Subtle Blood

3.5 stars

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Gah, these books are just so much fun. I really, really enjoyed this entire series, but this isn't a review for the whole series, is it? Subtle Blood is set a few months after The Sugared Game, and the time skip here was really actually nice. We get to see Will and Kim as they are in their lives, and get to see what Kim is doing after being fired from his super-secret-spy job. Mostly, they're living normal lives, both working in Will's bookshop, but it is very easy to see that they're getting bored. How lucky for them that Kim's older brother gets himself into a nasty situation, and only they can set things straight. Maybe. Sort of. They do their best, anyway.

It goes without saying that said situation involves Zodiac, not that it's immediately apparent that it does so. But that was a fun mystery to unpick with the characters.

Kim's brother Chingford is exceptionally irritating and frustrating. I think I can safely assume that everyone on the planet has met someone like this man. You immediately dislike him, and very quickly that dislike turns into outright hate and loathing. For good reason, too. We eventually see all of Kim's surviving family in this book, and wow. What a bunch of assholes. Seriously, it's a marvel that Kim came out anything remotely likeable. Both Kim's father, and his brother hate Kim for almost no reason — and apparently have for his entire life. What an upbringing. Bah.

We see Will fall even more in love with Kim, which I truly appreciated. We don't really get a whole lot of that in the other books, so it was nice to see here. Both of them actually use their words and spill out what they've been feeling about each other, and it was needed. It really was. It was also extremely heart-warming, and done in a way that made perfect sense for them as a couple. The relationship seems truly solidified here, and I loved it.

The ending to this book was pretty much perfect, and it left the possibility for more entries into this series, which I am thrilled by. Not that KJ Charles has hinted at any coming soon, but I will remain hopeful. I loved this, so I hope that you'll pick up this series next time you have no idea what you want to read next!

This was such a great ending to the series!

And I reached the last volume of The Will Darling Adventures. My dears Will and Kim evolved beautifully along the how-many-pages, particularly Kim who turned, slowly and naturally, from a cold lying bastard to a warm lying swindler, all thanks to the wonder that is Will Darling.

During the first volume and half of the second, I didn't think Kim can show this much vulnerability and this much love, but with Will's influence and encouragements, he turned to be this wonderful character who I like even more. Will too evolved thanks to Kim, he got to see things in a broader way, to not be stuck in the now and dare to dream of what could be.

I said Kim is a lying bastard and while that is true as far as his job is concerned, I love him when he's open and honest. I love how he let Will fully in, how he kept all of his promises and how Will in turn faced his own shortcomings. They are perfect for one another, they truly belong one next to the other. One of the best type of couples are the ones where the partners lift and better each other, and Will and Kim are exactly like that.

The events from this volume are just as intense as the previous two. Surprising things happen, Will and Kim have to fight for the truth, but this time also for their relationship, and they do a great team. I was a little wary at having Kim's family involved, sometimes things tend to become theatrical and cliché when family drama ensues, but I am happy to say this didn't happen here. There was no hiccup in Subtle Blood, nothing that felt unreal or forced and it all flowed smoothly. There were a few situations that could have fallen in the 'ugh' area, but that did not happen. K.J. Charles planed and executed the trilogy perfectly.

I'm happy I joined The Will Darling Adventures and I plan on reading more books by the same author. It was a joy reading this, I can find no flaws.

Not in a space to write a coherent review, so I'll just say that Subtle Blood wrapped up one of KJC's best series in the best possible way. Seeing both Kim and Will be emotionally open (both in their very own unique ways) whilst still battling truly awful and dangerous people was everything.

This was a nice bow to tie up the series with. The two main characters are definitely some of my fave and the pulp murder mystery plots were really well executed.
While it's a bit bittersweet the series ended here, it would have probably gotten a little repetitive. This final book, while just as good as the first two, was kind of a rehash of the arc over the previous books in that Zodiac, the criminal enterprise Kim has been fighting against, was disbanded after the death of their leader but the bureau had yet to capture them all and surprise! they're back to cause more mayhem. The series could have definitely ended in two books but since I like the author and these characters so much I'm glad it didn't.
There isn't much more to say. KJ Charles is one of the best writers in the MM historical genre and I can't wait to see what's next.