So many red flags and the most toxic of relationships… in all the best ways! This book was delightfully odd! One of the most unique books I have ever read, and I am not quite sure how to categorize it; romance, thriller/suspense, mystery, and a lot of murder! I absolutely could not put it down. I can see this becoming an instant best seller and one of the top recommended books on social media. It was romantic, intriguing, and suspenseful, with enough turns to be enthralled the entire length of the book. I will probably read this book again when it comes out in print. The intense love between the two main characters will live rent free in my head for the foreseeable future!

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for providing a DRC of this title.

I can honestly say that I've never read another romance like this? The book is definitely more focused on plot than characterization (I never really felt like I knew either character very well), but, once you settle in to the writing style (short, staccato chapters; frequent changes in narration), it's a definite thrill-ride. I could see It Had to Be You being a love-it-or-hate-it book, but I was hooked until the final page. Would definitely recommend for a reader who loves Mr. and Mrs. Smith or a romantic thriller with morally-gray characters.

The book features Eva and Jonathan, deadly assassins facing threats on their lives, reminiscent of Mr & Mrs Smith. The alternating POVs and tense scenarios make for an engaging read. While not a typical thriller, it combines dark humor, action, and romance effectively.

The chemistry between Eva and Jonathan is palpable, and their banter adds a layer of depth to their characters. The action sequences are well-written and kept me on the edge of my seat, while the romantic moments provide a nice contrast to the violence. The unexpected twists and turns in the plot keep the reader guessing, and the resolution is satisfying. However, I found the lack of character development frustrating, as Eva and Jonathan remain somewhat one-dimensional throughout the story. Additionally, the repetitive nature of the plot kind of become tiresome for me, as the cat-and-mouse game between the assassins and their enemies drags on.

Despite these drawbacks, the book is a fun and entertaining read that will appeal to fans of dark humor and fast-paced thrillers. The unexpected spicy moments add an extra layer of excitement to the story, making it a recommended read for those looking for a mix of action, romance, and humor. Just be prepared for a bit of drawn-out angst towards the end.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher fore the arc!

I had absolutely no idea what I was in for when I began reading Brazier's book, but I LOVED every word. I've already been telling my librarian colleagues to request it, and I can't wait to tell my patrons about it. Bravo, Brazier!

Thoroughly entertaining read, fast-paced, and fun characters who threw in a bit of humor during darker scenes, which I appreciate. I want to be mad at the predictability of the ending, but it's the genre and I really can't fault it for that.

This was a fun book! I personally didn't feel as though this was a thriller, it felt more like a dark romantic comedy that was action packed. This is one of those story's where I could easily see it as an action film. Not just because it's very reminiscent of the Mr & Mrs Smith, but because some of the things that were happening were honestly so over the top that it made for great entertainment.

There was also quite a bit of spice which was unexpected but I'm glad that it fit in the story and never felt too out of place. This is definitely a book for people who like dark humor, characters that are emotionally tortured (even if by their own doing), and who love a good cat and mouse game. The only reason why this wasn't a 5 star read for me, was because I personally felt like some of the angst in our MMC Jonathan, was just a little too drawn out. It made the last few chapters of the book feel longer than it was because of his internal monologue and indecisiveness.

Very much a Mr. and Mrs. Smith vibe but with very little character development and a crazy far fetched story line. The inner monologue of Jonathan was over the top and it felt like Eva was always just down for whatever and chipper.

No matter what it was entertaining and very action packed which I enjoy. Not her best IMO but not a total plonker.

DNF at 30%. I tried to get into this one! Unfortunately, I just didn't gel with the main characters. I didn't find them super memorable or relatable. I did think the plot of the story was unique! Thank you to Berkley for the ARC.

It feels like a solid enough set up, and the writing is easy enough to follow. I stopped after chapter 2 (6%) but three to four stars for the target audience.

Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley for the ARC.

Thank you to NetGalley, Berkley and Eliza Jane Brazier for a digital ARC of It Had to Be You in exchange for an honest review.

I really enjoyed Good Rich People by Brazier and apparently completely missed Girls and Their Horses from last year (already added to my TBR!), so I was thrilled to be able to have an early read of It Had to Be You.

Jonathan & Eva are contract killers, each hired to take the other out, who end up falling for each other.

This kind of made me think of the movie Mr. Right - not EXACTLY the same, but definitely had some similar aspects.

Jonathan & Eva meet by chance the first time, where they immediately feel a strong spark and maybe have a little lusty hookup, but 6 months later, their meeting is anything but chance. With each hired to take the other out, how will their growing lust and attraction come into play?

But when they both realize they are in danger from something far worse than each other, they've got to figure out how to make it out of this whole ordeal with their hearts still beating.

This book was fast-paced and completely unputdownable. Each page was filled with another surprise and the spice level was OFF THE CHARTS! I LOVE spicy books and honestly didn't expect that from this author as the previous book that I read by her didn't have anything even close to resembling spice.

So far this is one of my favorite reads of this young 2024 year. 4.5-Stars rounded to 5-Stars and I will happily recommend it on my IG closer to release. Thank you for the opportunity to enjoy this stellar novel!

While I've seen several assassin(s) falling in love movies (Mr. and Mrs. Smith or the sublime Mr. Right) this was my first assassins falling in love book and WHAT a wild ride! Was this was an action thriller disguised as a romance, or a romance disguised as an action thriller? Whatever it was, it was FUN. I could not put this one down. I cared about both characters - damaged but not psychopaths, while the descriptions of various European locales made me feel like I was there and the angst was palpable. Highly recommend.

What I really loved about this is that Brazier shows their mastery and maintains that status by not overdramatising elements which keeps the tension and suspense without descending into melodramatics. Plus, it has got just the right balance of mystery, suspense and I liked characters as well.