Stunningly beautiful Solitaire Rotheringham is no angel. Shot and left for dead at sixteen, Solitaire does what it takes to survive. Faced with a gruesome death at the hands of Arturo Vazquez, Mexico’s most feared cartel boss, she persuades him to take her on as a mistress. To her surprise, she finds love. However, life in the cartel is lethal, and Solitaire has a dangerous secret. When cartel …
When cartel boss Arturo Vazquez discovers his girlfriend is a DEA rat and his deputy is staging a take-over, Arturo fixes his problems by killing everyone – except for Solitaire, his deputy’s unwilling mistress. Solitaire is intelligent, tough, and shares Arturo’s interest in BDSM. Arturo falls head over heels but someone is leaking information – and the evidence points at Solitaire.
Songbird is a compelling tale of vengeance, murder, cartel violence and finding love in the darkest of times. It is the second Zeta Cartel novel, and can be read as a standalone.
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These books are really unusual for mafia romances but also very intriguing and captivating.
So far I’ve read read Jorge’s book (Twisted, #5) and then this. Whilst the characters, and timeline, overlap slightly I’ve not found it difficult to pick up the story and read it as a stand alone. The stories are cleverly written to avoid (too many) spoilers for other books. It barely took any time to be drawn into Songbird and I soon find myself totally engaged by both the unpredictable plot and the fantastic characters.
Whilst there are some very dark events in the book they never feel too gruesome, with either much of the detail skimmed over or the specifics given in retrospect. This always felt like a mafia story, but one that very much breaks the mould, giving the genre a whole new perspective and feel. And definitely in a good way. It definitely has moments of a ‘British’ feel to it, but not overly so, at least to my mind. Though as a Brit I’m not sure if I’m the best judge of that or not.
I adore how the inner thoughts of the main characters often had an air of narration about them. Not only did it lend a wonderful humour to the story but made both Arturo and Solitaire into very engaging, likeable and warm characters. The plot ducks, dives and weaves it’s way along whilst providing ample opportunity for Arturo and Solitaire to fall for each other, along with plenty of reasons for us, the reader, to fall for them too.
This author just writes in a way that speaks to my heart and soul and I very much recommend this book to all romance readers.
I love this author’s style. Yup she is new to me and I am so happy I found her. With her unique way of changing POV and doing it well we get both of the characters view without it being repetitive which is a such a relief. We also get to see all of Arturo and all the reasoning behind his crazy (just don’t mess with his family and you will never know). I love that Solitaire is not only not a weepy weak female but also a great partner for Arturo. She shows herself to be enterprising and able to protect herself and think on her feet, they make the perfect power couple.
Like I said this author has knocked me off my feet with this series and I am so happy to have found her. With Arturo’s darkness and Solitaire’s memories this author keeps us entertained and questioning who the real Songbird is until the very end. In the meantime we get plenty of action and crazy to keep us occupied. Awesome read.
This beauty appeared on iTunes right here:
https://books.apple.com/nl/book/songbird/id1463288286
So,to celebrate,i decided to re-read it.
After all,i did enjoy the heck out of it the first time….
And guess what? It was just as great this time!
I really love the level-headedness of Solitaire,the way she accepted losing her memory….and the way she embraced her new life.
And Arturo….that man may be the jefe of the Zeta cartel,he will do anything for his loved ones!
Once he trusted Solitaire,he gave her control of part the business….a legitimate part at first,but still.
This is a story of surviving hardship,and coming up stronger.
About getting a second chance,and grabbing it with both hands.
About how criminals still have morals…..and a heart that is só generous,só big.
In spite of all the ugliness they see….and deal with.
This second installment of the series tells us the story of Solitaire and how she hooks up with the big boss of the Zeta’s. He’s been betrayed by his girlfriend and by the man she was with. He doesn’t trust Solitaire,but she persuades him to keep her,telling him she likes his kink….Is it a good decision,or…? Find out what happens in this dark beauty and hold onto your seat,you’ll need the support….
Songbird was reread for me and I have only read this 1 book in the series but this can definitely be read as a standalone read no issues whatsoever.
So this had a very distinctive writing style almost conversational at times which I really did like.
It’s dual POV and dark mafia romance.
Arturo Vazquez is the big boss of the Mexican cartel, cleaning house after a betrayal close to home Solitaire is the only surviving witness.
Solitaire manages to lose her memory in this same clean-up after being accidentally electrocuted.
Originally Intending to off her as they don’t leave witnesses behind to tell tales instead Arturo decides to takes Solitaire home with him as his personal companion and mistress.
So this had some very dark themes running through it, like in the first chapter the hero feeds his rat girlfriend to the sharks for betraying him.
But though this was quite graphic and brutal in terms of the content I didn’t find the romance itself especially dark.
Also, the BDSM angle here is relatively minor rather this relies on the mystery that is Songbird, an unknown entity leaking secrets and sabotaging business.
There’s another rat and everyone’s pointing fingers especially at Solitaire herself.
I liked how pragmatic our girl was she has a cool head and a massive dose of self-preservation.
She’s also no innocent and is more than a match for Arturo, I found her super refreshing compared to all the hysterical drama queens heroines we are usually given, She also has a very shady past herself so was more than a match for Arturo.
Arturo is definitely prepared to make the hard choices and still manages to sleep at night.
He loves his family, in fact, there his only weak spot until Solitaire and he’s prepared to do whatever needs doing to keep them safe.
He not afraid of getting his hands dirty and has done some pretty horrific things he rules his enemies and associates alike with the terror of what will happen if they dare to cross him.
But he does have standards and his own sort of warped moral code that I could totally get on board with here.
I liked that when the chips fell he gave Solitaire a choice not lying about what this lifestyle entails.
This mainly revolves around the mystery of just who the rat is and Solitaires recent memory issues.
It was an easy enjoyable read and I’m definitely planning to read more in this series as I enjoyed this one a lot.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
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The suspenseful storyline was well written and the characters were created with such great detail and depth that I was totally glued to my kindle throughout the entire book!
This is another enjoyable book in this series. The characters are strong and have great chemistry. There’s some mystery and suspense in this story and it’s fairly dark as would be expected from any story involving a cartel. I loved it from cover to cover.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The story revolves around Arturo, the Head of a Mexican Cartel crime family. He’s a stone cold violent criminal. He will take life without blinking an eye.
He finds Solitaire, who has been kidnapped and sexually and mentally abused by Arturo’s man. To save her life she made a deal with him.
The two have chemistry like fireworks but he is not sure whether or not he can trust Solitaire.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The first few chapters when they go to London, I loved it! It set the whole book up, and the revenge scene Kyle planned was EPIC!!!
Solitaire and Auturo first meet in a rather unusual fashion. Solitaire had been kidnapped, held in a cage, blackmailed and raped by the man who Arturo left in charge to run operations in England.
When Arturo comes to take care of business she is a witness but she has backbone, which actually interests boss man and he takes her to be his girl.
This book from here on out is steamy, suspenseful with its twists and action, and the protagonists are killer…. some in more ways than one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another AWESOME book by AJ Adams!!! I’ve started reading this author and read everything I can find. This is Arthuro and Solitaire’s story which I very mush enjoyed they were both likable engaging and warm characters. There’s danger, suspense, drama twists, turns, cartel, love and romance and I loved every minute of it! Arthuro is loving to toughs he cares about, alpha male, intelligent, and tough, but sadistic with toughs he feels are is enemies. While Solitaire is loyal, sweet, intelligent, loving but not naive. This book kept my interest form beginning to end and is a definite must read for any fan. I can/t wait to read more!!!!!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review
ONE DELECTABLE THRILL RIDE!!!
Holy hell! Adams drops one explosive, jaw dropping, mind blowing bombshell that hooks you from the start and reels you in for the duration with this intense storyline and high octane plot that blasts this bad boy wide open. Adams rocks to her on beat blazing this baby together sleek, shiny and tight. A churning vortex of vexing circumstances and a bevy of conflicting surprises push those intensified emotions to life smoothly. Pushing through all the trials and tribulations with so much unexpected drama, chilling danger and thrilling suspense hurls this baby to a whole new level. The chemistry is intense, off the charts, combustible. The characters personalities are original, intriguing and strong. Solid individuals who balance out and play off one another beautifully. The scenes are graphically detailed to give you a full understanding and realism that flows smoothly from each scenario without a hitch. Remarkable job Adams, thanks for sharing this incredible little jewel with us.
This is book two in the Zeta Cartel series. Arturo, the cartel boss has had his eyes opened wide recently. He has learned that his girlfriend was a DEA agent, that will not do. His has also been made aware that his deputy, Escamilla has been working to take over the cartel. Betrayal, time to clean house. However, Escamilla’s mistress, Solitaire begs and pleads that she did not support Escamilla in his mission and that she was simply the wrong place at the wrong time. So she turns on her charms to convince Arturo to let her stay and put her to good use by keeping her as a play thing. But is it a mistake? Information is being leaked out into the world that should not be and all fingers are pointing to Solitaire. Maybe he should have.taken her out as well in the beginning. Enjoy another great book in the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is a well written book with strong well developed characters and a dark edged mafia romance. The author does a great job building the story and pulls you in with the “business dealings” and suspense as well as the love between Arturo and Solitaire. It’s a very interesting story that captured and held me from start to finish. I’m looking forward to the next book. Highly recommend reading.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.
EXCITING THRILLING read!
EXCITING THRILLING and so darn edgy instantly grabbed my attention keeping me engrossed to the end. An intense storyline that I most certainly enjoyed and a great addition to this series. An amazing read that I highly suggest to others this awesome read that does not disappoint.
Oh, I liked this one. Strong, mouthy, full of sass. Even when things are topsy turvy. Solitaire is every woman’s type of hero. She is determined and has the gift to charge ahead and live by her morals. It may not match everyone’s but she believes in herself and isn’t afraid to face the consequences.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Arturo Vazquez is the head of the Los Zetas cartel and doesn’t handle betrayers very well, including his soon to be dead girlfriend Gina. When Arturo is also betrayed by Escamilla he plans on killing him as well but he must also deal with his girl, Solitaire Rotheringham.
Solitaire was taken by Escamilla but when she is injured and left with no memory she is taken in by Arturo.
Soon Arturo realizes the value of Solitaire but they also discover that there is another traitor in their midst known as Songbird. Could Solitaire be Songbird?
This is another great book in the series which is getting more intense as it goes! This is another long book but it keeps you interested with so much action and wonderful characters.
In the first book I wasn’t 100% sure what to make of Arturo but I knew he had a great relationship with Kyle whom I really liked so I knew he had to be at least a little bit of a good guy. In this book you get to see the business side of him which is tough and then another side of him that was brought out by Solitaire that was more loving and dedicated.
Solitaire was great as she suffered memory loss but she was getting it back through nightmares and certain other things and it revealed a wealth of knowledge. She was not well liked by Arturo’s sisters but she really didn’t care and didn’t let that get her down.
The chemistry between the two was through the roof and they definitely brought out the best in each other!
I loved the mystery of Songbird and how they went about trying to figure out who it was. I was definitely shocked by what was revealed but I had wondered about a part of it.
The book ended awesome and I can’t wait for more!
So, I totally thought that “The Bonus” was amazing, then I read “Songbird” and it blew my freaking mind by how great it was! 5 out of 5 for SURE!
We first met Arturo in the first book in which he was portrayed as an interesting man. Leading a cartel is hard work, he HAS to appear strong and make tough choices to make sure that he does not appear weak but on the flip side, he is fiercely loyal to not only his family, but also with his inner circle. Maintaining this balance is extremely hard, but you can see the amazing man behind the monster in this book.
Solitaire was just wow. I have read numerous books with strong women and have always enjoyed them, but she definitely takes the cake. She is extremely smart, tough, beautiful, and into some interesting things in the bedroom- which Arturo appreciates all of these qualities and rightfully so. This girl has been through some pretty awful stuff and truly did not have anyone that she could rely on, which definitely gave you the feels.
These two were so perfect for each other, but there are lots of twists and turns that AJ Adams throws your way which makes it so much better.
PLEASE READ THIS BOOK, so that you can enjoy it as much as I did!
Oh man This is the second book in the Zeta Cartel series and DAMN this one was effing AMAZING just AMAZING! Can I just say Arturo is an effing amazing alpha male all bad a$$ and everything in between. Man this book had me right from the start. Arturo is no man to be messed with and when he finds out some things about his girlfriend he is beyond pissed off. Then to make matters worse he finds out that someone close to him is staging a takeover. So he goes on a killing spree because he will not have anyone messing with him or his business.
After going on this killing spree and taking care of business Arturo is out to have some fun. His idea of fun is a unique brand. All he can think about is having fun with Solitaire. He has one thing on his mind with her but he has to be very careful because someone is out to get him and whoever it is is leaking information to the DEA and all things lead to Solitaire.
What is Arturo going to do? Can he trust Solitaire or is she the enemy dressed up in fine clothes?
Holy smokes does this story start off dark right from the start its like do I continue to read or stop what I’m reading. Is a cop going to knock on my door type read lol. This story starts off dark and end dark with a happy twist. I was amazed at the writing of this story and really surprised this wasn’t the first story as it had Auturo the jefe and Solitaire I love that name the Jefa, but it worked out with the placement and how returning characters came back really made the story pop. I loved this story more then I loved book 1; sorry Kyle and Chloe. This story really takes you on a different path one that you can’t put down. The words really speak to you this time around. Its a different kind of Romance one that has you coming back for more and more.
***I received this ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, this is all me, myself and I***
I dived straight into this after reading Bonus. This series is so well written! The characters are fantastic and the storyline is perfectly twisty. If Cartel books are your thing, then this is a series you will want to sink your teeth into.
A. J. Adams has written another book that had me rooting for the bad guys. A cartel Jefe and how he finds his perfect mate while carrying out a raid and execution cartel style had me from the first scene. I know that Arturo is not “nice” and does some wicked things and his business is not legal but his heart is huge, he loves his family and he loves Solitaire, too. I loved the dynamics of this love story. I really enjoyed Solitaire’s strength of character and ability to survive. I don’t know how this author manages to create characters I should hate but thoroughly enjoy instead!