Official description: Rick feels like he’s finally getting his life on track…until a dead body in his flat threatens to derail more than his new career.
Things are finally looking up for Rick Bennett. He’s landed a job with Swanson and Gerrard, one of the top finance firms in London and, with it, a chance to pay off his father’s debts and finally make something of his life.
When he’s put in charge of brokering the biggest deal in the company’s history, he knows he can’t lose, even though his boss, Cecily Swanson, clearly wants more than just a professional relationship.
When a rich, handsome stranger, Kim Bailey, introduces himself to Rick at the Swansons’ New Year’s Eve party, Rick is thinking he can definitely get used to rubbing elbows with the upper set. He feels everything is finally working out, despite Cecily’s increasing interest that only seems to strengthen as they approach her high-profile Valentine’s Day wedding.
When someone is murdered in his flat, Rick is shocked but still determined to hold on to his dream. Cecily believes he’s innocent and, more importantly, so does Kim. Though he’s beginning to suspect that there’s more to the guy than meets the eye, Kim’s belief in Rick keeps him strong.
As the investigation continues and Rick finds himself buried deeper in a mess of conspiracy, betrayal, and intrigue, he will come to wonder whether the life he’s dreamed of could ever be real.
Reader advisory: This book contains scenes of public sex, violence, and murder
Just the facts: M/M romance, murder, mystery
A great, fast, action-packed, steamy novella!
– Kinzie Things
My thoughts: Rick has finally landed a job that is going to help him to change his life and that of his family. It’s been a long road… lots of challenges, but finally, Rick has a great job at a firm that he studied at University. Okay… so his boss seems a little too interested in him, but he can deal with that. When he meets handsome stranger Kim Bailey at a business event his life gets far more interesting on many levels.
This novella is pure entertainment. It’s part romance, part mystery, there are some great characters, and I enjoyed the intrigue. I found that the plot progressed quickly and the author laid out just enough clues for me to have my suspicions about what was going on. I want to note too; the action is really well written!
Rick and Kim were great together. I love the way the author captured the feel you get when you meet someone fantastic. Sometimes, people just seem to fit together. The characterization in this is great. The short length didn’t stand in the way of me feeling invested in Rick and his family.
I loved the speed at which the plot was unveiled. I certainly had trouble putting this book down. There are a couple of twists here and there so I’m struggling a bit to review without ruining the plot! I really enjoyed this one.
Things You May Want To Know: Please be aware, I’m by no means an expert on what may or may not have the potential to disturb people. I simply list things that I think a reader might want to be aware of. In this book: (SPOILERS) Murder, descriptions of blood, descriptions of dead bodies, stabbing, sexual harassment by an employer (not substantial, handled by character), public sex.
Links: Goodreads // The Author // The Publisher
I received an ARC of Blood Red Roses: My Bloody Valentine by S.J. Coles from The Author in exchange for an unbiased review.
Kinzie Things 