To catch a killer, a special agent and his former student will need to get close–to their target, and each other. Layla Reyne returns with a stand-alone romantic mystery. When the serial killer known as Dr. Fear seemingly reemerges after a cooling-off period, Special Agent Lincoln Monroe wants on the case. He knows his research on the calculating criminal, who targets couples and uses their … uses their worst fears to kill them, could prove invaluable. But nothing can prepare Lincoln for the agent waiting for him in Apex, Virginia: a brash and cocky former student. Carter Warren is everything Lincoln is not, and somehow everything he wants. And they’ll be going undercover. As newlyweds.
For Carter, seeing Lincoln again–and flustered to boot–pokes his raging bear of a crush something fierce. He thinks posing as lovers will provide the perfect bait for Dr. Fear. But pretending to be married forces them to confront fears of their own…like giving in to the very real chemistry between them.
With evidence pointing to the possibility of a copycat killer, Lincoln and Carter will have to race to separate truth from fiction. But when another couple goes missing, finding the killer will test every ounce of their training, skills and the strength of their bond like never before.
This book is approximately 72,000 words
One-click with confidence. This title is part of the Carina Press Romance Promise: all the romance you’re looking for with an HEA/HFN. It’s a promise!
And don’t miss any of these books from Layla Reyne and Carina Press:
Dine with Me
Single Malt (Agents Irish & Whiskey #1)
Cask Strength (Agents Irish & Whiskey #2)
Barrel Proof (Agents Irish & Whiskey #3)
Tequila Sunrise (An Agents Irish & Whiskey novella)
Imperial Stout (Trouble Brewing #1)
Craft Brew (Trouble Brewing #2)
Noble Hops (Trouble Brewing #3)
more
Good cozy mystery with elements of steam, plenty suspense and two cases that span decades. Despite the not so small hiccup in the beginning with the whole undercover gig and the entire letter agency’s lack of prep for their agent and a whole slew of surprises that would never happen IRL, I was able to put it aside and enjoy the town of Apex, a slow burn age gap romance ( I mean 8 years slow burn) and a good case of investigative work.
Two agents, Carter and Lincoln, worked well together and were well suited for being undercover husbands. There were some funny moments involving locals at Apex as well as some tender moments between two men who held feelings for each other for 8 long years. The mystery of the killer was solved for me 3/4 into the book, but I enjoyed the chase and how clever Lincoln was in figuring out little clues left by Carter.
The ending chapter was so romantic and heartfelt what with the second mystery being on display. It was personal, sweet and a bit steamy in the end. Both men were a little bit in love and a lot smitten, ready to start a life together free from the past and looking forward to their future.
I love reading mystery and suspense. There was a time when that was the only genre I read, but then came romance and MM romance and I was hooked… Layla Reyne gives me a combination of all and I really appreciate that 😉
Now let me start off by saying that this is a mystery/suspense first…all the rest takes a backseat in this story but that doesn’t mean it is less important. It is not a hearts and flowers book though, so don’t expect too much on the love and kisses front. Though there are kisses….
While the suspense builds, so does the sexual tension between Lincoln and Carter.
The slow build was extremely slow in this one and even with my love for all the mystery, I have to admit I could have done with a bit more romance…
Still, it kept me on the edge of my seat and I was utterly captivated…
If you are a fan of the mystery/suspense genre and you don’t mind the romance taking a backseat, then you should really give this one a go.
Can you say slow burn, but in the best way possible? The chemistry, between the main characters, is off the charts, but it takes most of the book for them to actually act on it. Some of that wait is not their fault and they have quite a few near kisses that even left ME feeling edgy. It’s worth the wait, though, I promise, and it made it more meaningful when their lips finally collided. I must warn you that you won’t see many s e x y times, but that just added to the story and made Lincoln realize that there’s more to Carter than what he sees, and remembers from their past interactions. You see, Carter used to be Lincoln’s student, and he definitely left a lasting impression as a cocky know it all.
Agent Lincoln Monroe is a Forensics Professor at Quantico, and Agent Carter Warren spends his days undercover out in the field. They are complete opposites, but are both very smart and very good at their jobs. Their current assignment is to pose as a couple while trying to stop a copycat serial killer, and potentially unearth the original Dr. Fear. Dr. Fear gets his name because he tortures his victims with their own fears, to the point they’re begging for death in the end. The copycat’s victims have ties to the FBI agents, particularly Lincoln, so this time it’s personal.
I liked the balance the author brought to the story. It had a lot of elements, and none of them overshadowed the other. This is the kind of book that makes me want to sit down with the author and pick their brain. I didn’t understand some of the scientific elements, but it didn’t keep me from following the story. I could tell the characters were smart and really good at their jobs, but I never felt like my eyes were gonna cross, or that they were talking over my head, if that makes sense. The character development was captivating. This book is more than just about fighting crime and solving a mystery; it has elements of self-discovery and personal growth. It has romance, wonderful side characters, and humor. I found it very well written, and quite frankly, hard to put down. I started reading it u202aat about 9 p.m.u202c and got so lost in it that I stayed up u202auntil 4:40 a.m.u202c to finish it.
My favorite part? The author gave everyone, even Lincoln and Carter, what they wanted at the end: S E X! Talk about a true happy ending. Now THAT is how you go out with a bang.
*** Copy provided to Bayou Book Junkie for my reading pleasure, a review wasnx03’t a requirement. ***
Reyne’s standalone novel VARIABLE ONSET is the perfect proof of how the author’s skills have grown and blended through her various projects. This was a mature standalone, one that fit a helluva lot of story into a single novel, while giving our MCs plenty of closure at the end. I wouldn’t mind seeing Lincoln and Carter again (insert puppy dog eyes here), but the story came together so well, I’m also able to accept the book and its characters’ journeys have ended in a good way.
As for all that story I mentioned, here’s a sampling of what’s awaiting you in this book:
– Criminal Minds-esque forensics
– SCIENCE!!! explained in such a way a non-science person can follow
– blood-related family who love and support each other completely
– father-daughter-mother-aunt snark
– found family who love and support each other completely
– completely non-squicky age gap with appropriate boundaries
– second chance romance
– exes who are best friends FOR REALSIES
– guitar-playing silver fox and sweet-hearted Jason Bourne in search of a permanent home
– realistic and functional HEA that comes from good communication between partners
Basically, the world may be ending right now, but books like this give a much-needed respite. Bad things may happen, but, in the end, the heroes win, the antagonists are held responsible for their actions, and all the anxiety you felt reading the crime thriller romance disappears because the HEA is that rewarding.
Honey & Shamrocks
I think I need a “designated extrovert” of my own as long as it can be Carter. He’s dreamy and so clever. Lincoln is adorable. I love his argyle, his mind, and his family. BTW, I have never wanted to get rid of cell phones until this book. Don’t call Lincoln or Carter; they’ll call you. “But, Carter, just so you know, whatever we find, it won’t change how much I like who you are now.” These two are a dream team. In fact, they’re purrfect together. They are smart, quick-witted, stubborn and wouldn’t want anyone else at the FBI to rescue me.
This book was intense and complete with a creepy, scary villain whose intelligence only made them worse. I loved the mystery and chase of figuring out who it was. Once I started reading this book I didn’t want to stop. It’s engrossing, passionate, engaging and the ending made me happy cry. I felt connected to Lincoln and Carter from the beginning and hope that this isn’t the last we see of them. Another thrilling and fantastic adventure from Layla Reyne.
I am voluntarily leaving this review.
This Layla Reyne version of a cozy mystery was a lot of fun and kept me entertained for it.
I loved how intense the book was as Carter and Lincoln tracked down the serial killer in the small college town.
The characters were so vibrant and intriguing as they used their skills.
Carter’s unrequited crush on LIncoln was fun as Lincoln finally got on board.
The mix of humour and action, sweetness and high tension was a perfect blend of Layla’s trademark style.
As for the mystery aspect, she kept you guessing and it was awesome/
If you like mysteries with some sweet heat, go forth and read.
I received an ARC for my honest review
For a little bit I thought I had wandered into a Nicky James book. In a good way. Fear and psychosis plays a huge role in this novel, even more than genealogy or genetics.
There’s plenty of heat between the MCs, but not much sex, so if that’s a deal breaker for you, scroll on by. But if you enjoy watching a relationship grow and the thrill of the chase excites you as much as descriptions of physical encounters, you should enjoy this thrill ride of a story.
VARIABLE ONSET by Layla Rayne is a standalone but I would love to see it become a series. Lincoln and Carter are just amazing together! Lincoln is an agent and a professor at Quantico and Carter took his class eight years ago, making quite the impression on Lincoln. Now they are thrown together again when they go undercover to catch a serial killer.
This story has so many twists and turns in it and I loved every word! For myself, it was never clear just who the killer was, not until it was spelled out for me. And I love that! To be kept guessing right to the end, when it focuses on different characters and each one of them could be the killer, was simply brilliant.
Carter and Lincoln are the perfect pair although they have their own concerns about their relationship. The biggest being is it real or just part of the cover? I thought it was really well written and loved the slow burn aspect of it, even if Carter didn’t!! Nothing is rushed in here and it all fits perfectly together.
Like I said, I would love to see this turn into a series but, failing that, I’d just be happy to read more by this amazing author. Highly recommended by me.
* A copy of this book was provided to me with no requirements for a review. I voluntarily read this book, and the comments here are my honest opinion. *
Merissa
Archaeolibrarian – I Dig Good Books!
Variable Onset is a combination of serial killer suspense with plenty of science and a slow burn romance between undercover agents. The thing is Lincoln and Carter really weren’t together for long enough to call it a slow burn, but it had that feel about it. The mystery wasn’t all that mysterious but it was still entertaining and the pacing was good, so it wasn’t hard to stick with it even after I figured out the whodunit. In the end, there were things I liked and disliked about both aspects of this one, but when it came down to it, this one isn’t something I’d read again, but it was worth the once-through.
I was pretty excited going into Variable Onset. This author is a fave of mine for romantic suspense novels with her interesting, likable characters, unique plots and twists, and great action sequences. Add in a May-December romance and a fake relationship, and I’m already hooked. While Variable Onset did have many of the hallmarks of a great romantic suspense, I was more on the fence than I expected.
Miss Reyne writes great characters and Lincoln and Carter were no exception. I liked both men, found their personal stories interesting, and absolutely loved their dynamic and banter. I also really liked the existing underlying sexual tension that was immediately apparent. Unfortunately, the romance felt off and a little underdeveloped. Although a slow burn in this situation made complete sense, it felt like there were a lot of false starts. The existing attraction and chemistry from the past resurfaced when these two are paired together for a case, and I was fully onboard. I expected it to slowly develop from there but it took a different path, intensifying surprisingly fast considering the men never had much beyond the initial attraction years ago. Then, just as quickly, that flame was dwarfed by the case. While I got why things were put on the back burner, I never really got to see any development on page nor did I get much time to see these two as a couple toward the end and it just left me underwhelmed on the romantic front.
Suspense and mystery wise I did enjoy the way this story came together. Variable Onset ended up being more scientific study, mystery based versus fast-paced action, but it was a nice change of pace with some good reveals and red herrings that kept my attention all the way through. Overall I’d consider Variable Onset a good suspense story that uses a fun fake relationship trope and has great banter between characters. I would recommend it to readers who enjoy more casual mystery and suspense versus thrillers, but it’s not one I’d point to when someone asks for a top choice for romantic suspense with good angst and action (that would be this author’s other works).
How do you catch a serial killer who likes to torture his victims until they beg to be killed?
Lincoln Monroe lives a good life. Has a beautiful and talented teenage daughter from his previous marriage to Gabby who is still a good friend, has a job he loves as a Special Agent and Instructor with the FBI, has lived an eventful 42 years and is bisexual. His last M/M relationship ended badly so he’s kind of staying “off the market.” His only regret is never finding the infamous serial killer, Dr. Fear.
Along with 32yo hunk FBI Special Agent Carter Warren, Lincoln is thrust into a possible lead on Dr. Fear and an undercover opportunity to catch the bast**d. Carter was the only student who got under his skin. What Lincoln doesn’t know is that Carter requested L to get on this case b/c he has had a man-crush on L since seeing him come into the classroom 8 years ago. Now they will play the parts of Mr. and Mr. Polk! Oh. My!!
This is a slow-burn M/M romance which is well-written, fast-paced with some really intriguing secondary characters. I hope we get to know some more about the student/library assistant, Jeremiah. And it wouldn’t be at all bad to see Lincoln, Carter and Elena living happily ever after…I volunteered to review an ARC of this book and it comes highly recommended if you like mystery, suspense and slow-burn M/M romance with a wee bit of humor. Very poignant chapter 22
What a story this was so many twists and turns and it certainly keeps you on your toes and mind thinking hard. I loved the way Lincoln and Carter were working together to solve a mystery that has been going on for years. I would recommend this book based on the blurb only.
Layla Reyne has done it again with this amazing romantic suspense. I love Lincoln and Carter! It is amazing to see how their relationship grows and to see they also capture a killer. I was on the edge of my seat for so much of this story. I just couldn’t stop reading once I started. I would love and hope to see more of these two.
***4-1/2 Stars***
Little did Lincoln Monroe know when he was asked to join the case after a new lead in regard to the serial killer, Dr. Fear turns up, that his partner would end up being one of his ex-students. And not just any student, Carter Warren. I really love me a good mystery/suspense/murder story and this one hits the spot. You also get a ten-year age-gap and fake relationship/marriage too. There isn’t a lot of romance in this story, which didn’t bother me in the least. Carter also had his own personal agenda which brought him to Apex, Virginia, to begin with, so you have the benefit of that going on too, although it wasn’t the main focus of the story. I do like how Carter and Lincoln were together. They definitely suited each other. This was a great read and I do recommend giving it a try.
Well, this is quite a complete package here! Not only is the book very well developed in terms of plot (fans of suspence / mystery will be tickled here), but we get a matching set of characters! Multi-dimensional, well developed MCs who really catch attention from the get go.
A very good addition to the author’s portfolio!
This was a thrilling mystery from beginning to end, full of suspense and action, and with a splash of romance on the side. I was really intrigued by the plot and unable to make up my mind on who I thought the bad guy was. The dynamic between Lincoln and his former student, Carter, was excellent. Their chemistry was palpable and the combination of the slow burn and the investigation had me frantically turning the pages. I was dying for them to act on their mutual attraction and realise that a relationship for them could work. They were just so in sync despite being total opposites! And Lincoln and Carter themselves were well-fleshed characters out with in-depth backstories. I particularly liked the side story with Carter; it gave him good character depth and when he confides in Lincoln, Lincoln’s reaction and offer to help is incredibly sweet. My favourite moment is probably when Lincoln arrives in Apex and is stunned and, mostly annoyed, to learn the cover that Carter has chosen for them. Hilarious and cute, and loaded with sexual tension!
I love a good serial killer story and Layla Reyne is one of those authors who can weave a brilliant plot that will keep you at the edge of your seat.
This book kept me guessing. I had my own theories, and although they didn’t really pan out, the ending was satisfying. It was action packed, full of suspense, and with a lot of twist and turns. The romantic aspect of the story took a backseat but not so much that we forgot about it. The romance between Lincoln and Carter was slow building… I mean this was really slow burn and I liked it.
There were some things that had me scratching my head, and with these investigations threw me off a little bit in the middle of the book.
But all in all it was a good read
I don’t believe I’ve read a book quite like this one. I really wanted to love this book but it was a bit of a struggle.
I’ve always had a slight obsession with serial killers. At the age of 12, I was reading all the books I could find and watching movies based on real events or completely fictional. One of my favorite shows was Criminal Minds. I’ve never read a serial killer book with a love story woven throughout. So that’s why I jumped at the chance to read this book.
This book follows two FBI agents who are working undercover in a small college town after a serial killer named Dr. Fear becomes active again. Lincoln is the older of the two whose mainly a professor who teaches new FBI recruits at Quantico how to find evidence in a way he specializes. They are techniques used in the hunt and capture of the Golden State Killer. Aside from teaching, he assists with special cases where his specialty is needed. When it seems Dr. Fear is back at it, he is asked to go undercover. He is very surprised to learn who his new partner will be. He first met Carter when he was a new recruit and Lincoln was his professor. Carter was always desperate to get the professor’s attention. Now, eight years later, he mostly works undercover. Dr. Fear always kidnaps couples and then kills them using their greatest fears. Carter decides that if they pretend to be newlyweds, it would make them the perfect bait for Dr. Fear, his possible copycat or both.
There was a steady buildup of action and unfolding mystery as they gather clues, come up with theories and attempt to solve the case and all that entails.
My one problem with this book was it got way too technical. I didn’t understand any of the scientific aspects and that was the backbone of the whole book. I still don’t know what the title means as well as anything else mentioned. I tried reading sections over to see if I could understand better but I felt like I needed a degree in this field to understand a good portion of the story. I think I would have enjoyed it so much more if I understood how they went about catching the killer.
Despite how lost I got, I loved all the characters. Carter was so earnest and sexy in his desires both sexually and in wanting more. Lincoln was adorably nerdy. I was able to relate to a lot of his qualities. Their story was heartwarming, especially their HEA.
I believe if anyone understands the science of the book, it will be a great read. The action and suspense had me eagerly turning the pages.
This book reminds me why I like romantic suspense! Lincoln has a great family. Divorced with a kid. He is invited to solve the puzzle that is Dr. Fear, a serial killer that is still at large. Lincoln is partnered with an ex student of his who makes him hot and bothered. I like that they are both smart and good at what they do.Their chemistry is palpable. Agent Carter has his own puzzle to solve. There are other characters that are likable, friendly and funny. And one of them is a killer. I so enjoyed this thriller and the slow burning romance.
What a fantastic, amazing, powerful, grab-you-by-the-feels, exciting, fast paced, action packed, intense, slow burning, incredible, fascinating, nail biting, keep-you-on-the-edge-of-your-seat, intriguing, humorous, witty, explosive, and totally awesome whodunit. Filled with mystery, madness, mayhem, suspense, and more twists and turns than a roller coaster, it had me hooked from beginning to end. I would DEFINITELY recommend getting this marvelous masterpiece immediately!!