Ultimate Weapon

McClouds & Friends #6

by Shannon McKenna

"Dark characters and darker emotions.  .  .perfectly balanced by the heat they generate."--Romantic TimesThe First Cut Is The Deepest

Covert operations are what Val Janos is all about. The man is mysterious and sinister, and lethally hot. Only Tamara can understand the strange intensity that drives him to win at all costs--and only she can match it.

Val has one weak Imre, the frail old man who befriended him when he was a scared, hungry kid abandoned on the streets of Budapest. But Daddy Novak knows about Imre, and Imre's head is on the block if Val doesn't deliver Tam up to Novak's tender mercies.  .  .

A white-hot passion explodes when Tam and Val get too close. They both have too much to be afraid of, too much to hide. And now, for the first time, too much to lose.  .  .

Praise for Shannon McKenna and Her Novels

"Full of turbocharged sex scenes, this action-packed novel is sure to be a crowd pleaser." --Publishers Weekly on Edge Of Midnight

"Highly creative.  .  .erotic sex and constant danger." --Romantic Times on Hot Night (4 ½-star review and a Top Pick)

"Aims for the heart with scorching precision." --Publishers Weekly

Genres: Romantic Suspense, Romance, Suspense, Contemporary, Contemporary Romance, Erotica, Fiction

545 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

About the author

Also wrote five category romances under the penname Shannon Anderson

::From The Author's Website::

HOW IT ALL BEGAN

I started writing my first romance novel in secret. I was working a temp job in an insurance office in Manhattan at the time, and the office manager had made it clear that even if there was nothing to do, I still had to look busy-- never one of my big talents. I felt bad about the wasted time, though, and I needed something to round out my other chosen career, which was singing. Yeah, that's right. Most artists choose a more practical Plan B to back up their improbable Plan A. Me? No way. "Long Shot" is my middle name.

So I sneakily set up a Document 1 and a Document 2 with a spreadsheet on it. If my Boss du Jour walked by I could quick-like-a-bunny switch screens, and whenever the coast was clear, I went back to my story. Not that I was slacking, mind you. If there was work to be done, I did it. The sneakiness felt familiar, though, because I've been teased about reading romances since I was a kid. I think the day I finally grew up was the day I stopped trying to cover up what I was reading on the bus, train or subway. Let people think whatever they like.

It wasn't until I moved to Italy (details of that Long Shot provided later on) that I got serious about writing, though. I found myself with many long, quiet days alone with nothing to do, so I slogged my way bravely to the end of the manuscript and sent it out. Everybody rejected it-except for Kensington. I wrote for them for a few years, and then made a bid for an erotic novella for the new Brava imprint, and oh joy, they accepted it. Then I wrote BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. And so on, and so forth.

That's how I started. I can't think of anything I'd rather do. I never knew it would be so scary, and so hard . . . all that solitude and silence, a blank computer screen, and no one to blame. But still. It's worth it. It's great.

Reviews

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Tamara was never a favorite character of mine since I met her in Behind Closed Doors, the 1st book in this series. She was too harsh, sneaky and, to be blunt, an overall bitch. Like many readers, I was very skeptical when I heard that Ms. McKenna was making her the heroine in Ultimate Weapon because there was no way I could see her worthy of it. So I decided to skip this book, period. But a friend of mine just refused to accept that and kept "harrassing" me to give it a try. Weak that I am, I finally caved, even though I half-expected to dislike it... and now I have to eat crow, LOL.

After reading about Tamara's past, I got to understand why she was like she was - it was a matter of toughening herself up or dying - but that didn't mean she became more likable in my eyes. She was pretty much still a harsh and sneaky woman - not my favorite type of heroine - but she wasn't a bitch anymore. Seeing how she was with her daughter Rachel - more than seeing her with Val - was key to make me care about her and root for her HEA.

As for Val, he was like a male version of Tamara: harsh, sneaky, tortured and damaged. Not what I had expected to see paired up with her, since we usually have a dark hero/light heroine (or vice versa) pairing in Romancelandia, but who else would have been able to take Tamara and survive? ;) I really liked Val, tough and all, which once again proves that I have double standards when it comes to my heroes and heroines: while I can take a badass hero, I dislike the female version of it. It isn't PC, but what can I say? That's how I feel about it.

I knew beforehand that this would be a "difficult" read for me, and I wasn't wrong. When you throw in three - count them, three! - tortured characters (Val, Tamara and her baby daughter Rachel), two hideous and perverted villains and one revenge-driven plot, you know you're in for a nightmare. But even so, I found myself glued to the pages and I couldn't let this book down - except for that one single moment when Val did something that shocked me...

Let me be blunt again: he basically raped Tamara the 1st time they had sex. One can argue that she never said "no", but he had drugged her in order to lower her defenses and make his seduction easier. In my book, that's rape!

But - and I still can't believe I'm going to say it - I wasn't pissed with him. I think Ms. McKenna did a great job showing me how sorry Val felt about having to do it, and that's why I found it hard to blame him. He really didn't have a choice in the matter. I found some consolation in the fact that, had he had enough time to properly woo Tamara before having to have sex with her, she would have fallen into his arms willingly. Gah, I hope this train of thought doesn't make me sound like an un-PC idiot!

Back to the story... Both Val and Tamara did some "nasty" stuff to each other throughout the book - "betrayal" should be their middle name - but it was all fitting to their characters and, more important, it was never done out of malice. All things considered, I don't know if there was any other way around it.

There were some scenes that were very hard to read, all of them featuring the bad guys showing their unsavory torture skills. Contrary to what I did in the previous books in the series, I didn't skim through them this time and read them all, word for word. I don't know, it was like I was "in the zone" and needed to torture myself along with Val and Tamara. Maybe I need to see a therapist, LOL. Anyway, I'm forever thankfull to Ms. McKenna for refraining herself from showing torture scenes featuring Rachel. What she did with those children in Extreme Danger was bad enough, and I don't need a revival.

I can't say I enjoyed reading this book - the word "enjoy" implies having fun and, like what happened when I read Lover Awakened by J.R. Ward, I'll never associate "fun" with the gruesome events described in it - but I'm glad my friend pestered me into giving it a try. Will I ever reread this book? Probably not. But fans of this series should definitely not give it a pass.

[Auntee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh boy, what a book! Shannon McKenna throws everything in this but the kitchen sink! There's lots of action, lust, betrayal(s), violence, nerve racking suspense, snappy and witty dialogue, heroics, and most importantly, love between two tortured souls just made for each other. For fans of the series, this is ultimate bad-girl Tamara's story, and it's quite a wild ride. What started out a little slow just builds and builds, until you find yourself unable to put the book down, it's that gripping!

When I found out that Tamara was going to get her own story, I wasn't all that enthused. She's always been such a cold, dangerous and not always likable character, although she's always been intriguing. But at the end of the previous book, "Extreme Danger", Tam adopts an abused little 3 yr. old girl, so I could see that the author was preparing to soften her character a little. Maybe there would be hope that we the reader could fall for Tam. Well, it didn't take me long. Tam's whole tragic back story is revealed in this book, and not only did it explain her actions and make me sad for her, it also made me admire her strength. Now the only thing missing was a strong male hero for Tam. Who could possibly be strong enough to fill the bill?

Val Janos does it in spades. This guy is not typical hero material either. He's a covert operative who's seen it all and done it all--both legally and illegally. He's 6'4" of mouth-wateringly gorgeous male, and he gets to Tam like no man ever could. I won't go into the plot except to say that Val is sent to find Tam and deliver her to one of her old foes, and another old foe wants her too. But before he can deliver her to the sadistic psycho who's pulling his strings, he falls hard for her, and for the first time in his life he knows what it is to love. He understands Tam like no one ever can, because he's also suffered a horrible past. But he's caught between a rock and a hard place--does he save the woman he's come to love, or the father-figure who is being held and tortured (by one of the most sadistic psychopathic characters ever created) until he can deliver Tam? Can he save them both?

This book was non-stop action, but it was not an easy read. There's lots of violence, gore, and some of the characters were just down-right sick! Both Tamara's and Val's pasts were so sad, but necessary to read, because it explains so much about how they came to be the persons they are. I fell hard for Val- I thought he was wonderful-and I just loved seeing him all twisted up over his feelings for Tam. Tam was a revelation--I never knew she had it in her to feel real love for another person. But her love for her baby daughter was all consuming, and when the icy walls around her heart started to crack because of Val's love--well, it was just very satisfying to see.

This book is definitely not a stand alone read. At the very least, you should read the previous book, "Extreme Danger". But in order to get the full effect of Tam (and the whole McCloud family--who make brief appearances)you need to start with the first book in the series, "Behind Closed Doors". Readers will enjoy the intense sex scenes between Tam and Val (these two can be lethal!), but be warned, because of the violence and gore in the story, it's not for the faint of heart. But if you can get past that, you'll be richly rewarded. After a rip-roaring showdown near the end of the book (which nearly wore me out!) you'll be gratified to know that there is a tear-inducing HEA for two strong, wonderful, deserving characters. A big 5 stars!

[Zeek · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hard boiled Tamara Steele has been a reluctant friend but fierce ally of the Mclouds from the very beginning, but now she will need their help as the psychotic, ruthless father of the man she helped destroy is determined to end her existence- but not without making her suffer first.

Born on the streets Val Janos has done whatever it takes to rise himself above his station in life but now he wants out. Just as he was about to cut himself loose, the man he considers father is kidnapped and held as leverage to do one more job- take out Tamara Steele.

Of course nothing is ever that easy and the brilliant sexy Val will play his own dangerous game involving Tam's participation before its all said and done. But first Tam must decide if she can trust, perhaps for the first time in a long time, not only the scheme Val has cooked up to extricate herself from Daddy Novak once and for all- but also the passion burning down walls she erected long ago to keep her emotions safe.

Probably my least favorite McCloud Brothers story, Ultimate Weapon is actually a pretty good romantic suspense novel. My issue is with Tam. I get why she's so hardened and downright mean, I just didnt like her very much. (Read RAGING BITCH between the lines), But Val gets and likes her and one cant help but fall for a sexy armani clad hero born to a prostitute but reared by the kindness of a stranger, even if he's just as ruthless as Tam at getting what he wants. These two play a game of oneupmanship in betrayal thru most of the book, which got annoying, but whatever, she wouldnt have been able to submit herself to love for anyone she couldnt respect either, so... ::shrug::

I'm giving this 4 out of 5, I liked it because it's a typical steamy McCloud story and the suspense is top notch if a bit cliched, but really, I coulda cared less about Tam's HEA.

[jenjn79 · Rating 4 out of 5]

I had a hard time deciding what to rate this book. Because while it's a very interesting story and an excellent addition to the McClouds & Friends series by Shannon Mckenna, it's a rather dreary, dark and harsh tale that doesn't particularly leave you feeling all warm and fuzzy throughout.

Ultimate Weapon features one of McKenna's recurring characters, Tamara Steele. Tam was first introduced in one of the earlier books in the series where she was the consort of a not-so-good character. I would have never expected her to become a heroine for a later book. But she made appearances in other books and slowly her character built into a less devious one.

In the last book, Extreme Danger, Tam takes on the care of a battered and broken little girl, Rachel. And now Rachel is what her life is all about. She'll do anything to help the child. But suddenly her life, and Rachel's are in danger because one man is obsessed with owning her and another, who hates her because she killed his son, has just found out she is really alive, not dead as he was told.

Val Janos, and agent for a less-than-kosher European agency, is charged with retrieving Tam for one of his clients. But from the start, he is enthralled with the woman. However, his loyalties are torn because now his surrogate father is in danger if he doesn't do what he is told. Now he must find a way to save the old man, and not betray Tam. Because she just might be the one person who can save his battered soul.

...and that's a very simplified summary of this book. It's a rather complicated story with various off-shoots that keep things hopping. McKenna crafted a very interested tale that never once bored me throughout.

Tam and Val are interesting characters. Both are pretty much anti-heroes (and heroines) as both have done a lot of things in their lives that they aren't proud of. But at heart, both are good people....they've just gotten caught up in bad circumstances at one point or another.

The chemistry between them is instantaneous and McKenna wrote it really well. I could feel the tension between them. And the sex was super hot, as it always is in one of McKenna's books.

Though it's not really a complaint, the one thing that made this book drag a little for me was how dark and morose this story was. It didn't make the story bad or anything, but the harshness was just rather unrelenting and I could never read too much of it at once because it wears you down a little.

Still, it was a good book. I thought the story did justice to Tam's character and what McKenna had built her up to be. I'm hoping that future books in this series will let us readers see her settling into a peaceful life with Val. I can't wait for McKenna's next full-length book (which supposedly will be about the missing McCloud brother).

[Blacky *Romance Addict* · Rating 1 out of 5]

The writing here is great, the author knows her stuff, but I admit that I simply didn't enjoy this book at all. In fact, I kind of hated it.
I didn't like her, or him, or the story, or how it progressed, or what he did at one point that is so much a no-no, it insta-killed the book for me.
I'm reading the rest of the series because, like I said, the author does write well, this is just a case of "it's not the book, it's me".

[Holly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Right off the bat, I love Tamara. I love her prickly defensiveness and her outrageously over-the-top, witty personality. And I really liked Val Janos' deliciously sexy and dangerous persona. But together? Hmmm. I think they might have been better served paired with someone with a less heavily tortured past. But at the same time, I don't think these two seriously wounded and prickly people would have responded to someone who was light and fluffy and full of sunshine, so I guess this was just a no win situation.

Tamara was a little subdued in regards to her usual acerbic wit and I missed it, alot. Her relationship with her daughter, Rachel, was so sweet though. It was funny and poignant and so real. I especially liked how frazzled she was getting, having her life taken over by a little baby. Val was sexy and alluring and it was fun reading about how Tamara and Val were trying to one-up each other. Whenever Tamara got the better of him due to her secret wearable weaponry, I thought it was laugh out loud funny. There was definitely moments of humor sprinkled about this story, which was quite welcome seeing as how this was a dark and somewhat dreary read, but Ultimate Weapon was missing that spark that I found in the earlier McCloud books. But again, Tamara and Val were incredibly wounded souls so I doubt a more humorous story would have worked for them. Actually my favorite part was reading about Imre, after he had been captured, and my heart just broke for him and Val. It's a very sad scene, when he makes his sacrifice so that Val can go free, and I thought it was beautifully done.

Ultimate Weapon is pretty much a straightforward revenge tale. No info on the possible resurrection of Kevin--Or am I just wishful thinking?? The plot was rather simplistic, compared to Shannon McKenna's more crazy and out-there stories, but it worked. We get all the background info on Tamara and it was as sad and heartbreaking as I knew it would be. This story is fast paced and intense, and certainly interesting, but unfortunately I don't think I was very excited by it-- see missing "spark." There was also a very nasty scene involving a broken arm and a rope and all I have to say is that ten seconds never felt so long before.

Ultimate Weapon wasn't bad, but it wasn't a knock out of the park, either. I really wish it had been because Tamara deserved a much better send off. While I liked Val, I wish Tam could have been paired with someone like Sean McCloud because she could have used his funny, badboy antics to help loosen her up. Or Nick Ward, because I thought those two had great chemistry together. But since those two guys were usually half afraid of her, I guess only Val could do. Which is a shame to think that way because I really liked Val. And in all honesty, this is as much his story (if not more) than hers, so they both got cheated out of what-could-have-been. But I will still give it four stars because I liked it and I'm happy I read it and I can't wait for the next Shannon McKenna story. :)

[Rbeey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ultimate Weapon”, is def what’s Popin’ Wowweee...Yeahhhh...”!
It’s all that & more! I totally love the Heroine Tamara Steele because she’s a badddddd mamma jamma..!
She has the L@@k of a top model but in her case looks are deceiving...she’s like a deadly flower, a lethal Lady Steele ,with lots of sex appeal but doesn’t take no tea for the Fever. TAM is a tough, one Army woman, Mata Harrah/ mother lioness with a mighty Big roar & so ya better keep a stepin’ also give her space!
Be Cautious when treading around her domain, or near her baby cub, watch it buddy boy, cause ya’ may turn up dead with your eyes balls bugged out & tongue hanging out the side of ya stupid face..Oops...now.youre Buzzard bait..! I love it that even with TAM’S buck wild, crazy& radical tenancies read off the charts. WHY NOT..? (tee-heee!) I say sooooo doggone..and What..?!
If she was bad to the bone and What..?!What if she had the characteristics of a dark widow spider. It’s not fair that the Boys or Hero’s get to test the waters so to speak, I think it’s hot when a lady of Steel lets what’s inside them flow...heyyy what Rule says that rough riding ONLY for the Hero’s .Shero’s such as Tam cant fake the funk but it’s amazing how she Still loved sweetly, even came Hard & passionate with it, now that’s my girl! OOOH what an on point Hunkster the Hero Val is…delicious treat to the storyline & most naturists... hmmm…a tasty but yet... darker sinister strongerrr badd...boy...Big man bear morsel!
TAM’S presence & life force always, always demand attention, it’s like it always spoke in a clear strong voice all through the McCloud Brothers series.
Here, here...I second the motion. HANDS DOWN WITHOUT DOUBT!
TAMARA STEELE from ULTIMATE WEAPON is the Best stand out Heroine I’ve read & felt touch by in a long time. It’s ironic because Tam was Tam just sitting back in the McCloud books with cigarette in her hand legs cross thinking in her mind saying yeah I’m only buying my time. My break through will come & when It does every ones gonna take notice! I be darn if she went ahead & showed out, came Full Force in her own book!!! Tam isn’t no joke she’s not to be taken likely. What a life force that lives & breaths. It would be great if this book which is by the way def is a movie, make it to the big screen but in all wise stay True to the truth & nothing but the Truth of Every letter of Book: ULTIMATE WEAPON?!!
Much…kudos to Shannon McKenna gift sharing she’s a class act I think you’re Super bad for making your work look so Easy that too cool for even my babbling words..((giggle)) Ms. McKenna >*you*< listened to Tam’s voice & allowed her to break free from her cocoon. Ms. McKenna work it outttt...she wasn’t playin’ you did your thang you rocked it out! Thanks, again because ULTIMATE WEAPON brings to the fleshly mind nice & up close for this Read, a date ,dinner, movie, chocolate covered strawberries &champagne …haaaa…ooh yess..yummeee! ;O)

[Pepa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ess una novela que tiene un poco/mucho de todo... suspense, mucha acción muy sazonada con escenas hot y unos protagonistas bastante complicados.
Creo que le falta un pelín más en el desarrollo de su relación... pero bueno, lo cierto es que para su extensión me ha durado poco, la autora ha conseguido engancharme.
Mejor que el anterior de la seria y único que había leído, no sé si eso influye en que me haya perdido detalles de la protagonista

[Marion · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very suspenseful book with lots of action. The heroine Tam was so mean and rude that I really did not like her. Once I found out what made her that way I could understand her and excuse alot of her behavior. While Val's childhood was not much better then Tam's he did show a soft side I just fell in love with.

[Sandra Valente · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tough and glamorous Tamara Steele's career as a criminal now turned jewellery designer (deadly jewellery) has left her with many an enemy. She is trying her utmost to be a good mother to her "not as yet legally" adopted daughter Rachel. She will do anything in her power to prevent Rachel from experiencing any more trauma. Tamara has a lot to be accountable for and one of these these is to Daddy Novak. He vows revenge on Tam for the death of his son Kurt who she was involved with. If only this was all! She is also being pursued by another evil by the name of Kurt Luksch. Tamara meets Valery (Val/Vadja) who was hired by Luksch to deliver Tam to him. Val falls for Tamara and in turn decides to help her get away instead of delivering her to what's sure to be her deadly fate.

[Wminbc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Him...


Her



Fantastic. For all Tamra fans out there, this is the must read of the series. She kicks ass, loves hard and protects those that are hers.
Love her HEA, he is just as flawed and tragic as she but tough as nails and willing to do anything to protect those who are his.

15 stars!!!

[Christine · Rating 3 out of 5]

MELODRAMATIC TWADDLE!

Ooooohhh boy! What a swing and a miss with the Ultimate Weapon. It turned out to be the ultimate twaddle. A heroine for the ages reduced to a flaky, flighty, menstrual shrew and a hero who is so brutish, wolfish and a doofus that I kept checking to see if I clicked on another book by accident on my Kindle.

Tamara Steele has been building up in this entire series and her story is the one I have waited for the most and what I was met with is a woman who is suffering from some extreme abandonment issues combined with hormonal rages and great globs of man hate. Granted given where the series has taken her in previous books the man hate was the only thing she had going for her. That and her deadly attitude, wit and abilities. Enter Val Janos and Tam Steele is reduced to a character so unlike who she was in the earlier books you wonder if in addition to changing her contact lenses and hair color she underwent some sort of labotomy.

As for Val Janos, at the start of the book he is at times straight outta the Siberian Tundra all blunt edged, growling male with a horrific past, then he segueways into an oafish baffoon who slips, and slides all over the Nick Ward wedding and gets handled by Tamara in a scene straight outta the stop thinking with your weenie playbook. Then he morphs into an urbane, sensual, world wise Italian. McKenna had this poor chap all over the map trying to find an identity that even I had whiplash waiting to see which guy would emerge "Val Janos, come on down... You're the next contestant on find a personality and stick with it please.."

Then the McCloud boys and their mates barely make a scene... Literally. And poor baby Rachel. If that child ever sufferred as a result of her incarceration well she got it all out of her system with her annoying screaming fits. Clearly by her behavior she needs to take a lap or two around a behavioral therapists office. All in all the whole book was full of slapping, yelling, growling, hating, crying, and the biggest phallus ever noted by any author in any genre. Ultimate Weapon? Try Ultimate Waste.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

To be honest after reading the previous books, I wzsn't sure how they were going to make Tam into a heroine, giver her own book. She has been a super bitch and very cold throughout the entire Mcloud series. I certainly didn't know what sort of man would be right for her.
Lets just say after reading this book I don't see how it could've gone any other way.
Val, was perfect for her in everyway. He didn't give up on her, didn't forget about her. I believe after what happened to Tam I her youth, won't tell you but it's bad, she saw her self as unworthy of any form of love, emotion. Val, had a very similar upbringing. Two very sad stories came together to heal each other. Not in a nice way though. They were sometimes all out awful to one another.
No matter how horrible it got in this book, I still loved every minute of it. VAL, he is the man!! I just loved him, loved that after all he went through, he was still a romantic. I felt . he was far more romantic than any of the other Mcloud boys that's for sure.
Favourite book in the series so far( I have probably said this before but they just get better and better)

[Heather · Rating 2 out of 5]

Enh. I get it -- every character has to have his/her own book and find love and lay the demons to rest and blar blar blar. But this character was better off as a bitter, defensive sidekick.

It always bothers me when a character who is supposed to be tough and independent suddenly and inexplicably loses her mind over a man she has just met because he's The One. How does she know he's The One? She just met him. Is it like the The Force? His midichlorian count is just so high she can't resist? Or he's got the weird vampire pheromones that make Edward homicidally in love with Bella? Phases of the moon? Alignment of the stars? Who knows? He's just The One and so it is somehow supposed to be OK that she, somehow, just... can't.... help.... herself.

[Katherine 黄爱芬 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Setelah sekian lama gak baca genre suspense romance, saya memutuskan membaca novel ini yg sudah mengendap sekian tahun di rak saya. Sebenarnya plot ceritanya sangat menarik. Kedua karakter utama bertanding dgn mafia gaek yg psikopat yg balas dendam atas kematian putranya. Siapa lagi yg membunuhnya kalau bukan heroine disini, Tamara Steele.

Val Janos terpaksa hrs tunduk pd perintah Novak, si mafia keji yg menawan Imre, patron sekaligus mentor Val. Val hrs merayu Tam dan mengirimkan video-video syur mereka tiap 3 hari. FYI, adegan-adegan 17++ di buku ini sungguh hot dan bikin horny, tiati baca buku ini mangkanya.

Andai saja karakter Tam gak bikin saya mengerutkan jidat, buku ini pantas dpt 4 bintang atau 5 bintang. Bisa dimaklumi dari masa lalunya yg super kelam membuat Tam gak bisa percaya dgn mahkluk yg bernama pria. Tam ini spesialis pembunuh dgn racun yg memikat pria dgn kemolekan tubuhnya. That's why Tam sukses membunuh si putra mahkota mafia. Dan kali ini Tam diincar oleh Novak sekaligus anak buah kesayangan Novak, Georg, yg punya misi ambisi terselubung dan punya kelainan seksual eksibisionis.

Andai intuisi Tam ttg pria gak sebegitu rusak, mungkin saya bisa lebih murah hati atas tingkah lakunya terbolak-balik (menurut saya), bagaimana Tam acap mengucapkan kata-kata umpatan pd Val, tetapi sebaliknya Tam lebih manis pd Georg si penjahat (dlm rangka memanipulasi sih)? Saya setuju pd perkataan Val ttg Tam: "Your strength excites me. Your cruelty exhausts me." Saya juga lelah kalau menjadi Val menghadapi Tam yg selalu menyulitkan dan impulsif. Btw impulsif, saya gak masalah dgn heroine yg impulsif tapi bukan impulsif yg bodoh dan cenderung malah bikin runyam spt yg dilakukan Tam (that's why I don't like INFP heroine with Intuitive extraverted nonsense).

Novel ini beneran bagus dari segi plot cerita, dark romance di-mix dgn erotic romance & suspense romance yg kental, kurang apalagi? Plot mafia-nya juga sedikit berliku jd bukan mafia ala tempelan doang. Rekomendasi buat yg suka suspense thriller romance juga.

[Jane Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lot of hot sex plus an exciting, suspenseful and sometimes scary story that kept me up late.

STORY BRIEF & REVIEWER’S OPINION:
Shannon McKenna does it again. I am amazed that she continues to come up with excellent stories with new and surprising ideas. This is one of her best and it’s her eighth book (that I know of and not counting anthologies). For some reason I thought of James Bond when I read this book. The two main characters Val (hero) and Tam (heroine) are a romance writer’s version of James-Bond-type characters. They are both super smart and talented at lying, spying and killing. They each have and use high tech gadgets, not as many as James Bond uses, but there is a similarity. Tam can outsmart anyone and has what it takes to never be found, but because she is taking care of Rachel, a 3-year old orphan, Tam is vulnerable. For example, when on the run she has to carry Rachel with child supplies. There is also the potential of kidnaping Rachel to get to Tam. I thought this was well done by the author. The bad guys can get to Tam, not due to stupidity on her part, but due to her caring for Rachel.

Tam has been one of my favorite characters in the prior books. She creates jewelry as weapons. She can taser, poison and stab people with her jewelry. Tam is a sharp, prickly and contentious hellcat who starts to soften due to Rachel. Val’s weakness is Imre, the frail old man who befriended him when he was a scared, hungry kid abandoned on the streets of Budapest. A bad guy now holds Imre hostage to force Val to bring Tam to him.

MORE REVIEWER’S OPINION:
I laughed out loud several times, not due to comedy, but due to my surprise and delight at some of the great lines, great conversation and how strongly I was affected emotionally. The conversations are rich, twisting me around emotionally. Tam hits, slaps and fights Val physically and verbally. His reactions are unexpected. The conversations are heated, wild, angry, entertaining and amazing. They battle before, during and after sex. The sex scenes were wild, tremendous, powerful, sensual, and fabulous. I actually stopped reading a couple of times to do something else, catch my breath and calm down.

My only complaint is that the author occasionally used Italian phrases. I believe that most were terms of endearment, compliments or food. I just skipped over those words, but I wondered what they meant. I wish the author would put the translations immediately afterward in italics or parentheses. I don’t want to miss a single thought when I read these books. My second choice would be to put a glossary in the back of the book, but flipping back and forth is inconvenient. Granted, Italian words sound beautiful but cause frustration when used without explanation.

DATA:
Story length: 426 pages. Sexual language: strong. Number of sex scenes: 12. Length of sex scenes: 2 short scenes (1 page or less) and 10 long scenes (1.2 to 12 pages). Total number of sex scene pages: 42. Setting: current day Seattle, Washington area, Hungary, and Italy. Copyright: 2008. Genre: romantic suspense.

OTHER BOOKS:
I’ve reviewed the following Shannon McKenna books. Dates are copyright dates.

McCloud Series Novels:
Although not necessary, I recommend reading the McCloud novels in order. For example, Tam played small but important roles in certain prior books. Ultimate Weapon is Tam’s story but it starts where the other books left off.
5 stars. Behind Closed Doors 2002
5 stars. Standing in the Shadows 2003
5 stars. Out of Control 2005
5 stars. Edge of Midnight 2007
5 stars. Extreme Danger 2008
5 stars. Ultimate Weapon 2008
3 stars. Fade To Midnight 2010
3 ½ stars. Blood and Fire 2011
3 stars. One Wrong Move 2012
2 stars. Fatal Strike 2013

Other Novels:
5 stars. Return to Me 2004
5 stars. Hot Night 2006
4 stars. Tasting Fear 2009

Anthologies:
5 stars. Something Wild (in anthology All Through The Night) 2001
3 stars. Touch Me (in anthology I Brake For Bad Boys) 2002
5 stars. Meltdown (in anthology Bad Boys Next Exit) 2004
3 stars. Anytime, Anywhere (in anthology Baddest Bad Boys) 2008
5 stars. All About Men 2007. No review posted. This anthology includes 3 short stories previously published in other anthologies listed above. The stories are Something Wild, Touch Me, and Meltdown.

[Ann has a dirty mouth · Rating 3 out of 5]

First let me start out by saying, I love Tam. She is a heroine of the type we don't see often: experienced, cynical, rude, self serving and prickly. I wasn't sure that I even wanted her to have a novel because I love her so much in her role of making the McClouds uncomfortable and saying rude things to their wives. I was nervous about who she would be matched up with, but it turned out that I love Val- he was street smart and sexy and a perfect match for Tam. I love that he was able to get under her skin and that he was just as damaged and underhanded as she was. They did some pretty shitty things to each other over the course of this book, but I really believed in their love and HEA.

That being said, I am taking a hiatus from reading McKenna's novels. These bad guys are killing it for me. These villains are either unrealistic or too realistic. I am going to perhaps naively pretend that they are unrealistic because I can't pretend that there are so many depraved murdering rapist psychopaths out there. I will continue on in my delusion that most mafia people are like Tony Soprano and they take their families shopping on the weekend and kill in moderation to protect their business interests. These books have way too much gross rape and torture. Threatening little Rachel was kind of manipulative and stomach churning to me and it really knocked off the two extra stars. I found myself skipping the villain POV scenes.

One other positive is that, as always, the sex scenes are amongst the best in the genre in my opinion! That is increasingly not enough to keep me coming back however.

[ElaineY · Rating 4 out of 5]

A little heavy-going and some parts in the first half that dragged. Other than that, it was an above average read. I can't say I liked it that much because there was something missing though I can't quite put my finger on it. Perhaps, most of the time I felt very claustrophobic - Val and Tam being rather depressing figures despite the HEA. This isn't bad for the book as it means I was emotionally invested in the characters but it's a book I will never read again, that's for sure.

There was a weak spot in the story - Val not shooting Hegel when he had the chance, following the car crash. Val, being the professional he is and what was at stake, I found it unbelievable he would walk away from the crash and leave Hegel alive. Tam's decision over Stengyl (sp.?)was okay since she had been undergoing a lot of upheavals since Val walked into her life.

All in all, I think I preferred Extreme Danger as there was a bit more sparkle between Nick and Becca and it wasn't so heavy and depressing. Val and Tam really dragged me down emotionally so I need something light now. I think I'll read Linda Howard's Open Season which I hear is good so I bought it last week.

[Lauren · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ultimate Weapon
2 Stars

Tamara Steele has finally found some peace in her life until the threats from her past resurface. Val Janos is the PSS agent hired to locate Tam for one of her former “beaus” but finds himself inexplicably drawn to her. Unfortunately, Novak learns that Tam is still alive and his obsession with revenge is about to throw both Val and Tam’s lives into turmoil.

I had high hopes for Ultimate Weapon as Tam’s character has always intrigued me. Unfortunately, neither Tam nor Val are particularly appealing characters. He is damaged and manipulative, and she is cold and distant. The end result is an unrealistic and disturbing relationship lacking in any positive connection or emotion.

The suspense plot fails to gain momentum and there is an underlying darkness to both Tam and Val’s pasts that overshadow everything else. The McClouds and other recurring characters barely put in an appearance, which is disappointing as their camaraderie is one of the best aspects of the series.

Hopefully, the series will get back on track with Kevin’s book, which is next up.

[Sam · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have literally read thousands of books in every genre...this is the first review im writing for a book cause i loved it so much.....first id like to say that i had waited with abadted breath for this book to come out...those of us who have been following mckenna's Mccloud series will kow why...Tamara...the tough odd beautiful cookie...dangerous and allurring..started as a jade in one of her ealier books and evolved to warrant her own book which beats the old ones by far in terms of exciting plot...excellent characters and STEAMMyyy romance...and top of everything...it all meshed in..a story tht can combine piognancy with hard fast action as well as hot love scenes..thats rare...the hero is alpha yet smart sensitive and dangerous..again a rare find...im not going to give a synopsis or any spoilers just tht its action romanctic steamy suspense at its peak and one of the best books around...its about revenge, loyalty, redemption and finding that half of you without realizing how much you needed it...happy reading

[Marleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Since this story centers on the enigmatic Tamara Steele character (recurring in this series), it was sort of interesting to finally discover more about her. Although I have to say I did miss the presence of the McCloud brothers in this book. When the brothers are on the page together they bring such great dynamics every time. Consequently this read was less colorful and it missed liveliness for me. Or maybe it was the setting of Eastern Europe that gave the overall dark feel to the story? The development of Tam’s and Valery’s characters was ok: that part kept me on reading. Mainly, I admit, I didn’t like the plot, or the story build-up. For me there were too many “out-of-their-minds” villains and too much gratuitous violence in this story.
I guess this is my least favorite read by this author.

[Nikki Barrett · Rating 2 out of 5]

While the premise sounded good, had promise to be an action packed romantic suspense, I found myself having a hard time following the story. I found the hero, Val Jamos unappealing and unlikeable. Maybe it was his attitude, or him always swearing and his wavering between the good and bad guys. Though Val did have a soft spot and showed an emotion towards a man in the book, one he'd come to care for and want to protect.

There was plenty of action in the story. I kept looking back to see if there was something I missed, because the story jumped around.

There was a high amount of different point of views, most of which didn't make sense to me why or where they were relevant.

This is just one opinion, and it will probably vary from others. I was hoping for a tighter story and characters that appealed to me. This just wasn't the book for me.

[Daniela · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am about one third of the way through this book and I think I am now reading just to see how the heck Shannon is going to handle this one. A man who is great in bed and just as damaged as Tam is. But how do you get around someone who drugs you and records sex with you (to send off to a psychotic enemy)? No matter how much he loves her or how many long overdue orgasms he gives her or how much her kid likes him, I just do not see her as the type of woman who can forgive these things. Whether or not she eventually finds out, he still did it.

I am so used to liking her male characters that I find myself confused at how far Shannon let him go, and then she expects us to forgive him in the end?

I have high hopes for Kevin's story which I am sure is next.

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Yet another great book by Shannon McKenna. Like all the other books in this series, the story was fabulas and action packed. The villians where bad to the bone and the passion scorching hot. I'm sorry that the series is over, I could have just kept reading book after book about the McCloud clan and friends.

[AliciaJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this one more than I thought I would. Tam was such an abrasive personality in the previous book I read, I was sure she'd be impossible to like as a heroine. But somehow Shannon managed to make her sympathetic and yet still keep true to her original personality. I'm definitely hooked on this series now.

[Nicole Jade · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very different from your average romance tale

Tamra is a hardass mama bear danger fiend

Val is danger with a slightly soft side and absolutely nuts

While the sex could be considered hot, I really really disliked the rape tone and I hate that it was just added to "his charm"

[Evelyn Bryant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good addition

[Donna Was A Scandal · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm actually giving this one a 4.5 - it was really good, full of twists and turns

[May Mostly Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

ยอมรับเลยค่ะว่าคาดหวังกับเล่มนี้มาก เพราะทามาร่า สตีลเป็นตัวละครที่น่าสนใจที่สุดตัวนึง และอย่างที่เราพูดไว้เสมอ เราไม่คิดว่าแชนน่อนจะถ่ายทอดเรื่องราวของเธอออกมาได้คู่ควรกับความเป็นทามา ร่า

หลังจากอ่านจบเรื่อง ทามาร่าไม่ได้เป็นผู้หญิงอย่างที่เราคิดว่าเธอเป็น แต่ในขณะเดียวกันเราก็ไม่ผิดหวังกับทิศทางที่แชนน่อนพาเราไป


Ultimate Weapon ของแชนน่อน แม็คเคนน่า

เหตุการณ์เริ่มต้นในเล่มนี้เกี่ยวเนื่องกับเล่มก่อนหน้าพอสมควร แต่ก็ไม่ได้ทำให้ถึงกับต้องอ่านเล่มก่อนหน้าหรอกนะคะที่จะรู้เรื่อง เพราะเราคิดว่าแชนน่อนสรุปเหตุการณ์ที่เกิดขึ้นได้ดีเลยล่ะ เพียงแต่ถ้าคุณอ่านเล่มนี้ก่อนเล่มอื่น ก็มีโอกาสที่จะถูกสปอลย์เล่มก่อนหน้าได้เอา่ง่าย ๆ

วาล ยาโนสเป็นสายลับ เป็นโจร เป็นนักหลอกลวง อันที่จริงเขาเป็นทุกอย่างที่เจ้านายของเขาสั่งให้เขาเป็น เขาขายวิญญาณของตัวเองตั้งแต่อายุสิบเอ็ดปี เมื่อแม่ของเขาตายจากการเสพยาเกินขนาด และแมงดาของแม่ตัดสินใจให้เขาทำงานแทน แต่เขาไปได้ไกลมากสำหรับเด็กข้างถนนในฮังการี วาลกลายเป็นหนึ่งในสมาชิกของ PSS องค์กรเอกชนที่ทำทุกอย่างเพื่อเงิน และหนึ่งในงานที่เขาได้มาก็คือการตามหาตัวทามาร่า สตีล

และเขาก็เป็นคนเดียวที่หาตัวเธอเจอ หลังจากเหตุการณ์นองเลือดเมื่อสี่ปีก่อน เมื่อเธอฆ่าลูกชายของเจ้าพ่อมาเฟียใหญ่ซึ่งเป็นอดีตเจ้านายของวาล แต่แม้จะใช้ชีวิตอยู่บนความหลอกลวง และทำทุกอย่างเืพื่อเอาชีวิตรอด วาลก็ไม่ยินดีที่จะใช้เด็กเป็นเครื่องมือ เพราะื่เมื่อเจ้านายของเขาสั่งให้วาลลักพาตัวราเชลลูกสาวบุญธรรมของทามาร่า เพื่อบังคับให้เธอทำตามความต้องการ เขาปฏิเสธ

สิ่งที่ตามมาก็คือ ชายเพียงคนเดียวที่เคยให้ความกรุณาแก่วาลโดนจับเป็นตัวประกันเพื่อบังคับให้ เขานำตัวทามาร่ากลับมาส่งมอบให้กับศัตรูของเธอ

นั่นไม่ใช่งานที่ง่ายเลย และเพียงแว่บแรกที่ทั้งสองพบกัน แทมก็รู้ว่าวาลมีบางอย่างซ่อนไว้ เธอไม่ไว้ใจเขา และรู้ว่าเขาคือศัตรู ปัญหาก็คือ เขาเป็นผู้ชายเพียงคนแรกและคนเดียวที่เข้าถึงตัวตนที่แท้จริงของเธอ

หนังสือเล่มนี้เป็นเรื่องราวของตัวละครที่มีบาดแผล คนที่ไม่สมบูรณ์สองคนที่สมบูรณ์แบบต่อกันและกันอย่างไม่น่าเชื่อ ทั้งสองเป็นส่วนเติมเต็มของกันและกัน แม็กซ์ไม่เชื่อว่าทั้งวาลและแทมจะสามารถเป็นพระเอกหรือนางเอกของตัวละครอื่น ได้นอกจากคู่กัน รอยแผลในอดีตมากเกินกว่าที่คนที่ไม่เคยประสบความเจ็บปวดชนิดเดียวกันจะเข้า ใจ

สปอยล์ ฉากที่แทมถาม วาลถึงครั้งแรกที่เขาถูกบังคับให้ร่างกายทำในสิ่งที่ใจไม่ต้องการเพื่อปก ป้องชีวิตให้อยู่นานขึ้น และเขาตอบกลับมาว่า สิบเอ็ด ก่อนที่จะถามเธอกลับ และเธอตอบว่าสิบห้า มันสื่ออะไรได้เยอะมากสำหรับแม็กซ์ เด็กสองคนที่สูญเสียความไร้เดียงสาเร็วเกินไป

เรื่องนี้อ่านแล้วเหนื่อยค่ะ ไม่ใช่ว่าเรื่องราวมันมืดหรอกนะคะ อันที่จริงเราว่ามันสว่างกว่าที่คิดด้วยซ้ำ (เมื่อคิดถึงภูมิหลังของทั้งวาลและแทม) แต่มันเป็นหนังสือชนิดที่ต้องใช้เวลาในซึมซับ ในการทำความเข้าใจ ความซับซ้อนของแทมและวาล

และจะเชื่อไหมคะถ้าเราจะบอกว่า แม็กซ์คิดว่าวาลเป็นพระเอกชนิดที่เบต้าที่สุดที่แชนน่อนเคยเขียนมาแล้ว เราไม่ได้บอกว่าเขาอ่อนแอนะคะ แต่เขาเป็นคนที่ยอมรับความรู้สึกตัวเองได้ก่อนแทม เป็นฝ่ายบอกรักก่อน และที่สำคัญเป็นฝ่ายที่ยอมเสี่ยงทุกอย่างก่อน ด้วยการ (สปอยล์) บอกความจริงทุกอย่างแก่แทม ทั้งที่ชีวิตของคนที่เรารักอยู่ในมือศัตรูของเธอ เขาเป็นพระเอกชนิดที่หาได้ยากค่ะ เข้มแข็งมาก ๆ แต่ในขณะเีดียวกันก็เข้าใจแทมอย่างที่ไม่มีใครทำได้

ทามาร่าคือความน่าแปลกใจค่ะ แม็กซ์ไม่คิดว่าจะชอบนางเอกที่ร้องไห้บ่อยอย่างเธอนะคะ (ซึ่งเราไม่เคยคิดว่ามันจะเหมาะกับบุคลิคของเธออย่างที่แชนน่อนวางมาตั้งแต่ ต้นด้วย) แต่มันก็เวิร์คในทางนึง แม้จะร้องไห้ แทมก็ยังเป็นผู้หญิงที่เข้มแข็งมากคนนึง แม้จะน่าผิดหวังในหลายฉากที่เธอถูกจำกัดไม่ให้แสดงฝีมือเท่าที่ควร

โดยรวมหนังสือเล่มนี้ไม่ทำให้เราผิดหวังแม้แต่น้อย ออกจะดีกว่าที่คาดด้วยซ้ำ เพราะเราไม่คิดว่าแชนน่อนจะหาพล็อตเรื่องและพระเอกที่คู่ควรกับทามาร่าได้ อาจจะไม่ใช่เล่มที่ดีที่สุดของแชนน่อน (เกีรยติอันนั้นเรายกให้ Edge of Midnight) แต่ก็เป็นเล่มที่น่าอ่าน... แต่คุณต้องเป็นคนที่กล้าพอในการอ่านเรื่องราวของตัวเอกที่มีรอยแผล

คะแนนที่ 85

[Debbie Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed reading about Tamara Steele in the previous books, she’s always been quite the character, a badass woman. She designs jewelry with the intent to protect and kill if needed. I love in this book we get to see her back story, how her life is since she took on three old Rachel from the organ mystery of the last book. Enter Val Janos whose been sent to find her and bring her to Georg one of the men she escaped from. But Daddy Novak finds out she’s still alive… and holds Imre, Val’s mentor, prisoner to ensure Val does the job. A captivating story Val knows he has no choice with his mentor being tortured but to comply with Kovak’s demands, but he will not let them know about her daughter too. Tamara is suspicious of everyone Val pushed all her buttons and reasons not to trust him. I loved finding out about both of their pasts, I can see so many similarities between their lives, their troubled past and insecurities. They’re perfect for each other. They decide to work together to bring these men to justice and find themselves getting involved intimately, both physically and mentally, but reluctant to give their hearts. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.