Cold Call

Best Served Cold #4

by Simone Leigh

When It’s Time To Defend Those You Love
As the women of the family pool their resources and talents to prepare for war, the men make their own plans to deal with de Palo.
But when you're outnumbered by the enemy, what might you do to even the odds?
A Steamy Mafia Revenge Thriller

Approx 35,000 Words

Genres: Suspense, Steamy

174 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 22, 2023

About the author

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.

To claim a FREE copy of Target, visit this link: https://www.simone-leigh.com/books/ta...

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.

https://www.simone-leigh.com/

Follow Simone on Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/perfumepetal...

Follow Simone on BookBub: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/simon...

And for those following the 'Buying the Virgin' story, here's a link to a 'Suggested Reading Order' for the books.

https://www.simone-leigh.com/suggeste...

Reviews

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Extremely well written, full of drama, romance, suspense, steam, intrigue, love, mystery with lots of twists and turns. Definitely a page turner as is the rest of the series. All these characters, both bad and good, are well developed, strong and fit the story's needs. Very fast paced read. The family, either the men or the women are pulling together to support or protect their families. This book puts you on the edge and holds you there till the end but does have another cliffhanger, which makes you want for the next part of the series fast. This author has a way with her writing- she's a fantastic storyteller. Would strongly recommend to others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele · Rating 5 out of 5]

No words to describe the turmoil in Cold Call!
I was pulled in immediately as the women build their fortress and the men set a trap! I feel for the frustration between husbands, wives and children being separated and the inventive ways they remedy the situation. And in true Simone-fashion, she ends with a big finale that leaves you saying “What just happened?” and “When is the next book coming out?”

[Anne Young-Cronister · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is part of a series that has been so bewitching from the very start. The family keeps growing and getting better around each other. This particular book focuses on the battle between the men protecting their families and the men who wants to destroy them. I can’t wait for the next part!! I love these characters. It feels like I’m reading about people who are so very real.

I reviewed an advanced copy of this book via BookSprout.

[Michelle Fortune · Rating 5 out of 5]

The twists and turns in this book will keep you guessing throughout. The story is definitely heating up and with the cliffhanger at the end will make you wonder who the real puppetmaster is. It is very interesting finding out the various ways household items can be used to defend yourself. It also shows that couples can get through tough times together as well as apart.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Mulan Book Princess · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favourite authors with my favourite characters. I have to say that this series has been pretty exciting so far. I can’t wait to read the next book as I something big is going to happen!.

I received a free advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my fair and honest review.

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Okay, yáll. 'Cold Call' is the fourth installment in Simone Leigh's "Best Served Cold" series and, as if they weren't before, things are getting serious. Trying to keep them safe from the he$$ that's coming, the women and children, all but Francis, have been sent to an undeveloped holiday island Richard bought. Thankfully, Klempner being who and what he is, sent a care package with them knowing Charlotte would know what to do with it. The men are gathering at Richard's beach hideaway. The buildup is palpable, the execution of the plan is a mind-boggling, heart-pumping, edge-of-your-seat read. There's no missing this one. * I will say, on a personal note, I did feel more than a bit of empathy for Richard and James at one point. Two virile, alpha males being in the position they found themselves in had to have been humbling. I'm wondering what the emotional repercussions will be once all this is settled.* I've said it before and I'll repeat it, Ms. Leigh has continued to outdo herself with the characters, plot, and world-building. Chefs kiss to you, Ms. Leigh. You've done it again.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Harper’s Home · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG!!!

Simone Leigh is one of the most imaginative writers I’ve come across in years.

Step into the roller coaster we call “ColdCall”, pull down the safety bar and hold on for dear life. Be ready for brain whiplash, mind boggling twists and turns so fast you’ll be winded. This will seriously make your mind tingle. Disclaimer don’t read before bed this one gets the heart pumping. I seriously can’t wait for the next installment and this cliffhanger is gnawing at my prefrontal cortex🧠.

I’ve been invested in all her characters from the start of Buying the Virgin. I love how in this series Best Served Cold, we are seeing more deeply into Hickman pre-Klempner and De Palo. This mafia story brings everyone out swinging including the women.

This story is a page turner with well developed characters, most of whom you’re pulling for. This series should be read in order as not to miss any little nuance.

Happy Reading📖🌻.

I received an advance copy of this book from the Author via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest an unbiased review.

[Douglas Williamson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Both our heroes and are heroines are making plans to deal with their enemy, but they are severely outnumbered. They just need a way to balance the odds.

This is book four 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 arc a pretty good starting point. That being said, you should start at the beginning of this arc.

This is an erotic romance or romantic suspense, take your pick as it has elements of both. The story is very well written and easy to read with fast moving plot that draws you into the story. This story ties to the author's long running series, but explores the backstory of some of those characters. 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 another wonderful story and I look forward to more from this author.

Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout for review purposes

[Leisel · Rating 5 out of 5]

First off this has to be read in conjunction with the previous installments of the series to fully comprehend the overall plot of the story.
But believe me you will not be disappointed in the slightest, unless these are not your typical genre of stories to read. I will admit I well and truly fell down the rabbit hole with not only this series but the continuous works from Author Simone Leigh, she well and truly opened an incredibly sensuous world of storytelling for me, not always the easiest or comfortableness of walks through the daisies but certainly the type to leave an emotional impression.
Not only are readers gifted with incredible characters but a truly epic story that seems to get better with every new venture into the lives of this family.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fast-paced explosive action, intrigue, heart wrenching-drama, suspense, danger, humor, and love, continued through this entire installment. I am obsessed with this series that delivers every single thing you want in an action/romance series. Not a single moment of this book was slow or boring. Klempner, Caproni and Hickman, Richard, James, Michael, Borje, and let’s not forget Decker and Ross, these guys are my heroes. They are the stars in this installment. I think the next is for the girls, Charlotte (Jenny), Beth, Katya, Mitch, and possibly Georgie, and Isabelle; what do you think? I can’t wait for the next book!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jackie Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well!! I really wasn’t expecting that!!

After reading most of Simone’s books I thought at the end of the last one that I had worked out what was coming! Well it didn’t happen in this book! Completely thrown, but in a good way!

I really enjoyed it. For this book there was not a lot of erotica but the story line didn’t really lend itself to any without it spoiling the “flow”.

I really didn’t expect this cliff hanger but am grateful that we are not usually left hanging for too long!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cold Call really packs a punch. I found myself holding my breath in more than one place with all the chilling action. My emotions were all over the place, too, as the story switched back and forth, from Charlotte and her crew, hidden away, working on their own defenses, to the men’s gun battles. Ay-yi-yi! And I adore the way the author always manages to infuse some deft humor into her dialogue here and there, too. Oh, and the twist at the end, omigod… I loved it. Absolute five-star gold. I was given the opportunity to read an early copy, and this is my honest review. I can’t wait for the next part of the story!

[Cathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book we check in with the women -- through Beth's eyes -- while we follow the men and their preparations for war with De Palo. Our heroes (Charlotte's men) are built for love not war, as they say, but they do their best to help as they can and can ultimately hold their heads up with no shame over their contributions to the effort. The women don't know what's coming but do their best to prepare, led by Charlotte who is as inventive as she is brave, and a terrific role-model for the others. Can't wait for the next installment!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lorie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Noooooo
Simone Leigh, The Mistress of Leaving Us Hanging!!! Let the games begin in earnest! The women and children are away and safe, or are they? A package was received that has Charlotte, or Jenny, fervently working to achieve all that can be done just in case! In case of what? Can the men, and a few women, stop the chaos that has been started by De Palo? Is there more at play than was ever imagined. Hurry Simone with “Cold Justice.” We can’t get enough!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

A family that fights together, stays together.
But now what, now who? Is it over? It can’t be! The suspense is killing me, I need to know! As always, I am on the edge of my seat. Now that Georgie knows more about the family history, she seems to want to be a part of the family and do her part to fight back! The women are also getting ready for the unknown. Who is coming after them now? What’s next? I can’t wait to find out!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[L KQ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Setting the Traps

Part 4 of this series finds Katya, Mitch, Charlotte and Beth utilizing the weapons and artillery in the trunk left to them. Prepping traps and defenses incase De Palo finds them. Meanwhile, the men want to lure in De Palo and his men. This story is starting to get more suspenseful and dangerous as each part continues to bring a new aspect to the plot, including the unforeseen ending, leaving the reader guessing as to what is going to happen next.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ready for ANYTHING
With dePalo on the hunt for Hickman and family, the rest of the extended family and friends associated with Larry are also targets. The hype around so many levels of preparation was riveting. With the men and women each figuring out their own game plan to deal with the threat from very different locations, I was anxious to see how things turned. Lots of action, yes. Surprise at the cliffhanger revelation end- absolutely. Now I can’t wait to see what happens next!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gerry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is another exciting episode in the Best Served Cold series. Klempner and Hickman and their new found friends are preparing for de Palo's imminent attack. The women and children have been sent to the island "resort" for their safety but provided with essential resources in case the worst happens. Charlotte is busily reading up on improvising weapons and ammunition. The other women are lending a hand based on their respective skills, and the children are just enjoying their vacation. Lots of action with a bit of romance. Loving it!

[Marlene Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

After Georgie is safely back with Richard, James, Larry, Hickman and Borje, the men go on offensive to lure dePalo out on their terms. Meanwhile, in case attack on island comes to Charlotte, Beth, Mitch and Katya, they ready the island with booby traps and nasty retaliatory weapons...but will the efforts yield desired results since dePalo doesn't seem to be the brains behind attacks??? I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another thrilling book in the Best Served Cold series! The author brings a cast of strong characters and takes you on an emotional and action packed journey filled with drama, danger, suspense, intrigue and twists and turns. She moves the story fluidly with detailed and descriptive scenes and delivers a page turning read. I can't wait for the next book!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Judith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another instalment of a cracking series.
Simone, as we well know, is a superb storyteller. Her current Cold series has an equal measure of great writing skills along with spellbinding scene descriptions, keeping the reader on the edge of their seats. The book ends on an unexpected cliffhanger. Along with several thousand other readers, I shall be waiting for the next instalment of this story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series gets better and better. I couldn't put it down. I love how much of a family man Larry has become and how his friend group is expanding. Larry has evolved from the scary, creepy dirtbag to a protective family man who watches out for those he loves and invites into his inner circle. Michael, James, and Richard are learning that nothing is black or white but possibly a shade of grey.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[maria martignetti · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've been really enjoying this author for a while now
love the detailed writing style
very evocative


Really enjoying this series
Great characters and story
Great premise for this short story

looking forward to more.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read a lot of books written by Simone Leigh; she is one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the fourth book in the Best Served Cold Series; the story continues from the previous book and needs to be read in order.

I received a free copy of this book via booksprout and I’m voluntarily leaving a review.

[Erika · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simone has written a mafia story full of drama, danger, and steam. The men are doing everything to protect the women and children. When the men are in need of help, who is going to have their back. A great addition to the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[lf · Rating 5 out of 5]

Part 4 .... the thrill continues!!!

Cold Call is the fourth book in the Best Served Cold series. This book continues the suspenseful story, so you have to read the books in order. This book is another heart pounding, thrill seeking, late night reading, experience. A fantastic series, a fantastic book, and a fantastic read.

[CJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has held our attention with heart pounding suspense, twists and turns, danger and action. The book ends with a cliffhanger and leaves you eagerly waiting the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Lesley-jane Meredith · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story just keeps getting better and better. Simone writes very well and keeps me wanting more I can’t wait for the next book every time. I’ve been on the edge of my seat waiting and she never disappoints. Definitely one of the best authors I read.

[Laura Anderson-lesyshen · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s Simone Leigh’s work…if I have to say anything else, you are really missing out on some great writings !!! Grab some of her work and you’ll see what I mean…. Terrific story !!!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arc review I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. As the war is getting good with De Palo all the characters have their orders what they need to Do fantastic.