Hired gun and hitman Hickman is tough. As tough as it comes. And he values nothing more than his family. His wife. His children. But he keeps them secret. Hidden. Because Hickman and his secret family have roots in the Past. And he will do anything, risk anything, to protect them. But when the Past returns to threaten the Present, who does he turn to for help? And what will be the consequences? A Steamy Mafia Revenge Thriller
Simone Leigh is a writer of intelligent, romantic steamy fiction. Her red-hot thriller, ‘Target’, won the Reader Voted #BestBook Award in the ‘Inks and Scratches’ Summer Splash Book Awards.
Although English, Simone has lived in Spain for the last few years. Here, she divides her time between working on her tan, decorating her beautiful villa, writing hot romance and thrillers, and swimming naked in her swimming pool.
According to one internet troll, she is 'beyond redemption'...
Visit her website to claim a FREE book and lots of other freebies and giveaways.
Hitskman tiene un problema, su pasado lo está alcanzando y tiene que poner a salvo a su familia. Para eso necesita la ayuda de alguien, y acude a su ex jefe, quien puede ser el único con la habilidad de ayudarlo. Sin embargo, quizás su problema es más grande de lo que esperaba, y puede poner en peligro mucho más que su familia.
Se nota que este libro es el comienzo de una serie, pero con personajes de una anterior (o sea, un spin-off), por lo que no hay background de ningún personaje, sino solo pequeñas descripciones de las parejas y sus relaciones. En fin, el libro me pareció monótono, lento y sin un final a la vista. Definitivamente no voy a continuar con la serie.
A great way to begin a new series with my favorite triad and their friends and family!
The entire ensemble has shown up to celebrate the beginning of the walls going up for the addition to Mitch and Larry's apartment, including Hickman, the Stantons, and more. I like how everyone pitches in to help in various ways, except for Charlotte who is simply done with being pregnant - a feeling I can sympathize with.
Speaking of Charlotte, she does welcome the latest prince into the unconventional and very extended family with far less dramatics than his older sister. I had to chuckle as some walked into the tail end of things unexpectedly. #lifelessons 😂
Michelle "Mitch" Kimberley Waterman: “Time to move,” she says.
Lawrence "Larry" Klempner (aka Lars Waterman): “Mitch?”
Mitch: “We have people to protect.”
I love how in tune Mitch is to Larry. He's unable to keep much from her for long. Of course, she knows when to push and when to let things run their course, making her the perfect fit for Larry.
The cliffhanger was expected and it's a good one! I'm really looking forward to where this leads and the allies Klempner will need to call upon to dismiss the trouble at their doorstep.
Omg what a first book!! Hickman comes to Larry for help after he's discovered by the people he and his wife and their family are hiding from, now Larry's family is in the cross hair of this bad man. Can Larry and Hickman save their loved ones and take down the bad people before it's too late?.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book one in the Best Served Cold series. Hickman comes to Larry for help from the villains, together they will have to fight to save their families. there is twists, turns, drama, suspense, and it ends on a cliff-hanger. I can not wait until I can read the next book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the continuing story of Jenny/Charlotte, James, Michael Mitch Georgie, and the rest of the gang. This was very intense. Suspense abounds! I cannot wait to read the second book for this new particular story. The stakes are high but, then again they usually are! loved this start to a new storyline with all my favorite characters.
I reviewed an advanced copy of this book via Booksprout.
I am so excited to know that Hickman will play a more prominent role in the coming books. At least, I hope he does. His past has come to haunt him and jeopardize all he holds dear, and he will be pulled into the fold of the ever-expanding family of his former employer. I can't wait to find out what unfolds.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The entire cast of characters from all of the books to date (those still alive, of course) are back for the first part of the book. I could remember the main characters, but there were several lesser characters I was just clueless about. At the front of the book was a “reminder of who the characters were,” the only problem was that the reminders were for the most remembered characters. Overall, the reminders could have been expanded to cover more of the people at the brick laying party.
Otherwise, my favorite character of this entire series is back, and Klempner was the main focus of this book. When any member of Klempner’s family or extended family is threatened, they always know who to turn to.
This is an excellent beginning to the next chapter in Klempner’s story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I thought this is such a great spin-off from the other books, but yet still has them still involved. I LOVE the Triad as well as Beth and Richard so am so happy to still have them in my life! Now we find out a bit more about the mysterious Hickman and how his troubles spill into this family. I found this such a steamy and exciting read!.
I received a free advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.
This book was not what I expected but really enjoyed reading it even though it ends on a cliffhanger. From reading rough Diamond I that this book would continue off there boy was I surprised when we get different points of view. There are so many different characters in this book I’m really happy to know that this goes with Charlotte and the others I love so much! With that said I was sadly a little confused on and off but that’s my fault cause I’m not all got up on all the books so I personally don’t know all the characters yet. Still I love the story and can’t wait to find out what happens next there’s lots of mystery suspense going on! I love how close everyone seems to be and willing to help no matter what may be going on! A lot of things happens when a good friend comes to visit who new all unpredictable unknown challenges that comes with helping someone out! It’s definitely a interesting book series with lots of potential for sure action packed and in my opinion fast paced and so much more to enjoy among other things! :) very exciting and easy to get sucked into the story losing track of time plus the kids in this book are so funny and adorable!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cold Truth is the first book of Simone Leigh’s I’ve read. Although marked as the first in the series, the characters are from Simone’s previous books. And there are a lot of them. The book starts at a barbecue, birthing, house building party with quite a crowd. Not knowing the characters left me feeling like I’d gone to a party where I knew no-one. References back to earlier escapades and both familial and personal relationships left me bemused. I discovered a character cheat sheet at the end of the book explaining who everyone was, but by then, it was too late! The primary story is about Hickman and Klempner, who operate in a morally grey world. Hickman needs to get back to his wife, who he hid away in small town Canada. Klempner helps him, putting his own family at risk. The story ramps up and is told well enough to get it four stars, but is the start of a series and lacks the action which may come later. For me, this is about scene setting and I’d have liked more. The series may have the action I thought this book would contain, and I may continue the series to get to it, but the Cold Truth is, it’s going to be low on my TBR.
When things go really bad, who do you turn to for help? This is a question our hero has to struggle as his past catches up with him and his loved ones are in the crossfire.
This is book one of this story arc. It is part of the author's larger universe, if you will, but at this point the characters are on their own. That actually makes this a pretty good starting point.
This is an erotic romance or romantic suspense, take you pick. It has elements of both. The story is very well written and easy to read with prose that flows from the page and draws you into the story. This story ties to the author's long running series, but explores the backstory of some of those characters at an earlier point. That makes this a great starting point for new readers as well as an enjoyable expansion of the story for readers of the original series. Either way, this is a wonderful start to the story and I look forward to the next book.
Highly recommended.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes
I was so happy to revisit the Triad and their family again. Simone’s story, Cold Truth, had me spellbound throughout. The main conflict centers around Larry Klempner and his former employee, Hickman. However, I loved how Simone wove all my favorite characters together in skillfully written scenes of their family life. We got an excellent view of what they’ve been up to since our last check-in. With Larry continuing to follow his path of redemption (redeeming himself from his past life of crime), he willingly jumps in to help Hickman. Hickman’s wife and family are in danger, threatened by a mob boss. Larry has very unique skills and he wants to help the man who has helped his own family in the past. But Larry suddenly finds, by doing so, he has put himself and his family in danger. And, yes, there is a cliffhanger. I’m ok with it because I know the wait will SO be worth it! I love Simone Leigh’s writing. Get it. Read it. And love it!
The story continues…5* We are back with our favourite Triad and their family almost a year down the line since we last heard about them. What is different is the emergence of a character from the past. Hickman, a one-time employee of Klempner from their non-legit days. He although worked for the criminals who kidnapped Charlotte he in fact redeemed himself by protecting her. One day, early morning, he turns up at Klempner’s home with a mysterious, incomplete story that leaves the reader wondering what is happening. We get to learn about the triad and the family and friends but this time their presence is in the background. The main interest is on Hickman and Klempner. The reader is hooked, unable to put the book down, and is carried away by the suspense and uncertainty that the author is so good at presenting. I can’t wait to read the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hickman was back in England working for the Golden Fleece Casino as a bouncer/bodyguard for Vince Caprani when the past revisited in the form of Frankie De Palo...Hickman had never worked for the De Palo family but did work for the Romano's in Chicago and was ordered to kill the mistress of their leader when she got pregnant, with the possibility of Romano's wife Angelina De Palo Romano ordering the killing...he loved Katya, aiding in her escape, and marrying her...now three children later, they are safe in Canada...or are they??? Larry Klempner helped Hickman get to the airport without being spotted by De Palo men...but now could his involvement mean trouble for the triad...cliffhanger ending so will have to read the next book to see what happens...I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I've been waiting with anticipation for this book to be released ever since I read the prequel 'Rough Diamond' in the "Dangerous as Sin" anthology and it was so worth the wait. If you're a fan of Simone Leigh then you'll recognize the name Hickman. If you've not read her previous works or recognize the name, take heart, she's given a brief overview of where the characters fit into things. Of course, you won't get all the exciting and dramatic bits that come with the actual stories but you will be able to pick this book up and have things fall into place fairly easily. I'm thrilled Hickman gets his story told and all the drama, excitement, and angst that came with the first book promises to be an exhilarating series.
In this new series Best served cold, we see many of our past friends. This series is based around Hickman who in dire straights and Kempler who try to help.
The triad is back and Charlotte is pregnant with her second child. Life goes on and everything seems fine until it’s not.
Hold on to your hats for I believe this series will be a bumpy ride with heart thumping twists and turns and a floor dropping out from under you.
Highly suggest this read. It’s quick and if you haven’t read the previous series Simone Leigh has left a chest sheet to catch you up on the who’s who and what’s what.
Happy Reading📖🌻
I received an advance copy of this book from the Author via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest an unbiased review.
United Talk about a curve ball! This is a book that you will not put down. Pulling in ever member of the extended family seems to be the new norm. Klempner and Hickman have reunited to help each other and a new villain seems to have appeared. Will these two take up their old trade or will they work as a family to rid the area of this undesirable element? Either way the situation turns it will definitely keep our attention in the next installment. Thank you Simone. Jade Eyes is still keeping us on our toes!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Wow, this was certainly one mesmerising book to read, the story was so captivating and the characters were absolutely sensational. Hickman is a hitman and was being a bodyguard to his Mafia Boss's mistress then he was told to kill her. He worked for the boss of the Casino he had to hide he had seen someone he never wanted to se again. Hickman has asked his friend Klempner for help, he is worried about Kat that she will be found. All the family welcome Hickman as if he is family and they all want to help him and family help family.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book starts a new storyline in this well established and diverse “family”. For newcomers to these people there was (for the first time) an informative overview without spoilers!
The story is a real page turner and I couldn’t read it quick enough!! Introduced to a new member of the family and who doesn’t love babies. Then there was the ending ! What a cliff hanger ! I had to check to make sure it was really, really ,really the end! I can’t wait for the next instalment .
(Sitting here impatiently drumming my fingers ! Ha ha !).
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Absolutely well written , full of action, drama, suspense and everything that will keep you reading. This author has put some much into the characters that they seem to be so real. Great storyline. Now that the mob know about Hickman, Larry decides to help him as he helped Larry out of a tight spot before. Do not want to give to much away, a must read. Has lots of twists and turns that will keep you reading. A great start to a new series, can't wait for the next part of this series. Would recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
As so the drama continues… The ENTIRE Clan is back, and wherever Klempner is, trouble follows. It’s so great to read about my favorite Triad and their clan. New home, new life and old trouble. Hickman’s past has finally caught up with him. He switched sides and has been good to the family. Now Klempner wants to help. Keeping their family safe has always been the priority but with the stakes this high, they have to be ready for anything and everything. I’m getting chills and I don’t even know what’s going to happen next!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Psyched for this new series as Simone doesn’t disappoint! With the tease we had of Hickman in “Rough Diamond - Dangerous as Sin'” anthology, this book brings Hickman’s past to the future and a whole lot further. I love how Klempner steps right up to the plate for Hickman after an unexpected visitor to his job at the casino. Klempner is great under pressure from years of experience in tight situations. While Klempner is looking for a way to silence Hickman’s past, he discovers Hickman’s boss is under threat at the casino from the same individual. The ending will have you shouting as Klempner’s family comes under threat again!
This is the beginning of an offshoot series from Simone Leigh. It loosely relates to her other books that began with Buying the Virgin. Luckily for us, she includes a concise synopsis of all the characters at the beginning of this book. This is a thriller involving more mobsters and potential child traffickers. But it ends on a cliffhanger, and we must wait for the next book to see where this is going. Much less passion than in previous books, but that's okay. Simone Leigh has created a mysterious world and tells stories of the best and worst of humankind.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
The past comes back to haunt everyone. This first part of the story definitely keeps you on the edge while setting up the next portion of the series. Danger is lurking and precautions are being taken but it might not be enough. Loved that there was a brief introduction to all the characters especially if you have not read any of the other books from Simone Leigh. This is going get very interesting as I am already in suspense.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A series that features two of my favourite characters! I've liked Hickman since he helped to save Charlotte when she was kidnapped, and when he ran into trouble it made perfect sense that he would turn to our resident reformed bad guy who has lost none of his skills despite choosing not to use them (for the most part). However, helping Hickman has put a target on Larry's back which puts his family at risk as well. This first part was tense and I cannot wait to find out what happens next! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cold Truth. I enjoyed this book! I was caught up in the story and all the drama coming to Hickman, Klempner, and their families. The story starts with familiarizing us with all the characters leading up to this book. Then we learn why Hickman comes to Klempner and ask for help. Trouble has come back to Klempner and the whole family again. I can't wait to read the next book. ! I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review of this book. All opinions stated are solely my own and no one else's.
Having read about Klempner in author Simone Leigh's previous works, it was interesting to revisit his character and that of his associate Mr Hickman. A little like visiting that old familiar friend who you knew you could trust your life with!
So looking forward to reading the second part of this storyline and as usual a great mix of romance, mystery, action with a light moment or two to laugh at along the way.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Cold Truth...Best Served Cold Book 1 - The story begins....
Cold Truth is the first book in the Best Served Cold series. Be prepared for a book that you cannot put down and will have you on the edge of your seat at times, biting your nails even. This series is a spin-off the the other various series about Charlotte and all the various series that have come from that. But this is only slightly connected, at least at this time, so you do not need to have read the other series before Best Served Cold. I really loved this first book and can't wait to find out what happens next.
Arc review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. In this story you see how everyone is getting along .you also get to meet the new baby of Charlotte, james,and Michael. While Hickman is recognized by Frankie De palo a Chicago crime boss from his past and needs his friend's klempners help while also bring in others help. Fantastic story. I have always loved these characters.