Anderson Gratney does odd jobs that usually involve a gun and covert ops for the CIA. His latest assignment? Kidnap a CIA analyst in order to keep her safe. Easy. Except there’s nothing simple about the beautiful, careful Carol Sark, who tempts him the more he learns about her. Coming face to face with a masked man in her home is the most terrifying experience of Carol’s life–until he kidnaps … he kidnaps her. He claims he’s there to keep her safe, but she doesn’t know who to trust. And until they can figure out who the threat is, she’s forced to take him at his word.
Time is ticking, and even though she drives him nuts, Anderson very much wants to keep her alive. Unfortunately, the assassins have other ideas…
Each book in the Tarnished Heroes series is STANDALONE:
* Spy Games
* Assassin Games
* Traitor Games
more
The book was fast paced and action packed, which made it an interesting read. However, there was a lot of departmental/governmental game playing, betrayal, and conniving, which I personally find too intense for a romantic read. The characters were intelligent and resourceful and the romance was okay. However, this just isn’t what I look for in my romance books. A lot of POV’s and tense undertones because of the agency inside an agency storyline. I won’t be reading the other books in this series because I read romances for the escapism and happy endings and these are a little too much for my tastes.
Great story line
A head-spinning, can’t put down read
A new-to-me author who has been on my TBR list for a while now, I was eager to read this new story. The second book in the Tarnished Heroes series, though technically you could read this as a standalone, I felt a little lost in the beginning. A lot of what happens here is set up by events in the first book, so I’d recommend reading the series in order. Once into it though, this story sucks you in and doesn’t let you go.
I love intelligent heroines, and I identified strongly with Carol, being a bit of an analyst/computer nerd myself (though in the much lower risk business world, lol) so this story really had me on the edge of my seat. Andy had me too, I loved his backstory–well, okay, maybe loved is the wrong word. Let’s just say I’m a sucker for brooding, troubled military types.
Lots of great secondary characters as well, both to love and love-to-hate, and the plot was a twisty rollercoaster ride that had my head spinning and my heart in my throat. If you’re looking for a can’t-put down read, this is it. 4.5 to 5 stars that I’m sure would have been a full 5 star for me if I’d read book one first.
B2B Kelly
Having finally gotten to crack one open from this author I quickly ventured in. The characters are Anderson and Carol who carry you through this high speed adventure. Being a covert is one that I like to read to see just how much they give me a rush. This one starts out a bit different with you quickly sitting back as these two give you the banter that keeps you entertained. It will also be fun as you go seeing where they do take you but it also has its share of rushes. The drama does come with you pulled to the edge at times. The heat will blast it through with this one giving all its got.
Assassin Games by Sidney Bristol is an exciting Crime Thriller. #2 in “Tarnished Heroes”, see “Spy Game”, but can be read as a stand alone.
This is the story of Anderson Gratney and Carol Sark both work with the CIA in different roles. There is a mole, a traitor, a murderer, danger, an assassin with plenty of twists and turns and edge of your seat action. Action paced, fast paced with engaging and realistic characters and an intriguing and captivating storyline. The storyline flows seamlessly and effortlessly. It is also unpredictable and compelling. A fantastic Crime Thriller with a few surprises. A must read. While, this is my first time reading Sidney Brisyol I intend to pick up “Spy Game” and continue to follow her stories. “I voluntarily received a complimentary copy, however, these are my honest opinions. I was in no way required nor compensated to write a review.”
Rating: 4.5
Heat rating: mild
Reviewer: AprilR
I received a free advanced copy of this book from the publisher from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
This book follows on the heels of Spy Games. Rand and Sarah are now in hiding, but the moles have still to be uncovered. There is a secret organization within the CIA, that is putting agents at risk to sell secrets. Carol Stark, daughter of a CIA agent who was murdered when she was younger, is an analyst with the CIA, taking a desk job, so she wouldn’t worry her mother. She has developed an algorithm to search out other failed missions, to help ferret out who the leakers are. Now she is in danger and Anderson (Andy) Gratney, a CIA contractor is assigned to protect her. He was a SEAL, a sniper, very good at his job, until he came to the realization, that he was being used to further corporations’ interests rather than keep America safe. For that he was court-martialed and put in prison. He is going to keep Carol safe, no matter what.
The author skillfully creates captivating characters in an puzzling scenario. Lots of action and intrigue and with the current revelations of chicanery in the upper echelons of both the CIA and FBI, totally believable.
Damn! That was fantastic. Nail biting doesn’t begin to describe how good it is. I am on edge waiting to read the next in the series and I just finished this one. I think I found a new favorite thriller author to add to my list. Sidney you rock girl! It is even better with spies who fall in love, how decadent!
This book has a lot going on it – many names, many scenarios, who is really the villain. You really have to pay attention to everything to understand what happened and you usually do not figure out what will happen next. That is what I want in romantic suspense – suspense. There are surprises – no giving it away here though. I know there is a first book in this series and I think maybe some of the characters and villains might have been in that book but this book reads well as a standalone (I do have the first book on my wishlist now). Andy and Carol are great characters, especially Carol who is not a wilting flower but a full blown thorn on the stem of a rose. Oh, and Andy, I want him to protect me – he is an all around nice guy even if he does not think so. I love their “kind of” slow burn romance – does she think he is a good guy or a villain? The story moves at a fast pace so do not blink. It also ends with us not knowing the true villain. Next book? Irene and Mitch?
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher through NetGalley.