A review by notguilty
Malicious Compliance by E.M. Lindsey

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I am not shy about my love of EM Lindsey. I have read/listened to 17 this year! They can draw emotion from me like no other. (I mean their last release Double Play had me sobbing in the first chapter!) So I have to say I think this duet may be my favourite of their work! It was stunning, well crafted, and felt warm and comforting like a cup of English tea.

This duet features two men who have been broken, they both know what’s it like to feel the world closing around them. And when they find themselves living beside each other they find themselves at odds.

Each book is a single POV, and though I normally don’t love that, because I feel like I’m always missing really getting to know and understand the second person, this duet solves that problem by giving each guy their own book. It was a fascinating way to uncover their story. The books intertwine, and they are each absolutely beautiful.

Book One is the gorgeous story of Jules, young and a talented cellist who’s returned to New York with nothing but his cello, after being cast aside by his older lover.

He has a distant sister and a cold uncle to welcome him home to a basement apartment that probably has mould and definitely has no heat. And a neighbour who is not shy about not wanting him there. It’s a cold and lonely place to be.

But a funny thing happens, the more time you spend ‘with’ someone, you start to connect, find a connection, and you start to feel something. Feel for this man who once drove you crazy, but now gives you comfort.

Jules’ story is one of bravery and finding your own purpose. I made it 50% of the way through before the tears came. Trust me it was touching, and just wrapped its way around my heart.


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