Deceit requires punishment.But what happens when the mark is innocent?Killian “Dagger” BedivereMy latest assignment has evolved into a game of deciphering whom to trust–the renowned politician who hired the Cavalieri Della Morte, or the runaway bride?She’s gorgeous, conniving, and everything I crave in a woman.She’s also my target.Rule number one: Never fall for the mark.Rule number two: Fck … target.
Rule number one: Never fall for the mark.
Rule number two: Fck rule number one.
Amara “Scarlet” Rose
I never wanted this world, but the decision wasn’t mine to make. I always belonged to him. Now there’s a new player on the board–one hell-bent on destroying all my plans.
He’s lethal, handsome, and everything I should fear.
Rule number one: Don’t trust anyone.
Rule number two: Do everything you can to survive, even if it means breaking rule number one.
And rule number three: When in doubt, kill.
* *
“Are you trying to play, darling? Because I should warn you, I’m not easily manipulated.”
However, men were easy creatures who adored sex. And I excelled at seduction. A requirement of my upbringing.
“What time are you delivering me to Malcom?” I asked, applying subtle pressure to his groin. Just enough to tease and to show I knew how to handle him.
“Whenever I want,” he replied, his voice deepening. “Dead or alive.”
“But I’m worth more to you alive.” The words were more for my benefit than for his. It meant he would be hesitant to stab me–at least fatally. Of course, I’d prefer to avoid it altogether.
He smiled. “You were listening. Good girl.”
I’m going to enjoy hurting you, I decided, my mouth curling with the thought. more
I will confess, I am a huge fan of this author. Scarlet Mark is her first foray into dark romance in the “real world” because her usual fare consists of Ichorians and Hydraians, yes, those are paranormal worlds, but I have to say that I’ve concluded there isn’t much this author doesn’t excel at.
Being cold hearted and detached makes Killian Bevidere the best at what he does, a Cavalieri for an elite group of assassins, known for their outstanding record of never failing to eliminate their mark. He lives for the job. He serves the Tabella Della Morte with unwavering loyalty, however his latest mission may be just the enticement he needs to take a mistress. Too bad she’s his next mission.
On the run and out of options Amara Rose is in for the fight of her life. She needs to convince Killian that he shouldn’t believe everything he’s been told. Failure is not an option, if she fails to make him see the truth, she dies.
This story is superbly told, it will have you turning pages late into the night and you won’t be able to avoid rooting for these characters to come out on top. Killian and Amara certainly deserve their HEA.
“This man I hardly knew, this assassin sent to retrieve me, had me panting beneath his hands after a few mere strokes of his blade.”
DUDE! I’m seriously loving these books. Just like the other new-to-me-authors in this series, I’ve fell in love with the writing in each story. Every author has brought their style to the table and have left a lasting impression. Lexi C. Floss is no different. And I’ll say this again, I probably wouldn’t have read this author if I hadn’t signed up to review the whole shebang. I’d go as much to say that she wrote this story effortlessly. I don’t know if all the assassin’s are to catch their mark, but I do know, this by far is probably my favorite, as far as captive suspense goes. I probably said that last time, too. What do you want? I love me some bad guys with a spark of light.
“I’m a knight of death, sweetheart. Cavalieri Della Morte. There’s twelve of us. Thirteen including Arthur.”
Okay, I’m like, there’s no way I’m gonna love another one of these trained killers. Not that I don’t love the dark ones, they’re my favorite. It’s the whole, no way, can I love another one of these dark guys, because you know, you always have your favorites, and I’m completely confused to who I love more at this point. LOL Wrong. I was wrong. Dagger is one helluva tease. Seducing his way into my heart. Slicing and dicing until I’m goo. He’s all dark swagger. And not because there’s a thousand sex scenes, it’s his dagger piercing through my hard shell, Guys! He reached in and tore through the ugly and made me feel. I totally wrote this like I was the heroine. Meaning, I felt, I was thoroughly invested and not because the author told me to. The character’s spoke with attention, urgency, a need to see the end. I read this book in a DAY!
Amara made this book a five star. I was writing this review with the intention of giving four stars, yet I couldn’t bring myself to complete it. Not entirely. I wholeheartedly loved her. It was hard to read what she’d been through, but it was necessary to the story. I loved how the author gave a glimpse into depravity, but focused on the present. The perfect balance. A warrior. All the breathing through her story. Which made this book even better.
Romantic suspense is one of my favorites, and this author delivers a dagger to your throat feel. A perfect amount of dark passion and without a doubt, a twist that with leave your jaw dropping. I recommend you read this addition to The Calivari Della Morte!
I’ll definitely be checking out this author’s other books, because I like PNR sometimes.
A Sensual and dark read with a shedload of suspense.
Killian is a knight of the Cavalieri Della Morte – a trained assassin and one of twelve men who is ‘tasked’ with the hit on Amara.
Holy Sh*t is this woman a badass AND innocent.
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this book. Couldn’t help having admiration for Amara’s strength of character and Killian was just to die for – no pun intended LOL!
I particularly enjoyed that Nico and Ava from Darkest Deeds made a reappearance- nice touch.
This is my first read by Lexi C Foss and without hesitation give 5 stars!
I was provided access to this book in exchange for my honest review.
I LOVED this book. I awaited it’s release for as long as I knew about it. It is definitely a dark romance, like the other books in this series. But it’s dark in the best, most delicious way. Killian is fantastic…just drool-worthy in all of the ways. And I loved Amara. She took every horrible thing life handed her and came out so much stronger for it. This book kept me guessing all the way to the very last page. If you like Lexi’s other books, you’ll love this one. If you’re new to her books, I truly believe you’ll finish wanting more, in the best way.
I truly do not know how Foss does it.
I am a big fan of her paranormal and contemporary works, so when I found out she was going to be one of the authors participating in the Cavalieri Della Morte collection – I was ecstatic!
Her first attempt at romantic suspense in “reality” (her words, lol) was faultless.
A Five Star Read
~ The transition from mark to partner
~ The depth of the emotions between the characters, not just romantically but the overall feeling that the characters invoked from me as a reader
~ then the twists OMG. Just wait for it.
~ And the suspense. I was on the edge right from the start
I want more.
Truly, I would like more from this cast and this world.
Let’s talk about the main characters.
Killian **sigh** He is one of the few Cavalieri that lives in the spotlight. He is not an unknown and he uses that to his advantage. A playboy who lives off his inheritance. No rules. There is no right or wrong in his playground. He is known for his edgy love life. One night. No emotions. No promises. Behind his love ’em and leave ’em facade is a decidedly ruthless assassin. He has never hesitated when the time came to dispense justice. He knew his marks were guilty and he was more than happy to play judge, jury, and executioner.
Until Amara.
Now he questions everything.
His rules.
Their words.
His heart.
Amara – Her life was a lie. She fought hard to reinvent her world. To escape the pain and degradation that was her life.
She forged a plan. She found freedom. He found her.
She was one wicked kick @ss heroine. She wasn’t about to let go of the freedom she had tasted. I honestly do not know how she kept her chit together sometimes. I enjoyed that her personality was so relatable. She got scared, she got cocky, she fought and she hoped.
Can she prove her innocence?
Will he even believe her?
This is my favorite of the Cavalieri releases to date.
The tension and romance from this couple create an off the charts chemical reaction.
The twists – HOLY CHIT BATMAN!~
Do not pass this one up.
The story was good.
However it did not pull me in like the others.
This was my first book by this author.
This is a thrilling and exciting read written by one of my favorite authors, and she does not disappoint with this book.
The chemistry and relationship between the arrogant Killian and the damaged and beautiful Amara is absolutely amazing and steamy. It is especially fun to see how his best friend and Cavilieri brother, Niko, is proven right when he told Killian, “Just wait, man. You’ll have your your day.” in response to Killian’s teasing him about the control Niko’s woman has over him.
Strong hero, stronger heroine, and a compelling story full of surprises, this book has it all!
This was such a thrilling ride with twists and turns galore one that I enjoyed immensely.
This author is now a firm favourite of mine and whenever I start one of her stories I always know I’m in for a treat.
So having previously gorged on her paranormal series like back to back reading I was super interested to see what she would bring to the table with this particular genre switch.
And Bravo, this was fantastic stuff from start to finish showing this author’s complete diversity.
I am starting to believe she could write Hallmark greetings and I would be sold every single time.
I haven’t read anything yet that Ive disliked from her a definite auto-buy author for me now.
So, from the moment I picked “Scarlet Mark” up, I was transfixed and invested.
This can be read as a standalone no issue and on the dark scale, this for me was maybe a 4.
Do bear in mind though this is my dark scale and I have read some super messed up stories so my dark rating might vary a lot from yours.
This is Killian and Amara’s story and the chemistry between these two was certainly off the charts.
Even when they first met and she was just his mark you needed a fire extinguisher to put out the flames these two generated and the things this man liked to do with a knife, let’s just say knife play has never been a thing for me I am now a definite convert, super hot.
Killian was mysterious and lethal with a take-charge persona that I really appreciated.
I loved that he called her his kitten, it gave me chills and totally appreciated his devilish and wicked side when he brought it out to play.
Amara’s back story itself was harsh but it only showcased her strength of spirit and pure resilience that after what she had been subjected to she still stood strong and capable, weathering the storm.
I also loved the way he treated her as his equal valuing her opinion and capabilities while still trying to protect and cosset her in his own unique way.
Because of her experiences, there were times Amara retreated into herself a part of her slightly broken by her past this is where Killian really did come into his own and I really didn’t doubt his regard and affection towards his kitten.
She brought out a tender nurturing side he didn’t even know he possessed and you could practically inhale the pure emotion that projected of the page.
I also adored that final finale it was super satisfying.
This was a fantastic read with some fabulously well-developed characters and there wasn’t actually anything here that I disliked this ticked every single one of my boxes.
This one gets my definite wholehearted seal of approval.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Scarlet Mark.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/9460945-bex-beckie-bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
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What a thrilling dark ride.. Not only is this author new to me, but this is her first dark suspenseful romance. What a fantastic job she has done in delivering us Killian and Amara’s story. This is a fantastic addition to the Cavalieri Della Morte series. It will keep you on edge with all the twists and turns.
Scarlet Mark (Cavalieri Della Morte Series) by Lexi C. Fossil. Next up is Killian Bedivere. He is not a typical assassin. Not only is his choice of weapons are knives but he is from money. His parents are extremely wealthy and his older brother has been groomed to take over the family business. Killian has been allowed to live his own life and being one of Arthur’s assassins is his life. His next job is to track down and return a runaway bride back to her groom. When he finds her, what he is expected is not what he finds. After finding his mark Amara and learning her story he discovers she was sold to the groom a famous senator. Not only has she been sexually abused but she has been used to service other men for him. Having a change of heart Killian decides to not only not return Amara but will help her get revenge for all who are involved in the sex trafficking ring. Another story of another assassin falling in love. Once again Arthur has orchestrated a situation that has resulted in an unconventional relationship. The sexual tension between Killian and Amara was hot and steamy. The journey of revenge was definitely bloody. Another good story in the series. Looking forward to the next book. Still wanting a book about Arthur. 4 stars for me.
This is the second book I have read of the Cavalieri Della Morte series. Although all these books can be read as a stand alone, they are too good not to read them all.
Scarlet Mark is full of twists and turns that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Killian and Amara meet because she is his assignment. However, their chemistry changed everything. This is a book you have to read to find out what happens.
If you love dark romances, do yourself a favor and check this one out!
He finds himself inside Diavolo Rojo the place for the elite, and wealthy. Discretion is the name of the game!
Three weeks it’s taken him to find his mark. The girl who jilted her fiance and bought a new life with his money.
Shes the one that got away, escaped but hid under a new identity. He comes as a surprise!
His job is to simply hand her over alive, but it’s not as simple as that.
Her job is to stay alive and escape the man who was sent to hunt her down like a dog.
Who will win, and what will happen….
I’ve loved each and every one of the Cavialeri della morte books that I have read. This series really is dark and delicious, as are each of Arthur’s men!
Killian is no different! hes the man who’s skill set leaves you gasping for breath. His weapon of choice and arsenal of technology toys can provide both pleasure and pain.
He prides himself on the ability to read the truth in people. Both through their words and body language. A master of the darkness.
Amara is defiant, intelligent, and cunning. Never afraid to try one last time. To give it her all, but shes a realist and knows when shes not into a winner.
I really liked her character. So fierce and such a fighter.
The story unfolds gradually, and as the layers are revealed you cant help but feel for both of them.
They both have darkness within them, an aura that clings to their very being but there is so much more to them too.
A hot and dangerous read that will leave you with a need for more of the dark knights, but dont worry theres plenty of them!
Wow, this book was excellent. There were twists and turns that I did not see coming (Which I love, I don’t like reading a book and figuring everything out by the 6th chapter). Killian and Amara were very hot together!
Amara had a tough upbringing, however she didn’t let that break her. She was so strong and fiesty, I loved it! Killian is amazing! I loved his character and how much he loved Amara (Melt). Ms. Foss did a fantastic job in building these two characters and weaving the Cavalieri world around their story. And can I just say that I LOVED seeing Niko from Darkest Deeds (Cora Kenborn) in here?? My dream duo right there… Niko and Killian!
The pacing and flow of this story is great. This is my first read by Lexi Foss, and it won’t be my last. I understand that this is her first foray into romantic suspense and I look forward to any other books she may right in this trope!. The book is very well written and I never felt that it dragged.
Great addition to the Cavalieri series! I can’t wait to read the rest! I would highly recommend this series. All the books can be read as a standalone.
What always fascinates me with this author is that she isn’t afraid to go dark. She isn’t afraid to go into a depravity that some authors could only dream to tread.
To me, I imagine her walking down a white path, both sides of this path is water, a pool of some sort and on one side it is the safe zone, lifeguards aplenty incase you fall in and the other side, the danger zone. And I imagine that whilst she’s walking this line, she’s dipping her toe into the murky depths of the danger zone, the one filled with depravity, with the darkness and the lost souls, knowing full well that it’d be better, easier & less hassle to stay on the safe side. But what does this author do? She dips her toe every so often on the dark side and hums and smiles maniacally whilst she does it. And I for one bloody love it.
Take Scarlet Mark for instance. It’s about assassins and killing and bloodshed. But it’s so much more than that too. It’s tension, it’s dark, it’s ominous, it’s crazy, it’s sharp, it’s full bodied.
I have it on good authority that this is the authors first delve into romantic suspense but I don’t think it will be her last. She has a panache for this style of writing. Her character personalities are diverse. Killian is so much more than a “typical” assassin. He holds intrigue and a likability even though he can be one sick SOB when it comes to his relationship with Amara.
But do we hate him because of his dark tendencies? Do we hell, and do you know why? Because the author writes him in such a way you forgive all his sins. You overlook his need to dominate, his need to give in to his urges. But is this author happy to just stop there? No she is not. She makes it so that Amara is as equally dark & intriguing. And that people is what keeps you invested.
Sometimes a story comes along that you just know you’re going to remember. Scarlet Mark is just that book for me. Highly, highly recommend!
Oh Wow Lexi who knew that you are soo good at writing dark and dangerous books,but saying that i should of known as i love your writing weather it be PNR OR contemporary,but wow you excelled yourself with this book from the Cavalieri Della Morte,as this is the third book i have read from different authors,and i thought i would just say Killian is MINE!!.
This was a fast paced thriller of a story where you won’t want to come up for breath with all the action and twists that are in abundance, and have i said this is dark,it is and i love a dark read plus the sex in this book is HOT! Phew! Lexi is so good at sex scenes that it was smoking, as in smoking hot!!,and the chemistry between Killian and Amara was sizzling,it was off the charts hot,holy freaking moly.
Amara has a awful past that could break your heart with what she was put through and made to do,but she is a strong and feisty woman who leans how to take care of herself until Killiian tracks her down as she is his mark to deliver back to her tormentor.She is not what he had believed her to be a con artist and the more he hears of her past the more disgusted he gets.
This was a intriguing plot with lots of suspense and action that drags you along for the ride of your life with these two characters,this book is additive and explosive in the story telling that this amazing author takes you on,Lexi is a awesome author and she delivered,oh boy did she deliver, this book is just pure brilliance.
Scarlet Mark by Lexi C. Foss is book 8 in the Cavalieri Della Morte Series. This is the story of Amara ‘Scarlet’ Rose and Killian ‘Dagger’ Bedivere. I have yet to read the previous books, so for me this was a standalone book.
Killian is one of the assassins that work at Cavalieri Della Morte but he has been assigned to find a runaway bride who has taken something from the former groom. Trying to find Amara took a little time but when he does find her doubts slowly start setting in about her and his feelings start to grow. Amara has had a very abusive past and has been misused. When she couldn’t take it anymore Amara went on the run and hiding out where she thought she would be found. But Killian is the one that does find her and the one that might be able to help her fight for her survival.
This was definitely a page turner for me. I am a fan of Ms. Foss so this was a must read but now that I have been introduced to this series I do want to back track to read the other books.
This series just gets better and better with every book!!! This author was brand new to me!! She definitely made an impression with this book!! I loved the dual POVs and felt like it kept you engaged. She keeps the world of Cavalieri Della Morte going in a wild, dark way. The way she weaves the past into now is epic and amazing. The characters are well developed and you can relate to them. Together, they are HOT !! Their chemistry is off the scale and it makes you read faster and devour more and more.
With this being book 8, it’s been amazing to meet all the new authors and see the different styles of writing. I’m so glad I had the chance to read this series!! All the author have wrote amazing books!!
This is a dark, forbidden story that stars as finding a mark and ends with saying forget the rules. Killian is sent to do one job. Amara is hiding out. She is one strong woman and always stands up for herself. They start a rollercoaster of emotions and circumstances and it keeps you captivated from the very beginning. Their dialogue is humorous and you can feel the tension and feelings between them. It’s a dark and dirty story that doesn’t disappoint. You need it today!!
This story is dark. Seriously dark. If you have triggers with violence, abuse, trafficking, or knife play then don’t read it. If you want to read about a seriously strong heroine learning to live with and overcome the hellacious start to life she has had, this story will deliver in spades.
Amara is a runaway “bride”. Running from a Congressman with a potentially less that clean and squeaky past. She disappears on their wedding day, leaving him to call on the Cavalieri to track her down.
Killian “Dagger” is the one sent to retrieve her. An assassin of wealth and name, but lethal ability. He is married to his job and loves a challenge. One Amara provides in spades.
After escaping him on their first meeting, the chase is on, and the intrigue and suspense begin. I never knew a dagger could be so sexy, but in the hands of Killian, *fans self*, ooh boy! Once I started, I really did not want to put the book down. The sparks fly, the chemistry is amazing, the characters come to life on the page. The author kept my attention from the start! My only complaint, I want more!
Intrigue and suspense all rolled up into one deliciously dark, twisty package….meet Killian Bedivere, one of the utterly lethal Cavaliera Della Morte assassins!
Oh this man Killian (heat level 10!), he’s ruthless and deadly, dedicated, has a strict moral code, loves the thrill of the chase and never misses his mark. He is all alpha! His latest assignment is not to kill however, but to return a wayward con artist….Amara. He trusts his instincts, but is there more to Amara than meets the eye? Their chemistry is electric, but he will not allow her beauty to distract him from his job……
I loved these two, separately they were both formidable in very different ways, but together they were unstoppable. Amara was so strong, but the heartbreaking things she had been through gave her a vulnerable side and Killian was perfect for her. Lexi did a fantastic job of building their trust and love for each without compromising the strengths of either character. In fact together made them stronger.
I loved this book, I devoured it from the start. It was action packed, fast paced and flowed with lots of depth and suspense and I always rub my hands with glee when Lexi C Foss lets her darker side out to play.
Highly recommend this book and love the fact it intertwines with other books in the series, but absolutely stands on it’s own too. I cant wait to read more from this fantastic series!
I really enjoyed this book! It was the 1st book I read by Lexi and I enjoyed her writing style! Scarlet Mark is part of the Cavllieri Della Morte series and is really fast paced and Killian and Amara are a great couple! Amara is running from some bad folks and Killian has been charged with finding her and bringing her back! Killian finds Amara in Amsterdam! Killian may be a trained killer but Amara is just as feisty and smart as he is. They are a great couple! I really enjoyed this book!