He was born a weapon. She became one to destroy him.Dark. Dangerous. Deadly.Those facts should’ve kept me away from this underground world where people disappear and never return.They didn’t.His mistake: Taking Zoe, someone I consider a sister. I will stop at nothing to get her back. Even if it means infiltrating a notorious organised crime ring in search of the faceless ghost who plucked her … in search of the faceless ghost who plucked her away.
My mistake: Not expecting him. Julian—the guard surrounded by a shroud of darkness and mystery. I’m helplessly and dangerously drawn to the man within.
The more I get lost in him, the riskier my mission becomes.
What if Julian is more than a mere guard?
What if he’s related to this man called Ghost?
Ghosted is a mafia romance, romantic suspense, and a killer romance with tones of darkness. This is the second book of Team Zero’s series, but it can be read as a complete standalone. For a better understanding of Team Zero’s assassination world, you might want to read Crowed first. Ghosted has no cliffhanger and no cheating, and ends on a HEA. Due to language and sexual content, this is advised for mature audience only. more
I’ve been having really good luck with my challenge of reading more “new” or new “to me” authors lately. This was my first foray into Rina Kent’s writing, and it most definitely won’t be my last. This book was ALL kinds of awesome.
The writing was fantastic. It was well paced. The plot was captivating. It was told in a dual POV format. It was full of twists and turns. Intrigue. Mystery. Action. Romance. Secrets. Heartbreak. Hot sex. It had a tiny bit of a sci-fi feel to it as well. <--- I am generally not a fan of sci-fi stuff, but it didn't overpower the story, so that angle didn't bother me. There was no OW or OM drama. The hero didn't appear to be a manwhore. The heroine was a virgin (I can't seem to escape them lately). There was a good cast of secondary characters I am sure will get books of their own. Unfortunately, one of those characters will be MIST and I honestly could not stand her character so I am on the fence about whether or not I want to read her book. This is also book two in the TEAM ZERO series. I haven't read book one, however; I wasn't lost or confused. That said, I am sure reading CROWED first would enhance the overall reading experience and provide the reader with more background details. Last, the ending was a smidge disappointing. It felt super rushed and very abrupt. I really would have liked to have seen an epilogue of some sort. At least a tiny glance into this couple's future. Perhaps we will see more of them in future books. So not much left to say about this one. I enjoyed it. I recommend it. I am excited to read Shadow's book, and I hope his heroine will be Zoe! Two thumbs up from yours truly.
I truly love Rina Kents style of writing! Ghost and Elles story consumed me from the beginning to end ! Elle is searching for her sister after she mysteriously disappeared . She meets a man named Julian and falls hard for him not realizing who he really is . Ghost has had a tough life and never expected to fall in love . Can these two really have a happily ever after in a life of the underworld? Everything isn’t as it seems ! This is a awesome series I just can’t get enough of Team Zero !! Can’t wait for shadows story !! I have a soft spot for him !! I received an ARC for my honest review
5 Stars
Review by Leah
Late Night Reviewer
Up All Night w/ Books Blog
After reading Crowed, I could not wait to get my hands on Ghosted. I assumed it would follow the same storyline format as Crowed but it did not. That is not a bad thing. It just blew my mind. When you start a new series, and you fall in love with book one, you’re hoping that book two will be the same way. Well, nope, think again. Obviously, Rina Kent has many tricks up her sleeve.
To me, this book brings out the darker side of Team Zero. You will have the chance to meet more of Team Zero. From Mist, that woman has some serious issues, so far I’m not a fan, to Scar, who cracks me up. Her character reminds me a lot of Harley Quinn. She’s a sneaky little bugger. The scene where she has climbed on the back of her attacker, yes it is dark scene, but it cracked me up picturing Scar almost like a little spider monkey on this dude’s back. I know I have a dark sense of humor but… And then, there is Shadow, the comic relief, the dry sense of humor and the one who mixes up idioms. Not on purpose but funny no less.
Elle is a great addition to this series. She has the type of personality that a member of Team Zero would need in a partner to survive their world. As an underground street boxer, she hits first, asks questions later. And being from the streets, family is EVERYTHING, blood or not. Her main objective right now is to find her sister, Zoe. She will go through anyone or anything to find her. Even if it means she has to work at the last place Zoe was at, a brothel owned by Mist and Ghost.
Ghost aka Julian, we meet in Crowed which made me super excited to read this book. He is dark, broody and highly suspicious of Elle and her motives.
This book will have you diving into the seedier side of Team Zero. The writing will have you angry at characters and then laughing and enjoying another one of the characters on the same page.
There are so many layers to Team Zero, I cannot wait for Rina to unfold them all. The blurb says that Ghosted is a standalone read but I believe you need to read book one before you dive into Ghosted. There are many little moments in Crowed that you will need to read To understand Ghosted.
Elle is trying to find her sister but to do that she has to get closer to where she was last seen. She gets a job right where she needs to be. She doesn’t plan on meeting Julian and developing feelings for him. There’s just something about him that lights her up. Julian hasn’t had these kind of feelings either.
She’s a fighter and thinks she knows how to defend herself, does she find out that she was wrong? Does she find out secrets that she shouldn’t know but will help her find her sister?
This was action packed, hot, hot, hot and the feelings between these two will make your heart ache. I’m loving this author and this series!
This is the 2nd book in this Team Zero series and while it can be read on its own I personally think they are better read in order. This is another great read it is a fast-paced action-packed read that had me sucked in and hooked from the first couple of charters. I just loved Elle and Ghost they were great characters and they had great chemistry this was a really good well-written read and I would recommend it.
Absolutely fantastic! Ghost aka Julian is in charge of running Hades mission all the while wanting to sabotage him as well. Elle has gone undercover looking for her friend Zoe. She also believes Ghost did something to her. When Elle and Julian meet there is a magnetic force pulling them together. I voluntarily read an arc of this book in exchange for my honest review.
ow this book had me on the edge of my seat and my brain spinning with all the twists and turns.
Ghosted piqued my interest in Crowed and I certainly wasn’t disappointed.
One click now and fall in love with yet another strong couple with all the odds against them.
Ghosted is the 2nd book in this author’s Team Zero series and it can be read as a standalone. This is only my second book by this author and I am hooked. Ghosted is a fast-paced romantic suspense that will keep you on your toes. Both Elle and Ghost had troubled childhoods that greatly affected who they are today. Ellie is strong, resilient and fiercely loyal to her “family” – qualities that make her a strong heroine. Ghost/Julian is an intriguing character with an even more unique background. He too, is fiercely loyal to his “family”. He is playing an intricate game in this mafia world and not everyone can be trusted. He can be a killer, but also sweet and protective towards Elle. The two of them are attracted to each other, but can they trust each other? I enjoyed this book’s storyline and the unraveling of the mystery of what really happened to Zoe. I also liked the secondary characters – especially Scar(lett) and Shadow. Ghosted is full of action, secrets, betrayals, chemistry, and twists and turns. I am definitely looking forward to future books in this Team Zero series! I received this book for free and I voluntarily leave this review.
O-M-G!! Y’all! So this is a time where gettin Ghosted is a good thing
This is the story of Ghost (Julian)and Emmanuelle(Elle). Ghost is an another escaped Team Zero assassin from The Pit. He is living in a running bar and brothel with other escaped Team Zero members Mist, Shadow, Scar, Flame and his second generation member son-of-sorts,Kyle.( Seems like books for most of those characters are planned for future and I for one am SO EXCITED!!) Now he meets Elle when she shows up for a job interview. He knows immediately she’s is not to be trusted, yet he finds himself drawn to her. She is there on a mission. Her life time BFF/foster sister has disappeared and this was her last know location. She is a gorgeous and strong underground boxer, that can hold her own in most cases. However, when she does just that, she creates a dangerous situation that potentially starts a war between gangs that normally work together. How will she react when Ghost issues a “protected by Ghost” order herself? He holds her hostage, in a sense to keep her under his protection. This book was fantastic and made for an almost enemies to lovers vibe.SO.FREAKING.HOT I loved the amount of details the author gave us about all the supporting characters as well. I’m so invested, I literally cannot wait for all their stories too. It had action and suspense, and good lord this one was hot y’all! Hose me off nowFavorite book of Rina’s so far. Can I give 10 stars please??!!
Read this book!!
* I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an Honest review.
Wow this book had me hooked!!! I got lost in this story and didn’t want to be found.
Elle is one very determined woman who will do anything it takes for the one’s she cares about. Julian is as protective as he is lethal. He’s used to fighting but has found something all together knew to fight for. It’s a story that will keep you on edge all while tugging at your heart and emotions. The characters are so well written and the overall plot kept me guessing. I definitely didn’t expect the direction it went towards the end. It’s a wonderful series by an amazing author. I voluntarily reviewed an advance readers copy of this book.
After Crowed and Ruin, I knew this book would be good, but this one had all the psycho assassin drama and a lot more humor than I expected. I loved it. The romance between Ghost and Elle was feisty and steamy, the intrigue was tremendous and the humor was on point. Elle is a champion underground boxer who is going undercover at a brothel and office where Ghost and his team are running some businesses for the Mafia, such as drug production and distribution.
Elle wants to find her friend Zoe who disappeared while trying to get information on the operation for the police. Ghost a.k.a. Julian agrees that Elle can serve drinks only, but he and his friends Mist and Shadow are suspicious of her. Elle and Julian have an attraction from the beginning.
Some of the best scenes in the book center around Shadow who often provides comic relief. He can never seem to get an idiom correct. Whenever he is corrected, he just says, “same thing, mate.” Here is an example:
“Did you just smile?” Shadow considers me with wide eyes. The man witnessed and committed countless murders but never appeared so shocked.
“What’s wrong with that?” I say as we quicken our pace after our guy. He wouldn’t have gotten far.
“You never smile. Stop doing it. That look will haunt me in my daydreams.”
“You mean nightmares?”
“Same thing, mate.” He sprints ahead and rounds the corner.
This book is the best one so far and it looks like Shadows’s story is next,so I can’t wait to read that one. He is not only funny but very hot and muscular with awesome tattoos.
Elle is Emmanuel and Firefly. She’s searching for Zoe in the dark, gritty underbelly.
It’s there she encounters Ghost. Ghost is Julian, a part of the crew that took Omega and has been a trained killer. They all have code names.
Will Elle choose Ghost and his world?
Cuz she’s a fighter, in and out of the ring.
She’s had to be, living in the streets.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC copy and want to leave an honest review.
I’m going to be really honest I had no clue what to expect from Rina Kent but I know now I’m addicted.
Elle in search for her friend Zoe, who is her best friend and family, stumbled into Julian’s world unprepared for what she finds. Neither Elle or Julian understand the way they make each other feel. Julian knows Elle was after something when she showed up at Le Salon, but it wasn’t what he thought. I give Ghosted my five stars and add a must read. Now that I’m addicted I will be going to the beginning and adding this to my favorites list.
I am greatly enjoying the authors Team Zero series immensely. And each story seems to get better IMO.
‘Ghosted’ is no exception.
Ghost (anti-H) is an admirable character: despite the dark deeds he’s been compelled to commit due to forced doses of Hades Omega drug, Ghost is fiercely & completely loyal & protective of his fellow tortured Team Zero ‘family’ members. Crow, Shadow, Flame, Mist, as well as the others still imprisoned by Hades. Ghost’s overriding concern & goal is to safely detox Team Zero from Omega & free their fellow team member from Hades clutches. Ghost is calm, rational, logical, focused (when not under Omega’s influence) & a natural leader. He’s physically strong & muscled, darkly handsome but a fearsome & low key presence while managing Hades business empire along with Mist & Shadow.
I loved Ghost, his character, his calm pragmatic need to save his ‘family’ & how his love starved heart & soul began to bloom once he found his ‘Firefly’.
And, this is where I found my interest splitting off: I did not care for Elle (h/Firefly) much at all. NOW, to be fair & honest, it was my PERSONAL distaste for this type of heroine, not the author’s writing or method of portrayal. Elle’s character was consistent, loaded with understandable angst & mental musings. BUT, I (again, personally) do not care for a rabidly kick *ss heroine such as Elle. The reasons for her physical training, & motivations made sense but I grew extremely tired of her being able to dispatch almost every villain she encountered. Of her verbal & mental protests that she didn’t need anyone’s help or protection, etc, etc, etc. But if the reader DOES like that type of heroine, Elle’s character was well written & consistent for that type.
This story is loaded with angst, suspense, tension, betrayal, danger, physical fights, some steam & wonderfully developed characters: Ghost & Elle of course, but we get delightful & tantalizing peeks of Mist, Shadow & a frighteningly freaky Flame (I cannot wait for HIS story).
I was invested in the plot, intrigued by the characters & wanted to know what would ultimately happen (if anything) between Ghost & Elle. This was a very well written & genuinely exciting read that I greatly enjoyed.
I absolutely LOVE Rina Kent’s books. The way the characters are written and how they fall for each other feels so real me even in the world of assassins and the mafia. Elle goes into this world in search of her friend who has disappeared. Ghost/Julian is an assassin in charge of the brothel that Elle infiltrates to find out what happened to her friend. Julian might be running the brothel in orders of Hades but is also trying to take him down and rescue the rest of Team Zero from the pit. I cannot wait for more by Rina Kent, she’s become one of my favorite authors
Loyalty to family brings them together, but family isn’t always blood.
Ghost is loyal to his “family” Team Zero and Kyle. Ghost taken by Hades after he is abandoned.
Elle is loyal to her “family” Zoe and Liam, after she is abandoned and left in foster care.
Zoe goes missing after working at a club for Ghost. Elle wants to find her friend and ends up in the same club. Ghost knows Elle is lying about her reason for being there. Elle knows she needs to tell Ghost the truth, but he isn’t where her loyalties lie.
Ghost has more of a personality than I expected him to have. He isn’t as brooding as Crow or as psychotic as the Rhodes.
Elle isn’t a helpless victim, she is a badass in her own right. As a champion underground boxer, she doesn’t need the protection Ghost is offering, in her mind she can take care of herself.
When Elle is threatened Ghost protects her the only way he know how. He claims her as his. No one is to touch her, not even the right-hand man of the Mafia who want her as payment for the loss of two guards.
More of Team Zero Members are introduced.
Mist the madam for the ladies. Shadow the comic relief, without trying to be, never seems to get those common saying right.
Flame, ready to light anything on fire.
Kyle the Playboy along for the ride with his Godfather, Ghost.
With each new character introduced, you can’t help but want Hades destroyed and the rest of Team Zero rescued before the Omega kills them.
Again Rina adds in the twists you don’t see coming. You never know when and by whom your loyalty will tested and who will earn that loyalty
This series just keeps getting better and steamier with each book! I’m so loving this entire series!!!
The storyline was so well written the characters pulled you right into their story as it infolds and flows from the turn of every page.
Emmanuelle “Elle” is looking for her friend. Going undercover into an underground brothel, Elle is determined to find Zoe & she got a tip that a man only known as Ghost would know where she is. He runs business through the brothel but he might be more than she bargained for. Mist is the madam of Le Salon Club/Brothel and her only way to find this mysterious Ghost. Ghost aka Julian isn’t who you might think he is, drugged, abused and turned into a ruthless assassin as a child, he is trying to fight the urge inside of him from the toxic Omega drug he was given and be something different. He is a member of Team Zero who want to rid the world of the corruption/drugs that turned him and his “brothers” into killers. When he bumps into Elle one night he never thought he would see the little firefly of a woman again. Both are from troubled backgrounds. He feels drawn to Elle even though he knows she is not to be trusted. Can these two use each other to get want their both looking for? Ghosted is the second book in the Team Zero series but they can be read as standalones. I really enjoyed this story and will be looking into this authors other books. Told in dual POV
This is the second book in this series of the Team Zero and it keeps getting more intense and intriguing.
Emmanuel’s “Elle”, Liam and Zoe had been each other back bone and non-blood relatives at and early age in foster care. Liam worked for the Metro PD and Zoe was attending the police academy but went missing after going undercover. Elle decided to assist Liam and infiltrate the last known place where Zoe disappeared, LeSalon, a escort club.
Julian “Ghost” was assigned to work at LeSalon for Hades, master of the Pit, who controls most of the Team Zero under the Omega drug. He is agreeing until he can find a solution to rescue his other team members. His initial meeting with Elle generates several alarm in his sensory system which put him on alert.
This is another great story with amusing characters especially Flame and Scarlett. I loved Ghost and Elle’s interesting story and definitely waiting for Shadow’s story.