Love Kills

Deadly Sin, Book 2

By: Michael Mandrake

Narrated by: John Solo

Length: 6 hrs and 40 mins

Publisher's Summary

Archer’s paintings reveal his love for blood. Will his boyfriend, Clint leave and make the artist a target for a murderer?

Archer is inspired and aroused by his detective boyfriend’s tales, but he longs for something that pushes him to the brink. Despite knowing his fetish would create a rift between him and his partner, the artist will get his way - even at someone else’s expense.

Clint’s job no longer holds his interest. These days, his man’s pleasure reigns supreme over solving homicide cases. But he still has bills to pay, so he sticks with the force, hoping his attitude will improve. Besides, his man hungers for the grisly murder scenes Clint works, and he can’t risk Archer’s rejection. Why would the sexy young man want him if Clint didn’t provide him with his bloody drug of choice?

Holland isn’t significant-other material. When potential mates discover the devil inside, it’s too late for them to flee. Determined, he seeks someone to fulfill his darkest needs. Although the threat of being found out looms, he’ll literally kill to get what he wants. 

When Archer meets Holland, sparks fly. Yet, this man has dark secrets that terrify Archer, even as they lure him in. Perhaps he’s about to take one too many chances. 

In the heat of passion, even death won’t deter these men from getting what they desire most. 

Love Kills is book two in the Deadly Sin series. If you like ménage romance with morally ambiguous characters, pick up this sexy age gap threesome story today. 

This book is part of the Deadly Sin series. Books must be listened to in order for full enjoyment. 

Warning: These books are for adult listeners who enjoy stories where lines between right and wrong get blurry. High heat, twisted, and tantalizing, these are not for the fainthearted.

Listening Order:

1. Portrait of a Black Heart
2. Love Kills
3. Bound by Blood

©2019, 2020 Michael Mandrake (P)2020 Michael Mandrake

Dark, twisted and depraved!

This book is dark, twisted and depraved. It is book 2 in the series and should not be listened to as a standalone. The story of Archer, Clint and Holland continues from where it left off in book 1. John Solo did an exceptional audio delivery.
If you loved book 1, I absolutely recommend this one as it is so intense and ever so dark and engaging.

Ridiculous plot

I listened to the whole thing hoping that it would get better but it didn't. I often read dark gay novels but this didn't have any appeal. It try's to gross the reader out for no good reason. There's really not a plot and it's hard to follow. Nothing sexy or interesting here. Not recommended.

Sinister solid story, great narrating

Wow, that voice gave this story so much body. The sinister raspy voice where needed did its job well. The different moods were palpable.
A clear voice, as a not English native I could follow the story quite well.
Alternating between different personalities was awesomely done, clear to recognize the characters ánd even more important their characteristics!
It was almost as watching a movie, the dramatic, theatrical vibe was palpable.
What a crazy ride, even more crazier when voiced by a competent narrator!!

Review content
Two storylines coming together with a bang, Archer with Clint and Holland.

One lusting over bloodplay, one artist lusting over murder scenes, one trying to do right with crime.

Archer wants to find a third in his relationship. After finding a stunning and intriguing guy he thinks he found him. Little did he know, this man wants to use his knife.

When they come together, some extreme kink fantasy comes true.

A bloody and creepy story. Awful confessions, terrifying angst and through this, all was lust, kink, and even a kind of romance woven.
Their sinister characters are splendid exposed. Their interactions are more than strange and bizarre. Their sexual moments extreme. It’s not a bad thing not to like them.
The way of writing was good, the plot was extraordinary. It was a captivating read and it made me feel even a bit uncomfortable ha!

Great listen!

I really enjoyed this new one from Michael Mandrake! It certainly held my attention and was definitely thrilling. John Solo did a super nice job narrating this one.

Life is never boring

It’s when I read/listen this kind of book when I can understand why some people are fascinated by morbid/gory stuff. I repeat, this book is not for the faint of heart but if you dare and take a chance, this is a dark, fascinating and beautiful gem.

This book is the second book in the series Ans although I didn’t read the first one, I was able to catch up just fine. The relationship between Archer and Clint is unhealthy, obsessive, intense and oh-so-satisfying. The two men care for and love each other but they both has needs what the other is reluctant to provide. So when they met Holland, it’s like they found the missing piece that needs to complete their crazy puzzle. It was dark, gory, scary at times but enjoyable and interesting at the same time. I have decided to listen the first book in the series too to get a more complete picture. Ans needless to say, John Solo did an absolute fantastic job with his performance! Well done!

4.5 Life is never boring stars
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫




Audio rating

Story - 4.25 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨
Narration - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Performance - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
Overall - 4.5 stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫

excellent!!

This was my first story by this author! It was excellent, dark, twisted and intense! The story follows Archer, Clint and Holland. John Solo did a fantastic job with the narration, really made it come to life!!

Wonderful

I read the book and the series it’s part of. This narrator is one of my favorite. You can close your eyes and see the story unfold as it’s being told that’s how well done it is. As for the story itself, it’s not for everyone due to being grim and a bit dark. However, the author does a wonderful job with the storyline and characters. To me, it now has a pretty bow on it because it’s wrapped up nice and darkly.

Love Kills

Love Kills is book 2 in the Deadly Sin series and should be enjoyed after book 1. This book is intense and not for everyone, honestly it was almost too much for me. Reading the words is one thing but hearing John Solo's narration.....made it bit too real. Archer is an artist with a bit of a blood fetish. His detective boyfriend, Clint, is older and wants to retire. Archer doesn't want him to retire, in fact he wants to add a third to their relationship. The third Archer finds, Holland, is a bit terrifying with some dark secrets. This book is hot and twisted and I'm intrigued to see what happens next.
Narrator John Solo does an absolutely amazing job. He really draws you into the story with his voice.

Terrific Story & Narration🎧 Twisted & Intense!

This is one dark and twisted story and I loved every word of it. This is my first book written by Michael Mandrake and it certainly will not be my last, I enjoyed his writing style, he created a story that took me out of my comfort zone but did it in such a way that it did not bother me one bit, the story was mesmerizing and I did not even think once about being out of my comfort zone. OK, so some of the scenes may not be my thing but to each is own, but I won’t say it gives me chills up my spine to think of such scenes. The characters in this book are complex, well developed and yes very twisted. Archer is an artist, he is fascinated with blood play and it reflects in his artwork, recreating scenes of bloodied victims. His boyfriend Clint, is a police detective and he loves hearing his gory tales of crime scenes, it motivates his artistic side. There is a little relationship drama going on between them, Archer wants to bring in a third and he finds that perfect someone, Holland, unfortunately he is not as perfect as he seems which Archer learns after after they share their mutual love for blood play, except Holland’s bloodlust takes on a whole new meaning. I loved how the author brings these three together, not just for the menage, but with Archer thinking he needed Clint for his light and Holland for his darkness, a triangle of the good, the bad and the oh so pretty. The story is cleverly plotted and there is never a dull moment, there are some intense scenes not for the light hearted but they are all well done and presented. Michale Mandrake, thank you for this terrific, mind-blowing, thrill of a novel, thrill of a ride. 🎧📚🎧

And for the narration, John Solo was the perfect narrator to bring these characters to life. He did a great job portraying each of the leads, giving them their own distinct voice and personality, making it easy to follow along and who is who. He sets the perfect tone for the story, captures the character’s emotions, their drama as well as their passion which can be heard in his performance. He is an entertaining storyteller, a natural talent and it is always a pleasure to listen to his work. thank you for another awesome listen 🎧

Wicked

This is one of those stories you should read the trigger warnings and know what you are getting into. it's not a typical romance and for me that makes it all the more exciting. There is blood play in this story and as the author says "good and bad are a blurry line." I enjoyed this blurry line so much. John Solo did an amazing job keeping the voices real. Keeping the excitement of something bad oh sooo good. Thoroughly enjoyed!

Love Kills - Holy Cow!

Solid 4.5

John Solo brought it. The narration was exceptional.
The story was disturbing in all the best ways. Seriously, such a good dark and twisty listen. I'm hoping to get more story on audible.

Note: know what you're getting into and go in with that on mind - this isn't a story for everyone.

Disturbing and hypnotic

I’m always game to try something new, so when the opportunity to read this book came up, I leapt on it. I wasn’t disappointed, but I was certainly disturbed.

This is book 2 in the series and although I didn’t read book 1, I was fine. Book 1 establishes the relationship between Archer and Clint. This book takes up where that one leaves off. Archer and Clint are in a relationship, but Clint wants more from his younger lover. He wants commitment that Archer isn’t ready to provide. Archer loves playing the field. He cares deeply for Clint, but doesn’t want to tie himself down.

This is an odd relationship. I wasn’t always sure there was love there. Archer’s constant demands for the gory details of Clint’s work (homicide cop) were unceasing. Archer’s lust for blood was dominant. Oh, he’s into cutting, but that’s as far as it goes. A little blood play? Sure. Murder? No, thanks.

Enter Holland. Holland is…well… I don’t want to spoil the book, but let’s just say Holland is into violence and there is plenty on the page. Those blurry lines and pesky morally ambiguous characters and all that. He was compelling to be sure, but also very disturbing. He and Archer hook up and it feels like a match made in heaven (or hell, depending on your perspective). But Clint isn’t finished with Archer and Archer isn’t finished with Clint, so their relationship now includes Holland and they become a ménage.

Life is never boring.

The ending leaves room for more, to be sure, and I’m interested to see where the story goes. To see where the lines are drawn. To see how things work out. I’m intrigued.

On to narration – John Solo did a great job, as he always does. I certainly hope more books from this series come to audio, and hopefully John will be performing them.

Stunning performance by John Solo

John Solo is becoming one of my top, go to narrators for dark material and he gives an amazing performance here. The three main characters all have serious problems with their attraction to the dark and twisted and no way would I ever want to meet or know any of them. In story form near Halloween, however, this story provided me with some serious creepiness. Solo's performance brought everything to life just like watching a horror movie. Not for the faint of heart but if you favor twisted characters vividly performed, this is a listen for you.

Good and Dark

Michael Mandrake create an amazing story with very interesting characters. The story might not be for everyone but if you like a darker and twisted story, this is for you. John Solo did a fantastic job with the narration. Although this is book 2 it can stand on its own, hope book 3 will also be added to Audible.
This book was given to me for free at my request and I provided this voluntary review.

Love Kills

As part of the Criminal Delights series, Love Kills by Michael Mandrake is a disturbing MMM story, that has many triggers, with characters who have twisted moral compasses.
Be prepared for a shockingly gory and violent tale which I found difficult to listen to at times and I don’t shock easily.
I like a good dark taboo tale but this just was a bit too much for me, that there may just be your reason to buy it!

Deadly and Intriguing

Love Kills is the second book in the Deadly Sins series, but it was first published as a standalone novel in the Criminal Delights series. I adore the Criminal Delights series and how it delves into the dark, dirty, twisted side of love and lust. Love Kills is a perfect addition to the series and it is just as delightfully twisted as the book summary promises. Archer is a self-centered, narcissist who wants to eat his cake and have it too. He doesn’t care who he hurts as long as he gets his way. And he’s so, so, so good at getting his way. Clint is a mess. He’s burnt out as a detective and just wants to settle down and love Archer. He allows himself to be manipulated and played by Archer because he’s unwilling to peel back the glossy façade and take a real look at his relationship with Archer. Instead Clint spends his time feeling hurt, and then eating up Archer’s lies. Worse, Clint somehow justifies all the crazy turn of events to himself and remains willfully blind to what is truly going on. Holland…well, Holland is a serial killer with an obsession. Holland is a great character and I enjoyed his interactions with Archer and Clint.

The writing was good, the sex was steamy and delicious, and the characters were intriguing. I just wished Holland spent more time interacting with Clint and Archer together. At times the book felt more like a dip in Archer’s mind than a twisted romance, and while I enjoyed getting to know Archer, I wanted more action. I hope there’s a sequel that will feature all three of the characters. I would read that in heartbeat, especially if Archer and Holland can drag Clint even further down into their darkness.

John Solo narrated the audiobook and did a fabulous job. He added all the flair and dramatics that Archer’s character demands and did a great job at making sure each character’s voice was distinct and easy to follow. I enjoyed listening to him narrate the audiobook and found the performance incredibly pleasing. The audiobook production was well done.

Dark and delicious.

This is easily one of my favourite books and now, easily one of my favourite audiobooks.
John Solo has taken an already darkly delicious book and raised it to another level with his sublime narration.
If you are already aquainted with these characters from the,quite frankly, brilliant books, then I highly recommend immersing yourself in this excellent audiobook.
If you're looking for something that's just a little different, something a little dark, disturbing and brilliant,then I recommend giving this a try.