Reviews

Love Bleeds Deep by Rien Gray

rogue_lurker's review

4.0

Love Bleeds Deep is a full length novel and picks up right after Love Kills Twice with Justine and Campbell travelling to France. It’s an opportunity for the two to be together without suspicion or legal attention and where Campbell has a new target. Campbell is hired by a diplomat to kill a sadistic ex whose obsession is spiraling out of control. There’s more intrigue and violence in this book as the target is a particularly cunning bastard whose special ops training makes him much more difficult to kill.

With a longer format, there’s more time to peel back the layers of the characters, providing more insight and further cementing the connection between the two – emotionally and physically. With the introduction of a few more secondary characters, we see the loyalty, concern and respect that Campbell engenders in those around them. With this, Campbell’s past coalesces a bit more and there’s a clearer picture of the darkness that they keep firmly under control and makes them even more fascinating. Justine’s confidence continues to grow and to acknowledge some of her darker desires. That steely resolve that had been hidden so deep grows as she steps out from the shadow of her marriage and embraces Campbell and their darkness.

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natsora's review

4.0

thrilling and sexy in equal parts

The growing trust between Justine and Campbell strengthens. I love how Campbell is discovering the depths of Justine’s love for them. Plenty of thrilling and sexy scenes to sate my hunger. This story is page turner from start to finish.

sopie's review

dark emotional funny sad tense fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

lezreadalot's review

4.0

If I have a soul, she’s taken total custody.

A fun, dark, explosive sequel to the first book in the series! I was really happy when I realised that we still had more to get from Justine and Campbell, and this delivered perfectly. Without getting into too much detail, this follows them as they travel abroad, deepen their relationship, and as Campbell takes on another contract. The intrigue and suspense was just as well done as the first book; it didn't have the immediate hook, but because I now love the characters, I had all the incentive I needed. This gives us a little more insight into Campbell, their mindset, and what happened in their past, even while they still remain a bit shrouded in mystery. They're still the biggest dreamboat. I also liked the role Justine plays here, and how we get to see her coming back into her own. The book does acknowledge how fast they fell for one another, but their romance still feels super strong. This was sexy in all the right ways and had me feeling EMOTIONS. Once again, I really enjoyed Gray's writing; this isn't exactly noir, but it sets that kind of vibe perfectly. I loved the settings, flipping between the Parisian countryside and the metropolis. And in general, it just felt really tightly written and well-researched.

Great stuff once again; very excited to get into this author's other work!

Content warnings:

Spoiler

death, blood, gore, referenced domestic abuse, bondage, light d/s

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nmcannon's review

dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

5.0

After dragging my feet to read Love Kills Twice, I'm blazing through the series now. Justine and Campbell are OTP material. Love Bleeds Deep is, appropriately, a bloody deep dive into the heart of the characters: where they are now; what they have been. Victor is a truly terrifying villain, and it was fun to share a name with a Gray character, haha. Godspeed, other Natalie. You've been touched by greatness. 

jamietherebelliousreader's review

4.0

4 stars. Campbell and Justine is the most badass couple I swear. I love that Campbell taught Justine ways to defend herself (and she ends up using some of those techniques later on in a scene I loved) and how Justine is the one to bring Campbell back from the edge when they are so close to snapping. I’m being vague as hell because of spoilers but it was so good. Their chemistry is through the roof and they both have gone through such fantastic growth as individuals. Justine has learned how to take control of her life and her wants after her awful marriage, Campbell has learned to deal with their past and all of the pain they’ve been carrying around.

Also, I like the way the author explores kink with these two. There was some very slight breath play in book one and this one had bondage and. it. was. fucking. hot. I want more of this series and the way it ended left me hopeful that there will be at least one more. I will definitely be picking up more from this author.

jacemchale's review

adventurous challenging dark emotional tense medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

caiacassiopeia's review

adventurous dark

4.25

RTC

mezzythedragon's review

4.0

Another 3.5, but this time I rounded up. Victor is a more menacing villain than Richard, but like the last book, Campbell’s assignment pales in comparison to their relationship with Justine. Once again, they scorch the pages

littlebookterror's review

5.0

This is my new obsession.