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Black Widow and the Sandman

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Children in Cuba are suffering an agonizing death. The cause-a toxin released by a terrorist organization hell-bent on genocide. The scientific community is at a loss, and the Cuban government can no longer hide the truth from its citizens. Cuba's only chance lies in the capable hands of a reclusive scientist from the country that is believed to be behind this terrorist attack-the United States of America. Roman "The Sandman" Tate is the most sought-after mercenary in the world. When he is ordered to protect scientist Jeanette "Black Widow" Mason, he finds she is much more than scientific equations. The two join forces to create an antidote and stop those responsible for the mysterious illness before more children die and Cuba follows through on its promise to retaliate.

271 pages, Paperback

First published June 24, 2011

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L.L. Reaper

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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
Profile Image for Leona Romich.
208 reviews82 followers
March 30, 2011
Black Widow and the Sandman by LL Reaper

Funeral Business

There is a mysterious toxin targeting the children of Cuba. Many are dying and no one seems to know what the toxin is. So many questions arise such as: Is this an American Chemical Warfare; was it used against american troops; how many victims are there and why had someone created such a deadly toxin?

Roman "The Sandman" Tate is the handsome, yet deadly assassin that is quick to rid the world of bad people, those that deserve to die for committing horrible acts. Hired by a man known by the name of
Shadow, whom keeps well hidden within the shadows giving orders via encrypted email messages, scrambled cell phones and fax machines. He hires Roman to find those responsible for the release of the toxin.

Shadow gives the order for the sandman to team up with Jeanette, a beautiful scientist whose job on this assignment is to find a cure to the deadly toxin. Roman's job is to also protect Jeanette, little does he realize that Jeanette does not need protecting. Known as "The Black Widow" Jeanette is just about the sexiest, yet deadliest woman he has ever come in contact with.

Black Widow and the Sandman by LL Reaper was an excellent novel. One that is chock full of action and suspense. It reminded me of a movie that jumps off the screen and straight onto the pages of a book. A novel that will have you engrossed from the high-tech devices (a touch of James Bond) with someone like Charlie from Charlies Angels but with more flair and even better high-tech gagets than they could of ever dreamed of. From the witty sarcastic banter between the characters made for an enjoyable read. I am anxious for the next installment in this series to drop. The synopsis of this book does not do the book any justice. The synopsis is so cut and dry that there is so much more than it describes. Fantastic job LL Reaper! I definitely recommend this book!

Reviewed by Leona
StreetLitClique

http://www.wix.com/streetlitclique/st...


Profile Image for OOSA .
1,802 reviews237 followers
January 27, 2013
Tick Tock

People are dying in Cuba. But not just any people – children. Children are dying a slow and agonizing death thanks to a mysterious toxin, believed by some to be an attack from the U.S. Lincoln, some sort of high-ranking official, knows he can only rely on the best to find a cure and the culprits. Enter Roman ‘The Sandman’ Tate and Jeanette ‘Black Widow’ Mason. The Sandman, a cross-trained mercenary with exceptional skills, and Black Widow, a brilliant scientist, really don’t have much choice in the matter. Forced to work closely together with time of the essence, The Sandman and Black Widow may be in for more than they bargained as the trail heats up and so does the chemistry between the two.

Overall I enjoyed “Black Widow and The Sandman.” However, I found parts that were problematic. At times the book didn’t quite seem to know what it was – thriller, romance, romantic thriller, thrilling romance, mystery. The mission at hand often took a backseat to the budding romance. I don’t mind romance. I don’t mind thrillers. When brought together, though, I need a good balance of both. I didn’t find that to be the case here. I also found the romance to be forced and very predictable.

Though the book’s premise revolves around a toxin and the need to find its creator and a cure, readers are cut short, never getting an understanding of why. I’m not looking for a neatly wrapped package, but I would like the obvious questions answered.

I like the direction that L.L. Reaper is headed. The Sandman and Black Widow are interesting characters and I can easily see more books about them. I just hope the author tightens up in certain areas with future releases. Books like this are sorely needed in an industry that is plagued with lack of creativity and type-casted characters and plots.

Reviewed by: Toni
3.75 stars
Profile Image for Nancy.
495 reviews13 followers
January 18, 2011
In a perfect world, people don’t make poisons to test on families with little children. In a perfect world, people with IQs of 191 are scientists only - not also assassins. In a perfect world, men who are talented, handsome and very, very good at their jobs get raises - not harder tasks. Of course, if you’re the world’s top assassin yourself it’s hard to out do. That’s where we find the Black Widow and the Sandman in a novel of the same name by L.L. Reaper.

Lincoln Mallard heads up an organization that, like many of its kind, doesn’t exist. He is boss, the creator and the one who can’t sleep at night. He took his best friend’s daughter and made her into someone Dad would be proud of - if he could know and he can’t. He molded Jeanette Mason into the Black Widow. Not without qualms, of course, but he did it just the same. He also took a boy from the ghetto and made The Sandman. Roman was the best and also had the hardest job - not killing Lincoln. He really wanted to, almost as much as the Black Widow did.

In the hunt for the minds killing Cuban children it is essential that the two meet. Sparks fly, bullets speed and Linc is caught in a conundrum of his own making. Will he make it out alive? Or will his top killers get their revenge?

This novel was interesting, an international plot, two under-enthused assassins and one man up to his neck in plots and subplots. The writing was good, kept me on the edge of my seat and hoping all would end well. It is also the first in a series by L. L. Reaper, followed by Hell Hath No Fury, a new tale that will teach the Sandman about sleeping with the devil. Not a good idea.
Profile Image for April.
Author 2 books84 followers
June 20, 2011
An excellent combination of suspense, thrills, medical terror and sensuality, Black Widow and the Sandman is the perfect way to lose yourself for an afternoon or evening.

I have to admit that I was first grabbed by the cover on this book. The contrast and graphics just scream out a haunting read. I was not disappointed. I truly and effortlessly fell within the pages of this story which was excellently woven by the mysterious author duo, who have dubbed themselves L.L. Reaper.

The main characters consist of the brilliant and beautiful, Jeanette Mason aka Black Widow. Jeanette is an extraordinary scientist who has been brought in to find a cure for a mysterious epidemic-possible disease that has hit Cuba's innocent children, leaving them in agonizing pain, as their bodies are eaten away before succumbing to death. Roman Tate aka The Sandman, has also been brought in to the project to protect Jeanette and aid in any way that need be - including death.

Both Roman and Jeanette have dark secrets and pasts that have left them entangled within themselves and a mysterious benefactor, Lincoln, who holds their secrets like bait to entrap them to do his bidding. The bidding, however, is always to take out scum and low lives of the earth.

From beginning to end, Black Widow and the Sandman pulls the reader along - trapping them within a web of suspense and anxiousness to discover what happens next. L.L. Reaper does an excellent job attaching the readers' emotions to the story, the young and innocent children, as well as the main characters themselves. Though both Jeanette and Roman have committed crimes that may be considered inexcusable by many, they are both characters that will find their way into the hearts of readers and connect them to their humanity.

Throughout the story, there is a strong sexual attraction between Roman and Jeanette that lends sizzle and enticement. A wonderful additional layer to the suspense, mystery and urgency of time to discover a cure before a horrid and unthinkable terrorist-type of epidemic can be unleashed.

Black Widow and the Sandman is the first in a series and I eagerly await the next book. At the end of this story, there is a teaser/excerpt to reel readers in and leave them with a great sense of anticipation. An excellent book for lovers of great suspense, mystery, medical terrorism and sizzle. Black Widow and the Sandman is a must read!
Profile Image for Heavensent1.
253 reviews23 followers
July 1, 2011
Black Widow and the Sandman is a dramatic suspense thriller.

Shadow has a new mission, one that horrifies him. Someone is using the children in Cuba to test a new virus that renders the victims horribly, leaving them to look like their skin has festered away to the bone. He needs the best of his agents on this team and his best don't like working with others.

Black Widow, aka Jeanette Mason, is Shadow's goddaughter, though she is unaware of the connection. Jeanette is a top scientist in her field of bio-chemicals, she has been coerced into this new mission by Shadow's blackmailing, threatening to kill anyone who stands in her way, even other operatives, she agrees.

The Sandman, aka Roman Tate, is the best assassin and sniper that has worked in black ops in years. He gets the job done and isn't messy about it. When he gets the call from Shadow, he is angry, but again, after blackmailing Sandman, to keep him in line, he reluctantly agrees. Children are his soft spot and he would do anything to kill the monsters that created this virus.

Everyone involved has their secrets and would do anything to keep them secret, even murdering those close to them. Who is behind this biochemical warfare and will the players get out with their lives and their sanity in tact?

This was a well put together thriller with believable characters, great plot flow and a decent ending. I found the people involved stayed true to their nature without much deviation of character.

I found the suspense to be gripping, enough to keep you turning the pages, as well, the mystery surrounding each of the characters that helps determine their back story was exceptional.

I wasn't impressed with the sexual attraction between Sandman and Black Widow but then, I'm not much into romance in such dire situations, who has time to think about such things? I find it always puts a taint on an already great subject matter, why add another emotion that isn't warranted?

I believe all those who love a good suspense mystery would love this book, there are very few minor problems, on the whole, however, it was a fairly decent read.
Profile Image for Mayara Arend.
183 reviews9 followers
June 7, 2011
The Black Widow and the Sandman is a book written on 4 hands and I've interviewed the author, click here if you haven't read it yet. It tells the story of an unlikely duo that, of course, ends up working wonderfully.

Jeanette "Black Widow" Mason and Roman "The Sandman" Tate are murderers. Contracted killers - but neither of them actually does it because they chose to, they are being blackmailed by a man known by different names, who discovered some of their dirty secrets and forced them into doing his jobs.
Now, children in Cuba are dying of a misterious disease, a terrible one, that eats up their flesh and kills them in much pain. And Jeanette, an amazingly brilliant scientist, is their best bet on finding a cure, but they can't be officially in it, so that's where both hers and Roman's gifts com in handy.

Of course, some of the book is very predictable, the couple has some awesome hot tension between them, which is really interesting to read, the villains are greedy bad people, the good guys are killers but because they love too much or think the world is all wrong and they are some sort of vigilantes. Both Black Widow and The Sandman have a soft spot for kids, which makes them work extra hard on the assignment.

But don't take me wrong - the fact that it may be predictable in some parts, doesn't make this less of an awesome book, actually, it is amazing to see the same "general" elements we see in many books tossed around and mixed, used in different ways. I have to admit that anti-heroes are my favorite kind of heroes ;)

I'm ansious to see the sequel, because we didn't quite see Jeanette and Roman in action - ok, not the kind of action -I- wanted, but they did have a nice fight and kill and all after the second half of the book... But I still want all kinds of action *wink wink*
Profile Image for African Americans on the Move Book Club.
726 reviews211 followers
March 28, 2011
The children of a Cuban town are suffering from a mysterious toxin, which inevitably leads to a painful and agonizing death. The Cubans are set to blame a U.S. terrorist organization for the deaths, which could have disastrous consequences in international affairs and potentially start a war. Who do the Americans turn to? A beautiful but deadly scientist code named Black Widow and a trained sniper named Sandman. Although the premise seems a bit farfetched, Black Widow and the Sandman fits perfectly within the suspense thriller genre: everyone is well trained in his or her tasks and know how to get out of a tight spot. L.L. Reaper can set up a good but predictable action sequence. However, there is much salvation in the characters of the Black Widow and the Sandman. They are not simply two-dimensional antiheroes with no background, emotions or other human attributes. Instead, they have their own stories and some substance – at least enough to keep the reader interested in what happens to them next. It’s not exactly Jack Higgins’ Eagle Has Landed, but Black Widow and the Sandman has its moments. Reaper can tell a good consistent story that is well suited to an adaption to the screen.

TaKeshia Brooks
AAMBC Reviewer
Profile Image for Minnie.
Author 6 books19 followers
November 30, 2011
L. L. Reaper’s action-packed story of mercenaries and terrorists is the best I’ve read. I fell in love with Roman and Jeanette and their funny attics. Even understood their killing-for-a cause; saving humanity from a terrorist’s release of a deadly disease on children.

The heavy use of doomsday devices, gadget watches and multiple caliber weapons had me stymied, but I was able to understand their use from the intensely written results.

“Black Widow and the Sandman” is a great read. I get it that the action will continue in upcoming series. One thing bothered me, though, the story contained quite a bit of obscene language. But that’s me, others may not mind.

Congratulations to L.L. Reaper and Hourglass Unlimited on their debut novel.

Minnie E Miller

Author of “Whispers from the Mirror.”

Profile Image for Paula Ratcliffe.
1,423 reviews73 followers
July 10, 2011
What an incredible story of two tough fighters who are up against a deadly toxin that is causing harm to children in Cuba. Black Widow is the scientist who can determine a cure if she can get a handle on the targets. Sandman is there to protect her so they can be successful. Mixed among this the growing attraction between the two. Neither one counted on a romantic attraction to transpire. The writing is great really has you on a wild adventure wondering if they will figure it out in time. The two are also dealing with demons of their own that they need to battle through, but atleast they can do it together.
Profile Image for Barbara.
800 reviews132 followers
April 4, 2011
First book I read like this..
I didnt know what to think or how I would like it
I loved it.
Will post review this week
Profile Image for Sistar Tea.
297 reviews
January 9, 2013
Saving The Children

Where do I begin? I loved this novel. This was a read outside my norm and it didn't disappoint. I highly recommend this novel. I really understood these characters. The story written in such a way that I couldn't help but to relate and root for them.

Jeanette Mason aka Dr. Jeanette Stone, code name Black Widow is a brilliant doctor with deadly skills. There is more to her then the eyes can see. When she is called out of seclusion, Jeanette can leave a lot of widows mourning in her wake.

Roman Tate code name Sandman is ex-military, best sharp shooter in the world. If you are on his radar he will leave you dead and stinking. Once he is called out of seclusion, bodies are sure to drop. The best at his job even though he doesn't want to do it.

The handler only known to Jeanette and Roman as Papa and Shadow has brought these two together against their wishes as they both usually work alone. He uses a weakness against them, to get them to work together; that is their love of children. There is a plague hitting a small town in Cuba affecting mostly children. The Cuban government believes the USA has something to do with this epidemic. Black widow and Sandman have been brought in to find a cure and catch and eliminate those responsible for these heinous acts.

I felt like I was watching a movie as this played out. The character development is on point. The underlying attraction that the Black widow and The Sandman have for each other gave a romantic tone in the midst of chaos. The biggest drawback was after all was revealed I was still left wondering why this was unleashed, the author stops short of explaining this and expounding on these facts. With that being said, this is a complete story with a teaser at end of book for next installment. I can't wait to read it.

SiStar Tea
ARC Book Club Inc.
4.5 star rating
Jan 2 2013
Profile Image for Locksie.
134 reviews47 followers
June 3, 2014
SECRET TOXIN

Jeanette Mason dubbed “Black Widow” is a top scientist authorized to work on finding an antidote for a mystery toxin that is killing off Cuban children. The source of the deadly toxin is unknown and the Cuban government have been hiding the deaths from the World Health Organization and their citizens, in fear it could be an attack orchestrated by the U.S. government. Highly respected mercenary, Roman “The Sandman” Tate is ordered to protect The Black Widow as she works feverishly to find a counteragent. The un-settled relationship between America and Cuba calls for this mission to be top secret.

Who and why is a mystery but assassins, Jeanette and Roman plan on finding the culprit/s. Both are reclusive and used to working alone so neither is happy to be in the company of the other and a sexual attraction is something they were not looking for…

The mission brings action, drama, sexual attraction and suspense. Will they find who is behind the deadly toxin? Will they give in to their attraction?

Plenty of intrigue and mystery kept the story moving along. At times, the toxin plot line took a back seat to the attraction between the main characters. But I enjoyed reading their thoughts and learning their unique back stories that brought them to the current situation.

A recommended read.

Locksie June 1st 2014
ARC Book Club Inc.
Star Rating 4.0****
Profile Image for D.K..
Author 21 books138 followers
January 15, 2013
An outbreak of a deadly disease has broken out in small communities of Cuba. Officials in the United States believe the sickness is the result of a manmade toxin, being tested in Cuba as proof of concept. The toxin in the hands of the wrong person, individual, or group could result in widespread pandemonium across the globe.

Two assassins from very different backgrounds are teamed together, Roman (Sandman) Tate and Dr. Jeanette (Black Widow) Mason. Although as individuals Roman and Jeanette are formidable, it’ll take both of their unique skills to stop this global threat. The problem, they don’t exactly get along.

Black Widow and the Sandman is an entertaining mix of subtle romance and fast paced action. L L Reaper wrote a book that can be easily made into a movie. If you enjoy a thriller that doesn’t necessarily conform to the standard formula most thrillers are written, you’ll find the book is just up your alley.
Profile Image for Tiffany.
461 reviews40 followers
January 8, 2014
This was the first book by L.L. Reaper and I loved it. This book is about two deadly assassins trying to stop this deadly outbreak. During the course of trying to find a cure they develop some feelings for one another but don't want to admit to it. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series to see what happens with the Black Widow and the Sandman.
Profile Image for Krystol.
Author 10 books53 followers
July 7, 2014
This book was a great read! It was filled with so much suspense. I must say that my favorite character is Jeanette. She is a go-getter for real and lets NO ONE get in the way of getting her assignment done. I don't want to be a spoiler, but I will say if you like action and crime, then this book is for you!
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