Red-Haired Ash Reads

I attempted to read this book last year but I was not in the right frame of mind for an over-the-top story like this. I am glad I gave this book a second chance though because while some of my previous issues are still valid, I actually enjoyed this book and couple this time. 

Jackson is a private detective on the hunt of a criminal who traffics women. While investigating a suspected location, he catches the eye of a hitman who is also working on the same case. Leland is a hitman who instantly is attracted to Jackson, and is determined to win him over, even if it means giving up his career. While these two hunt down a ruthless criminal, they fall in love and share a lot of ridiculous conversations. 

Like all of the books by Winters I have read so far, this one was over the top and filled with hilarious banter. The romance between Leland and Jackson is a bit slow, but it is very amusing. Leland is determined to win Jackson over and refuses to be pushed away. Jackson is attracted to Leland from the beginning but doesn’t want to get close because he is a criminal and he should be turning him in. 

While I did enjoy their romance overall, I still found a few complaints about it. Jackson was really sweet with Leland and would do anything for him, which is wonderful, but he was also a pushover.  He would do anything Leland requested or wanted and never really voiced what he wanted out of their relationship. It felt even more noticeable with Lelands extreme over the top personality.  I was really hoping their relationship was a little more balanced between the two but maybe that will show up in future books since this is the beginning of their relationship in a way. 

My other complaint was about Leland. When I initially read this book (I only got about 35 pages in), I found Leland to be unbelievable as a hitman because he just cannot focus or stay on topic. While I still think this true, as the story progresses we see that he does hyperfocus on his jobs and will research them heavily to make a kill. It made him being a hitman a little more believable, but I think the biggest thing in reading this book is to just suspend all belief in reality and just enjoy the craziness. 

Overall, I am glad I gave this another chance. I did enjoy this couple’s story overall, even with the issues.  Now I want to see what will happen next to them since Leland has quit being a hitman and is working on the right side of the law. 

TW: stalking; murder; gun violence and injuries; self harm (not a main character); discussions of toxic father, child neglect, toxic foster care situations, homelessness, and predatory men; abusive and manipulative caretaker;

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