Review: Prince of Killers by Layla Reyne

Prince of Killers (Fog City, 1)
by Layla Reyne
Self-published
LGBT, contemporary, romance, action, suspense

No indiscriminate killing. No collateral damage. No unvetted targets.

These are the rules Hawes Madigan lives by. Rules that make being Fog City’s Prince of Killers bearable. Soon, he’ll be king—of an organization of assassins—and the crown has never felt heavier. Until the mysterious Dante Perry swaggers into his life.
Dante looks like a rock god and carries himself like one too, all loose-limbed and casually confident. He also carries a concealed weapon, a private investigator’s license, and a message for the prince. Someone inside Hawes’s organization is out to kill the future king.

In the chaos that follows the timely warning, Hawes comes to depend on Dante. On his skills as an investigator, on the steadiness he offers, and on their moments alone when Hawes lets Dante take control. As alliances are tested and traitors exposed, Hawes needs Dante at his back and in his bed. But if the PI ever learns Hawes’s darkest secret, Hawes is sure to get a knife to the heart—and a bullet to the brain—instead.

There’s no shortage of twists and turns in this new romantic suspense trilogy from Layla Reyne. Prince of Killers is book one of three. Fair warning: buckle up, cliffhangers ahead!

Prince of Killers is action packed, full of twists and secrets, and it's fun and sexy. The story follows Hawes Madigan, who leads an organization of assassins and who is threatened by unknown opposition inside his own organization, and Dante Perry, who waltzes into Hawes's life with a warning of a traitor. There's dangerous situations and Dante offers his expertise, but Hawes is not sure if he can trust the private investigator who appeared out of nowhere.

It's a fast paced journey with fascinating characters. I like Hawes, because he's loyal to his siblings, good at what he does, but not afraid to lean on Dante when he needed help. Holt and Helena, Hawes's twin and sister, are likable too: Holt is a hacker extraordinaire and dedicated to his infant daughter, and Helena is a spitfire (you don't want to face her in a fight!). Dante's interesting, because he's laid back, reads a lot, and is very sure of himself. And yes, there's sizzling chemistry between Hawes and Dante.

I recommend Prince of Killers for everyone who enjoys romantic suspense with plenty of action and twists - both the ones you see coming and the ones that surprises you. It's a book that's easy to devour since it's very addicting and fast paced. I love a story like that - especially when there's a lot of action mixed with fascinating characters and budding romance that has all the chemistry it needs.

It'll be interesting to see where Reyne takes this series, particularly after the cliffhanger ending; the next one, King Slayer, will be from Dante's point of view, so it'll be fascinating to see if my opinion of characters and their actions change.

4 of 5 stars

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(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

ARC Review: Imperial Stout by Layla Reyne

Imperial Stout (Trouble Brewing, #1)
by Layla Reyne
Published by Carina Press
eARC
LGBT, contemporary, romance, suspense

Layla Reyne spins off from her pulse-pounding Agents Irish and Whiskey books with Imperial Stout, the first installment in the Trouble Brewing series.

It's a good thing assistant US attorney Dominic Price co-owns a brewery. He could use a cold one. Nic's star witness had just been kidnapped, his joint operation with the FBI is in jeopardy, his father's shady past is catching up with him and the hot new spacial agent in San Francisco is the kind of distraction best handled with a stiff drink. 

Kidnap and rescue expert Cameron Byrne has his own ideas about how to handle Nic, but his skills are currently needed elsewhere. The by-the-book FBI agent goes deep undercover as a member of an infamous heist crew in order to save Nic's witness, break up the crew and close the case before anyone else gets hurt. Nic in particular.

Things heat up when Cam falls for Nic, and the witness falls for Cam. As the crew's suspicions grow, Cam must decide how far he's willing to go - and how far into his own dark past he's willing to dive - to get everyone out alive.

Imperial Stout is great read, if you're after an action packed suspense novel with a dash of romance. There's plenty of action and twists, people going undercover, suspicions of who to trust, and dangerous situations arises from every corner. The dashes of romance isn't bad either, because Nic and Cam have chemistry, and a will-they-won't-they situation going on. However, there were a few things that hindered my reading experience.

The thing is, I think this is better suited for people who have first read Agents Irish and Whiskey series, from which this is a spin-off. I haven't, which is probably why I felt like I was thrown into the deep end without a lifeline. There's already formed relationships - including between the main characters - which are not explained in Imperial Stout, or only briefly mentioned. It took some time to figure out who is related to who and to get a feeling what kind of relationship each character has with one other. For me, it took a lot of energy and that mixed up with a beginning full of action and lots of specific jargon and initials, which was hard to keep up with, mostly because everything I know about FBI or American legal system is from TV shows and movies. It was pretty exhausting. I did catch up (and I think I have figured out the relationships and friendships), but I still feel like this one is for those who have read the previous series, or then it needs a bit more explanation on page to make sure new readers aren't totally confused.

That besides, I enjoyed Imperial Stout. It was a bit more suspense than I expected it be based on teasers I've seen, but that wasn't a bad thing. I liked both Nic and Cam, because both of them are determined, stubborn, and loyal. There's also this conflict Nic is having because of his estranged father and his past, which it kept in the dark, and I kept turning the page because I yearned to know all the secrets. As this is the first in the series, not everything is revealed and I want to pick up the next one to find out more.

Imperial Stout is a solid read, and I think for those who are familiar with the previous series and characters, it's a great one. For those people, I highly recommend it. For me, well, I'll continue with the series and I'm thinking of picking up Agents Irish and Whiskey series, too. I'm giving Imperial Stout three stars instead of four stars just because I was so confused in the beginning and it took some time to get on board with everything.

3 of 5 stars

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(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

ARC Review: Where Death Meets the Devil by L.J. Hayward

Where Death Meets the Devil
by L.J. Hayward
Published by Riptide Publishing
eARC
LGBT, contemporary, suspense, romance

Jack Reardon, former SAS soldier and current Australian Meta-State asset, has seen some messy battles. But “messy” takes on a whole new meaning when he finds himself tied to a chair in a torture shack, his cover blown wide open, all thanks to notorious killer-for-hire Ethan Blade. 

Blade is everything Jack doesn’t believe in: remorseless, detached, lawless. Yet, Jack’s only chance to survive is to strike a bargain with the devil and join forces with Blade. As they trek across a hostile desert, Jack learns that Blade is much more than a dead-eyed killer—and harder to resist than he should be. 

A year later, Jack is home and finally getting his life on track. Then Ethan Blade reappears and throws it all into chaos once more. It’s impossible to trust the assassin, especially when his presence casts doubts on Jack’s loyalty to his country, but Jack cannot ignore what Blade’s return means: the mess that brought them together is far from over, and Ethan might just bring back the piece of Jack’s soul he thought he’d lost forever.

Oh boy, I didn't have any clue what I signed up for when I started Where Death Meets the Devil. It's a ride; captivating, edge of your seat page turner that just keeps going even when you're breathless. I don't want to give out too much, because I think this is one of those books reader needs to go without knowing much about it in order to get the full experience.

Where Death Meets the Devil is a romantic suspense set in Australia with perfectly woven timeline: it's back and forth between present day and year ago, when Jack was on undercover mission for the Meta-State intelligence network that he works for. Jack, who's ex-military, was deep undercover for fifteen months until his cover is blown and he finds himself in a torture shack, staring down a notorious assassin Ethan Blade. Jack's sure his time is up, but then Blade helped him escape and their dangerous journey through Australian outback to catch Valadian, a crime lord of sorts, starts. On present day, a year after, Jack's ready to leave the office to celebrate his birthday when Ethan Blade shows up at the top secret Sydney headquarters, asking to see Jack. 

There's action, car chases, daring missions, dingoes, shoot outs, interrogations, loyalties and motives questioned, and heated moments. It's brilliant page turner. The writing is splendid, there's details like no other, and the characters are so fleshed out it's almost unreal. Ethan Blade is a puzzle: he's remorseless and lethal assassin, but he also has childlike intrigue and he's adorable when he gets going on his precious cars. His humour is also so funny! Jack, on the other hand, is ex-military and he's always been loyal to his country and tried to make it saver for his family, but he has demons from nine years in the military and various tours. Jack is the type of character who demands respect and gives it back, and he's just so likable guy trying his best to survive.

Now, without going into details or spoiling anything, the story is a romantic suspense, but the romance is not traditional, it's slow burn and complicated. I'm just going to say that I loved it and it was definitely something different. Actually, I need more of it. A sequel would be great!

It's a seamless story, and I loved every moment. I highly recommend Where Death Meets the Devil; it's a journey that needs to be experienced, and oh boy it's a ride like no other.

5 of 5 stars

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Thank you, Riptide Publishing, for giving me a chance to read and review Where Death Meets the Devil!

(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

ARC Review: Oversight by Santino Hassell

Oversight (The Community, #2)
by Santino Hassell
Published by Riptide Publishing
eARC
LGBT, romantic suspense, paranormal

Spoiler Alert! The following blurb contains spoilers for Insight, book one of The Community.

Holden Payne has it all . . . or so he thinks. As heir to the founder of the Community—an organization that finds, protects, and manages psychics—he’s rich, powerful, and treated like royalty. But after a series of disappearances and murders rock the Community, he’s branded the fall guy for the scandal and saddled with a babysitter.

Sixtus Rossi is a broad-shouldered, tattooed lumbersexual with a man-bun and a steely gaze. He’s also an Invulnerable—supposedly impervious to both psychic abilities and Holden’s charms. It’s a claim Holden takes as a challenge. Especially if sleeping with Six may help him learn whether the Community had more to do with the disappearances than they claimed.

As Holden uncovers the truth, he also finds himself getting in deep with the man sent to watch him. His plan to seduce Six for information leads to a connection so intense that some of Six’s shields come crashing down. And with that comes a frightening realization: Holden has to either stand by the Community that has given him everything, or abandon his old life to protect the people he loves.

Oversight was a good follow up for Insight as it let us get into Holden's head, introduced Six, and delved deeper into the Community and its secrets. What's even perfect was that I got my wish when Nate and Trent made an appearance and oh boy, did I love it!

I liked Holden in previous book and now I fell in love. He's idealistic and he believes to all the good in the Community and he genuinely wants to help his fellow psychics. Basically, he's adorable and his biggest fault was to be a bit naive. Besides the old characters from previous book, Oversight introduced Six, who was a mystery in so many ways that figuring him out was intriguing and fun. The chemistry and steamy romance between Holden and Six was definitely classic Santino Hassell, and I really loved it. It was full of suspense and doubt, but also magnetic bull and secrets that changed everything.

The only negative thing I have to say about Oversight is that there were a few moments when it felt a little bit rushed off. I felt like some scenes needed a little bit more page time (and honestly, I wouldn't have minded if I'd get fifty more pages of Holden and Six). Otherwise the book was perfect mix of suspense, romance and paranormal.

I just can't get enough of this world! Paranormal is not my go-to genre but this series is addicting and definitely a very good paranormal. I do recommend this for anyone who likes paranormal, suspense, romance and mysteries - or even if you're not biggest fan of paranormal, this would still be a really good read. Although, in order to read this, Insight has to be read first to avoid spoilers and to know what's going on.

5 of 5 stars

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(A copy of this ebook was provided in return for an honest review.)

Book Tour: Oversight by Santino Hassell

Oversight (The Community, #2)
by Santino Hassell
Published by Riptide Publishing
Release day 26th June, 2017
LGBT, romantic suspense, paranormal

Spoiler Alert! The following blurb contains spoilers for Insight, book one of The Community.

Holden Payne has it all . . . or so he thinks. As heir to the founder of the Community—an organization that finds, protects, and manages psychics—he’s rich, powerful, and treated like royalty. But after a series of disappearances and murders rock the Community, he’s branded the fall guy for the scandal and saddled with a babysitter.

Sixtus Rossi is a broad-shouldered, tattooed lumbersexual with a man-bun and a steely gaze. He’s also an Invulnerable—supposedly impervious to both psychic abilities and Holden’s charms. It’s a claim Holden takes as a challenge. Especially if sleeping with Six may help him learn whether the Community had more to do with the disappearances than they claimed.

As Holden uncovers the truth, he also finds himself getting in deep with the man sent to watch him. His plan to seduce Six for information leads to a connection so intense that some of Six’s shields come crashing down. And with that comes a frightening realization: Holden has to either stand by the Community that has given him everything, or abandon his old life to protect the people he loves.

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"Six just stared at him. This beautiful personification of blankness but with burning black eyes."

Excerpt

The man who walked into the office did not remotely resemble the teen boy who'd just strolled through his memories. Adult Sixtus was Holden’s height but corded with about thirty more pounds of muscle. His biceps were nearly bursting from the sleeves and his pecs were clearly visible beneath the tight black polo he wore, making the typically conservative style— look like the prequel to a stripping routine in Magic Mike. He also wore khaki pants so tight his thighs looked like they were being strangled. He'd paired the two articles of clothing with scuffed motorcycle boots with steel toes.

Holden didn't make an attempt to hide his slow ogle, and dragged his eyes from boot to crotch to clavicle before taking in Six's face. His fathomless black eyes were the only familiar feature in that olive complexed face. He had a full beard and mustache, thick black hair tied up in a bun, and wide lips that Holden wanted to suck on. Why did his sociopathic handler have to be a disgustingly sexy lumberjack hipster?

"Huh," Holden said. "He's filled out."

Richard went back to pursing his lips but Sixtus didn't even blink. He didn't scan Holden or react to the intense eyefuck he'd just received. There seemed to be nothing behind those dark eyes. The effect was more disturbing when Holden, by default, reached out with his gift to get an impression. He'd expected a hint of impatience or irritation even if it was muted by the mental shield that was apparently always in place.

"He was drawn in by the strength of Six, and when that bubble wrapped around him again, it felt almost safe enough for him to break."

Author bio

Santino Hassell was raised by a conservative family, but he was anything but traditional. He grew up to be a smart-mouthed, school cutting grunge kid, then a transient twenty-something, and eventually transformed into an unlikely romance author.

Santino writes queer romance that is heavily influenced by the gritty, urban landscape of New York City, his belief that human relationships are complex and flawed, and his own life experiences.

Connect with Santino: Website | Twitter | Instagram | FB Group | FB | GR | Tumblr

Release Day Blitz: Oversight by Santino Hassell

Oversight (The Community, #2)
by Santino Hassell
Published by Riptide Publishing
Release day 26th June, 2017
LGBT, romantic suspense, paranormal

Spoiler Alert! The following blurb contains spoilers for Insight, book one of The Community.

Holden Payne has it all . . . or so he thinks. As heir to the founder of the Community—an organization that finds, protects, and manages psychics—he’s rich, powerful, and treated like royalty. But after a series of disappearances and murders rock the Community, he’s branded the fall guy for the scandal and saddled with a babysitter.

Sixtus Rossi is a broad-shouldered, tattooed lumbersexual with a man-bun and a steely gaze. He’s also an Invulnerable—supposedly impervious to both psychic abilities and Holden’s charms. It’s a claim Holden takes as a challenge. Especially if sleeping with Six may help him learn whether the Community had more to do with the disappearances than they claimed.

As Holden uncovers the truth, he also finds himself getting in deep with the man sent to watch him. His plan to seduce Six for information leads to a connection so intense that some of Six’s shields come crashing down. And with that comes a frightening realization: Holden has to either stand by the Community that has given him everything, or abandon his old life to protect the people he loves.

Add on Goodreads

Get your copy

Amazon UK

Amazon US

Barnes & Noble

Publisher

Excerpt

Six was sitting behind the desk, once again clad in a skintight polo buttoned up all the way but this time paired with cargo pants. As he sat on the edge of the chair with his thighs spread, Holden was waiting for all those muscles to burst the seams.

"Why do you dress like an extra from Jersey Shore?"

"I'd have to pop my collar for that." He only paused in his typing when a surprised laugh fell from Holden’s mouth. Raising an eyebrow at me, Six said, "Was I not supposed to get the reference?"

"Well, you're a cyborg so I didn't think you would."

Six turned in the chair so he was facing Holden. He had on his default neutral face, but a slight twitch of his brow and lip betrayed possible amusement at the comment. Was there some getting through to him after all, or were they destined to stare at each other in mutual blankness to see who could emote the least for the next… however long he'd be here as Holden's handler?

"Not having an empathy chip doesn't make me a cyborg. There are plenty of ways to figure someone out without feeling any of their vibes."

Holden crossed his arms over his chest and leaned against the wall next to the desk. "As someone who was born with an empathy chip with elephantiasis, color me skeptical."

Six mirrored his post, crossing his arms and leaning back in the chair with his thighs spread. The view of thick thighs and a good sized bulge were a temptation Holden didn't try to resist. He glanced down twice before managing to hold Six's steady gaze. 

Author bio

Santino Hassell was raised by a conservative family, but he was anything but traditional. He grew up to be a smart-mouthed, school cutting grunge kid, then a transient twenty-something, and eventually transformed into an unlikely romance author.

Santino writes queer romance that is heavily influenced by the gritty, urban landscape of New York City, his belief that human relationships are complex and flawed, and his own life experiences.

Connect with Santino: Website | Twitter | Instagram | FB Group | FB | GR | Tumblr