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Stella LaRosa #1
Black Rose
In the heart of San Francisco, a city known for its striking contrasts of beauty and danger, Stella LaRosa plunges into an investigation that will challenge every skill she's honed as a seasoned journalist.
When a gruesome murder disrupts the deceptive calm of the city, Stella finds herself entangled in a web of secrets that spans the globe, reaching into the dark recesses of power, betrayal, and revenge.
Mark Bellamy's life ends in a fog-shrouded alley, his existence erased by a shadowy figure skilled enough to move undetected through the night. His last thoughts, a blend of fear and determination, set the stage for a story that pulls Stella into the murky depths of clandestine operations, where the Headway program—a government initiative shrouded in secrecy—threatens to unravel, exposing a conspiracy that could shake the nation to its core.
As Stella delves deeper, she's forced to confront her own past, a mosaic of assignments in war-torn corners of the world, where the line between right and wrong blurred long ago. With the help of Detective Rob Griffin, a figure from her past with secrets of his own, Stella races against time to peel back layers of deceit, unaware that the truth might demand the ultimate sacrifice.
Black Rose is a thrilling ride through the shadowy streets of San Francisco, down the corridors of power in Washington, D.C., and into the heart of darkness itself. L.T. Ryan and Kristi Belcamino weave a tale of suspense, betrayal, and unexpected alliances, where the search for justice could cost Stella everything she holds dear. In a world where trust is a commodity more valuable than gold, Stella must decide how far she's willing to go to expose the truth—and whether she can survive the consequences.
When a gruesome murder disrupts the deceptive calm of the city, Stella finds herself entangled in a web of secrets that spans the globe, reaching into the dark recesses of power, betrayal, and revenge.
Mark Bellamy's life ends in a fog-shrouded alley, his existence erased by a shadowy figure skilled enough to move undetected through the night. His last thoughts, a blend of fear and determination, set the stage for a story that pulls Stella into the murky depths of clandestine operations, where the Headway program—a government initiative shrouded in secrecy—threatens to unravel, exposing a conspiracy that could shake the nation to its core.
As Stella delves deeper, she's forced to confront her own past, a mosaic of assignments in war-torn corners of the world, where the line between right and wrong blurred long ago. With the help of Detective Rob Griffin, a figure from her past with secrets of his own, Stella races against time to peel back layers of deceit, unaware that the truth might demand the ultimate sacrifice.
Black Rose is a thrilling ride through the shadowy streets of San Francisco, down the corridors of power in Washington, D.C., and into the heart of darkness itself. L.T. Ryan and Kristi Belcamino weave a tale of suspense, betrayal, and unexpected alliances, where the search for justice could cost Stella everything she holds dear. In a world where trust is a commodity more valuable than gold, Stella must decide how far she's willing to go to expose the truth—and whether she can survive the consequences.
280 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 21, 2024
1626 people are currently reading
155 people want to read
About the author
L.T. Ryan
161 books1,435 followersL.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game
BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)
BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal
BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
BOOKS IN THE JACK NOBLE SERIES
The Recruit (prequel short story)
The First Deception (prequel)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game
BOOKS IN THE BEAR LOGAN SERIES
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Takedown
Deep State (coming January, 2020)
BOOKS IN THE CLARISSA ABBOT SERIES
Beyond Betrayal
BOOKS IN THE MITCH TANNER SERIES
The Depths of Darkness
Into the Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (coming soon)
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
About the Author
L.T. RYAN is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he's up to at ltryan.com.
Social Media Links
Facebook (L.T. Ryan): facebook.com/LTRyanAuthor
Facebook (Jack Noble Page): facebook.com/JackNobleBooks/
Twitter: twitter.com/LTRyanWrites
Goodreads: goodreads.com/author/show/6151659.L_T...
Contact L.T. Ryan at contact@ltryan.com
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
April 9, 2024
This is one of the best books I’ve read so far this year. The lead character Stella is just wonderful. She is a multi- facetted character with a large family and a past career in war zones as a news correspondent.
This plot had me hooked in right from the start. I love a book that can draw me in to the plot so one can not put it down. I read it in less than two days.
The additional characters were interesting and really added to the story line. In many ways they helped to create a clearer picture of Stella and what she was fighting. The dialogue was very natural and there was lots to drive the plot. There were narrative parts but these were more Stella’s past memories.
I also liked the description of Stella’s workplace. One could picture the presses running and sense the smells from the paper and ink.
I am glad the story did not end on a cliff hanger but I really look forward to the next Stella La Rosa novel, Red Ink. This appears to be a great writing team.
I received an advance copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This plot had me hooked in right from the start. I love a book that can draw me in to the plot so one can not put it down. I read it in less than two days.
The additional characters were interesting and really added to the story line. In many ways they helped to create a clearer picture of Stella and what she was fighting. The dialogue was very natural and there was lots to drive the plot. There were narrative parts but these were more Stella’s past memories.
I also liked the description of Stella’s workplace. One could picture the presses running and sense the smells from the paper and ink.
I am glad the story did not end on a cliff hanger but I really look forward to the next Stella La Rosa novel, Red Ink. This appears to be a great writing team.
I received an advance copy of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 5, 2024
A brilliant story about greed, love, loss, lies and betrayal at the highest levels of power.
Stella is a reporter with a couple of secrets but she's not the only one. The story she's writing has the revelations that could cost powerful men their freedom. As for those she worked with in her past it could even cost them their lives. This is a brilliant thriller about a young woman whose suffering from PTSD after what she's witnessed and who she's lost. But as she starts back working again the story she wants to write takes a fatal twist she becomes more determined to reveal who was behind the deaths she witnessed and why. I find many stories about reporters to take to long to get going but not Black Rose this is a truly gripping story that you'll absolutely love. A damaged yet strong willed, principled and lethal reporter who can kill you her words or her hands.
Stella is a reporter with a couple of secrets but she's not the only one. The story she's writing has the revelations that could cost powerful men their freedom. As for those she worked with in her past it could even cost them their lives. This is a brilliant thriller about a young woman whose suffering from PTSD after what she's witnessed and who she's lost. But as she starts back working again the story she wants to write takes a fatal twist she becomes more determined to reveal who was behind the deaths she witnessed and why. I find many stories about reporters to take to long to get going but not Black Rose this is a truly gripping story that you'll absolutely love. A damaged yet strong willed, principled and lethal reporter who can kill you her words or her hands.
March 22, 2024
Stella is back in her own series now and in the usual style of Kristi Belcamino, this book sports great characters, and great plot/storylines with plenty of thrills and action to keep even the most selective of thriller readers riveted. A page-turner that has you at the edge of your seat. Due to her past, Stella is being hunted while her team is being systematically murdered. Why? Who? Read this well-written, suspenseful and this is definitely NOT THE END for Stella. Looking forward to the next book in this new series, co-authored by LT Ryan. Now, THERE is a GREAT TEAM! Highly recommend!
March 25, 2024
Another runaway blockbuster!!
Wow……another amazing thriller with another bad-ass heroine. Stella LaRosa is a crime journalist with a complicated past dedicated to making sure the truth is told and the innocent are protected from the corrupt. First I thought Rachel Hatch was my favorite of L T Ryan’s female characters. Then there was Cassie O’Quinn. Maddie Castle stands head-to-head with Rachel. Now Stella joins the group and I LOVE HER!!!!! I guess I’ll have to keep buying the ALL!!!!
Wow……another amazing thriller with another bad-ass heroine. Stella LaRosa is a crime journalist with a complicated past dedicated to making sure the truth is told and the innocent are protected from the corrupt. First I thought Rachel Hatch was my favorite of L T Ryan’s female characters. Then there was Cassie O’Quinn. Maddie Castle stands head-to-head with Rachel. Now Stella joins the group and I LOVE HER!!!!! I guess I’ll have to keep buying the ALL!!!!
April 3, 2024
Black Rose
What a great story, couldn't put it down. A journalist, an innocent from a mafia family is recruited to do black ops in the Middle East that is disbanded in disgrace. Nick was her love and taught her the trade, she was known as the Black Rose. Nick was reported dead from their last opportunity and now everyone from the team is being murdered for the cover up of the real reason the team was formed. At the end Stella has a showdown with the assassin and she walks away.
What a great story, couldn't put it down. A journalist, an innocent from a mafia family is recruited to do black ops in the Middle East that is disbanded in disgrace. Nick was her love and taught her the trade, she was known as the Black Rose. Nick was reported dead from their last opportunity and now everyone from the team is being murdered for the cover up of the real reason the team was formed. At the end Stella has a showdown with the assassin and she walks away.
April 14, 2024
Stella is a dangerous woman
Well, here’s another series that I have to read! I do enjoy nearly every book that LT Ryan writes. I also really like having a woman as the main character, who is powerful as well. Stella is a tough lady. She fights better than most men and is hyper aware to dangerous situations. Her past catches up with her in a dangerous way and her former colleagues have been dropping like flies. I have to keep reading this series so I’ll know what works for her.
Well, here’s another series that I have to read! I do enjoy nearly every book that LT Ryan writes. I also really like having a woman as the main character, who is powerful as well. Stella is a tough lady. She fights better than most men and is hyper aware to dangerous situations. Her past catches up with her in a dangerous way and her former colleagues have been dropping like flies. I have to keep reading this series so I’ll know what works for her.
June 25, 2024
danger is everywhere……
Being a child in a major Mafia family was difficult growing up! As she grew, she knew she wanted no part of that life, no matter what! What she ran to was much worse, but she thought she was doing things to protect the country and way of life! When the love of her life is killed and she is injured during an “operation” she goes home to be the reported she had been. Family is harassing her to really “come home”. She becomes embroiled in intrigue with her latest story and surviving members of her old “team” are dying! Is she next?
Being a child in a major Mafia family was difficult growing up! As she grew, she knew she wanted no part of that life, no matter what! What she ran to was much worse, but she thought she was doing things to protect the country and way of life! When the love of her life is killed and she is injured during an “operation” she goes home to be the reported she had been. Family is harassing her to really “come home”. She becomes embroiled in intrigue with her latest story and surviving members of her old “team” are dying! Is she next?
March 21, 2024
New series! Strong female lead, reporter in SF comes across a sketchy murder scene. Her gut is telling her there’s more going on and she’s not afraid to dig in for the truth. She has intelligent instincts and is great at reading people. It’s perfect for mystery and suspense lovers, even a little action. Stella is definitely not going anywhere because this story isn’t over, no cliffhanger but there’s a sequel. I received an early copy from the publisher and wrote my review voluntarily.
March 22, 2024
Belcamino is back, partnered with L.T. Ryan in another hit with a strong woman protagonist. Stella Collins, journalist, aka Stella LaRosa, aka the Black Rose, just wants a normal, quiet life after the hell she went through on her team's last mission. When she investigates the death of a supposed homeless man, it all breaks loose.
I sure did enjoy this fast-paced, easy to read thriller. Welcome back, Belcamino!
I sure did enjoy this fast-paced, easy to read thriller. Welcome back, Belcamino!
April 14, 2024
Finally, a Skilled co-author!
After squirming through the last few co-written works, suffering at the clumsy plot twists (or were they just half-turns), it was a great pleasure to meet this new character in three full dimensions. The writing of plot development and action sequences was believable and exciting. Good on you! Now if you could only learn the correct use of the verb dealing with reclining, i.e. LIE, LAY LAIN, not LAY, LAID, LAID.
After squirming through the last few co-written works, suffering at the clumsy plot twists (or were they just half-turns), it was a great pleasure to meet this new character in three full dimensions. The writing of plot development and action sequences was believable and exciting. Good on you! Now if you could only learn the correct use of the verb dealing with reclining, i.e. LIE, LAY LAIN, not LAY, LAID, LAID.
May 16, 2024
Oh, boy! I am loving Stella
Wow. I love this new character. She's tough as any man in some ways, but she feels everything deeply and loves completely. The story was really well done. It moved along quickly and gave me the information about who this woman is at her core. I have pre-ordered the next one and will read them all as they are released. I hope there are LOTS of Stella LaRosa books ahead!
Wow. I love this new character. She's tough as any man in some ways, but she feels everything deeply and loves completely. The story was really well done. It moved along quickly and gave me the information about who this woman is at her core. I have pre-ordered the next one and will read them all as they are released. I hope there are LOTS of Stella LaRosa books ahead!
October 13, 2024
Excellent protagonist
Stella LaRosa/Collins is a fabulous female main character. She is nothing like Cassie Quinn (same author L.T Ryan) but also has many of the same personality traits. Love her (both of them, actually 😊). She's smart but struggles with life. She has a loving family but some she could do without. I am on to the 2nd book. Looking forward to it. The 3rd, I'll have to wait till April 2025 😫
Stella LaRosa/Collins is a fabulous female main character. She is nothing like Cassie Quinn (same author L.T Ryan) but also has many of the same personality traits. Love her (both of them, actually 😊). She's smart but struggles with life. She has a loving family but some she could do without. I am on to the 2nd book. Looking forward to it. The 3rd, I'll have to wait till April 2025 😫
March 21, 2024
Stella La Rosa is working as an investigative reporter. She gets involved with a murder that has far reaching effects. Stella was part of a black ops team that a mission killed innocent children. One by one the members of her team are being murdered. Someone wants Stella dead. A page turning thriller that is hard to put down.
March 24, 2024
She thought she had put it behind her, but she hadn’t. Now someone is taking out her old team and she’s the only one left standing. Who has enough knowledge to track down what was left of the special ops team? Plus her family, now that she is back, wants her to join them. Something she has fought her whole life. Will she survive?
March 29, 2024
Wow! Wow! Wow! Stella is a journalist for a San Francisco newspaper and follows the crime beat. She goes out to a murder scene that is more than first appears. From there, the tangled web of mystery becomes a great story that takes the reader on a ride of suspense and action! Great characters and a great read!
March 30, 2024
A great beginning for a new series!
This book is action-packed, fast-paced, and definitely unputdownable! If you like the other series, you will definitely like this book. L.T. Ryan and Kristi Bel amino have created some great new characters in this book. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Happy reading! ☺️
This book is action-packed, fast-paced, and definitely unputdownable! If you like the other series, you will definitely like this book. L.T. Ryan and Kristi Bel amino have created some great new characters in this book. I hope you enjoy this book as much as I did. Happy reading! ☺️
August 17, 2024
Book One in the Stella LaRosa Thriller series by L.T. Ryan and Kristi Belcamino is a gripper!
Stella LaRosa is a seasoned journalist, her most recent assignment as a journalist in the Headway program – a government initiative shrouded in secrecy. Back in San Francisco from her assignment, she’s worked hard to forget the physical and emotional scars received when she was working in the clandestine operation.
Though she’s a seasoned journalist, she takes the night shift as a police reporter, a post usually intended for rookies, hoping to stay off the radar. But the murder of an old colleague plunges her into a web a secrets that spans the globe. With the help of Detective Rob Griffin, a friend from her past with secrets of his own, she must decide how far she’s willing to go to expose the truth – and whether she can survive the consequences.
This book is a page-turner and you’ll race to the end to discover Stella’s fate. I read it in one sitting. The second book in the Stella LaRosa Thriller series, Red Ink, is due out in December.
Kristi Belcamino has a large catalog of mysteries under her belt and in this political thriller, she partners with L.T. Ryan, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of several series, including the Jack Noble and Rachel Hatch series. Belcamino’s writing features strong female protagonists who face unspeakable evil to seek justice. Her writing is informed by her own work as a reporter covering the police beat for the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Listen to my author interviews and read all my book reviews at www.superiorreads.com.
Stella LaRosa is a seasoned journalist, her most recent assignment as a journalist in the Headway program – a government initiative shrouded in secrecy. Back in San Francisco from her assignment, she’s worked hard to forget the physical and emotional scars received when she was working in the clandestine operation.
Though she’s a seasoned journalist, she takes the night shift as a police reporter, a post usually intended for rookies, hoping to stay off the radar. But the murder of an old colleague plunges her into a web a secrets that spans the globe. With the help of Detective Rob Griffin, a friend from her past with secrets of his own, she must decide how far she’s willing to go to expose the truth – and whether she can survive the consequences.
This book is a page-turner and you’ll race to the end to discover Stella’s fate. I read it in one sitting. The second book in the Stella LaRosa Thriller series, Red Ink, is due out in December.
Kristi Belcamino has a large catalog of mysteries under her belt and in this political thriller, she partners with L.T. Ryan, Wall Street Journal bestselling author of several series, including the Jack Noble and Rachel Hatch series. Belcamino’s writing features strong female protagonists who face unspeakable evil to seek justice. Her writing is informed by her own work as a reporter covering the police beat for the St. Paul Pioneer Press.
Listen to my author interviews and read all my book reviews at www.superiorreads.com.
September 21, 2024
Hmmmm...
I am generally a big fan of the L.T. Ryan collaborative books. There have been some great series' done this way. Sadly, this one fell short. It's not as tightly written as Ryan usual work, and there was simply too much that I considered implausible at best. I'm undecided if I'll give the series one more shot, or just move on.
I am generally a big fan of the L.T. Ryan collaborative books. There have been some great series' done this way. Sadly, this one fell short. It's not as tightly written as Ryan usual work, and there was simply too much that I considered implausible at best. I'm undecided if I'll give the series one more shot, or just move on.
January 2, 2025
not exactly riveting.
Still a good read. Held my interest, even though I guessed who the villain was early on. Stella is a strong character with some frailties. The whole set up with the mafia like family didn’t quite mesh for me. I’ll read book 2 when I get it and reserve my full critique on Stella til then.
Still a good read. Held my interest, even though I guessed who the villain was early on. Stella is a strong character with some frailties. The whole set up with the mafia like family didn’t quite mesh for me. I’ll read book 2 when I get it and reserve my full critique on Stella til then.
March 30, 2024
CC1
This was great. What a different plot line. Poor Stella had to go through a large backlash of killings to find answers. In the end she was shocked it was Nick ! Already hooked for next chapter!! 10 stars plus !!! Thanks, Carl Clause
This was great. What a different plot line. Poor Stella had to go through a large backlash of killings to find answers. In the end she was shocked it was Nick ! Already hooked for next chapter!! 10 stars plus !!! Thanks, Carl Clause
April 1, 2024
A Writer, An Assassin
Exciting novel that is the beginning of a series with a lot of promise. Stella LaRosa was an assassin now her foremost career is newspaper writer. Check her out!
Exciting novel that is the beginning of a series with a lot of promise. Stella LaRosa was an assassin now her foremost career is newspaper writer. Check her out!
April 13, 2024
Very enjoyable first novel for my library.
Not quite certain how this novel would pan out, but I was very pleasantly surprised. I'll look for additional novels in this series, as time moves forward!
Not quite certain how this novel would pan out, but I was very pleasantly surprised. I'll look for additional novels in this series, as time moves forward!
November 30, 2024
amazing
This is an amazing beginning of a very successful and intense series, I would truly love to see Stella and Griffin get together, I think they would make a very strong team. I look forward to future books to come.
This is an amazing beginning of a very successful and intense series, I would truly love to see Stella and Griffin get together, I think they would make a very strong team. I look forward to future books to come.
June 5, 2025
Black Rose
This was an interesting introduction to a new series. The people that finished off the black ops team obviously are not yet done with Stella. I think she will be battling them for a while.
This was an interesting introduction to a new series. The people that finished off the black ops team obviously are not yet done with Stella. I think she will be battling them for a while.
June 16, 2025
A very good book!
This was a very good book and I can't wait until the the next book I usely don'like books about a woman but I like black rose she is tuff but she has got a soft side!
This was a very good book and I can't wait until the the next book I usely don'like books about a woman but I like black rose she is tuff but she has got a soft side!
November 18, 2025
Excellent Start to a Series
Well now I have another great series to keep up with. L. T. Ryan has another winner with Kristi Belcamino’s help! I will be looking for the next installment because I enjoyed this one!
Well now I have another great series to keep up with. L. T. Ryan has another winner with Kristi Belcamino’s help! I will be looking for the next installment because I enjoyed this one!
November 26, 2025
3.5 stars, if I could: the main characters and plot were engaging enough to quickly finish but the details are so far off from reality it was distracting (TSA Agents do not act as federal air marshals, ever, for example).
December 9, 2025
The Black Rose
Very suspenseful! A great story of a woman in a team , disbanded, working as a journalist. Trying to evade her family that she came from. With twist and turns. A great read.
Very suspenseful! A great story of a woman in a team , disbanded, working as a journalist. Trying to evade her family that she came from. With twist and turns. A great read.
March 27, 2024
Stella is up to ears in trouble with her mafia family and work. She is out to find out for her paper the story behind a Washington DC official. Trouble at every turn awaits her!
March 31, 2024
Stella, my new hero
Really enjoyed this novel and would love to see Stella teamed up with Ben Porter, the hero in five books written by Christopher Rosow. They’d make quite a pair!
Really enjoyed this novel and would love to see Stella teamed up with Ben Porter, the hero in five books written by Christopher Rosow. They’d make quite a pair!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews