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A review by angelahayes
Love, Lies & Crime Anthology by Loren Kendall, Freya Barker, Jesse Lorenzo, Madison Street, Katheryn Kiden, Courtney Shockey, Addison Kline, Danielle Jamie, Silla Webb, Melissa Toppen, Imy Santiago, Kimberly Soto
5.0
5 Stars
Love, Lies and Crime is and Anthology of short stories/Novellas by ten talented authors. These authors all have different styles and approaches to writing; they are all unique and individual, but with the same thread running through each of the stories- that of Love, Lies and/or Crime.
Shutter Speed by Freya Barker.
Isla Ferris 39, has found herself at McPhee Reservoir for the summer- managing the popular lakeside camping grounds. She is an avid photographer and can’t wait to start taking snaps of the picturesque surroundings.
Ben Gustafson 48, has booked in at one of the campsites for the summer. He looks quite dangerous with all his tatts, long hair and his Harley Motorcycle. But there is something about him that draws Isla to him.
But things are not as they seem, danger lurks all around. There is more to this story and secrets that are yet to be uncovered. Will Isla be able to avoid all the danger and the sticky situation she has unknowingly gotten herself caught up in? What happens when she discovers Ben’s Secret? What is going on at the campgrounds? Do Isla and Ben have a future together?
Wonderfully written story- had me hooked from the start. It’s fast paced, flows well- a quick read with a HEA.
Twist in Fate by Danielle Jamie.
This is great paranormal story, about time travel. Lucy McAllister is 22 years old and has just discovered a family heirloom in a trunk that belonged to her Grandmother. With it was a letter revealing their family secret.
Lucy is caught up in the stories outlined in the letter, curiosity getting the better of her. She uses the heirloom, finding herself transported to a different time. Where does she end up? What is her fate? Will she find what she’s looking for?
This story was wonderfully detailed and descriptive- so much information for such a short story. Well written, unique storyline. Ends on a cliff-hanger. I really need the next book so I can find out what happens. Very enjoyable.
Sinner by Katheryn Kiden.
Danielle Becket is the daughter of a Police Captain and owner of Sinners and Saints Modelling Agency. A psychotic killer is on the loose, targeting the models and killing them off one by one.
I was caught up in the story from the very beginning. It is very graphic, quite violent, really dark and deliciously twisted. I was frantically trying to figure out who the killer was- I was so far down the rabbit hole, that I never saw the cliff-hanger coming! My mind was seriously messed with, and I loved it. I really can’t wait to continue this story!
Breaking Black by Addison Kline.
When 37 members of Seventy Devils MC, break out of jail and land back on the street, you know you’re in for an action packed ride. The dangerous Bikers are out to exact revenge on those responsible for putting them away and who took out half of their club members, destroying their property in the process.
This had a lot happening in it, from start to finish- I was amazed at how much the author was able to pack into a short story. The story is to be continued and I am looking forward to seeing what happens.
Blind Disillusion by Jesse Lorenzo.
Elizabeth works in a busy city Diner- “she never deviated from her predictable, methodical and boring routine. Every single day was exactly the same and she found comfort in that.” Unfortunately she has come to the attention of a serial killer, who has designs on making her his ‘lucky’ number 13. She had become his ‘chosen’. His aim is to take her mind, body and soul. First he watches and follows; then he begins a mental assault on his victim; before finally collecting their soul.
This book twisted my mind so completely. It is a thriller, full of suspense, twists and mind games; I enjoyed every word and will definitely be reading more from this author.
Exacting Vengeance by Imy Santiago.
Natalia has been ordered on a covert, unsanctioned overseas mission; that only she is qualified to carry out. Only once she gets there does it become apparent why the Captain had sent her. Things are not what she expected and something is not quite right. Can she trust the men who are meant to be keeping her alive? Will she figure it all out in time? The story is to be continued
I hadn’t read any of this authors work before and found the story to be really captivating! I will happily read more of Imy Santiago’s books.
Mantis, by Courtney Shockey.
Gabby and Rosa are lovers who need a man to satisfy their urges. But these two lovely ladies are definitely not what they seem- and Danger abounds. They are being watched by a mysterious man. Will he prove to be a friend or a foe? Can they trust him? Does he have ulterior motives? What will become of them?
Ms. Shockey has delivered a gripping story in her own unique, vividly descriptive, dark and rich, slightly bent style. I relished every word! I’m now waiting expectantly for the full length story, coming in the very near future!
Little Temptations, by Madison Street.
A story about MMA fighter, Taylor Munroe, who suffers a serious defeat in the ring- finds himself in a bar being taunted by a group of trouble makers. Punches are thrown and Taylor gets arrested. His lawyer Harley turns out to be a woman- an infuriating, sexy, demanding woman. He wants to strangle her because she irritates him so much. She can’t believe how annoying, frustrating and arrogant he is. Sparks fly. Will they be able to maintain a purely professional relationship?
This story is told from a duel POV. It was a great read and I look forward to reading more from this author!
His to Take by Melissa Toppen.
When Chloe wakes, she finds herself bound and in a darkened room with no idea of where she is or how she got there. She soon learns that she was taken because her father failed to pay the debt he owes. Chloe is to be broken in, trained and then sold as a sex slave. Her future is looking pretty bleak. The man assigned with her training, is not what she expected. He doesn’t seem like all the others. Can she trust him? What secrets is he keeping? Will she be able to break free before it’s too late?
What a fantastic story! I think it would make a wonderful full length novel. Ms. Deltoro is a superb storyteller. I can't wait to read more of her books.
Dirty Secrets Silla Webb.
Joshua Moore has had a troubled past. He is incarcerated for some heinous crimes. The FBI become involved and as his story unfolds, we learn of a taboo relationship, sensitive topics, abuse, manipulation and extortion.
“I’m twisted up in this game…. And I don’t know how to set myself free.”
The author really didn’t pull any punches with this story. She got into my mind and messed with my brain. I really didn’t know how I felt when I finished, but I knew I wanted to know more. Luckily the story is to be continued in “Depths of Darkness”- I will be one-clicking that one, for sure.
I went into this book not really knowing what to expect and have come out the other side totally blown away. All the stories are amazing, so engrossing, with wonderful plotting, well developed characters and all were extremely well written. I have read some books by a few of the contributing authors before- but quite a few of the authors were new to me, so I was excited to not only read the work of the authors I knew and loved, but also get an introduction to some authors who are new to me.
Buckle up and be prepared for a thrilling, nail biting ride that will have your heart in your mouth and on tender hooks the whole way through. There are some seriously suspenseful, mind blowing parts; funny, light-hearted and tender moments; extremely hot and intense sex scenes to be found; flying on the seat of your pants action throughout; then moments where you will despair for the character/s. But you will enjoy, Every. Single. Minute!
I really recommend this Anthology- you won’t regret buying it! It is worth every cent of the purchase price, and you are helping out a charity in the process. It doesn’t get better than that!
Thank you to all the authors!
Love, Lies and Crime is and Anthology of short stories/Novellas by ten talented authors. These authors all have different styles and approaches to writing; they are all unique and individual, but with the same thread running through each of the stories- that of Love, Lies and/or Crime.
Shutter Speed by Freya Barker.
Isla Ferris 39, has found herself at McPhee Reservoir for the summer- managing the popular lakeside camping grounds. She is an avid photographer and can’t wait to start taking snaps of the picturesque surroundings.
Ben Gustafson 48, has booked in at one of the campsites for the summer. He looks quite dangerous with all his tatts, long hair and his Harley Motorcycle. But there is something about him that draws Isla to him.
But things are not as they seem, danger lurks all around. There is more to this story and secrets that are yet to be uncovered. Will Isla be able to avoid all the danger and the sticky situation she has unknowingly gotten herself caught up in? What happens when she discovers Ben’s Secret? What is going on at the campgrounds? Do Isla and Ben have a future together?
Wonderfully written story- had me hooked from the start. It’s fast paced, flows well- a quick read with a HEA.
Twist in Fate by Danielle Jamie.
This is great paranormal story, about time travel. Lucy McAllister is 22 years old and has just discovered a family heirloom in a trunk that belonged to her Grandmother. With it was a letter revealing their family secret.
Lucy is caught up in the stories outlined in the letter, curiosity getting the better of her. She uses the heirloom, finding herself transported to a different time. Where does she end up? What is her fate? Will she find what she’s looking for?
This story was wonderfully detailed and descriptive- so much information for such a short story. Well written, unique storyline. Ends on a cliff-hanger. I really need the next book so I can find out what happens. Very enjoyable.
Sinner by Katheryn Kiden.
Danielle Becket is the daughter of a Police Captain and owner of Sinners and Saints Modelling Agency. A psychotic killer is on the loose, targeting the models and killing them off one by one.
I was caught up in the story from the very beginning. It is very graphic, quite violent, really dark and deliciously twisted. I was frantically trying to figure out who the killer was- I was so far down the rabbit hole, that I never saw the cliff-hanger coming! My mind was seriously messed with, and I loved it. I really can’t wait to continue this story!
Breaking Black by Addison Kline.
When 37 members of Seventy Devils MC, break out of jail and land back on the street, you know you’re in for an action packed ride. The dangerous Bikers are out to exact revenge on those responsible for putting them away and who took out half of their club members, destroying their property in the process.
This had a lot happening in it, from start to finish- I was amazed at how much the author was able to pack into a short story. The story is to be continued and I am looking forward to seeing what happens.
Blind Disillusion by Jesse Lorenzo.
Elizabeth works in a busy city Diner- “she never deviated from her predictable, methodical and boring routine. Every single day was exactly the same and she found comfort in that.” Unfortunately she has come to the attention of a serial killer, who has designs on making her his ‘lucky’ number 13. She had become his ‘chosen’. His aim is to take her mind, body and soul. First he watches and follows; then he begins a mental assault on his victim; before finally collecting their soul.
This book twisted my mind so completely. It is a thriller, full of suspense, twists and mind games; I enjoyed every word and will definitely be reading more from this author.
Exacting Vengeance by Imy Santiago.
Natalia has been ordered on a covert, unsanctioned overseas mission; that only she is qualified to carry out. Only once she gets there does it become apparent why the Captain had sent her. Things are not what she expected and something is not quite right. Can she trust the men who are meant to be keeping her alive? Will she figure it all out in time? The story is to be continued
I hadn’t read any of this authors work before and found the story to be really captivating! I will happily read more of Imy Santiago’s books.
Mantis, by Courtney Shockey.
Gabby and Rosa are lovers who need a man to satisfy their urges. But these two lovely ladies are definitely not what they seem- and Danger abounds. They are being watched by a mysterious man. Will he prove to be a friend or a foe? Can they trust him? Does he have ulterior motives? What will become of them?
Ms. Shockey has delivered a gripping story in her own unique, vividly descriptive, dark and rich, slightly bent style. I relished every word! I’m now waiting expectantly for the full length story, coming in the very near future!
Little Temptations, by Madison Street.
A story about MMA fighter, Taylor Munroe, who suffers a serious defeat in the ring- finds himself in a bar being taunted by a group of trouble makers. Punches are thrown and Taylor gets arrested. His lawyer Harley turns out to be a woman- an infuriating, sexy, demanding woman. He wants to strangle her because she irritates him so much. She can’t believe how annoying, frustrating and arrogant he is. Sparks fly. Will they be able to maintain a purely professional relationship?
This story is told from a duel POV. It was a great read and I look forward to reading more from this author!
His to Take by Melissa Toppen.
When Chloe wakes, she finds herself bound and in a darkened room with no idea of where she is or how she got there. She soon learns that she was taken because her father failed to pay the debt he owes. Chloe is to be broken in, trained and then sold as a sex slave. Her future is looking pretty bleak. The man assigned with her training, is not what she expected. He doesn’t seem like all the others. Can she trust him? What secrets is he keeping? Will she be able to break free before it’s too late?
What a fantastic story! I think it would make a wonderful full length novel. Ms. Deltoro is a superb storyteller. I can't wait to read more of her books.
Dirty Secrets Silla Webb.
Joshua Moore has had a troubled past. He is incarcerated for some heinous crimes. The FBI become involved and as his story unfolds, we learn of a taboo relationship, sensitive topics, abuse, manipulation and extortion.
“I’m twisted up in this game…. And I don’t know how to set myself free.”
The author really didn’t pull any punches with this story. She got into my mind and messed with my brain. I really didn’t know how I felt when I finished, but I knew I wanted to know more. Luckily the story is to be continued in “Depths of Darkness”- I will be one-clicking that one, for sure.
I went into this book not really knowing what to expect and have come out the other side totally blown away. All the stories are amazing, so engrossing, with wonderful plotting, well developed characters and all were extremely well written. I have read some books by a few of the contributing authors before- but quite a few of the authors were new to me, so I was excited to not only read the work of the authors I knew and loved, but also get an introduction to some authors who are new to me.
Buckle up and be prepared for a thrilling, nail biting ride that will have your heart in your mouth and on tender hooks the whole way through. There are some seriously suspenseful, mind blowing parts; funny, light-hearted and tender moments; extremely hot and intense sex scenes to be found; flying on the seat of your pants action throughout; then moments where you will despair for the character/s. But you will enjoy, Every. Single. Minute!
I really recommend this Anthology- you won’t regret buying it! It is worth every cent of the purchase price, and you are helping out a charity in the process. It doesn’t get better than that!
Thank you to all the authors!