, obviously this is a rom-com mixed with suspense and assassins.
What we really have is 2 people who really are awkward, due to their careers and early lives. Here they are meeting. Their first encounter with each other. On a night train to Paris. How romantic is that?
But they both have pasts. Right?
They know they are damaged goods. But they finally found the one person they think can finally accept them. For themselves. But they also think they will never see each other again.
Fast forward six months. And guess what. Who is their kill target? Yep. Now what are they to do?
How about as readers enjoy a “killing” good time?
“My old life has ended. My new life is only just beginning.”
Just let the pages fly. Readers will not regret it.
When I saw this one at my local library, I thought at first, “you have got to be kidding me!” But then it made sense. This really seemed like an almost perfect premise. And, a truly quick read! Yes! It took me just a day to read.
How could you not like a story where two people meet on a train and their next kill orders are for each other for romance in this Mr. & Mrs. Smith way? (Think Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie when they liked each other.) And, they didn’t know that they were both assassins. But not only were they both assassins, but they were both assassins set up with kill orders to kill each other! How do you do that, after you meet each other on a train and practically fall for each other? (And, I’m not giving away spoilers, this is all told to readers from the get-go.)
So, obviously this is a rom-com mixed with suspense and assassins.
What we really have is 2 people who really are awkward, due to their careers and early lives. Here they are meeting. Their first encounter with each other. On a night train to Paris. How romantic is that?
But they both have pasts. Right?
They know they are damaged goods. But they finally found the one person they think can finally accept them. For themselves. But they also think they will never see each other again.
Fast forward six months. And guess what. Who is their kill target? Yep. Now what are they to do?
How about as readers enjoy a “killing” good time?
“My old life has ended. My new life is only just beginning.”
Just let the pages fly. Readers will not regret it.
August 17, 2024
It’s not the best book ever but I had fun!
November 16, 2024
IT HAD TO BE YOU
- Follows Jonathan and Eva, two contract killers. After meeting (and hooking up) on a train, they cannot get the other off their mind. Imagine Eva’s surprise when six months later, her next assignment, is him.
I honestly don’t have enough words to describe how good this book was, and how much I enjoyed following Jonathan and Eva’s love story. This was funny, sad, and hopeful.
Some moments honestly had me laughing out loud and others made me tear up.
Can’t wait to check out more from this author!
- Follows Jonathan and Eva, two contract killers. After meeting (and hooking up) on a train, they cannot get the other off their mind. Imagine Eva’s surprise when six months later, her next assignment, is him.
I honestly don’t have enough words to describe how good this book was, and how much I enjoyed following Jonathan and Eva’s love story. This was funny, sad, and hopeful.
Some moments honestly had me laughing out loud and others made me tear up.
Can’t wait to check out more from this author!
March 25, 2024
2.75 stars, rounded up | Thank you to the publishers for this advanced copy.
I was really disappointed in this book. The writing was super inconsistent to a point where I’d put the book down to go do something then come back and start a new chapter, feeling like I missed something. The pacing was engaging, but unfortunately instalove was pretty present, and not in a way that’s appropriate for the setting. It felt like the author couldn’t decide on making this book a satire or something more serious, and so all attempts at a more comic lenses felt disjointed. Not to mentions any attempts at including feminism in this fell short. For Eva to talk about how her failure makes it harder for other female assassins to succeed just feels weird, and almost like a mockery of women who do work really hard in their fields to make it easier for their successors. Not to mention that every time Jonathan mentioned Eva in his inner monologue, all I could think about was the cool girl monologue from Gone Girl. Also, considering that the majority of the story was set in France, I feel like there should have been someone who spoke French reviewing the language. So much of the allusions to characters speaking was disjointed, like a French character randomly peppering in English expletives into their native language, which came off stilted, especially as someone who had a pretty good grasp of both languages.
That all being said, there were a lot of good twists, even if they were predictable. I’m just very disappointed in this book; I wanted it to do a lot more than it did.
I was really disappointed in this book. The writing was super inconsistent to a point where I’d put the book down to go do something then come back and start a new chapter, feeling like I missed something. The pacing was engaging, but unfortunately instalove was pretty present, and not in a way that’s appropriate for the setting. It felt like the author couldn’t decide on making this book a satire or something more serious, and so all attempts at a more comic lenses felt disjointed. Not to mentions any attempts at including feminism in this fell short. For Eva to talk about how her failure makes it harder for other female assassins to succeed just feels weird, and almost like a mockery of women who do work really hard in their fields to make it easier for their successors. Not to mention that every time Jonathan mentioned Eva in his inner monologue, all I could think about was the cool girl monologue from Gone Girl. Also, considering that the majority of the story was set in France, I feel like there should have been someone who spoke French reviewing the language. So much of the allusions to characters speaking was disjointed, like a French character randomly peppering in English expletives into their native language, which came off stilted, especially as someone who had a pretty good grasp of both languages.
That all being said, there were a lot of good twists, even if they were predictable. I’m just very disappointed in this book; I wanted it to do a lot more than it did.
July 14, 2024
I enjoyed the author's last book, Girls and their horses but I absolutely LOVED this latest dual POV thriller that sees a female assassin falling for a contract killer on an overnight train only to later find herself assigned to kill him.
The perfect blend of Killing Eve and Mr & Mrs Smith, this was great on audio narrated by January LaVoy and Will Damron and sure to be a memorable romantic suspense read this year!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review! This needs to be a movie ASAP!!
The perfect blend of Killing Eve and Mr & Mrs Smith, this was great on audio narrated by January LaVoy and Will Damron and sure to be a memorable romantic suspense read this year!
Many thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an early digital copy and @prhaudio for a complimentary ALC in exchange for my honest review! This needs to be a movie ASAP!!
August 7, 2024
Goodness...this was so different from this author's previous novels, and for myself at least, sadly not in a good way.
With two hired assassins at its' center, this read similar to Mr. & Mrs. Smith, with a ton more silly dialogue, and even more unrealistic situations - in order to even remotely enjoy this one you must be prepared to suspend your disbelief and enjoy it for what it is - an incredibly far-fetched romantic comedy that is a great departure for this author. I wish I'd enjoyed it more, but I quickly got annoyed by the stupidity of the characters; who, when being hunted and in fear for their lives, thinks only about getting it on?! Some of the things the two protagonists said really just made me roll my eyes, way too many time throughout this read! You'd think two of the 'deadliest' assassins in the world would be very cautious and bright, but these two just seemed overly dim. I had to keep reminding myself that this wasn't meant to be a thriller, as this author's first several novels have been - it was definitely a challenge!
Even though this was a major 'miss' for me, I'm certain a lot of romantic comedy fanatics will eat this one up, and I get it, as it's definitely a light, lusty romcom. For those who are a fan of Elle Cosiman's Finlay Donovan series, this may be right up your alley. For those who enjoyed this author's first two novels, I'd probably give this one a pass!
With two hired assassins at its' center, this read similar to Mr. & Mrs. Smith, with a ton more silly dialogue, and even more unrealistic situations - in order to even remotely enjoy this one you must be prepared to suspend your disbelief and enjoy it for what it is - an incredibly far-fetched romantic comedy that is a great departure for this author. I wish I'd enjoyed it more, but I quickly got annoyed by the stupidity of the characters; who, when being hunted and in fear for their lives, thinks only about getting it on?! Some of the things the two protagonists said really just made me roll my eyes, way too many time throughout this read! You'd think two of the 'deadliest' assassins in the world would be very cautious and bright, but these two just seemed overly dim. I had to keep reminding myself that this wasn't meant to be a thriller, as this author's first several novels have been - it was definitely a challenge!
Even though this was a major 'miss' for me, I'm certain a lot of romantic comedy fanatics will eat this one up, and I get it, as it's definitely a light, lusty romcom. For those who are a fan of Elle Cosiman's Finlay Donovan series, this may be right up your alley. For those who enjoyed this author's first two novels, I'd probably give this one a pass!
October 5, 2024
I love Eliza Jane Brazier, so it was a no-brainer for me to read It Had to Be You. However, I went in expecting this to be a thriller or a mystery for some reason and it certainly is NOT either of those things. There is definitely suspense, but mainly this is a romance, and I wish I had been expecting it. I guess that's what I get for not reading the synopsis and not understanding the cover. 😂 I love the concept that both of our MCs are contract killers and Eva is a straight-up badass bitch. She can hold her own with the best of them, and the lusty connection between her and Jonathan is STRONG. Long story short, be prepared for some spicy 🥵 scenes!
The audiobook was a delight with January LaVoy & Will Damron narrating, and the short chapters made their back and forth feel like you are listening to a conversation instead of a book. The setup was perfect for them, and their dual narration was on point. I have now read every book by Brazier, and I think this is probably my least favorite, but I am honestly chalking that up to me not expecting a romance and being irritated by the focus on that instead of their profession. That being said, It Had to Be You is a great quickly-paced romance, and I will be thinking about a reread in the future when I am in the right mindset!
I received an advance listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
The audiobook was a delight with January LaVoy & Will Damron narrating, and the short chapters made their back and forth feel like you are listening to a conversation instead of a book. The setup was perfect for them, and their dual narration was on point. I have now read every book by Brazier, and I think this is probably my least favorite, but I am honestly chalking that up to me not expecting a romance and being irritated by the focus on that instead of their profession. That being said, It Had to Be You is a great quickly-paced romance, and I will be thinking about a reread in the future when I am in the right mindset!
I received an advance listening copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
August 25, 2024
4.5 🌟
Alexa play “is somebody is gonna match my freak”.
I’m rounding this one up to hopefully help raise what I believe is an incorrect average on here. While it’s not joining my true 5 star loved reads I firmly believe it needs more love.
If you liked the vibes of Mr. And Mrs. Smith you’ll love this. Sexy, funny, fast paced and mysterious this had it all. The perfect amount of romance to adventure; I ate this up. It hit all the right notes. The main characters were uniquely insane and the assassins plot was intriguing.
I really enjoyed this one!
Alexa play “is somebody is gonna match my freak”.
I’m rounding this one up to hopefully help raise what I believe is an incorrect average on here. While it’s not joining my true 5 star loved reads I firmly believe it needs more love.
If you liked the vibes of Mr. And Mrs. Smith you’ll love this. Sexy, funny, fast paced and mysterious this had it all. The perfect amount of romance to adventure; I ate this up. It hit all the right notes. The main characters were uniquely insane and the assassins plot was intriguing.
I really enjoyed this one!
November 8, 2024
• H has a lot of causal sex and more experiences than the h
• h also has casual sex sometimes but not often
• condoms used
• no past hookups on H’s side (ex fiancée on h’s side but he doesn’t cause drama/ try to get in between her relationship with the H)
• I don’t think they were with anyone during separation
• h also has casual sex sometimes but not often
• condoms used
• no past hookups on H’s side (ex fiancée on h’s side but he doesn’t cause drama/ try to get in between her relationship with the H)
• I don’t think they were with anyone during separation
July 11, 2024
4.5/5
I’ve read all of the authors books and this is definitely her best in my opinion! She’s always drawn me in with an addictive writing style and a compelling hook but she really took things to the next level here. The premise itself was unhinged in the best way and the characters are just as bat shit as the premise suggests. I love a deranged character and here you get two and you also get some pretty steamy romance which I’m always down for. There was also some great dark humor if that’s your thing and the cat and mouse vibes kept the entire thing exciting. I had a blast with this one and think if you want a unique thriller this is a great choice.
I’ve read all of the authors books and this is definitely her best in my opinion! She’s always drawn me in with an addictive writing style and a compelling hook but she really took things to the next level here. The premise itself was unhinged in the best way and the characters are just as bat shit as the premise suggests. I love a deranged character and here you get two and you also get some pretty steamy romance which I’m always down for. There was also some great dark humor if that’s your thing and the cat and mouse vibes kept the entire thing exciting. I had a blast with this one and think if you want a unique thriller this is a great choice.
August 19, 2024
Not my usual thriller book because I’m not big into romance or lots of steam, but this was a fun one and I really enjoyed it!
I love the characters’ dynamic and I enjoyed both of them separately. Part of me does wish they had a bit more depth in terms of their relationship. There was something that felt a bit off.
This book gave me Mr & Mrs Smith vibes! The dark humor and sarcasm kept this book on the lighter side.
Newbies to thrillers will enjoy this one!
Can’t wait for more from Eliza Jane Brazier.
I love the characters’ dynamic and I enjoyed both of them separately. Part of me does wish they had a bit more depth in terms of their relationship. There was something that felt a bit off.
This book gave me Mr & Mrs Smith vibes! The dark humor and sarcasm kept this book on the lighter side.
Newbies to thrillers will enjoy this one!
Can’t wait for more from Eliza Jane Brazier.
July 20, 2024
It Had to Be You is a fun, quirky read about two contract killers, Eva and Jonathan, who are hired to kill each other but end up falling in love. It’s a quick read with two damaged characters who you end up rooting for. The story is told from the alternating points of view of Eva and Jonathan which I really enjoyed. Both are great characters - you know you shouldn’t like them, but you do!
There is romance, spicy scenes, action scenes, some twists and turns, and a great build-up to a satisfying ending.
This is such an entertaining summer read. I could absolutely see a movie being made out of this novel!
There is romance, spicy scenes, action scenes, some twists and turns, and a great build-up to a satisfying ending.
This is such an entertaining summer read. I could absolutely see a movie being made out of this novel!
July 28, 2024
halfway in i already knew this was going to be a three-star read - did i like it? sure, it was dramatic and fun and kept me hooked. however some parts were so absurd and made absolutely no sense at all - what kind of therapist, when learning that their client has previously gone to prison for murder, refers him to a handler so that he can become a hitman? and i don't like how eva keeps justifying her kills with wanting to exhibit #girlpower and proving that women can murder just as good as men - what kind of twisted feminism is that??? plus the chemistry between the two main characters was really lacking at the beginning, to be honest it felt a bit like a convenient one night stand at first.
July 12, 2024
This book was insanely twisted and definitely unique. The premise promises suspense, and it delivers.
3.5 stars rounded up for Goodreads
Eva and Jonathan are both contract killers who have met before. When Eva gets hired to take out Jonathan, things get complicated. Which…complicated is an understatement.
I would recommend this book if you’re looking for: cringe, a ??? feeling, unsure who to trust
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy
3.5 stars rounded up for Goodreads
Eva and Jonathan are both contract killers who have met before. When Eva gets hired to take out Jonathan, things get complicated. Which…complicated is an understatement.
I would recommend this book if you’re looking for: cringe, a ??? feeling, unsure who to trust
Thank you to the publisher for the gifted copy
August 17, 2024
3.5 stars !
Wow .... This was a blast. John wick meets Mr. and Mrs. Smith, with steamy tension and spice. The characters were unhinged in the best way possible. Both Eva and Jonathan were a hoot. There were times like I felt that the story was lagging a bit, but the chapters were short so that was quite alright.
Wow .... This was a blast. John wick meets Mr. and Mrs. Smith, with steamy tension and spice. The characters were unhinged in the best way possible. Both Eva and Jonathan were a hoot. There were times like I felt that the story was lagging a bit, but the chapters were short so that was quite alright.
October 8, 2024
Ok, ok. This book is probably a 4. BUT. I do not enjoy mystery/thriller/drama novels. And I loved this book. The twists were twisty. The characters were sarcastic. The banter was comical. This book was the embodiment of Mr. And Mrs. Smith that was fast paced and very easy to get through. So fine, a 5 it is.
August 18, 2024
3.25 stars ★
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July 20, 2024????????????????????
October 30, 2024
⭐⭐⭐⭒
Two assassins-for-hire fall in love while also trying to kill each other to fulfill their contract order. Not my typical fare, but I did find it quite fun and engaging, if not a little overstimulating at times with its rapid jet-setting pace and life-and-death escapades. I think this book works best for readers who can just go with it all - unsympathetic main characters with lots of psychological damage and a high body count - but lots of wit, style, and laughs too in what is essentially a modern rom-com of two people meant to be together. The book is sort of divided between the courtship stage of Eva and Jonathan, two spies who don't know the other is also a killer, the antagonist stage where they discover the truth and try to kill each other (sort of), and the romance stage where there's a partnership as they work together to uncover who is suddenly hunting them.
This is a Mr. and Mrs. Smith take with plenty of style and humor. I really did have fun and I laughed a lot. I could fill a bulletin board with the deadpan jokes from both of them, and I was so there for the macabre humor. Jonathan is head over heels in love with Eva from the first chapter, which is reassuring during the middle of the book when they actually do pit their sharp thinking and undoubtedly impressive assassination skills at each other. If I didn't know in advance that this book was securely within the romance genre, I'm not sure the reading experience would have worked well for me. There are also a few unexpected surprises from secondary characters that I enjoyed.
I have a couple of small criticisms that detracted a little, including the moments when the characters become mired in moping about their childhood traumas, or the confusing attempts to explain why both at times feel unable to leave the instability behind and commit to a positive life. At times the author seems to want us to accept these larger-than-life characters for who they are, but then at others, she seems to want us to sympathize with their victimization and understand their desire to kill other humans. I found the book worked best as a silly fantasy romance between two unabashed killers, and the maudlin focus on their personal traumas a distraction. I also was not sure how the author would wrap up this zany story, and though for the most part she does so satisfactorily, there are still some questions on the table about their future lives.
Two assassins-for-hire fall in love while also trying to kill each other to fulfill their contract order. Not my typical fare, but I did find it quite fun and engaging, if not a little overstimulating at times with its rapid jet-setting pace and life-and-death escapades. I think this book works best for readers who can just go with it all - unsympathetic main characters with lots of psychological damage and a high body count - but lots of wit, style, and laughs too in what is essentially a modern rom-com of two people meant to be together. The book is sort of divided between the courtship stage of Eva and Jonathan, two spies who don't know the other is also a killer, the antagonist stage where they discover the truth and try to kill each other (sort of), and the romance stage where there's a partnership as they work together to uncover who is suddenly hunting them.
This is a Mr. and Mrs. Smith take with plenty of style and humor. I really did have fun and I laughed a lot. I could fill a bulletin board with the deadpan jokes from both of them, and I was so there for the macabre humor. Jonathan is head over heels in love with Eva from the first chapter, which is reassuring during the middle of the book when they actually do pit their sharp thinking and undoubtedly impressive assassination skills at each other. If I didn't know in advance that this book was securely within the romance genre, I'm not sure the reading experience would have worked well for me. There are also a few unexpected surprises from secondary characters that I enjoyed.
I have a couple of small criticisms that detracted a little, including the moments when the characters become mired in moping about their childhood traumas, or the confusing attempts to explain why both at times feel unable to leave the instability behind and commit to a positive life. At times the author seems to want us to accept these larger-than-life characters for who they are, but then at others, she seems to want us to sympathize with their victimization and understand their desire to kill other humans. I found the book worked best as a silly fantasy romance between two unabashed killers, and the maudlin focus on their personal traumas a distraction. I also was not sure how the author would wrap up this zany story, and though for the most part she does so satisfactorily, there are still some questions on the table about their future lives.
October 27, 2024
A tale as old as time: rival assassins meet on a sleeper train headed to Paris without knowing who the other person is, have a one night stand, and then part ways since one of them has been bleeding from a gunshot wound the whole time and passes out in the bathroom. Six months later, Eva gets a contract to kill Jonathan. Can she do it? Yes. Will she do it? Debatable.
I adored Eva and Jonathan. They’re good at their jobs and proud of it but also aware of the ways they don’t quite fit into the world at large. Except with each other. This was such a fun read. The writing is snappy and the dialogue has a great sense of humor, though I never laughed out loud. It’s a bit of a genre mash-up. Contemporary romance readers will be quite pleased with the way Eva and Jonathan’s relationship develops. I personally didn’t find it all that suspenseful so I wouldn’t categorize it as a thriller or romantic suspense, though others have. But it’s quite engaging the whole way through, if perhaps a bit long in the middle.
Characters: Eva is a white contract killer. Jonathan is a 32 year old white contract killer who wears glasses and is half-blind. This is set in Paris, Florence, and Barcelona.
Content notes: intimate partner violence (both MCs try to kill each other), past child physical and emotional abuse, suicidal ideation, nightmares, murder, attempted murder, dying MC, gunshot wounds, lacerations, breaking and entering, mugging, past death of FMC’s fiancé, past murder of FMC’s parents (burglary gone wrong in front of her; she killed the killers), past incarceration (MMC murdered abusive father), past death of MMC’s mother, ableism, sexism, MMC’s brother was adopted, past military (secondary character), pregnant secondary character, on page sex, train sex, spanking, alcohol, inebriation, Ecstasy, past cocaine, gendered pejoratives, gender essentialism, ableist language, hyperbolic language around suicide
I adored Eva and Jonathan. They’re good at their jobs and proud of it but also aware of the ways they don’t quite fit into the world at large. Except with each other. This was such a fun read. The writing is snappy and the dialogue has a great sense of humor, though I never laughed out loud. It’s a bit of a genre mash-up. Contemporary romance readers will be quite pleased with the way Eva and Jonathan’s relationship develops. I personally didn’t find it all that suspenseful so I wouldn’t categorize it as a thriller or romantic suspense, though others have. But it’s quite engaging the whole way through, if perhaps a bit long in the middle.
Characters: Eva is a white contract killer. Jonathan is a 32 year old white contract killer who wears glasses and is half-blind. This is set in Paris, Florence, and Barcelona.
Content notes: intimate partner violence (both MCs try to kill each other), past child physical and emotional abuse, suicidal ideation, nightmares, murder, attempted murder, dying MC, gunshot wounds, lacerations, breaking and entering, mugging, past death of FMC’s fiancé, past murder of FMC’s parents (burglary gone wrong in front of her; she killed the killers), past incarceration (MMC murdered abusive father), past death of MMC’s mother, ableism, sexism, MMC’s brother was adopted, past military (secondary character), pregnant secondary character, on page sex, train sex, spanking, alcohol, inebriation, Ecstasy, past cocaine, gendered pejoratives, gender essentialism, ableist language, hyperbolic language around suicide
October 13, 2024
This is why you should never judge a book by its cover!😡
As pretty as the name or cover suggests this book was just disappointing to the max. First of all, let's be real they kill people for a living, yes I know I read this knowing that but, i was expecting more mission impossible and John wick kinda vibe, and boy that's where I was wrong. If you liked Butcher & Blackbird this is for you.
Secondly, i hate insta love so ew no, disgusting. IT IS NOT A ROMANCE BOOK IF THEY JUST GONNA HAVE SEX BEFORE THEY EVEN KNOW EACH OTHER?! And it wasn't even in a hot way...
that's where I lost it.The book had short chapters and I guess that was a good thing but I felt like the author missed the mark and got confused about what she was writing.
She really did have a good idea, but i feel like she really needs to move on from the cliche stories and make it more engaging.
As pretty as the name or cover suggests this book was just disappointing to the max. First of all, let's be real they kill people for a living, yes I know I read this knowing that but, i was expecting more mission impossible and John wick kinda vibe, and boy that's where I was wrong. If you liked Butcher & Blackbird this is for you.
Secondly, i hate insta love so ew no, disgusting. IT IS NOT A ROMANCE BOOK IF THEY JUST GONNA HAVE SEX BEFORE THEY EVEN KNOW EACH OTHER?! And it wasn't even in a hot way...
that's where I lost it.The book had short chapters and I guess that was a good thing but I felt like the author missed the mark and got confused about what she was writing.
She really did have a good idea, but i feel like she really needs to move on from the cliche stories and make it more engaging.
July 21, 2024
3.5 *
I love when a book promises that the characters will be insane, and then they actually are. Eva and Jonathan were absolutely out of their minds, which I feel like tracks for contract killers. Their mad dash around Europe trying to find each other after a chance meeting, and then trying to kill each other, and then trying to kill the people trying to kill them was super fun.
However, this book did a lot of telling and not a lot of showing. It kept repeating how much they were enamored with each other, or telling why these two were so broken and damaged and traumatized and how they couldn't feel love and all that jazz, but there was... no emotion behind it? I mean, I guess I'll believe you, but if you're telling this tragic backstory and neither of the characters are showing any emotion, how am I supposed to feel for them?
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this arc!
I love when a book promises that the characters will be insane, and then they actually are. Eva and Jonathan were absolutely out of their minds, which I feel like tracks for contract killers. Their mad dash around Europe trying to find each other after a chance meeting, and then trying to kill each other, and then trying to kill the people trying to kill them was super fun.
However, this book did a lot of telling and not a lot of showing. It kept repeating how much they were enamored with each other, or telling why these two were so broken and damaged and traumatized and how they couldn't feel love and all that jazz, but there was... no emotion behind it? I mean, I guess I'll believe you, but if you're telling this tragic backstory and neither of the characters are showing any emotion, how am I supposed to feel for them?
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for this arc!
September 2, 2024
Thank you to Berkley and PRH Audio for the copies to review.
Oh my goodness this was so much fun to read! The audio was fantastic and overall it was such a wonderful entertaining read! I loved the Mr. And Mrs. Smith concept here but it was done with a few twists I did not see coming and I really enjoyed it so much. I listened to this in one sitting as I could not stop, I was completely hooked on this story. I am a huge fan of Eliza Jan Brazier and this is my third read of hers, she is now an auto read author for me, her books are so good and so much fun!
Oh my goodness this was so much fun to read! The audio was fantastic and overall it was such a wonderful entertaining read! I loved the Mr. And Mrs. Smith concept here but it was done with a few twists I did not see coming and I really enjoyed it so much. I listened to this in one sitting as I could not stop, I was completely hooked on this story. I am a huge fan of Eliza Jan Brazier and this is my third read of hers, she is now an auto read author for me, her books are so good and so much fun!
Shelved as 'dnf'
July 18, 20245%
July 31, 2024
What an unexpected read???? Loved it so much omg
August 23, 2024
Well that was super entertaining.
October 24, 2024
Well, that was a fun assassin-lite romp with a rather eccentric romance at the center. And the gallows humor! Loved it. New-to-me author but I will definitely be reading more.
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