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robinlovesreading's review
5.0
Supervisory Special Agent Max Hawthorne heads to Argentina with the daughter of the US Ambassador is kidnapped. Paired with Lucy Aston does not make this difficult job any easier. There is just something about the quiet plane assistant that is a bit of distraction to Max.
Regarding the girl who was kidnapped, Kristen, and at the last minute to the consternation of the kidnappers, Kristen's friend, Irene. Both girls completely disappear. The Ambassador and her husband are frantic. However, Max is called in, although he was on vacation at the time. His expertise just might go a long way to finding the girls. Paired with Lucy, the two begin to try and find whatever clues that might lead to finding the missing teens.
As the investigation intensifies, there is something else at play. Could there be a Russian spy at the embassy, and what, if anything, does this have to do with the missing girls? Meanwhile, Lucy is actually under cover, and must maintain that cover. Her job as assistant to the PA of the Ambassador is a ruse, allowing her to do the job she has been assigned. This becomes extremely challenging because, even with everything going on, Max and Lucy are clearly drawn to one another.
Tension, danger, intrigue and romance all played very well together in this remarkable book by Toni Anderson. I loved the puzzle that this book contained and enjoyed the byplay between Max and Lucy. I also enjoyed seeing the formerly frumpy Lucy blossom into the strong character that she was, even with her uncertain past. The book kept my attention throughout and and led to a thrilling conclusion.
Many thanks to Toni Anderson and to InkSlinger PR for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
Regarding the girl who was kidnapped, Kristen, and at the last minute to the consternation of the kidnappers, Kristen's friend, Irene. Both girls completely disappear. The Ambassador and her husband are frantic. However, Max is called in, although he was on vacation at the time. His expertise just might go a long way to finding the girls. Paired with Lucy, the two begin to try and find whatever clues that might lead to finding the missing teens.
As the investigation intensifies, there is something else at play. Could there be a Russian spy at the embassy, and what, if anything, does this have to do with the missing girls? Meanwhile, Lucy is actually under cover, and must maintain that cover. Her job as assistant to the PA of the Ambassador is a ruse, allowing her to do the job she has been assigned. This becomes extremely challenging because, even with everything going on, Max and Lucy are clearly drawn to one another.
Tension, danger, intrigue and romance all played very well together in this remarkable book by Toni Anderson. I loved the puzzle that this book contained and enjoyed the byplay between Max and Lucy. I also enjoyed seeing the formerly frumpy Lucy blossom into the strong character that she was, even with her uncertain past. The book kept my attention throughout and and led to a thrilling conclusion.
Many thanks to Toni Anderson and to InkSlinger PR for this ARC for review. This is my honest opinion.
elawder's review
I was so so excited to hear Max’s story. And it was definitely a lot different a set up than usual!
Right away we know that Lucy is not what she seems. And she doesn’t think very highly of herself because of a rough past. You had to empathize with her because she is so hard on herself for a past that isn’t entirely her fault. I know I’m constantly angry about things that I can’t control.
Max isn’t attracted to Lucy right away which is a big difference from most guys in the Cold Justice universe. But as he starts to get to know her and understand her, he is drawn to her.
I really enjoyed seeing their relationship progress and grow. Even though at points it progressed almost too far in too little time. But whatever.
I did get a little confused with all the different countries that came to play. I wanted to know more reasons why certain things were happening.
Overall, 4/5
Right away we know that Lucy is not what she seems. And she doesn’t think very highly of herself because of a rough past. You had to empathize with her because she is so hard on herself for a past that isn’t entirely her fault. I know I’m constantly angry about things that I can’t control.
Max isn’t attracted to Lucy right away which is a big difference from most guys in the Cold Justice universe. But as he starts to get to know her and understand her, he is drawn to her.
I really enjoyed seeing their relationship progress and grow. Even though at points it progressed almost too far in too little time. But whatever.
I did get a little confused with all the different countries that came to play. I wanted to know more reasons why certain things were happening.
Overall, 4/5
beckymmoe's review
5.0
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 1/30/21.
OMG, this might be my favorite Cold Justice/Crossfire book so far--what a ride!
I truly didn't want to put Lucy and Max's book down; so unfortunate that I had to work this week ;) Ms Anderson did a fabulous job of ratcheting up the tension on this book--kidnapped girls! Espionage! Lies! Secrets! Who can really be trusted? You're never quite sure...at times it seemed like each page brought a new twist. By the time we approached the climax they were practically hitting like body blows--no lie. It was that intense. I don't want to give anything away, but the ending was very satisfying. (Thank goodness. I might not have survived otherwise...or maybe my ereader wouldn't have? ;))
I loved Lucy and Max. He is just the greatest of great guys, and she is one heck of a kick-butt heroine, the image she works so hard to project aside. I adored the fact that he was the only one who truly saw her (OK, the ambassador's kids had a clue too--but they spent way more time with her) and even when I wasn't 100% sure of her motives, I wanted them to be good so hard so that they could end up together. Heck, I was even looking for ways for them to work out either way--I was *that* invested.
Ms Anderson has her work cut out for her following up this book--but I'm sure she's up for the challenge. And I am ready to read it when she does! <3
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
OMG, this might be my favorite Cold Justice/Crossfire book so far--what a ride!
I truly didn't want to put Lucy and Max's book down; so unfortunate that I had to work this week ;) Ms Anderson did a fabulous job of ratcheting up the tension on this book--kidnapped girls! Espionage! Lies! Secrets! Who can really be trusted? You're never quite sure...at times it seemed like each page brought a new twist. By the time we approached the climax they were practically hitting like body blows--no lie. It was that intense. I don't want to give anything away, but the ending was very satisfying. (Thank goodness. I might not have survived otherwise...or maybe my ereader wouldn't have? ;))
I loved Lucy and Max. He is just the greatest of great guys, and she is one heck of a kick-butt heroine, the image she works so hard to project aside. I adored the fact that he was the only one who truly saw her (OK, the ambassador's kids had a clue too--but they spent way more time with her) and even when I wasn't 100% sure of her motives, I wanted them to be good so hard so that they could end up together. Heck, I was even looking for ways for them to work out either way--I was *that* invested.
Ms Anderson has her work cut out for her following up this book--but I'm sure she's up for the challenge. And I am ready to read it when she does! <3
Rating: 4 1/2 stars / A
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
nadenetotallyaddictedtoreading's review
adventurous
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
5.0
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.Toni Anderson is an author who I have heard great things about, but never had the chance to read her work until now. I cannot believe I waited this long to read her work. Cold Cruel Kiss was hands down one of the best books I have read this year. It is the fourth book in the Cold Justice Crossfire series, however it works well as a standalone. The only issue is my having to go back and read the previous books in the series.
The story introduces Lucy Aston and FBI Special Supervisory Agent Max Hawthorne. Lucy works as an assistant to the PA of the US Ambassador to Argentina. Max, a former member of the British SAS now works as a negotiator for the FBI. The story began with the abduction of the US ambassador’s daughter on Christmas Eve while she was out shopping with friends. The FBI sent Max, one of their top negotiators, to take control of the situation and ensure the safe return of the Ambassador’s daughter.
Lucy tried not to bring attention to herself and has been doing an outstanding job until Max came on the scene. He saw what no one else did. A smart and beautiful woman. She knew she needed to avoid him, especially given her attraction to him. However, when circumstances forced them into working together, professional lines got crossed and feelings developed between them. However, Lucy harbours a secret, which if discovered could destroy her growing relationship with Max and posed a major threat to the security of the United States.
Lucy intrigued me. I wondered at every page turn what made her tick. The deeper I went into the story, the more of an enigma she became. One thing for sure, she was not the frumpy, weak and unattractive woman everyone thought her to be. I loved how well she and Max worked together, both professionally and romantically.
The story started strongly, and it never let up with the suspense. It hooked me from the start and held me captive to the end. It made me eager to know how it would all unfold and anxious I had many questions while reading. Who were the kidnappers, why did they target the ambassador’s daughter, and did it have anything to do with Lucy’s secret? The story answered all questions, some of which had a surprising outcome.
If choose to read Cold Cruel Kiss, which I strongly recommend, then prepare to be plunged into a world of kidnapping, corruption and espionage. The events tied up in a neat little bow and have me looking forward to reading more from the author.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
The story introduces Lucy Aston and FBI Special Supervisory Agent Max Hawthorne. Lucy works as an assistant to the PA of the US Ambassador to Argentina. Max, a former member of the British SAS now works as a negotiator for the FBI. The story began with the abduction of the US ambassador’s daughter on Christmas Eve while she was out shopping with friends. The FBI sent Max, one of their top negotiators, to take control of the situation and ensure the safe return of the Ambassador’s daughter.
Lucy tried not to bring attention to herself and has been doing an outstanding job until Max came on the scene. He saw what no one else did. A smart and beautiful woman. She knew she needed to avoid him, especially given her attraction to him. However, when circumstances forced them into working together, professional lines got crossed and feelings developed between them. However, Lucy harbours a secret, which if discovered could destroy her growing relationship with Max and posed a major threat to the security of the United States.
Lucy intrigued me. I wondered at every page turn what made her tick. The deeper I went into the story, the more of an enigma she became. One thing for sure, she was not the frumpy, weak and unattractive woman everyone thought her to be. I loved how well she and Max worked together, both professionally and romantically.
The story started strongly, and it never let up with the suspense. It hooked me from the start and held me captive to the end. It made me eager to know how it would all unfold and anxious I had many questions while reading. Who were the kidnappers, why did they target the ambassador’s daughter, and did it have anything to do with Lucy’s secret? The story answered all questions, some of which had a surprising outcome.
If choose to read Cold Cruel Kiss, which I strongly recommend, then prepare to be plunged into a world of kidnapping, corruption and espionage. The events tied up in a neat little bow and have me looking forward to reading more from the author.This review was originally posted on Totally Addicted to Reading
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