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Black Opals #2
Lie To Me
After helping to break up a Russian human trafficking ring as part of the CIA’s elite Black Opal team, Alexei Nikanova’s newest assignment is to rescue one of the stolen women and return her to her father. When he arrives in Dubai, he discovers his target is Sasha Zablosky—a woman he knows all too well, and who has haunted him ever since their one unforgettable night together. But he finds Sasha reluctant to leave her Sheik, the only true friend she’s ever known. Only Alexei can’t give her a choice.
With their yearning roused by intrigue, Alexei and Sasha can no longer resist and spend night after night in forbidden pleasure. Soon Alexei finds himself falling for her even as he battles a shadowy menace to protect her. But Sasha is no innocent. She has a past darker than she could ever admit or that Alexei could ever forgive. And it is about to explode into her life once more. Now, as the lies they tell themselves—and each other—pull them deeper into a perilous desire, what began as simple passion becomes a love certain to destroy them and end the lives of countless innocents.
With their yearning roused by intrigue, Alexei and Sasha can no longer resist and spend night after night in forbidden pleasure. Soon Alexei finds himself falling for her even as he battles a shadowy menace to protect her. But Sasha is no innocent. She has a past darker than she could ever admit or that Alexei could ever forgive. And it is about to explode into her life once more. Now, as the lies they tell themselves—and each other—pull them deeper into a perilous desire, what began as simple passion becomes a love certain to destroy them and end the lives of countless innocents.
352 pages, Paperback
First published July 3, 2012
353 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
September 16, 2015
This review was posted at Under the Covers
Is it possible that there are people out there who haven't been reading this series? If you are one of them, you must rectify this immediately! Tori St. Claire has an amazing talent to tell a a story full of intrigue and suspense and even some action, with a great storyline and very plot driven, but packed full of explosive heat! LIE TO ME won't give you much of a chance to catch your breath and will have you panting for more!
How can love be found amidst so much lying and betrayal? Alexei has been working undercover in the Russian human trafficking trade. After a night that opened up both his heart and Sasha's, he sold her to a shiek. But he's never forgotten her, those eyes that looked straight to his soul like no one else had been able to before. And he let her go to an uncertain fate.
Years later, his mission is to rescue one of the women and return her to her father, and the last girl he was expecting to come across was Sasha. Their reunion leads them into an emotional and dangerous roller coaster as there is more than one group of people after Sasha and he will have to protect her without knowing who to trust anymore.
This book has it all! A tortured, alpha hero. A damaged but strong heroine. Some deep dark skeletons in both their closets. More betrayal. A lot of action in and out of bed. Even a couple different menage partners. A blood-pounding, edge of seat, toe curling adventure! Truly a must-read book!
*ARC provided by publisher
Is it possible that there are people out there who haven't been reading this series? If you are one of them, you must rectify this immediately! Tori St. Claire has an amazing talent to tell a a story full of intrigue and suspense and even some action, with a great storyline and very plot driven, but packed full of explosive heat! LIE TO ME won't give you much of a chance to catch your breath and will have you panting for more!
How can love be found amidst so much lying and betrayal? Alexei has been working undercover in the Russian human trafficking trade. After a night that opened up both his heart and Sasha's, he sold her to a shiek. But he's never forgotten her, those eyes that looked straight to his soul like no one else had been able to before. And he let her go to an uncertain fate.
Years later, his mission is to rescue one of the women and return her to her father, and the last girl he was expecting to come across was Sasha. Their reunion leads them into an emotional and dangerous roller coaster as there is more than one group of people after Sasha and he will have to protect her without knowing who to trust anymore.
This book has it all! A tortured, alpha hero. A damaged but strong heroine. Some deep dark skeletons in both their closets. More betrayal. A lot of action in and out of bed. Even a couple different menage partners. A blood-pounding, edge of seat, toe curling adventure! Truly a must-read book!
*ARC provided by publisher
July 9, 2012
Review posted: Happily Ever After - Reads
When he reached her side once again and looked down into those troubled blue eyes, he knew he was lying to himself. He needed the strange, unacceptable feeling she aroused when he was buried deep inside her, the life her body breathed into his. He’d been dead for far too long.
Alexei starts off the story on a mission of rescuing all the women he put into a human trafficking ring while he was undercover as a member of the Black Opal’s. His latest rescue is of Sasha, a woman whose father desperately wants her back, but Sasha is determined to never see her father again. Sasha knows Alexei from the past, they were together for an explosive, short period of time, only Alexei knew her as Irina, the name she took as a way to try and escape her father and the lies she found herself a part of. When Alexei realizes that Sasha is Irina, hell breaks loose, literally, as his cover is blown during this rescue mission and a dear friend of Sasha’s is killed. This sets the suspense in motion for Alexei and Sasha, along with Alexei’s partner Grigoriy, in trying to out run the men who want Sasha and also in trying to figure out exactly who they can trust and who’s working undercover for the wrong men.
To start, the beginning felt a little confusing. I read the previous book, Stripped and elements from that book and the aftermath of those events carry over into this story. Even with that background, it took a little time to figure out exactly what was going on, who was connected to what organization and how they all crossed paths. One thing that didn’t take it’s time was the sexy scenes that were present from the start. If reading about threesomes isn’t your thing, be warned, the book starts right out with one and the sexiness doesn’t stop. Sasha and Alexei have a very emotional, angsty story and that comes across not only in their emotional reactions to each other, but in the bedroom as well.
“Make love to me, Alexei. Lie to me – tell me you need me. That you won’t let me go.”
One deafening clang of his heart warned Alexei he should stop. Pull back now, refuse what she asked, because it was too damn close to the truth. No…It was the truth. And if he said the words, even if she believed they were lies, he was done for.
Their romance was front and center from the get go. Alexei’s past drives his present decisions and reactions and Sasha was the only woman he ever let get close to him. He had a horrible past, did things that he’s not proud of and the details are slow in coming out. This plays the role of a wedge between the two for much of the story. That and Sasha’s past, she was indirectly involved in plots she believes her father orchestrated and the results were devastating. Neither lead could find the courage to tell the truth about these secrets and it was a little hard to like them early on, especially Alexei. He was very quick to “need this” aka sex with Sasha, but the minute he asked her a question about her feelings, or anything really, she would answer him honestly and he refused to believe her. That attitude got old fast, and it just made it hard to like him as a hero, even knowing that he was dealing with issues from his past that he couldn’t move beyond.
One of the elements of Stripped that I enjoyed was the great balance between the suspense storyline and the steamy sex scenes. This balance wasn’t there early on in Lie to Me - the first half of the book if very sex heavy, so much so that I kept thinking, not again. The suspense storyline suffered, until it finally picked up some steam in the second half.
There were a few supporting characters introduced, my favorite by far was Misha, Alexei’s former partner who’s brought in to help out. He’s an interesting character and hints are dropped about his own tortured past that has me curious about him and wanting to know more.
The suspense storyline surrounding Sasha, her father and her past builds throughout the whole book, the biggest issues being, who can she and Alexei trust and who they can’t. I liked the action when things were coming to a conclusion and all the lies and truths were finally out in the open.
Overall, I liked this story, but the sex overshadowed any other storyline early on. Once the suspense stopped taking a backseat to the bedroom scenes, the story picked up the pace and felt more balanced. Alexei, he’s such a tortured hero, but an unlikable one early on. I did soften towards him as the book went on, and I thought that epilogue really shows us the true Alexei and how Sasha’s love has impacted him. While I didn’t connect with this story and the characters as much as I did with those in Stripped, the set up for Misha’s story, which I hope is coming up next, has me curious and interested to continue with the series.
When he reached her side once again and looked down into those troubled blue eyes, he knew he was lying to himself. He needed the strange, unacceptable feeling she aroused when he was buried deep inside her, the life her body breathed into his. He’d been dead for far too long.
Alexei starts off the story on a mission of rescuing all the women he put into a human trafficking ring while he was undercover as a member of the Black Opal’s. His latest rescue is of Sasha, a woman whose father desperately wants her back, but Sasha is determined to never see her father again. Sasha knows Alexei from the past, they were together for an explosive, short period of time, only Alexei knew her as Irina, the name she took as a way to try and escape her father and the lies she found herself a part of. When Alexei realizes that Sasha is Irina, hell breaks loose, literally, as his cover is blown during this rescue mission and a dear friend of Sasha’s is killed. This sets the suspense in motion for Alexei and Sasha, along with Alexei’s partner Grigoriy, in trying to out run the men who want Sasha and also in trying to figure out exactly who they can trust and who’s working undercover for the wrong men.
To start, the beginning felt a little confusing. I read the previous book, Stripped and elements from that book and the aftermath of those events carry over into this story. Even with that background, it took a little time to figure out exactly what was going on, who was connected to what organization and how they all crossed paths. One thing that didn’t take it’s time was the sexy scenes that were present from the start. If reading about threesomes isn’t your thing, be warned, the book starts right out with one and the sexiness doesn’t stop. Sasha and Alexei have a very emotional, angsty story and that comes across not only in their emotional reactions to each other, but in the bedroom as well.
“Make love to me, Alexei. Lie to me – tell me you need me. That you won’t let me go.”
One deafening clang of his heart warned Alexei he should stop. Pull back now, refuse what she asked, because it was too damn close to the truth. No…It was the truth. And if he said the words, even if she believed they were lies, he was done for.
Their romance was front and center from the get go. Alexei’s past drives his present decisions and reactions and Sasha was the only woman he ever let get close to him. He had a horrible past, did things that he’s not proud of and the details are slow in coming out. This plays the role of a wedge between the two for much of the story. That and Sasha’s past, she was indirectly involved in plots she believes her father orchestrated and the results were devastating. Neither lead could find the courage to tell the truth about these secrets and it was a little hard to like them early on, especially Alexei. He was very quick to “need this” aka sex with Sasha, but the minute he asked her a question about her feelings, or anything really, she would answer him honestly and he refused to believe her. That attitude got old fast, and it just made it hard to like him as a hero, even knowing that he was dealing with issues from his past that he couldn’t move beyond.
One of the elements of Stripped that I enjoyed was the great balance between the suspense storyline and the steamy sex scenes. This balance wasn’t there early on in Lie to Me - the first half of the book if very sex heavy, so much so that I kept thinking, not again. The suspense storyline suffered, until it finally picked up some steam in the second half.
There were a few supporting characters introduced, my favorite by far was Misha, Alexei’s former partner who’s brought in to help out. He’s an interesting character and hints are dropped about his own tortured past that has me curious about him and wanting to know more.
The suspense storyline surrounding Sasha, her father and her past builds throughout the whole book, the biggest issues being, who can she and Alexei trust and who they can’t. I liked the action when things were coming to a conclusion and all the lies and truths were finally out in the open.
Overall, I liked this story, but the sex overshadowed any other storyline early on. Once the suspense stopped taking a backseat to the bedroom scenes, the story picked up the pace and felt more balanced. Alexei, he’s such a tortured hero, but an unlikable one early on. I did soften towards him as the book went on, and I thought that epilogue really shows us the true Alexei and how Sasha’s love has impacted him. While I didn’t connect with this story and the characters as much as I did with those in Stripped, the set up for Misha’s story, which I hope is coming up next, has me curious and interested to continue with the series.
August 9, 2012
Alexei was undercover with a trafficking ring for years as a member of the CIA, hoping to find a way to bring the major players to justice. In the name of the greater good, he did some unspeakable things, but nothing has haunted him more than aiding in the sale of Sasha, a beautiful dancer who he slept with just before he betrayed her. Now the ring has been bust wide open and his new mission is to find a woman lost within the system and take her back to her father. Upon his arrival at the Sheik’s Palace he finds that his target is none other than the ghost from his past and she doesn’t want to leave the Palace and the man that has been her friend for many years.
Once events turn sour, Sasha has no choice but to put her trust into a man who betrayed it so viciously. Once back in the states, secrets start to spill. Sasha has many skeletons within her closet and Alexei’s view of her as the tortured Princess starts to waver. Sasha’s secrets have affected many people and she isn’t an innocent in any sense of the word.
As their attraction starts to flare, their pasts start to threaten any future they could potentially have. Will the faces and actions in their recent past prove to be too difficult for them to overcome?
I’ve thought long and hard about this review and edited it a million times. I’ve come to the conclusion that this review is near impossible to do if I don’t want to tell you one of the many twists that occur during this book. I didn’t know if there would be a HEA in this story because it is a series. Even more than that, I didn’t know if I wanted there to be a HEA because these people had done some truly horrific things. The question that I asked myself throughout the entirety of this book was how far would I go for the greater good? Could I sacrifice a few to save the many? I have to say I am not used to asking myself things like this in a Romance novel!
Alexei and Sasha’s relationship was hard for me to accept. At first, I could not get past the fact that he SOLD her. I couldn’t believe that she could contemplate a sexual relationship with him, couldn’t fathom how she could feel anything other than revulsion towards the man that had forced her into captivity. Yes, she had been lucky, being held by a man who didn’t want a sexual relationship with her, but it could have been so much worse and he wouldn’t have done anything differently.
Then I started to see that Alexei was operating, under instruction, for the greater good. It didn’t make his actions any-more palatable, didn’t make his crimes any less heinous, but I could see a glimmer of good within him. Then we started to find out about Sasha’s past and the sh*t hit the fan again. She did some horrible things too. Her crimes were made under duress rather than instruction, but I started to see that they had common ground. It didn’t make this any easier to read, as these are both people I would happily see locked up for their crimes, but it made it a fairer match.
Someone once asked me what makes a great Romance novel. My answer was that I expected to love the Hero in a good romance, but in an excellent one I loved the Heroine too. I didn’t love either of these two and I don’t know if I was supposed to. Not everyone’s lives are roses and fairytales. Some people have to do some truly heinous things so the rest of us are safe; I didn’t like it but I understood it for what it was. The back-story unfolds throughout the book, each chapter unveiling some new truth that one of the leading couple have to deal with. It was gripping and compelling; I can honestly say that towards the middle of the book I literally could not tear my eyes away from the pages.
The sex scenes in this book are plentiful and very descriptive. There is kink, there is even ménage within the first chapter, but it fits with the intensity of this book. The descriptive nature of the writing adds to the tension and the angst in the book; it turned this into a must read.
This is not your average romance. It deals with themes that are distasteful, characters which may not be salvageable and sex which is unapologetic in its descriptiveness. It is a face paced, throat-gripping drama that made me ask myself questions I never thought I would within this genre. I can’t recommend it enough, but I warn you that it is not an easy ride.
Once events turn sour, Sasha has no choice but to put her trust into a man who betrayed it so viciously. Once back in the states, secrets start to spill. Sasha has many skeletons within her closet and Alexei’s view of her as the tortured Princess starts to waver. Sasha’s secrets have affected many people and she isn’t an innocent in any sense of the word.
As their attraction starts to flare, their pasts start to threaten any future they could potentially have. Will the faces and actions in their recent past prove to be too difficult for them to overcome?
I’ve thought long and hard about this review and edited it a million times. I’ve come to the conclusion that this review is near impossible to do if I don’t want to tell you one of the many twists that occur during this book. I didn’t know if there would be a HEA in this story because it is a series. Even more than that, I didn’t know if I wanted there to be a HEA because these people had done some truly horrific things. The question that I asked myself throughout the entirety of this book was how far would I go for the greater good? Could I sacrifice a few to save the many? I have to say I am not used to asking myself things like this in a Romance novel!
Alexei and Sasha’s relationship was hard for me to accept. At first, I could not get past the fact that he SOLD her. I couldn’t believe that she could contemplate a sexual relationship with him, couldn’t fathom how she could feel anything other than revulsion towards the man that had forced her into captivity. Yes, she had been lucky, being held by a man who didn’t want a sexual relationship with her, but it could have been so much worse and he wouldn’t have done anything differently.
Then I started to see that Alexei was operating, under instruction, for the greater good. It didn’t make his actions any-more palatable, didn’t make his crimes any less heinous, but I could see a glimmer of good within him. Then we started to find out about Sasha’s past and the sh*t hit the fan again. She did some horrible things too. Her crimes were made under duress rather than instruction, but I started to see that they had common ground. It didn’t make this any easier to read, as these are both people I would happily see locked up for their crimes, but it made it a fairer match.
Someone once asked me what makes a great Romance novel. My answer was that I expected to love the Hero in a good romance, but in an excellent one I loved the Heroine too. I didn’t love either of these two and I don’t know if I was supposed to. Not everyone’s lives are roses and fairytales. Some people have to do some truly heinous things so the rest of us are safe; I didn’t like it but I understood it for what it was. The back-story unfolds throughout the book, each chapter unveiling some new truth that one of the leading couple have to deal with. It was gripping and compelling; I can honestly say that towards the middle of the book I literally could not tear my eyes away from the pages.
The sex scenes in this book are plentiful and very descriptive. There is kink, there is even ménage within the first chapter, but it fits with the intensity of this book. The descriptive nature of the writing adds to the tension and the angst in the book; it turned this into a must read.
This is not your average romance. It deals with themes that are distasteful, characters which may not be salvageable and sex which is unapologetic in its descriptiveness. It is a face paced, throat-gripping drama that made me ask myself questions I never thought I would within this genre. I can’t recommend it enough, but I warn you that it is not an easy ride.
July 1, 2012
Undercover as one of CIA’s elite Black Opal team, Alexei Nikanova is working to stop a Russian human trafficking ring. His latest assignment puts him into the path of Sasha Zablosky, who he meets as Irina. Alexei turns her over to those that bought her, but for the first time in his life he is filled with regret.
Now two years later he is sent in to get Sasha, not realizing that she is the woman had dug her way under his skin. While Alexei will do anything to succeed in his newest mission, he is conflicted by Sasha and her willingness to forgive him and the overwhelming lust he feels when she is close to him. As things between Sasha and Alexei heat up, so do the threats against her life.
From the first page you are sucked in, a high octane rollercoaster read. Lie To Me has it all betrayal, suspense, explosive characters, and more. Both Alexei and Sasha are hiding something from one another and as fractured as their new found relationship is, these secrets could destroy it all. Extremely powerful story, I wasn’t sure how it would end and was more than surprised by the book.
Now two years later he is sent in to get Sasha, not realizing that she is the woman had dug her way under his skin. While Alexei will do anything to succeed in his newest mission, he is conflicted by Sasha and her willingness to forgive him and the overwhelming lust he feels when she is close to him. As things between Sasha and Alexei heat up, so do the threats against her life.
From the first page you are sucked in, a high octane rollercoaster read. Lie To Me has it all betrayal, suspense, explosive characters, and more. Both Alexei and Sasha are hiding something from one another and as fractured as their new found relationship is, these secrets could destroy it all. Extremely powerful story, I wasn’t sure how it would end and was more than surprised by the book.
October 18, 2017
A very romantic, spies on the run, sometimes very ruthless life. It's hard to imagine people not allowing themselves to have feelings, that everything is for the job. Finally Sasha finds she does have feelings and Alexei finds his.
July 1, 2012
Living in a sordid world of lies and deception, Alexei has one lovely week with a beautiful woman, Irina. She is the only woman to have ever stirred him by giving herself whole-heartedly to him right up until the time he betrays her and sells her into slavery. As he prepares to turn her over to the slavers, he holds her and feels the deepest level of regret that will haunt him afterwards.
Sasha has been sold into slavery, but by some happenstance, hers is not a harsh lot. The middle son of the sheik who bought her takes her as a gift. He brought her into his household where she functions much as a housekeeper and friend. She has lived for two years under the protection of Saaed. Saaed never once touches her until the day he comes to her and tells her that he has no choice but to comply with a request from his fellow sheiks. They are returning to the business of drugs, arms dealing and slavery and, though he wants nothing to do with all that, he is forced to comply or they’ll harm his family. His first step is to honor the request of a successful slaver to spend time in bed with one of the slaves- 'to sample the merchandise' so to speak. Saaed promises that she will only feel pleasure and that he will make up a three-some with the man.
This request sets off a sequence of events that no one could have predicted. Things are not what they seem is almost the theme of this story. From the get-go, it is a bundle of excitement, eroticism and painful actions. The hero and heroine are mere players on a chess board with their moves orchestrated by more than two players.
I know that I am being vague about the plot, but there is a reason. I don’t want to spoil the incredible feeling of discovery I had as each layer was pulled back page by page to reveal another lie or, more exciting, another truth which is always painful or dangerous. I will say that it is a flight from danger type book with sizzling passion between two people that struggle with their mutual feelings and try to deny them. This means the relationship between the hero and heroine provided a great deal of tension through much of the book. There is not only the feeling of discovery, but there are moments of heart-stopping action that come out of the blue and had me flipping pages at a clipping rate just to see what was going to happen next.
As to characters, there are many in this story and it is really tough to distinguish friend from foe. The story is told in several different perspectives including that of the bad guys. Trust me! This did not give me an advantage of knowing what was going to happen next. It just added to the mayhem. I was so proud of myself to smell a rat on two occasions before, indeed, the rat was revealed.
These characters were written with depth and it seemed that every word, look and action was really important. The main characters were just- wow! I loved them-flaws and all- even if after a while I was ready for them to just toss out those big truth bombs and see what happened leaving no secrets between them (have to admit that those scenes were some of the best in the book when they did come). They went through hard brutal things and neither were whiners or over the top with their reactions (I can’t tell you how refreshing that is when an author gets a character’s behavior just right with the reactions to circumstances). The tenderness and selflessness showed so brightly against the backdrop of evil that was going on around and sometimes between them.
Word of warning- the book does include some brutal scenes, human trafficking, mfm ménage just in case those are concerns for other readers.
I recommend this book highly for the romantic suspense lover who enjoys their reading to be a hot as Hades romance with a darker and grittier suspense.
Sasha has been sold into slavery, but by some happenstance, hers is not a harsh lot. The middle son of the sheik who bought her takes her as a gift. He brought her into his household where she functions much as a housekeeper and friend. She has lived for two years under the protection of Saaed. Saaed never once touches her until the day he comes to her and tells her that he has no choice but to comply with a request from his fellow sheiks. They are returning to the business of drugs, arms dealing and slavery and, though he wants nothing to do with all that, he is forced to comply or they’ll harm his family. His first step is to honor the request of a successful slaver to spend time in bed with one of the slaves- 'to sample the merchandise' so to speak. Saaed promises that she will only feel pleasure and that he will make up a three-some with the man.
This request sets off a sequence of events that no one could have predicted. Things are not what they seem is almost the theme of this story. From the get-go, it is a bundle of excitement, eroticism and painful actions. The hero and heroine are mere players on a chess board with their moves orchestrated by more than two players.
I know that I am being vague about the plot, but there is a reason. I don’t want to spoil the incredible feeling of discovery I had as each layer was pulled back page by page to reveal another lie or, more exciting, another truth which is always painful or dangerous. I will say that it is a flight from danger type book with sizzling passion between two people that struggle with their mutual feelings and try to deny them. This means the relationship between the hero and heroine provided a great deal of tension through much of the book. There is not only the feeling of discovery, but there are moments of heart-stopping action that come out of the blue and had me flipping pages at a clipping rate just to see what was going to happen next.
As to characters, there are many in this story and it is really tough to distinguish friend from foe. The story is told in several different perspectives including that of the bad guys. Trust me! This did not give me an advantage of knowing what was going to happen next. It just added to the mayhem. I was so proud of myself to smell a rat on two occasions before, indeed, the rat was revealed.
These characters were written with depth and it seemed that every word, look and action was really important. The main characters were just- wow! I loved them-flaws and all- even if after a while I was ready for them to just toss out those big truth bombs and see what happened leaving no secrets between them (have to admit that those scenes were some of the best in the book when they did come). They went through hard brutal things and neither were whiners or over the top with their reactions (I can’t tell you how refreshing that is when an author gets a character’s behavior just right with the reactions to circumstances). The tenderness and selflessness showed so brightly against the backdrop of evil that was going on around and sometimes between them.
Word of warning- the book does include some brutal scenes, human trafficking, mfm ménage just in case those are concerns for other readers.
I recommend this book highly for the romantic suspense lover who enjoys their reading to be a hot as Hades romance with a darker and grittier suspense.
July 18, 2012
In Tori St. Claire's latest romantic suspense adventure, we find Alexei Nikanova hooking up with the girl of his dreams, Irina...only to drug her & toss her in a van headed to Dubai so she can be sold into slavery via a human trafficking ring Alexei is a part of. When Irina (real name: Sasha Zablosky) wakes up from being knocked out & she finds out what Alexei is involved in...all she asks is that he doesn't dose her with the heroin he's got in his hand because she doesn't want to become addicted.
WTF.
Even though she was already looking for a way out of Russia, who is okay with being forcibly sent to a sheikh known for taking sick liberties with his women? No one.
BUT, I stuck it out.
We catch up with Sasha two years later as she tells us of her trusted position with another sheikh who has been nothing but wonderful, never made a pass at her, & how she dreams of Alexei & wishes she could tell him that she's glad he stole her away from Russia, from her father who wants to kill her. Little does she know, she'll soon have that chance since Alexei has been hired by MI-6 & a Black Ops team from the CIA called the Black Opals to reunite her with her father, a Russian Nobel Laureate with whom she has some bad history. Alexei has arranged a "meeting" with the sheikh...but really his intention is to break Sasha out, only he doesn't know Sasha is Irina. The "meeting" translates into a threesome between the respectable sheikh, Alexei, & Sasha (blindfolded per Alexei's request). Both Alexei & Sasha spend the entire time wishing it were the other & when Sasha's blindfold slips in the heat of the moment & their fantasy becomes reality, Sasha loses control & utters his name - much to her sheikh's surprise. Alexei knows that the only way out now is to kill him & grab Sasha. So he does. Sasha feels torn because she truly cared about the man who kept her prisoner, as he was her only friend, but her desire to be with Alexei is stronger. So, they book it out of the palace to meet Alexei's partner who awaits them in the getaway car & so begins the race to find out who they can trust, how they get back to England, & how best to keep their secrets safe while discovering each other & their passionate connection.
I think what it really comes down to with this book is while I really enjoyed the plot, the twists & turns, & the action, I wasn't sold simply because I didn't like Alexei & Sasha. Not only did they complain about how the other was totally perfect for them but that they would never deserve the other because of their deep, dark secrets (that took entirely too long to reveal not only to the reader but to each other) but I don't feel that they learned anything through their trials & tribulations. I need solid characters to convince me of what they're feeling, to tell me the story, to steal my attention - but they didn't.
I did appreciate that although the first book is Stripped & the main characters do reappear every now & again, I never felt lost or like I was missing history. And I do fully intend to read Misha's story because he was my favorite, very sexy & mysterious but still managed chivalry.
Rating: C+ because the sex was smokin', the action was great, but I couldn't connect with Alexei & Sasha.
This review & others also found on Red Hot Books
WTF.
Even though she was already looking for a way out of Russia, who is okay with being forcibly sent to a sheikh known for taking sick liberties with his women? No one.
BUT, I stuck it out.
We catch up with Sasha two years later as she tells us of her trusted position with another sheikh who has been nothing but wonderful, never made a pass at her, & how she dreams of Alexei & wishes she could tell him that she's glad he stole her away from Russia, from her father who wants to kill her. Little does she know, she'll soon have that chance since Alexei has been hired by MI-6 & a Black Ops team from the CIA called the Black Opals to reunite her with her father, a Russian Nobel Laureate with whom she has some bad history. Alexei has arranged a "meeting" with the sheikh...but really his intention is to break Sasha out, only he doesn't know Sasha is Irina. The "meeting" translates into a threesome between the respectable sheikh, Alexei, & Sasha (blindfolded per Alexei's request). Both Alexei & Sasha spend the entire time wishing it were the other & when Sasha's blindfold slips in the heat of the moment & their fantasy becomes reality, Sasha loses control & utters his name - much to her sheikh's surprise. Alexei knows that the only way out now is to kill him & grab Sasha. So he does. Sasha feels torn because she truly cared about the man who kept her prisoner, as he was her only friend, but her desire to be with Alexei is stronger. So, they book it out of the palace to meet Alexei's partner who awaits them in the getaway car & so begins the race to find out who they can trust, how they get back to England, & how best to keep their secrets safe while discovering each other & their passionate connection.
I think what it really comes down to with this book is while I really enjoyed the plot, the twists & turns, & the action, I wasn't sold simply because I didn't like Alexei & Sasha. Not only did they complain about how the other was totally perfect for them but that they would never deserve the other because of their deep, dark secrets (that took entirely too long to reveal not only to the reader but to each other) but I don't feel that they learned anything through their trials & tribulations. I need solid characters to convince me of what they're feeling, to tell me the story, to steal my attention - but they didn't.
I did appreciate that although the first book is Stripped & the main characters do reappear every now & again, I never felt lost or like I was missing history. And I do fully intend to read Misha's story because he was my favorite, very sexy & mysterious but still managed chivalry.
Rating: C+ because the sex was smokin', the action was great, but I couldn't connect with Alexei & Sasha.
This review & others also found on Red Hot Books
January 15, 2013
Review originally posted at http://romancejunkiesreviews.com/artm...
Back Opal team member Alexei Nikanova has been sent on a mission to rescue a woman in Dubai and to return her unharmed to her father. He is unaware that the woman he is about to rescue is Sasha Zablosky. Sasha and Alexei are well acquainted; only Alexei knows her as Irina, the woman he betrayed in more ways than one and whom he has never forgotten. Can she find it in her heart to forgive him or are the lies and deceit just too much for the both of them to overcome as their attraction for one another proves irresistible?
Sasha Zablosky is a woman on the run and to avoid being found she assumes the name of Irina and hides in Russia where she works at her cousin’s strip club. There she meets Alexei Nikanova who she ends up having an affair with for a whole week before she is betrayed and finds herself sold, together with other women, to a sheikh in Dubai.
Sasha is a strong, independent woman who has had to rely on herself from a very young age after losing her mother and having a father who cared more about his business and its success than caring for his daughter. Her hatred for her father and the strong desire to be far away from him help her survive being sold to a sheikh in another country and overcome the betrayal from a man she trusted and cared deeply for. Even though she is scared, she faces her situation head on as well as owns up to all the mistakes she makes. I found her forgiving nature also very refreshing, as she wasn’t a female who holds grudges but instead gave those who deserved it second chances. Her desire to also do the right thing was commendable, even though doing the right thing was not always the best thing for her but rather showed her selflessness and thoughtfulness in regards to others.
Alexei is one sexy alpha hero! Though he is a tortured one right from the beginning, I couldn’t help but really love him as I slowly came to learn his story. He hasn’t had an easy past and even though he has left the past behind and now leads a different life, the past still haunts him and prevents him from opening up to anyone. Somehow, Sasha is able to get through his defenses and though he fights it every step, he finally opens up. He is also loyal not only to those he loves but to those he works with.
LIE TO ME is an erotic romantic suspense novel and is the second book in THE BLACK OPALS series though one doesn’t have to read the first book in order to enjoy this one. The suspense is epic and gritty in this tale and as stuff is unveiled, I found myself surprised at every revelation. There was no guessing on my part about how everything was going to turn out. Secrets, lies and truths were slowly revealed and kept me interested till I read the last page. At the same time, the relationship and romance between Sasha and Alexei was combustible and had its own surprises in store for the reader. The sex scenes were hot! Watching these two as they came to know each other all over again and slowly fell in love while they both fought it was pure torture. However, at the end of it all, it was well worth it and I was left satisfied with how everything turned out. I would highly recommend this book to lovers of romantic suspense with some danger, sweet romance and very hot sex scenes thrown in to give a full enjoyment of this book.
I am eagerly waiting for the third book in THE BLACK OPALS series!
Back Opal team member Alexei Nikanova has been sent on a mission to rescue a woman in Dubai and to return her unharmed to her father. He is unaware that the woman he is about to rescue is Sasha Zablosky. Sasha and Alexei are well acquainted; only Alexei knows her as Irina, the woman he betrayed in more ways than one and whom he has never forgotten. Can she find it in her heart to forgive him or are the lies and deceit just too much for the both of them to overcome as their attraction for one another proves irresistible?
Sasha Zablosky is a woman on the run and to avoid being found she assumes the name of Irina and hides in Russia where she works at her cousin’s strip club. There she meets Alexei Nikanova who she ends up having an affair with for a whole week before she is betrayed and finds herself sold, together with other women, to a sheikh in Dubai.
Sasha is a strong, independent woman who has had to rely on herself from a very young age after losing her mother and having a father who cared more about his business and its success than caring for his daughter. Her hatred for her father and the strong desire to be far away from him help her survive being sold to a sheikh in another country and overcome the betrayal from a man she trusted and cared deeply for. Even though she is scared, she faces her situation head on as well as owns up to all the mistakes she makes. I found her forgiving nature also very refreshing, as she wasn’t a female who holds grudges but instead gave those who deserved it second chances. Her desire to also do the right thing was commendable, even though doing the right thing was not always the best thing for her but rather showed her selflessness and thoughtfulness in regards to others.
Alexei is one sexy alpha hero! Though he is a tortured one right from the beginning, I couldn’t help but really love him as I slowly came to learn his story. He hasn’t had an easy past and even though he has left the past behind and now leads a different life, the past still haunts him and prevents him from opening up to anyone. Somehow, Sasha is able to get through his defenses and though he fights it every step, he finally opens up. He is also loyal not only to those he loves but to those he works with.
LIE TO ME is an erotic romantic suspense novel and is the second book in THE BLACK OPALS series though one doesn’t have to read the first book in order to enjoy this one. The suspense is epic and gritty in this tale and as stuff is unveiled, I found myself surprised at every revelation. There was no guessing on my part about how everything was going to turn out. Secrets, lies and truths were slowly revealed and kept me interested till I read the last page. At the same time, the relationship and romance between Sasha and Alexei was combustible and had its own surprises in store for the reader. The sex scenes were hot! Watching these two as they came to know each other all over again and slowly fell in love while they both fought it was pure torture. However, at the end of it all, it was well worth it and I was left satisfied with how everything turned out. I would highly recommend this book to lovers of romantic suspense with some danger, sweet romance and very hot sex scenes thrown in to give a full enjoyment of this book.
I am eagerly waiting for the third book in THE BLACK OPALS series!
September 25, 2012
Tori St. Claire has fast become a must-read author for me! Her dark and seductive, Black Opal series continues with the eagerly anticipated second installment, Lie To Me.
As part of the CIA’s elite Black Opal team, Alexei Nikanova, has seen his fair share from the corrupt side of humanity and has first-hand experience participating in that gritty life for the greater good. But one memory has stuck with him throughout all of the darkness he has had to sift through in his career, and that is the memory of one woman who had the ability to get beneath his skin. To continue his cover though, Alexei had to sell her to a Sheik in Dubai. And despite trying to find her after breaking up the human trafficking ring, Alexei knows, even if he found her she would never be able to understand or forgive him for his treachery.
Years later, Alexei is unexpectedly reunited with Sasha Zablosky, the girl he betrayed but can’t stop thinking about, on a recovery mission for one of the women who fell victim to the human trafficking ring. Assigned with the task to return Sasha to her father, Alexei masquerades as a mysterious business partner to get closer to her and past her protective Sheik. But more than their passion is ignited when Alexei and Sasha come together again; untold emotions, hidden secrets and unimaginable danger take them to terrifying heights as they flee across several countries. How is Alexei to protect Sasha though when he doesn’t know who he can trust, even on his own team, and she cannot trust him enough not to run?
Tori St. Claire knows how to start a story off with a bang! With delicious, dark and sensual writing, St. Claire hooks readers from the first page.
I loved Alexei and Sasha! They had a combustible chemistry from the start but they were each pretending to be someone else. As the story progresses a little bit of their true identity is revealed along with hidden secrets, some they would rather stay hidden. These little tidbits kept me engrossed in the story. But that’s not all, Alexei and Sasha don’t know who they can trust so trying to figure out who’s really a bad guy and who’s a good guy along with the characters is just another allure on top of the sizzling romance. And boy does that romance sizzle! With various positions, styles and yes, partners (delectable ménages), St. Claire will keep you squirming in anticipation the entire ride.
Lie To Me delivers steamy, sexy romance with just the right touch of gripping suspense to keep readers coming back for more. I can't wait to get my hands on the intriguing and oh-so-appetizing, Misha’s story now. If you haven’t started this series yet, you are missing out, go get it today!
As part of the CIA’s elite Black Opal team, Alexei Nikanova, has seen his fair share from the corrupt side of humanity and has first-hand experience participating in that gritty life for the greater good. But one memory has stuck with him throughout all of the darkness he has had to sift through in his career, and that is the memory of one woman who had the ability to get beneath his skin. To continue his cover though, Alexei had to sell her to a Sheik in Dubai. And despite trying to find her after breaking up the human trafficking ring, Alexei knows, even if he found her she would never be able to understand or forgive him for his treachery.
Years later, Alexei is unexpectedly reunited with Sasha Zablosky, the girl he betrayed but can’t stop thinking about, on a recovery mission for one of the women who fell victim to the human trafficking ring. Assigned with the task to return Sasha to her father, Alexei masquerades as a mysterious business partner to get closer to her and past her protective Sheik. But more than their passion is ignited when Alexei and Sasha come together again; untold emotions, hidden secrets and unimaginable danger take them to terrifying heights as they flee across several countries. How is Alexei to protect Sasha though when he doesn’t know who he can trust, even on his own team, and she cannot trust him enough not to run?
Tori St. Claire knows how to start a story off with a bang! With delicious, dark and sensual writing, St. Claire hooks readers from the first page.
I loved Alexei and Sasha! They had a combustible chemistry from the start but they were each pretending to be someone else. As the story progresses a little bit of their true identity is revealed along with hidden secrets, some they would rather stay hidden. These little tidbits kept me engrossed in the story. But that’s not all, Alexei and Sasha don’t know who they can trust so trying to figure out who’s really a bad guy and who’s a good guy along with the characters is just another allure on top of the sizzling romance. And boy does that romance sizzle! With various positions, styles and yes, partners (delectable ménages), St. Claire will keep you squirming in anticipation the entire ride.
Lie To Me delivers steamy, sexy romance with just the right touch of gripping suspense to keep readers coming back for more. I can't wait to get my hands on the intriguing and oh-so-appetizing, Misha’s story now. If you haven’t started this series yet, you are missing out, go get it today!
July 15, 2012
I did not realize that this was number two in the series until after I finished it. This story had a lot in it. The book was well written and the length was good. There are two instances of M/F/M ménage also. My problem with the story was that even though I did like the book it wasn’t one that I had to finish right away. It didn’t pull me in for the ride and not let go. Because of this I am giving this 3.5 stars. It was better than average but not quite a must read for me.
Sasha and Alexei both have had hard lives growing up and as adults. They have always treasured the time that they had together but never believed they would see each other again. Alexei goes undercover to retrieve the last woman that was part of a human trafficking ring. He doesn’t realize the woman he is to rescue is the same one he thought was forever gone from him. When Sasha accidentally blows his cover in a moment of passion the fun starts from there on. Lots of running, trying to stay alive and gun play. You never know who you can trust.
The characters needed to grow emotionally and learn how to let others in as well as each other. We get to see this during the course of the story. The two main characters both believe that they have done things so horrible in the past that the other would not want to be with them should they find out. So they of course do not tell each other and what happens but it ends up surfacing anyway.
This story was full of double agents. Sasha and Alexei never know who they can trust most times. Someone was always trying to kill them or kidnap Sasha. The story was very fast paced with a lot of action in it. I honestly did not figure out who the bad guy was until the very end. The author did a really good job at keeping me guessing on this.
Misha joins the group a little later in the book. He is Alexei’s best friend and the one who helped him get into the Black Opals. We learn a little about him and his past. I am hoping that the next book also concentrates more on Misha. He was my favorite character in this story and I would like to see more of him.
In the end they catch the bad guy and all is forgiven. There is also an Epilogue that lets you know what happens a few months later. I really approved of where the author took this story. It was a great ending.
I enjoyed this story and I do recommend reading it. I am looking forward to the next book. Also I like the cover for this book. I am thinking of going back and reading the first in the series to see what I missed.
Sasha and Alexei both have had hard lives growing up and as adults. They have always treasured the time that they had together but never believed they would see each other again. Alexei goes undercover to retrieve the last woman that was part of a human trafficking ring. He doesn’t realize the woman he is to rescue is the same one he thought was forever gone from him. When Sasha accidentally blows his cover in a moment of passion the fun starts from there on. Lots of running, trying to stay alive and gun play. You never know who you can trust.
The characters needed to grow emotionally and learn how to let others in as well as each other. We get to see this during the course of the story. The two main characters both believe that they have done things so horrible in the past that the other would not want to be with them should they find out. So they of course do not tell each other and what happens but it ends up surfacing anyway.
This story was full of double agents. Sasha and Alexei never know who they can trust most times. Someone was always trying to kill them or kidnap Sasha. The story was very fast paced with a lot of action in it. I honestly did not figure out who the bad guy was until the very end. The author did a really good job at keeping me guessing on this.
Misha joins the group a little later in the book. He is Alexei’s best friend and the one who helped him get into the Black Opals. We learn a little about him and his past. I am hoping that the next book also concentrates more on Misha. He was my favorite character in this story and I would like to see more of him.
In the end they catch the bad guy and all is forgiven. There is also an Epilogue that lets you know what happens a few months later. I really approved of where the author took this story. It was a great ending.
I enjoyed this story and I do recommend reading it. I am looking forward to the next book. Also I like the cover for this book. I am thinking of going back and reading the first in the series to see what I missed.
July 11, 2012
Rhys' review posted on Guilty Pleasures
Sasha Zablosky first meets Alexei when she takes the alias of Irina and hides out in a strip club in Russia. Sasha used to work for the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, but time has hardened her so much that getting out of the business was her only option. After months of trying to move on, finding a quite place to wallow seemed like the only option left for her. Accepting her fate was just the first step for Sasha to create a new life, once Alexi kidnaps her and trades her to a sheikh in Dubai.
Alexei Nikanova doesn’t know Irina’s true identity. He only knows that he has been hired to kidnap her and deliver her as part of his undercover role in the human trafficking organization. Alexei works for secret section of the CIA known as the Black Opals. What Alexei doesn’t expect is to be unable to get Irina out of his mind. Taking her was just another job for him, but falling into bed with her and falling for her were things that he couldn’t control.
When Alexei and Sasha meet up again, their intense sexual attraction hasn’t diminished and they must deal not only with the betrayal of Alexei giving Sasha to the sheikh, but also all the other baggage from their pasts. Whether or not their attraction will be enough to help them move on once all the secrets are revealed is what keeps readers engrossed in this story.
I had to keep reading in order to know how Sasha and Alexei would work things out and what other secrets they were keeping hidden from each other. There are lots of revelations in this story and not knowing when they will arrive or how they will be shown adds to the suspense.
This book starts off with the sexual tension and eroticism between Sasha and Alexei and doesn’t let up until the very last page. I was immediately drawn into the story of these two people running from their pasts and trying to build a future.
There is a lot of descriptive sex in this book. The sex takes place between Sasha and Alexei as well as with various partners and combinations. I thought that the sex scenes were necessary to show the depth and strength of the attraction that Alexei and Sasha feel for each other. if you are looking for a great book with some serious suspense and intrigue, hot under cover agents and steamy sex than this is a book that you need to pick up and add to your collection. I will definitely have to go back and read the other books in this series just for an excuse to re read this one.
Sasha Zablosky first meets Alexei when she takes the alias of Irina and hides out in a strip club in Russia. Sasha used to work for the Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation, but time has hardened her so much that getting out of the business was her only option. After months of trying to move on, finding a quite place to wallow seemed like the only option left for her. Accepting her fate was just the first step for Sasha to create a new life, once Alexi kidnaps her and trades her to a sheikh in Dubai.
Alexei Nikanova doesn’t know Irina’s true identity. He only knows that he has been hired to kidnap her and deliver her as part of his undercover role in the human trafficking organization. Alexei works for secret section of the CIA known as the Black Opals. What Alexei doesn’t expect is to be unable to get Irina out of his mind. Taking her was just another job for him, but falling into bed with her and falling for her were things that he couldn’t control.
When Alexei and Sasha meet up again, their intense sexual attraction hasn’t diminished and they must deal not only with the betrayal of Alexei giving Sasha to the sheikh, but also all the other baggage from their pasts. Whether or not their attraction will be enough to help them move on once all the secrets are revealed is what keeps readers engrossed in this story.
I had to keep reading in order to know how Sasha and Alexei would work things out and what other secrets they were keeping hidden from each other. There are lots of revelations in this story and not knowing when they will arrive or how they will be shown adds to the suspense.
This book starts off with the sexual tension and eroticism between Sasha and Alexei and doesn’t let up until the very last page. I was immediately drawn into the story of these two people running from their pasts and trying to build a future.
There is a lot of descriptive sex in this book. The sex takes place between Sasha and Alexei as well as with various partners and combinations. I thought that the sex scenes were necessary to show the depth and strength of the attraction that Alexei and Sasha feel for each other. if you are looking for a great book with some serious suspense and intrigue, hot under cover agents and steamy sex than this is a book that you need to pick up and add to your collection. I will definitely have to go back and read the other books in this series just for an excuse to re read this one.
July 18, 2012
Undercover as one of CIA’s elite Black Opal team members , Alexei Nikanova is working to stop a Russian human trafficking ring. Here he meets Sasha Zablosky, also under an alias. A week of hot loving and he turns her over to the trafficking ring. With much remorse.
He is fuelled with regret after what he had done, and after two years he is sent to retrieve her. She has been in his thoughts and Sasha brings out all the emotions within him, a week was not enough. But finds his need to succeed in this mission - is just overwhelming. They follow a trail of betrayal , deceit and lies and not knowing whom they can trust. A love that seems inevitable yet almost unachievable in many ways … Past lies , and Secrets may be the end .
Lie to me is a riveting and gritty suspense filled read with engaging characters. A lot of hot sex, ménages, and full on vivid descriptions.
So if you not into the nitty gritty ** hot sex ** and vivid descriptions then this read is not for you... The sex between Alexei and Sasha showed us the depth and definition between the pair, the emotions well portrayed and put forth to give the reader an understanding of their relationship.
The pages are drenched in suspense that will certainly leave you on the edge of your seat. But eagerly flipping the pages for more. I’m sure in certain scenes your eyelashes will be curling and your heart beating in overdrive...
Both characters, Alexei and Sasha have both hidden secrets, pasts – tortured souls in their own ways, this in turn may just affect their relationship on more levels than one. How can love grow with so many hidden secrets and the unknown? The story alone of these two alone will certainly have you anticipating every page.
From within the first chapter – Lie to me will have you eagerly hooked . With a fluent flowing storyline, and heat that will scorch the pages ** wink wink** the story is not stop GO GO... goooooo..
I have not read the first in this series, but didn’t find I had missed out on anything. I will go back to read it for sure.
((( take a good look at the cover, my friend and I were baffled – at first and then amazed at the shadows. )) very clever !!!!!! there are actually three different shots in it ;)
I like the way in which Tori has set up the ending of this book for the continuous on of her next story .
This book was supplied to me via the publisher - author for an honest review.
He is fuelled with regret after what he had done, and after two years he is sent to retrieve her. She has been in his thoughts and Sasha brings out all the emotions within him, a week was not enough. But finds his need to succeed in this mission - is just overwhelming. They follow a trail of betrayal , deceit and lies and not knowing whom they can trust. A love that seems inevitable yet almost unachievable in many ways … Past lies , and Secrets may be the end .
Lie to me is a riveting and gritty suspense filled read with engaging characters. A lot of hot sex, ménages, and full on vivid descriptions.
So if you not into the nitty gritty ** hot sex ** and vivid descriptions then this read is not for you... The sex between Alexei and Sasha showed us the depth and definition between the pair, the emotions well portrayed and put forth to give the reader an understanding of their relationship.
The pages are drenched in suspense that will certainly leave you on the edge of your seat. But eagerly flipping the pages for more. I’m sure in certain scenes your eyelashes will be curling and your heart beating in overdrive...
Both characters, Alexei and Sasha have both hidden secrets, pasts – tortured souls in their own ways, this in turn may just affect their relationship on more levels than one. How can love grow with so many hidden secrets and the unknown? The story alone of these two alone will certainly have you anticipating every page.
From within the first chapter – Lie to me will have you eagerly hooked . With a fluent flowing storyline, and heat that will scorch the pages ** wink wink** the story is not stop GO GO... goooooo..
I have not read the first in this series, but didn’t find I had missed out on anything. I will go back to read it for sure.
((( take a good look at the cover, my friend and I were baffled – at first and then amazed at the shadows. )) very clever !!!!!! there are actually three different shots in it ;)
I like the way in which Tori has set up the ending of this book for the continuous on of her next story .
This book was supplied to me via the publisher - author for an honest review.
April 22, 2013
**Original review by Jamie posted at Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance**
Lie To Me is an incredible dark, erotic suspense book. It deals with human trafficking and an unlikely love that leaves you breathless as you follow along.
Alexei is an undercover operative that is in Russia dealing with human trafficking. His work finds him falling under the spell of a young woman but he is forced to do the unthinkable and sell her. While he tries his best, she is lost into the dark world of human trafficking.
Years later Alexei is working on finding a woman that was stolen and it turns out that woman he his seeking is the one he lost, Sasha. Her father wants her back and he must pull out all the stops to get her away from the Sheik who has been caring for her and back to her life. But things are never easy and Alexei’s cover is blown and someone else is after Sasha.
Alexei is one dangerously sexy man. He’s totally an alpha, he’s tortured and he can come rescue me anytime he wants. I love his connection with Sasha even though he tries to hide it, especially from himself. I also really liked Sasha. She’s scared but strong. She also owns up to her mistakes and for that she gets my respect.
Favorite Quote
Overall
Dark, dangerous and sexy. There is no other way to describe this book. It was non-stop action, with non-stop romance. I will say this leans more towards suspense then romance. It’s a very plot driven story but you still get romance, and Alexei. That man is sexy!
***review copy provided by publisher***
Lie To Me is an incredible dark, erotic suspense book. It deals with human trafficking and an unlikely love that leaves you breathless as you follow along.
Alexei is an undercover operative that is in Russia dealing with human trafficking. His work finds him falling under the spell of a young woman but he is forced to do the unthinkable and sell her. While he tries his best, she is lost into the dark world of human trafficking.
Years later Alexei is working on finding a woman that was stolen and it turns out that woman he his seeking is the one he lost, Sasha. Her father wants her back and he must pull out all the stops to get her away from the Sheik who has been caring for her and back to her life. But things are never easy and Alexei’s cover is blown and someone else is after Sasha.
Alexei is one dangerously sexy man. He’s totally an alpha, he’s tortured and he can come rescue me anytime he wants. I love his connection with Sasha even though he tries to hide it, especially from himself. I also really liked Sasha. She’s scared but strong. She also owns up to her mistakes and for that she gets my respect.
Favorite Quote
He could pretend her was immune, deny all he wanted that he felt anything more than pleasure with her. But he needed this woman. The way he found acceptance in her arms, the way her need for him, her cries of ecstasy, made him whole.
Overall
Dark, dangerous and sexy. There is no other way to describe this book. It was non-stop action, with non-stop romance. I will say this leans more towards suspense then romance. It’s a very plot driven story but you still get romance, and Alexei. That man is sexy!
***review copy provided by publisher***
September 29, 2013
Tori St. Claire.
I will never forget this name. Just like how I won't forget E.L James, Monica James, Veronica Roth, Sylvia Day, Pepper Winters, T.R Graves, Algeatha Romi, Colleen Hoover, and you get the point. But Tori St. Claire stands among them.
Tori St. Claire has to be one of the best well rounded authors I know. She has a great writing style, very unique and interesting plots, and gorgeous gorgeous covers.
What I really love about this series so far is how it progressively gets better.
The plot like I said is extremely unique. Its a stand alone novel. It doesn't need the foundation of the first book. It has a great plot that is extremely well rounded. Authors that tend to write suspense romance tend to focus too much on the romantic aspect, which either drowns out the plot or the plot is missing. That wasn't the case with this book. Claire had a great balance. I love the romance, the passion, the sizzling chemistry, those fluttery heart moments as well as the swoons, but I also love the suspense, the mystery, the twists, the edge of the seat moments. I like to be kept on my toes and thats why I love Claire's novels and her writing in general. It has every aspect I want.
The characters are great. They are so well fleshed out and characterized, that by the end you can see the character development. Sasha has such a loveable personality. There was no way I couldn't not connect and love her. She's a very sensual, kind, character. There is such a strong pull between the characters and the readers. And those men that come from Black Opal program are hot. They are fierce, hot, loving men. All the characters have some sort of conflict and its quite the journey to see them be resolved.
Overall an amazing book!
I will never forget this name. Just like how I won't forget E.L James, Monica James, Veronica Roth, Sylvia Day, Pepper Winters, T.R Graves, Algeatha Romi, Colleen Hoover, and you get the point. But Tori St. Claire stands among them.
Tori St. Claire has to be one of the best well rounded authors I know. She has a great writing style, very unique and interesting plots, and gorgeous gorgeous covers.
What I really love about this series so far is how it progressively gets better.
The plot like I said is extremely unique. Its a stand alone novel. It doesn't need the foundation of the first book. It has a great plot that is extremely well rounded. Authors that tend to write suspense romance tend to focus too much on the romantic aspect, which either drowns out the plot or the plot is missing. That wasn't the case with this book. Claire had a great balance. I love the romance, the passion, the sizzling chemistry, those fluttery heart moments as well as the swoons, but I also love the suspense, the mystery, the twists, the edge of the seat moments. I like to be kept on my toes and thats why I love Claire's novels and her writing in general. It has every aspect I want.
The characters are great. They are so well fleshed out and characterized, that by the end you can see the character development. Sasha has such a loveable personality. There was no way I couldn't not connect and love her. She's a very sensual, kind, character. There is such a strong pull between the characters and the readers. And those men that come from Black Opal program are hot. They are fierce, hot, loving men. All the characters have some sort of conflict and its quite the journey to see them be resolved.
Overall an amazing book!
July 12, 2012
The Black Opals series is a super sexy, super suspenseful series. I really enjoyed the first book, Stripped, and worried that Lie to Me wouldn't be as good as Stripped. Thank goodness my worries were unfounded.
Alexei and Sasha's road back to each other is one wrought with lies, deception and mistrust. But underneath all of that, they are drawn to each other. The connection is beyond physical even though Alexei does not want his attachment to Sasha to go any further than that. Alexei is a very dark and tortured hero and I found it extremely sexy. He has a lot to work through and it's not pretty.
Lie to Me was a nice blend of romance and suspense. I like my romantic suspense heavy on the romance and this book definitely was. Where Stripped had a lot of sexual tension between the main characters, in Lie To Me, Alexei and Sasha already have a history so the tension and build up was not needed. There was lots of sexy times between Alexei and Sasha. The sex scenes are extremely well written and that's what I love about this series. The author successfully portrays the feelings and connection between the characters while keeping the sex scenes hot and steamy.
Lie to Me has it all. Intrigue, romance, sex, betrayal. I had a couple of ideas about who was trust worthy and who wasn't but Ms. St. Claire managed to pull a twist at the end that I did not see coming. I loved the epilogue (I'm a huge fan of them). It nicely wraps up the story and you see that these two people who come from such a bad place are able to find solace and happiness with each other.
I really like this series and can't wait to read more.
Alexei and Sasha's road back to each other is one wrought with lies, deception and mistrust. But underneath all of that, they are drawn to each other. The connection is beyond physical even though Alexei does not want his attachment to Sasha to go any further than that. Alexei is a very dark and tortured hero and I found it extremely sexy. He has a lot to work through and it's not pretty.
Lie to Me was a nice blend of romance and suspense. I like my romantic suspense heavy on the romance and this book definitely was. Where Stripped had a lot of sexual tension between the main characters, in Lie To Me, Alexei and Sasha already have a history so the tension and build up was not needed. There was lots of sexy times between Alexei and Sasha. The sex scenes are extremely well written and that's what I love about this series. The author successfully portrays the feelings and connection between the characters while keeping the sex scenes hot and steamy.
Lie to Me has it all. Intrigue, romance, sex, betrayal. I had a couple of ideas about who was trust worthy and who wasn't but Ms. St. Claire managed to pull a twist at the end that I did not see coming. I loved the epilogue (I'm a huge fan of them). It nicely wraps up the story and you see that these two people who come from such a bad place are able to find solace and happiness with each other.
I really like this series and can't wait to read more.
August 21, 2012
This is my first Tori St Claire book. You never know what to expect when reading a new to me author. It's kind of exciting but a little scary because i hate finding that i don't care for the book. Don't we all want a winner when we read a book? Tori St Claire gives up a sexy, seductive, action packed book with Lie to Me! Both Sasha and Alexei ( love that name, so sexy) have some pretty big inner demons raging around in their heads. Unfortunately neither one really tells the other one the black parts of their pasts. It's a lasting barrier throughout the book til the end. There's a lot of berating of themselves by themselves and a lot of misunderstandings. The sex scenes were many and super hot. I think that there could have been fewer of them though. It was a bit to much sometimes. Not that those scenes weren't superbly written it just seemed with all the action going on that the sex scenes took away from the pacing of the book a bit. I hope i explained that OK. I really enjoyed the story though and i thought a time or two i could see where it was going but i was sadly mistaken. I hate when you can figure out exactly where the author is going in a suspenseful book. I loved all the secondary characters as well. It was exciting and unpredictable and the ending was pretty perfect for me. 4 out of 5 Modokker Book Pick Stars for Lie to me by Tori St Claire.
Find out more about this series and Tori St Claire on her website here www.toristclaire.com You can also read a excerpt there.
April 28, 2016
Not quite sure what I expected when I received this book as a Goodreads First-Reads winner. The back of the book categorizes the story as "erotic, romantic suspense" and well, at least St. Claire got the "erotic" part down right.
Now, I almost gave this book three stars because the writing was quite impressive, especially in the numerous scenes of intimacy throughout. Trust me, every last detail is described and perfected in that aspect; nothing is left to the imagination there. However, the attempt at romance just didn't quite cut it. Every single time Alexei looks at Sasha, and vice versa, sex drives go into overload and it's simply annoying. There is not one scene between these two characters that is innocent in any way. If St. Claire was trying to romanticize their relationship, she failed. They just came off as a pair of horny teenagers.
The "suspense" was quite disappointing as well. Most of the novel seems to take place in cars and hotel rooms with very little action happening in between. In the scenes where there was action, it wasn't sufficient, and most definitely didn't convey any sort of "suspense". It just seemed out of place. Nothing seemed to quite mesh together well in this novel, and although we can thank St. Claire for well written scenes of intimacy, it wasn't enough to make the story work for me.
Now, I almost gave this book three stars because the writing was quite impressive, especially in the numerous scenes of intimacy throughout. Trust me, every last detail is described and perfected in that aspect; nothing is left to the imagination there. However, the attempt at romance just didn't quite cut it. Every single time Alexei looks at Sasha, and vice versa, sex drives go into overload and it's simply annoying. There is not one scene between these two characters that is innocent in any way. If St. Claire was trying to romanticize their relationship, she failed. They just came off as a pair of horny teenagers.
The "suspense" was quite disappointing as well. Most of the novel seems to take place in cars and hotel rooms with very little action happening in between. In the scenes where there was action, it wasn't sufficient, and most definitely didn't convey any sort of "suspense". It just seemed out of place. Nothing seemed to quite mesh together well in this novel, and although we can thank St. Claire for well written scenes of intimacy, it wasn't enough to make the story work for me.
August 2, 2012
Alexei and Sasha are two tortured souls. My heart went out to both of them. They have been placed in impossible situations through no fault of their own, but it's up to them to get out of it without losing their lives in the process. Love is the last thing they expect, but that just adds to their problems.
This story has it all - adventure, drama, betrayal, romance and very hot sex...let me repeat...very hot sex (it nearly melted my Kindle!) So, if that's not your thing, you shouldn't read this but if you don't mind sex and violence in your stories, you'll love this book. I know I did! LOL! It's fast-paced and chock-filled with action that will leave your head spinning. Just when you think Alexei and Sasha are safe, their lives are thrown into the center of danger and they are once again running for their lives.
I absolutely could not put this book down. It's the second book of Tori St. Claire's Black Opal series, but it's a standalone book. I never read the first book and I'm not sure how I missed it, but it didn't take anything away from the story for me. I do plan to check out the first book though.
FTC Disclosure: The author provided me with a copy of this book to review. This did not influence my thoughts and opinions in any way. All opinions expressed are my own.
January 22, 2014
A great read shrouded in mystery, deception, and betrayal. I loved it!
My heart ached for Alexei. He was consumed with so much self-loathing from his past and his role in the trafficking he fought against. He was a good man, but he had a stain on his soul from the atrocities he committed to protect his country.
Sasha was his destruction and his absolution. A mistaken mark he fell for years before, he finally had a chance to right his greatest wrong and grab the love and happiness he didn’t believe he deserved, but nevertheless wanted. But it wasn’t just Alexei’s past that put up obstacles, Sasha’s secret was the one that nearly destroyed them both.
I liked Sasha a lot. She wasn’t innocent, but she had a pureness about her.
It was impossible to know who to trust in this book. It made the connection between her and Alexei all the more important. They were intense. From the beginning they belonged to each other – each imprinted on the other’s soul.
Would love to see Misha get a story as the series continues.
My heart ached for Alexei. He was consumed with so much self-loathing from his past and his role in the trafficking he fought against. He was a good man, but he had a stain on his soul from the atrocities he committed to protect his country.
Sasha was his destruction and his absolution. A mistaken mark he fell for years before, he finally had a chance to right his greatest wrong and grab the love and happiness he didn’t believe he deserved, but nevertheless wanted. But it wasn’t just Alexei’s past that put up obstacles, Sasha’s secret was the one that nearly destroyed them both.
I liked Sasha a lot. She wasn’t innocent, but she had a pureness about her.
It was impossible to know who to trust in this book. It made the connection between her and Alexei all the more important. They were intense. From the beginning they belonged to each other – each imprinted on the other’s soul.
Would love to see Misha get a story as the series continues.
August 8, 2012
This was my first book from Tori St. Claire. And yes, I picked up the second book in the series first. I’m notorious for that. The only issue I had with picking up the second book first, I wasn’t sure why the hero was a bad guy why he became good. I wish I knew a little bit more of the background because I love a redeemed bad guy. What I loved about this story is how sexy it started almost immediately. Alexei and Sasha can’t deny their attraction to each other and the baggage they have in their relationship doesn’t stop them from coming together. Both have been living with secrets for years and opening up is very difficult. But they are running across Europe for their lives with betrayal around every corner they can’t stop long enough to share. Thankfully they still have enough time for sexiness! I loved the spark between them, the action that drove the story, and the great characters that helped to drive the story. I really hope there’s a third story for Misha but I will be going back to find the first book in this series.
August 26, 2012
First Reads
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads' Giveaway.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Generally, this genre is something I'm not a fan of, but I really like Lie to Me.
I thought the romance was intense and my nerves remained on edge the whole time; good nerves that is.
It was such a thrilling read and extremely sensuous. This was definitely a delicious treat for my senses.
I have no complaints.
Happy Reading!
I won a copy of this book in a Goodreads' Giveaway.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Generally, this genre is something I'm not a fan of, but I really like Lie to Me.
I thought the romance was intense and my nerves remained on edge the whole time; good nerves that is.
It was such a thrilling read and extremely sensuous. This was definitely a delicious treat for my senses.
I have no complaints.
Happy Reading!
July 30, 2012
I was fortunate enough to have won a copy of this book from GoodReads First Reads Giveaways, and I have found a wonderful new author to read! This is the kind of story I love, the character Alexei is gorgeous and damaged and he is rescuing Sasha. This is a great erotic romance novel!
July 15, 2012
Dark, gritty, sizzling set-your-panties-on-fire hot! Black Opal series has become my favorite romantic suspense series of 2012. I can't wait for Misha's book next!
March 9, 2013
This book was a quick read. While I enjoyed reading the book, I felt Sasha and Alexei's characters could have been developed a bit more. I'm interested in reading the other books in this series.
July 5, 2012
This one is dark, violent and very sexy. I enjoyed. A little confused as to the plot sometimes..but I enjoyed the tortured nature of the hero.
Review to come
Review to come
July 6, 2012
Loved it. Review to come.
August 24, 2012
Pretty unbelievable that the heroine forgave the hero so easily for selling her into sex trade, but still, erotic, sexy & adventurous.
December 3, 2013
Intense suspense with a lot of conflict for the characters to unravel. Well written.
April 15, 2014
Entertaining to say the least! I liked the "suspense" factor!
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