Tag Archives: Mystery/Thriller

Nobody Does It Better (Masters and Mercenaries #15)

By Lexi Blake

Synopsis

A spy who specializes in seduction

Kayla Summers was an elite CIA double agent, working inside China’s deadly MSS. Now, she works for McKay-Taggart London, but the Agency isn’t quite done with her. Spy master Ezra Fain needs her help on a mission that would send her into Hollywood’s glamorous and dangerous party scene. Intrigued by the mission and the movie star hunk she will be shadowing, she eagerly agrees. When she finds herself in his bed, she realizes she’s not only risking her life, but her heart.

A leading man who doesn’t do romance

Joshua Hunt is a legend of the silver screen. As Hollywood’s highest paid actor, he’s the man everyone wants to be, or be with, but something is missing. After being betrayed more than once, the only romance Josh believes in anymore is on the pages of his scripts. He keeps his relationships transactional, and that’s how he likes it, until he meets his new bodyguard. She was supposed to keep him safe, and satisfied when necessary, but now he’s realizing he may never be able to get enough of her.

An ending neither could have expected

Protecting Joshua started off as a mission, until it suddenly felt like her calling. When the true reason the CIA wanted her for this assignment is revealed, Kayla will have to choose between serving her country or saving the love of her life.

Review

It’s hard to believe that this is the 15th book in this series. This being the last book of the main characters in the Masters and Mercenaries series does not disappoint. I have been a fan of Lexi Blake’s for a long time and she always manages to put in a little surprise that makes each book special.

Nobody Does It Better is Kayla’s and Josh’s story. I love the fact that Kayla is the bodyguard. She has an interesting background and ties to an old friend that we met in another series. She is definitely torn between duty and heart. This is one of the things that makes her so endearing. I also love the fact that Kayla is a little like Ian. She has the smart banter mixed with heart and a little bit of a tortured soul.

Josh is a man who has many scars. I don’t think he knows if he can be brave or trust his heart enough to love. But he has dangerous people after him so the best way to defend him would be to have someone who is always close to him, like a girlfriend who can kick ass.

This story had so many levels to it. From Kayla’s reasons for joining the CIA to Josh’s secret and reason for being blackmailed, this story had my emotions all over the place. Lexi manages to inject so much humour into their story lines that has you laughing one minute to crying the next. I also love past characters coming back to help lend their wisdom.

I love this series and am sad that this will be the last book for the main Masters and Mercenaries but there will be another spin off that sounds like we are in for a treat.

Nobody Does It Better

My Rating:

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Visit Author: Lexi Blake

Prisoner (Captives & Criminals #1)

By Skye Warren & Annika Martin

Synopsis

He seethes with raw power the first time I see him—pure menace and rippling muscles in shackles. He’s dangerous. He’s wild. He’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.

So I hide behind my prim glasses and my book like I always do, because I have secrets too. Then he shows up in the prison writing class I have to teach, and he blows me away with his honesty. He tells me secrets in his stories, and it’s getting harder to hide mine. I shiver when he gets too close, with only the cuffs and the bars and the guards holding him back. At night I can’t stop thinking about him in his cell.

But that’s the thing about an animal in a cage—you never know when he’ll bite. He might use you to escape. He might even pull you into a forest and hold a hand over your mouth so you can’t call for the cops. He might make you come so hard, you can’t think.

And you might crave him more than your next breath. Prisoner

Review

Upon finishing Hostage (Book 2 of Criminals & Captives) I immediately went and downloaded Prisoner. Grayson and Abigail intrigued me from Hostage so I was dying to know their story.

I admit I did not like Stone at all in Prisoner until the very end when he redeemed himself. The moment Stone realizes Grayson’s need for Abigail I was so relieved. Stone was a brilliant character in Hostage though so he is forgiven.

Grayson and Abigail both have such devastating stories and you can easily see how they connect with each other. Abigail is a strong and resilient character however Grayson breaks her down at times to allow herself to heal and feel included.

Abigail gives Grayson love and light in his life and my how he deserves it. The scenes around the guys again have made me want more stories on all these boys.

Emotional and sexual connections between Grayson and Abigail are balanced and well timed within the flow of the story.

The ending of Prisoner will have your immediately picking up Hostage to learn more back stories and also to go forward for their redemption and rescue.

At times both Grayson and Abigail brought tears to my eyes, my how this story has affected my heart.

Prisoner (Criminals & Captives #1)

My Rating:

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Visit Author: Skye Warren and Annika Martin

The Elder

By Celia Aaron

Synopsis

A shocking murder.
A suspicious son.
A dedicated detective.
In Azalea, Mississippi, the only thing hotter than the summer days are the men of the King family. When the patriarch Randall King is found dead, Detective Arabella Matthews will race the clock to stop the killer from striking again. Benton, the eldest of the King siblings, has to decide if he wants to cooperate with the feisty detective or conduct his own investigation. The more he finds out about his father—and the closer he gets to Arabella—the more he wants to keep her safe. But the killer has different plans . . .

–> This is a full-length mystery with a slow-burn romance. xx

Review

Firstly, the cover of The Elder I really love.

The Elder is a slow and steady build-up to a fast-paced conclusion. This whole story takes place over a few days. With this in mind, the first 70% of this story is all about the mystery of who killed The Elder “King” and other members of the town.

I struggled with the pace of the chemistry between Arabella and Benton. There were moments that I hoped we would see a turn but Arabella was so closed off.

Porter, Benton’s brother was actually one of my favourite characters in this whole story. He provided humour and helped connect the two main characters. HIs whole team was great including a stand out being “Santa”.

Interesting that I did not pick all the main players in this mystery until the last few chapters.

When Benton and Arabella finally unite it was wonderful and so I am left disappointed in a way as they are a great couple.

The Elder is definitely more of a mystery/suspense with only a light sprinkle of romance.

The Elder

My Rating:

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A Shameless Little Con (Shameless #1)

By Meli Raine

Synopsis

I didn’t do it.

I never betrayed my friend.

Last year, I was kidnapped along with presidential candidate’s daughter Lindsay Bosworth, forced to help her assailants, my mother implicated in one of the biggest political scandals in American history.

I’ve been cleared of any wrongdoing, but that doesn’t matter. Once you’re tried by the media, you’re guilty as sin. The truth doesn’t get the public’s attention.

But shame? Shame sells.

And everyone assumes you’re tainted.

Now I have my own personal security team, courtesy of the United States government. Not the one you learned about in civics class, though.

I’m being tracked by the deep state. The shadow government. They’ve assigned Silas Gentian to be with me twenty-four seven. He thinks he knows everything about me – all of it bad — and he does.

On paper.

Like everyone else, he assumes I’m a traitor. A backstabber. A betrayer. Someone who helped a group of violent psychopaths, puppets of powerful men in Washington who made me into a tool.

Yet I see how he looks at me. True desire can’t be faked.

Or hidden.

And that goes both ways.

He assumes I’m trying to fool him.

And he might be right.

But not for the reasons he thinks.

A Shameless Little Con is the first book in the Shameless trilogy by USA Today bestselling author Meli Raine.

Review

A Shameless Little Con picks up months after The Harmless Series ends.

Having read and loved The Harmless series, I still had lingering questions and thoughts floating from that completion. I was not ready to leave Lindsay and Drew so am very happy they play pivotal roles in Jane’s personal story.

Jane was one character that left me with many questions hanging over her and also personally Monica Bosworth the Senators Wife and Lindsay’s mother. Monica is as vicious as ever in this first installment of this trilogy.

So many secrets and such mystery surround Jane and her mother and their connection to the political arena. Upon the first few chapters, I was on Jane’s side wanting to support her. This story spans just a few days as so much is happening with threats against Jane and also other members of the Bosworth group.

A Shameless Little Con finishes at a particular moment that will totally change the course of Jane’s story going forward. Silas’s personal story with Kelly is heartbreaking and I hope my wishes come true for a future with Jane as there is a slow burn of attraction building.

Senator Bosworth does not make much of an impact in this installment as he is busy running for President. I remain with many unanswered questions about Senator Nolan Corning and those three boys. I have suspicions about his motives now considering the ending of this installment.

It is such a riveting read with drama, secrets, and emotions. I felt such exhaustion for Jane to be continually alert to threats from inside and outside of the Bosworth arena.

This book briefly at the start rehashes major parts of the Harmless Trilogy. To really get into the political backstory and drama I highly recommend reading The Harmless Trilogy first.

A Shameless Little Con (Shameless #1)

My Rating:

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Hostage (Criminals & Captives #2)

By Skye Warren & Annika Martin

Synopsis

I NEVER KNEW WHEN HE’D COME TO ME. ONLY THAT HE WOULD.

I’d never even kissed a boy the night I met Stone. The night I saw him kill. The night he spared my life. That was only the beginning.

He turns up in my car again and again, dangerous and full of raw power. “Drive,” he tells me, and I have no choice. He’s a criminal with burning green eyes, invading my life and my dreams.

The police say he’s dangerously obsessed with me, but I’m the one who can’t stop thinking about him. Maybe it’s wrong to let him touch me. Maybe it’s wrong to touch him back. Maybe these twisted dates need to stop. Except he feels like the only real thing in my world of designer labels and mansions.

So I drive us under threat, until it’s hard to remember I don’t want to be there.

Until it’s too late to turn back.

HOSTAGE is a dangerous standalone romance by New York Times bestselling authors Skye Warren and Annika Martin. It’s set in the same world as PRISONER, but can read separately!

Review

Hostage had me hooked from the first few chapters and I read this in a day, simply could not put it down. Upon finishing I have already purchased Prisoner which explains Grayson and Abby who we meet towards the end of this story.

One favourite component of this story is the relationship of the men living at The Bradford Hotel. What a harrowing way to grow up and their bond and sense of family was one of my favourite parts.

The first half is a slow build to the secrets and realizations of the background story. As the story builds in relation to the retribution, the characters develop and you get a sense there are more connections.

The interactions between Stone and Brooke take place over a few years. Given their age difference, it is interesting to following the development. Consequently, In the end, it is built honestly and in a believable manner.

Brooke & Stone’s sexual moments are built slowly in line with the innocence and done respectfully but provide great heat and anticipation.

Many characters at the beginning will evolve and have you second-guessing your instincts and perceptions, it will make you think. Detective Rivera and Brooke’s dad were two surprising standouts that forced me to change my beliefs.

Hostage left me satisfied with the outcome for Brooke, Stone and their extended family.

Finally, if you enjoyed The Endgame series by this author you will enjoy Hostage like I did.

Hostage (Criminals & Captives #2)

My Rating:

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Tormentor Mine (Tormentor Mine #1)

By Anna Zaires

Synopsis

A new dark romance from New York Times bestseller Anna Zaires

He came to me in the night, a cruel, darkly handsome stranger from the most dangerous corners of Russia. He tormented me and destroyed me, ripping apart my world in his quest for vengeance.

Now he’s back, but he’s no longer after my secrets.

The man who stars in my nightmares wants me.

Review

Beginning perfectly, the first chapter explains Peter’s history and what is driving him for his revenge. Tormentor Mine is dark romance at its best being suspenseful yet also with heart and soul. Both main characters have endured loss, Peters in a brutal way and Sara being lied and manipulated where she questions what was real in her life.

We fast forward to meet Sara who is living a solitary existence without her husband. I immediately connected with Sara with her loneliness and isolation of her life. The first night Peter and Sara cross paths it is brutal and horrifying.

Sara has anxiety after the attack and she believes she is being watched was built up perfectly, the flow of this story was spot on and I could not put it down. I enjoyed how we did get to see Sara’s nurturing personality through her job as a Doctor and this also explains her need to protect all those around her. Sara is selfless and protective and I understand her actions.

When Peter moves into Sara’s life and suffocates yet also gives her affection and company. This was expertly weaved and made the reader accept this was okay. At no time did I question Sara’s actions, she was literally on the edge of losing her mind and Peter appears. Did he know this and was this part of this manipulation, I think so.

I admit I really want these two to make a baby, I want Peter to have a family again. The other characters being Peter’s team of killers I cannot wait to meet more of. Thinking Book 2 is going to enable us to understand all the dynamics of Peter and his group of men.

Tormentor Mine does conclude with a cliffhanger of sorts, it does, however, tie the first part of their story together neatly in a bow. This is a trilogy and upon finishing book 1, I purchased book 2 and have pre-ordered book 3. I do hope we are not waiting too long as these two characters have definitely grown on me.

Tormentor Mine (Tormentor Mine #1)

My Rating:

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Twitch

By Claire Marta

Synopsis

Still grieving from the tragic events in his homeland, Twitch is struggling to find a balance. While trying to control a new, unforseen side to his magic, the last thing he expects is to be consumed with thoughts of a pink haired girl with innocent grey eyes.

Bewitched and confused with the feelings Lexi stirs within him, Twitch is blindsided by the danger that surrounds him. What he thought he knew isn’t as solid as he believes.

With enemies drawing near, threatening both their lives, Twitch must master his new magic to survive, or be forever crippled by what has been unleashed.

Review

Twitch is one of the characters that makes The Hunter Chronicles Series so great. The fifth book in this series is devoted to him. In earlier books he was a supporting character and best friend to Jasmine. I really love Twitch. He always manages to survive and becomes stronger.

In this installment Twitch finds himself starting a relationship with Lexi. I think Lexi is perfect for him but she has some secrets of her own. She is such a great character. With her connection to Asier and what she is, their relationship has so hurdles to get over. I can’t wait to see where Claire Marta takes this couple.

There was also the introduction of two new characters to this series. Nelly and Zook were great and offered Twitch a true friendship and help when he needed it.

This book was so fast paced. It was hard to put down. I loved the action and the romance. The only thing that I missed in this story was Jasmine. Jasmine plays an important role in Twitch’s life, even if it is just as a friend. She is mentioned but I was just expecting her to have some advise for Twitch as he started this new relationship. I can’t wait for the next installment to this series!!!

Twitch

My Rating: 1/2

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Saved (Honor Bound Book 1)

By Angel Payne

Synopsis

He saved her life…she saved his soul.

Garrett Hawkins is the most valuable asset to his Special Forces unit, because, frankly, the guy doesn’t care if he lives or dies anymore. Since the love of his life, Sage Weston, was kidnapped and killed with her medical unit a year ago, Garrett has turned the shell of his soul into the armor of a finely tuned fighting machine. Being the first tapped for the unit’s craziest missions is just fine by him. The less time for memories and the agony they carve into his soul, the better.

It’s a plan that works, until Garrett’s world is upended one night in the jungles of Thailand. Memories become reality when the unit is called to rescue a group of kidnapped aid workers, and they discover Sage and her teammate among the retrieved women. Now that Sage is back in his arms, Garrett doesn’t know what to do. He has changed in dramatic ways, especially in the darker tastes of his passion. If he touches Sage again, he’ll want to claim her, restrain her…dominate her.

Is Sage’s love strong enough to let Garrett back in, not only as her fiancé but her Dominant? Can she trust that visiting the new shadows of his life will lead her to ecstasy and not ruin? Or can Garrett’s discipline be exactly what her soul needs to find its way back to life—and love—again?

Review

I’m not sure what I was expecting with Saved the first book in the Honor Bound Series. I choose this book because I have read another book by Angel Payne and loved it and instantly knew I had to read more by her. This book started with a bang and just keep going. In the beginning it became abundantly clear that this book was going to take you on emotional highs and lows.

My heart broke for Garrett. He loved Sage so much and then lost her. Not only did her loss her but also his whole reason for living. He became a shell of a human being.

Sage was the perfect match for Garrett but after being gone for so long and basically coming back from the dead they had to find a new way to be together.

This book had so many great moments. I loved the strength of all the female characters and the realization the male characters could also use time to heal from past wounds. I loved Sage in the way that she was not going to give up on Garrett and was willing to try new things to keep them together. I am so excited to read Zeke and Rayna’s story and then Ethan’s story.

Saved

My Rating:

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Visit author: Angel Payne

Wolf Hunger (SWAT #7)

By Paige Tyler

Synopsis

Wolf shifter and SWAT Officer Max Lowry falls hard for she-wolf Lana Mason, but things spiral out of control when wolf hunters track her down, and Max realizes Lana has no idea who—or what—she really is.

Review

Wolf Hunger is the seventh installment in the SWAT series. Max, like all the other SWAT members had a tough transition. He still has a hard time controlling his shift especially if he is confronted with domestic disturbance calls. Lana is just back from college and moved back in with her parents. Her dad is also Deputy Cheif.

I loved Max. He had such a rough childhood that led to his transition then he works hard to fight for the kids that are suffering. The moment he meets Lana he is blown away by her. Unfortunately she has a very protective father who also happens to out rank Max.

This is a very confusing time for Lana. She doesn’t know how special she is yet. But she does know that she is crazy for Max and she isn’t going to let anyone make relationship decisions for her.

I think that this is my favorite so far in this series. There is definitely a rollercoaster of emotions that happen both inside of their relationship and with the other parts of this story. There is still “the one” theme that is happening but I love the fresh take with Lana’s situation. Plus, we go deeper into what the Hunters are doing and who is involved. I still love all the guys and the advice they give because each of them may know that they have someone out there but winning over that person is another story.

I love this series!!! Each member of SWAT brings something new and you want to fall in love with each of them. I can’t wait for the next installment.

Wolf Hunger

My Rating:

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Visit Author: Paige Tyler

Savage

By L.A. Fiore

Synopsis

They call him a monster.
Pale blue eyes as cold as ice that see right through you.
He’s hard.
He’s damaged.
He’s dangerous.
He lives in a castle fit for a fairy tale, but he’s no prince.
He’s savage.
He’s brutal.
He’s a killer.
By an act of fate, our worlds collide.
They call him a monster, but he is my salvation.

Due to strong language and sexual content, this book is not intended for readers under the age of 18.

Review

Firstly, I loved Savage, it was a fantastic story of romance, darkness, traumatic events and redemption. It was imperative to know both characters history as their connection made total sense.

Savage has a strong and solid mystery element to it’s story which I loved along with all the connections that are revealed at the end. Consequently, I could not stop turning the pages of this story, the pacing for me was good.

Lizzie was simply an amazing character. The storyline around her painting and how it provided her source of strength and beauty in her life was soothing. She had an ability to break down barriers and she did that with Brogan. As a result, she gave him love and he became the wolf at her door.

A favourite supporting character who became a warrior was Lizzie’s father. Further, when her father and Brogan joined forces to stand strong for her, he redeemed himself in my eyes.

Brogan was perfection in my eyes, alpha protective and so smart. While Brogan was dominant, his interactions with supporting characters showed he had empathy and love to give.

Finally, this story has it all, romance, mystery, suspense and passionate scenes. I was not ready to leave these characters and the author’s epilogue allows us to see their happy ever after.

Quote: “You’re scary, intimidating too, but I know a kindred spirit when I see one. Life hasn’t been very kind to either of us.”