Review: In Dante's Debt (The Galvan Brides #1) by Jane Porter

In Dante's Debt by Jane Porter
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

This is a fabulous start to The Galvan Brides Series and it’s one of my favorites.
After the death of her father, Daisy Collingsworth finds herself in financial difficulties and is trying everything to manage and keep Collingsworth Farm. Count Dante Galvan, the aristocratic Argentinean has also been dealing with the fall-out from his cad of a father. He arrives at Daisy’s home to arrange payment for her outstanding debt to him and on discovering her predicament, makes her an offer to help her…but that help comes at a price!!!

Daisy is a captivating heroine. Strong, loyal to her family and very caring. I really liked her.

Dante is ruthless, gorgeous, and sexy with a heart of gold. He also has a huge sense of family values which I liked.

Both so engaging that you wanted them to find each other and have their HEA.

Their story has everything I love in romance….intense conflict, steamy sensuality, sizzling passion and fabulous settings.

This is a book that I have read before and still love it each time I read it again and again!!!


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Review: Hollywood Husband, Contract Wife by Jane Porter

Hollywood Husband, Contract Wife by Jane Porter
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I really enjoy this author's books and this was such a great read.

The glitzy and glamorous life of a Hollywood superstar, who meets a very ordinary girl and changes her life for ever.

It's like Cinderella meets her Prince and off they go into the sunset after finding their HEA!!!!!

Engaging characters, fabulous plot and who doesn't love romance set in the world of celebrities and movies!!!

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Review: Flirting with Forty by Jane Porter

Flirting with Forty by Jane Porter
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I enjoyed reading this book. The characters were likeable and I liked the fact that the heroine was in her 40's.

Sexy, sweet and very easy reading.

I must be honest and say that I much prefer her Mills & Boon books!!! In fact she's one of my favourite M&B authors and I wish she would write more of those.

Oh, I did watch the TV movie which wasn['t too bad!!!!

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Review: Biting Bad (Chicagoland Vampires, #8) by Chloe Neill

Biting Bad by Chloe Neill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It took a while for me to really get into this series but I am happy that I didn’t give up!!
Right now, I am loving the Chicagoland Vampires world that’s filled with some of the most quirky, original and funny characters ever….and a very unforgettable, classy and sexy vampire named Ethan Sullivan!!!!

“I’m rarely good, Merit. But I’m often spectacular.”

I want Ethan as my boyfriend!!! Please make me a vampire!!!!

And not forgetting the memorable Merit!! Yes!! I own up!!! From finding her very irritating in the first books, she has developed into the most unexpected sword-wielding kick-ass, funny, loyal, sexy and delightful food lover black leather-clad vampire ever!

Book #8 begins with Merit and Mallory trying to repair their friendship after the bad fall-out of Mallory’s dabble into black magic. During their dinner, they are attacked by an anti-vampire mob, which may be linked to the supernatural’s biggest enemy,
McKetrick.
In the midst of this, Cadogan House has been declared an outcast and enemy of the GP, who declares that no other vampire House may have anything to do with them.
But Ethan Sullivan is no wimp!!! He comes to the aid of Grey House, after it’s been attacked by human mobs and offers them help, regardless of the consequences.

I enjoyed learning more about Grey House and its members. Also Merit is getting more involved with the RG and Jonah.

Apart from a prophecy by Gabriel, the Apex shifters leader about Ethan and Merit, which we are left hanging in the air about……most of the problems in this story are resolved by the end of the book.

The character development is really good. The more I get to know them the more I like and engage with them and their lives.
They are so real and I can relate to their everyday lives…..they don’t fly around and bite humans….they feel almost human with a few differences.

Also I really like the way Ethan & Merit’s relationship is going.

‘Sentinel, you are always the most beautiful woman in the room, irrespective of what you’re wearing. And most especially and preferably when you’re wearing nothing at all.”

I particularly loved the scene where they go a family dinner at Merit’s parent’s home. The dialogue was so funny and cute.

“Sentinel, you are always the most beautiful woman in the room, irrespective of what you're wearing. And most especially and preferably when you're wearing nothing at all.”

Speaking about dialogue……….it’s absolutely fabulous. Not only between Ethan and Merit…which has a grin on my face most of the time….but the secondary characters. Luc & Lacey, Mallory & Catcher, Jeff……….

“Hey, better than the real thing,” I said. “What do you even do with a chimera?”

“What wouldn’t you do with a chimera?” Jeff asked. “They’re like the Swiss Army knife of animals.”

“Party in the front, business in the back,” Catcher agreed.

That earned a snort and laugh from me. “Any animal that can be compared to a mullet is a good animal in my book.”Chicago is really brought to life in the way the author writes about. I feel as if I am getting a city tour and becoming familiar with places, roads, freeways, buildings.

This has become a really refreshing and enjoyable paranormal romance with shades of urban fantasy series for me.

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Review: Howling For You by Chloe Neill Howling For You (Chicagoland Vampires, #8.5) by Chloe Neill

Howling For You by Chloe Neill
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I fell in love with Jeff from the beginning of the series and I was quite excited that he was going to get his story even though in a short novella.

I was so disappointed. We don’t get much about him really….it’s not even from his POV but Fallon…half the story is the set up for the next book in the series. And the first half????

Well, apart from knowing he’s a tiger shifter, that he’s in love with Fallon, sister of Gabriel Keene and second in line for the Apex position of the North American Central Pack, who is a wolf shifter….which is a taboo pairing….we saw nothing of his funny side!!! It was all serious business here!!!

Jeff and Fallon spend their time as star-crossed lovers…something like Romeo and Juliet lovers….he trying to sway the shifter pack to accept him and she to decide what she must give up for her love for him. In between they run around trying to find the very important and stolen pack crown.

And just when I started to get into their story….and having warmed up to Fallon being Jeff’s true love…..we have another story going on.!!!
I wish that this story had been more about Jeff….I did not get enough of him.

Now, looking forward to Wild Things, the next Chicagoland Vampires adventure.


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Review: House Rules (Chicagoland Vampires, #7) by Chloe Neill

House Rules by Chloe Neill
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

It took a bit of time for me to get into this series but finally…..I am really loving it.

The first couple of books I found Merit to be the most irritating heroine ever!!!! And even though I did like Ethan Sullivan, I was a bit dubious about his character. The interaction between the two drove me absolutely crazy…..yes I do, no I don’t!!! Jeez!!!!! Back and forward!!!! So much drama. It almost felt forced at times. Make up your minds you two!!!!

But by the time I came to House Rules, book #7…I finally realized how much he fascinating and captivating fantasy of the Chicagoland Vampires magical world where with vampires, shifters, witches, gnomes, angels, demons, fairies, nymphs and humans live.

Things are changing at Cadogan House. With the risk of being excommunicate from the GP which will result in them becoming rogue vampires, the gang now has to deal with a much more dangerous threat. Someone is killing off rogue vampires and, which adds to the stress of the Cadogan House vampires.
Merit has finally realized that this is now her world and home and she will have to use all her skills, allies , strength and not forgetting her wits to protect her “family”.

Lots of non-stop action, magic, tension…..and I really enjoyed the secondary characters……even Mallory, Merit’s best friend sorcerer is growing on me…and Catcher too!!! Which was really surprising because I have not been that enamored with them in the past.

Loved Gabriel and shifters clan….there are some interesting characters in that group and I am looking forward to see how the friendship between vampires and shifters will go.

Some of my favourite quotes:

“Ethan Sullivan,” I marveled. “You have a library fantasy.”
He smiled slightly. “I have a doctoral-student-turned-vampire fantasy.”

“I'm taking fifteen, and we're moving this discussion upstairs."
"You can have here! I will not listen."
"You will listen," Mallory said, "and you'll tell your book club exactly what you heard."
"But is like Twilight in real life!" Berna protested. "Sparkles!”

“He stepped forward to keep our bodies aligned, and took my chin in his hand. "I will have you. Body, mind, and soul. And I won't share you with anyone else.”

“We’ve talked. We’re talking. Lots and lots of talking and then more talking and conversing and communicating and talking.”
I arched an eyebrow at her. She made an awful sound. “God, you’re already Mrs. Sullivan. Let’s go downstairs.”

The ending pretty much wraps up with resolving the killings and we don’t really get a cliffhanger. But by now, I am looking forward to Merit and Ethan’s next “adventure’!!!


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Review: At the Brazilian's Command by Susan Stephens

At the Brazilian's Command by Susan Stephens
My rating: 1 of 5 stars

This was just as awful as the 1st book in this series.
I knew from page 1 that I had made a mistake getting this book. I should have given up after Chico"s book!!!!!:)

I found nothing appealing about any of the characters.
There was nothing glamorous of exciting in the "gaucho" polo world that the story is set in....what is gaucho polo??? I have never heard about it!!!

I really didn't feel the luv between the two mc's..in fact I didn't give a toss if they ever got to their HEA......in fact I should have given up by chapter 2 and read another book.

I think I may just give up on this author because the latest books I have read by her have been a total DISAPPOINTMENT!!!!

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Review: Becoming Rain (Burying Water, #2) by K.A. Tucker

Becoming Rain by K.A. Tucker
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

What a great follow-up to Burying Water
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I was so looking forward to Luke Boone’s book!!! This is some hot and gorgeous with a bit of badness thrown in!!!

And Rain…aka Clara!!! What an awesome character. I adored her. She’s strong, kick-ass, funny, sexy…just my kind of woman!!

This is a suspenseful, thrilling and exciting story of an undercover agent trying to bring down the bad guys…aka Luke Boone and his cahoots. There is nothing glamorous about the characters in this story…. Apart from Luke!!! The Russian mob, gangsters, some good and some really bad guys!!! In the midst of their shenigaans is Luke, deciding whether to be loyal to his family – hell, talk about dysfunctional!!! Starting with his Uncle Rust who is part of the illegal car thefts and more – and staying on the right side of the law.

Loved the build-up in Luke & Rain’s relationship….no insta-love – it grows over a long period of time, which makes it so much more believable.

The plot - of undercover work, the dangers that agents face every day – the characters are so well written and developed that makes them totally believable and real.

Another great series by K A Tucker and I am hoping we get Jesse’s sister story next.


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Review: Burying Water (Burying Water, #1) by K.A. Tucker

Burying Water by K.A. Tucker
My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I enjoyed this author’s Ten Tiny Breaths Series so I was really looking forward to her Burying Water Series.

What can I say???

A magical love story. Being given a second chance in finding love and each other. Is it at all possible?

I loved this book. I loved the characters. I loved the writing. The plot.
The writing is absolutely extraordinary. I am not a usual fan of flashbacks of different POV’s…but the author does in such an incredible way that never distracted me from the story.

From beginning to the end it’s a compelling, dark, engrossing and totally heartbreaking story that keeps you wanting Water and Jesse to finding happiness together.

Water aka Alexandria was such a powerful character. How she overcomes the horror and pain in her life was something to be admired.

The deep emotion that draws the two characters together is stunning…

The characters including the secondary ones are just so real and engaging….I could not stop turning the pages wanting to know more about them and their lives.
Powerful, riveting and absolutely unforgettable. Such beautiful writing…

I just never wanted the story to end!!!
Please get this book. It’s AMAZING!!!!


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Review: Virgin's Sweet Rebellion by Kate Hewitt

Virgin's Sweet Rebellion by Kate Hewitt
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I have not been crazy about the Chatsfield Series so I have read the ones written by my favorite Mills & Boon authors….and as I love Kate Hewitt I knew her contribution was going to be a good one.

I was so right.

I adored Olivia and Ben together. There was something that drew me to them.
Olivia is an up and coming actress attending the Berlin Film Festival to punt her latest film and hoping to land her first lead role in a movie. She’s sweet, adorable, funny and totally lovable.

Ben Chatsfield is my favorite hero in this family. He has a heart and cares for the people he loves – and he’s hot and sexy !!!! He’s managing the hotel Olivia is staying in Berlin, for his brother Spencer – he can never say no to family!!!

Both with loads of baggage but somehow they don’t allow it to taint their growing relationship….rather they find a way to help each other overcome that dark part in their lives.

Loved seeing them fall in love, revealing their secrets to each other and what a fabulous and witty banter with each other. And the first time they make love….wow…hot, sexy sexy sexy!!!

I loved this book. The author writes a beautiful and emotional story.
Oh did I mention the setting….so vividly described…I just wanted to be in Berlin….

Maybe I will give this series another try.


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Review: Olivero's Outrageous Proposal by Kate Walker

Olivero's Outrageous Proposal by Kate Walker
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

In the beginning I had this idea that this story would knock me out.

The first chapter started off really well. The sexual tension between Alyse Gregory & the sexy and gorgeous stranger was just fabulous.

But then I get to why Alyse decides to go off into the night with said sexy stranger……she wants to get the horrible and dislikable suitor that her father is pushing her into to get her message…she is not interested!!! So why not show him she’s more interested in Dario Olivero…he will definitely get off her back.

Now sneaky Dario has a devious plan involving her. He’s going to get the girl his half-brother wants…just to get his revenge!!!
Then wow….Dario proposes and Alyse says yes!!!! Certainly neither does this for love..both have their own reasons for it!!
Okay, so as usual, they fall in love with each other and go off and have their HEA…..

I just could not get into their story….most of the time I was like….



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Review: More Fool Me by Stephen Fry

More Fool Me by Stephen Fry
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I like Stephen Fry and love watching his BBC Q & I show. I like his humour and I find him really likeable.

I haven't read any of his books but a friend of mine gave me a copy of this memoir so why not!!

I have to admit that I struggled to finish it. It dragged on and on a bit and there were some funny parts but nothing spectacular.

Rather watch his TV show!!!!

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Review: The Billionaire's Bridal Bargain (Bound by Gold #1) by Lynne Graham

The Billionaire's Bridal Bargain by Lynne Graham
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I like this author a lot but this was just an okay read for me.

The main characters were not relatable for me.
Lizzie was okay...but all that doing good things for everyone else except herself drove me crazy.
And then there's the hero, Cesare. Now, this guy wants to buy back his family's Greek Island from Lizzie, even going as far as offering to marry her...oh right..they have to get married and have babies before he can get his island back for his ailing grandmother...yes, he's also doing things for those he loves and not for himself!!!! And he believes that Lizzie is the gold digger!!!
What about him???
And there is that unlikeable and horrible father of Lizzie. I really detested him. I did like Lizzie's sister even though there's not much about her in this story.
Oh well, not every book can be awesome!!!


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Review: Carrying the Greek's Heir (One Night With Consequences, #8) by Sharon Kendrick

Carrying the Greek's Heir by Sharon Kendrick
My rating: 2 of 5 stars

I liked the start of this story ……but by the end I was so not impressed.
A poor waitress gets her virginity taken by the rich and totally horrible Greek billionaire.

This guy sleeps with her because he finds her sweet and not a gold-digger like the women he usually beds……then after the deed, leaves her after shutting the bedroom door softly!!!! What a damn cad!!!

So anyway, poor Ellie finds herself without a job…and pregnant!!! What is a girl to do with no money or prospects?

Yes, she looks up Alek, the not so nice hero, on the internet and pays him a visit at his headquarters to tell him the news!!! No, more than just the heir news…she demands that he marries her!!!! What!!!! This is something the hero usually demands not the heroine!!! Look, she says she’s not a gold-digger!!!

Right!!!! She’s doing it all for the baby!!!! Okay!!!!

All of a sudden, Alek becomes the good guy…caring and all so nice…and Ellie becomes this so not likeable character. So we know that these two characters have had some bad things happen in their past but jeez…was all that baggage drawn out…by the end there were so many things happening….all new discoveries that it became a bit too much.

I have enjoyed some of this author’s books but this was one of those that was a bit unrelatable and characters that I did not warm up to. It was just so-so!!!


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Review: Up From the Grave: A Night Huntress Novel by Jeaniene Frost

Up From the Grave: A Night Huntress Novel by Jeaniene Frost
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

The 7th and final book in the Cat & Bones installment of the incredible Night Huntress Series. ….

No more Cat & Bones adventures!!! Oh no!!! I am so enchanted with these two characters. They have grown on me so much and have become one of my favorite couples…

I loved watching the development of their relationship. ..The deep and emotional connection……..

““I love you, Kitten."
How puny those words seemed compared to the feelings strafing mine, but his voice vibrated as he said them. Then he crouched beside me.
"I would never hurt you that way save for one reason: to keep you safe. I can live with your anger, your retribution...bloody hell, despise me if you must, but don't expect me to behave as though you aren't the most important thing in my life. You are, and I will let no one, yourself included, bring you to harm.

A lot is revealed…and I mean a lot…who what Madigan is and has been doing……and wow…………a new revelation about Cat!!!! Totally unexpected and totally amazing!!!!

I loved seeing all my favorites again…even if some were just brief appearance…..

I absolutely adored Ian in this book. He makes quite a big appearance in this story and

He’s such a funny and likeable character….

“The day you love anyone but yourself is the day I’ll take your marital advice, Ian,” Bones bit back in an icy tone.
“Then today is that day,” Ian replied sharply, “for I love you, you wretched, pig-headed guttersnipe. I also love that arrogant, over privileged dandy smirking at us”—a wave indicted Spade, whose aforementioned smirk vanished—“as well as the emotionally fractured, malfunctioning psychic who sired me. And you, Crispin, love a bloodthirsty hellion who’s probably killed more people in her thirty years than I have in over two centuries of living, so again I say, don’t bother trying to convince her that she isn’t who she is.”

PLEASE CAN HE HAVE HIS OWN BOOK??
Loved the short visit Cat & Bones make to Vlad & Leila….and what an occasion it turned out to be…super and fabulous….

“Before we left them, I slanted a glance at Leila, and mischievously said, "No one thought what you just did could be done, you know. You'll earn the nickname of The Dragon Slayer."
Vlad glowered at me, but Bones laughed.”

And Mencheres….wow, who knew he could be so COOL!!!!

“Far from being offended, Mencheres went over and flawlessly executed a street-style handshake complete with finger slaps, fist bumps, and a high-low finale.”

Denise & Spade, Marie, Fabian, Tate and his mates are along on this thrilling ride helping Cat & Bones on their quest to finding someone that is very important to Cat, Bones and perhaps even Tate.

This was a fantastic series with such well thought-out plots, filled with emotion, humor, friendship, loyalty and unforgettable characters.
A splendid, awesome, spectacular conclusion.

I am sure we will see Cat & Bones making appearances in future stories…..there are so many characters that perhaps will have their own books.
I keep hoping!!!!!!


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Review: August Heat (Men of August, #4) by Lora Leigh

August Heat by Lora Leigh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I enjoyed this series.

This was a nice wrap-up to the August men and their wives stories.
Quick read and great to see what the women get up to with their guys!!!
I found the characters in this series engaging and very likeable....so getting a quick glimpse into their lives was really fabulous.

Really glad that the three brothers finally overcame their past and found their HEA.

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Review: Rule Breaker: 29th Novel of the Breeds by Lora Leigh

Rule Breaker: A Novel of the Breeds by Lora Leigh
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

3.5 stars
I have read every book in what is one of my favorite series and I look forward to going back to the Breeds World that the author has created.

Rule Breaker is the 29th book in the series….quite an amazing feat to still get readers excited about each book that is released.

The main characters in this story are lion breed Rule Breaker. who has been around for a long time in the series. He and his brother, Lawe (who has found his mate and HEA in the 26th book, Lawe’s Justice) work as Jonas Wyatt’s enforcers. And Gypsy Rum McQuade, who was traumatized by her abduction and torture by coyotes when she was fifteen before being rescued by the Breeds.
Rule is determined never to accept a mate and mating heat due to what he as a child, when his mother and her mate were horribly tortured and killed.

Gypsy is now working undercover for a secret organization named Unknowns, whose mission is to protect the Breeds.

My thoughts:
Wow, there’s a lot happening in this story. So many characters, so many subplots that had my head spinning. At times I lost the “plot” …who was who and what were they actually doing!!!
Whilst Rule & Gypsy (talk about wacky and weird names…Gypsy Rum and her sister Kandy Sweet!!!!!) are fighting each other off…he is adamant she’s not his mate…because his glands are telling him so…yes, his brother tells him she is…but no Rule says no way!!! Gypsy is doing the “not going there” thing with Rule, whilst feeling a little twinge of betrayal by not admitting her role in the Breeds world….and boy does she know how to lie…even when poor Rule can “smell” her deceit!!!! Yes, these Breeds have an awesome sense of smell!!!

In between we have Dane, Jona’s South African half-brother, and Dog, the unknown coyote up to some shenanigans involving the Unknowns…..still have no clue what they role is in there.

Most of the story centers on Amber, Jona’s daughter who was injected with some powerful and dangerous drug and who is trying to find a cure. It seems Gideon and Judd…check out previous books…have the secret to saving Amber.

I enjoyed meeting up with previous characters and seeing how their lives are progressing…..even though it was a brief glimpse. I would have liked a bit more about them.
Instead we have pages and pages and sex and mating heat between Rule & Gypsy, which I must admit didn’t do much for me…..it was the same thing over and over and over again….. I would have preferred some of these pages to be dedicated to more interesting and exciting things….like what is the Unknowns, what is Dane plotting???
I would love if Dane, Dog, Cassie (loved her very brief brief appearance here), Gideon’s stories.

I was happy that Rule & Gypsy found their HEA….but I wasn’t crazy about some of the aspects of this story…it felt a bit too long drawn in some way.

But as usual, my interest in this amazing Breed World will keep me waiting eagerly for the next installment.


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Review: Seeds of Iniquity (In the Company of Killers, #4) by J.A. Redmerski

Seeds of Iniquity by J.A. Redmerski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Wow, this sure is not a romance and love series. It’s about unforgettable characters, violence, killing, torture and a shadowy world that I know nothing about.

Once again, the author amazes me with her beautiful writing and the way she brings these characters to life and gets you on their side is simply astonishing.

The 4th book in the In the Company of Killers and is one of the darkest so far.
Most of the story happens in one place, where an unknown killer named Nora is being held prisoner and tortured for information by Victor Faust's Order.

Nora is beyond kick-ass….beautiful, blonde and totally lethal. Her grit and endurance under the most horrific torture is unbelievable. She does not break that easily.

What she does is getting people to reveal their secrets….Izabel, Victor, Niklas, Dorian – all have something in their past that we never imagined. Do we really know someone?

Compelling, violent, dark and bloody addictive. I can’t get enough!!!

What a ride…..the epilogue just left me wondering where this series will go next.

You can find my reviews for the previous 3 books here..

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2...
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...


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Review: The Swan & the Jackal (In the Company of Killers, #3) by J.A. Redmerski

The Swan & the Jackal by J.A. Redmerski
My rating: 4 of 5 stars



I really like this series and despite what we know about Frederik from the previous books, I have always found him fascinating…so I was so looking forward to his story.

Seeing his life unfold is something I never expected.
We know he’s a killer, an interrogator with some sadistic and horrible methods and we figured out that there is something dark in his life.

"My past has shaped me, molded me. Molded me into a monster with a persecuted heart and a dead soul."

We discovered his history with Seraphina,

She was the darkness in his life

The light was Cassia..

She had been kept prisoner in his basement for a very long time…

.Frederik believed she had the answer to Seraphina’s disappearance.
With Cassia, he was able to show a caring and a soft side we have never seen before.

The twist at the end just blew me away. I was not expecting that at all!!
This is not a love story just like the author tells us before we open page 1.

I am totally addicted to this series and I cannot wait to see what happens next to the Company of Killers.


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