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The Hitman's Guide #6
The Hitman's Guide to Codenames and Ill-Gotten Gains
Leland
Stopping a robbery was only the beginning—to fun, action-filled mayhem. Jackson’s afraid that I’m running headfirst into trouble (again), but I’m not… I’m running gun-first into it. When one of the robbers who’s really just a kid comes begging for my help, I definitely have no choice but to help him.
The kid is convinced his brother has been wrongly accused, and while Jackson My Love might be over there going, “You were hired to look into it, not to go undercover, sink a boat, and hunt down a gang,” I feel like he’s simply confused… because I’m gonna hunt down TWO gangs (and is that a car chase I see?).
Jackson
A simple “Whodunnit” turns into us being targeted by multiple bad guys as we run after them instead of away from them, dragging Cassel and Henry—and some others—along for the ride. I really can’t be the only one who sees the issue here, but… as I watch them race into danger, I’m starting to think I am.
Loving Leland comes easy, but keeping him safe doesn’t because there’s someone trailing Leland who might want to hurt him. The problem is that as Lucas strings us along and tales begin to become tangled, it’s hard to tell who is right and who is wrong.
Contains: Lifejackets used to protect all the wrong things (Leland: all the RIGHT things), the greatest tragedy of ALL TIME (involving The Fence)(even if Jackson doesn’t think so), and the kind of friends that make you realize you don’t need enemies.
Stopping a robbery was only the beginning—to fun, action-filled mayhem. Jackson’s afraid that I’m running headfirst into trouble (again), but I’m not… I’m running gun-first into it. When one of the robbers who’s really just a kid comes begging for my help, I definitely have no choice but to help him.
The kid is convinced his brother has been wrongly accused, and while Jackson My Love might be over there going, “You were hired to look into it, not to go undercover, sink a boat, and hunt down a gang,” I feel like he’s simply confused… because I’m gonna hunt down TWO gangs (and is that a car chase I see?).
Jackson
A simple “Whodunnit” turns into us being targeted by multiple bad guys as we run after them instead of away from them, dragging Cassel and Henry—and some others—along for the ride. I really can’t be the only one who sees the issue here, but… as I watch them race into danger, I’m starting to think I am.
Loving Leland comes easy, but keeping him safe doesn’t because there’s someone trailing Leland who might want to hurt him. The problem is that as Lucas strings us along and tales begin to become tangled, it’s hard to tell who is right and who is wrong.
Contains: Lifejackets used to protect all the wrong things (Leland: all the RIGHT things), the greatest tragedy of ALL TIME (involving The Fence)(even if Jackson doesn’t think so), and the kind of friends that make you realize you don’t need enemies.
326 pages, Paperback
Published November 20, 2023
206 people are currently reading
434 people want to read
About the author
Alice Winters
63 books2,676 followersAlice Winters started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to turn her ideas into written words. She loves writing a variety of things from romance and comedy to action. She also enjoys reading, horseback riding, and spending time with her pets.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
September 20, 2024
✅ Characters
✅ Hilarious conversations
✅ Romance
✅ Pace
✅ Action
✅(🆗) Plot
A Leeland book is sure to make me smile, and this one was perfect to fight off the November grayness. This fifth book was not as over the top as the previous books, but it was still hilarious and full of ridiculous moments that I adored.
In this fifth installment of The Hitman series, Leeland and Jackson are investigating the murder of 5 gang members, because the younger brother of the murderer is adamant that there is no way his brother could have killed 5 people, and he must have been framed. The more Leeland and Jackson investigate, the more weird things get, and the more people seem to be involved in this weird situation that is clearly more than just a young man losing his shit for no apparent reason and killing 5 people.
I enjoyed this book, but I struggled a little bit with the plot. It started well, but then there was a twist, and another one, and another one, and by the end, I was just confused about who did what until Leeland explained it all. I don’t like it when the plot twists are too obvious and we see them coming, but in this book, it was just too much double-crossing and twists for me to truly follow and enjoy. I understood everything in the end, and it made sense, but for a while, I was just reading for Leeland’s antics and not really for the plot because the suspects and theories kept changing.
Leeland remains a sassy, ridiculous, and so over-the-top character, but he’s also grown so much since the first book. He now has a family that he loves, and he’s come to terms with his past and his feelings. It was nice to see him grow so much while remaining as silly, intense, and entertaining as in the first book. Cassel is also present in this book, and we see a freer side of him. He is not just suffering in silence while Leeland tortures him, he teases back and he enjoys being silly with Leeland… Most of the time…
The rest of the crew was there too, and I was happy to see Tavish. His rivalry with Leeland is so funny. I have to say though that I am not sure about Micah’s involvement with the gang… It seems as though he might become a part of the crew, but we don’t know much about him, and honestly I don’t care about him so I’m not sure how I feel about that…
The focus was on the plot and not on the romance, as Leeland and Jackson’s couple is solid and well-established, but there were still a few spicy and cute moments between them. While I really like the sexual tension that usually comes with budding romances in books, it’s also nice to read books with strong and steady couples who know each other, trust each other and can be true and vulnerable with each other. It’s just so sweet to see how they would do anything to make the other happy, even if it’s stupid and crazy.
Overall, while it was not my favorite book of this series, it was still sweet and hilarious, and I recommend it if you enjoyed the previous books, you will not be disappointed.
1. The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
2. The Hitman’s Guide to Staying Alive Despite Past Mistakes ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
3. The Hitman’s Guide to Tying the Knot Without Getting Shot ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. The Former Assassin's Guide to Snagging a Reluctant Boyfriend ⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. The Hitman’s Guide to Righting Wrongs and Causing Mayhem ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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✅ Hilarious conversations
✅ Romance
✅ Pace
✅ Action
✅(🆗) Plot
Henry slams the door shut, closing me inside with the group of them. “Salsa Von Sauce is prepared to tango. Would you like to kowtow to me now or would you prefer Velveeta and Sriracha to help?” I ask as I flash them my two guns.
“I’m pretty sure this guy is fucking nuts,” Pia says.
A Leeland book is sure to make me smile, and this one was perfect to fight off the November grayness. This fifth book was not as over the top as the previous books, but it was still hilarious and full of ridiculous moments that I adored.
In this fifth installment of The Hitman series, Leeland and Jackson are investigating the murder of 5 gang members, because the younger brother of the murderer is adamant that there is no way his brother could have killed 5 people, and he must have been framed. The more Leeland and Jackson investigate, the more weird things get, and the more people seem to be involved in this weird situation that is clearly more than just a young man losing his shit for no apparent reason and killing 5 people.
I enjoyed this book, but I struggled a little bit with the plot. It started well, but then there was a twist, and another one, and another one, and by the end, I was just confused about who did what until Leeland explained it all. I don’t like it when the plot twists are too obvious and we see them coming, but in this book, it was just too much double-crossing and twists for me to truly follow and enjoy. I understood everything in the end, and it made sense, but for a while, I was just reading for Leeland’s antics and not really for the plot because the suspects and theories kept changing.
“Jackson, Waylon’s coming home with us,” I announce.
“Grudgingly,” Waylon says. “I really feel like I’d be safer home alone… safer anywhere but with Leland.”
“That’s how everyone feels around Leland,” Cassel explains. “You’d think that feeling would go away the longer you know him, but it doesn’t.”
“There’s only one way to get it to go away,” Jeremy says.
“Kill him?” Cassel asks.
“I was thinking severing your friendship with him, but I’m interested in your theory,” Jeremy says.
Leeland remains a sassy, ridiculous, and so over-the-top character, but he’s also grown so much since the first book. He now has a family that he loves, and he’s come to terms with his past and his feelings. It was nice to see him grow so much while remaining as silly, intense, and entertaining as in the first book. Cassel is also present in this book, and we see a freer side of him. He is not just suffering in silence while Leeland tortures him, he teases back and he enjoys being silly with Leeland… Most of the time…
“Were you… were you hiding from us?” Jackson asks in disbelief.
“Not ‘us,’” Henry grumbles.
That makes Cassel bust out laughing. He’s laughing so hard that it takes him a moment to pull out a sassy, “Ha ha ha! He was hiding from you, Leland! How’s it feel to know that a sophisticated man like Henry chose to hide under his desk to avoid seeing you?”
“Hey, Leland,” Cassel says a moment before Leland smacks him with Rhonda. Cassel stumbles back in surprise more than anything as I yank the bag over his head and Leland starts the duct tape.
“Jeremy, I think I’m being abducted, but I’m not sure,” Cassel shouts. Jeremy glances over at us from where he’s leaning against the counter, not too concerned about what’s happening.
The rest of the crew was there too, and I was happy to see Tavish. His rivalry with Leeland is so funny. I have to say though that I am not sure about Micah’s involvement with the gang… It seems as though he might become a part of the crew, but we don’t know much about him, and honestly I don’t care about him so I’m not sure how I feel about that…
“How much will you pay me if I break into their security system and record Jackson’s dancing?”
I freeze. My heart is beating out of my chest in anticipation. It’s hard to breathe, I’m so excited. My head whips around to face Cassel.
“NO!” Jackson demands.
“All of it,” I whisper. “ALL.”
“Got it,” he says as he gives me a warm smile and a thumbs-up.
The focus was on the plot and not on the romance, as Leeland and Jackson’s couple is solid and well-established, but there were still a few spicy and cute moments between them. While I really like the sexual tension that usually comes with budding romances in books, it’s also nice to read books with strong and steady couples who know each other, trust each other and can be true and vulnerable with each other. It’s just so sweet to see how they would do anything to make the other happy, even if it’s stupid and crazy.
Overall, while it was not my favorite book of this series, it was still sweet and hilarious, and I recommend it if you enjoyed the previous books, you will not be disappointed.
“I think we’re sinking,” Cassel announces.
“That’s a defeatist attitude,” I decide.
“Hey, Siri, play ‘My Heart Will Go On,’” Cassel says.
1. The Hitman’s Guide to Making Friends and Finding Love ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
2. The Hitman’s Guide to Staying Alive Despite Past Mistakes ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
3. The Hitman’s Guide to Tying the Knot Without Getting Shot ⭐⭐⭐⭐
4. The Former Assassin's Guide to Snagging a Reluctant Boyfriend ⭐⭐⭐⭐
5. The Hitman’s Guide to Righting Wrongs and Causing Mayhem ⭐⭐⭐⭐
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October 1, 2024
BR with Pauline my 🍃#ReadingKindredSpirit💫✨
Girl, you chose a perfect book for us to read, I had so much fun🫶
🎧 I am very happy I got the audiobook this time, if only for the Celine Dion song ‘Leland&Cassel version’ 😂👏 I wanted to be in Micah’s shoes!
Cassel and Leland’s relationship is my favorite, their texts (and adding Henry to them😂) are freaking hilarious. Cassel dancing on stripper-pole-Jackson, Cassel being a badass cutie, Cassel defending his Jerebear. I also need a novella about the time Cassel showed Jeremy the video of himself being a BAMF, please and thank you. HELLS YES, Cassel is my favorite character!
Any and all scenes that took place in the car are my second favorite. The silent conversations and how Leland interprets them are Pauline’s favorite and I have to agree, they are damn funny! Leland being a BAMF, Leland crying over someone stroking his guns, supportive Jackson, Jackson’s dying words at the paintball match 😂, and honestly Jackson starts the #BestBanters. No to Kinky Sexy times 🤮 Yes to weird flirting 🙌
As much as I hate Lucas and want him to die horribly, I have to say I absolutely love the weirdos he chose as proteges. I’m looking forward to Tavish’s book and hoping for a Micah one!!!
PS. I. HATE. THAT FUCKING. FENCE.
Ms Winters, sometimes you have to let many jokes die!
Girl, you chose a perfect book for us to read, I had so much fun🫶
🎧 I am very happy I got the audiobook this time, if only for the Celine Dion song ‘Leland&Cassel version’ 😂👏 I wanted to be in Micah’s shoes!
Cassel and Leland’s relationship is my favorite, their texts (and adding Henry to them😂) are freaking hilarious. Cassel dancing on stripper-pole-Jackson, Cassel being a badass cutie, Cassel defending his Jerebear. I also need a novella about the time Cassel showed Jeremy the video of himself being a BAMF, please and thank you. HELLS YES, Cassel is my favorite character!
Any and all scenes that took place in the car are my second favorite. The silent conversations and how Leland interprets them are Pauline’s favorite and I have to agree, they are damn funny! Leland being a BAMF, Leland crying over someone stroking his guns, supportive Jackson, Jackson’s dying words at the paintball match 😂, and honestly Jackson starts the #BestBanters. No to Kinky Sexy times 🤮 Yes to weird flirting 🙌
As much as I hate Lucas and want him to die horribly, I have to say I absolutely love the weirdos he chose as proteges. I’m looking forward to Tavish’s book and hoping for a Micah one!!!
PS. I. HATE. THAT FUCKING. FENCE.
Ms Winters, sometimes you have to let many jokes die!
September 27, 2024
What started with a stupid fence, ended with a stupid fence.. 💖
I don't really have words to explain this series. I loved these stupid boys, the stupid interactions, and their stupid sex dungeon with the stupid blowup dolls, and stupid family games, and the stupid repeating ongoing jokes, and Leland being stupid, and the whole big found family being a bunch of perfectly functioning stupid dysfunctional idiots. OOOOOOOOOOOFT.
And I loved every minute of it and every silly goose shenanigan 🥹🥹🥹
Leland and Cassel in the boat scene singing Celine Dion will be a core book memory of mine forever.
I can't believe another series is finally finished for me..... (I'm a compulsive non-finisher of series hahah)
Bless you Alice Winters. Sayonara Leland and co. 💖
January 9, 2024
4 solid stars.
The codenames, the action, the gun shrine, the boat scenes, the singing, the harnessing, THE FENCE! Leland is absurd as always, Jackson a mountain of support, Cassel a cute little button with his ride-or-die Jeremy, Henry/Hunry a perfect good friend and Tavish is… there.
I had so much fun with the story, although the mystery was lackluster. The characters and their shenanigans always glues me to the books, and that’s what matters.
The codenames, the action, the gun shrine, the boat scenes, the singing, the harnessing, THE FENCE! Leland is absurd as always, Jackson a mountain of support, Cassel a cute little button with his ride-or-die Jeremy, Henry/Hunry a perfect good friend and Tavish is… there.
I had so much fun with the story, although the mystery was lackluster. The characters and their shenanigans always glues me to the books, and that’s what matters.
February 9, 2024
“I’ll get the shovel.”
“And I’ll grab the body,” he says, which is extremely romantic.
I can't say this enough but Michael Ferraiuolo is SO. DAMN. GOOD! Especially with scenes with multiple characters. Every time there're 4 to 6 of the characters conversing in one scene, I ended up relistening to them just to bask on such amazing work. Ugh. Chef's kiss. Leland's sassiness was the best as always but all the character's voices come second, I swear. I can never imagine anything else. ❤️
There was so much action as usual but Leland has finally set his grenade launcher free so just for that one tidbit, this tops the whole series. LOL (sorry, spoiler!) Also, the boat scene had me rolling! Why was it that Leland with Cassel in tow became so much worse and chaotic?! Also, the poor fence! 🤣 I can't list how many precious scenes there were for this book. I could do with relistening to those parts just for the amusement. Great and hilarious work, Alice Winters!
I was also very happy when Tavish reappeared albeit with minimal scenes. He was part of the finale though, so I'll take that. The group of hitmen and their men were so fun to listen to but it got real serious at the latter part and got me nervous. Also, I got teary when Leland's past caught up with him. The regret, hurt, and sadness. Good thing Jackson was there to ground him and it was all mushy, sweet, and tender. sigh ❤️
“I’m okay, honestly. And you know why? Because I have you. Because you’re the absolute biggest support I could ever ask for. You make everything better. You make me feel human.”
Anyway, this was a great installment and I'm sad it's the last one... for now? Will there be a sixth book? Will there be an end to Lucas' manipulation? I guess we'll see. But for now, I will be reading Cassel and Jerebear's story because I missed that one. Yes!
April 13, 2024
In this one, which may be the last...but I hope not...Leland faces a world of robbery and danger. He stops a robbery and that was just the start. Now he finds himself running into chaos and mayhem. Jackson, his partner, is concerned, but Leland charges forward anyway, gun ready for action. Then to his amazement, the young robber begs for his help...and of course Leland can’t refuse. The boy believes his brother has been wrongly accused, and Leland is determined to uncover the truth even if he will have to take on not one, but two gangs. These two always chase the danger instead of fleeing from it, and soon Leland’s safety becomes a real concern. Lucas, the mysterious figure trailing Leland, adds to the complexity of the story. Who is right, and who is wrong? Amidst lifejackets, tragedy, and unexpected friendships, Leland’s journey continues to unfold. I have always liked and admired Michael Ferraluolo's voice and renditions he adds to a story, but he 100% outdid himself on this one....and that’s really saying something! The singing alone was worth the 5 stars! The rap? The stripper scene? Truly a thing "to write home to mother about" as my grandmother used to say:) Alice Winters has hit the jackpot with this story in Leland and Jackson’s romance and their hilarious and heartfelt over the top adventures. I hope it's not finished but Leland and Jackson are truly a couple I’ll never forget.
September 29, 2024
*sigh* that was SO. MUCH. FUN!
Unhinged, funny, ridiculous, OTT but also heartfelt FUN!
This was such a great conclusion to this crazy, wonderful series with the amazing old gang plus a few new(ish) faces.
My fav parts in no particular order:
Daddy Henry’s and Leland’s silent conversations
Their adventure day
The shooting of the fence (fucking finally)
Cassel and everything he does (Reem and I agree on that one!!)
The sinking ship and singing Celine (I CRIED LAUGHING, thank you for sending me the audio ♥️♥️)
Seymour Shhlong, Freddy Fallus and Derrick Derrière
Leland being a badass motherfucker as usual and also finding peace
What I didn’t care about: the case 😅 it was confusing and a little too unrealistic. But who really is here for the plot anyway right? lol
But you wanna know what made this a 5 star reading experience for me? MY BABY ANGEL REEM WITH WHOM I BUDDY READ THIS 🥹♥️🥰😍😘 You’re da best, love you, thanks for reading this with me, it made the whole experience so much more fun and all around LOVELY 🥰
Unhinged, funny, ridiculous, OTT but also heartfelt FUN!
This was such a great conclusion to this crazy, wonderful series with the amazing old gang plus a few new(ish) faces.
My fav parts in no particular order:
Daddy Henry’s and Leland’s silent conversations
Their adventure day
The shooting of the fence (fucking finally)
Cassel and everything he does (Reem and I agree on that one!!)
The sinking ship and singing Celine (I CRIED LAUGHING, thank you for sending me the audio ♥️♥️)
Seymour Shhlong, Freddy Fallus and Derrick Derrière
Leland being a badass motherfucker as usual and also finding peace
What I didn’t care about: the case 😅 it was confusing and a little too unrealistic. But who really is here for the plot anyway right? lol
But you wanna know what made this a 5 star reading experience for me? MY BABY ANGEL REEM WITH WHOM I BUDDY READ THIS 🥹♥️🥰😍😘 You’re da best, love you, thanks for reading this with me, it made the whole experience so much more fun and all around LOVELY 🥰
February 7, 2024
There have been times when this series and the relentlessness of Leland have tried me, but I very much enjoyed this installment. I adore when Leland has his emotional moments and I feel like he has grown in that aspect - though he'll rarely admit it.
The whole gang is back (even Tavish, and I love to see him get under Leland's skin) and Leland even has another younging to corrupt as they try to help him find out what actually happened to land his brother in prison for murdering a roomful of people.
I felt like the relentless ridiculousness was toned down just a bit in this book and we were able to have some more real moments if that makes sense. Leland has realized that his found family is important and it's harder to keep his pesky emotions in check at all times. Of course, the storyline is still wacky and over the top, but it was a fun ride.
The whole gang is back (even Tavish, and I love to see him get under Leland's skin) and Leland even has another younging to corrupt as they try to help him find out what actually happened to land his brother in prison for murdering a roomful of people.
I felt like the relentless ridiculousness was toned down just a bit in this book and we were able to have some more real moments if that makes sense. Leland has realized that his found family is important and it's harder to keep his pesky emotions in check at all times. Of course, the storyline is still wacky and over the top, but it was a fun ride.
July 30, 2024
Still love it. Cassel shooting the fence 🤣
Listening to the singing/rapping parts makes it funnier
A Leland book is an automatic read for me, and I absolutely loved this.
Over the course of the series, Leland has grown as a character. He's become more than just a hitman with a heart. He loves his found family and really takes steps to not only protect them here but show them how much he loves them.
Leland and Jackson's relationship is solid with both being able to be vulnerable with each other. They are still fire together (that scene at the end 🔥).
I really like where the series is going and would absolutely read another 10 Leland books
Listening to the singing/rapping parts makes it funnier
A Leland book is an automatic read for me, and I absolutely loved this.
Over the course of the series, Leland has grown as a character. He's become more than just a hitman with a heart. He loves his found family and really takes steps to not only protect them here but show them how much he loves them.
Leland and Jackson's relationship is solid with both being able to be vulnerable with each other. They are still fire together (that scene at the end 🔥).
I really like where the series is going and would absolutely read another 10 Leland books
January 3, 2024
More please!
I don't think I'll ever get bored reading about Leland and his utterly bonkers life.
Together with his husband Jackson, and the crazy bunch of people they've gathered into their family, they just make me smile, even when what they're doing is so incredibly ridiculous and over-the-top that you have to just go with the flow.
Here we're given a number of different scenarios but, I must admit, never in a million years would I have guessed some of the narrative threads we're taken down.
With their usual sarcastic quips, an unfathomable amount of guns, and bad guys and gals coming out of the woodwork, this book rattles along at an incredible clip until all points lead to an epic collision on a yacht out at sea, with more guns and sinking speedboats on the way.
Honestly, my face hurt from how much I was smiling and chuckling while reading this instalment, even as the body count piled up.
Not sure what that says about me, but I know it means Alice Winters can tell a ripping good yarn.
I don't think I'll ever get bored reading about Leland and his utterly bonkers life.
Together with his husband Jackson, and the crazy bunch of people they've gathered into their family, they just make me smile, even when what they're doing is so incredibly ridiculous and over-the-top that you have to just go with the flow.
Here we're given a number of different scenarios but, I must admit, never in a million years would I have guessed some of the narrative threads we're taken down.
With their usual sarcastic quips, an unfathomable amount of guns, and bad guys and gals coming out of the woodwork, this book rattles along at an incredible clip until all points lead to an epic collision on a yacht out at sea, with more guns and sinking speedboats on the way.
Honestly, my face hurt from how much I was smiling and chuckling while reading this instalment, even as the body count piled up.
Not sure what that says about me, but I know it means Alice Winters can tell a ripping good yarn.
February 19, 2024
I had tears streaming down my face from laughing so hard and had to stop looking at the book in order to calm down so I could breathe normally. Did the plot make sense at all? ...not really, no-- in fact, I ended up skimming the info dump explanations because ...seriously? but the humor was on point.
5 stars for the enjoyment factor and the vibes.
5 stars for the enjoyment factor and the vibes.
December 4, 2023
Funny as usual. Exciting as usual. Cute and deep at times as usual. All the good things I've come to expect from an Alice book.
June 8, 2025
It's amazing how this group of random people, this found family, finds itself in the most absurd of situations. Dangerous or ridiculous, there's really a bit of everything! And I would never bully Leland like everyone does; I would be happy to be involved in all the wild shenanigans he concocts, and others he finds himself involved without it being 100% his fault.
I just love Leland so much and I see the size of his enormous heart behind the joker's facade. He is so giving, and if he makes fun of you and puts you in embarrassing situations, then that means you are very dear to him. And who wouldn't be happy about that?? I certainly would be ecstatic to be part of his family, a family that grows everyday!
I just love Leland so much and I see the size of his enormous heart behind the joker's facade. He is so giving, and if he makes fun of you and puts you in embarrassing situations, then that means you are very dear to him. And who wouldn't be happy about that?? I certainly would be ecstatic to be part of his family, a family that grows everyday!
December 14, 2023
December 2023
Kindle edition
I wasn't in the mood for this one when I started it. So initial stop and start feeling like it was another OTT addition to Leland playing with his guns and why the heck is Lucas still breathing? Trying to get all my current reads done before the end of the year. Thankfully, yesterday I was in the right mood and this one as ridiculous as it was made me smile and chuckle. Probably wasn't a good idea to desktop read at work. Thank you turtle neck jumper.
Cassel was badass, Micah I still haven't decided on and Tavish seemed like he was there to make friends. Lucas's mind games were annoying but the hi-jinks with Jackson playing paintball traitor, kidnapping and the fence getting shot were brilliant. The weird kink attempt at the end was strange, though I did like the family day out. That poor kid. Let's hope he doesn't ask for a sister. Over the top as usual but fun.
Kindle edition
I wasn't in the mood for this one when I started it. So initial stop and start feeling like it was another OTT addition to Leland playing with his guns and why the heck is Lucas still breathing? Trying to get all my current reads done before the end of the year. Thankfully, yesterday I was in the right mood and this one as ridiculous as it was made me smile and chuckle. Probably wasn't a good idea to desktop read at work. Thank you turtle neck jumper.
Cassel was badass, Micah I still haven't decided on and Tavish seemed like he was there to make friends. Lucas's mind games were annoying but the hi-jinks with Jackson playing paintball traitor, kidnapping and the fence getting shot were brilliant. The weird kink attempt at the end was strange, though I did like the family day out. That poor kid. Let's hope he doesn't ask for a sister. Over the top as usual but fun.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2023
4.5 Stars
Fuck I just adore these characters so much. I adore the humour, and the plot was good. I can’t wait to see Leland kill Lucas. Please?!
I really do not want Leland and Jackson to take in stay kids and teens so that put a damper on my enjoyment towards the end, feeling like a wedge in the romance for me, but still a fantastic book with lots of laughs.
Fuck I just adore these characters so much. I adore the humour, and the plot was good. I can’t wait to see Leland kill Lucas. Please?!
I really do not want Leland and Jackson to take in stay kids and teens so that put a damper on my enjoyment towards the end, feeling like a wedge in the romance for me, but still a fantastic book with lots of laughs.
December 29, 2023
Like I wasbgoing to leave this one in my queue unread. I enjoy this world. The hijinks. When things get serious. Bad people stop breathing. Good times!
June 20, 2025
The Hitman's Guide to Codenames and Ill-Gotten Gains by Alice Winters
💙 "Reformed" Hitman turned PI x PI
💙 Already Established Couple
💙 Age Gap (12 years)
💙 Hilarious Shenanigans
💙 Found Family
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Humour: 🤭🤭🤭🤭
Intimacy: 🫂🫂🫂🫂
Angst: 🥺🥺
First person dual pov 👀
CW: violence, gun violence, blood, threat, injury, torture, murder, robbery, kidnapping, parental neglect, mentions of child abuse, child grooming and child abduction, manipulation, prostitution, chemical warfare, drugging, crude language, a dead bird.
💙 "Reformed" Hitman turned PI x PI
💙 Already Established Couple
💙 Age Gap (12 years)
💙 Hilarious Shenanigans
💙 Found Family
Overall: ⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Spice: 🌶️🌶️🌶️
Humour: 🤭🤭🤭🤭
Intimacy: 🫂🫂🫂🫂
Angst: 🥺🥺
First person dual pov 👀
CW: violence, gun violence, blood, threat, injury, torture, murder, robbery, kidnapping, parental neglect, mentions of child abuse, child grooming and child abduction, manipulation, prostitution, chemical warfare, drugging, crude language, a dead bird.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 20, 2023
I absolutely adored this book. Leland, Jackson and the whole gang are back for non stop action and laughs, mayhem and drama galore. Leland has grown so much in love for his found family, but of course he hides that behind a mask. I love how Jackson just goes with the flow when it comes to Leland. Once again they find themselves on a chaotic adventure. And what an adventure it is. Overall, a fantastic read that kept me engaged and flipping the pages and laughing so hard, I had tears rolling!
April 12, 2024
I am madly in love with this unhinged, utterly dysfunctional, yet entirely loveable found family that never fails to make me laugh so hard my face hurts!
Leland and Jackson continue to be madly in love while Leland drags Jackson and their friends along on his ridiculously funny schemes that they all pretend to hate but secretly somehow love. Mostly. It's fantastic to see Leland leaning on Jackson when he starts to get in his own head, and I love them both so much.
I also love how mad Leland gets over how cute Cassel is while obviously loving him in his own way that includes kidnapping Cassel and Jeremy for a fun double date. With Henry of course, who seems to be more and more into Leland's crazy ideas though he'll never stop grumbling and pretending he's above it all. I also freaking love that Henry is included in all of Leland's text chains.
And the new guys! I really enjoy both Tavish and Micah and omfg, Leland and Jackson's
Cassel continues to be my baby darling fave (don't tell Leland though), I just adore him and his positivity and badassery.
The boat scene had me laughing so hard I nearly choked, it might be the funniest thing I've ever read and the narrator made it even better than I imagine it was in the physical book. Peak comedy!
Man, I'm so upset I have no more books in this series to read, I have a feeling these are books I'll come back to often as comfort reads. The audiobooks are so brilliant, I love when a narrator is so perfect for a book they make it even better than on paper.
Leland and Jackson continue to be madly in love while Leland drags Jackson and their friends along on his ridiculously funny schemes that they all pretend to hate but secretly somehow love. Mostly. It's fantastic to see Leland leaning on Jackson when he starts to get in his own head, and I love them both so much.
I also love how mad Leland gets over how cute Cassel is while obviously loving him in his own way that includes kidnapping Cassel and Jeremy for a fun double date. With Henry of course, who seems to be more and more into Leland's crazy ideas though he'll never stop grumbling and pretending he's above it all. I also freaking love that Henry is included in all of Leland's text chains.
And the new guys! I really enjoy both Tavish and Micah and omfg, Leland and Jackson's
Cassel continues to be my baby darling fave (don't tell Leland though), I just adore him and his positivity and badassery.
The boat scene had me laughing so hard I nearly choked, it might be the funniest thing I've ever read and the narrator made it even better than I imagine it was in the physical book. Peak comedy!
Man, I'm so upset I have no more books in this series to read, I have a feeling these are books I'll come back to often as comfort reads. The audiobooks are so brilliant, I love when a narrator is so perfect for a book they make it even better than on paper.
November 21, 2023
I absolutely loved this book, Leland, Jackson and the whole gang would never disappointed me, they are absolutely crazy, this is full of hilarious moments and of course the car chase and fighting the bad guys!!! Leland has become a better person, he has grown so much and the love he have for Jackson and his found family is the best that happened to him. I love how everyone just accept to be drag off in whatever Leland has plan, they just goes with the flow. We get to watch the whole gang work to resolve their case they are working, I love the chaos they found each time they get together. The Hitman’s Guide to code names and ill-gotten Gains was a fantastic read that would kept you engaged and laughing so hard!!! Highly recommended it!
February 2, 2024
Gosh I love this series! It’s so much fun!! The banter and silliness are wonderful!! And the bond between Leland and Jackson is perfect!!
January 16, 2024
Another fun Jackson and Leland adventure. There's twists and turns, lots of snark. It's light and fun (I know, weird saying that when it's about a "retired" hitman). I really like all the secondary characters and hope they all get their own books.
December 24, 2023
More Leland!
The gang is back and better than ever! This book was glorious! It had everything we all love about this found family: mayhem, mystery, crazy antics, action, adventure, and so much humor. We also get a lot more emotion in this book as Leland has to face some demons from his past and reconcile his past actions with the person he is today. Jackson is there for him through this with so many hysterical moments and some very sweet and tender ones as well. They are just made for each other. Leland is one of my favorite characters ever written, and watching him grow through this series, surrounded and loved by a group of unlikely friends, has just been such a joy to read. I really hope there is much more to come in this series, it's just wonderful!
The gang is back and better than ever! This book was glorious! It had everything we all love about this found family: mayhem, mystery, crazy antics, action, adventure, and so much humor. We also get a lot more emotion in this book as Leland has to face some demons from his past and reconcile his past actions with the person he is today. Jackson is there for him through this with so many hysterical moments and some very sweet and tender ones as well. They are just made for each other. Leland is one of my favorite characters ever written, and watching him grow through this series, surrounded and loved by a group of unlikely friends, has just been such a joy to read. I really hope there is much more to come in this series, it's just wonderful!
December 28, 2024
Audiobook Narrated by
Michael Ferraiuolo
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have to bring up the amazing narration.
Michael Ferraiuolo is not just a narrator. He's a voice actor and one of the best in the business.
I can do nothing but bow 👏🏻🙌🏻
Michael Ferraiuolo
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I have to bring up the amazing narration.
Michael Ferraiuolo is not just a narrator. He's a voice actor and one of the best in the business.
I can do nothing but bow 👏🏻🙌🏻
November 29, 2023
Are there any more stars to give? Because more are needed for my very favorite cover guy!! He is back for this outing after a few misstep covers with dweeb cover guy. I have to repeat my corny quip that this guy is my Fabio! 😘👍😍😋🔥
I have been reading a lot of MM these past weeks, but not reviewing until now, and I have seen a change in the quality of the genre. I see it mentioned in the reviews, a lot. Is it running out of steam? Are the established authors not putting out the consistent quality as in years past? I have read all the new releases by some of the ‘Big 10’ authors(as I think of them)these past weeks. And I am not going to review some of them because their newest books were DNF for me, one of them by page two and I had been waiting a long time to read it. A subject matter DNF. I was sad. This sounds like a cop out, but I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings and I feel loyal to these top writers whose books have gotten me through.
I approached this newest ‘Hitman’ with trepidation, which was so happily turned to delight! I think this book is even better than one or two of the previous. Maybe because of all the mentions of ‘The Fence’? Man, when The Fence got shot! Hope that’s a mild spoiler, but, Leland’s reaction was hilariously funny!
I loved seeing Jackson and all the crew! The author highlighted each of their personalities and strengths-and, weaknesses, in excellent scenes. I got caught up in the suspense and adventure of the plot which is often not my jam, I’m here for the romance, but Alice Winters makes it so palatable with the excellent writing and there is romance because Leland mentions every other page his love for Jackson, in such great and funny scenes.
I love this couple. I loved this book. And this won’t be one of those written at first flush or gush reviews and then later you think, ‘I was way OTT with this review’.
Not here, because I read it eight days ago! 😄
I have been reading a lot of MM these past weeks, but not reviewing until now, and I have seen a change in the quality of the genre. I see it mentioned in the reviews, a lot. Is it running out of steam? Are the established authors not putting out the consistent quality as in years past? I have read all the new releases by some of the ‘Big 10’ authors(as I think of them)these past weeks. And I am not going to review some of them because their newest books were DNF for me, one of them by page two and I had been waiting a long time to read it. A subject matter DNF. I was sad. This sounds like a cop out, but I don’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings and I feel loyal to these top writers whose books have gotten me through.
I approached this newest ‘Hitman’ with trepidation, which was so happily turned to delight! I think this book is even better than one or two of the previous. Maybe because of all the mentions of ‘The Fence’? Man, when The Fence got shot! Hope that’s a mild spoiler, but, Leland’s reaction was hilariously funny!
I loved seeing Jackson and all the crew! The author highlighted each of their personalities and strengths-and, weaknesses, in excellent scenes. I got caught up in the suspense and adventure of the plot which is often not my jam, I’m here for the romance, but Alice Winters makes it so palatable with the excellent writing and there is romance because Leland mentions every other page his love for Jackson, in such great and funny scenes.
I love this couple. I loved this book. And this won’t be one of those written at first flush or gush reviews and then later you think, ‘I was way OTT with this review’.
Not here, because I read it eight days ago! 😄
November 16, 2023
I am never disappointed in the stories Alice Winters continues to bring us and Leland is back with a delightful vengeance in the latest Hitman outing. Leland and Jackson are pulled into yet another twisting story while trying to help someone who really needs it. Even though it contained all of the laugh out loud moments I come to expect from the author's characters, it also had a fair amount of emotion in this book as Leland is at times forced to confront his feelings and actions from the past and somehow blend and accept them in his current life. We also get to see Leland accomplish something all of his fans have been waiting for during the entire series and with bigger and better weapons! The whole crew comes back together in this fantastically funny and entertaining romp in the Hitman world and I can’t wait for more down the road on their Journey Together and hope to have some spin-offs with other characters.
May 19, 2024
I hope this series never ends! I adore Leland, Jackson, Cassel, Jeremy, Henry...frankly the whole crew. This is absurd and wonderful all at the same time. Leland is so over the top he shouldn't be charming and yet he's the most charming out there. I loved his interactions with a certain teenage baby criminal. He tortures people in the most benign yet horrific ways possible. The more he loves you the more likely you are to be a target for his particular brand of obsessive attention.
This time the guys are stuck in the middle of essentially a gang war without clear motives as to why. There's way to many loose ends that are unexplained and things just can't be all that simple. Of course Leland throwing himself into the middle of things will quickly start to unravel those loose ends.
I will read this series any time and it will forever be in my favorites. Please just bring me more stories with all of these guys.
This time the guys are stuck in the middle of essentially a gang war without clear motives as to why. There's way to many loose ends that are unexplained and things just can't be all that simple. Of course Leland throwing himself into the middle of things will quickly start to unravel those loose ends.
I will read this series any time and it will forever be in my favorites. Please just bring me more stories with all of these guys.
November 13, 2023
Once again Leland, Jackson and their found family of friends find themselves involved in a chaotic case involving plenty of mayhem, action and drama. With numerous plot twists along the way that kept my head spinning I was surprised on many fronts. I also couldn’t stop laughing - the car chase song, Leland rapping, the Helium Sisters, ATV and boating adventures just to name a few. Leland and Jackson are masters at sass and witty banter which is a part of their love language, as are the sweet tender moments of simply being together. Both have so much love for each other and their found family even if Leland can occasionally take it to extremes!
I loved every moment of this latest instalment and hope we get to enjoy more adventures from this motley crew.
I loved every moment of this latest instalment and hope we get to enjoy more adventures from this motley crew.
September 16, 2024
The audio for this book. Dear god the audio. It was so good. I was laughing so hard in my car I missed my exit to go to work! I can never listen to Celine Dion my heart will go on again and not hear Leland and Cassel's horrible butchering of it. If you're on the fence, not THAT fence of course, go out and get this to listen to. It's guaranteed to be a mood booster to your day or drive!
November 18, 2023
Seriously, I could read about Leland and Jackson forever! This is another epic misadventure full of laughs, found family, and trouble that only Alice Winters could come up with.
PS. There should be a disclaimer on this one. I totally woke the baby while laughing about a boat!
PS. There should be a disclaimer on this one. I totally woke the baby while laughing about a boat!
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