Blood and Muscle - Book Review
Spoiler-free book review of Blood and Muscle. A thriller/romance by Elle Alexandra.
Ava Bedford is in a rut and stuck serving coffee at a diner in Sandstone, Nevada. But one night after closing, she witnesses a brutal murder involving a rising republican congressman. After barely escaping, Ava reluctantly goes to the police, where she is quickly put into witness protection and shipped off to Cedar Falls, Wyoming. While she hopes the secluded town is enough to keep her safe, she can’t help but feel that something, or someone, is lurking behind every corner.
Sheriff Lou Harman can’t believe she has to find the time and space to hide a person. That’s why she loves Cedar Falls, the quiet predictability and dependable neighbors. So when she has to lie to the civilians she’s sworn to protect about the stranger staying in her guest house, she’s not exactly pleased. But something about Ava gets under Lou’s skin, and she’s not sure she dislikes it. Slowly, as Ava integrates into Cedar Fall’s life, they both begin to see a future together beyond the program, but as friends or more? Can Ava and Lou learn to trust each other before time runs out? Or will the target on Ava’s back prove too dangerous for even the sheriff to handle? All the high-stakes romance and more in Blood and Muscle.
This was the slow-burn thriller I needed! The stakes were high, and the cozy small town was the perfect setting for this romance. I was sucked in from the very first chapter and knew things were going to get crazy for Ava…or should I say Amelia? Also, the author is from the UK, but you would never know based on how American everything feels. The characters were interesting, and I enjoyed their growth. The plot was the slowest of slow burns, but it kept you on the edge of your seat. And the writing style was approachable but not juvenile. If you like stuck-together romances and crime thrillers, you are in the right place!
The characterization of Ava and Lou was great and felt layered, especially for a romance. Although some side characters were a bit one-dimensional, it didn’t necessarily detract from the book. And I think this was because the dialogue felt genuine. The main characters also felt very human; they didn’t always know what to say to help the situation, and they occasionally let their emotions get to them. Like when Lou went off on Ava because she was having a hard day, but later regretted the outburst and apologized. That is a moment I’m sure every couple has had, and it was nice to see that Lou wasn’t perfect, despite how hard she tried to maintain her composure. Between that and Ava’s anxiety, they showcased complex feelings that weren’t rushed or overdramatized.
The plot is another aspect that was well-timed. Although it lulled here and there, the pacing was great and allowed the characters time to grow into themselves and each other. The beginning was a bit hectic, but it made sense given the stakes of life or death. The murder plot added great depth and tension to an otherwise very sweet and cozy romance story. I was even lulled into a false sense of safety towards the end when it seemed like everything was going to be okay. Which is great storytelling because my gut was sure something was going to go wrong, but my brain was so immersed in the story that I let myself be led astray. Which was the author’s intention, so points for that. I am also an absolute sucker for small town romances and this one scratched that itch to no end. Oh, and the sex is worth the wait! My only plot gripe is I can’t get over how idealistic the cops were in this. Which is necessary for the story, but every time they were on top of something or took Ava seriously, I just rolled my eyes because it’s so unrealistic. But that is just my issue because ACAB!
The writing style was perfect for a romance. It wasn’t overly flowery, but it was descriptive. You knew what the characters were experiencing, but it didn’t take away from the main point. It also didn’t go overly in-depth with what the characters were wearing or doing, which some romances lean too hard into. It gave aspects of the character’s looks in places where it made sense, but it wasn’t three paragraphs of outfit and makeup observations. Not to mention, it was pretty gruesome in the beginning. There was a tone shift towards the middle of the book that was much more typical romance, but the initial two or three chapters are an edge-of-your-seat thriller. Although, as I mentioned earlier, there were some duller bits and I did want to skim a few chapters, the writing generally kept me curious about what was coming next.
All in all, this cozy yet crazy romance/thriller hybrid is a must-read. From the sweet romantic rendezvous to the bone-chilling murder, you will not want to put it down. Not to mention booking the next one-way flight to Cedar Falls. If you love slow-burn, stuck-together romances with a murder twist, you are in the right place. Happy reading!
CW: Alcohol, anxiety, attempted murder, blood, bullying, death, discussions of emotional abuse, gore, gun violence, kidnapping, murder, discussions of physical abuse, sexually explicit scenes, stalking, and violence.
Thank you to Elle Alexandra for sending a copy for review consideration. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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