Title: Cold Cruel Kiss
Author(s): Toni Anderson
Series: Cold Justice -The Negotiators #4
Also in this series: Cold As Ice
Published by Toni Anderson Inc. on January 28, 2021
Pages: 400
Genre(s): Romantic Suspense
Source: Author
Purchase: Amazon|B&N|Kobo|Audible|ITunes
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When the daughter of the US Ambassador to Argentina is kidnapped in broad daylight on Christmas Eve, the FBI sends one of its best negotiators to investigate.
Supervisory Special Agent Max Hawthorne arrives at an embassy thrown into chaos as US and local law enforcement hustle to track the young woman. Is this a simple kidnap for ransom, or part of a political agenda? Could it be something more sinister?
Lucy Aston has something to hide. Preferring to stay in the shadows, the lowly, fashion-challenged office assistant resents being assigned to help Max. But Max can’t resist a puzzle…he’s starting to suspect Lucy Aston is not what she seems.
When rumors emerge of a suspected Russian spy operating out of the embassy, Lucy’s carefully constructed life begins to crumble. As she and Max race to rescue the ambassador’s daughter, Lucy has to do whatever it takes to keep her cover from being blown—even if that means betraying the man she’s falling for.
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.
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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 you 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.
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Journey into a world of kidnapping, corruption and espionage in Cold Cruel Kiss by Toni Anderson. #romance #suspense #newrelease #mustread Click To Tweet
About Toni Anderson
Toni Anderson writes award-winning, bestselling, FBI Romantic Thrillers. She is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, RITA® finalist, science nerd, professional tourist, dog lover, gardener, mom. Anderson’s books have won the Readers’ Choice Award, Aspen Gold, National Excellence in Romance Fiction, Book Buyers’ Best. Originally from a small town in Shropshire, England, Toni studied Marine Biology at University of Liverpool (B.Sc.) and University of St. Andrews (Ph.D.) with the intention she’d never be far from the ocean. Well, that plan backfired and she ended up in the Canadian prairies with her biology professor husband, two kids, a rescue dog, and a laid-back leopard gecko. Toni started writing while pregnant with her first child and never stopped. Her greatest achievements are mastering the Tokyo subway, climbing Ben Lomond, snorkeling the Great Barrier Reef, and surviving fifteen Winnipeg winters (fingers crossed). She loves to travel for research purposes and was lucky enough to visit the Strategic Information and Operations Center inside FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C. in 2016. She also got to shove another (police) car off the road during pursuit training at the Writer’s Police Academy. Basically she has way too much fun!
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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2021 A to Z Reading Challenge
- 2021 New Release Challenge
- Coyer 2021
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this looks so good. Just my type of read.
I hope you get the chance to read it.
I hope you get the chance to read it.
this looks so good. Just my type of read.
This sounds divine – excellent reviewing!
Thanks, DJ
Thanks, DJ
This sounds divine – excellent reviewing!
What a great review you have here. And I do like this genre but I do need to read more and that rating and raving thoughts makes me realize I need this author in my life. So just one clicked that first book in the series. LOL I love those addicting reads.
What a great review you have here. And I do like this genre but I do need to read more and that rating and raving thoughts makes me realize I need this author in my life. So just one clicked that first book in the series. LOL I love those addicting reads.
Wouldn’t say this is my subgenre of choice, but I’m oh so glad you enjoyed it!
Wouldn’t say this is my subgenre of choice, but I’m oh so glad you enjoyed it!
Sounds like my type of book/
Sounds like my type of book/
Well I haven’t heard of her Nadene but there is nothing better for me than a fantastic Romantic Suspense and your recommendation seals the deal. thanks
Nice review! I’m sold on this one and the series now!
Great review! I’ll check this out!
Great review! I’ll check this out!
Glad you enjoyed it. Great review.
I’ll have to take a look at this series seeing as you loved it so much. I do enjoy romantic suspense! 🙂
I’ll have to take a look at this series seeing as you loved it so much. I do enjoy romantic suspense! 🙂
Secrets have a way of coming out. This sounds really good.
Secrets have a way of coming out. This sounds really good.
Wow! I can tell you really, really enjoyed this one, and because I adore suspense novels, I need to get my hand on this and all the rest of her books. Hope you’re doing well! Hugs, RO
Yed, I did have a great time with it. I am sure you will love it. Yes all is well, thanks for asking. Hope all is well with you also.
And, another book I really want to read now that you brought my attention to it. 🙂 I like that it has an international setting and situation. Lucy has me intrigued.
Lucy was an interesting character.