Zoe Somersby is so much more than she appears: a feisty curvy redhead, superhero lover, professional translator… and code breaker. Most of all she knows how power and money can corrupt a man. For those reasons she became a Dark Sparrow.Archer Blackwood is the epitome of the ruthless businessman: cold, and filthy rich. The handsome Brit controls everything and everyone, no exceptions. Ever.When … Ever.
When Zoe is asked to go undercover at Blackwood Corporation, on the lookout for possible threats against the infuriating and sexy billionaire, she finds the mission amusing at the beginning. That was until the menace turns darker and her attraction to Archer becomes overwhelming.
Zoe is right in the middle of a bloody family war, but her mind and logic are blurred by lust. Archer turns into an unexpected protector, suddenly wanting even more from her if they ever survive this deadly game. Could her unstoppable emotions for the Brit be the end of her?
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Cold Bastard is bloody brilliant! India Kells is fast becoming one of my very favorite authors. I have to say that I’m normally not a big fan of billionaire romance – you’re read one, you’ve read them all . . . or so I thought. I was so wrong. This story is not only well executed by a fantastic suspense thriller amid a sexy, steamy, passionate romance that I totally LOVED.
Archer Blackwood is a financial mogul and wealthy businessman but underneath that exterior is an alpha male, hot and brooding, suffering from his past demons, and in need of the right woman to make his fire burn again. Enter Zoe – she’s sexy, charming, smart and sassy. She’s one heroine who doesn’t wait for her man to rescue her. Zoe’s choices combine with a dangerous criminal who seeks to destroy and consume every life he comes across. Will Archer and Zoe stop the enemy from ruining everything, especially their chance at love?
FANTASTIC and steamy read that’s been added to my favorites list. Don’t hesitate – pick it up and read today. Check out Lost Bastard, the other in this series. You won’t regret it!!!
Characters: 5/5
Plot: 5/5
Word Building: 5/5
Story Flow: 5/5
Picky Bitches OVERALL SCORE: 5/5
“The question isn’t who’s going to let me; it’s who’s going to stop me.” ~ Ayn Rand
This was my first experience reading any of India Kells novels. I had not read the first one in the Dark Sparrow series, but didn’t feel like it effected my ability to fully enjoy this one. Though, since I did, I am compelled to go back and read that, and maybe some more of this author. I really enjoyed how India Kells managed to weave a detailed and complicated story line with ease and friendly to the reader. It was fast paced and had me on the edge of my seat until I suddenly found myself with no more to read in a few short hours. I found it a perfect poolside read full of mystery, adventure, suspense, romance, and so much more.
Our two main character in this novel are Zoe and Archer. Each have secrets in their past that will come back to haunt them. Will these be detrimental to not only their survival, but also their ability to find a happily ever after that you so want them to find?
I really connected to Zoe. She is a curvy, smart, and sassy red head, much like myself. To me this really pulled me into the story and had me feeling like I was on the same page with her throughout the entire novel. Zoe is a Dark Sparrow (A soul offered a new life in exchange for a favor to be repaid later.) that has been assigned to infiltrate the Blackwood Corporation. This is where Archer comes in. I found him to be a nice compliment to Zoe. Archer has a very different persona. In his past it was his secrets that has turned him into the cold bastard that he is today. Zoe never figured that she would fall for someone like Archer but finds herself feeling a very strong attraction towards him. Will she choose to follow her heart or fulfill her job above all?
I really look forward to reading the next book in the series. I hope that it will keep me on the edge of my seat much like this one.
“Life Shrinks or expands in proportion with one’s courage.”~ Anais Nin
Absolutely loved it!
Can’t say good enough things about this book. It has everything. A coldhearted hero, a super strong female lead, mystery, action, suspense, and a brilliant ending. Read in one sitting while quaffing a bottle of wine! (You will need it for the edge of your seat stuff!) The tension and attraction between Archer and Zoe is palpable. It fizzes out of the pages! Some really breathtaking reading!
Great characters and a fantastic plot make this my read of the month and I am looking forward to reading the first book in this series.
Wonderful read with a glass of wine. Wonderful story line. My first time reading one of India’s books. It was sexy, humor at times, twisted in the right places to keep your attention, and just a great read for a weekend to kick back with.
I love the Dark Sparrow series. I love Zoe. That woman is something else entirely. This is a read I consumed, inhaled. I could not put it down.
Finch continues his dangerous games in trying to hurt his bastard sons. In this book he is after Archer Blackwood; British businessmen trying to sell his company. Lazarus sets Zoe in Archer’s path to keep an eye on him not knowing her dark past will put her in more danger than his half brother. While Zoe is doing her best to stay sane and protect those she cares about, Archer is hell bend to make her his and protect her. Lies, deception, danger and romance are mixed together perfectly in this story keeping the reader spellbound until the very end! I can’t wait to read the next book. Definitely recommended for lovers of dark romance!
Cold Bastard
(Dark Sparrow #2)
by India Wells
4 Stars
This is the first book that i have read by this author and i really liked it! I was pulled into the story from the start and i couldn’t put it down! The characters in this book ate fantastic, even if Archer was a bit much with his attitude. But other than that i loved both him and Zoe. This book was a little dark and i liked that aspect of it. It has some unexpected events and over all i thought this was an awesome book!
I would recommend this to a friend.
Review by Anastasia D.
This is one of those books that is serious yet has a sense of humor about it. For example, the strong, independent lead woman wears conventional clothing with superhero underwear (so do I). The story has all the components of a perfectly plotted romance/suspense including a hot guy.
The characters are complex and well developed, the story is fast paced and held my interest from beginning to end.
I absolutely recommend this story.
Cold Bastard (Dark Sparrow Novel Book 2) by India Kells
5 Stars
This was my first book by this author and I absolutely loved it.
Zoe is an amazing woman and feisty. Taking a job at Blackwood Corporation as an interpreter, she’s ready for anything, except the force that is Archer Blackwood.
These two were great and gave as good as they got.
Many characters and many secrets I didnt see coming. Amazing read!
Cold Bastard
Dark Sparrow Novel
Book 2
By India Kells
This is a full length novel. In this book you will find suspense, a little twist and a whole lot of forbidden romance?
Zoe Somersby has began her new job. Her specialty is translating many languages, under cover. Her mission is to keep her boss safe. Be his ears during this next step of his business dealings. But as life has it, everything is about to come to a crashing halt. After all she did sign a contract stating she could not get involved with the boss personally!
Archer Blackwood is the CEO of his own company, extremely good looking but, he is cold and ruthless. Loaded with money this hotty is in control of hie everything. He just hired Zoe, the one and only woman that has got him so frustrated. He has no time for falling into a romance. It just won’t work, just ask Archer!
India Kells is an exciting new author for me. She cucked me into her story right at the beginning. This story was filled with all kinds of angst and twists. Her characters will make you fall in love with them, well some of them anyway. Others will just keep you wondering when they will get to meet Karma. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series. So feel free to get started, as you will want to be ready for the next book.
Cold Bastard by India Kells
Five Stars
Cold Bastard is the second book in the Dark Sparrow series bi India Kells. This book is the first book I have read by India Kells, so it can be read as a stand alone. I will be going back and reading the first book because I truly enjoyed this story. I love a strong willed, kickass female lead and you will get that in this book. This story had me hooked from the very first page, and I read it in one sitting. It is full of action, suspense, humor and romance. The incredible writing skills and detailed characters made this a great read. I’m looking forward to reading the first book in the series and the next book coming out. If you love suspenseful romances this is the book for you.
Cold Bastard by India Kells
Cold Bastard by India Kells is a fantastic 5 star read that will have you gripped until the very end. It is the 2nd book in the Dark Sparrows series but can be read as a stand-alone. This was my very first read by this author and I was blown away by how good this book is. As well as the romantic story of Zoe and Archer there is so much mystery, suspense and intrigue. And just when you think the story is coming to an end India Kells throws in a final twist that you just don’t see coming.
Zoe Somersby is sent in undercover as a translator/interpretor to keep Archer Blackwood safe from his evil father. Archer is unaware who his real father is and is not aware that he is in danger. Although part of Zoe’s assignment was not falling in love with Archer. To begin with Archer is very cold and aloof towards Zoe and ruthless in his dealing with others, hence the name Cold Bastard, however she manages to thaw his frozen heart.
Without giving away any of the story I will just say that this story is fantastic. The characters are amazing and the story flows really well. It will have you on the edge of your seat wondering what the hell is going to happen next and wondering if all the characters are going to survive.
If you are looking for a gripping story with the added attraction of romance then this is definitely the book for you.
Cold Bastard (Dark Sparrow Novel Book 2) by India Kells
5 Stars
My first question is how is this the first book I’ve ever read by this author, my second question is how fast I can grab the first in this series and my third is OMG when will the next book be out??
This was simply awesome!! From the writing style to the flow to the characters to the personalities..just everything was awesome about this book. I love snappy dialogue and this was completely spot on for me. I had no problem reading this without
The storyline was unique and is ongoing, this book did not end in a cliff hanger except for giving us a look into the next one where the story will continue.
This author has a way of throwing in twists and turns throughout the entire story, some smaller than others but every one of them had me on the edge of my seat, and there’s a lot of players involved but it was made extremely easy to keep up with all of them.
I just can’t say enough about this book, and this author has just gained a new fan, I can’t wait to check out whatever else is available.
Loved it and highly recommend!
Cold Bastard (Dark Sparrow #2)
By India Kells
Rated 5 stars!
This book….this book was so good!
This is my first book by this author. I am surprised I haven’t read one before. This is just up my alley. It was intriguing and kept me on the edge of my seat. I loved everything about the two main characters. Archer is strong, smart heck-a good looking and British! Yes I said British!!! He is a muscular, tattooed suit wearing British speaking hottie!! Although he looks good in sweatpants as well. He is cold and emotionless until a little fireball known as Zoe shows up in his life. Zoe is a curvy little redhead with a smart mouth. She is supremely intelligent and takes nothing from anyone. I enjoyed how she was so body conscious…it made her seem more real. The back and forth between these two is electric! I could not get enough of their banter. I could never decide whether to read slower or faster. Either way was torture. This story did bring out many emotions while reading. I was irritated a few times along with shocked, worried and in awe. I usually an a fan of the male in the story but Zoe’s part was so good that I just am a fan of them both. Although Archer does pull ahead…because of that smexy British Accent!!
This book has a lot of characters. They all helped the story along but weren’t overpowering to block out the main characters. I have not read book one in this series so I would say this can be read as a stand alone. I see whose book is next though!!! Thank you epilogue! I will keep an eye out for that!
Cold Bastard is the second novel in the Dark Sparrow series by India Kells. This is my first novel by this author.
While I have not read the previous book, I really enjoyed this one.
Zoe Somersby was a well written character that put herself in a situation she never thought possible. She was assignment to infiltrate the Blackwood Corporation but starts to have an attraction to Archer Blackwood. Now she must choose before her heart and her job.
Zoe was a refreshing character that had a lot of skills and interests that I don’t see much in the romance novel and it fit well with Archer’s character that was cold because his past and it made me want to know more about him.
While Archer has secrets, Zoe has some secrets of her own. Will Archer be able to protect her from her past?
The premise of this was well thought out and left me on the edge of my seat.
I highly recommend it.
Cold Bastard is the second story in India Kells’ Dark Sparrow’s series. It is the first book I have read by this writer and I am a committed fan now! Now that I have finished the Cold Bastard, I will move on to the first book and also to her Women of Purgatory after meeting Beatrice and Gabrielle and ….
Anyhow, Cold Bastard is the story of Zoe and Archer and both of them are more than what they appear on the surface – Zoe is more than the feisty curvy redhead and Archer is more than a ruthless businessman. They are thrown together when Zoe goes undercover at Archer’s company to find out how to protect Archer who is in the midst of a bloody family war.
The book is a true page turner, I could not put it down until my eyes closed and luckily I did not have to go to the office the next day so I could finish the story. The complexity of the story, the layers, the interconnectivity of characters, the shocking revelations and oh my goodness, the electric chemistry …
It is a great story and it is a great series so I will be heading for the first book of the series now and I cannot wait for the Kai and Izzy’s story now!
Cold Bastard by India Kells is the second book in her Dark Sparrow series. It is an action packed and entertaining story.
Zoe is more than you would expect. She is fantastic at her job and she knows it – even if others don’t realise it at first.
When she is assigned to watch over Archer, a cold and ruthless business man she thinks it is a waste of her time. She could be doing much more important things. But then, Zoe discovers he is in more danger than she anticipated.
Even more dangerous is her attraction to him. She can’t left her growing feelings get in the way, no matter how passionate they might be. It could be the difference between life and death.
I really enjoyed reading this book. Oh can be read as a stand-alone and does not need to be read after book one – although it is always a good idea to do so. The story was punchy and kept its momentum all the way through. I loved Zoe and Archer, their chemistry was obvious and believable. This is definitely a book you should read.
Cold Bastard is book two in the Dark Sparrow series by India Kells. This is the first time I have read this authors work, so I will definately be reading book one. What an incredible find this story was. I was immediately bewitched and stunningly moved by the words and the characters . The quality of the writing was top class and the storyline fast, dramatic and suspenseful. So many things were happening, at times my head was spinning. In a totally glorious way.
Zoe is everything I crave in a leading lady. She has tenacity, determination, bravery and integrity. She is also loyal, protective and big hearted. She has been though so much, and still has this bright and positive outlook. She takes her responsibilities seriously, and has a wicked sense of humour. Archer is the polar opposite. So cold and detached he seems, but not everything is what it looks like. Under the surface is a man crying out for a woman like Zoe. To me, they were perfect together. In fiery and passionate brilliance, Cold Bastard was everything I look for in a good book, with so much more. From start to finish I was glued to the pages. I just cannot get enough of the Dark Sparrow series. 5 stars
Cold Bastard, the second book in the Dark Sparrow series by India Kells, is a contemporary romantic suspense. I immediately was taken with the plot, characters and pace of this story. The characters were well written with a suspenseful presence throughout the novel. From secrets to unknown variables and alpha men abound, this story was terrific from start to finish. I really like the men as they were written in the story, both the good and not so good, it made the characters stand out and each stood firm within your mind as you progress through the story. I have not read the previous book in this series, but I didn’t feel that I was missing out on anything by not reading it prior to Cold Bastard. However, as much as I enjoyed this book, I cannot wait to read more in this series.
Cold Bastard (Dark Sparrow Novel Book 2) by India Kells is a real page turner and the chaos start from the very beginning. We are thrown into a world where power and money mean more than blood. Where a monster will get what he wants and doesn’t care who or what he destroys to get there. The mystery and intrigue will keep you on the edge of your seat and with all the twists and turns you don’t see what’s coming.
India has lead us through a world where suspense and danger are the name of the game. Where secrets and lies could ruin it all. Where monsters lurk and cause havoc. Where love is is found in the unlikely of circumstances.
What would you do to keep all those you love safe?