"4.5 stars. I love a book that exceeds expectations and this book delivered. if you loved the MindFu*k series, Leave me behind or the movie Mr and Mrs Smith, you'll enjoy this book. It had me hooked from chapter 1. The pacing was perfect. duel POV, psychological mind games, romance, light spice (but i appreciate the slower burn for book 2). Well written, with quality character building and plot that keeps you guessing. Be warned cliffhanger ending that will have you hanging for book 2. fast read so I highly recommend 👌"

"First of all, Karin Winter, how dare you? A CLIFFHANGER? DON’T DO THIS TO ME FRIEND!!! 😭😭
Now that that’s out of the way, WOW. Let’s start with a synopsis:
Sorine is a woman with a complicated past and history of kidnapping and abuse—rescued by her “father� who trains her to be a ruthless weapon. Zane is an ex-Navy SEAL who owns a security firm and they find themselves on the same missions multiple times before Sorine realizes that her history and Zane might be intertwined. After pursing him, they blossom a slow-burn romantic relationship without Sorine revealing the extent of what she does as a job. The line becomes blurry as her feelings for Zane grow stronger before she finds herself on a rescue mission against the Mexican Cartel and she has to decide what’s more important—the job or the man?

If you know me, you know I love a book with good banter between the FMC and MMC and this book delivered!! Sorine is witty and a smartass, Zane gives it right back to her and it makes their sexual tension HOT 🔥
The romantic side of the book is slow burn AF.
The military-organized-crime side of the book is ACTION PACKED and leaves you on the edge of your seat. THEIR adrenaline was rushing? MY adrenaline was rushing!
The plot itself is pretty fast paced, every chapter ending in something that leaves you wanting more (yes, I read this in two sittings,) but the book REALLY picks up about 75% of the way through. My eyes were BUZZING reading the last quarter, HOLYYYY 😭
Sorine is such a strong and badass FMC, her backstory drew tears from my eyes and the way it came into play in the back half of the book was absolutely perfect. Is she ruthless, a killer, determined to not fail a mission? Yes. But she is also a human with morals—especially when it comes to children, and reading through their mission together was very touching. I am also curious about her dad and was hoping to hear more about him before the end of the book.. I suppose I will wait for book two!
Seeing glimpses of Zane’s past was very touching as well and added to his character. I do find it unbelievable that it took him up to THE last page to realize Khaos was a woman, but I digress 🤣

I am excited for book 2, this book was excellently written and my first read by this author. I will definitely be checking out more of her works. I highly recommend this book! Add to your TBR immediately!

Thank you to Karin Winter for my ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Tropes: ex-military | suspense | secret identity | organized crime | slow burn romance | independent, strong-willed FMC | protective MMC | trauma healing | dual POV"