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Criminal Intentions #16
Cold Calculation
ABOUT THIS EPISODE
How do you profile a serial killer who keeps changing his pattern?
A body encased in ice and a cryptic message make Malcolm, Seong-Jae, and Aanga Joshi question everything they thought they'd learned about the Golden Ratio Killer. If their suspect can change his methods and alter his patterns, he could easily disappear...
...along with any chance of catching him before he completes his deadly game.
To keep up, Malcolm and Seong-Jae will have to find the bigger picture, the larger plan to intercept their target before that strange message turns into another victim — but it's the small things tripping them up when their relationship and some unsettled business between them leaves them stumbling around each other and falling head-first into mistakes that could cost them more than just the case.
It could cost another innocent life, and leave that blood stained on their hands.
ABOUT SEASON TWO
Malcolm Khalaji and Seong-Jae Yoon are back on the case — and partnering with the FBI on a horrific serial murder case that will test Malcolm's faith and revive the darkest parts of Seong-Jae's past. With an enigmatic killer leading them on a wild goose chase through city after city and body after body, both Mal and Seong-Jae will find themselves pushed to their limits as they discover the worst of what humanity can do.
Even two minds against one may not be enough as they track the devious Golden Ratio Killer, and try to find the key to his pattern. But the trail of breadcrumbs left by the white rabbit will lead them suspiciously close to home, and a connection they never could have predicted. With their worlds exploding around them and everyone they know suddenly cast into doubt...
Can their partnership — and their love — survive the greatest trial of their lives?
How do you profile a serial killer who keeps changing his pattern?
A body encased in ice and a cryptic message make Malcolm, Seong-Jae, and Aanga Joshi question everything they thought they'd learned about the Golden Ratio Killer. If their suspect can change his methods and alter his patterns, he could easily disappear...
...along with any chance of catching him before he completes his deadly game.
To keep up, Malcolm and Seong-Jae will have to find the bigger picture, the larger plan to intercept their target before that strange message turns into another victim — but it's the small things tripping them up when their relationship and some unsettled business between them leaves them stumbling around each other and falling head-first into mistakes that could cost them more than just the case.
It could cost another innocent life, and leave that blood stained on their hands.
ABOUT SEASON TWO
Malcolm Khalaji and Seong-Jae Yoon are back on the case — and partnering with the FBI on a horrific serial murder case that will test Malcolm's faith and revive the darkest parts of Seong-Jae's past. With an enigmatic killer leading them on a wild goose chase through city after city and body after body, both Mal and Seong-Jae will find themselves pushed to their limits as they discover the worst of what humanity can do.
Even two minds against one may not be enough as they track the devious Golden Ratio Killer, and try to find the key to his pattern. But the trail of breadcrumbs left by the white rabbit will lead them suspiciously close to home, and a connection they never could have predicted. With their worlds exploding around them and everyone they know suddenly cast into doubt...
Can their partnership — and their love — survive the greatest trial of their lives?
231 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 11, 2019
48 people are currently reading
363 people want to read
About the author
Cole McCade
92 books1,524 followersSlender. Angry. (Part) Asian.
Yeah, that about sums me up.
Hi. I’m Cole. Xen. Whatever you want to call me; both are true, and both are lies. My pen names are multitudes, my nicknames legion. Tall, bi/queer, introverted author of a brown-ish persuasion made up of various flavors of Black, Asian, and Native American. I’m cuter than Hello Kitty, more bitter than the blackest coffee, and able to trip over cats in a single half-asleep lurch; I’m what happens when a Broody Antihero and a Manic Pixie Dream Boy fight to the death, and someone builds a person from the scraps left behind. Beardless, I look like the uke in every yaoi manga in existence; bearded or not, I sound like Barry White. About half my time is spent as a corporate writer, and the other half riding a train of WTFery that sometimes results in a finished book. Romance, erotica, sci-fi, horror, paranormal; LGBTQIA and cishet; diverse settings and diverse characters from a diverse author.
Sometimes I shout about things on the internet. Usually intersectional feminism and marginalized voices, and whomever’s punching down in those directions today. Sometimes human sociology, the psychology of sex and gender, and my own gender non-conforming arse (he/him, by the way). Sometimes I get really mad at Stephen Hawking and nerd out all over the place about hairy black holes, and believe it or not, that’s not a terrible pun or even worse innuendo.
That’s it. I’m a huge dork. My humor’s so dry it could empty oceans. I’m a native Southerner from the New Orleans area with zero Southern accent; I’m a mess of multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual influences; I have two cats. I wake up at daft hours of the morning to go running. I crochet terrible, lumpy things that never really turn into anything. I’m older than you think I look. I’m much more shy than my fury makes me sound (signifying gods only know what, but probably nothing). Recently I decided, at 36, that I needed to restart my life and move cross-country, so I tossed 75% of my possessions in the trash and randomly trucked it to Seattle. I’m in love with books and music and technology, and they war with each other for dominance and sometimes come together in a beautiful confluence. Most of the physical books I own are strange, obscure, out of print, overseas imports, or any combination of the four. Most of the physical books I used to own were destroyed in Hurricane Katrina, and have been replaced with the infinite library on my Nook. My wallet has a dangerous attraction to anything with pages; it flirts and teases and gives its all, until there’s nothing left but emptiness and ruin.
There will always be things you don’t know, and I won’t tell.
But ask me late at night over live music in a seedy bar, and you might just get an honest answer.
...or you can poke me via:
* Email: [email protected]
* Twitter: @thisblackmagic
* Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/xen.cole
* Website & Blog: http://www.blackmagicblues.com
* Tumblr: http://thisblackmagic.tumblr.com/
And there's my Xen Sanders SFF / Horror profile:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
Yeah, that about sums me up.
Hi. I’m Cole. Xen. Whatever you want to call me; both are true, and both are lies. My pen names are multitudes, my nicknames legion. Tall, bi/queer, introverted author of a brown-ish persuasion made up of various flavors of Black, Asian, and Native American. I’m cuter than Hello Kitty, more bitter than the blackest coffee, and able to trip over cats in a single half-asleep lurch; I’m what happens when a Broody Antihero and a Manic Pixie Dream Boy fight to the death, and someone builds a person from the scraps left behind. Beardless, I look like the uke in every yaoi manga in existence; bearded or not, I sound like Barry White. About half my time is spent as a corporate writer, and the other half riding a train of WTFery that sometimes results in a finished book. Romance, erotica, sci-fi, horror, paranormal; LGBTQIA and cishet; diverse settings and diverse characters from a diverse author.
Sometimes I shout about things on the internet. Usually intersectional feminism and marginalized voices, and whomever’s punching down in those directions today. Sometimes human sociology, the psychology of sex and gender, and my own gender non-conforming arse (he/him, by the way). Sometimes I get really mad at Stephen Hawking and nerd out all over the place about hairy black holes, and believe it or not, that’s not a terrible pun or even worse innuendo.
That’s it. I’m a huge dork. My humor’s so dry it could empty oceans. I’m a native Southerner from the New Orleans area with zero Southern accent; I’m a mess of multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, multi-lingual influences; I have two cats. I wake up at daft hours of the morning to go running. I crochet terrible, lumpy things that never really turn into anything. I’m older than you think I look. I’m much more shy than my fury makes me sound (signifying gods only know what, but probably nothing). Recently I decided, at 36, that I needed to restart my life and move cross-country, so I tossed 75% of my possessions in the trash and randomly trucked it to Seattle. I’m in love with books and music and technology, and they war with each other for dominance and sometimes come together in a beautiful confluence. Most of the physical books I own are strange, obscure, out of print, overseas imports, or any combination of the four. Most of the physical books I used to own were destroyed in Hurricane Katrina, and have been replaced with the infinite library on my Nook. My wallet has a dangerous attraction to anything with pages; it flirts and teases and gives its all, until there’s nothing left but emptiness and ruin.
There will always be things you don’t know, and I won’t tell.
But ask me late at night over live music in a seedy bar, and you might just get an honest answer.
...or you can poke me via:
* Email: [email protected]
* Twitter: @thisblackmagic
* Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/xen.cole
* Website & Blog: http://www.blackmagicblues.com
* Tumblr: http://thisblackmagic.tumblr.com/
And there's my Xen Sanders SFF / Horror profile:
https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
February 15, 2022
GAAHHH!!!
Malcom needs to dump Seong-Jae for a week. Maybe that way he might appreciate Malcom more.
Annndd!! OMG! Malcom! I love you! but please...... React!! Pleeeaaase let Seong-Jae take responsibility for being a douche. Uggghh!!!
Malcom needs to dump Seong-Jae for a week. Maybe that way he might appreciate Malcom more.
Annndd!! OMG! Malcom! I love you! but please...... React!! Pleeeaaase let Seong-Jae take responsibility for being a douche. Uggghh!!!
December 14, 2019
RAWRRRRRRR
Yeah, I feel you, buddy... I'm pissed at Seong-Jae too. I really love this guy, I do, but... come on! New secrets? Again? Or should I say old secrets trying for resurrection? I mean everyone should have some secrets, but those where it's life or death? Nuh-uh. I have to say that I do understand where he's coming from and that it is hard for him to overcome his emotional damage, but he's hurting my poor Mal and that throws me right into momma-bear mode. *double RAWRRRRRRR*
I'm joining the club of those who feel exhausted and apprehensive after reading this book and I would bet my cat (argh, probably not a good idea, I already got some catty side-eyes and I should better duck now) that there's more heartbreak to come... People complained about the previous book not centering enough on their relationship and I could virtually see the author typing this at his computer with sadistic glee. I don't think that's what they meant, though, dammit! ;-)
I'm not overly worried about their relationship in the long run because I don't think the author would do that to us, right? RIGHT?????? Yeah, I might hate him a little bit now, but as long as there's banter...
... there's hope. ;-)
This case is like a puzzle of 1000 pieces with some crucial parts still missing and I'm seriously in awe about the genius that is Cole McCade pulling the strings here and I can't wait to see how it will all come together. BUT... I had my inner self-high-five moment when Seong-Jae finally came to the same conclusion about Sila I already had while reading the last book. ;-)
After reading the blurb for the next book, I have a feeling it will end up being the same emotional roller coaster ride this one has been, so it's probably a good idea to put my sugar-free diet on hold for that one. ;-)
Yeah, I feel you, buddy... I'm pissed at Seong-Jae too. I really love this guy, I do, but... come on! New secrets? Again? Or should I say old secrets trying for resurrection? I mean everyone should have some secrets, but those where it's life or death? Nuh-uh. I have to say that I do understand where he's coming from and that it is hard for him to overcome his emotional damage, but he's hurting my poor Mal and that throws me right into momma-bear mode. *double RAWRRRRRRR*
I'm joining the club of those who feel exhausted and apprehensive after reading this book and I would bet my cat (argh, probably not a good idea, I already got some catty side-eyes and I should better duck now) that there's more heartbreak to come... People complained about the previous book not centering enough on their relationship and I could virtually see the author typing this at his computer with sadistic glee. I don't think that's what they meant, though, dammit! ;-)
I'm not overly worried about their relationship in the long run because I don't think the author would do that to us, right? RIGHT?????? Yeah, I might hate him a little bit now, but as long as there's banter...
"If he pulls rank," Seong-Jae said smoothly, lifting his hand to rap sharp-ridged knuckles against the door, "I will likely be on his side."
"Prick."
"Jot."
"Asshole."
"Hn."
"You love me."
"Keep telling yourself that," Seong-Jae retorted before falling silent as the door opened.
... there's hope. ;-)
This case is like a puzzle of 1000 pieces with some crucial parts still missing and I'm seriously in awe about the genius that is Cole McCade pulling the strings here and I can't wait to see how it will all come together. BUT... I had my inner self-high-five moment when Seong-Jae finally came to the same conclusion about Sila I already had while reading the last book. ;-)
After reading the blurb for the next book, I have a feeling it will end up being the same emotional roller coaster ride this one has been, so it's probably a good idea to put my sugar-free diet on hold for that one. ;-)
June 15, 2021
Loving someone enough to give them what they needed hurt a hell of a lot more than loving them enough to demand what he wanted.
This horrible case is leaving me helpless and with no clue about what’s going to happen. Also, Seong-Jae should have learned the lesson and t-a-l-k. Thank God, Mal is patient and in love with him, or this would have being a disaster.
Also, I might be the only one who doesn’t hate Aanga. Don’t get me wrong: he’s annoying and sometimes I want to punch him in the face, but in the deep of his heart I feel he is a good person. He only needs someone to put him into his place, and Seong-Jae is perfect for the task:
“Look -I know you. Maybe not as well as I thought I did, but I know you enough to know you’d throw away something good because you’re afraid of breaking it. Don’t do that to him. You only find a love like that once in a lifetime.” Aanga half-smiled. “Well. Most people do. You’d probably find it five or six times, with the way people obsess over you.”
“That’s the problem. Obsession is not love.”
Last but not least, I have a new favourite side character, Adelaide, who is fierce, cunning and doesn’t have filters. I’m dying to see her love story develop!! Of course, Seong-Ja will always be my favourite:
“You had a fight with your hot daddy boyfriend, didn’t you?”
Seong-Jae’s eye twitched.
Why did she have to call Malcolm that?
“Yes,” he admitted reluctantly, before sighing. “I’m an asshole. a complete and utter asshole. And I just… needed somewhere to be tonight, so I wouldn’t beep hurting him.”
“I don’t think you being an asshole is news, and he’s dating you anyway.”
This horrible case is leaving me helpless and with no clue about what’s going to happen. Also, Seong-Jae should have learned the lesson and t-a-l-k. Thank God, Mal is patient and in love with him, or this would have being a disaster.
Also, I might be the only one who doesn’t hate Aanga. Don’t get me wrong: he’s annoying and sometimes I want to punch him in the face, but in the deep of his heart I feel he is a good person. He only needs someone to put him into his place, and Seong-Jae is perfect for the task:
“Look -I know you. Maybe not as well as I thought I did, but I know you enough to know you’d throw away something good because you’re afraid of breaking it. Don’t do that to him. You only find a love like that once in a lifetime.” Aanga half-smiled. “Well. Most people do. You’d probably find it five or six times, with the way people obsess over you.”
“That’s the problem. Obsession is not love.”
Last but not least, I have a new favourite side character, Adelaide, who is fierce, cunning and doesn’t have filters. I’m dying to see her love story develop!! Of course, Seong-Ja will always be my favourite:
“You had a fight with your hot daddy boyfriend, didn’t you?”
Seong-Jae’s eye twitched.
Why did she have to call Malcolm that?
“Yes,” he admitted reluctantly, before sighing. “I’m an asshole. a complete and utter asshole. And I just… needed somewhere to be tonight, so I wouldn’t beep hurting him.”
“I don’t think you being an asshole is news, and he’s dating you anyway.”
July 26, 2021
⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱*A Bit Meh*⋰⋱⋰⋱⋰⋱
I'm too tired to write a review, really. So 1) I hope they catch the The Golden Ratio Killer soon. He's getting boring and so is Sila. I'm real tired of Sila. 2) I was really annoyed with Seong-Jae for pulling this stunt again. But then again, it's easy to fall back in old habits. 3) I feel for Mal and frankly, he deserve better than this. 4) Are they going home yet? Overall, this was pretty meh. Everything feels unfinished and I had a thought but I lost it - too tired - so I'm gonna end the review here.
The Characters:
The list is a bit long so I've put it in a spoilers tag.
“I am with you,” he said, and hated how his voice hitched on words that meant so much more than he could say. “I am always with you, Malcolm…even when I seem far away.”
Quick basic facts:
Genre: - (Adult) Contemporary Romance (M/M).
Series: - Series, Book Sixteen.
Love triangle? -
Cheating? -
HEA? -
Favorite character? - Malcolm ‘Mal’ Khalaji.
Would I read more by this author/or of series? - Yes, I think so.
Would I recommend this book/series? - Unsure.
Will I read this again in the future? - Unsure...
Rating - 3/2.5 stars.
May 26, 2021
I may have shed a couple of tears. Reading the killer's POV is very hard, it scares me but it also hooks me.
There's drama here, and even though I wanted to shake Seong-Jae, I'm not going to lie, I loved it🤣.
All my girls show up, I love them❤️.
"He tried, catching Malcolm from behind, wrapping his arms around his waist and leaning into him, pressing his cheek against that broad back and just…holding. Holding on to his heat, until it felt like Malcolm was the only warm thing in the world beating the thin-edged cold of winter back from Seong-Jae’s flesh and his heart."
On to the next one because omg I can't stop☠️.
There's drama here, and even though I wanted to shake Seong-Jae, I'm not going to lie, I loved it🤣.
All my girls show up, I love them❤️.
"He tried, catching Malcolm from behind, wrapping his arms around his waist and leaning into him, pressing his cheek against that broad back and just…holding. Holding on to his heat, until it felt like Malcolm was the only warm thing in the world beating the thin-edged cold of winter back from Seong-Jae’s flesh and his heart."
On to the next one because omg I can't stop☠️.
July 24, 2024
4.5 Stars. Foi mais um livro intenso de Criminal Intentions, mas teve uns momentos que senti desconexo da história, como o romance de Adelaide, tipo, essa personagem apareceu agora e ainda não me apeguei em nada como os outros personagens. Quem se importa com romance dela com aquele cara? Achei sem graça e nada a ver com a tensão do livro. Esses momentos tiram a atenção e tava tipo zzzz. Só por isso dei 4.5 dessa vez. Tirando esses momentos chatos dessa personagem, a história tava ótima como sempre. Sofrendo aqui com esse desentendimento de Malcolm e Seong-Jae🥲🥲🥲🥲🥲Dessa vez Seong-Jae conseguiu me deixar aborrecida, acho que a relação que ele tem com Mal já é forte o suficiente para ele lhe contar seus terrores, mas ao invés disso criou todo esse drama para fazer o homem ficar em agonia ( e eu tbm 😰).
December 15, 2019
* 4,5 stars*
Is this really only episode 3 in this season, guys?
Cause it seems that Malcolm and Seong-Jae have been in Los Angeles forever. And not that it’s been doing them any good.
The horror of the case, the unrelenting brutality of it, the frustration of getting nowhere fast, if anywhere at all, are starting to impact on both men. On a personal level.
Old insecurities bubble up from deep below, causing a widening rift that bruises each guy in its own way.
For Malcolm it seems like a deja-vu.
Malcolm ground his teeth and forced himself to look away. He couldn’t stand this. Couldn’t stand how all it took was that little bit of secrecy to make him doubt, and make him wonder if this hell was starting all over again.
Malcolm didn’t know what to say that didn’t start with Tell me and end with What you’re hiding from me now.
On top of that, the events of the last episode left Malcolm's confidence whether he is right for Seong-Jae rattled , and if all that wasn't plenty to worry about, there is also Joshi, always hovering around Seong-Jae like an eagle. Mostly, Malcolm’s so hurt and sad and desperate I just …
But still, I didn’t have it in my heart to lay full blame on Seong-Jae for his behaviour. One major revelation about the case triggers a serious relapse into old destructive behaviour patterns. I wanted to shake him to just STOP, but then again, I do get where he is coming from.
Although what Seong- Jae does there at the (rather abrupt) end, shows me that he is trying and maybe learning? And we know, even though he’s still avoiding those three little words, how much he feels for Malcolm…
”And since his words always failed him, since they were never enough, since he could not even bring himself to say it out loud, to admit those three words that could give some kind of promise, some kind of assurance… He showed Malcolm.”
However, the blurb of episode 4 tells us that the situation isn’t going to get any better. How on earth are we going to cope? Cole McCade is a master of suspense and heartache, and I think I'll never stop marvelling at his writing ingenuity and the way he makes me feel.
I loved the fact we got so much of Malcolm and Seong-Jae this time. LOVED it (just in case you weren’t sure I meant it!)
But then there’s so much going on with everyone else …
.) Anjulie: wth is happening here? What is going on behind the scenes?
.) Gabrielle: 😥 Is there another heartbreak on the horizon for her?
.) Sade and Min Tze: 💔💔💔
.) Joshi: Hmmm, still don’t trust him, but he did something really good in this episode, and I might like him… maybe … perhaps … eventually?
I was grateful for the short cute reprieve from all the intensity going on via Adelaide and her crush. And meeting Cara, even if for a short glimpse only, was lovely, too!
As for Sila – darn. Darn. Darn. I feel sick just thinking about him and what he’s up to. EVIL. That’s for sure.
This is going to one long, tough season, I think! But a blooming marvellous one!
Is this really only episode 3 in this season, guys?
Cause it seems that Malcolm and Seong-Jae have been in Los Angeles forever. And not that it’s been doing them any good.
The horror of the case, the unrelenting brutality of it, the frustration of getting nowhere fast, if anywhere at all, are starting to impact on both men. On a personal level.
Old insecurities bubble up from deep below, causing a widening rift that bruises each guy in its own way.
For Malcolm it seems like a deja-vu.
Malcolm ground his teeth and forced himself to look away. He couldn’t stand this. Couldn’t stand how all it took was that little bit of secrecy to make him doubt, and make him wonder if this hell was starting all over again.
Malcolm didn’t know what to say that didn’t start with Tell me and end with What you’re hiding from me now.
On top of that, the events of the last episode left Malcolm's confidence whether he is right for Seong-Jae rattled , and if all that wasn't plenty to worry about, there is also Joshi, always hovering around Seong-Jae like an eagle. Mostly, Malcolm’s so hurt and sad and desperate I just …
But still, I didn’t have it in my heart to lay full blame on Seong-Jae for his behaviour. One major revelation about the case triggers a serious relapse into old destructive behaviour patterns. I wanted to shake him to just STOP, but then again, I do get where he is coming from.
Although what Seong- Jae does there at the (rather abrupt) end, shows me that he is trying and maybe learning? And we know, even though he’s still avoiding those three little words, how much he feels for Malcolm…
”And since his words always failed him, since they were never enough, since he could not even bring himself to say it out loud, to admit those three words that could give some kind of promise, some kind of assurance… He showed Malcolm.”
However, the blurb of episode 4 tells us that the situation isn’t going to get any better. How on earth are we going to cope? Cole McCade is a master of suspense and heartache, and I think I'll never stop marvelling at his writing ingenuity and the way he makes me feel.
I loved the fact we got so much of Malcolm and Seong-Jae this time. LOVED it (just in case you weren’t sure I meant it!)
But then there’s so much going on with everyone else …
.) Anjulie: wth is happening here? What is going on behind the scenes?
.) Gabrielle: 😥 Is there another heartbreak on the horizon for her?
.) Sade and Min Tze: 💔💔💔
.) Joshi: Hmmm, still don’t trust him, but he did something really good in this episode, and I might like him… maybe … perhaps … eventually?
I was grateful for the short cute reprieve from all the intensity going on via Adelaide and her crush. And meeting Cara, even if for a short glimpse only, was lovely, too!
As for Sila – darn. Darn. Darn. I feel sick just thinking about him and what he’s up to. EVIL. That’s for sure.
This is going to one long, tough season, I think! But a blooming marvellous one!
February 20, 2022
Killer Bunny strikes again!!!
I must confess that Seong it's getting on my nerves!
He doesn't deserve Malcolm, he's so sweet and so in love, but enough is enough and there's a time you should move on and find someone who will apreciate him.
Of course, it has the thing...
A fenomenal sex Seong showed him in the previous book...
I have high hopes for Adelaide and Gage 🤭
Anjulie and Gabrielle... My heart isn't with the two of them, don't know why...
Jason and Sade... My heart is crying... 💔 💔 💔
Malcolm and his love for Seong is what keeps the relationship... At least, Seong was honest and told the truth, better late than never...
I must confess that Seong it's getting on my nerves!
He doesn't deserve Malcolm, he's so sweet and so in love, but enough is enough and there's a time you should move on and find someone who will apreciate him.
Of course, it has the thing...
A fenomenal sex Seong showed him in the previous book...
I have high hopes for Adelaide and Gage 🤭
Anjulie and Gabrielle... My heart isn't with the two of them, don't know why...
Jason and Sade... My heart is crying... 💔 💔 💔
Malcolm and his love for Seong is what keeps the relationship... At least, Seong was honest and told the truth, better late than never...
September 17, 2022
Reread
I forgot how hard this episode was.
.......................
Gahhh. These two are just EVERYTHING.
Even though this book was bumpy for SJ and Mal, they still persevered.
“How can you stand this?” he choked out. “Being with me, when I give you nothing?”
“You give me everything, Seong-Jae,” Malcolm promised, voice thick, those slate blue eyes so warm beneath the grizzled thatch of his brows. “If you didn’t, you wouldn’t be my omr-an. That’s what it means.”
I mean...why is Mal is PERFECT!
“I love you,” he whispered, when Seong-Jae wasn’t awake to yell at him for it.
Also SJ is freaking ADORABLE.
I forgot how hard this episode was.
.......................
Gahhh. These two are just EVERYTHING.
Even though this book was bumpy for SJ and Mal, they still persevered.
“How can you stand this?” he choked out. “Being with me, when I give you nothing?”
“You give me everything, Seong-Jae,” Malcolm promised, voice thick, those slate blue eyes so warm beneath the grizzled thatch of his brows. “If you didn’t, you wouldn’t be my omr-an. That’s what it means.”
I mean...why is Mal is PERFECT!
“I love you,” he whispered, when Seong-Jae wasn’t awake to yell at him for it.
Also SJ is freaking ADORABLE.
June 18, 2021
bro this episode was depressing as hell. my heart went 💔 multiple times
May 30, 2021
This one made me cry!! I really felt for Malcolm, his love and desperation for Seong-Jae was so painful to watch as Seong-Jae pushed him away. His attempts to stay patient and reach out kept being denied and it was so frustrating to watch them return to their old patterns. I completely understand where Seong-Jae was coming from and his trauma response but I still wanted to shake him!! Like SIR pleeaaase not again!!! Communicate for the love of god 😭 I just want them happy and in love. Joshi is growing on me.. I feel for him and am glad he didn't try to sabotage Seong-Jae and Malcolm but instead gave advice.
I had a theory about Sila from the last book and I feel so validated that it seems like I was right!!
I'm curious about Anjulie's storyline... who is she talking to?! Lilienne Wellington is back trying to be a #bossbabe and I am NOT here for it. Also, why did I feel bad for Sila at the end there, he doesn't deserve but his birthday was so incredibly sad and depressing. On to the next!
I had a theory about Sila from the last book and I feel so validated that it seems like I was right!!
I'm curious about Anjulie's storyline... who is she talking to?! Lilienne Wellington is back trying to be a #bossbabe and I am NOT here for it. Also, why did I feel bad for Sila at the end there, he doesn't deserve but his birthday was so incredibly sad and depressing. On to the next!
December 13, 2019
Holy crap, I am just drained. More secrets, more “oh shit” info come to light and more heartache. With a tiny, tiny light at the end of the tunnel. But which way will it go? 😕
I would rest a lot easier if I knew ?
I got nothing else, really. And now I wait *or stew, but whatever* until next month.
**Edit: I had to come back and note to the author - Cole McCade, I both love you and hate you equally right now. 😐
I would rest a lot easier if I knew ?
I got nothing else, really. And now I wait *or stew, but whatever* until next month.
**Edit: I had to come back and note to the author - Cole McCade, I both love you and hate you equally right now. 😐
May 26, 2024
Mal should break up with that bitch. Yep, I said it.
August 30, 2024
[𝟺.𝟸𝟻 / 𝟻 ✩]
𝚖𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚖𝚞𝚜𝚒𝚌 ´ˎ˗
~ 𝙲𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚆𝚊𝚛
Shile was right, Malcolm needs to breakup with Seong-Jae for a week or something. Cause Seong-Jae and his bullshit communication skills are getting on my last damn nerve, I swear. Mal's mother was right, he does have doormat tendencies, and the fact that Seong-Jae is using those tendencies to railroad him? ugh.
That said… I get it. Communicating and sharing his emotions does not come naturally to Seong-Jae. He's learned to repress shit and keep it to himself. But, I think what he needs to realize is, Mal would do anything for him. On the flip side, Mal needs to just spit shit out. He can't keep worrying about how Seong-Jae is gonna react. If he reacts badly then he reacts badly, but holding your feelings in is only going to cause tension and resentment.
On a more positive note, I really liked the case this time around. It was… gruesome, but intriguing. I always like when the case effects our mcs just a bit. This one felt personal and brutal. I think this might end up being my favorite case of the season, tbh.
Overall, I'd say that Cold Calculation was an exercise in patience. When Malcolm and Seong-Jae aren't good, the entire book feels off. I'm hoping both men pull their heads out of their asses and actually TALK to one another. Talk. T-A-L- K.
┍━━━━✩━━━━┑
𝙲𝚛𝚒𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝙸𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜: 𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝙸𝙸
𝟷𝟺. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙶𝚘𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚗 𝚁𝚊𝚝���𝚘 ~ 𝟺.
𝟷𝟻. 𝙸𝚗 𝚂𝚎𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 ~ 𝟺.
𝟷𝟼. 𝙲𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝙲𝚊𝚕𝚌𝚞𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 ~ 𝟺.𝟸𝟻
𝟷𝟽. 𝙷𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝙰𝚗𝚐𝚕𝚎 ~ 𝟺.𝟻
𝟷𝟾. 𝙳𝚎𝚎𝚙 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚛𝚊𝚕 ~ 𝟺.𝟼
𝟷𝟿. 𝙳𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝙿𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 ~ 𝟻.
𝟸𝟶. 𝚃𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚞𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 ~ 𝟹.𝟻
𝟸𝟷. 𝚃𝚛𝚊𝚓𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 ~ 𝟺.𝟻
𝟸𝟸. 𝙾𝚌𝚌𝚊𝚖'𝚜 𝚁𝚊𝚣𝚘𝚛 ~ 𝟺.𝟸𝟻
𝟸𝟹. 𝙵𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚊𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚌𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗 ~ 𝟺.𝟸𝟻
𝟸𝟺. 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚐𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 ~ 𝟹.𝟻
𝟸𝟻. 𝚆𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚋𝚋𝚒𝚝: 𝙸 ~ 𝟹.𝟻
𝟸𝟼. 𝚆𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚋𝚋𝚒𝚝: 𝙸𝙸 ~ 𝟺.
┕━━━━✩━━━━┙
❝You had a fight with your hot daddy boyfriend, didn’t you.❞
gosh i so adore Seong-Ja ♥
𝚖𝚘𝚘𝚍 𝚖𝚞𝚜𝚒𝚌 ´ˎ˗
~ 𝙲𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝚆𝚊𝚛
Shile was right, Malcolm needs to breakup with Seong-Jae for a week or something. Cause Seong-Jae and his bullshit communication skills are getting on my last damn nerve, I swear. Mal's mother was right, he does have doormat tendencies, and the fact that Seong-Jae is using those tendencies to railroad him? ugh.
That said… I get it. Communicating and sharing his emotions does not come naturally to Seong-Jae. He's learned to repress shit and keep it to himself. But, I think what he needs to realize is, Mal would do anything for him. On the flip side, Mal needs to just spit shit out. He can't keep worrying about how Seong-Jae is gonna react. If he reacts badly then he reacts badly, but holding your feelings in is only going to cause tension and resentment.
On a more positive note, I really liked the case this time around. It was… gruesome, but intriguing. I always like when the case effects our mcs just a bit. This one felt personal and brutal. I think this might end up being my favorite case of the season, tbh.
Overall, I'd say that Cold Calculation was an exercise in patience. When Malcolm and Seong-Jae aren't good, the entire book feels off. I'm hoping both men pull their heads out of their asses and actually TALK to one another. Talk. T-A-L- K.
❝Are we making everyone uncomfortable, or simply you?❞
❝Since I’m the head of this operation, I get to be everyone if I want to,❞ Aanga said.
┍━━━━✩━━━━┑
𝙲𝚛𝚒𝚖𝚒𝚗𝚊𝚕 𝙸𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚗𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗𝚜: 𝚂𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝙸𝙸
𝟷𝟺. 𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝙶𝚘𝚕𝚍𝚎𝚗 𝚁𝚊𝚝���𝚘 ~ 𝟺.
𝟷𝟻. 𝙸𝚗 𝚂𝚎𝚚𝚞𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 ~ 𝟺.
𝟷𝟼. 𝙲𝚘𝚕𝚍 𝙲𝚊𝚕𝚌𝚞𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 ~ 𝟺.𝟸𝟻
𝟷𝟽. 𝙷𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝙰𝚗𝚐𝚕𝚎 ~ 𝟺.𝟻
𝟷𝟾. 𝙳𝚎𝚎𝚙 𝚂𝚙𝚒𝚛𝚊𝚕 ~ 𝟺.𝟼
𝟷𝟿. 𝙳𝚒𝚟𝚒𝚗𝚎 𝙿𝚛𝚘𝚙𝚘𝚛𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 ~ 𝟻.
𝟸𝟶. 𝚃𝚛𝚒𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚞𝚕𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 ~ 𝟹.𝟻
𝟸𝟷. 𝚃𝚛𝚊𝚓𝚎𝚌𝚝𝚘𝚛𝚢 ~ 𝟺.𝟻
𝟸𝟸. 𝙾𝚌𝚌𝚊𝚖'𝚜 𝚁𝚊𝚣𝚘𝚛 ~ 𝟺.𝟸𝟻
𝟸𝟹. 𝙵𝚛𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚊𝚕 𝚁𝚎𝚌𝚞𝚛𝚜𝚒𝚘𝚗 ~ 𝟺.𝟸𝟻
𝟸𝟺. 𝙲𝚘𝚗𝚟𝚎𝚛𝚐𝚎𝚗𝚌𝚎 ~ 𝟹.𝟻
𝟸𝟻. 𝚆𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚋𝚋𝚒𝚝: 𝙸 ~ 𝟹.𝟻
𝟸𝟼. 𝚆𝚑𝚒𝚝𝚎 𝚁𝚊𝚋𝚋𝚒𝚝: 𝙸𝙸 ~ 𝟺.
┕━━━━✩━━━━┙
June 9, 2021
3.75 stars ⭐️ Oh, damn Seong-Jae, I'm frustrated. This episode made me sad. 😭
🤷♀️ Why is SJ always hurting Malcolm?
🤷♀️ Isn't he the one who promised Arash to protect Malcolm?
🤷♀️ Isn't he the one who told Malcolm that people took advantage of his soft nature?
🤷♀️ Why does Mal always think that he is the one who should beg forgiveness, yet Seong-Jae the one who shut down on Malcolm?
🤷♀️ How he could keep doing it to Mal?
Malcolm is hurting. 🤕
I'm really pissed off. Seong-Jae’s whole life is a secret. When you revealed one goddamn secret of him, thousands of secrets are waiting to reach you.
On to the next book ➡️ 📖
🤷♀️ Why is SJ always hurting Malcolm?
🤷♀️ Isn't he the one who promised Arash to protect Malcolm?
🤷♀️ Isn't he the one who told Malcolm that people took advantage of his soft nature?
🤷♀️ Why does Mal always think that he is the one who should beg forgiveness, yet Seong-Jae the one who shut down on Malcolm?
🤷♀️ How he could keep doing it to Mal?
Malcolm is hurting. 🤕
I'm really pissed off. Seong-Jae’s whole life is a secret. When you revealed one goddamn secret of him, thousands of secrets are waiting to reach you.
On to the next book ➡️ 📖
July 8, 2021
Well, this was exhausting and depressing. I hate it when characters pull ridiculous moves and Seong-Jae is the king of unnecessary ridiculousness. Add in Malcolm and his doormat tendencies and I came *this close* throwing my Kindle. They both worked my last nerve to the point I almost gave up on this.
Let's hope the next episode finds Seong-Jae wearing his big boy pants.
Let's hope the next episode finds Seong-Jae wearing his big boy pants.
January 26, 2021
4.5 Stars
What did I say about the last episode because I take it all back. This was by far, the hardest. How I got through Chapter 0, I’ll never know. Why Cole McCade? Why? 😩
Too tired to write a review right now as Seong-Jae’s antics have left me exhausted. I just wanted to shake some sense into that jot! There had best be some grovelling/ILY’s in the near future because I’m not a happy bunny 🐰🪓🩸🤣
Onto the next one then so I can get tortured some more. Just joking - I LOVE IT 😜
What did I say about the last episode because I take it all back. This was by far, the hardest. How I got through Chapter 0, I’ll never know. Why Cole McCade? Why? 😩
Too tired to write a review right now as Seong-Jae’s antics have left me exhausted. I just wanted to shake some sense into that jot! There had best be some grovelling/ILY’s in the near future because I’m not a happy bunny 🐰🪓🩸🤣
Onto the next one then so I can get tortured some more. Just joking - I LOVE IT 😜
December 13, 2019
4.5 stars!
Whew, what a third installment to season 2.
One thing that was clear throughout this, is that Malcolm and Seong-Jae's issues from season 1 are very much there. And very much should be addressed and worked through.
I, personally, don't feel like a break up is coming - not only because of a slightly hopeful end to this installment - but because I feel like both Malcolm and Seong-Jae want their relationship too much to give up this easily.
Not to say that things are easy, but I would just rather see them wade through the shit they're going through to come out the other side better than just break up because things get hard. I'm always more interested in seeing if couples can make it through then them giving up at the first sign of crisis.
Which, Mal and Seong-Jae kind of are or are close to if they don't start dealing with their shit. Which is mainly on Seong-Jae for why they haven't, yes, but Malcolm kinda needs to speak up at the same time before he lets it get to where it did in season 1 with them kind of breaking up or taking a break, whatever you want to call it.
I did get my wish, though, with this having more of the focus on Mal and Seong-Jae that I'm used to, even though the majority of it was painful.
But for me, this is the growing pains in the beginning of a relationship. These two need to go through the bad shit for the first time to see if they can wade out of it and get to the other side in tact, so they can learn how to do better.
Because, for me, these two didn't solve their problems at the end of season 1, the truth was just finally out and they were happy to be alive and be together. Now, it gets rough. Now, they actually have to start to deal with their shit and how they can make a relationship work with all that hard shit trying to tear them apart.
I mean, it's easy for me to get angry at Seong-Jae - which I am! - for keeping things from Mal, who just wants to help his omr-an and love him and support and he's just so freaking kind and sweet and Seong-Jae is hurting him and I just want to wrap him up in a blanket, but also I understand Seong-Jae at the same time.
He isn't going to break his life long habits, even when he knows he's being an asshole and we all want to shake him to make him talk to the man that loves him and who we all know won't judge him or leave him or stop loving him because of his past. Malcolm has proved that time and again, and Seong-Jae knows that. But he can't just immediately stop his habits and stop his walls from coming up to protect himself, and now to protect Malcolm, even when that "protection" is actually hurting Malcolm.
Seong-Jae needs to go through a process, I think, to get to a place where he doesn't immediately close up and keep secrets from Malcolm. How he will get there, I don't know, but that's why I'm excited to read through his and Malcolm's journey through this season and beyond. I think Seong-Jae will get there, eventually....just after he goes kicking and screaming, as most of us do when we have to change bad habits of ours. It's not easy, and it is a process.
So as much as Seong-Jae makes me angry when he immediately shuts Mal out, I understand it. And reading how Seong-Jae hates what he's doing to makes me feel better, because Seong-Jae isn't oblivious to it, which means he's not going to just blindly hurt Malcolm. He doesn't like what he's doing to Malcolm, and he doesn't want to lose him. Seong-Jae is very aware...he just needs to learn how to let Malcolm in with the really tough stuff in his life.
And no, Seong-Jae doesn't have to tell Malcolm every little detail if he doesn't want to, but not only is this new secret important to the case - thus, something Seong-Jae should really tell Malcolm - but also this could and Malcolm needs to know that, definitely, because they have the proof of why Malcolm should know.
And also, just because Seong-Jae doesn't have to tell Malcolm everything...doesn't mean he should keep everything either, to never let Mal in, to always keep him at arms length. Nah, that's not how relationships work. (Not saying everyone has to say every little thing...but the important things...those should be talked about, or relationships will never work in the long run.)
And also, I just want Seong-Jae and Mal to be at a place where they want to tell each other the important things. I want there to be that trust and vulnerability. They just aren't there yet. Or, at least, Seong-Jae isn't. Which is fine, I can wait ;) (Just like I can wait for the "I love you" to be said even though we all know he does love Malcolm.) Seong-Jae will get there, I believe.
And also yeah, there's the rest of the plot too, which is important because holy shit I think I know who is as well! I think I've caught on and now it makes sense! Dun dun dun.
And also yes, TGRK continues to be horrible and creepy and disgusting.
Also, I gave .5 off because "The Talk" Mal and Seong-Jae need to have felt like it was pushed aside and pushed aside until it could be conveniently left on a kind of cliffhanger, in a way, until the next episode and that frustrated me to no end. Mal leaving off bringing it up over and over again started to feel like a little more like for it to serve as a "haha you have to wait until the next book for them to actually talk and so I will leave you all in pain about it" and less to actually make sense for the character. I get him backing off, I do, but...every time Malcolm is like "I'll talk to him tonight" it wouldn't happen...it kept not happening...and then Seong-Jae was, of course, then telling Malcolm to wait.
All this waiting is just making it worse and I don't think Malcolm had to hold off as much as he did because he knows things just get worse when he does. I know later on Seong-Jae was telling him to hold off, but he could have brought it up before Seong-Jae got to that headspace.
Their behavior, for the most part, was very in character...except for dragging that talk out for so long. Then it just felt like making us wait and it frustrated me and annoyed me, if that makes sense? I dunno, I just hate when characters go "we have to talk" and then like...two weeks goes by before it happens. I'm exaggerating a little, but you know what I mean. If you're so prepared to talk, though, then why won't you? Argh!
Anyway, there was a lot in this episode and things are starting to rev up. We've got the rising action chugging along. I can't wait for more.
And I still don't care for Joshi that much...but I am starting to like Adelaide (and her adorable crush on that dude, who seems equally as adorable). So, progress! Yay! (Still want Mal and Seong-Jae more than anything, though, Mr. McCade so don't get any ideas ;)).
On to the next!😍
Whew, what a third installment to season 2.
One thing that was clear throughout this, is that Malcolm and Seong-Jae's issues from season 1 are very much there. And very much should be addressed and worked through.
I, personally, don't feel like a break up is coming - not only because of a slightly hopeful end to this installment - but because I feel like both Malcolm and Seong-Jae want their relationship too much to give up this easily.
Not to say that things are easy, but I would just rather see them wade through the shit they're going through to come out the other side better than just break up because things get hard. I'm always more interested in seeing if couples can make it through then them giving up at the first sign of crisis.
Which, Mal and Seong-Jae kind of are or are close to if they don't start dealing with their shit. Which is mainly on Seong-Jae for why they haven't, yes, but Malcolm kinda needs to speak up at the same time before he lets it get to where it did in season 1 with them kind of breaking up or taking a break, whatever you want to call it.
I did get my wish, though, with this having more of the focus on Mal and Seong-Jae that I'm used to, even though the majority of it was painful.
But for me, this is the growing pains in the beginning of a relationship. These two need to go through the bad shit for the first time to see if they can wade out of it and get to the other side in tact, so they can learn how to do better.
Because, for me, these two didn't solve their problems at the end of season 1, the truth was just finally out and they were happy to be alive and be together. Now, it gets rough. Now, they actually have to start to deal with their shit and how they can make a relationship work with all that hard shit trying to tear them apart.
I mean, it's easy for me to get angry at Seong-Jae - which I am! - for keeping things from Mal, who just wants to help his omr-an and love him and support and he's just so freaking kind and sweet and Seong-Jae is hurting him and I just want to wrap him up in a blanket, but also I understand Seong-Jae at the same time.
He isn't going to break his life long habits, even when he knows he's being an asshole and we all want to shake him to make him talk to the man that loves him and who we all know won't judge him or leave him or stop loving him because of his past. Malcolm has proved that time and again, and Seong-Jae knows that. But he can't just immediately stop his habits and stop his walls from coming up to protect himself, and now to protect Malcolm, even when that "protection" is actually hurting Malcolm.
Seong-Jae needs to go through a process, I think, to get to a place where he doesn't immediately close up and keep secrets from Malcolm. How he will get there, I don't know, but that's why I'm excited to read through his and Malcolm's journey through this season and beyond. I think Seong-Jae will get there, eventually....just after he goes kicking and screaming, as most of us do when we have to change bad habits of ours. It's not easy, and it is a process.
So as much as Seong-Jae makes me angry when he immediately shuts Mal out, I understand it. And reading how Seong-Jae hates what he's doing to makes me feel better, because Seong-Jae isn't oblivious to it, which means he's not going to just blindly hurt Malcolm. He doesn't like what he's doing to Malcolm, and he doesn't want to lose him. Seong-Jae is very aware...he just needs to learn how to let Malcolm in with the really tough stuff in his life.
And no, Seong-Jae doesn't have to tell Malcolm every little detail if he doesn't want to, but not only is this new secret important to the case - thus, something Seong-Jae should really tell Malcolm - but also this could and Malcolm needs to know that, definitely, because they have the proof of why Malcolm should know.
And also, just because Seong-Jae doesn't have to tell Malcolm everything...doesn't mean he should keep everything either, to never let Mal in, to always keep him at arms length. Nah, that's not how relationships work. (Not saying everyone has to say every little thing...but the important things...those should be talked about, or relationships will never work in the long run.)
And also, I just want Seong-Jae and Mal to be at a place where they want to tell each other the important things. I want there to be that trust and vulnerability. They just aren't there yet. Or, at least, Seong-Jae isn't. Which is fine, I can wait ;) (Just like I can wait for the "I love you" to be said even though we all know he does love Malcolm.) Seong-Jae will get there, I believe.
And also yeah, there's the rest of the plot too, which is important because holy shit I think I know who is as well! I think I've caught on and now it makes sense! Dun dun dun.
And also yes, TGRK continues to be horrible and creepy and disgusting.
Also, I gave .5 off because "The Talk" Mal and Seong-Jae need to have felt like it was pushed aside and pushed aside until it could be conveniently left on a kind of cliffhanger, in a way, until the next episode and that frustrated me to no end. Mal leaving off bringing it up over and over again started to feel like a little more like for it to serve as a "haha you have to wait until the next book for them to actually talk and so I will leave you all in pain about it" and less to actually make sense for the character. I get him backing off, I do, but...every time Malcolm is like "I'll talk to him tonight" it wouldn't happen...it kept not happening...and then Seong-Jae was, of course, then telling Malcolm to wait.
All this waiting is just making it worse and I don't think Malcolm had to hold off as much as he did because he knows things just get worse when he does. I know later on Seong-Jae was telling him to hold off, but he could have brought it up before Seong-Jae got to that headspace.
Their behavior, for the most part, was very in character...except for dragging that talk out for so long. Then it just felt like making us wait and it frustrated me and annoyed me, if that makes sense? I dunno, I just hate when characters go "we have to talk" and then like...two weeks goes by before it happens. I'm exaggerating a little, but you know what I mean. If you're so prepared to talk, though, then why won't you? Argh!
Anyway, there was a lot in this episode and things are starting to rev up. We've got the rising action chugging along. I can't wait for more.
And I still don't care for Joshi that much...but I am starting to like Adelaide (and her adorable crush on that dude, who seems equally as adorable). So, progress! Yay! (Still want Mal and Seong-Jae more than anything, though, Mr. McCade so don't get any ideas ;)).
On to the next!😍
September 25, 2020
I found this book exhausting.
I hated that Seong-Jae is pulling away. Keeping secrets. And upsetting Malcolm.
The case is frustrating enough as it is. Without my two guys struggling as well.
And it’s still gruesome. But that will continue I know.
I’m annoyed with myself for starting this series when I know it isn’t finished. It’s going to drive me crazy.
August 23, 2023
“Seong-Jae understood, now, wanting more. Because whenever he was with Malcolm, he wanted more and more and more, desperate for him, needing him, and he did not think Malcolm understood that even if the men who loved Seong-Jae were obsessive…so, too, was Seong-Jae.
Obsessive, possessive, destructive in his love, and he was so afraid—even as he kissed Malcolm softly, tenderly—that he would need this love so much that he would crush the very life from it in his attempts to hold it tight.”
Aaargh Seong-Jae!!! As for the mystery, being in the psycho’s head is a mindfuck that will have you crawling out of your skin.
Obsessive, possessive, destructive in his love, and he was so afraid—even as he kissed Malcolm softly, tenderly—that he would need this love so much that he would crush the very life from it in his attempts to hold it tight.”
Aaargh Seong-Jae!!! As for the mystery, being in the psycho’s head is a mindfuck that will have you crawling out of your skin.
August 19, 2021
Pretty sure everyone in this instalment annoyed me. Everyone but Malcolm. Poor dude.
But yeah, this one was a bit of a slog and only the second to last chapter, and the very last line, has me thinking we can at least break out of this particular pattern in the next episode. Finally.
Having said that, I did shed a tear or two over a particular interaction between Malcolm (see, everyone but him! and this wasn't the only reason!) and a few children. That really got me. I had almost forgotten it happened because of aforementioned slog.
This is probably more of a 2.5, and I think my least favourite of the whole series so far, but it's still so well written and compelling so I won't round down.
But yeah, this one was a bit of a slog and only the second to last chapter, and the very last line, has me thinking we can at least break out of this particular pattern in the next episode. Finally.
Having said that, I did shed a tear or two over a particular interaction between Malcolm (see, everyone but him! and this wasn't the only reason!) and a few children. That really got me. I had almost forgotten it happened because of aforementioned slog.
This is probably more of a 2.5, and I think my least favourite of the whole series so far, but it's still so well written and compelling so I won't round down.
December 31, 2022
4 Stars
When McCade said he was going to put them through some shit, he meant it 🤧
I obviously don't like to see them fighting like this, but tbh were undoubtedly going to pop up at some point considering their history. I just wish I could skip past this stage 😫
A slower episode, even though the GRK was still busy. Also!!! I thought the last episode that Sila However, that seems too obvious now and might just be a red herring. Either way, I'm excited to learn the truth!
I do miss the side characters a lot but I'm enjoying the small snippets we're getting of them! I cannot wait to see what happens with Adelaide and Gage 👀 Overall, a good episode if slightly depressing and slow-paced.
When McCade said he was going to put them through some shit, he meant it 🤧
I obviously don't like to see them fighting like this, but tbh were undoubtedly going to pop up at some point considering their history. I just wish I could skip past this stage 😫
A slower episode, even though the GRK was still busy. Also!!! I thought the last episode that Sila However, that seems too obvious now and might just be a red herring. Either way, I'm excited to learn the truth!
I do miss the side characters a lot but I'm enjoying the small snippets we're getting of them! I cannot wait to see what happens with Adelaide and Gage 👀 Overall, a good episode if slightly depressing and slow-paced.
December 13, 2019
4.5 stars ... thus is intense, emotionally draining and extremely clever ...I love Malcolm & Seong Jae bit this angst “arrgghhh” it’s killing me !
July 20, 2023
[Malcolm] Hated how he could see, in this instant, the years of struggle that would come with trying to sleep at night withou fear, with trying to cope with a world that could let something so atrocious take their father away from them; the anger, the lashing out against a universe that promised fairness existed and bad things happened to bad people and good things happened to good people and bad people were punished for hurting good people.
In one fell swoop, the Golden Ratio Killer had taught these children that bad people didn't always get punished.
That good people didn't always survive.
And of you believed they did and were hurt yourself, then you must be bad and must deserve it.
I cried buckets. AGAIN. There were tears of sadness and heartbreak, but also tears of anger and frustration. And to be honest, if it wasn't for Seong-Jae's attitude, this book would easily get 5 stars from me.
Our favorite detective couple, Seong-Jae Yoon and Malcolm Khalaji, are still in Los Angeles, trying to catch the infamous Golden Ratio Killer. What they stumble upon this time are two homicide scenes, both involving a killed parent and traumatized children. I had to force myself to stop reading at some point, because I was all shook up and had trouble calming myself down.
In the last case we had Sindy Carmichael. Now we've got Blake Harold and Melisa Hermosa.
And their poor, poor children. Especially Tasia. Her talk with Malcolm was so painful to get through. I felt like my heart broke into thousand tiny pieces :( Children should never feel like that. I mean, they should never blame themselves for something they couldn't do. Children should never lose their parents, especially not this way.
The author said that he wants the readers to be afraid of The Golden Ratio Killer. But I'm not afraid. I'm freaking ANGRY and I hope that he will finally face justice and never come out of the prison again (to be honest, I don't want him to be in prison, I want him GONE FOREVER!).
The highlight of this book was definitely Adelaide Blackthorn. This girl easily had become one of my favorite Criminal Intentions character. She reminds me strongly of my another lovable character, Felicity Smoak of the tv show Arrow (any fans here??). It's not just because they are both IT experts, it's because they are both too funny and too cute ;) I squealed like a child in the Adelaide scenes, she became so adorably flustered and I absolutely love her o my God, o my God, o my God talk. Oh, and Gage! I can't forget about our new officer, Gage Lombardi! How cute was that?? I hope that he will not give up on Adelaide, she does like him back! Let them be together, please and thank you! <3
Okay, now let's go to our favorite detective couple.
And my only problem with this book.
Just because you're fighting with your boyfriend doesn't mean the rest of us have to suffer. The two of you are like this chaos engine catching everyone else around you up in your storm, and making everyone uncomfortable." [Aanga Joshi]
They made me suffer. They made me uncomfortable.
But most of all they annoyed the hell out of me.
Wait, actually it's not Malcolm's fault. He didn't do anything wrong. It was Seong-Jae who pissed me off from the very start of this book and just kept on doing it to the very end. It was Seong-Jae who had made Malcolm come to L.A, to the place he is not familiar with. It was Seong-Jae who made Malcolm doubt if he's good enough for him (because of the whole I want to feel pain thing). It was Seong-Jae who STILL kept secrets from Malcolm. It was Seong-Jae who had behaved like an asshole, knew that he was being an asshole, and did absolutely nothing with it until the very end of the book.
Look, I understand that everyone needs space. That everyone need to keep something for themselves. But for the life of me, I don't understand why the hell is Seong-Jae this time not honest with Malcolm. I understood his reasons in season one, but in season two it just doesn't make any sense. It's like it's there just because we need some drama between the MC's AND IT JUST FEELS WRONG, especially because Seong-Jae seems to have some informations about The Golden Ratio Killer and HE DOESN'T SAY ANYTHING. AND PEOPLE ARE DYING!! P.S. he is also is an asshole to his own family, knows that he is an asshole, but also does nothing with it! How frustrating!!
[Malcolm is really a patient person and I admire him deeply for it (also for the amazing understanding of traumatized children).]
Anyways, let's go to the next book! I wonder if the drama betwee the MC's will finally end (or drag itself through more books for no reason), if Adelaide and Gage will finally go on a date, and if Cara will finally spend some time with her husband!
P.S. I hope that no parent will die in the next book (please, I don't know how much more I can handle!).
Criminal Intentions Season Two - my rating:
S02E01 The Golden Ratio: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
S02E02 In Sequence: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
S02E03 Cold Calculation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4,5/5)
S02E04 Hard Angle: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
S02E05 Deep Spiral: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
S02E06 Divine Proportion: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
S02E07 Triangulation: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
S02E08 Trajectory: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
S02E09 Occam's Razor: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
S02E10 Fractal Recursion: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
S02E11 Convergence: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
S02E12 White Rabbit Part I: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
S02E13 White Rabbit Part II: ⭐⭐ (2/5)
In one fell swoop, the Golden Ratio Killer had taught these children that bad people didn't always get punished.
That good people didn't always survive.
And of you believed they did and were hurt yourself, then you must be bad and must deserve it.
I cried buckets. AGAIN. There were tears of sadness and heartbreak, but also tears of anger and frustration. And to be honest, if it wasn't for Seong-Jae's attitude, this book would easily get 5 stars from me.
Our favorite detective couple, Seong-Jae Yoon and Malcolm Khalaji, are still in Los Angeles, trying to catch the infamous Golden Ratio Killer. What they stumble upon this time are two homicide scenes, both involving a killed parent and traumatized children. I had to force myself to stop reading at some point, because I was all shook up and had trouble calming myself down.
In the last case we had Sindy Carmichael. Now we've got Blake Harold and Melisa Hermosa.
And their poor, poor children. Especially Tasia. Her talk with Malcolm was so painful to get through. I felt like my heart broke into thousand tiny pieces :( Children should never feel like that. I mean, they should never blame themselves for something they couldn't do. Children should never lose their parents, especially not this way.
The author said that he wants the readers to be afraid of The Golden Ratio Killer. But I'm not afraid. I'm freaking ANGRY and I hope that he will finally face justice and never come out of the prison again (to be honest, I don't want him to be in prison, I want him GONE FOREVER!).
The highlight of this book was definitely Adelaide Blackthorn. This girl easily had become one of my favorite Criminal Intentions character. She reminds me strongly of my another lovable character, Felicity Smoak of the tv show Arrow (any fans here??). It's not just because they are both IT experts, it's because they are both too funny and too cute ;) I squealed like a child in the Adelaide scenes, she became so adorably flustered and I absolutely love her o my God, o my God, o my God talk. Oh, and Gage! I can't forget about our new officer, Gage Lombardi! How cute was that?? I hope that he will not give up on Adelaide, she does like him back! Let them be together, please and thank you! <3
Okay, now let's go to our favorite detective couple.
And my only problem with this book.
Just because you're fighting with your boyfriend doesn't mean the rest of us have to suffer. The two of you are like this chaos engine catching everyone else around you up in your storm, and making everyone uncomfortable." [Aanga Joshi]
They made me suffer. They made me uncomfortable.
But most of all they annoyed the hell out of me.
Wait, actually it's not Malcolm's fault. He didn't do anything wrong. It was Seong-Jae who pissed me off from the very start of this book and just kept on doing it to the very end. It was Seong-Jae who had made Malcolm come to L.A, to the place he is not familiar with. It was Seong-Jae who made Malcolm doubt if he's good enough for him (because of the whole I want to feel pain thing). It was Seong-Jae who STILL kept secrets from Malcolm. It was Seong-Jae who had behaved like an asshole, knew that he was being an asshole, and did absolutely nothing with it until the very end of the book.
Look, I understand that everyone needs space. That everyone need to keep something for themselves. But for the life of me, I don't understand why the hell is Seong-Jae this time not honest with Malcolm. I understood his reasons in season one, but in season two it just doesn't make any sense. It's like it's there just because we need some drama between the MC's AND IT JUST FEELS WRONG, especially because Seong-Jae seems to have some informations about The Golden Ratio Killer and HE DOESN'T SAY ANYTHING. AND PEOPLE ARE DYING!! P.S. he is also is an asshole to his own family, knows that he is an asshole, but also does nothing with it! How frustrating!!
[Malcolm is really a patient person and I admire him deeply for it (also for the amazing understanding of traumatized children).]
Anyways, let's go to the next book! I wonder if the drama betwee the MC's will finally end (or drag itself through more books for no reason), if Adelaide and Gage will finally go on a date, and if Cara will finally spend some time with her husband!
P.S. I hope that no parent will die in the next book (please, I don't know how much more I can handle!).
Criminal Intentions Season Two - my rating:
S02E01 The Golden Ratio: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
S02E02 In Sequence: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
S02E03 Cold Calculation: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4,5/5)
S02E04 Hard Angle: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
S02E05 Deep Spiral: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
S02E06 Divine Proportion: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5)
S02E07 Triangulation: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
S02E08 Trajectory: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
S02E09 Occam's Razor: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
S02E10 Fractal Recursion: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
S02E11 Convergence: ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)
S02E12 White Rabbit Part I: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)
S02E13 White Rabbit Part II: ⭐⭐ (2/5)
February 14, 2020
and once again sh*ts getting real here....holy cow!!! What a freakin' series this is turning into...full review to follow...
I give up...I keep thinking this series can't possibly get better and then...
I read the next book only to discover that I'm wrong again...
For me the challenge is quickly becoming the fact that once I've read the next book what do I say? What words do I use to explain how amazing this series is. If we count last season we're 17 stories into this series and it's not loosing steam, slowing down or becoming less interesting. In fact if anything with each story I become less patient with waiting for the next episode because damn...there's a serial killer on the loose and honestly if it was only that simple, than maybe I could be a bit more patient but it's not there's more so very much more.
This episode ended with more than a few unanswered questions about the crime that needs to be solved but also we're left with Mal and Seong-Jae in the midst of a relationship crisis...Mal's worried that they've been here before and Seong-Jae's desperately trying to convince himself that his past isn't once again colliding with the events of the present and that maybe this time it's going to destroy his future with Mal.
Like so many others my heart was breaking for Mal as he struggled to not just be what Seong-Jae needed, but to discern what it was that his lover did need. All while giving him the two things that he knew for sure...space and love (Seong-Jae may not want to say the word but Mal's not shy about it). I admit given Seong-Jae a cuff upside the head and telling him to get his sh*t together held some definite appeal for me, I also understood that Seong-Jae needed to process things because if what he believes to be true is...well then...it's going to change things...so many things.
But it's not just Mal and Seong-Jae who are left in a state of uncertainty. We're left with so many questions about Sade and Min Tze. As always we can be certain that both Sila and our mysterious serial killer are putting plans into motion that are in no ones best interest except their own. There's something going on with Anjulie and things seem to be changing with her and Gabrielle along with some other minor curiosities. This season is quickly ramping up to be even better than season one and that's no small task as far as I'm concerned.
There's a lot going on in these episodes because not only are we dealing with solving a crime there's a lot going on in terms of personal relationships and not just Mal and Seong-Jae.
While I don't want every series that I read to be as busy as this one. Sometimes it is nice to read something that makes a reader exercise their logic and deductive reasoning skills as well as just a bit of straight up memory work to keep up with things and 'Criminal Intentions' does this in spades.
I'm just going to take a step outside of the story to mention something that I have really come to appreciate in general about this series and that's the diversity of the characters ...and by that I don't just mean the fact that not everyone is a 'WASP' (White Angelo Saxon Protestant, for those who are unfamiliar with the term). The fact that this story is filled with a diversity of people in terms of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, personality types and probably a few more things that I should be listing here makes stepping into the world of 'Criminal Intentions' in some ways feels like stepping out my front door and into the real world...I don't know who I'm going to meet when I do, I just know that no two people are going to be the same and some of them...I maybe never want to meet...I'm not talking about Sila really...I'm no...damn straight I'm talking about Sila and a few others.
As much as I can't help but wish for the next book...ok, maybe it's the one after the next book since I'm playing catch up here and I'm actually going to be writing my review for episode #4 as soon as I'm done here...anyways, as much as I don't enjoy waiting when I'm left as close to the cliffs edge as I am now. I know that it's going to be worth it when that next episode is released. So, I'm off to get myself all caught up and ready to go for whatever comes next and seriously my fellow bookaholics...'Criminal Intentions' it's a thing and it's seriously HOT!!!! I definitely recommend checking it out.
*************************
An ARC of 'Criminal Intentions: Cold Calculations' was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
I give up...I keep thinking this series can't possibly get better and then...
I read the next book only to discover that I'm wrong again...
For me the challenge is quickly becoming the fact that once I've read the next book what do I say? What words do I use to explain how amazing this series is. If we count last season we're 17 stories into this series and it's not loosing steam, slowing down or becoming less interesting. In fact if anything with each story I become less patient with waiting for the next episode because damn...there's a serial killer on the loose and honestly if it was only that simple, than maybe I could be a bit more patient but it's not there's more so very much more.
This episode ended with more than a few unanswered questions about the crime that needs to be solved but also we're left with Mal and Seong-Jae in the midst of a relationship crisis...Mal's worried that they've been here before and Seong-Jae's desperately trying to convince himself that his past isn't once again colliding with the events of the present and that maybe this time it's going to destroy his future with Mal.
Like so many others my heart was breaking for Mal as he struggled to not just be what Seong-Jae needed, but to discern what it was that his lover did need. All while giving him the two things that he knew for sure...space and love (Seong-Jae may not want to say the word but Mal's not shy about it). I admit given Seong-Jae a cuff upside the head and telling him to get his sh*t together held some definite appeal for me, I also understood that Seong-Jae needed to process things because if what he believes to be true is...well then...it's going to change things...so many things.
But it's not just Mal and Seong-Jae who are left in a state of uncertainty. We're left with so many questions about Sade and Min Tze. As always we can be certain that both Sila and our mysterious serial killer are putting plans into motion that are in no ones best interest except their own. There's something going on with Anjulie and things seem to be changing with her and Gabrielle along with some other minor curiosities. This season is quickly ramping up to be even better than season one and that's no small task as far as I'm concerned.
There's a lot going on in these episodes because not only are we dealing with solving a crime there's a lot going on in terms of personal relationships and not just Mal and Seong-Jae.
While I don't want every series that I read to be as busy as this one. Sometimes it is nice to read something that makes a reader exercise their logic and deductive reasoning skills as well as just a bit of straight up memory work to keep up with things and 'Criminal Intentions' does this in spades.
I'm just going to take a step outside of the story to mention something that I have really come to appreciate in general about this series and that's the diversity of the characters ...and by that I don't just mean the fact that not everyone is a 'WASP' (White Angelo Saxon Protestant, for those who are unfamiliar with the term). The fact that this story is filled with a diversity of people in terms of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, personality types and probably a few more things that I should be listing here makes stepping into the world of 'Criminal Intentions' in some ways feels like stepping out my front door and into the real world...I don't know who I'm going to meet when I do, I just know that no two people are going to be the same and some of them...I maybe never want to meet...I'm not talking about Sila really...I'm no...damn straight I'm talking about Sila and a few others.
As much as I can't help but wish for the next book...ok, maybe it's the one after the next book since I'm playing catch up here and I'm actually going to be writing my review for episode #4 as soon as I'm done here...anyways, as much as I don't enjoy waiting when I'm left as close to the cliffs edge as I am now. I know that it's going to be worth it when that next episode is released. So, I'm off to get myself all caught up and ready to go for whatever comes next and seriously my fellow bookaholics...'Criminal Intentions' it's a thing and it's seriously HOT!!!! I definitely recommend checking it out.
*************************
An ARC of 'Criminal Intentions: Cold Calculations' was graciously provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2019
Cole McCade certainly knows how to ramp up the tension and make me start biting my nails! Wow, this was just more everything - more vicious, more complicated and more emotionally charged. I always liked that the books started with the POV of the victim giving me a unique first row view of the murder that became the catalyst of the coming story. This time with the same killer, it was a bit more disturbing in a good kind of way, especially knowing what kind of havoc one person can wreak.
While life in Baltimore has quietly gone on in the absence of our favorite duo of detectives, the wheels are slowly turning to make something big happen. New and old characters enter the scene, but something is definitely brewing. Hints are being thrown here and there giving food for thought. I love it. Mal and Seong-Jae are feeling the strain on their working and personal relationship as more corpses and facts resurface making it obvious just how far and deep the mystery of Golden Ratio Killer goes.
I loved how deeply both men felt, how they struggled with their feelings and fears, and yet they found their way to each other one way or another. There is just so much passion between them, they clash so beautifully. It's almost poetic. I love reading both their quiet and tumultuous moments - simply glorious!
With short peeks into the disturbed mind of the killer and multiple POVs the story is just racing! It goes fast, then slows down, and then picks up pace again to just suddenly crash and make me wonder - hell, did I just read what I thought I did? This roller coaster of highs and lows makes the story so compelling and dramatic! Bliss! I can't wait to find out what's going to happen next! Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
While life in Baltimore has quietly gone on in the absence of our favorite duo of detectives, the wheels are slowly turning to make something big happen. New and old characters enter the scene, but something is definitely brewing. Hints are being thrown here and there giving food for thought. I love it. Mal and Seong-Jae are feeling the strain on their working and personal relationship as more corpses and facts resurface making it obvious just how far and deep the mystery of Golden Ratio Killer goes.
I loved how deeply both men felt, how they struggled with their feelings and fears, and yet they found their way to each other one way or another. There is just so much passion between them, they clash so beautifully. It's almost poetic. I love reading both their quiet and tumultuous moments - simply glorious!
With short peeks into the disturbed mind of the killer and multiple POVs the story is just racing! It goes fast, then slows down, and then picks up pace again to just suddenly crash and make me wonder - hell, did I just read what I thought I did? This roller coaster of highs and lows makes the story so compelling and dramatic! Bliss! I can't wait to find out what's going to happen next! Copy received for my honest and unbiased review
December 15, 2019
Think it's got to be another 4.5 stars. So many secrets, so little trust, a few more dropped hints...this series is making me crazy!! 🤯🤯🤯
Seong-Jae and Malcolm have hit a rough patch, mainly due to things Seong-Jae has discovered and is deliberately keeping from Malcolm [and driving Malcolm mad in the process] to a) protect him and b) not frighten him away when he learns of what happened in SJ's teenage years, BUT Seong-Jae has manned up, put two and two together on something in the Golden Ratio killer case, and the team might finally have caught a break. He still doesn't really think he's worthy of Malcolm's love though. 🙁
Seong-Ja makes an appearance, as does Sade, and we have a budding romance in Baltimore between Adelaide [love that girl, so feisty] and Gage Lombardi, uniformed officer. Min-Zhe has finally given Sade no other option but to leave and Lillienne Wellington crops up again like the proverbial bad penny. 😡
Seong-Jae and Malcolm have hit a rough patch, mainly due to things Seong-Jae has discovered and is deliberately keeping from Malcolm [and driving Malcolm mad in the process] to a) protect him and b) not frighten him away when he learns of what happened in SJ's teenage years, BUT Seong-Jae has manned up, put two and two together on something in the Golden Ratio killer case, and the team might finally have caught a break. He still doesn't really think he's worthy of Malcolm's love though. 🙁
Seong-Ja makes an appearance, as does Sade, and we have a budding romance in Baltimore between Adelaide [love that girl, so feisty] and Gage Lombardi, uniformed officer. Min-Zhe has finally given Sade no other option but to leave and Lillienne Wellington crops up again like the proverbial bad penny. 😡
June 1, 2024
**Time to admit my goal of writing a detailed review for each episode was just a pipe dream. Instead, I'm adding the notes I jot down quickly between episodes.
These will all have major spoilers, read at your own risk.**
Criminal S2.3 16:
Explore pain play rough sex, marking/scratching, no prep sex, M bottoms , but finds if hard to do it in reverse.
Joshi still being a dick.
SJ lying and hiding shit again, secret info with Joshi on phone in front of M.
The killer is obsessed with symmetry, so why didn't Sila's eyes bother him?
These will all have major spoilers, read at your own risk.**
Criminal S2.3 16:
Explore pain play rough sex, marking/scratching, no prep sex, M bottoms , but finds if hard to do it in reverse.
Joshi still being a dick.
SJ lying and hiding shit again, secret info with Joshi on phone in front of M.
The killer is obsessed with symmetry, so why didn't Sila's eyes bother him?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2020
Okay so you know I love these guys I really do but dear lord they are testing my patience!!!! I am so frustrated with what is happening. It's the secrets that are testing Malcolm and Seong-Jae and honestly I haven't a f'ing clue what will happen.
This psycho has taken them and Joshi on this wild goose chase leaving death and so many questions in his wake. But as some of the pieces of the puzzle come together it is Seong-Jae that feels the weight of it all. He is being sucked back into the darkest part of his life and just barely staying afloat.
I am so nervous for what will come. Dread is forming in the pit of my stomach. :(
But man oh man can Cole McCade write some incredible stuff. He just better not let me down. :)
May 3, 2022
2.5 rounded up
One of my least favorite books in this entire series so far.
I'm just... a bit frustrated. I know I'm supposed Seong-Jae's ex, Aanga, but honestly I felt like Malcolm was the one who came off petty here. I also don't understand why the author keeps portraying Aanga as incompetent--he continuously makes bad calls, doesn't seem to contribute anything, and the real talent is apparently all Seong-Jae and Malcolm, and it feels exaggerated to the point of annoyance.
And then the fissure forming in Seong-Jae and Malcolm's relationship is a bit tiring, as it feels like the *exact* same shit that happened in season one. I'm pissed at Seong-Jae for keeping secrets that don't need to be kept--again, this doesn't actually feel super believable to me at this point, it feels like something forced by the author to maintain excitement and tension. And I'm pissed at Malcolm for coming off like a doormat who apparently doesn't trust Seong-Jae but is incapable of having a conversation with him and raising his relevant concerns. In some ways, these are believable patterns, and I appreciate the possibility of seeing how the events in last "season" still affect their relationship and having last impacts, but something about the way it's all playing out doesn't totally feel organic and seems a little forced to increase tension, and to be honest, I'm just tired of reading about them having the same issues every fucking book.
The mystery here is also just sort of meh--unfortunately, moving to one baddie for the season instead of individual cases, means that some of these books are gonna suffer from "second book in a trilogy" syndrome, where they're clearly important/setting up information for later, but they're a bit boring and unsatisfying on their own.
Definitely still planning to read, especially as the last chapter in this one is promising for maybe Seong-Jae and Malcolm to actually communicate and not drag this out for a whole season again, but I'm a bit miffed.
One of my least favorite books in this entire series so far.
I'm just... a bit frustrated. I know I'm supposed Seong-Jae's ex, Aanga, but honestly I felt like Malcolm was the one who came off petty here. I also don't understand why the author keeps portraying Aanga as incompetent--he continuously makes bad calls, doesn't seem to contribute anything, and the real talent is apparently all Seong-Jae and Malcolm, and it feels exaggerated to the point of annoyance.
And then the fissure forming in Seong-Jae and Malcolm's relationship is a bit tiring, as it feels like the *exact* same shit that happened in season one. I'm pissed at Seong-Jae for keeping secrets that don't need to be kept--again, this doesn't actually feel super believable to me at this point, it feels like something forced by the author to maintain excitement and tension. And I'm pissed at Malcolm for coming off like a doormat who apparently doesn't trust Seong-Jae but is incapable of having a conversation with him and raising his relevant concerns. In some ways, these are believable patterns, and I appreciate the possibility of seeing how the events in last "season" still affect their relationship and having last impacts, but something about the way it's all playing out doesn't totally feel organic and seems a little forced to increase tension, and to be honest, I'm just tired of reading about them having the same issues every fucking book.
The mystery here is also just sort of meh--unfortunately, moving to one baddie for the season instead of individual cases, means that some of these books are gonna suffer from "second book in a trilogy" syndrome, where they're clearly important/setting up information for later, but they're a bit boring and unsatisfying on their own.
Definitely still planning to read, especially as the last chapter in this one is promising for maybe Seong-Jae and Malcolm to actually communicate and not drag this out for a whole season again, but I'm a bit miffed.
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