Book Review: Dying to Please by J.M. Howard
When I stumbled upon Dying to Please by J.M. Howard, I was drawn in by the promise of a gripping romantic thriller featuring a fierce female protagonist and a tangled web of murder and deceit. Unfortunately, what started as an intriguing premise devolved into a whirlwind of frustration that left me questioning both the characters’ motivations and some pretty questionable narrative choices.
At the heart of the story is Sarah, a martial arts expert turned bodyguard for a high-profile judge, and Cahill, a detective with a complicated heart. While I wanted to root for Sarah’s undeniable capabilities—who doesn’t love a strong female lead?—her actions often felt inconsistent with the supposed expertise Howard meticulously crafted around her. For instance, if she’s a trained bodyguard, why does she neglect basic precautions like securing the premises with cameras? And don’t even get me started on her willingness to leave her cell phone exposed in her truck! It’s a head-scratcher that made me question her character throughout the story.
Cahill, meanwhile, presented a different kind of challenge. His abrupt shifts from icy detachment to sudden romantic interest felt jarring and lacked the depth and subtlety that could have made their chemistry more compelling. The dialogue often fell flat, and moments that were meant to be steamy turned decidedly cringeworthy. The scene where he “comforts” Sarah in her vulnerability had me shaking my head in disbelief rather than swooning.
As for the murder mystery? It was more of a nuisance than a puzzle. Knowing the identity of the antagonist from the beginning stripped the tension away and left me feeling like I was just waiting for the characters to catch up to what I already knew. There was a missed opportunity for twists and turns that would have engaged me more deeply.
The pacing suffered, particularly in the middle segments where we were inundated with mundane details of their daily lives, devoid of genuine emotional growth or development in their relationship. It felt like filler, taking away from the core mystery and growing romance I hoped would unfold.
Howard’s writing style, while clear, often faltered in delivering those high-stakes emotions, especially during pivotal scenes that should have been charged with anxiety or longing. The climax, which I’d hoped would be a thrilling culmination of Sarah’s skills and Cahill’s intellect, instead felt rushed and unoriginal.
Despite my frustrations, I can appreciate the emotional depth Howard attempted to convey regarding Sarah’s struggles and exposure to trauma. It came through vividly and did resonate with me, providing glimmers of hope amidst the chaos. However, the resolution felt too easy, lacking the hard-earned conflict that would have given the ending more weight.
Ultimately, Dying to Please may appeal to readers who crave romantic tension intertwined with suspense, but for those looking for believable characters and a captivating mystery, you might want to tread carefully. For me, it was a ride full of ups and downs, but one I probably won’t revisit.
If you enjoy stories filled with complexity, character flaws, and strong emotional draws, you might find some redeeming qualities here. However, for those who gravitate towards well-rounded characters and tightly woven plots, I’d suggest exploring elsewhere. My reading experience, while tumultuous, certainly made for engaging reflections—sometimes, that’s the thrill of literature, isn’t it?
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