A Mr and Mrs Smith-esque romance that had me fully captivated from start to finish! This was so fun and fast-paced, with a wonderful setting spanning across Europe.

Thank you to Berkley and PRH Audio for the copies to review.

Oh my goodness this was so much fun to read! The audio was fantastic and overall it was such a wonderful entertaining read! I loved the Mr. And Mrs. Smith concept here but it was done with a few twists I did not see coming and I really enjoyed it so much. I listened to this in one sitting as I could not stop, I was completely hooked on this story. I am a huge fan of Eliza Jan Brazier and this is my third read of hers, she is now an auto read author for me, her books are so good and so much fun!

✨ Review ✨ It Had to Be You by Eliza Jane Brazier; Narrated by January LaVoy, Will Damron

Thanks to Berkley, PRHAudio and #netgalley for the gifted advanced copy/ies of this book!

This book was everything I didn't know I needed. I've been in a bit of an audiobook slump the past few months and this book broke me out of that. The narration was terrific and I couldn't wait to keep listening to this! The narrators perfectly embrace the tension between the two main characters.

Eva and Jonathan meet on a train to Paris. As the first two on their crowded sleeper car, they have an instant connection...or something that makes them curious about each other. As the book goes on, turns out they're both contract killers, and we can see how this observational power and mystery draw them together.

The book gives big Mr. and Mrs. Smith energy as the two circle around each other -- looking for love or a kill? It made it such a fun read that combined thriller energy with the steam of a good romance. I loved this one!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5)
Genre: mystery/thriller + contemporary romance
Setting: Paris and France, but also other cities around Western Europe
Length: 9 hrs and 44 mins
Reminds me of: Mr. and and Mrs. Smith
Pub Date: July 2024

Read this if you like:
⭕️ contract killers in love
⭕️ travel around Western Europe
⭕️ sleeper trains
⭕️ a steamy thriller

Huge thank you to @berkleypub and @netgalley
for an advanced audio copy in exchange for an honest review

This gave major Mr. and Mrs. Smith vibes and I was here for it. A tour through Europe with contract killers assigned with murdering each other. There’s drama, murder, intrigue and love. This is such a fun one!

3.75/5 rounded up

Thank you Berkley for the advanced reading copy!

I went into this one with super high expectations and, overall, it just fell a tiny bit flat. This book has a super fun premise with major Mr. & Mrs. Smith vibes. Eva and Jonathan had great chemistry, and the spice level in this book was higher than I expected for sure. Having both characters' POV's made it extra fun and gave us helpful insight. Plus, this made for some really funny moments that had me giggling! Overall, the writing style just wasn't hitting for me, which is a huge surprise after I loved GIRLS AND THEIR HORSES. The timeline jumps felt both unnecessary and confusing, and some things felt way too detailed while others were lacking. The plot was great, and the ending included a bunch of really clever connections and surprises. I definitely enjoyed this book but wanted just a little bit more from it.

SYNOPSIS -- Eva and Jonathan think that their train hookup is the end for them. En route from Florence to Paris, they agree that what happens on the train, stays on the train, and it does. Until six months later, when Eva is hired to kill Jonathan and they reunite in the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles. What Eva doesn't know, however, is that Jonathan is also a contract killer and things are about to get very, very complicated. As these two travel through Western Europe, there's sure to be a mixed bag of tourism, murder, and maybe even love.

Due to health issues cannot write a proper review now even if I enjoyed this book. as it's well plotted, twisty and entertaining. I liked the good storytelling
A more extensive review will follow
Recommended.Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

TLDR: I always have a good time with Eliza Jane Brazier books. IF I DISAPPEAR, GIRLS AND THEIR HORSES, and GOOD RICH PEOPLE are all a lot of dark and twisty fun. Her latest is a lot lighter, a MR & MRS SMITH knock-off that is steamy and violent and overall a lot of fun. That being said, after reading this book

and Rob Hart’s ASSASSIN’S ANONYMOUS, I realized that I struggle a bit with novels set in the world of hitmen and assassins; it’s a lot of double-crossing and shooting, but after a while, it gets a little exhausting, and it feels like no one has successfully reinvented the genre in a new and exciting way. That being said, the romance here is fun, the cat-and-mouse antics are enjoyable, and the romance between the two leads here helps elevate it beyond a standard action thriller. There’s also an excellent third act twist about the book’s big bad boss that I really loved and actually wish the author would have leaned into a bit more.

After a meet-cute on a train, two contract killers follow each other through Europe. As their feelings grow, things get even more intense when they're each tasked with killing the other. The VOICE in this book is PERFECT. Both of our lead characters have a hint of evil, but you can't help but root for them. This is one of the QUICKEST thrillers l've ever read. I could not put this down and loved how it was the perfect blend of steam and intrigue. We all know I'm obsessed with rich people problems and the details surrounding their romp around Europe were PERFECT (I mean, the scene at the Hall of Mirrors at Versailles?)!

A truly twisted love story between two contract killers who are either perfect for each other or lethal to each other (or both). Eliza Jane Brazier’s It Had to Be You is a weird, quirky, surprisingly romantic thriller that you won’t want to miss.

No matter what kind of reading slump you are in, this will surely knock you out of it. It Had to Be You is so delightfully deranged! I can’t think of a better word for it. Every novel from Eliza Jane Brazier somehow tops the prior one in terms of how weird and dark the book is. This is no exception! It kind of reminded me of the movie Mr. and Mrs. Smith crossed with A Twisted Love Story by Samantha Downing. Unhinged and oh-so-fun!

The story alternates between Eva and Jonathan’s perspectives (though it favors Eva’s perspective). They meet on a sleeper train from Florence to Paris where they hook up right on the luggage rack. Their meeting is so fun that I almost forgot that the book was going to be about two contract killers, so I was pleasantly surprised when I was reminded of that twist in essentially the next chapter.

Sparks fly between these two deranged lovebirds, but it seems they will separate for good. They’ve both gotten in one another’s head, and they don’t know the other is a contract killer too. But the reader knows, and we have so much fun watching them figure it out. Six months later, they meet again in the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles when Eva has been sent to kill Jonathan. She’s a contract killer after all. She can’t turn down an assignment just because she hooked up with the target.

We are in on the secret, so for us this is a story about two people who will probably have to kill one another, but also seem as though they could be soulmates. Both Eva and Jonathan are unstable—partly because of their pasts and partly because of their line of work. They can’t easily have relationships, but we learn that suits them both. Eva had a fiancé who died (another contract killer so I think she can safely assume he was killed) and her only other close relationship is with her handler (who is at once her lifeline and support, and her boss). Jonathan has a brother, but otherwise he is alone.

Do these two kooky killers work it out? You’ll have to read to find out! Brazier doesn’t write this as a typical love story. These two aren’t blinded by attraction or feelings—they are very decidedly planning to kill one another and that is a lot of fun to watch. At a certain point, there becomes a bigger problem that the two are distracted by and that leads to a very temporary cease fire. Things pick back up from there.

Some good twists and turns along the way, and several that totally surprised me (which is always fun). The ending worked well. It will sound strange to say that this was actually not as dark as her last book, Good Rich People, given that this is about two killers. It honestly isn’t even as dark as If I Disappear. Stylistically the humor is more forward in this book, though there is always some irony in Brazier’s humor. But I think it works because these are consenting killers (which I’m laughing just typing that phrase; consent is important!). Weird, dark, funny, and quick-paced!

The audiobook for It Had to Be You is narrated by January Lavoy and Will Damron. Not only are they both fantastic narrators (January Lavoy is easily one of my favorite narrators in the business), but they are always great together. And of course, as I mentioned in my review of Listen for the Lie–they are married in real life! Is that not adorable?

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and Penguin Random House for my copy. Opinions are my own.

It Had To Be You is a surprisingly heartwarming story about two contract killers. Eva and Jonathan meet on a sleeper train to Paris. Eva just scattered the ashes of her ex, who was also a contract killer. Jonathan is shot and is going to Paris to see his brother Mas, who is a doctor. They hook up but then Jonathan passes out in the bathroom, and Eva thinks he ghosted her. Neither is aware they have the same career.

When Eva is hired to kill Jonathan, things take an interesting turn. Can she really kill someone she actually likes? Who, really, are they working for?

Even though they are both bad guys, it's easy to like Eva and Jonathan and want them to make it out alive. The story isn't necessarily original, but it's a fun read.

Thanks to Netgalley for the advance copy of this book.

This was so fun to read. I laughed out loud at times and totally loved the banter and chemistry between the two contract killers. I love a good train scene and this one starts off on the train and it's a wild ride. I was enjoying it so much that I looked up the author and to my surprise, I had just read Girls and Their Horses which I also enjoyed immensely! I'm definitely going to have to pick up Brazier's other books. The only part that didn't work for me was actually the ending - I felt it ended rather quickly and I didn't really need the epilogue. This is a perfect vacation read, it's fun, moves fast (especially with short chapters) and totally outrageous. It's also great on audio - highly recommend.

While I didn't love this one, it was still an enjoyable read. I mean what's not to love about two hired killers falling in love with each other.

Such a good read that I enjoyed! I'm so glad that I got the chance to read it early and will definitely be recommending it to multiple people who enjoy these types of novels. I enjoyed the characters and especially enjoyed the writing by this author. I'm excited to see what the author comes out with next as I'll definitely be reading it! Thank you to the publisher for my early copy of this book!

After reading Good Rich People a few years ago, I have been closely following Eliza Jane Brazier and reading everything she writes. So far, I have been surprised by her breadth of stories and always have fun reading her books.

It Had to Be You is a unique combination of thriller and romance about two strangers, who happen to be contract killers, that hook up on a sleeper train from Florence to Paris, never expecting to see one another again. Six months later, they run into each other in Versailles… but not by accident this time. Instead, Eva has been hired to kill Jonathan, not knowing that he, too, is an assassin.

It Had to Be You is everything I wanted Butcher and Blackbird to be – thrilling, murderous, and still, a love story. Through dual points of view, we follow Eva and Jonathan in their cat-and-mouse game across Europe. Unlike Butcher and Blackbird, It Had to Be You has a solid plot with actual stakes as well as a sexy romance that builds (and exists outside the bedroom). While this sounds like a stressful, high stakes story, in actuality, it is a fun, cross-continent jaunt complete with tourism, murder, and twists. If you are looking for a wild, unhinged novel to become lost in, look no further.

Brazier has an addictive writing style that grabs you and does not relent until the last sentence. At the time I picked up It Had to Be You, I was in a multi-month long reading slump that was cured by the novel immediately catching my attention. I find Brazier’s writing easy to read yet engaging. And I am always pleasantly surprised by twists that I do not see coming.

I really enjoyed the flawed, yet likable characters in It Had to Be You. You should not want to root for these two killers, but it is too difficult not to do so. Both the main and secondary characters are largely well-developed. Each of the protagonists have a full backstory to explain their off-kilter, damaged past, which made them into the assassins we observe in the book. And best of all, the chemistry between Eva and Jonathan sizzles from the page

Overall, It Had to Be You is an exciting, fun, and amorous book to find yourself lost in. If you had to skip a vacation this summer, I definitely recommend taking a spin around Europe with Eva and Jonathan. Those who don’t take themselves or their books too seriously will especially enjoy this novel.

This is a fun, smutty and sassy thriller! Both characters are unhinged and perfect for each other. It Had to be You will have you traipsing all over Europe and turning pages with Eliza Jane Brazier's signature suspenseful writing. This one definitely cemented her place as an auto-read author for me now!

An insta-love story featuring two assassins in a cat and mouse game. While they don't know each other at first, they soon find themselves as each other's targets and must decide if the tension they feel is really love or if they are committed to their jobs. Overall, it had potential but just seemed to fall flat at points.

What a ride! It Had To Be You is a dark and humorous romantic thriller that has too many plot twists to keep up with. Will the lovers end up together, or kill each other, or join forces against a common enemy? The author keeps you guessing until the very last second.

It Had to Be You, is a work of art.

An expertly crafted, thrilling, masterpiece.

I have been a fan of Eliza Jane Brazier from the minute I concluded her debut, If I Disappear. My love and admiration only grew with, Good Rich People and Girls and Their Horses. When I was chosen to read It Had to Be You, early, I was ecstatic!!!

(Yay, me!)

So after I swooned over the cover for a bit, I dove right in.

This book is what I would like to describe as a dramatic, thrilling, romantic fusion!
I couldn't stop thinking of Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in Mr. and Mrs Smith.
I was in love!

Written with precision, executed with perfection, It Had to Be You, needs to be read by all.

5 stars!

Teaser :

Two contract killers, each with a hit out on the other, must fight their growing attraction as they face off in an epic game of lust and murder across Western Europe.

When Eva and Jonathan hook up on the sleeper train from Florence to Paris, they think they’ll never see each other again. Which is too bad, because neither has ever felt a spark like this for another person. But love isn’t on the agenda in their line of work.

Six months later, they run into each other in the Hall of Mirrors in Versailles. This encounter is not by chance, because Eva has been hired to kill Jonathan. She’s a contract killer, but what she doesn’t know is that he is too.

Their meeting kicks off a high-stakes adventure across Western Europe. There will be tourism. There will be bodies. Eva and Jonathan might even fall for each other.

As the two get closer to completing their assignments, it becomes clear that they are also being hunted—by something even more dangerous than love. . . .

This was a super fun book! It had Mr. and Mrs. Smith vibes x Killing Eve vibes and I was here for it! Loved the cat and mouse game between a female assassin and contract killer. The problem is, the contract killer is who she is supposed to kill, and she ends up falling for him.

The book is told in dual POVs and had a romance element! I thought it was a great, fast-paced read.

Thanks, NetGalley and Berkley Pub, for the complementary book in exchange for my honest review!

Eva and Jonathan have a reckless one night stand on the overnight train to Paris. They both feel an immediate connection and a rare spark, but the reality is they will never see each other again, especially because neither one gave the other their real name or identity. Six months later they run into each other again, only not by chance. Eva is a contract killer who has been hired to kill Jonathan, what she doesn’t know is that he is also a contract killer and he has been hired to kill her as well. This leads them to a wild adventure around Europe where they really begin to fall for each other, but eventually one of them will have to complete their assignment.

I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. I am here for all of these recent romantic suspense stories featuring spies, private investigators, etc. In the case of it Had to Be You we have contract killers and the tension and drama that added make for a book I just could not put down. These are two characters that you really should not like, but I found myself rooting for them despite their flaws and messiness. The book was fast paced with short and easily digestible chapters. It was the perfect blend of romance and thriller and made for such a fun, quick read.

Thank you to Berkley Publishing and NetGalley for the advance copy.