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Kip O'Connor Mysteries #2

Last Date-Kip O'Connor Cozy Mysteries: MM-Wohlfühlkrimi Buch 2 (Kip O'Connor Cozy Mysteries GERMAN)

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Dates können einfach tödlich sein.

Nachdem er nur knapp einen schrecklichen Stalker überlebt hat, überdenkt Kip seine Lebensentscheidungen. Es gibt nichts Besseres als eine Beinahe-Katastrophe, um einem die eigenen Prioritäten bewusst zu machen.

Ein Lichtblick ist, dass der ständig nervtötende Merrick Dawson aufgehört hat, ihm überallhin zu folgen und ihn zu piesacken. Merrick ist jetzt mit Peter Harris zusammen, der – wie alle sagen – ein wunderbarer Kerl ist. Peter ist nett. Er ist gutaussehend. Er ist geradezu ärgerlich perfekt.

Als Kip von einem der begehrtesten Junggesellen von Pearl Cove zu einer romantischen Sonnenuntergangskreuzfahrt eingeladen wird, entscheidet er, dass er nichts zu verlieren hat. Wenn er nicht den Rest seines Lebens allein verbringen möchte, muss er aktiv nach der Liebe suchen.
Aber als Kip am Bootssteg auftaucht, findet er statt Champagner und schokoladenüberzogenen Erdbeeren sein Date – tot.

Dies ist Band zwei meiner Kip O'Connor M/M Cozy Mystery-Reihe.
Jeder Band hat eine gemütliche Atmosphäre und eine starke romantische (Slow Burn) Handlung. Keine expliziten Szenen, aber leichte Gewalt kommt vor.

275 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 30, 2022

33 people are currently reading
99 people want to read

About the author

S.C. Wynne

81 books581 followers
S.C. Wynne is a Lambda Award-winning author for Gay Romance. S.C. started writing m/m romance and mystery in 2013. Her characters are usually a little jaded, funny, and ultimately redeemed through love.

If you’d like to contact S.C. Wynne she'd love to hear from you. You can contact her at [email protected]

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5 stars
180 (38%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
Profile Image for Claudia.
2,982 reviews38 followers
August 16, 2022
Well, I liked the first more. This one it's fun and entertained, and we finally see Kit and Merrick reaching an understanding, but the mystery wasn't so good.

There were a lot of unrelated things going on, and they weren't really important to the story except as red herrings.

But I liked Thomas a lot more here, so there is that *laughs*

But I like Kit, I adore Spot and I'm willing to keep reading this series :P
Profile Image for Thomas Adams.
32 reviews1 follower
May 1, 2024
It's the second novel in the Kip O'Connor M/M Mystery Series, and it's rather good. I strongly recommend that you read the first book before reading this one. Otherwise, you'll be losing out on a plethora of backstory . His business includes dog walking and kennel services. Kip is a local kid. In fact, Merrick's older sibling is his best friend. Officer Merrick is in charge. He and Kip have a tumultuous past, not all of which is pleasant. When Merrick first saw Kips, he approached her in much the same way a young boy might push a girl on the playground because he liked her. It has met with the same fate. Merrick and Peter, an emergency department doctor, are first seen in this story. Kip has been receiving so many cross signals that he believes he is free to seek out others. Despite the fact that he is only a tad bit envious. He accepts a Valentine's Day dinner date as a way to get his social life back on track. The body of Kip's date is found when he arrives at the ship for his cruise. He's been engulfed in yet another mystery. Another near-death experience is revealed to him later. The reason why someone is out to get him also escapes him. As much as Merrick cares about Kip, he prefers to preserve a respectful distance between them. His position as police chief prohibits him from showing favoritism toward anyone. In this novel, the mystery is well-done and I found it to be a pleasant surprise. On top of that, there are always new puzzles to solve. Merrick finally apologises for his acts when he was younger once all the riddles have been solved. Explains why he needs Kip's help But before anything else can happen, he must break up with Peter. Their tale is here. This was a very well-written novel, and I thoroughly loved it from beginning to end. I can't wait to see what happens next in this story. I couldn't put it down once I started reading. You won't want to stop once you get started. I had a great time.
Profile Image for Juniper.
3,341 reviews24 followers
January 27, 2022
First things first— if you haven’t already, definitely read book one for context on the characters (quirky, interesting, with lots of layers) and the small town (charming, fraught with peril) they inhabit.

Here, there’s a new mystery that has all the danger, uncertainty, and tangled scheming you could want: no spoilers, but despite the clues it definitely didn’t go where I thought it would, and I appreciated that. There’s also the continuing adventure of Kip’s romantic life, which tends to get wrapped up in all the peril and mystery, and his complicated attraction to the chief of police, Merrick. I really liked how that played out in this novel as well.

I appreciate Kip for so many reasons, but I think one of the most endearing things about him is how well he stands his ground against everyone in his life meddling in his romantic affairs. When his coworkers prod him about being “oblivious” to Merrick’s interest in him, he pushes back against the idea that he should somehow know, as the way Merrick has treated him up to this point doesn’t automatically read attraction and interest— and he’s right. Merrick’s “ hover and pick on Kip until he notices me” tactics deserve not to have been successful, and good on Kip for needing to see someone who supposedly likes him treat him decently: with open communication, clearly stated interest, and apologies for past bad behavior. I love that he’s holding Merrick, and himself, to such healthy standards, and I’m definitely here for more of that in the future. Kip’s trust is earned, not blindly given, and that’s awesome. I can’t wait to see what mysteries, and relationship developments, come next for these two.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rachelle.
77 reviews1 follower
January 26, 2022
This book has a good dose of humour, suspense and a nice slow burn.

Kip has landed himself a hot date for Valentine Day and Merrick does not seem very pleased about that. Unfortunately for Kip he finds his date dead. And if that's not enough, he's barely had time to recover from his last attack and now someone is after him again. With emotions running high, Merrick has to find the killer before harm comes to Kip, and Kip is just trying to stay alive.
The chemistry/attraction/want between Kip and Merrick is so thick you can almost feel it. Love those two guys! Can't wait to see how their relationship develops.

This story definitely keeps you intrigue as to what comes next. It never gets boring, it's got a nice smooth flow and comes together splendidly. It's got me dancing in my chair looking forward to the next one!

I voluntarily review this after receiving a free copy and would highly recommend it.
Author 1 book16 followers
February 24, 2022
I liked it but it wasn't as much fun as book 1.
The story definitely grated on me and felt lazier than book 1. Huge swathes of revelations of the plot happened off-page and then Merrick would come and regale them to Kip later. It felt lazy or like the author didn't have the space available to properly flesh it out.
Secondly, Merrick was a bit of a sleazeball in this, and a few passing barbs from Kip about him being a player and he'd have to work harder didn't really cut it.
Speaking of slutty gay men, Allister Green turns up, stirs the pot for too long (that scene draaaaaagged and way too much info was given for a supposedly casual conversation), but in book 1 we were told there were almost no gay men in the town. Now, apparently, the most handsome and wealthiest eligible bachelor in town is a homo, (not to mention several other gay men who turn up out of the woodwork). Feels VERY lazy not to mention him in book 1 at least in passing when Kip moaned to his mom at the beginning about no available men.
Then there was Kip's too stupid to live moments. At least he now remembered salient details of the plot and told the police now instead of forgetting them all the time.
All in all, a cute little cosy that was just on the verge of being a bit too twee (Kip really likes saying 'heck') and not exactly the most effort put into trying up all the plots.
509 reviews12 followers
January 29, 2022
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of Last Date and I was not disappointed. Last Date is the 2nd book in the Kip O'Connor MM mystery series and you should read book 1 before starting this. It is also classed as a cozy mystery so there are no on page sex scenes and there is little on page violence. It is up to your imagination to insert the details. That being said, there is a link at the end of the book which gives the reader access to a bonus scene. This tells us about Kip and Merrick's first time together.
I really like S.C. Wynne's books as the stories are enjoyable and the writing is very good. Kip and Merrick have to overcome a few hurdles before they are able to start their romantic relationship. They both need to learn and they both need to communicate. I have high hopes for them and I really want to read the next book in the series which is being released at the end of July.
Definitely recommended.
Profile Image for Cynthia Osborne.
382 reviews5 followers
January 30, 2022
Kip keeps getting the raw end of the stick. After finding his date for valentines dead strange things start to happen like someone is trying their best to kill him. Merrick is trying to help but sometimes with his grumpy way he comes over as someone who is out to get Kip.
Amazing story and I recommend you read it in order.

I did receive an Arc for a review.
951 reviews40 followers
April 12, 2022
Love this series. Kip has the worst luck. He is always at the wrong place at the wrong time and gets himself mixed up in some serious trouble. The cozy little mystery went smoothly and gave plenty of opportunity for Merrick to put in an appearance. Kip has to come to grips with his changing feelings for Merrick. Especially now that Merrick is dating Peter. That's a good thing right? Kip can't figure out why he has "feelings" about the two of them together. Some of the mystery I picked up on really quickly but the rest i was surprised about when it was solved. As with the first book i loved Kip and his ways. Merrick is awesome in every way.
Profile Image for Emily Pennington.
20.5k reviews354 followers
January 31, 2022
Loved This One !! . . .

Valentine’s Day is approaching and Kip has no date. Merrick Dawson, Kip’s older brother Thomas’ best friend, is still with Peter Harris, so there is no hope there. Then he gets a call from Allister Green asking him to join him on a date for a Valentine’s Day sunset cruise on his 47-foot yacht. After stammering in surprise, Kip accepts. Merrick and Peter walked up to them and Merrick didn’t seem happy when Allister told him he and Kip were going on a date. Actually Kip wasn’t planning on telling anyone in case it was a prank. And to his surprise, Merrick and Peter were there to meet Kip’s brother too! Tom knew Kip wouldn’t have come with Merrick there. As soon as he could, he pretended to get a text that he had to open his business the next morning and had to leave now to get some sleep. No one believed him.

Kip attended a Bingo game for charity. Merrick was also there and sat next to him. When the lights in the building went out, the two of them went to the dark basement to check the breakers. When they went back upstairs, someone had stolen the charity money. Kip drove his and Merrick’s moms home, then took Spot for a walk. A van sort of followed him, and when he stopped so it would pass, it was a florist van. Who made nighttime flower deliveries? The van suddenly accelerated and disappeared down the street.

The next evening was the big date with Allister. He sent a huge bouquet of flowers to Kip. Kip dressed and went to the dock, hardly noticing the guy in the gray hoodie that brushed past him as Kip headed to the yacht. He was handed a glass of champagne and told to go downstairs where Allister was waiting for him. But no one was there. He made his way to another door, the master suite, rose petals on the bed’s sheets. As he rounded the bed, Allister was face-down, his hair matted with blood. He started CPR, but Allister was dead.

This was another terrific mystery by this author. With multiple things going on, it was difficult for the reader to pick out the most significant one to solve! The characters are so well described and we see each one’s personality and how it fits in the story line. Well-paced and action-packed, this mystery will keep the reader fully invested in the story and wondering who the killer could be. Was it the guy in the hoodie? Was he the same guy in the van following Kip? How would someone have gotten onto the yacht with Selena and the Captain on board? Grab your copy and find out what’s going on.

Profile Image for Marion.
1,623 reviews
January 30, 2022
This is the second book in the Kip O'Connor M/M Mystery Series. I think you should definitely read book 1 before reading this book. Otherwise you will be missing too much back story and small town character information. This is the story of Kip O'Connor and Merrick Dawson. Kip is a local boy who runs a dog walking and kennel business. His older brother is best friends with Merrick. Merrick is the Chief of Police. He and Kip have history from growing up and not all of it is good. Like a boy who pushes a girl on the playground when they are young because he likes her; that has been Merrick's approach to gaining Kips attention and affection. It has been equally unsuccessful. In the beginning of this story, Merrick is together with Peter who works in the emergency room. With all the cross signals that Kip has been getting he believes himself free to seek out others. Even though he only a tiny miniscule amount of jealous. Deciding that he has to try and revive his social life he accepts a dinner date for Valentine's Day. When Kip shows up for his cruise, he finds his date dead. Another mystery has surrounded him. Later he learns that he had another near miss with death. And he has no idea why someone is trying to kill him. Merrick is worried about Kip but is keeping one arms distance for propriety's sake. As Police Chief he can't be shown to be favoring one person or another. The mystery in this book is well done and I thought surprising. Not to mention the other mysteries that pop up. Finally once all the mysteries are cleared up, Merrick apologizes for his actions when he was younger. He explains what he wants from Kip. But he has to end things with Peter first before anything can happen. This is their story. This is a really well written book that I fully enjoyed. I am looking forward to the next book in this series. The story just flows across the page. Once you start, you will not want to stop. I really enjoyed it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mari  Cardenas.
2,277 reviews28 followers
January 30, 2022
5 Stars!

Last Date is book 2 in the series and it needs to be read in order. 

In this installment, Kip is invited by Pearl Cove's most eligible bachelor out on a date for Valentine's Day, but when his date ends up dead, a series of mysterious coincidences and occurrences start happening to Kip, putting his life in danger. 

Kip is still as oblivious as ever, but he is realizing his feelings for Merrick are definitely changing, and Merrick finally makes a move. This is a slow burn, but things are finally progressing in the right direction. The UST between Kip and Merrick was thick enough to cut with a knife and it was great seeing them enjoy spending time together. 

There was a lot going on with the mystery, and everything was well-thought-out and captivating. I was on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who was the killer, and I had no clue until Ms. Wynne was ready for her reveal, which was neat. 

This was an engaging, fun, intriguing, and all-around amazing book that I just devoured. I'm so looking forward to more! Super recommendable!

*** Copy provided for my reading pleasure, a review wasn't a requirement. ***
Profile Image for Beebs.
549 reviews42 followers
January 29, 2022
*4.5 rounded up

Fans of a cosy mystery will like this series, I think. It's got that lovely small town feel with everyone knowing (and sticking their noses in) everyone else's business. I enjoyed the mystery and loved the slow burn romance with all the little side stories from small town life that are happening at the same time.

I always worry when starting a book mid-series so I was understandably a little trepidacious starting with book 2. I am happy to say that it wasn't an issue here and this book read very well as a standalone. I do think I would have enjoyed it more if I had read book 1 as a familiarity with recurring characters would have enhanced my enjoyment of this one.

With that said, I will be reading book 1 and am definitely looking forward to book 3.

*ARC received in exchange for an honest review
4,670 reviews18 followers
January 31, 2022
Can't catch a break, eh? Valentine's Day is coming up, and Kip is single and dateless. He accepts a date with Allister, his secret crush, who is a handsome, acceptable eligible man and way out of his league. He is confused about Allister's lacluster attitude about the return of his long lost kidnapped brother, Elon. His brother, Thomas thoughtlessly ambushes Merrick, Peter and Kip for a drinks night out. They have confusing revealing relationship discussions. Anticipating getting back in the dating ring, Kip goes to meet him at his yacht and finds his date dead. His week goes downhill fast after that. There is a new mystery of who, what and why. Someone seems to be targeting Kip, why? Everyone seems to be keeping secrets and nothing is as it seems. Can Merrick answer the questions? Can he solve the case? Will Kip find his 'one'? Excellent mystery and who done it. This author keeps your interest and stimulates your questioning mind. Lots of mystery fun. Great story. Well done! I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Dokun888.
253 reviews4 followers
January 31, 2022
Liked this even more than the first book

I like Kip and Merrick's relationship a lot: it's natural and awkward at the same time lol kind of feels real. The doubts that Kip feels don't seem too dramatic but rather realistic. As for the mystery part, it was pretty interesting too. I would have liked a bit more investigation process but I see how it wouldn't have been exactly possible here. I recommend reading the steamy bonus part of this book to have more insight into Kip's feelings. And not just for that hahah
Looking forward to the next book.
2,992 reviews46 followers
January 28, 2022
I was so happy to slip back into the world of Kip! Of course you know trouble will find its way to him.
This cozy mystery was a perfect book to curl up with on this cold winter day. With a cup of tea by my side I was lost in the world of Kip and Merrick.

The chemistry, attraction and want that runs between Kip and Merrick is so thick it jumps right of the page. I love watching their relationship progress.

The flow of the story kept me on the edge of my seat, turning page after page trying to figure out the who dun it! I am a fan of S.C. Wynne for a good reason. She writes well developed characters that are intriguing to the reader. I am looking forward to the next installment in this series!
Profile Image for Katie Townsend.
1,265 reviews19 followers
January 30, 2022
last date was such a amazing cosy mystery story I love bring back with kip and merrick

the story had me on the edge of my seat at times and so Hooked and shouting at my screen at times too

I love the cosy slow burn romantic aspect of the storyline aswell as the mystery storyline last date has the perfect combination of both I love it and I love kip and merrick too

so excited for more I highly recommend this series
1,600 reviews8 followers
January 31, 2022
I liked this book, and much more than the first one. I liked the story and the mysteries, but I also really liked that Merrick started acting more like an adult where his attraction to kip was concerned. The mysteries were engaging and entertaining, and the story also has plenty of laughs, as a cozy mystery should. I am looking forward to the next book. I want to see what new troubles will assail Kip (he seems to be a magnet), and also where he and Merrick are headed.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Marzipop.
625 reviews107 followers
May 25, 2022
3.5, was cute but a bit recycled from the last book.
Profile Image for Vicki Young-Christman.
26 reviews
January 30, 2022
I was gifted with an ARC of this book, and I am so grateful! I seriously could not put this down! The mystery was amazing and kept me completely captivated. I love the Moms! I love Spot! I love it all! Ready for the next one!
Profile Image for Tessa.
18 reviews
February 1, 2022
I loved this book! The mystery kept you guessing until the very end and it had just the right amount of angst/love story. I am excited to see where these two go next!
2,720 reviews13 followers
January 30, 2022
Absolutely loved this series. Love the characters and the story. Already preordered the next book. I definitely recommend reading this book and the series. Made my night reading it.
Profile Image for Lisa.
3,422 reviews134 followers
January 30, 2022
I feel so sorry for Kip no matter what he does he ends up in the middle of the mysteries.
On a date with a good looking man, Kip walks in on him murdered.
Cozy mysteries are fast becoming my favorite genre to read.
56 reviews
February 5, 2022
Very similar to the first, if you liked that you will probably like this. I didn’t love the final conclusion, it was too similar to the first for my liking and I like my whodunits to be solvable by the reader. The romance again felt a bit forced, it doesn’t seem like a very healthy relationship and It’s a bit concerning how no one seems concerned about how they are nagging him into it.
Profile Image for U.
143 reviews
February 1, 2022
Not as good as the first one. Merrick & Kip's relationship skipped a few beats IMHO. It has a bit of a taste of those toxic teenage Mary Sues of 'he is secretly in love with you and that why he bullies you' crap.
Mystery/conclusion was similar to the first, so twice in a row makes it a bit of a trope and sus.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Nico.
140 reviews9 followers
April 3, 2022
A healthy dose of the same stuff I liked about the first book. Kip is as charming as ever, and still can't seem to keep his nose out of trouble. I liked the mystery this time around, it was a bit more in depth than the last book. And I love a good slow burn, especially with a good payoff.

I look forward to the next book in the series.
Profile Image for Genevieve.
1,302 reviews10 followers
September 22, 2024
I am adoring this series. I love Kip O'Connor who is hard working, unsure of himself, bad at relationships. He is such a great main character because he seems so real. In this book he is a little jealous that Merrick is dating Peter someone everyone seems to think is a wonderful guy. He accepts a Valentines date with Allister, a rich guy who as Kip says is way out of his league. When it is date night Kip finds him dead.
I loved this story line there were so many twists and turns and red herrings it was hard to work out who the baddies were and who were just innocent and if they were guilty what were they guilty of. I really loved the ending of the book and can't wait to read the next.
Profile Image for David.
172 reviews
February 14, 2022
Another great installment in S.C. Wynne's new cozy mystery series, a Kip O'Connor M/M Mystery. It's the sophomore outing for this series and a worthy follow-up to LAST GASP. The mystery(s) were subtle and layered and you really had to pay close attention sort the actual clues from the red herrings--they didn't jump off the page at you in obvious ways as some mysteries are prone to do. The protagonists, Kip and Merrick, are likable and relatable, and the "will they, won't they?" dynamic is well done. I'm definitely looking forward to the next book in this series.
2,026 reviews4 followers
August 6, 2022
A Valentine's Day that didn't go according to plan.

Kip is so excited about his Valentine's date until he discovers the man had been murdered. He just can't seem to have a moment of romantic bliss. While another murder needs to be solved, it seems Merrick is none too pleased about yet another date for Kip. I wonder why?
Not yet completely healed from the last unfortunate situation, Kip finds himself here once more.
Despite all that's occurred, Kip needs to be kept safe. The best way to start is by solving the murder.

Lots of fun, entertaining, small-town mystery charm.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews

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