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Jude
Ariel and Jude went up the hill to fetch a pail of bullets. Jude fell down and lost his gun, and Ariel stole his crown.
Ariel is having a bad week. Not only is she hiding from one of the biggest crime empires Chicago has ever seen, she’s also fighting for custody of her little brother.
Her new neighbor should be the last thing on her mind, no matter how much she’s drawn to him. Especially since neither of them is who they pretend to be.
When his family sends Jude Olysses to do a job, they know he’s going to get it done using whatever means necessary.
His skills are unmatched, his family the only thing he cares about. Until he meets his new neighbor, Ariel, who makes him want things he never thought he could have.
Too bad he was sent to kill her.
This is the third book in the Tainted Kings series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but there are story elements that weave through each book, so they are best enjoyed read in order.
Note from the My characters like to get it on and sometimes swear. Every book has a HEA and there’s no cheating.
Ariel is having a bad week. Not only is she hiding from one of the biggest crime empires Chicago has ever seen, she’s also fighting for custody of her little brother.
Her new neighbor should be the last thing on her mind, no matter how much she’s drawn to him. Especially since neither of them is who they pretend to be.
When his family sends Jude Olysses to do a job, they know he’s going to get it done using whatever means necessary.
His skills are unmatched, his family the only thing he cares about. Until he meets his new neighbor, Ariel, who makes him want things he never thought he could have.
Too bad he was sent to kill her.
This is the third book in the Tainted Kings series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but there are story elements that weave through each book, so they are best enjoyed read in order.
Note from the My characters like to get it on and sometimes swear. Every book has a HEA and there’s no cheating.
226 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 11, 2023
About the author
Sarah Peis
26 books98 followersI love the written word in all forms and shapes and if I'm not glued to a book I'm attempting to write one.
I’m a frequent blonde moment sufferer and still trying to figure out how to adult. I live in Melbourne, Australia, with my two little humans, the holder of my heart and two furry demons. I love to hear from readers so feel free to get in touch.
I’m a frequent blonde moment sufferer and still trying to figure out how to adult. I live in Melbourne, Australia, with my two little humans, the holder of my heart and two furry demons. I love to hear from readers so feel free to get in touch.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
May 13, 2023
Jude is my favourite Olysses brother ♥️
卂᥅ᥴ 尺ꫀꪜﺃꫀ᭙
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - Jude
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - Ariel
5 𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓇𝓅𝓈𝒽ℴℴ𝓉ℯ𝓇 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐽𝑢𝑑𝑒 𝐵𝑦 𝑆𝑎𝑟𝑎ℎ 𝑃𝑒𝑖𝑠
Ariel, is in her 20's and her brother's guardian. They both have been through a lot, she loves her brother and does her best to give him everything. Aside from that, she has a job with a secret organisation and is one of their best assassins, but she made one mistake in her career, and she never expected that the man who moves in next door will be related to that mistake.
Jude, he is....love him ♥️, he moves into Ariel's building...(okay, he buys the whole damn building) looking for the person who tried to kill his father. He never expected it to lead him to the woman he starts having feelings for, feelings he never experienced before.
Ariel and Jude's chemistry was off the damn charts, and I loved the development of their relationship...But will the secret they are keeping from each other break them apart?
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧
卂᥅ᥴ 尺ꫀꪜﺃꫀ᭙
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 - Jude
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 - Ariel
5 𝒮𝒽𝒶𝓇𝓅𝓈𝒽ℴℴ𝓉ℯ𝓇 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐬
𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐎𝐩𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐨𝐧
𝐽𝑢𝑑𝑒 𝐵𝑦 𝑆𝑎𝑟𝑎ℎ 𝑃𝑒𝑖𝑠
Ariel, is in her 20's and her brother's guardian. They both have been through a lot, she loves her brother and does her best to give him everything. Aside from that, she has a job with a secret organisation and is one of their best assassins, but she made one mistake in her career, and she never expected that the man who moves in next door will be related to that mistake.
Jude, he is....love him ♥️, he moves into Ariel's building...(okay, he buys the whole damn building) looking for the person who tried to kill his father. He never expected it to lead him to the woman he starts having feelings for, feelings he never experienced before.
Ariel and Jude's chemistry was off the damn charts, and I loved the development of their relationship...But will the secret they are keeping from each other break them apart?
𝐑𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫
𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐢𝐧𝐞 🔫🔫🔫🔫🔫
𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐲 🔥🔥🔥🔥
𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 🥵🌶️
𝐏𝐥𝐨𝐭 📚📚📚📚📚
𝐄𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥 💧
May 8, 2023
Jude finally had an address associated with the man who tried to take their father's life, but there was only a woman and a child there. He had been waiting for weeks for the shooter's location and moved in the apartment next door until his target arrived.
Despite the complex looking like it should be condemned, it was showing a profit so Jude decided to purchase it and start with repairs. Now that their family business going legitimate he no longer knew where he fits in. His skill set requires the cover of night and bullets. He was an assassin and would rather put a bullet in his own head than work in an office.
No matter how hard it was raising her younger brother, Ariel wasn't sorry she fought to keep Lenny, but now their mother was back and she wanted him. She hadn't heard from her in four years... since she was granted guardianship and would do anything to keep her toxic mother away from him.
Her work hours were erratic but she was able to pay the bills. She just hoped Lenny didn't find out that she only worked at Walmart part-time instead of having a full-time job and working overtime. Paying their mother to stay away didn't leave her many options.
I loved this book and may have been my favorite of the series! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. This is the final book in the Tainted Kings Series and I would highly recommend that you start with book one in this series even though this book could be read as a standalone. The characters and underlying backstory are recurring and Jude's sister's story can be found in the Locked Security Series.
When Ariel finally left her abusive home she was able to gain guardianship of her brother Lenny who was eleven years her junior. She would never regret fighting for her brother although she had to sell her soul in order to make it happen.
Jude...I love all three of these brothers, but Jude... He is the most dangerous of these mafia brothers and yet the most fun and lighthearted - and afraid of Daisy. I love how this is not the typical mafia story. These brothers fight but also pull pranks on each other. You've got to love a mafia family intervention. Two brothers against the other in a knock-down drag-out fight with the two victors taking a smiling selfie over their victim.
This story is action-packed from page one. It is full of danger, intrigue and suspense and so smoking hot it will keep you turning the pages. This whole series is full of secrets and betrayals, but this story has the most surprises of all.
This series is a spin-off of the Locked Security Series and I hope that it continues and Carter will get his story.
Despite the complex looking like it should be condemned, it was showing a profit so Jude decided to purchase it and start with repairs. Now that their family business going legitimate he no longer knew where he fits in. His skill set requires the cover of night and bullets. He was an assassin and would rather put a bullet in his own head than work in an office.
No matter how hard it was raising her younger brother, Ariel wasn't sorry she fought to keep Lenny, but now their mother was back and she wanted him. She hadn't heard from her in four years... since she was granted guardianship and would do anything to keep her toxic mother away from him.
Her work hours were erratic but she was able to pay the bills. She just hoped Lenny didn't find out that she only worked at Walmart part-time instead of having a full-time job and working overtime. Paying their mother to stay away didn't leave her many options.
I loved this book and may have been my favorite of the series! It is very well written and the characters are fully developed and relatable. This is the final book in the Tainted Kings Series and I would highly recommend that you start with book one in this series even though this book could be read as a standalone. The characters and underlying backstory are recurring and Jude's sister's story can be found in the Locked Security Series.
When Ariel finally left her abusive home she was able to gain guardianship of her brother Lenny who was eleven years her junior. She would never regret fighting for her brother although she had to sell her soul in order to make it happen.
Jude...I love all three of these brothers, but Jude... He is the most dangerous of these mafia brothers and yet the most fun and lighthearted - and afraid of Daisy. I love how this is not the typical mafia story. These brothers fight but also pull pranks on each other. You've got to love a mafia family intervention. Two brothers against the other in a knock-down drag-out fight with the two victors taking a smiling selfie over their victim.
This story is action-packed from page one. It is full of danger, intrigue and suspense and so smoking hot it will keep you turning the pages. This whole series is full of secrets and betrayals, but this story has the most surprises of all.
This series is a spin-off of the Locked Security Series and I hope that it continues and Carter will get his story.
April 27, 2023
I am always immediately drawn into any story written by Sarah Peis, and this one was no exception. The Olysses family are an interesting bunch. They are part of the biggest crime empire in Chicago, but underneath all that blustery, macho talk you will find men who need a woman to complete them.
This is the story of Jude. He is the youngest of the brothers, and his task is simple. He must find the killer who tried to kill his father and take them out. He moves into an apartment complex (which is like a pig sty compared to what he is used to living in), so he buys it and starts renovating it. He knows that the killer has at least visited this apartment complex. He wants to blend in, so he trades his Armani suits for blue jeans and flannel shirts and his high priced sports car for a pickup truck. He has one job, but he does not count on meeting Ariel and her little brother, Lenny.
Ariel is a young, twenty something girl who lives in the apartment complex with her little brother. Ariel is a fighter. She has taken guardianship of her brother to keep her no good mother away from him. She is a hard worker and determined to keep Lenny away from her toxic mother all while trying to stay afloat financially. Jude sees her dilemma, and he has a fondness for Lenny, and definitely a fondness for Ariel. He tries to help her in any way that he can. This all sounds great, but Ariel has a secret that could destroy their fragile relationship.
I love reading about this family. This book and plot line were very interesting. I have to say that I did not see some twists coming. The family is powerful in crime circles, but they are trying to go straight and get out of the crime business. Their camaraderie as a family is comical at times. They have no problem dishing out barbs to one another, but the love is always there as well. You can read this as a standalone book. However, I would highly recommend that you start at book #1 of the Tainted Kings series so that you will fully understand each brother's life and style of life. You will not be disappointed.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This is the story of Jude. He is the youngest of the brothers, and his task is simple. He must find the killer who tried to kill his father and take them out. He moves into an apartment complex (which is like a pig sty compared to what he is used to living in), so he buys it and starts renovating it. He knows that the killer has at least visited this apartment complex. He wants to blend in, so he trades his Armani suits for blue jeans and flannel shirts and his high priced sports car for a pickup truck. He has one job, but he does not count on meeting Ariel and her little brother, Lenny.
Ariel is a young, twenty something girl who lives in the apartment complex with her little brother. Ariel is a fighter. She has taken guardianship of her brother to keep her no good mother away from him. She is a hard worker and determined to keep Lenny away from her toxic mother all while trying to stay afloat financially. Jude sees her dilemma, and he has a fondness for Lenny, and definitely a fondness for Ariel. He tries to help her in any way that he can. This all sounds great, but Ariel has a secret that could destroy their fragile relationship.
I love reading about this family. This book and plot line were very interesting. I have to say that I did not see some twists coming. The family is powerful in crime circles, but they are trying to go straight and get out of the crime business. Their camaraderie as a family is comical at times. They have no problem dishing out barbs to one another, but the love is always there as well. You can read this as a standalone book. However, I would highly recommend that you start at book #1 of the Tainted Kings series so that you will fully understand each brother's life and style of life. You will not be disappointed.
Thank you to the author for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 20, 2023
Writing a book review about a topic that I would not normally choose to read can be difficult. I like romance stories and while some may say that organized crime can be romantic, I am not usually one of them. Sarah Peis has shown me that I may have been too judgmental.
"Jude" is the third book in the series - each about one of three brothers. Jude is the youngest. In so many ways, he is just like any other youngest sibling: he can be a little goofy, a flirt, and, of course, picked on by his older brothers. His is also loyal to a fault. His family means everything to him and when he starts to fall for a woman who could end up being the ultimate enemy to his family, he is torn. Jude's family is also like any other family in many ways: they are kind, caring people who enjoy having a big family dinner - they just discuss taking over businesses, politicians, and killing instead of the latest baseball scores.
Somehow, although none of the typical romance aspects that I usually love are in this book, Sarah Peis has made this a romance! You can feel the passionate love that Jude has for Ariel, the protective love for her little brother, the dutiful love for his family, and the reciprocal love that they share for him.
This is the second book in this series that I have read. (I did not read Liam's story.) It was not as intense as "Gabriel" but just as enjoyable. I am really glad that I had an opportunity to read these books as an ARC as I am not sure that I would have chosen them on my own. Jude is well written with characters that you can get behind and cheer for a happy ending.
I would definitely recommend this book.
I received and ARC for an honest review.
"Jude" is the third book in the series - each about one of three brothers. Jude is the youngest. In so many ways, he is just like any other youngest sibling: he can be a little goofy, a flirt, and, of course, picked on by his older brothers. His is also loyal to a fault. His family means everything to him and when he starts to fall for a woman who could end up being the ultimate enemy to his family, he is torn. Jude's family is also like any other family in many ways: they are kind, caring people who enjoy having a big family dinner - they just discuss taking over businesses, politicians, and killing instead of the latest baseball scores.
Somehow, although none of the typical romance aspects that I usually love are in this book, Sarah Peis has made this a romance! You can feel the passionate love that Jude has for Ariel, the protective love for her little brother, the dutiful love for his family, and the reciprocal love that they share for him.
This is the second book in this series that I have read. (I did not read Liam's story.) It was not as intense as "Gabriel" but just as enjoyable. I am really glad that I had an opportunity to read these books as an ARC as I am not sure that I would have chosen them on my own. Jude is well written with characters that you can get behind and cheer for a happy ending.
I would definitely recommend this book.
I received and ARC for an honest review.
May 8, 2023
This story is about Jude, the 3rd brother of the Olysses Clan, and Ariel, who is raising her younger brother. Their journey is very rocky, Ariel trusts no one, but their is chemistry between Jude and Ariel that can't be denied. This book has action, alot of mystery, intrigue..one of those books that you will keep saying...just one more page/chapter and then I'll stop...Yep, you never do...until it's the end and morning has greated you....and NOW you need 2 POTS of coffee to survive the day!!!😲😂 Get. The. BOOK!!! It is so worth the lost sleep!! I loved the first 2 books in this series...but I believe this is my favorite by far...Jude is just so mischievous and Ariel...well read the book❤😂😉
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest review voluntarily.
I received this as an ARC and this is my honest review voluntarily.
May 13, 2023
This was another great book by this author.
I will say that it took a little bit to get into, but I think that was partly the author cleverly trying to lull readers into a false sense of security. Because once things start happening (and fast) that feeling is left in the rearview mirror.
What becomes uncovered is right up my alley, so I hope the author has plans for it in the future after some staffing changes. (You'll understand what I'm talking about when you read it.
This book will wring a gamut of emotions out of you, it has a bit of everything.
The couple and their sidekick are definitely a big part of that, but by the end I adored them more than any other feeling.
I will say that it took a little bit to get into, but I think that was partly the author cleverly trying to lull readers into a false sense of security. Because once things start happening (and fast) that feeling is left in the rearview mirror.
What becomes uncovered is right up my alley, so I hope the author has plans for it in the future after some staffing changes. (You'll understand what I'm talking about when you read it.
This book will wring a gamut of emotions out of you, it has a bit of everything.
The couple and their sidekick are definitely a big part of that, but by the end I adored them more than any other feeling.
May 18, 2023
Welp, here we are, the last book of the Tainted Kings series. Jude is still on the hunt for the person who tried to shoot his father. Undercover he goes to watch the apartment of a young girl and her little brother. Will he be ready for what he finds out???
This one was great. It had a lot of elements going on and a lot of awesomeness from Jude and his brothers. The whole family is in this one like the others, so there is so much to love and 'see'. I couldn't have asked for a better end to the series, tho I'm not saying I wouldn't love to see them ALL down the line a few years. Families make for such great banter. :)
This one was great. It had a lot of elements going on and a lot of awesomeness from Jude and his brothers. The whole family is in this one like the others, so there is so much to love and 'see'. I couldn't have asked for a better end to the series, tho I'm not saying I wouldn't love to see them ALL down the line a few years. Families make for such great banter. :)
April 28, 2023
'Jude' was entertaining. Its charming plot was filled with dramatic irony around the protagonists, Jude and Ariel, who lived in the same apartment complex. I liked the author's writing style: delightful and interesting characters who engaged in acerbic dialogue as well as the narration and a clever ironic tone that kept this reader in stitches. Moreover, I thought the storyline was very appealing. This narrative was hilarious, and I loved it!
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
I received a copy for free and am voluntarily giving my honest review.
May 3, 2023
The story of Jude and Ariel was worth the wait. Seeing the happy go lucky side of Jude the first two novels of the series just made him that much more likeable amidst his particular skill set. I really enjoyed watching Ariel’s very difficult situation evolve and change. I must say, I never anticipated her previous connection with Olysses’ family either. This was a great story with a lot of suspense and reflection on family as well as the important things in life. Loved it!
I received an ARC and voluntarily sharing my honest review.
I received an ARC and voluntarily sharing my honest review.
May 12, 2023
Sarah is back with another unforgettable and unputdownable addition to Olysses clan . This time around we get Jude and Ariel’s journey and man was it a emotional rollercoaster In every sense of the word. That mystery, the intrigue , the non stop action, the angst , the heartbreaking and heartfelt moments, the unexpected surprises, the obstacles, the passion , the family and friendships . Well it has it all in spades so much so that you’ll find yourself fighting to stay awake because you don’t want to stop reading .
May 12, 2023
Ariel had a hard time keeping her two jobs in line, but she handled it quite fine for a couple of years. She also had to take care of her brother. Jude was the youngest son and full of good ideas and was a people person. He wanted to find the person who tried to kill his father. It was an interesting and fun journey for this two. All in all it was a good solid story with a tough heroine and a swoonworthy great guy and really tough choices. I really enjoyed this book
May 13, 2023
Jude and Ariel were next door neighbours but neither were telling the truth, for one Jude was an assassin sent to kill her.
Their chemistry was well displayed and strong but the attraction was well done. Both were hiding their true selves but also fighting against themselves for what they truly wanted.
Loads of action, intensity, suspense and drama while the romance sets in.
Great story and well done!!
Their chemistry was well displayed and strong but the attraction was well done. Both were hiding their true selves but also fighting against themselves for what they truly wanted.
Loads of action, intensity, suspense and drama while the romance sets in.
Great story and well done!!
April 23, 2023
I LOVE this series and Jude was worth the wait. The third son of Chicago's biggest crime family loses his heart to the woman of his dreams, and the dark underworld he inhabits is thrown into chaos. Ariel is a total boss and Jude's perfect match. These two totally sizzle on the page. Just wish there were more sons!
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews