Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book

Nothing Good

Rate this book
Charming and irreverent hitman Rainy happily holds the title of deadliest man in Miami. Or, at least, he used to. Things have started to go sour now that a new crime lord has moved to town, bringing along his right-hand man—the dour, dry-witted, totally fun-hating ex-military assassin known as Adler. When the two are contracted to kill each other, it becomes clear that Rainy may have finally met his match. Adler is clever, infuriatingly competent, and stupidly attractive. Oh, well. Rainy’s employers hired him to kill Adler, but they never said he couldn’t sleep with the guy in the meantime.

As their cat-and-mouse game grows deadly, though, Rainy starts to suspect that he may have gotten in over his head. He and Adler have more in common than he expected—both the painful pasts they’ve been running from and the truths about themselves they don’t want to face. Maybe Rainy doesn’t want to kill Adler—in fact, he might even love him.

And that’s definitely going to get him killed.

292 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2024

About the author

R.J. Piper

1 book7 followers
R. J. Piper is a villain, a rogue, and a scourge upon society. Her favorite pastimes are hiking, playing with her dogs, and doing stupid things solely for the sake of the bit. She was born and raised in California and studies political science.

R. J. writes spicy romance with a decidedly dark comedy bent. If you pick up one of her books, you can expect cynical, damaged, often violent people falling in hopeless, sappy love with other cynical, damaged, and violent people.

Nothing Good is her first novel and the first in the Gratuitous Violets trilogy.

You can berate R.J. for corrupting the morals of America here:

Instagram: @rjpiper_writes
TikTok: @rjpiper_writes

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
32 (66%)
4 stars
8 (16%)
3 stars
8 (16%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Chelsea.
288 reviews147 followers
September 24, 2024
Nothing good, fitting title 🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️🤷🏻‍♀️





(Warning: This book put me in a slump)

I'm struggling to articulate what exactly it was about this book that I didn't like, and it's hard to put my finger on.
But it comes down to the fact that the whole plot can be explained in 1 sentence.

2 hired killers, try to kill eachother, but fall in love.
✨TADA✨

🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄🙄


Pros:
*The idea - 2 hitman trying to kill each other, sounds hot.
*The smut - 2 smut scenes in this book are hot af. One involves watching themselves in a mirror, and the other is one MC watching the other MC getting fucked by someone else (I know that's not for everyone, but it was a power play move that I enjoyed in this story)
*The fact they don't fall in love at first eye contact - they genuinely seem to want to end each others lives for like... maybe half the book at least. So that was good? 🤷🏻‍♀️


Cons:
*The writing..... omg THE WRITING..... I harped on a lot in my updates about this, but the sentence structures and language in this book, is of like.... a grade 12 essay standard, there is nothing imaginative/overly creative to it.. (which may be nice for some who just want a no-thoughts kind of read, but my no-thoughts kind of reads still have imaginative story structure)

Nothing about the writing kept my brain focused and excited, and it just felt SO SIMPLE that I was struggling to get into the story as a whole because the themes of hitmen/gangs/ect are kind of deep/dark themes?
But the writing was juvenile for most of the story.

*The fact the MC fucks another dude on page which won't be everyone's cup of tea.

*The MC's falling for eachother and still trying to kill each other after these "actually, I don't want to kill you" vibes/incidents was really confusing.
Like the undying loyalty to their gangs didn't make much sense, and then it was like
✨POOF, PROBLEM OVER, WE CAN BE LOVERS NOW ✨

Um why? You're still in opposing gangs??
Why is your gang lord okay with this now, but not yesterday???

*Not a single side character is worth 5 seconds of your energy.




MAYBE GIVE IT A TRY, I WAS IN A MOOD, I AM A MOOD, LIFE IS HARD, I WANT READING TO FEEL FUN AND FLOWERY AND NOT LIKE I'M READING A GRADE 12 "WRITE A STORY" ASSIGNMENT!


(This was a netgalley Arc, a late one because I'm a POS, but my opinion is honest and of my own brain thoughts hahaha)
Profile Image for Brooke.
458 reviews264 followers
September 29, 2024
⭐️ 3.5 stars ⭐️

« It really was a shame that one of them was going to be dead at the end of this. »


It is also a shame I didn’t enjoy this book more.
Because hitman vs hitman hate sex? Hot AF. Unfortunately, the writing and the storyline weren’t giving what this trope needed.

~ SPOILER WARNING ~

First of all, I would’ve loved a dual POV, to see Rainy from Adler’s eyes. Some stories are great with just one point of view, but here it felt like something was missing.
This also ties in with my second point, which is a more solid backstory for the characters.
Seeing as this might be the start of a series, hopefully in later installments we get to dig deeper into what makes them them, because although we do get some info on their pasts, it was a bit surface-level for me.
I also wasn’t really invested in the loads of side characters, way too many people introduced and my brain can’t keep up with everyone. This lead to me skimming lots of the dialogue, because not only was it boring, it just wasn’t relevant to the plot.

“Fuck, God.” “Did I give you permission to speak freely?” “No, sir,” Rainy gasped.


If anything needs to be explored further in the next book, let it be the hot as fuck dom energy Adler was giving in that last spice scene.
The smut was insane. I loved the banter, the struggle of trying to remain enemies but ‘why is he so goddamn attractive’, the ’fuck now, might kill you later’. Had the whole book been just them fucking and fighting, I think I would’ve enjoyed it more.

“I’ll kill you tomorrow,” he said, as bored as though he were announcing he’d take a trip to the supermarket.


Nothing Good has so much potential to be an awesome series, so really hoping that the next one will bring that extra spark that was missing here.

And then the apprehension and adrenaline were undercut by a flash of sadness from the knowledge that from the very beginning, from the very first moment they’d met, nothing good or soft could have ever come of this.


I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

CW and tropes (spoilers):
- Hitman vs Hitman
- Enemies to lovers
- Threesome scene
- Vers MCs
- Rimming
- Breath play
- HFN ending
Profile Image for M.
1,083 reviews144 followers
September 27, 2024
This was sooooo good! What an awesome début. I already knew I was going to enjoy it when I saw that the author dedicated the book to Ron DeSantis. Lol. This is an action-packed, hard-won enemies to lovers book about 2 hitmen for rival criminal enterprises who keep ending up in each other's crosshairs - literally.

Our protagonist is Rainy, a Florida native working as an independent contractor but with loyalties to an established crime family. Rainy is easygoing and competent on the outside, friendly and charming, but lonely in a way he'd never admit. He meets his match in Adler, an uptight, mysterious and ultra deadly assassin who is hired to take him out. They have surprising chemistry and are evenly matched, which is a novelty for both of them. The book is only from Rainy's perspective, but they back-and-forth over whose turn it is to kill who for the duration of the book.

It was pretty funny, I loved the banter. The characters are well-fleshed out and the chemistry really was great. The action sequences were fantastic too. This could honestly be a Guy Richie movie.

Although it doesn't end on a cliffhanger - their relationship is still extremely tenuous by the end, so I am delighted that there's more to come.
August 27, 2024
“Why’d you blow me in a cellar if you were just planning on killing me?” Jesse shrugged. “I had a little extra time. Besides, it seems only polite, don’t you think?” Rainy felt a stupid grin spread across his face. It really was a shame that one of them was going to be dead at the end of this.

Are you kidding me? Why was this book so gooooood? The tension! The action! The spice! The angst! It's bloody, it's quirky, it's queer and funny and occasionally unbelievably sweet and that beautiful beautiful writing, how is it possible that it's an author's debut?!

The story is about two assassins who are tasked to kill each other, but somehow end up... fucking each other's brain out. And the phrase "will they or won't they" here takes on a wholly new meaning. And the ending! No, have no fear, it doesn't end with a cliffy, still I need to know, what's next, like, yesterday.

The only and very slight issue I've found with this story is that it is told solely from Rainy's POV, and I really would have liked a tiny glimpse in Adler's head or heart, that's it. Now, may I get the next installment, pretty please? 4.5/5
Profile Image for Emma Lynn.
202 reviews7 followers
September 3, 2024
I adored this book. Rainy and Adler had great chemistry between them and I couldn't put this book down. I was pretty much glued to my Kindle all day reading it. I loved their banter and the cat & mouse game they played with one another. The book had a lot of humor in it and their sarcastic bantering with one another was a true highlight of the book. What I loved most was how their little bantering always showed details that kept coming back up, like the sweetheart nickname and the payback for the tires. It showed just how close these two got over time because things that were meant to aggravate them turned into inside jokes and terms of endearment between them.

I really love Adler he was my favorite from the book, I love his wit and sarcasm as well as his vulnerable and emotional side that he keeps locked away, only showing to Rainy when they get close to one another.

The pacing is fast which keeps you engaged but I felt their relationship and the development of it had a lot of highs and lows which made for a complying read as one moment they were making out and the next they were trying to kill one another. I can't wait to see what happens in the next book, I'm a real fan of these two and anything to see more of Adler and Rainy is a win for me.
Profile Image for Kriste.
179 reviews23 followers
September 6, 2024
Wow, I just read incredible book! From the very first sentence, I was completely hooked. The writing, the characters, and their banter were absolutely amazing. I couldn't believe just how good it was!

The story is about two serial assassins who are supposed to kill each other but instead end up having spicy moments together. It might sound like a typical premise, but let me tell you, this book takes everything to a whole new level.

Adler and Rainy have such incredible chemistry that you can't deny. There was a moment that literally took my breath away, and I found myself thinking, "No way, it can't end like this!" The balance of drama and comedy is just top-notch. I enjoyed every moment of reading this book.

A big round of applause for this debut! can't wait for the next book in the spring to dive back into the world with the boys.

Huge thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for the ARC.
Profile Image for SJ.
1,919 reviews22 followers
September 22, 2024
Quite a debut novel! One of the best books that I will read this year, and I almost put it down in the first chapter. There is a lot of violence, as this is the story of two contract killers who are each assigned to kill the other, but something happens when they feel their electric chemistry. It slows them down, but does not stop them from trying to off each other. Usually after a hot sexual encounter.
Even though I was reading every one of the scenes of violence with only one eye open, they made sense for what was happening. If I had not known there is a second book coming I wouldn’t have been surprised if one assassin did kill the other in their frequent fights to the death.
There are plot lines of their cooperation with each other against a rival crime lord. Rainey even muses to Adler that they should team up. I vote for that. I liked all the scenes of the trust building between them, even if it is brief. The wonderful book ending is a scene the opposite of what usually went down between the two of them.

I loved the writing in this book! And I was surprised that it got better as the story went on. No weak middle here or sappy ending. There is witty banter and clever moments galore mixed with the more serious.
The descriptions of the two men were thorough and made for good word pictures. The intensity of the mob warfare lifestyle did not let up, but it was compartmentalized which allowed Rainey and Adler to have their romantic moments. Yes, there was romance here, that honest soul baring in the wee small hours of the morning. After a wild kill or be killed scene. What a ride this was!

I like the spy vs spy who fall in love books. This one was bloody and tension filled with Rainey’s relationship with the crime family who keep him on retainer as a contract killer. They were almost all stone cold killers and I didn’t trust any of them even if they tried to give off that ‘mi familia’ vibe. Adler had a better deal in that the crime lord for whom he works treats him like family and genuinely cared about his welfare.

The book is Rainey’s singular POV and Adler was a bit of an enigma. I can’t believe the amount of punishment their bodies take during the narrative.
Again about the excellent writing, it was almost lyrical in many parts and as the relationship deepened the revelations and feels kept coming. The sex was top notch and real. The book setting is a hot and humid Miami.

I��m highly recommending and looking forward to the reread of this one before Book 2 comes out next year.
Where will life, and death, take these two memorable characters?
Profile Image for Miglė.
124 reviews16 followers
September 14, 2024
What an unexpected gem! I got to be honest, I requested the ARC simply because I saw two other bookstagramers give it 5* and I figured why not see what's the buzz about. And, oh boy, Nothing good turned out to be SO good!

The story follows Rainy, a hitman for one of the most influential families in Miami. And then Rainy meets Adler, another hitman, whose loyalty lies with another gang. And they fuck. Unfortunatelly, they also have to kill each other.

Nothing good was absolutely insane and I mean it in the best way. I laughed in basically every chapter, Rainy is absolutely hilarious. Adler, on the other hand... Strict, precise, put-together. Even though both of them are hitmans (and really good ones!), they are the polar opposites. Except they crave each other like crazy and being in dangerous situations make them even hornier.

The backstories of both men are hard, as a reader, you understand, how and why they got themselves into this type of work. Serious, calm chapters in the book were great to mix with action-filled or hilarious ones. It came as a shock, that it's a debut book!

I had doubts about the cover before reading the book, however, after reading it I feel like it illustrates the book perfectly!

Thank you Netgalley for the ACR.
Profile Image for Sam.
84 reviews3 followers
September 18, 2024
Thank you so, so much to NetGalley for the ARC of this beauty in exchange for an honest review!

You know, the enemies-to-lovers trope is wildly popular, but I’m not sure I’ve ever truly appreciated it until picking up this read by R.J. Piper. Both deeply affecting and wildly exhilarating, Nothing Good tells the story of two hitmen – Rainy and Adler – destined to probably kill each other one day, if they can manage to keep their hands off each other first.

It’s your typical story. Boy meets boy at the bar. Flirting, charming, leaving said bar. But when both boys are deadly assassins, things go south. What begins is a cat-and-cat game, both men desperately trying to deny some sort of animal magnetism long enough to kill each other. Rainy is messy and winging it at every turn. Adler is lethal, and all pent up frustration. What is murder between a pair as perfectly matched as this?

This one far exceeded expectations. Drenched in character introspection and buzzing anticipation, Nothing Good is really about two kicked puppies who both want to be taken care of but can’t stop biting the hand that feeds them. It’s well written, it’s funny, and it’s sexy, but most of all, it’s emotional. These are two characters both resigned to their place in the world, both lonely and disillusioned, in some ways given up on hoping for something better. Like any good game, neither of them ever quite win or lose, but they keep playing. In small moments, they give the audience and themselves something to root for, something less fleeting and breakable, and ultimately human. With a sequel already expected next year, it’s not only worth the read, but worth the risk. The best things are.
Profile Image for Kassu.
528 reviews10 followers
September 3, 2024
4.5⭐

I think romanticising killers is tacky, and no one will catch me tuning in to real-crime shows, but over-the-top assassin romances are one of my guilty pleasures. I didn't have very high expectations towards an unknown author, but this book turned out to be a very enjoyable assassin romance, and a surprisingly well-written one to boot. Another debut hit for this year!

This book is humorous, though not all wacky. It's also unapologetically violent, but not overly gratuitous. And it's a bit twisted, with two assassins that actually enjoy their work, but still nothing super edgy or taboo-breaking. Most of all, it's addictive and entertaining.

The leads don't go immediately all fluffy-heart-eyes to each other, they really try to kill each other in several occasions. But they have a good dynamic and this is definitely a romance first kind of story. The novel is slightly open-ended and there will be a sequel (that I'm rather eager to read), but 'Nothing Good' works as a stand-alone story too.

My thanks to the author and NetGalley for the ARC.
Profile Image for Alicia L.
329 reviews11 followers
September 4, 2024
I think this was a good debut, but it didn't quite blow me away like I had hoped. I was intrigued by Rainy and Adler, and the dynamic they had as contracted killers who were each others targets. I think it was a fun, quick read and I'm definitely interested in seeing where there relationship goes in book two! I enjoyed the grumpy x sunshine between the two of them and I hope we see more in the next book.

Thank you to Netgalley and RJ Piper for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Kafui.
71 reviews
September 29, 2024
3⭐️

Two assassins contracted to kill each other but ended up falling in love.

I think I was slightly distracted reading this one.
Will definitely reread it before reading book 2 and change my rating when needed.

I feel I’m supposed to enjoyed it more than I did.❤️
Profile Image for Jazzy.
10 reviews1 follower
September 7, 2024
Oh, wow❗
At first I was hesitant to pick up this book. In the end I was mind blown, and couldn’t put it down.

We are to know about two assassins who are nothing alike with each other but too much alike at the same time. They are playing the cat and mouse game from the very first moment. But as the cat (they both are the cat) tries so desperately to hate the mouse (and they both are the mouse), ends up cuddling it🤭. Both main characters are coldhearted, vicious, strong leads and bear heavy pasts. But as the story unravels, you get to understand how vulnerable they truly are. And such sweethearts I might add.

There are intense agonizing moments and action. When you think that things are going for the better, the wheel turns around and all chaos is unleashed. The chemistry between the MMCs? So good!🔥 Suspenseful, funny, pationate. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions that I love experiencing in a book. And I loved every part of it.

As a dark suspense book, though for me it wasn’t that dark, and I did not mind anything about it, you should consider the trigger warnings. Cause there might be a couple of disturbing scenes for some people.

With that being said… Is this book a debut novel? Yes, it is. And R.J. Piper nailed it! I really, really, REALLY, liked the writing style. And the table of contents was a chef’s kiss. I guess you’ll have to pick it up to know what I’m talking about😉.

Also, there will be a sequel? The ending left me smiling and giggling and swooning so please sign me up for it!


A huge thank you to the author and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced copy for an honest review.
Profile Image for Atiksha K.
17 reviews
August 31, 2024
*I received an ARC of this book, the review and all the thoughts are my own.

*This review does not contain any spoilers

Pairing - MM
Genre- Dark Comedy, Romance
HEA/HFN - Yes

*Review*

Have you ever watched the movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith and thought to yourself, "I want this to be a book, but GAY"?
Well, your wishes have been answered by R.J. Piper. In her debut novel, she has done just that.
"Nothing Good" is about two professional assassins, who have been hired to take each other out. Well, they do take each other out, just not the way their employers intended. (Sorry, couldn't resist)
This book is from the POV of Rainy, our charming freelance assassin, who in his own words is "supposed to be the irrelevant , flirty, young assassin" but instead has to deal with coworkers who try to turn him into a "middle-aged mom" and a dashing, impeccably dressed army-vet turned assassin, Adler, with a mysterious personality, who makes him confused with some kind of feelings that Rainy can't figure out.
The book is funny, witty, sexy and heartwarming (and heart-wrenching at times).
The best part about this book though, is the dedication and the chapter titles. With just that, the author has set the expectations on how ironic and funny this book is, and then delivers it.
There is a sequel coming in soon, and I for one cannot wait to uncover more of the character's shenanigans.

P.S. I follow the Montessori method, so my reviews are based on completion without ratings. If I didn’t like a book, I probably wouldn’t finish it and hence won’t review it.
Profile Image for Julia Toth.
77 reviews1 follower
October 1, 2024
4.5☆

This book was really enjoyable for me! I went in not really knowing what to expect and I was pleasantly surprised.

Rainy and Adler are assassins and they are basically contracted to get rid of each other. Through all the things happening between them and around them, they start developing feelings. Neither one of them wants this and they are surprised at it, but they can't really resist. Rainy is the character who's emotions are easier to see in his actions, Adler is very methodical and closed off and he keeps his cards close to the vest. Adler is very vicious and tactical, and he can really get the upper hand in Rainy. Rainy feels more human/emotional, but he's also in the business, so he will know what he needs to do and everything is not as it seems with him. Rainy is the one pushing for things to happen, while Adler tries to play things off. I loved that Rainy was so persistent and did not give up on Adler, and I also loved his caretaking.

I really enjoyed how the book started and I liked the pacing of the book. A lot of things happened, but it didn't feel rushed. Of course, this is more of a darker book, so be prepared for violence, but there were funny and sweet moments too. There were a couple of sad moments too, and I did shed some tears in the second part of the book.

Definitely pick this up if you're in the mood to read about rival assassins potentially falling in love, while trying to off each other and being violent.
Profile Image for Fae.
48 reviews4 followers
September 7, 2024
Adler and Rainy
Adler and Rainy have super explosive chemistry, right off the bat in this debut novel from R.J. Piper. It's hard to believe that this is her first novel. Nothing Good is a tight novel, written well and full of nuanced characterizations, that ring true to life, and who have compelling motivations and feelings.


Action Packed
The action is intense in this story and at times is quite violent. I do think it's important to note that the characters do hurt one another at times. There is actual blood drawn, which is appropriate for a mafia type story, but it's not all daisies and roses down in Miami. There is blood drawn, ribs broken, with both of them in mortal peril.

Even though they do hurt one another, which is appropriate and not gratuitous for the story as it's a mob story, and one should know what they are likely to encounter when they start a story like this, Adler and Rainy are still drawn to one another in a way that they can't make heads or tails of.

And it's that attraction that ends up masking the feelings that sneak up on them. However, that late realization is likely a substantial amount of denial on Rainy's part. Everyone around them can tell they are really into each other, like really into each other.

3rd Person POV
3rd person pov is a controversial choice in the romance genre, with the majority of books being written in 1st POV. But the 3rd POV is done well here so that I still felt connected to the thoughts and feelings inside Rainy's head, but not necessarily Adler's. I believe this was a stylistic choice.

The author chooses to write in the close 3rd person with Rainy but not Adler so we are left guessing. We are left feeling that small glimmer of hope that Rainy feels but is so, so unsure of. The reader feels that uncertainty at times, Adler is a consummate professional tasked with the same task as Rainy. But will he have the same difficulty fulfilling his orders? We have to hope so, but ultimately we don't know for certain. The reader is left to imagine that Adler is in much the same position as Rainy emotionally, with his feelings burgeoning, unwelcome, and being actively pushed down and ignored. This is why I think there was a purposeful choice made to use 3rd POV.

What Comes Next?
I do wonder if the next book in the series will be from Adler's POV, because I want to have some time to get to know his inner workings beyond what we learned about in this first installment. It's evident by the end that Adler is feeling the same sort of way as Rainy but I want to go deeper and know him more.

I also worry about how the series will end. We all know one can’t easily extricate themselves from a mafia-type job situation. Even Rainy's mentor mentioned how the only way out of their sort of life is through the grave. So I worry how Rainy and Adler will ultimately get free from the confines of the situation they have found themselves in. I do hope there is a happily ever after waiting for them at the end of this riveting new series. I can't wait to read and see.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
377 reviews5 followers
August 18, 2024
So many things about this book were excellent that I'm overlooking the blips that bugged me and going with five stars. The story grabbed me from page one; it kept the tension/excitement going throughout; it included several truly spectacular descriptions that 1000% fit the context (for example, a Miami club with "blue and green light fixtures that gave the whole place the air of an aquarium, complete with shark-nosed men in gray suits and glittering, scaly-sequined slips of girls"—wow, just wow). The brutality and... well, evil of the protagonists' lives wasn't papered over (much), yet their humanity was (almost) always at the forefront. I will eagerly read more by this author.

There were some minor errors that should have been picked up in the copyediting/proofing stages, but that's true of pretty much every book I read these days. The acknowledgments indicate the author did all the editing herself, and kudos to her (though I will always think authors are better off getting outside input, preferably of the professional variety).

Bring on book two!

My thanks to the publisher/NetGalley for an advance copy of this book.
Profile Image for ara.
7 reviews
September 15, 2024
WOW! All I can say is, "Wow." Nothing Good was great. I started reading the book and knew it would be five stars immediately, but I didn't want to rush through it. The more I read, the more I was convinced it was a five-star read, and it was.

Two assassins, tasked with eliminating each other, are entangled in a unique game of cat and mouse. As their deadly mission unfolds, they unexpectedly fall for one another.
This was a beautifully unique romantic book. I've never read anything like that.

As the story unfolds and you delve deeper, you can feel the inner conflict between Rainy and Adler's orders to kill each other and their burgeoning feelings. Rainy's character development at the end was stunning, and I love that Adler was this very mysterious badass. Then, slowly, we see him in different lights, a more intimate and personal side of him. This novel sent me on a roller coaster of emotions. I laughed, sobbed, and yelled. And some moments left me breathless!

R. J. Piper, your talent is truly exceptional, and this book has secured a place among my all-time favorites! I eagerly anticipate your future work.

So happy I got to review this as an ARC!
Profile Image for Lori.
208 reviews8 followers
September 29, 2024
What can happen when two killers discover a mutual physical attraction, but they’re loyal to opposing forces? Nothing good.

Rainy Perez is feeling flush after a successful killing, so he sees no reason not to indulge in his usual post-mortem hook-up. Adler is tending bar when Rainy comes in looking for a warm body – and becomes the warm body, giving Rainy a good time, right up to the point when Adler tries to kill Rainy.

I found the story a bit slow until right after the halfway mark, when the action picked up as the presence of a third force in the underworld is revealed, and Rainy and Adler learn that sometimes they must work together. Happy ever after may not be in the cards, but maybe they can be happy for now.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Jay Beau.
63 reviews
September 29, 2024
*This book was given to me for free, but this opinion is my own.*
I loved this book. It was very entertaining. I wasn't sure I'd like it based on the premise, but I found the story was really good and entertaining. I loved that both these characters were strong and could stand on their own. Normally one character is weaker than the other, but I didn't see that here.
On top of everything, I have to say this book is not for the squimish. I mean, they don't ignore gore but they don't overdo it either. Also, emotions are nicely written and I definitely want to read the next book.
What I didn't like were some of the missed opportunities or plot holes. They weren't anything too obvious but they were there.
Also, I thought the characters were great, but one just didn't seem redeemable. I liked him, but I couldn't see him being a love interest.
1,683 reviews16 followers
September 25, 2024
In this captivating romance, Rainy and Adler share an undeniable chemistry that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Their playful banter and cat-and-mouse game create a fun dynamic filled with humor, highlighted by sarcastic exchanges that develop into endearing inside jokes over time.

Adler stands out as a favorite character, combining sharp wit and vulnerability, revealing his emotional side only to Rainy as their relationship deepens. The pacing of the story is fast, maintaining engagement, while the relationship experiences notable highs and lows—one moment passionate, the next filled with tension.

Overall, the book offers an entertaining blend of humor and romance, leaving readers eager to see what unfolds next for this dynamic duo.
2,404 reviews17 followers
October 2, 2024
This book was really good. It reminded me of the kind of zany that makes me watch Grosse Point Blank anytime I can catch it on television - yes I am still watching cable. The premise here was even more delicious with two hitman tasked to take one another out and oh, by the way, they are both queer. This story was not just about the danger of the hit, but also there is lots of dangerous emotion happening here. The nuanced way this story unfolds, yes there is violence but also so much more that made me care about these two. Well done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Crisana.
713 reviews34 followers
October 7, 2024
I can see this book being like marmite, you either love it or hate it. Me, I loved it.
The writing style wasn't great to keep track of who's who and it gets messy at times but I understand why it was used. I also forgave that there is only one POV but I would have loved to be in Adler's head even if only for a chapter or two.
I did not, however, realise that this was a three part series but it ended with a satisfying HFN so I have high hopes for the next two books and perhaps we'll get to be in Adler's head.
I think I need to be prepared for a lot of painful things happen to these two before they can finally ride into the sunset though but I am here for that.
37 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2024
Rainy and Adler’s dynamic in “Nothing Good” is pure fire. They’re both deadly, complex, and irresistibly drawn to each other in the most chaotic ways possible. The tension is palpable—one moment, they’re at each other’s throats, and the next, they’re caught in a dangerous dance that blurs the line between hate and desire. R.J. Piper balances sharp wit with intense action, making you laugh out loud and gasp in the same breath. The mix of dark humor, brutal honesty, and raw emotion makes this story impossible to put down.
98 reviews1 follower
September 28, 2024
Fabulous start

Smart, funny, and captivating. Sometimes charming in its violence, others... maybe bit excessive for me. Surprisingly emotional at times. Really enjoyed watching them vacillate between wanting to kill & wanting to **** each other. And then there was more, and they really didn't know what to make of that. First in a trilogy. Ends with a sort of HFN. An excellent debut for this author.
Profile Image for Saskia Veldhuis .
1,176 reviews10 followers
September 29, 2024
4.25 stars. Really entertaining debut novel. Two assassins trying to kill each other multiple times and falling for each other in the meantime. There was quite a lot of humour in between the multiple fighting scenes. Rainy's relationships with the others in his criminal group were really amusing. I loved how both MCs were rediscovering some of their lost humanity. I'm really curious about what will be in the next book, although I'm very glad it didn't end in a cliffhanger.
Profile Image for Mary Mutisya-Astin.
414 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2024
A deadly game of cat and mouse!

This is a story of what happens when you meet your match in more ways than one. Not only is there undeniable chemistry but you are both tasked with killing the other. This is game that neither seems to want to end so how will it all go down?

This was an enjoyable read. Very different from what I have read before and the characters were fun and original.

I read this book voluntarily for an honest review.
967 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2024
Nothing Good is the first book in Gratuitous Violets by R.J. Piper. I found this story to be an enjoyable read. I love the premise of hitman vs hitman falling in love. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Raven Devine.
27 reviews
October 7, 2024
Some authors just really know how to write. This is one of those authors. In its own twisted way, this is the most epic, most genuine romantic love story I have read all year.

Be aware while there is some humor, there is also darkness and quite a bit of on page violence. But the story and characters are epic and well worth reading about.

Read this book!
403 reviews1 follower
September 21, 2024
such a surprise!

This was such a surprise and so, so good. Characters were very well developed and the story was original. This author is a good writer. The relationship building was also good. Give it a try- you will enjoy it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

Can't find what you're looking for?

Get help and learn more about the design.