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Luca Bennett Bounty Hunter #2
Battle Axe
Bounty hunter Luca Bennett is back and so is a woman from her past, asking for favors. Unable to resist a woman in need, Luca barrels headlong into an intricate web of organized crime. Just when she thinks she’s found what she’s looking for, the stakes are raised and she learns she can trust no one.
While Luca tries to unravel the mystery related to her latest job, her personal life has its share of puzzles, from the enigmatic woman on the arm of her pal, police officer Jessica Chance, to a family reunion centered on an unlikely wedding. As her personal and professional lives collide, will Luca discover what she’s looking for is closer than she thinks?
While Luca tries to unravel the mystery related to her latest job, her personal life has its share of puzzles, from the enigmatic woman on the arm of her pal, police officer Jessica Chance, to a family reunion centered on an unlikely wedding. As her personal and professional lives collide, will Luca discover what she’s looking for is closer than she thinks?
264 pages, Paperback
First published May 13, 2013
7 people are currently reading
138 people want to read
About the author
Carsen Taite
51 books294 followersCarsen Taite's goal as an author is to spin plot lines as interesting as the cases she encountered in her career as a criminal defense lawyer. She is the award-winning author of a dozen novels and numerous short stories.
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
July 17, 2016
How I love me some Luca Bennett! There is something about these flawed, tough P.I. types like Luca and Mickey Knight, that I can't help but love. Now, I must admit, I did go into this book with one reservation, but that's on me, not the book. I made the mistake of reading book 1, skipping over this, book 2, and than I read the finale Book 3. I was so angry with myself. Not paying attention to the titles, I read this book out of order. And I hate, hate reading a series out of order. So while I did enjoy this book 2, I would have enjoyed it more, not reading book 3 first and knowing some of what happened. The whole point of my rant is to warn people not to read these out of order. There is too many continuing story-lines to act like these books are standalone.
Back to the book, when it came to the characters, of course I love Luca and I also really enjoy her should be girlfriend Jess. The two of them together is what really makes these books so great.
The mystery/crime element was not as good as in book 1 or 3, but there was still enough excitement to enjoy reading.
I would easily recommend this series to any crime/mystery/action fans. But please start at book 1 Slingshot and read in order:)
Back to the book, when it came to the characters, of course I love Luca and I also really enjoy her should be girlfriend Jess. The two of them together is what really makes these books so great.
The mystery/crime element was not as good as in book 1 or 3, but there was still enough excitement to enjoy reading.
I would easily recommend this series to any crime/mystery/action fans. But please start at book 1 Slingshot and read in order:)
December 29, 2020
I found the second book in the Luca Bennett Bounty Hunter series a bit less engaging than the first. Maybe Battle Axe drove home to me that Luca Bennett isn’t changing much. She drinks too much, gambles her money away, has an appalling diet, lives in a pigsty, and she is pretty much okay with that. And when her only friend and fuck buddy Jess Chance falls in love with a hot doctor, Luca suddenly finds herself ghosted and alone. It doesn’t help that her visiting brother is announcing his marriage and even her alcoholic father has found himself a new girlfriend.
Luca gets in the middle of a turf war between the Italian and Russian mafia and the stage is her favorite gambling establishment Bingo’s. As Luca tries to get a grip on that, her personal life takes a downward spiral as she wrestles with more feelings for Jess than she previously thought to possess.
I don’t know why I can’t seem to warm up to Luca. I hope I finally can in book 3.
f/f
Themes: sleep, gambling and sex is pretty much Luca’s life, when something you take for granted suddenly gets taken away you want it more, organized crime, no Perez in this book.
3.5 Stars
Luca gets in the middle of a turf war between the Italian and Russian mafia and the stage is her favorite gambling establishment Bingo’s. As Luca tries to get a grip on that, her personal life takes a downward spiral as she wrestles with more feelings for Jess than she previously thought to possess.
I don’t know why I can’t seem to warm up to Luca. I hope I finally can in book 3.
f/f
Themes: sleep, gambling and sex is pretty much Luca’s life, when something you take for granted suddenly gets taken away you want it more, organized crime, no Perez in this book.
3.5 Stars
July 12, 2020
Part II of the Luca Bennett series had me intrigued. The plot didn't hold my attention as much as Luca did to be honest, I quite enjoyed her rough-around-the-edges-devil-may-care attitude. She makes no apologies for who she is, no one can change her hard drinking, casual sexual liaisons, horrendous diet ways, but she sure has a soft spot for one lady cop. However this book has Jess with a new hot lady in her life that makes Luca start realizing her true feelings, feelings that that are buried so deep down in a locked up inaccessible chest at the bottom of an ocean. God it takes this woman a long time to get with it!
This one had a little more steam that I was craving than the last, and Luca is more well rounded as a character. I liked the unconventional relationship she has with Jess, and the other secondary characters such as Maggie show Luca's softer side. A fun series fer sure.
This one had a little more steam that I was craving than the last, and Luca is more well rounded as a character. I liked the unconventional relationship she has with Jess, and the other secondary characters such as Maggie show Luca's softer side. A fun series fer sure.
August 27, 2016
My second book by Taite, and third story in this specific series. I just have a few notes to add to this middle of the series book.
1) My prior knowledge, given to me from reading the short story that appeared after the third novel, actually had a deeper impact on my enjoyment of the story this time around, than in the prior book. Mostly because I 'know' how things are supposed to turn out; the first book was relatively 'smooth' and didn't bother me too much with how things evolved; while the second book had me frustrated with the relationships occurring. In a 'come on already, get with it' kind of frustration.
2) I was actually surprised, considering how much time is spent with the side character Teresa Perez in the first book, the short story that occurs after the trilogy, and supposedly in the third book, that Perez does not appear at all in this book. Not even a mention (unless I missed it).
3) There was a mystery, it was interesting, it was not as interesting as in the short story, or in the first book of the series.
4) To a certain extent, a greater bit of time seemed to be spent on romances/relationships/miscommunications/missed communications/etc. than in either the prior book or in the short story.
Luca continues to be a player, and has a new person to play with this time - though that 'new person' is a return of someone from a prior case. Which reminds me - that whole referencing Diamond Collier and Luca's interactions with her in the past, and the undercover case Collier had been working on? Just made me keep thinking that I'd yet again missed a book somewhere along the way. It would probably be a less frustrating experience, and might even have been intriguing, if I hadn't already started the series in reverse order (which, fair enough, is my own fault). Right, as noted, indirectly, the new person Luca played with is Diamond Collier - a government worker.
Oddly, this time around, Jessica Chance also had someone to play with, and it wasn't Luca. That was somewhat unexpected.
April 26 2016
1) My prior knowledge, given to me from reading the short story that appeared after the third novel, actually had a deeper impact on my enjoyment of the story this time around, than in the prior book. Mostly because I 'know' how things are supposed to turn out; the first book was relatively 'smooth' and didn't bother me too much with how things evolved; while the second book had me frustrated with the relationships occurring. In a 'come on already, get with it' kind of frustration.
2) I was actually surprised, considering how much time is spent with the side character Teresa Perez in the first book, the short story that occurs after the trilogy, and supposedly in the third book, that Perez does not appear at all in this book. Not even a mention (unless I missed it).
3) There was a mystery, it was interesting, it was not as interesting as in the short story, or in the first book of the series.
4) To a certain extent, a greater bit of time seemed to be spent on romances/relationships/miscommunications/missed communications/etc. than in either the prior book or in the short story.
Luca continues to be a player, and has a new person to play with this time - though that 'new person' is a return of someone from a prior case. Which reminds me - that whole referencing Diamond Collier and Luca's interactions with her in the past, and the undercover case Collier had been working on? Just made me keep thinking that I'd yet again missed a book somewhere along the way. It would probably be a less frustrating experience, and might even have been intriguing, if I hadn't already started the series in reverse order (which, fair enough, is my own fault). Right, as noted, indirectly, the new person Luca played with is Diamond Collier - a government worker.
Oddly, this time around, Jessica Chance also had someone to play with, and it wasn't Luca. That was somewhat unexpected.
April 26 2016
August 23, 2017
3.5 stars
This was a fun, light read and I liked that it was set in Dallas. Mysteries are not my favorite though and I found myself getting a bit bored with the plot. I wanted more interaction between Jess and Luca. They were the heart of the story for me. Still, the MC bounty hunter Luca was enjoyable. She had a lot of personality.
This was a fun, light read and I liked that it was set in Dallas. Mysteries are not my favorite though and I found myself getting a bit bored with the plot. I wanted more interaction between Jess and Luca. They were the heart of the story for me. Still, the MC bounty hunter Luca was enjoyable. She had a lot of personality.
May 19, 2021
I actually liked it better than the first one
April 21, 2013
I could write this review in one word: Masterful.
I really liked the first story, "Slingshot," about bounty hunter Luca Bennett, but this second story in the Luca Bennett series is Carsen Taite at her finest, then turned up a notch or two.
It takes a lot of skill to write effectively in first person, and the author puts you so solidly inside Luca's head that your stomach is likely to get queasy when she has a hangover. You'll find yourself nodding and thinking "that's right, damn it" when she bitching somebody out. You'll feel confused and hurt, too, when friends appear to turn on her.
The crisp writing alone is enough reason to log on the Internet and pre-order your copy now, but Taite also serves up a fast-paced plot with clues coming at you so fast it will make your brain spin and a conclusion that will hit you in the back of the head because you were looking the other way.
I love a good crime story, but rarely read one more than once because, well, when I know how it ends up, I'm done with it. "Battle Axe," however is definitely on my "read again" list because I think I fell a little in love with Taite's bounty hunter even though she drinks too much, pulls on yesterday's stinky sweats to go running, and goes to the casino instead of paying rent.
"Battle Axe" will be available in ebook at www.boldstrokesbooks.com on May 1, and in paperback mid-May.
I really liked the first story, "Slingshot," about bounty hunter Luca Bennett, but this second story in the Luca Bennett series is Carsen Taite at her finest, then turned up a notch or two.
It takes a lot of skill to write effectively in first person, and the author puts you so solidly inside Luca's head that your stomach is likely to get queasy when she has a hangover. You'll find yourself nodding and thinking "that's right, damn it" when she bitching somebody out. You'll feel confused and hurt, too, when friends appear to turn on her.
The crisp writing alone is enough reason to log on the Internet and pre-order your copy now, but Taite also serves up a fast-paced plot with clues coming at you so fast it will make your brain spin and a conclusion that will hit you in the back of the head because you were looking the other way.
I love a good crime story, but rarely read one more than once because, well, when I know how it ends up, I'm done with it. "Battle Axe," however is definitely on my "read again" list because I think I fell a little in love with Taite's bounty hunter even though she drinks too much, pulls on yesterday's stinky sweats to go running, and goes to the casino instead of paying rent.
"Battle Axe" will be available in ebook at www.boldstrokesbooks.com on May 1, and in paperback mid-May.
September 2, 2022
SAPPHIC BOOK BINGO: full-time writer, not a romance, unusual job, possibly other categories
The second Luca Bennett novel had as much action, butt-kicking, and trouble as the first book, but her dalliances weren't the same. Her own dysfunctional life, along with her family's, took more of a center stage in the book. Her somewhat estranged brother also showed up, which was an added element to that.
A previous "hookup" returned, and pulled Luca into a small mafia war. That was the primary part of her involvement with tracking and finding people, as far as her bounty hunting skills were concerned.
Life had changed for some of the people in her life. Most of them were good, but she really struggled with Jessica's. As a result, she drank more heavily, and gambled more - her favorite vices.
Luca was just as flawed and threadbare, but she had an important revelation that might end up being life changing. The book ended on a cliffhanger that will make readers want to continue with her story.
The second Luca Bennett novel had as much action, butt-kicking, and trouble as the first book, but her dalliances weren't the same. Her own dysfunctional life, along with her family's, took more of a center stage in the book. Her somewhat estranged brother also showed up, which was an added element to that.
A previous "hookup" returned, and pulled Luca into a small mafia war. That was the primary part of her involvement with tracking and finding people, as far as her bounty hunting skills were concerned.
Life had changed for some of the people in her life. Most of them were good, but she really struggled with Jessica's. As a result, she drank more heavily, and gambled more - her favorite vices.
Luca was just as flawed and threadbare, but she had an important revelation that might end up being life changing. The book ended on a cliffhanger that will make readers want to continue with her story.
July 10, 2013
The complicated life of a dyke bounty hunter with her job, with her sex life, with her family, with the mob, with the Feds … gosh, you name it and she has complications there. However, I am now a big fan of Luca Bennett and how she handles all the curve balls that come her way in this second entry to the Mystery Series that carries her name. This second book is satisfying, substantial, and slick. Plus, it has heart and love coupled with Luca’s array of weapons and a bad-ass verbal repertoire.
Luca likes to drink and gamble. Luca likes to collect her bounty so she can pay the rent, drink and gamble. Finally, Luca has a fascinating “buddy” who has saved her ass on many occasions and is the most constant woman in her world. She is affectionately called her ‘fuck buddy’. Even though I love Luca, I think she is a little fucked up and needs to see some kind of light.
Jess is a cop and that constant woman in Luca’s world. She is kind of a mystery and a tad confused about life, but she is a great cop and good friend. She deserves to find the right woman. She deserves to be loved. When Jess became less of a mystery, I loved her completely.
I cannot imagine anyone not having a great time riding shotgun through all of Luca’s escapades. The big picture definitely gets revealed which is always satisfying. I recommend hopping on Luca’s band wagon and having a blast.
NOTE: This book was provided by bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
Luca likes to drink and gamble. Luca likes to collect her bounty so she can pay the rent, drink and gamble. Finally, Luca has a fascinating “buddy” who has saved her ass on many occasions and is the most constant woman in her world. She is affectionately called her ‘fuck buddy’. Even though I love Luca, I think she is a little fucked up and needs to see some kind of light.
Jess is a cop and that constant woman in Luca’s world. She is kind of a mystery and a tad confused about life, but she is a great cop and good friend. She deserves to find the right woman. She deserves to be loved. When Jess became less of a mystery, I loved her completely.
I cannot imagine anyone not having a great time riding shotgun through all of Luca’s escapades. The big picture definitely gets revealed which is always satisfying. I recommend hopping on Luca’s band wagon and having a blast.
NOTE: This book was provided by bold Strokes Books for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
December 23, 2013
Luca Bennett is not a sweet character, she is raw, flawed and I don't like her. Yet by the end of the book I am hoping she is changing for the better. Will I ever change my opinion of Luca? Time will tell. Great story, leaving me wanting more.
May 7, 2017
Seriously this book sucked. There was not a zero mention of Diamond Collier in the first book and the author only vaguely explained her connection to Luca. Luca is a whiny little bitch and honestly how many more people are gonna get shot. There wasn't an actual plot and the writing was pretty bad.
June 12, 2016
I really love the story of Luca Bennett and Jess Chance. It's very exiting and entertaining. I love the writing and the characters and also the believable story.
November 28, 2019
Love me some Luca Bennett. Hard nosed, blue collar, bounty hunter who hides all her vulnerability behind bluster and a Colt. Lots of hot women make appearances along with mobsters and tendrils of family drama. Luca finally realizes what is important in her life only to have another complication arrive at her front door. Looking forward to the third book in the series.
April 15, 2022
3.5 Stars
January 10, 2024
极致的拉扯
May 21, 2014
Luca Bennett is back and back in trouble again. When an ex conspirator and fling turns up asking for favors she is incapable of saying no. Having all her triggers hit by a sexy woman in need, and the challenge to prove she can deliver, are always going to set her off. The fact that she is way out of her league and playing with the big boys is no deterrent.
At the same time as her work life gets way too complicated, her personal life goes off the rails. She likes things just the way they are.. no strings, nothing difficult, nothing complex. So when her father starts seeing her bartender, her friend with benefits gets a girlfriend and her brother wants her to be his best man, it is far to much for her to deal with.
If she survives the gang warfare she gets in the middle of, can she also survive the personal turmoil?
----------
This is the second book in the Luca Bennett series and while it stands alone it is better if you have read the first, ‘Slingshot’, and if you like the all American private eye genre then why wouldn’t you love this?
Luca is battling with 2 gangs who seem set on a war with her in the middle, but in fact there is the sneaking suspicion she is being played hard by her “fed – ex“ Diamond Collier. To confuse it all her poker house is in the middle of a drug ring and nobody seems to know who is orchestrating it all or why she is involved. As Luca struggles to fight off all-comers and keep enough money in the coffee tin to pay the rent, she also battles confusing feelings about the women in her life.
Luca continues to amuse and amaze in this follow up to Slingshot. The capers are fantastic and the gangland thugs keep the suspense rolling, but underneath it all is a cracking romance just waiting to happen. As the story progresses and Luca’s feelings become more obvious, her wild ways and one night stands are replaced with a soulful longing for something she doesn’t believe she is even worthy of dreaming about.
We learn more about her family, meet her soon to be married brother and delve deeper into her psyche. Her friendship with Jess becomes a central tenet of her life, and her unyielding support of her family and small circle of friends is absolute.
Before long you could slap her for not seeing what is in front of her. For not acknowledging what she feels. For not recognizing what Jess is playing at. But then that’s the fun. Waiting for the other shoe to drop as the story unfolds and Jess saves her from herself once again.
Great follow up. Can’t wait for the next installment.
At the same time as her work life gets way too complicated, her personal life goes off the rails. She likes things just the way they are.. no strings, nothing difficult, nothing complex. So when her father starts seeing her bartender, her friend with benefits gets a girlfriend and her brother wants her to be his best man, it is far to much for her to deal with.
If she survives the gang warfare she gets in the middle of, can she also survive the personal turmoil?
----------
This is the second book in the Luca Bennett series and while it stands alone it is better if you have read the first, ‘Slingshot’, and if you like the all American private eye genre then why wouldn’t you love this?
Luca is battling with 2 gangs who seem set on a war with her in the middle, but in fact there is the sneaking suspicion she is being played hard by her “fed – ex“ Diamond Collier. To confuse it all her poker house is in the middle of a drug ring and nobody seems to know who is orchestrating it all or why she is involved. As Luca struggles to fight off all-comers and keep enough money in the coffee tin to pay the rent, she also battles confusing feelings about the women in her life.
Luca continues to amuse and amaze in this follow up to Slingshot. The capers are fantastic and the gangland thugs keep the suspense rolling, but underneath it all is a cracking romance just waiting to happen. As the story progresses and Luca’s feelings become more obvious, her wild ways and one night stands are replaced with a soulful longing for something she doesn’t believe she is even worthy of dreaming about.
We learn more about her family, meet her soon to be married brother and delve deeper into her psyche. Her friendship with Jess becomes a central tenet of her life, and her unyielding support of her family and small circle of friends is absolute.
Before long you could slap her for not seeing what is in front of her. For not acknowledging what she feels. For not recognizing what Jess is playing at. But then that’s the fun. Waiting for the other shoe to drop as the story unfolds and Jess saves her from herself once again.
Great follow up. Can’t wait for the next installment.
June 1, 2013
Enjoyable 2nd book featuring bounty hunter Luca Bennett. Not really a romance, it's more a look into Luca's life as she goes about trying to earn money for beer and burgers. The ending hints at another book and I can't wait to read that.
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews