CIA Operative Joshua Lassiter is always in the midst of danger. When an international incident requires his attention, the journey begins. In foreign territory with a ruthless King at the helm, Joshua finds himself rescuing royalty and a mysterious woman.
Akande Ambree has a mission: kill the man who dishonored her family. Ready to give her life in honor of her country, it is Joshua that crosses her path. Life takes on a different meaning under the tutelage of a Lassiter in more ways than one.
Love for your country or the sweet love of a man..... The choice comes with trust.
Iris Bolling is an award-winning USA Today bestselling author of five series totaling over thirty romantic suspense novels. In addition to writing, she has produced and directed several books to film projects, and scriptwriting projects for other authors.
Joshua "Absolute" Lassister is the man all women dream of: Confident, intelligent and truly licensed to kill. He finally gets the spotlight to shine on him, as he's been seen in Bolling's Heart Series often.
When a member of Emure's royal family is kidnapped, Absolute is called upon to rescue her. Little did he know, his body count would increase.
Enter, Akande Aubree: A woman that is spared by request yet, has mystery surrounding her.
Iris Bolling has found her signature style with this novel. With visual scenes, witty punchlines and crisp movement througout the book, one has to want more. Fans will certainly demand another story due to the intricate twists and turns provided.
A highly recommended read for lovers of romance, action, adventure, suspense and mystery.
Okay what can I say about Joshua story? I did enjoy seeing him fall in love, it was cute and sexy, then down right scary. The ish Akande had to go through was f'ed up, but it made for a good story. Their love affair was hot from the beginning to the very end, I would love to say so much more. But I won't lol that would mess up the story for you, and I shouldn't have to go through this madness alone :) so I'll wait for you to read for yourselves. Miss Iris did her mojo on this book, and I'm so glad this wasn't the end of the road for my sideboo lol. (ya'll know I'm secretly in love with absolute) Read the dayum book Anna-May!
Joshua, the man himself is impressive, put him with Akande, and you got a helluva story. Joshua, gives you drama, romance, intrigue, suspense, and action. Wait, I left out family, loyalty, love, and support! Joshua, is like a black James Bond, just that he doesn't get the girl. he is on a covert mission, rescue a kidnapped child. During the mission and afterwards he is faced with betrayel, from his government to his so called lady love. The book of Joshua is worth picking up! Besides the mess with Joshua, covert oops, and all the other drama. I got to meet Shelly, loved her character, and liked how the writer put her and Royce's love story in the mix of it all. Those two needed a book to themselves. I'm loving this series so far, the realistic dialogue is my thing. 'do you walk towards gun fire, hell nah!'
My Lawwwwwwwwwwwwwddddddd......This Book is FIYAHHHHH!!!!!!
This book was more than what I expected, to say that it had everything is an understatement. Author Iris Bolling bought her "A" Game and it is a magnificent story.
Joshua Theodore Lassiter aka Absolute is a CIA operative that is a deadly human weapon. His assignments yield 100% success rates, he is the one whom The President of the United States calls on without hesitation. So when his friend called on his to rescue his baby sister who had been kidnapped, he didn't hesitate but upon finding her, he also rescued a woman by the name of Akande. Getting out alive was only half the battle, Joshua for the first time in his adult life found himself on the other side of a woman, who commanded such power within her (and she didn't know it) and Joshua became a moth to her flame. In the beginning Joshua and Akande didn't trust each other but as the days went by, they learn to do just that although Joshua still had his reservations about who she really is.
Danger surrounded Joshua and Akande on every side, the two had found a love that for the battle hardened Joshua was as sweet as a choice wine. For Akande she had found a love that she had no idea existed for she always was treated poorly. Akande was being lied, manipulated and mistreated by her aunt and Joshua sought to protect her from all harm and show Akande a love she never would have expected. These two fought hard together and apart but sometimes that may not be enough.
Along the way plots were uncovered and revealed. Betrayals within families, murder and mayhem was reigning fiercely. Joshua and his team had to work against time to bring the truth to the surface before the life of Akande, his colleagues and his own are taken. Also new love has been found by another unsuspecting couple and a new life together is being planned. Meanwhile an attraction that has been brewing below the surface has begun to slowly come to the top and I can't wait to see how this comes along.
As the Book 1 "Trust" came to a close, hearts have been broken and sacrifices have been made, that have forever changed the course of history for some. Also towards the end of the story the unthinkable happens to Joshua aka Absolute and now the race is on for him. In Book 2 The Book of Joshua II "Believe" he will need to believe if he is to come out of this one alive.
Two people, devoted to their countries, cross paths and passion sparks, threatening to deter their individual missions. As the synopsis states “love for your country or the sweet love of a man. Trust will play a major role in their decision.
Joshua “Absolute” Lassiter is the next Gent in the Gem & Gents series to take center stage, and in his most infamous way, he did a resounding BOOM! The Book of Joshua I: Trust starts off with a bang and readers are taken on a roll coaster ride of adventure, intrigue and yes passion, the likes which will have readers reflecting on Joshua’s story beyond the last page. When I say this book packed all, action, suspense, laughter, and of course intense attraction, it was that and more. Ms. Bolling is a wonderful storyteller and can bring characters to life and have readers experiencing various emotions. Readers will laugh and yes there are going to be some Kleenex grabbing moments in this book. Readers get to witness a side of Joshua that will pull at your heartstrings and make you want to jump into the pages and cut a person.
Ms. Bolling again did an outstanding job composing Joshua and Akande’s story. We were able to witness how these two each had a mission and were determined to complete their quest but they could not deny the attraction they felt for each other. Their relationship developed very fast and each needed to learn to trust the other. There is also a secondary love story within this book involving Shelly and Royce that is compelling and loveable. Several characters from Bolling’s Heart series also have cameo appearances to make for a lively read. I so loved this book. There are several surprises that will have the reader shouting WHAT and WHY! But it is so worth reading. Did I mentioned the attraction between Akande and Joshua was explosive…she got a taste of the “Absolute Experience”. What is the Absolute Experience, readers must download The Book of Joshua I: Trust to find out. You definitely will not be disappointed.
I have loved Joshua from the beginning of The Heart Series and The Book of Joshua has only intensified that love! He is such an alpha male who loves & respect his mother, his family, his friends & his country & will KILL FOR ALL THEM NO QUESTIONS ASKED!
It was such a heart felt experience seeing another side of Joshua *TEARS* of emotions!!!
I was glad to see a lot of The Heart series family appear especially Monique, she all grown up now
I loved the book of Joshua it is funny, sexy ,exciting and emotional read which took me totally by surprise. The fact that Joshua had strong faith made his character that much more endearing. I really getting to know the characters in this book and I can't wait to read the next Book of The Book Of Joshua II.
I enjoyed this novel. It had just enough intrigue, sensual characters, and foreign locations to keep me reading. I really liked the twist at the end and how she wrapped up the story. Bravo! This was my first novel from this author.
This was such an enjoyable Read! Joshua Lassiter is the man that many young women, and those of us who are not so young ☺️ dream of. He’s good looking, and knows how to dress to impress, loves and appreciates beautiful women, even when working a covert operation for the government. When I encountered Joshua in book one of this series I realized that even though he was a jokester of sorts , he was the most lethal of the Lassiter brothers, especially when it came down to those he considered family and those that were under his protection. I would always chuckle when he would appear seemingly from out of nowhere because no one ever saw him enter or exit through a door. He was just there and then he wasn’t😅
This book had me binging because f all the unexpected twists and turns. When book one ended Joshua and his oldest brother Samuel were leaving their sisters wedding reception because they had received word that a close friend’s Youngest sister had been kidnapped. So when Joshua shows up in book two, he’s in a remote place somewhere in Africa , doing what he does best, he’s on his way to complete what was supposed to be a simple snatch and grab mission and return the young princess to her family and his friend her brother. Well needless to say the mission turned out to be anything but simple.😳
This book tugged at so many different emotions and I loved every minute of it. I don’t want to say much more for fear of spoiling it. But let me just say that there is plenty of action, passion🔥🔥 intrigue and twists and turns that even though you think you know what’s gonna happen you end up saying “ whoa! I didn’t see that coming”
4.0 out of 5 starsLoved it can't wait for the sequel!!!!!! ByDiehard Reader 4Lyfeon August 29, 2013 Format: Kindle Edition|Verified Purchase Well all I can say is Kudos to you Iris Bolling, once again you have done it! I loved this novel and I am waiting with baited breath for the sequel. It held all the intrigue, steam, drama and everything else I've come to associate with your books. I found a few grammatical errors but in no way did it take away from the story line. I really truly enjoyed this first half to Joshua's road to his happily ever after and all I can say is release the 2nd part soon! I know you will let it all come out alright for Joshua and then on to the rest of the Lassiter clan! Great work Iris. Keep it up you are really giving your readers a great continued adventure. For those who have not purchased Iris Bolling's books you are missing a treat. She wraps romance up with so much action and intrigue you can't help but be drawn in to each and every story. I have enjoyed every book to date and once again I thank SisTar Tea for introducing me to such a wonderful author. Edit
So now we see why Joshua has no use for Akande aka Queen Sofiat Abdulzaaq who chose her country over his love! I tend to agree with Joshua's mother that Joshua did not fully trust Akande and therefore was not fully in love with her. Until he figures that out however he is destined to be in a lot of pain emotionally! I am glad Prince Raheem was not just greedy for power and money as to why he had his own sister kidnapped. It all came out the day Akande had to make a decision that changed the course of her and Joshua's lives forever. Thankfully there is one waiting in the wings that neither she nor Joshua know they are destined to be together. I am so glad that evil aunt and uncle of Akande got what was coming to them. Now though tenuous at best, peace can come to Emure and Asmere! Another story that I truly enjoyed!!!!
I remember passing this book many times at my local library , I would always say to myself that I would come back and check it out , the bio of it pulling me in as soon as I read it. When I was finally done reading every poetry book I could find , I finally rented it.......AND BOY WAS THAT A RIDE. If you are looking for humor when you need it , action , and the beautiful ups and heart crashing downs love can bring , READ THIS BOOK PLEASE. I won't give any spoilers , but the way Iris described the thing that she did really brought the story alive in all kinds of amazing ways. I definitely will be getting book number two , I am ready to have my world rocked again. Good job Iris Bolling.
I cheated myself because I waited so long to read this book! I have slept on Iris Bolling, now I am on a mission to read all of her books. Although I was in tears by the end of this one, I knew I wasn't done. I immediately purchased and downloaded Book off Joshua 2. That's how good it was! No. I am not talking about the book, just telling you how it affected me. I am hooked. The characters. The storyline. The action. All of it sucks you in and won't release you, not even after the last word in the book! You will want more. I know I do. Bravo,I ris Bolling, I am a fan for life.
This book had me going through so many emotions. I laughed, cheered, cried got angry ready to fight. So glad there is a part 2 and can't wait to read it. It is after midnight but I got to read at least a few pages. Excellent book she is vastly becoming one of my favorite authors. I told my husband about her and the reviews and she have not disappointed me.
I gave this book five stars because it's a great book. Joshua is one bad dude. He takes no prisoners. Except this time he got taken by one. He thought Akande was the one but she really wasn't. Although I can understand the position she was in, I can't understand about having to marry someone I know tried to kill me. But that's the way the story goes. Joshua will be back to his tricks in no time I'm sure. Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
OMG - THIS BOOK WAS SO GOOD! Joshua Lassiter is now one of my favorite Heros. I went through so many different emotions while reading part one of his story. Spoiler Alert: keep a box of kleenex handy. My favorite line was "You come into my country, after my woman and shot my trainee. You lost your damn mind". I definitely would recommend this to everyone. I am so glad that I had the forethought to get part 2, so I can stop crying and continue reading.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Wow! This was a great story, I bought this book over a year ago and I have been holding onto it and I finally sit down and read it. All I can say is wow! This was a great read very well written I love the characters and the family friends, are a great crew. I hope in the next series Joshua find somebody to love, because I believe that he is A great individual.
Joshua Lassister a trained operative. He is sent on nearly impossible missions that he somehow manages to get the job done. His latest mission is to rescue Akande Aubree who was kidnapped and is in a no win situation. Her and Joshua fall in love which complictes her life. It definately was a different ending that I never saw coming. It was a great and complicated story.
I Loved it! I have fallen in love with family series! The Lassister's family you will love! Hard to put down books! Joshua loved plenty of action and fast moving f love! Joshua fell in love and caught karma! Now he is lost! I cannot wait for part II! He got bitten and lost it! Love or Lust can do that to you!
Ohh Wow. I got her signature an love. One of my favorite authors an she didn't disappear. The cliff hangar was intriguing. Those Lassitar's, I could read about each one of them. Joshua however is a alpha man after my own heart. Fast paced, mysterious an interesting.
Joshua - The story was exceptionally good. Joshua has been such a pivotal character in all the books. It was great to learn about him and Queen Akande. Overall this was an exceptionally well written book.
I started this book not realizing I couldn’t sleep until I finished it! I can’t wait to read Joshua II! It was so Boling. I truly enjoyed the Book, and I couldn’t turn the pages quickly enough!
I am so hooked on the series Gems and Gents. Joshua is one of my favorite heroes and I can’t believe she broke his heart. Look forward to reading Joshua’s book II
UMMMM EHHMHH, the relationship between Joshua and Akande did not move me, too damsel in distressed predictable. Something tells me she'll pop back up in the future although I hope not.
This series gets better a nd better. Can't wait to read Joshua ll . This was a great book. Love the Gems and Gents Great storyline and strong characters.