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Assassins Annonymous #1
Flirting With Death
Kayla McKenna is a kick-ass covert operative — and she loves it. After her father was murdered by terrorists she was consumed by the need for retribution and landing her dream job as a CIA assassin seemed like the perfect path to avenge the heartaches of the past. Until one botched mission earns Kayla a burn notice, a bullet hole and a one-way ticket back to suburbia via the amnesia train. Banished to her childhood stomping grounds, Kayla is determined to unravel the events leading up to her exile, while continuing to keep her spy status a secret from her suddenly ever-present and meddling family. But her mother’s matchmaking attempts are the least of her worries. Someone doesn’t want her to remember. And every new clue leads to more unanswered questions. In an effort to break the cycle, she decides to embrace the horrors of surviving the ‘burbs. And aside from a few missteps along the way, Kayla realizes there may be more to life than contract killing. Normal could totally be the new black…ops. Then the note arrives. Combining mystery, edgy chick-lit, and a dash of paranormal, FLIRTING WITH DEATH is a foray into the life of a snarky ex-hitwoman who quickly discovers that living a "normal" life may just be her most difficult mission so far. After all, there isn't a twelve-step program for recovering assassins...yet.More books in the Assassins Anonymous With Murder - Step TwoFlirting With Secrets - Step ThreeFlirting With Fame - Step Four (Coming in 2014)
267 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 5, 2011
25 people are currently reading
444 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
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January 4, 2013I wrote it... My opinion doesn't count here ;-)
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April 19, 2012Now this was a fun book! Kayla McKenna is an assassin for the CIA. Operation goes wrong. She is asked to take early retirement. Kayla can't remember what happened as she was shot and found with nothing but a bullet hole and expensive necklace (there's worse ways to go right?).
Her Dad was murdered by terrorists, Mom is an online shopping junkie and brothers are all cops. She also has them all convinced she is an IT specialist and that's it. She grew up with a sense of right and wrong--no in between. Considering I was voted most likely to pull the trigger without remorse by a group of friends, I understand how she thinks. She gets a lovely severance check that she doesn't cash as she knows something is just not right.
She goes on to meet a nice stable man and remembers one who wasn't so stable. He had a lot to do with her career failure. I realize this may sound like a Lifetime movie special but it's not. This was fun. Well written and fun.
Her Dad was murdered by terrorists, Mom is an online shopping junkie and brothers are all cops. She also has them all convinced she is an IT specialist and that's it. She grew up with a sense of right and wrong--no in between. Considering I was voted most likely to pull the trigger without remorse by a group of friends, I understand how she thinks. She gets a lovely severance check that she doesn't cash as she knows something is just not right.
She goes on to meet a nice stable man and remembers one who wasn't so stable. He had a lot to do with her career failure. I realize this may sound like a Lifetime movie special but it's not. This was fun. Well written and fun.
June 3, 2017
A nice introduction to the series.
January 21, 2012
I snagged a copy of this book when it was offered as a freebie last week (I think, my days run together fairly often) because the cover was cute and who wouldn’t want to read a chick-lit Assassin novel? I’ve also noticed the author Heidi Hall around on Kindle Boards and the like, and she’s a Doll. Besides, what did I have to lose? The book was free after all.
So glad I downloaded it. Flirting With Death has a fairly unique plot (at least I’ve never seen one like it) and the writing was concise, fun and even a tad snarky. I just love me a good dose of Snark!
Compelling supporting characters gave bad-girl-turned-good-girl Kayla a lot to keep her busy while she tries to figure out how to live a “normal” life, who exactly tried to kill her, and why that earned her a one-way ticket out of the CIA. In the middle of all that, Kayla finds some time to right a few local wrongs, even if it means turning her kitchen into a temporary kennel. Who says assassins can’t have a heart of gold,even if it’s a little tarnished?
Flirting with Death is no longer free, but at $3.99 it’s still a Fab bargain. And right now it’s also ranked in the Top 20 of multiple categories on Amazon- so clearly I’m not the only one who loved it!
So glad I downloaded it. Flirting With Death has a fairly unique plot (at least I’ve never seen one like it) and the writing was concise, fun and even a tad snarky. I just love me a good dose of Snark!
Compelling supporting characters gave bad-girl-turned-good-girl Kayla a lot to keep her busy while she tries to figure out how to live a “normal” life, who exactly tried to kill her, and why that earned her a one-way ticket out of the CIA. In the middle of all that, Kayla finds some time to right a few local wrongs, even if it means turning her kitchen into a temporary kennel. Who says assassins can’t have a heart of gold,even if it’s a little tarnished?
Flirting with Death is no longer free, but at $3.99 it’s still a Fab bargain. And right now it’s also ranked in the Top 20 of multiple categories on Amazon- so clearly I’m not the only one who loved it!
June 2, 2012
Rip-roaring: Ex-Spy Stuck In Suburbia
This week I read a book that's a fun mix of genres -- paranormal, mystery, espionage, a touch of romance, and a big heaping spoon full of black humor. The book? Flirting With Death by Heidi Hall.
I'll confess I totally agree with Kayla McKenna, the heroine of this first book in the Assassins Anonymous series, when it comes to drivers who yak on cell phones, people who abuse animals, anyone who is rude and crude in public, and a whole host of others who find themselves on this former government assassin's black list.
Unlike hit woman McKenna, I don't go around plotting how to whack these annoying humans. Too bad for McKenna that the government has canned her cranky behind and tossed her back into Stepford land aka suburbia. This rip-roaring droll adventure may not appeal to some readers, but I found it a hoot that I couldn't put down.
I desperately want to read book 2, but it's not yet out. I'm just hoping that Kayla decides to go after the bad boy that got away because he turned out to be too gallant for her own good. Well done, Ms. Hall! Get that second book out there. I'm waiting.
This week I read a book that's a fun mix of genres -- paranormal, mystery, espionage, a touch of romance, and a big heaping spoon full of black humor. The book? Flirting With Death by Heidi Hall.
I'll confess I totally agree with Kayla McKenna, the heroine of this first book in the Assassins Anonymous series, when it comes to drivers who yak on cell phones, people who abuse animals, anyone who is rude and crude in public, and a whole host of others who find themselves on this former government assassin's black list.
Unlike hit woman McKenna, I don't go around plotting how to whack these annoying humans. Too bad for McKenna that the government has canned her cranky behind and tossed her back into Stepford land aka suburbia. This rip-roaring droll adventure may not appeal to some readers, but I found it a hoot that I couldn't put down.
I desperately want to read book 2, but it's not yet out. I'm just hoping that Kayla decides to go after the bad boy that got away because he turned out to be too gallant for her own good. Well done, Ms. Hall! Get that second book out there. I'm waiting.
June 12, 2014
Kayla McKenna is not your average woman, she is CIA trained in covert ops, a trained assassin and has daddy issues. Her father was killed by terrorist when she was a young child. Kayla is the best in the business until something goes wrong during a mission and she is shot in the heart. Kayla can't remember what happened, but the doctor who saves her has secrets to share with her. What Kayla can't figure out is why the CIA would send David Westfall to Arizona, give her a million dollars and bug her house to keep her under surveillance, when the CIA won't even take her calls. Kayla is attracted to David but something is not right in suburbia. When Kayla comes face to face with the hot sexy arms dealer, Dmitri Latsis her memories return and she is stunned at what she remembers. Kayla is trying to live a normal life but her secret life makes it hard, she must rescue her friend from a kidnapper, survive being a target and learn how to use her new special gift all without having her family learn the truth about her job.
Kayla is sarcastic, has her own brand of justice and competes with her three brothers all while learning to live a normal life. It is funny and a quick read.
Kayla is sarcastic, has her own brand of justice and competes with her three brothers all while learning to live a normal life. It is funny and a quick read.
September 17, 2012
I really liked the idea of the 'burned' CIA agent trying to figure out what to do with her life afterwards. Add in her crazy, yet loving family and you've got yourself a great formula.
The characters were pretty much all likable, though I did find the heroine of this story a bit dumb. In fact, as a former CIA agent you'd think she be on her game more, especially when she starts noticing that she's not up to par with her skills (i.e. noticing when people enter the room, where she's placed her weapons, etc). I found that to be really stupid, a tad unbelievable, and very annoying as the book progressed.
Overall I liked the story, and the editing was decent. There's quite a bit of romance, swearing, and mystery going on, though as the reader I felt like I picked up on more clues than Kayla did (seriously the note came with initials on it!).
Recommend it? Sure - it's a lighthearted, and fairly quick, read. I did like that the protag is/was capable of kicking major butt (in theory, anyway)
All in all, glad it was free!
The characters were pretty much all likable, though I did find the heroine of this story a bit dumb. In fact, as a former CIA agent you'd think she be on her game more, especially when she starts noticing that she's not up to par with her skills (i.e. noticing when people enter the room, where she's placed her weapons, etc). I found that to be really stupid, a tad unbelievable, and very annoying as the book progressed.
Overall I liked the story, and the editing was decent. There's quite a bit of romance, swearing, and mystery going on, though as the reader I felt like I picked up on more clues than Kayla did (seriously the note came with initials on it!).
Recommend it? Sure - it's a lighthearted, and fairly quick, read. I did like that the protag is/was capable of kicking major butt (in theory, anyway)
All in all, glad it was free!
January 18, 2012
Oh, what? You think a novel about a burnt CIA assassin with a penchant for Marc Jacobs watches, helpless puppies, and heaping servings of revenge should be GOOD? Or do you want it to be chock full of adorable mothers, cop brothers, dueling love interests, a splash of magic, PLUS multiplying the helpless puppies by 17? If the former: 1) Stop getting books from the Top 100 Free section of Kindle 2) Read some Jasper Fforde and be done with it; if the latter: DING DING DING! You've found an (almost) winner.
I was a little sad that A) several major plot points involved the CIAs ex-best assassin being snuck up on (REALLY?), but at least the book made nods to this odd tendency and B) our heroine's descriptions of herself as a slut/ho/etc for enjoying sex.
Perfectly acceptable (perhaps only?) entry into the Assassin Chick Lit* category.
I was a little sad that A) several major plot points involved the CIAs ex-best assassin being snuck up on (REALLY?), but at least the book made nods to this odd tendency and B) our heroine's descriptions of herself as a slut/ho/etc for enjoying sex.
Perfectly acceptable (perhaps only?) entry into the Assassin Chick Lit* category.
May 4, 2012
This book surprised me. I read it because I had grabbed the electronic version for really cheap (free, if I recall correctly) and needed something to read while waiting for another e-book to release. In general I do not care for chick-lit dressed up in something a little racy and/or perceived to be exciting.
This book grabbed me from the beginning and within a day I had hit the end and wanted more. Kayla is a character I felt I could relate to on a few levels in spite of having never been a CIA assassin. She is witty and brainy and approaches life with a certain level of snark that I can appreciate. The romance in the book is not heavy handed at all.
If you are looking for something a little different and in the light reading category give this book a try.
This book grabbed me from the beginning and within a day I had hit the end and wanted more. Kayla is a character I felt I could relate to on a few levels in spite of having never been a CIA assassin. She is witty and brainy and approaches life with a certain level of snark that I can appreciate. The romance in the book is not heavy handed at all.
If you are looking for something a little different and in the light reading category give this book a try.
March 8, 2012
I liked the book. It was quirky and I found the overall writing style fun. Two things bothered me enough to go from 3 stars to 2. First, there are several parts of the books that seem pointless to even include. It was a bit like watching a squirrel run around the same tree. Second, about 70% of the way through the book the author refers to a "Dominic". There is no mention of a "Dominic" throughout the entire book w/ the exception of this one spot. I know who she meant, but shouldn't an author be acquainted enough w/ her own characters to get their name right? That rubbed me the wrong way. I'll probably give the second book in the series a chance, nonetheless.
January 14, 2013
Kayla McKenna is an assassin for the CIA. She wakes up in the hospital after being shot point blank in the chest. Her biggest problem isn't her recovery, it's the fact that she's been fired by the CIA for botching a mission that she can't remember anything about.
As Kayla tries to go back to a "normal" life, a paranormal element is added to the story as she finds she has the power to influence others and telepathic skills with others who are gifted.
Surprisingly considering how many paranormal books I read, I wish that part of the story had been left out. The spy story was good enough to stand on its own.
As Kayla tries to go back to a "normal" life, a paranormal element is added to the story as she finds she has the power to influence others and telepathic skills with others who are gifted.
Surprisingly considering how many paranormal books I read, I wish that part of the story had been left out. The spy story was good enough to stand on its own.
February 5, 2015
Quick, silly read for a lazy Sunday morning or on vacation lying on the beach. I sometimes need to break up the serious reads with some trashy, chic lit featuring woman trying to choose between the hot men who love them and, in this case, happen to be a trained CIA assassin. What can I say, I also like the Stephanie Plum and Sookie Stackhouse stories which are better written than Flirting with Death. But I'll probably pick up the second one to check it out.
January 14, 2012
It did pick up somewhere after the halfway point (like another reviewer has said) but I feel it wasn't as good as I thought it would be - thought it would be faster paced but the early part just plodded along with not much going on.
Will I buy the sequel when it comes out? hmmm probably not, but might do if it's cheap and I'm at a loose end.
My rating would be 2.5 stars if I could do that.
Will I buy the sequel when it comes out? hmmm probably not, but might do if it's cheap and I'm at a loose end.
My rating would be 2.5 stars if I could do that.
January 14, 2012
I really had high hopes for this book....it had action it had romance......it would be great reading in oartsand then author would throw in unnecessary and completely kill it for me. I was really disappointed and find no need to read the second book.
August 22, 2013
This was a quick read. Female assassin, full of sass & a snarky attitude. I liked it. I don't know if I liked it enough to run out and buy the rest of series as I picked this one up as a freebie download, but I did enjoy the story.
May 23, 2012
This was a great read. I loved the stories that the main character had to tell about her life as an assassin and what led up to working with the CIA. Looking forward to finding the next book in the series.
August 22, 2012
Kindle freebie, but it was a fun and fast paced read. I'm looking forward to reading the next one.
Kayla is an assassin turned civilian, and she's not too happy about it. There is some swearing and sex. Stephanie Plum fans will enjoy this book.
Kayla is an assassin turned civilian, and she's not too happy about it. There is some swearing and sex. Stephanie Plum fans will enjoy this book.
June 1, 2016
2/5
I picked this up as a kindle freebie a while back because it seemed fun. I didn't really like it. For a top notch spy, I felt like every example or opportunity given, she screwed up in some way. Then the whole lost me. I will not be continuing with the series.
I picked this up as a kindle freebie a while back because it seemed fun. I didn't really like it. For a top notch spy, I felt like every example or opportunity given, she screwed up in some way. Then the whole lost me. I will not be continuing with the series.
January 4, 2013
No major spoilers, but I hid it anyway.
I enjoyed this book about a burned CIA assassin, but the psychic plot line came out of nowhere for me and seemed a little out of place. Looking forward to reading the next one.
I enjoyed this book about a burned CIA assassin, but the psychic plot line came out of nowhere for me and seemed a little out of place. Looking forward to reading the next one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 20, 2013
The only reason i gave this a 3-star review was because I'm a diehard for true romance stories and in this book, the heorine was making her decision between two men. Two completely opposite men, so I do understand the purpose of the dilema. :)
August 20, 2013
I got this book as a freebie but will gladly pay for the next books in this series! There was a lot of surprises that I didn't see coming and the humor was fantastic! My favorite is the 12 step program to stop being an assassin. Wonderful!
August 9, 2016
Fresh, amusing story and enjoyable style of writing.
I got the 1st book as a kindle download for free, and I just bought the 2nd book of the series.
It could use a little more proof-reading though. Dmitri is once referred to as "Dominic" (auto-correct demon?)
I got the 1st book as a kindle download for free, and I just bought the 2nd book of the series.
It could use a little more proof-reading though. Dmitri is once referred to as "Dominic" (auto-correct demon?)
January 8, 2012
Free kindle book, nuff said!
March 15, 2012
I absolutely loved this book. It was fun and funny. I am looking forward to the next book, which may be coming out late spring. There is no set date yet.
April 14, 2012
I really enjoyed this book. I found it fun and action packed.
Its a chick-lit spy novel, whats not to like.
Its a chick-lit spy novel, whats not to like.
July 15, 2012
Stephanie Plum fans will also like this book.
Read my review at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3R3159X...
Read my review at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/review/R3R3159X...
January 12, 2013
Loved it! Looking forward to reding the next in the Assassins Anonymous series! Heidi Hall is quickly becoming one of my "MUST HAVE" authors!
September 8, 2013
Quite good but not really my scene. I did finish it.
December 9, 2013
Good for the genre. When you want something cute and fun, this rises to the top. I'm looking for the second book in the series now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews