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Sydney Rye Mysteries #16
Relentless: Sydney Rye Mysteries #16
To her neighbors, Jennifer Johnson seemed odd, just a little off. How could she not? Her entire existence was a lie.
While the child at her breasts was really hers, the husband by her side…not so much. John and Jennifer Johnson shared the same innocuous last name—second most common in the United States—but he was not the father of her son, nor the love of her life.
The Johnsons had a dog they called Buddy, the second most popular dog name in the country. Tall as a Great Dane with the snout of a Collie, the markings of a Siberian Husky, and the thick coat of a wolf with one blue eye and one brown, that dog watched the baby as if he was operating some kind of military operation. It was adorable.
Buddy wasn't fixed though, something noted on by the homeowners association. A discussion ensued as to whether he was even allowed to be in the neighborhood, such a large hairy dog with such big balls. Is that what Hidden Bush was all about?
The husband though, everyone liked him. Tall, fit, and handsome, he had beers with the men and helped women with their groceries. He said they'd chosen this community because they liked it, which made people feel good about the Johnsons. They could live anywhere, and they'd chosen Hidden Bush…that said something good about the neighborhood for sure. For absolute sure.
The wife was a bit odd though, everyone had to admit it. And they did, as often as possible. She ran more than was probably healthy. Nursed that baby still…and it was 10 months now, the boy was walking.
The Johnsons never went on dates. Seemed like Mrs. Johnson didn't ever leave that baby. Many women suspected that Mr. Johnson needed to be saved from his wife…but to be truthful, they needed to be saved from their own marriages and were really just projecting.
After all, the Johnson were a lie, remember?
While the child at her breasts was really hers, the husband by her side…not so much. John and Jennifer Johnson shared the same innocuous last name—second most common in the United States—but he was not the father of her son, nor the love of her life.
The Johnsons had a dog they called Buddy, the second most popular dog name in the country. Tall as a Great Dane with the snout of a Collie, the markings of a Siberian Husky, and the thick coat of a wolf with one blue eye and one brown, that dog watched the baby as if he was operating some kind of military operation. It was adorable.
Buddy wasn't fixed though, something noted on by the homeowners association. A discussion ensued as to whether he was even allowed to be in the neighborhood, such a large hairy dog with such big balls. Is that what Hidden Bush was all about?
The husband though, everyone liked him. Tall, fit, and handsome, he had beers with the men and helped women with their groceries. He said they'd chosen this community because they liked it, which made people feel good about the Johnsons. They could live anywhere, and they'd chosen Hidden Bush…that said something good about the neighborhood for sure. For absolute sure.
The wife was a bit odd though, everyone had to admit it. And they did, as often as possible. She ran more than was probably healthy. Nursed that baby still…and it was 10 months now, the boy was walking.
The Johnsons never went on dates. Seemed like Mrs. Johnson didn't ever leave that baby. Many women suspected that Mr. Johnson needed to be saved from his wife…but to be truthful, they needed to be saved from their own marriages and were really just projecting.
After all, the Johnson were a lie, remember?
272 pages, Paperback
First published February 15, 2023
120 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
Emily Kimelman
44 books935 followersI write because I love to read, but I have specific tastes...
If I was offered a job as a professional reader with no strings attached, I would take it. Getting paid to sit around and read while drinking tea all day—I'm there. Since that’s not possible, I became an author.
I write the books I want to read—stories that give me the immersive reading experiences I crave. When a series grabs me, and it's all I can think about, I'm SO happy. When my inner dialogue starts sounding like the protagonist of my current read, I think, Oh yeah, this is IT. This is what I love.
When I finish a book, and I NEED to immediately grab the next one in the series, that’s the intensity I crave. When I binge read an entire series, I want to feel like my own reality changed—as if the stories I read affected the real world just a little. After a great series I'm a little wiser, a little more grateful for my everyday existence, and a little more aware that my personal perspective is not everyone's.
Personally, I like to spend time in fictional worlds where justice is exacted with a vengeance, even though good and bad are not always black and white. Give me raw stories with a main character who occasionally makes me laugh, is flawed like we all are, and feels like a friend by the end of the first few chapters. They don’t have to be a friend I always LIKE, per se, but a part of me has to root for them.
For me, the sentence structure is important. Too much passive voice, and I'm out. I do not mind four-letter words at all though. Sex in books can go either way—fade to black or show me the details, but either way there has to be a reason it’s in the story. I'm also into heroic pets, plots that seem totally unhinged but all come together in the end with a BANG, and long series so I always have more to look forward to.
Those are the types of stories I love reading, so that’s how I write. If you’re into some or all of the above then I think we are going to get along fantastically.
If I was offered a job as a professional reader with no strings attached, I would take it. Getting paid to sit around and read while drinking tea all day—I'm there. Since that’s not possible, I became an author.
I write the books I want to read—stories that give me the immersive reading experiences I crave. When a series grabs me, and it's all I can think about, I'm SO happy. When my inner dialogue starts sounding like the protagonist of my current read, I think, Oh yeah, this is IT. This is what I love.
When I finish a book, and I NEED to immediately grab the next one in the series, that’s the intensity I crave. When I binge read an entire series, I want to feel like my own reality changed—as if the stories I read affected the real world just a little. After a great series I'm a little wiser, a little more grateful for my everyday existence, and a little more aware that my personal perspective is not everyone's.
Personally, I like to spend time in fictional worlds where justice is exacted with a vengeance, even though good and bad are not always black and white. Give me raw stories with a main character who occasionally makes me laugh, is flawed like we all are, and feels like a friend by the end of the first few chapters. They don’t have to be a friend I always LIKE, per se, but a part of me has to root for them.
For me, the sentence structure is important. Too much passive voice, and I'm out. I do not mind four-letter words at all though. Sex in books can go either way—fade to black or show me the details, but either way there has to be a reason it’s in the story. I'm also into heroic pets, plots that seem totally unhinged but all come together in the end with a BANG, and long series so I always have more to look forward to.
Those are the types of stories I love reading, so that’s how I write. If you’re into some or all of the above then I think we are going to get along fantastically.
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February 17, 2023
Sydney Rye she is one of a kind, with her dog Blue, he also is a part of her.
This story is of her now, before or who she will be later. It is a personal look at her. The love of a mother is deep and powerful for her. The men find her different, loyal and fierce for life and justice.
A story that will touch you as you read, finishing and feeling closer to this person who has gone by different names, we know her as Sydney Rye and Blue
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Releases March 17, ‘23
This story is of her now, before or who she will be later. It is a personal look at her. The love of a mother is deep and powerful for her. The men find her different, loyal and fierce for life and justice.
A story that will touch you as you read, finishing and feeling closer to this person who has gone by different names, we know her as Sydney Rye and Blue
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
Releases March 17, ‘23
March 15, 2023
“Relentless” is a sequel in the truest sense of the word. The prior book in the series, “Undefeated”, ends with a whopping cliffhanger; Sydney, deep in the throes of labor, trapped in a two-seater plane, that’s ON FIRE, about to CRASH LAND in the OCEAN in the MIDDLE OF NOWHERE… And… And what?
Well, that’s where the “sequel” part comes in. And revealing anything more about what happens would be a total spoiler. Not only could I not do justice to the telling, it will take all the joy out of discovering it for yourself (puns totally intended).
And the discovery is hilarious, confusing, insane, delightful, audacious, sweet, and straight-up fun. You have to experience it for yourself. It also continues the first-person SR narrative, which, for me, is the most enjoyable style format the author writes in. Sydney is such an original, unique, fascinating creation, and deep thinker to boot, that hanging out in her thoughts is a hella-awesome place to be. And don’t worry, she’s still a killer at heart, so your dark-side blood-lust will be satiated…
Which is why you must read this book. The power of Sydney Rye compels you.
While I am not cruel enough (just barely) to spoil all the fun, rather than describe the plot, I will leave you with a series of questions that you may, or may not, be asking as you read “Relentless”…
1. Does a rose by any other name smell as sweet?
2. If you can’t be with the one you love, honey, should you love the one you’re with? (With apologies to Stephen Stills)
3. If “I think therefore I am” is valid, what happens if you don’t think—or can’t remember? Do you no longer exist? Does your past no longer exist? Can you be a different person?
4. Can an old dog learn new tricks (not Blue of course, he’s amazing, he can do anything)?
5. Is there a “Man for All Seasons”, or do you need a different man for different seasons?
6. How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? Just kidding…or am I?
7. Does the idea that every person is the hero of their own story apply even if the person is a fictional character who already IS the hero of a story series?
8. Or, to put it another way, can a fictional character become sentient, self-aware? And if so, how does that affect the narrative in which they exist?
9. What on Earth is a Petey Poppins? Any relation to Mary?
10. Was famous Television serial-killer-of-serial-killers Dexter Morgan a good father? A good person? Who decides? Does it even matter?
11. When someone says that they don’t care about your past because everything you did made you the person you are today, can they ever really mean it?
Well, there you have it. Just some of the many questions that may arise while reading “Relentless”, the fabulous new read where you get to do a deep-dive into yet another heretofore unexamined facet of the rich inner life of one Sydney M-fing Rye. And don’t forget about the relentless murder and mayhem. Really, could anything be better?
Well, that’s where the “sequel” part comes in. And revealing anything more about what happens would be a total spoiler. Not only could I not do justice to the telling, it will take all the joy out of discovering it for yourself (puns totally intended).
And the discovery is hilarious, confusing, insane, delightful, audacious, sweet, and straight-up fun. You have to experience it for yourself. It also continues the first-person SR narrative, which, for me, is the most enjoyable style format the author writes in. Sydney is such an original, unique, fascinating creation, and deep thinker to boot, that hanging out in her thoughts is a hella-awesome place to be. And don’t worry, she’s still a killer at heart, so your dark-side blood-lust will be satiated…
Which is why you must read this book. The power of Sydney Rye compels you.
While I am not cruel enough (just barely) to spoil all the fun, rather than describe the plot, I will leave you with a series of questions that you may, or may not, be asking as you read “Relentless”…
1. Does a rose by any other name smell as sweet?
2. If you can’t be with the one you love, honey, should you love the one you’re with? (With apologies to Stephen Stills)
3. If “I think therefore I am” is valid, what happens if you don’t think—or can’t remember? Do you no longer exist? Does your past no longer exist? Can you be a different person?
4. Can an old dog learn new tricks (not Blue of course, he’s amazing, he can do anything)?
5. Is there a “Man for All Seasons”, or do you need a different man for different seasons?
6. How much wood would a woodchuck chuck if a woodchuck could chuck wood? Just kidding…or am I?
7. Does the idea that every person is the hero of their own story apply even if the person is a fictional character who already IS the hero of a story series?
8. Or, to put it another way, can a fictional character become sentient, self-aware? And if so, how does that affect the narrative in which they exist?
9. What on Earth is a Petey Poppins? Any relation to Mary?
10. Was famous Television serial-killer-of-serial-killers Dexter Morgan a good father? A good person? Who decides? Does it even matter?
11. When someone says that they don’t care about your past because everything you did made you the person you are today, can they ever really mean it?
Well, there you have it. Just some of the many questions that may arise while reading “Relentless”, the fabulous new read where you get to do a deep-dive into yet another heretofore unexamined facet of the rich inner life of one Sydney M-fing Rye. And don’t forget about the relentless murder and mayhem. Really, could anything be better?
March 17, 2023
Emily Kimelman has delivered fans a great read with her latest in the Sydney Rye series. Strong characters and a labyrinth of a plot make this an actual ‘page-turner’. It’s all there: tender, quirky, conflicting, funny, confusing, tense, awesome, and a little violence when needed.
Sydney Rye is a really good neighbor. She is always there, but occupied and not disruptive or intrusive. Perhaps it is because of the infant that she so dotes on and the dog that is a constant companion. She is a regular jogger - in the neighborhood and the park. She is upset by the frequent rapes that have joggers on edge and the police clueless. Her husband, also fit, is frequently seen riding his bike around the neighborhood. He is also stellar at maintaining the lawn and house so that neighborhood curb appeal has not been tarnished since their arrival.
Sydney also shops at the local stores and may be a gardener, as she bought a shovel at the local hardware store. Maybe the garden was a passing fancy. Some weeks past and there was no sign of a garden but, oddly enough, the rapes on the jogging trails stopped.
Sydney is actually hiding in plain sight. The suburban, stepford wife patina is her polar opposite. Before going ‘underground’ Sydney was unique in both her zeal and her methods of making the world a safer place. However, her ex-husband with money, power, and obsession from her past is in mortal pursuit.
Kimelman is masterful at describing security protocols that Sydney and Peter, her security chief, faux hasband, and co-caretaker of her child, have in place. Home is a fortress,also hiding in plain sight - from the security system to conveniently stashed guns, cash, and next in line ID kits. Various vehicles kitted out as escape pods parked nearby - and moved frequently by Peter as he jogs. Should they be found, the escape plan far exceeds the tunnels of El Chapo.
The dynamic escape plans are all contingent on each person knowing who they are, what roles they will play, and where the key elements are. The author introduces a snag that turns it all upside down. Sydney, in a freak encounter, is exposed to rabies and seeks emergency treatment. A rare reaction to the inoculation causes some difficult cognitive issues. At this point Relentless goes from fast pace to warp speed as everything changes.
Peter becomes more than the gatekeeper, the father of Sydney's child, long thought dead, reappears, and the murderous ex-husband lands in the middle. Relentless is a wild ride - I’m really glad I picked it up!
Sydney Rye is a really good neighbor. She is always there, but occupied and not disruptive or intrusive. Perhaps it is because of the infant that she so dotes on and the dog that is a constant companion. She is a regular jogger - in the neighborhood and the park. She is upset by the frequent rapes that have joggers on edge and the police clueless. Her husband, also fit, is frequently seen riding his bike around the neighborhood. He is also stellar at maintaining the lawn and house so that neighborhood curb appeal has not been tarnished since their arrival.
Sydney also shops at the local stores and may be a gardener, as she bought a shovel at the local hardware store. Maybe the garden was a passing fancy. Some weeks past and there was no sign of a garden but, oddly enough, the rapes on the jogging trails stopped.
Sydney is actually hiding in plain sight. The suburban, stepford wife patina is her polar opposite. Before going ‘underground’ Sydney was unique in both her zeal and her methods of making the world a safer place. However, her ex-husband with money, power, and obsession from her past is in mortal pursuit.
Kimelman is masterful at describing security protocols that Sydney and Peter, her security chief, faux hasband, and co-caretaker of her child, have in place. Home is a fortress,also hiding in plain sight - from the security system to conveniently stashed guns, cash, and next in line ID kits. Various vehicles kitted out as escape pods parked nearby - and moved frequently by Peter as he jogs. Should they be found, the escape plan far exceeds the tunnels of El Chapo.
The dynamic escape plans are all contingent on each person knowing who they are, what roles they will play, and where the key elements are. The author introduces a snag that turns it all upside down. Sydney, in a freak encounter, is exposed to rabies and seeks emergency treatment. A rare reaction to the inoculation causes some difficult cognitive issues. At this point Relentless goes from fast pace to warp speed as everything changes.
Peter becomes more than the gatekeeper, the father of Sydney's child, long thought dead, reappears, and the murderous ex-husband lands in the middle. Relentless is a wild ride - I’m really glad I picked it up!
March 11, 2023
Joy/Sydney/Jennifer, all the same amazing woman. Eleven months ago she was pregnant and on a plane with terrorists, escaping her husband Robert Maxim. Lucky for her John/Peter was able to help with her labor, because of course she was in labor, and assist with her new plans. We start off with the happy family living in a quaint cul-de-sac, complete with nosey neighbors and simple routines. Life changes rapidly after a fearless intruder sets their world into a tornado of events. Sydney is not like the Sydney of before, those killer instincts have been buried as her mothering side takes over. It was calming to read about her perfect life with this beautiful baby and hunky “husband” not the usual nervous energy of her normal world. However, the calmness doesn’t last long and Syd and Blue are back with incredible instincts. There are a lot of books to this series, so don’t be overwhelmed as they are all worth reading, and they each flow to the next one. It is highly recommended they be read in order. I’ve been a Kimelman fan for a while now and I’m always looking forward to reading whatever she writes. It’s a privilege to receive an early copy and I give my reviews voluntarily.
March 18, 2023
This book is exactly what the title states. It is relentless in its action and twists and turns. I was as always totally unable to put it down. Kimmelman never disappoints in her books, but with Sydney Rye, Emily is relentless. Sydney has been through the impossible, but she always has a spark of hope and finds love and never gives up in her quest for changing the world. But now it is not just her and Blue, there is her baby to protect. I cannot wait to see what Emily has for us next in this adventure. If there was anything disappointing about this book, it was that it was not long enough. Thankfully there is the next book coming up that I cannot wait for. I did find myself rereading the previous three books. :)
I was given this book as an ARC reader, but the review is my own opinion.
I was given this book as an ARC reader, but the review is my own opinion.
February 19, 2023
Emily Kimelman's new addition to the Sydney Rye series, Relentless, invites you in to be a part of Jennifer Johnson's life, with a darling baby boy and super hunk husband, John. Let's not forget their huge dog.
Hiding behind the not quite perfect couple - after all, she's a bit unfriendly and the dog, well, it's not neutered... are fierce and prepared Sydney and Peter.
What would a Sydney Rye story be without her being on the hunt for baddies, and in turn, the bad people seem to always be on the hunt for her. The stakes are higher now as Sydney has her beloved son that she will protect at any cost.
Who turns up in Relentless will turn up the heat, bring all the feels, add to the tension, and leave you rooting for more.
Hiding behind the not quite perfect couple - after all, she's a bit unfriendly and the dog, well, it's not neutered... are fierce and prepared Sydney and Peter.
What would a Sydney Rye story be without her being on the hunt for baddies, and in turn, the bad people seem to always be on the hunt for her. The stakes are higher now as Sydney has her beloved son that she will protect at any cost.
Who turns up in Relentless will turn up the heat, bring all the feels, add to the tension, and leave you rooting for more.
March 2, 2023
What? Sydney has become a suburban housewife??? Living in her grey and brown house with 1 kid, probably working on the next 1 1/2 kids and the picket fence? IMPOSSIBLE!
Well relax, the real Sydney Rye makes her appearance soon enough, armed and dangerous - she even buys a shovel to clean up after herself. Soon enough the usual suspects begin to appear - Her fake husband, her real husband, and the father of her baby. We do get a fascinating insight into the effects of motherhood on Sydney’s character, together with the expected violent reaction of nearly everyone else in her life. Emily Kimelman is true to form as she weaves another “Can’t put it down” chapter in Sydney’s life. Don’t miss this one!
Well relax, the real Sydney Rye makes her appearance soon enough, armed and dangerous - she even buys a shovel to clean up after herself. Soon enough the usual suspects begin to appear - Her fake husband, her real husband, and the father of her baby. We do get a fascinating insight into the effects of motherhood on Sydney’s character, together with the expected violent reaction of nearly everyone else in her life. Emily Kimelman is true to form as she weaves another “Can’t put it down” chapter in Sydney’s life. Don’t miss this one!
March 9, 2023
I received an Advance copy of this book from the author. Here are my thoughts:
No matter how experienced, how cunning, how fierce you are, can you really just disappear, go into hiding from someone with seemingly unlimited funds and resources, who really wants to find you and control you? Add an our-of-control organization that has placed a huge bounty on your head, dead or alive! Our Sydney Rye thought she had done just that, becoming invisible, living another life, BUT… Oops! That’s the rest of this wild story! Does her past catch up with her? What happened to the people she was close to, her protectors, in the nearly total destruction of her private island fortress? You’ll have to read this one!
No matter how experienced, how cunning, how fierce you are, can you really just disappear, go into hiding from someone with seemingly unlimited funds and resources, who really wants to find you and control you? Add an our-of-control organization that has placed a huge bounty on your head, dead or alive! Our Sydney Rye thought she had done just that, becoming invisible, living another life, BUT… Oops! That’s the rest of this wild story! Does her past catch up with her? What happened to the people she was close to, her protectors, in the nearly total destruction of her private island fortress? You’ll have to read this one!
March 18, 2023
This next installment of the Sydney Rye series was AH-MAZE-ING!!! I literally consumed it in one day and then repeated my read a couple of days later. If you are new to this series, you must give it a try. Sydney is the hero I secretly desire to be. She stands for all that is good and exactly the type of person we should all try to be more like.
Now in regards to the most recent installment: without any spoilers - Sydney grew so much as a person particularly in the first section of the book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading! I have my own theories about Robert and they may or may not come true. However; this was a fabulous ride and I thoroughly thank Emily Kimelman for creating this masterpiece!
Now in regards to the most recent installment: without any spoilers - Sydney grew so much as a person particularly in the first section of the book and I thoroughly enjoyed reading! I have my own theories about Robert and they may or may not come true. However; this was a fabulous ride and I thoroughly thank Emily Kimelman for creating this masterpiece!
March 11, 2023
Sydney Rye has her beautiful baby boy, a handsome husband and a house right off the set of desperate housewives… lol as well as the nosey crazy neighbour or 2.
This is just not our Sydney right!!!
But this is motherhood and the mama bear needs to protect her precious cub no matter what hell her life has become Sydney knows she has to keep James safe and her fake handsome hubby has her back.
Here’s the thing with Sydney though, her past always, always catches up with her and eventually bites her in the ass.
This story was captivating, I was fully entertained, engaged and engrossed from beginning to end. A thrilling and gripping story.
This is just not our Sydney right!!!
But this is motherhood and the mama bear needs to protect her precious cub no matter what hell her life has become Sydney knows she has to keep James safe and her fake handsome hubby has her back.
Here’s the thing with Sydney though, her past always, always catches up with her and eventually bites her in the ass.
This story was captivating, I was fully entertained, engaged and engrossed from beginning to end. A thrilling and gripping story.
March 19, 2023
I couldn't stop reading! Emily Kimelman has yet again found a creative way to tell the history and backstories of the characters and their relationships without being obvious. This is #16 in my favorite (yes, favorite) series and a lot has happened. The character development is so well done. Relentless has ups and downs and so many twists while simultaneously introducing a new, more sentimental and emotionally intelligent Sydney Rye. I laughed, teared up, gasped out loud... and I can't wait for #17 to get here! My only complaint about the series is that it's so good that it feels like forever until the next book comes out.
March 21, 2023
What happens when you parachute, while in labor, from a burning plane onto a deserted island in the middle of the ocean. Peter Poppins and his magic bag saves you and your newborn son. This book explains what came after and how they got from the island to “Blandsville” USA. The Johnson’s are not who they seem and hiding from those that mean them harm is not a guarantee of their safety. I like the mother Sydney has become and the human being she was meant to be after losing her memory. But this is Sydney MFing Rae and if we’ve learned one thing, the life of vengeance always finds away to suck her back in. Pre ordered Jagged Truth.
March 17, 2023
I absolutely loved this book but that's not surprising since I love all of Ms. Kimelman's Sydney Rye mysteries. (Please write faster lol)... This is a new look for Sydney as she is now a mother in hiding protecting herself and child from who knows (no spoilers here), Of course there's a new handsome, charming, in love with Sydney (duh) bodyguard. If you want more I suggest you get Relentless immediately. You won't be sorry. I am happily a member of the ARC team and required to give an honest review and honestly 5 stars is not enough!
March 20, 2023
Loved it
I loved the fact that Sydney got amnesia and got to live a mostly normal life for a short while. I’m glad that it only lasted as long as it did and we got the old Sydney back…more or less. I’m also so glad that Mulberry is back!! He was one of the ones I didn’t want to lose. Not sure about Peter yet…I’m afraid there’s more to him then we know and that it’s not good but who knows. We’ll just have to wait and see. Robert..well still don’t like or trust the guy. This story has everything you love about Sydney and so much more! Can’t wait for the next one!
I loved the fact that Sydney got amnesia and got to live a mostly normal life for a short while. I’m glad that it only lasted as long as it did and we got the old Sydney back…more or less. I’m also so glad that Mulberry is back!! He was one of the ones I didn’t want to lose. Not sure about Peter yet…I’m afraid there’s more to him then we know and that it’s not good but who knows. We’ll just have to wait and see. Robert..well still don’t like or trust the guy. This story has everything you love about Sydney and so much more! Can’t wait for the next one!
March 21, 2023
Another wild ride with Sydney Rye!
I’ve been so engrossed by Sydney’s story and I have loved her journey. I enjoyed being able to see her with her baby and her mothering instinct in full gear. Who would’ve thought that she would settle down into a quaint domestic life? Well not Sydney for sure. She wasn’t one for this life, let alone with kids. But as with all things Sydney, she loves her son with all her being and will protect him fiercely. It’s not long before her quiet life becomes explosive with twists and turns you never see coming! I’m excited to see what happens next!
I’ve been so engrossed by Sydney’s story and I have loved her journey. I enjoyed being able to see her with her baby and her mothering instinct in full gear. Who would’ve thought that she would settle down into a quaint domestic life? Well not Sydney for sure. She wasn’t one for this life, let alone with kids. But as with all things Sydney, she loves her son with all her being and will protect him fiercely. It’s not long before her quiet life becomes explosive with twists and turns you never see coming! I’m excited to see what happens next!
March 17, 2023
I read the ARC and have kept silent. Holy cow!!! I knew it!!!! But, now I'm torn.
Emily Kimelman's writing is like a drug that I can't get enough of, and there are no harmful side effects.
I loved the slow build-up and the new guy. He's crushable and loveable.
Don't worry! You know there's going to be conflict, which Emily writes to perfection. And this time, there's a twist. There's always going to be bad guys. But the build had me tearing through the "pages."
Emily Kimelman's writing is like a drug that I can't get enough of, and there are no harmful side effects.
I loved the slow build-up and the new guy. He's crushable and loveable.
Don't worry! You know there's going to be conflict, which Emily writes to perfection. And this time, there's a twist. There's always going to be bad guys. But the build had me tearing through the "pages."
March 17, 2023
I have never read a series that takes you more places figuratively and literally. The way Emily makes you think about all the things you thought you knew is amazing. Emily somehow keeps us guessing, keeps us enthralled, keeps us entertained, keeps us surprised and most all... keeps us wanting MORE!!! Another winner in the series, Emily never disappoints and never takes the easy, predictable way! Highly recommend!!
March 18, 2023
She’s done it again!
How do I tell you how amazing this book is without giving you spoilers from all the previous 15 books?
Sydney Rye, bad a$$ crusader and rescuer of abused, down trodden, innocent people all over the world is now a mom. She is living a life she never dreamed would be hers with a man she REALLY never expected to live with. Then she goes to the park and….
Get the book! You won’t regret it.
How do I tell you how amazing this book is without giving you spoilers from all the previous 15 books?
Sydney Rye, bad a$$ crusader and rescuer of abused, down trodden, innocent people all over the world is now a mom. She is living a life she never dreamed would be hers with a man she REALLY never expected to live with. Then she goes to the park and….
Get the book! You won’t regret it.
March 22, 2023
Sydney, her son and Peter were living life in the suburbs, a very beige life in a beige house, hiding from Robert and everyone else. But, as happens to Sydney often, dangerous people come calling and she's forced to fight back.
This story was such fun to read. Sydney's new life with Peter seemed ordinary from the outside, but they were very much still themselves with escape plans and tunnels and weapons. She's a mother, and doing so well at that, but she's still her awesome kick-ass self. Blue, too! I love Blue.
There were some big moments in this story and I don't want to say too much, but the next one is sure to be another wild ride. Can't wait!
This story was such fun to read. Sydney's new life with Peter seemed ordinary from the outside, but they were very much still themselves with escape plans and tunnels and weapons. She's a mother, and doing so well at that, but she's still her awesome kick-ass self. Blue, too! I love Blue.
There were some big moments in this story and I don't want to say too much, but the next one is sure to be another wild ride. Can't wait!
March 29, 2023
Every book I read in this series is my New Favorite. My heart breaks for Sydney, she's bad but in a good way. Her love for her son is so pure and every man she meets falls in love with her, but she feels broken and maybe not worthy of love. I'd like nothing more than for her to have a peaceful life with her son, but then again I don't because that would be the end of the series and none of us want that!
August 21, 2023
Sydney Rye Mysteries book #16 Relentless
Wow! This book blew me away! I've read all her books now to date and loved each one more than the last. So much emotion and action and love between these characters, in these stories. I am hooked and can't wait for the next book to come out in 2 months! The last one tore my heart out & stomped on it. This one was just incredible. Perfect. I love these characters and their stories. Please! Write faster!!!!! 😁
Wow! This book blew me away! I've read all her books now to date and loved each one more than the last. So much emotion and action and love between these characters, in these stories. I am hooked and can't wait for the next book to come out in 2 months! The last one tore my heart out & stomped on it. This one was just incredible. Perfect. I love these characters and their stories. Please! Write faster!!!!! 😁
February 18, 2023
Wow !!
So much going on in this one, you'll think you're on a roller coaster! And having the time of your life!!
So many twists and turns made it impossible to put down. A great installment to the series that takes Sydney through her wild life. Exciting characters along the way and.....the dog doesn't die.
I highly recommend this one to continue the ride!!
So much going on in this one, you'll think you're on a roller coaster! And having the time of your life!!
So many twists and turns made it impossible to put down. A great installment to the series that takes Sydney through her wild life. Exciting characters along the way and.....the dog doesn't die.
I highly recommend this one to continue the ride!!
March 21, 2023
Relentless - a review by Rosemary Kenny
Emily Kimelman's 16th Sydney Rye Mysteries adventure, Relentless sets a tranquil suburban scene with Sydney in her Jennifer Johnson persona, complete with baby, James, dog Blue (aka 'Buddy'), and Peter, (aka her 'husband, John').
But this is just a façade, behind which Sydney continues her vigilante role as bane of evildoers and criminals, while bodyguard Peter cares for James and protects/aids Sydney when needed.
Why's she living a lie? What changes things?
Then the tension and danger increase exponentially after Sydney has a severe reaction to a simple medical treatment, sending her world into free fall as past and present realities gradually emerge, to dramatically reconverge.
A fantastic continuation of Emily Kimmelman's Sydney Rye Mysteries series, Relentless perfectly describes both Sydney's covert raison d'être, (rather than her clearly evident love for her son) and her antagonist's unmitigated determination to compel her compliance, no matter what it takes to do so.
The slight niggles of a cliffhanger ending and the long wait until December for book 17, Jagged Edge, knock Relentless down a smidgeon from the full 5 stars, imho, but nevertheless, please don't miss all 16 books so far, especially Relentless, and spread the news!
Emily Kimelman's 16th Sydney Rye Mysteries adventure, Relentless sets a tranquil suburban scene with Sydney in her Jennifer Johnson persona, complete with baby, James, dog Blue (aka 'Buddy'), and Peter, (aka her 'husband, John').
But this is just a façade, behind which Sydney continues her vigilante role as bane of evildoers and criminals, while bodyguard Peter cares for James and protects/aids Sydney when needed.
Why's she living a lie? What changes things?
Then the tension and danger increase exponentially after Sydney has a severe reaction to a simple medical treatment, sending her world into free fall as past and present realities gradually emerge, to dramatically reconverge.
A fantastic continuation of Emily Kimmelman's Sydney Rye Mysteries series, Relentless perfectly describes both Sydney's covert raison d'être, (rather than her clearly evident love for her son) and her antagonist's unmitigated determination to compel her compliance, no matter what it takes to do so.
The slight niggles of a cliffhanger ending and the long wait until December for book 17, Jagged Edge, knock Relentless down a smidgeon from the full 5 stars, imho, but nevertheless, please don't miss all 16 books so far, especially Relentless, and spread the news!
March 17, 2023
This book had me from “GO”! Omg the ups and downs and rollercoaster ride will have you holding on tight and continue reading till the end! Loved the way this book was written and love love love the characters (and their interactions)! You will not want to put this book down. What an awesome continuation of the series!!
March 20, 2023
Yet another Sydney adventure that takes you places you wouldn’t normally expect to go. Always look forward to seeing what will happen with Sydney next, reading all at one sitting and wanting more as soon as I finish. Emily has written a series that keeps me wanting and waiting for the next book as soon as I finish reading one.
March 21, 2023
Once again you never know what is going to happen with a Sydney Rye book. This book does not disappoint. I have followed Sydney Rye since the beginning and each book just gets better. This book continues off where the last one left. And it is action packed. I love Sydney Rye, and now that she is a mom she is better than ever. Can't wait for the next book.
May 20, 2023
Best book of the series.
Really need to read the all of series to appreciate Relentless as it is by far the best. Sydney birthing her child and her life as a mother is Sydney at her best.
Most of the previous books take awhile to get interesting; Relentless grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go.
Really need to read the all of series to appreciate Relentless as it is by far the best. Sydney birthing her child and her life as a mother is Sydney at her best.
Most of the previous books take awhile to get interesting; Relentless grabs you from the first page and doesn’t let go.
March 22, 2024
I LOl’d at Sydney Rye trying to be a suburban mom. Mind you she would endure anything to keep her kiddo safe. That idyllic month their family had was kinda lovely.
I am out of SR audiobooks now and I really hope the next two are released soonish.
Once again Sonja Field is an amazingly skilled audiobook narrator!
I am out of SR audiobooks now and I really hope the next two are released soonish.
Once again Sonja Field is an amazingly skilled audiobook narrator!
March 1, 2023
Once again Sydney is trying to solve mysteries. Unfortunately this time Sydney & Peter and her young son are on the run from danger. You have to binge read to find out what happened and why. Well written with great characters.
March 17, 2023
This was absolutely my favorite book of the series. It had just enough of the genres everyone loves to read about; romance, humor, mystery, and of course violence. Sydney Rye does it all while breast feeding her 11-month-old baby.
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