Leverage

The Mistaken #2

by Nancy S. Thompson

~ Redemption is no longer an option... ~

Four years ago, Tyler Karras' quest to avenge his wife's death led to all-out war with San Francisco's Russian Mafia. With the Bratva's collapse and its king long dead, all Ty wants now is to put it behind him and enjoy a second chance at life with his new bride, Hannah. But the Bratva's heir has returned, bitter and determined. He wants his kingdom back, and he's more than willing to leverage Ty's new family to get it.

First he targets Conner, Ty's brooding nineteen-year-old stepson, manipulating the boy into a vortex of sex, drugs, alcohol, and gambling. Then he turns his sights on Hannah. At eight months pregnant, she's the ultimate bargaining chip. With all their lives in jeopardy, Ty has little choice but to do as commanded. But Tyler swore he'd never kill again. He buried that monster years ago and means to keep it that way.

With his family on the line, Ty crosses further into the dark side than ever before, challenging everything he believes about himself and forcing him to face the ghosts of his past. Only then will he discover if he has the strength to sacrifice his last chance at redemption in exchange for the lives of those he loves most.

A 2015 Kindle Book Review Mystery/Thriller semi-finalist!

Genres: Romance, Suspense, Mystery, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary Romance, Dark, Thriller

431 pages, ebook

First published April 29, 2014

About the author

Nancy S. Thompson is an award-winning author who loves to write suspenseful action thrillers with a touch of romance. Her latest, Against Orders (Book One), is a geopolitical conspiracy thriller and a reckoning of our recent political climate.

When she’s not writing, you’ll find Nancy in her studio, painting contemporary art, or at the piano, playing Chopin or Mozart. She’s a California transplant currently living in Seattle, Washington with her husband and cats, and recently retired after 35 years in the architectural and interior design business.

To learn more, visit her website and sign-up for Nancy’s newsletter to receive updates in your inbox. You can also find her on Goodreads, Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Threads, Tribel, and Bluesky.

Reviews

[Alexis *Reality Bites* · Rating 4 out of 5]

SPOILER FREE REVIEW -mature content reader discretion is advised.
4.5 STARS out of 5
Genre: Romance Suspense



She said it and I believe it, but before I get to why let me give you a tiny bit of background info.

If you’ve not read Thompson’s book The Mistaken then I highly suggest you do before reading Leverage as it is a continuation.

Ty and Hannah’s story comes full circle in Leverage. And this time we have more players with a host of new characters out to gain leverage.

I first met this couple in The Mistaken only they were not a couple at the time and a series of unfortunate circumstances put them in a deathly situation. Both Ty and Hannah end up in bad place one so dark, so deep and so very twisted yet somehow they fall in love.

In Leverage we get the chance to know Connor Hannah’s son. He is attending college at the University of Washington and seems to be living the normal hormonal party college lifestyle that is until his best friend commits suicide. Problem is Connor was there and does not believe for one second that it was suicide. Yet Katy his best friend’s girlfriend who was also there insists that it was suicide.

The cops believe her story and before Connor can fully wrap his mind around what happens he and Katy go down a path that once taken can never be undone.



Unfortunately Connor is often led by his cock and in doing so he becomes the victim to something bigger than he could ever imagine. He is now a pawn to be used in a deadly game by some very dangerous people. People who need a little leverage.

Old enemy's resurface. As secrets from the past come to light everything you thought you knew comes in to question. Motives are questioned. People’s actions are questioned past and present. You start to wonder if it is possible for Ty and Hannah to survive this time around.


My Thoughts
HOLY FREAKING SHIT. This book is full of twists and turns in an intricately tangled web. While reading the book I pretty much uttered the same phrase over and over the deeper in to it I got.




My Rating and Why
Leverage gets 4.5 STARS! It kept my attention the entire time, if I put the book down it stayed with me as I thought to myself about what could possibly happen next. It fulfilled my book lover needs by providing a good dose of romance, suspense and mystery.

My Ratings
Characters- Lovable, a bit naïve, sweet and strong
Writing Style- Strong, Cunning and Solid
Plot/Storyline- A friends death kick starts a tangled web of sex, deceit, lies and more death
Steam Factor- Med/Moderately Steamy on a scale of 1-10 I say 6
Entertainment Level- From Lo-Med-Hi I say High I was on the edge of my seat the entire time
Overall- I loved it! And I recommend it to those who love a good romance suspense read.

Now go forth and read. Then come tell us about it on Goodreads!
For more reviews got to: www.realitybites-letsgetlost.blogspot...

[вιвℓισρнιℓια {кιηgѕℓєу & ѕøяєη ƒσяєνєя} · Rating 5 out of 5]

 .....
Love knows no bounds.

It's gone 4am and I'm yet to sleep, why? Because I couldn't stop reading this, I just had to know. I just had to finish. I can't put into words my thoughts about anything in this book, only that it drew me in from beginning to end. I made me feel til I was gasping.

A MUST read for lovers of suspense, twists and turns.

And one of my all-time favourite reads, from one of my all-time favourite authors, you did it again, Nancy. Please, please write another book, and soon.

[Lisa Regan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is hard to imagine a book better than Thompson’s first thriller, The Mistaken, and for me, many sequels to my favorite books and movies fall flat, but with Leverage, Thompson deep sixes both of those concerns. Leverage is absolutely exquisite. As with The Mistaken, this book has it all—romance, thrills, intrigue, action, suspense, poignancy, and even some steamy sex scenes. What I love most about this book though is what I like to think of as The Gasp Factor, which Leverage has in spades. That means that Leverage made me gasp out loud several times while reading. It was one of those experiences where I felt like screaming, “Oh my God! I cannot believe that just happened! Holy #*$&!” and then I would look around, wanting immediately to tell someone what just happened in this amazing book. This book will take you on a wild thrill ride. At times, it is hard to watch these characters I have come to love so much being put through the ringer again, but the writing is so darn good and the plot so fascinating that you can’t help but plunge ahead, compulsively turning pages. The other thing I love about Leverage is that just when you think that Thompson cannot possibly raise the stakes any higher for these characters, she somehow manages to do it—with elegance. It is excellently plotted with several twists, turns and dirty secrets. This book has everything a truly great thriller should have and Thompson pulls it off effortlessly and flawlessly. She just gets better and better. Don’t miss this one. If I could give it 10 stars, I would!

[Matt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having enjoyed some of her later work, I sought to find and read the early novels of Nancy S. Thompson. While I am used to her political thrillers, this one was just as captivating and had me turning pages well into the night, much like the series debut I recently devoured. Four years previously, Tyler Karras clashed with the Russian Mafia in San Francisco when his wife was killed in an automobile accident. He saw the lengths to which they would go to ensure control, something Tyler wants nothing to do with now. Seeking solitude with his new wife, Hannah, Tyler hopes to turn over a new leaf. Hannah's college-aged son, Conner, is tepid about Tyler's arrival on the scene, but has his own issues at the University of Washington. After Conner is pulled in a web of drugs, lies, and deception by new players in the Russian's game, he finds himself neck-deep in trouble. He is soon forced to work for them or face sure death. Then, Hannah is inadvertently roped in and taken captive by the Russians, all in an effort to get Tyler to show his face and flip on all he has put behind him. It will take monumental effort and significant bloodshed to end this battle, though there is no assurance that Tyler Karras will come out on top. An explosive follow-up book that was even better than the series debut, exemplifying Nancy S. Thompson's abilities.

Nancy S. Thompson has always had a writing style I enjoy, focussing on the action as she pushes things along. The story's premise is once more built on a solid foundation, one that pushes the limits and keeps the reader guessing. Fuelled by a great motivator in its narrative delivery and told from numerous perspectives,Thompson allows the chapters to flow as things gain needed momentum. Things do get intense at times, though Thompson has reason for it all and this helps grease the wheels towards a climactic ending that readers will surely be talking about long after they finish the book.

Characters are developed in such a way that there is a need to connect with them. Thompson develops strong core characters, both from the debut novel and within these pages, as well as using strong supporting ones to push the story along. As mentioned above, the reader can learn more about the core characters through their varied narrative approaches to events in the book. From Tyler Karras to Hannah Macguire and even Conner Macguire, there is much to learn and no time to waste. The backstories are well founded, though the development complements key aspects of the story to make it all the more enjoyable.

Plot points are essential to effective thrillers and I have never had an issue with Thompson's use of them. She formulates a key theme and uses sharp twists to keep things levels of predictability down. I was surprised numerous times and left to hope that things would progress fairly, though there is little that could have prepared me for some of the events within the book. Nancy S. Thompson pulls no punches and ensures nothing is guaranteed in this book, which made it all the more enjoyable to read, keeping me turning pages well past when I ought to have stopped for the night!

Kudos, Madam Thompson, for another stellar piece of writing!

Love/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[M.K. Harkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVED this book! There have only been a few times in my life when I'm so moved by a book that I can feel it physically. Reading Leverage was of those rare times for me. My heart raced, my palms were sweating - but the most unusual occurrence was tears. I'm never moved to tears, and I read a lot (around 2-3 books per week) This book is so well-written you feel as if you are living it, breathing it. It's an emotional ride that once you're on board, you never want to get off. I'm seriously having a book hangover now because I know it will be a very long time before I read a book this great again.

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Full of surprises, suspense..shocking!!!
Connor mainlines the start of this book, yet we go full force with
Tyler and Hannah.
the new Characters, Greg, Novah, Katy and all come together
in wonderful, sick twisted ways!!
Excellent book and series!

[Pamela · Rating 5 out of 5]

FIVE HUGE STARS!!!

First and foremost, a big shout-out and thank you to Nancy S. Thompson for advancing me a copy of her new novel in exchange for my honest review.

I was blown away when I read Nancy S. Thompson’s (“Thompson”) debut novel “The Mistaken” (“book 1”). When I learned that Thompson had a new novel that was going to be available in May, and that it was a continuation of Ty and Hannah’s story (the H/h I fell in love with in book 1), I decided to take a chance and ask the author directly if she would mind forwarding me an advance copy of her new novel, “Leverage” in exchange for my honest review. Talk about what an honour and privilege it was when Thompson granted my request. Some of you may think big deal. Well, it is a big deal to me especially since I’d never before asked this of any author. Sitting down comfortably I started the novel and didn’t stop until I came to the very end.

Verdict: I LOVED it! With tears in my eyes all I could think was “WOW!” Talk about a well-written and brilliant story that includes such in-depth and well-developed characters, some you’ll love and some you’ll vehemently loathe. Full of drama, suspense, mystery, and intrigue, it’s a story that’s full of many twists and turns. Just when I thought I got a handle on what was happening, Thompson would throw in something new and unexpected into the mix. What a roller-coaster ride of emotions this novel takes you on.

My heart went out to both Ty and Hannah. After everything that happened to them in book 1, they deserved to live a happy and content life. Unfortunately, this is not to be as someone is hell-bent on destroying them and their loved ones. Seriously, it felt like they were just drowning in misery. What I loved about Ty and Hannah was that throughout it all, you could really feel the love and devotion they have for each other. Thompson does a terrific job capturing the reader’s attention, pulling them in so they too could feel what Ty and Hannah were going thru. Whether it be feelings of grief, anger, fear, despair, and/or love, you could feel it in spades, as though you were right there with them.

The story is told from the POV of both Ty and Hannah, as well as Hannah’s 19 year-old son, Connor, who is such an integral part of the story. Once again the author does a terrific job with her portrayal of a male 19 year-old who thinks he knows everything and knows what’s best for him and his mother; that he can do it all on his own without help from others; who doesn’t understand or wants to comprehend why his mother is so in love with Ty; and who feels he’s lost his mother’s love just because she remarried and is expecting. There were so many times I wanted to shake him, hit him upside the head, and tell him to shut up and listen as he was so in-over-his-head. He irritated the shit out of me as he not only ignored his gut feelings, he ignored all the lies his girlfriend kept spewing, believing it to be Ty who was the liar. Argh! Teenagers!

I can’t say much more without giving the story away, and while in the past I’ve revealed some spoilers, I have absolutely no intention of doing so here. So, do I recommend this novel? Hell yes! Most definitely. However, before you click ��Buy,” I’d like to suggest that if haven’t read “The Mistaken,” read that first before you read “Leverage.” Do you have to? No, not really. It’s just that you’d be missing out on what I believe is an amazing read. Trust me, you’ll thank me later. In the end, “Leverage” is most-definitely a novel well-deserving of the five HUGE stars I give it.

And now I’d like to ask Ms. Thompson, how long until your next novel?

[Karen Harper · Rating 5 out of 5]

To say I was completely blown away by Leverage is an understatement. Leverage is a compelling story that had me turning the pages as quickly as I could. I just HAD to see what would happen next!
I read the first book in the series, The Mistaken, but you could easily read Leverage and not get lost. I’m still trying to decide if I liked this book better than The Mistaken or not. I think the experience was better. I’ll try to explain why.
I really enjoyed reading The Mistaken. I was very pleasantly surprised because it’s not the genre I usually read. I loved the suspense that held me from the beginning to the end. However, Leverage is so much more.
For one, I’d already established a relationship with Tyler and Hannah, but then in this book I met Connor and so many other new characters. As I read each page, I become aware of an intricate web that was embracing so many of these characters, including Tyler and Hannah. Questions kept popping into my mind, questions that I wanted answered. I was reading so fast that I had to slow myself down because I didn’t want to miss any facts that supported this web.
As I was reaching the conclusion, my son kept interrupting me. I think that had something to do with the fact that I was talking aloud and gasping as more and more facts were brought to light. I think the words “I didn’t see that coming” might have been said more than once and not just in the final chapters.
If you want to read a book that is going to keep you awake at night because you need to find out what happens next. If you want a book that is full of action and intrigue then this is the book that you should read.
After reading The Mistaken, the first book, I commented that I could see a movie. Leverage would make the perfect blockbuster sequel, a sequel which would be better than the first movie.
I gave Leverage 5 out of 5 stars but I REALLY REALLY wanted to give it more.

Written by Karen from Confessions of a Bookaholic

[Dana Mason · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is one crazy ride! Leverage is everything a great thriller should be, it’s violent, sexy, suspenseful, and smart! Nancy S Thompson kept me on the edge of my seat through the entire novel. The opening was fantastic. I was hooked completely in the beginning and then over and over again throughout the entire story. I never got bored, I never felt the need to flip ahead, and I had a hard time putting my Kindle down at bedtime.

The rollercoaster ride begins with Hannah’s son Conner, who is now a college student in wet and rainy Seattle. Nancy’s descriptions of the city makes you feel like it’s another character in the story, but it’s nothing compared to the tragic and painful way she describes Conner’s feelings as he trudges through tragedy in the first few chapters of the story. Once you’re on the ride, Nancy never lets up. It’s one crazy thing after another as Ty and Hannah both slowly intertwine into the story. The drama unfolds masterfully as one tragic thing turns into another, sending the trio on a ride that forces them to question everyone they thought they could trust.

If you’ve read The Mistaken, you don’t want to miss Leverage. It’s a prologue and an epilogue all in one. You’ll get Ty’s backstory and learn where he really comes from and how he really got tangled up with the Russian Mob. You’ll walk away from Leverage exhausted from the adventure but satisfied with the tearful ending.

If you haven’t read The Mistaken, you can still enjoy Leverage, but you’ll be missing out on the incredible story that brought Hannah and Ty together, not to mention one hell of a thriller involving Nick, Jill and more of the Russian Mob.

[Kindle Crack Book Reviews Cheri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Title: Leverage
Author: Nancy S. Thompson
Series: Two-book series
Release Date: May 20, 2014
Rating: 5 stars
Cliffhanger: No
Spoiler-free review

I’m still in recovery mode after reading Leverage. I felt like I was going to stroke out or have a panic attack while I was reading this book.

Leverage is a non-stop roller coaster ride filled with plenty of twists and turns. Thompson spins a well-crafted, intriguing web of lies, deceit, and mafia-style violence. This suspenseful thriller kept me on the edge of my seat. I couldn’t put this book down. Period. I didn’t read The Mistaken (Book #1) prior to reading Leverage (Book #2),but I had no trouble diving into to this story. There was an adequate amount of the character's history provided, so I didn’t feel lost at any point. Leverage can be read as a stand-alone novel. I am shocked that there isn’t more buzz about this book. I could see this book turned into one hell of a cable show/movie. It was everything a suspense/thriller should be, and more….this is Kindle Crack!


This review appears onwww.kindlecrack.net,www.facebook.com/, Goodreads, Amazon, Booktropolous Social, Google+ and Twitter. A review copy of this book was kindly provided by the author in exchange for an honest review.



4.5 -5 Omg this book was a heart attack! Wow! Review to follow. ❤️

[Mica Stevens · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full body chills, seriously one of the best books I have ever read. I couldn’t put this book down.

The twist and turns in this book I never saw coming.
Holy moly.

Amazing book. 😍

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 Stars!

**Copy kindly provided in exchange for an honest review**

[Lynelle Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received the book from the author for an honest review.

I must admit that I got myself in way over my head when I agreed to review this book, Leverage by Nancy Thompson. But is was so worth it. Just with her first book, The Mistaken, I was spellbound with this follow up. I loved the first book and didn't think the story could evolved like it did, but it did. I just couldn't put the book down till I finally read the last page of the last chapter.
I think I can say without question that I became addictive with the author's writing.

It was an insanely suspense filled book. Fast paced, it took your breath away at times as the story kept on building to a fewer pitch; releasing more secrets and mysteries to the mix. Captivated, you couldn't help but to get involved with the characters from the get go, just flabbergasted with the turmoil and heart ache this family had experienced at the hands of Grigory Chernov. The author's writing keeping your attention as she colored the story with her descriptive writing bringing it to the forefront of your mind.

There is so much to say, so it's difficult to keep myself under moderation; not spoiling it for the readers as you plunge head first into this book. Written from three point's of view, Conner Hannah's son - 19 year old student, Hannah and Tyler. In book 1 they met under quite unusual circumstances and a lot of sacrifices and wrong choices were made within that book, but at the end it all worked out for them. Now, four years later, Hannah is pregnant with Tyler's baby when the Russian mobsters revealed them selves. At first it was a cat and mouse story where you had no clue what was going on, just your gut telling you that this was all a huge set up.

Conner was now four years older, resented his stepfather and loved his mother, but when he saw his best friend being pushed from his third-story balcony everything changed in this young man's life. Suddenly he is in the arms of his best friend's girlfriend, heart ache had pushed them into their arms which led to him being addictive behavior this youngster was not prepared for. Each time he made a decision to turn his life around he is spin in a greater vortex - of course with skilled and manipulative help - and at the end he became a pawn in the hands of Tyler's enemies. But you see this young man coping the best he could under the most strenuous circumstances, always wondering about Katy and his mother. Trying to do the right thing, trusting the wrong people but at the end his vibrancy and energy shined through.

Hannah, eight months pregnant, had found herself trapped in the past as she and Tyler tried to work through their differences. The past always a buffer between them when it became heated between them. But this strong willed woman; who was tested beyond her limits showed her tenacity, determination and will to fight for those she cared the most. Willing to face the monster who was putting them through this hell to safe her husband at all cost.

Tyler, the strong, independent family man had it all after he lost everything, and had to face death and destruction once again. This time it was worse than in book 1. In this book his family was used as leverage against him to do the bidding of Grigory. The evil monster used every trick in the villain book to do his worst with him as he set him up to do exactly as he wanted. His life hanging in a balance throughout as he tried to keep his family safe. The end, all I can say is; make sure you have a Kleenex close by.

Grigory Chernov, hell there is not much I want to say about him without giving away the story. But that he is egotistical, manipulative and monster material that would stop at nothing to get his kingdom back would be maybe the closest I could come to describe him and still be safe. The liberties this man took with this family, so well planned that you think there was no way that they would be saved was mind blowing; to say the least.

All in all, this book was a joy to read and I am glad I made the time to read it. The plot was masterly crafted, the characters fully developed to make them realistic and believable and the scenes well placed to give you a great read. And the heated passion? Don't let me get started...*smile*

Truly a great book I can recommend to all readers that loves a suspense filled romance.

Thanks for the opportunity.

[Worm · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leverage is a sequel to The Mistaken, a story about forgiveness, revenge and retribution as a man and a woman, Tyler and Hannah, become caught up in the Mafia. Leverage is the story of how even in their new life, old enemies come back to haunt them.

The writing style in Leverage is consistent with The Mistaken and still has the same exciting pace that ensures the reader is captivated all the time. There are no points in the novel where the narration is boring and this is something which really gives credit to the story.

At first glance, I was concerned that the plot of Leverage would be similar to The Mistaken and therefore would appear to be just dragging out the other plot line, however I was happy to discover that this was not the case at all and Leverage's plot was completely different of its own accord. Although still containing connections with the Mafia, as was really to be expected, Leverage features new twists and turns around every corner that Thompson manages to pull off as never seeming excessive or forced. The plot is captivating and you will hold on to every word.

In my review of The Mistaken, I spoke of how the novel was able to show me a different perspective on the subjects of forgiveness and retribution, something that I really hoped would also be present in Leverage. I was not let down in that respect! The moralistic viewpoints were still there but this time there was even stronger emphasis on them, that makes a reader actually want to change the ways that they look at things such as redemption.

The characters of Leverage that were featured in The Mistaken are consistent with it and Thompson does not fall down where many authors do in keeping her characters the same in both novels. Ty and Hannah remain their likeable selves and this new viewpoint from Connor means that your understanding of their emotional rollercoaster continues to grow throughout the novel.

Leverage is a fantastic sequel to The Mistaken and everything you would ever want it to be. Thomson continues that magic of hers in making a thriller much more than meets the eye.

ONE SENTENCE: A more than deserving sequel to The Mistaken with kickass action that continues to make you think

[Derek White · Rating 5 out of 5]

*A Copy of this Book Was Given To Me By The Author In Exchange For An Honest Review*

It is rare that a debut novel is followed by one equal to it, usually one finds either an improvement (due to experience) or an apparent diminution in talent due to having used up the idea that prompted the writing of the tale. Such is definitely not the case with ‘The Mistaken’ followed by ‘Leverage’. The story in ‘Leverage’ is strong enough to be read as a ’stand-alone’ and is every bit as good as the first book.
You will easily identify with each of the characters and find yourself living their lives as the various twists and turns occur in the plot. My only complaint (a small matter which I know will not bother many readers) is that synopsis contains too many spoilers. Almost the full story is hinted at, but in spite of that you will find events taking surprising turns from time to time, and once you start reading will not want to stop until the end. In particular many questions raised in the first book are answered: in fact I found that some answers were to questions I had not realized were there, such as how Ty’s parents were involved.
You should find something to make you want more, whatever your taste. You have action sequences, love stories, a bit of sex, problems you can try to solve before the lead characters do (once or twice I thought ‘how will she resolve this?’) and most important of all Nancy is a good raconteur. She has produced not one, but two, page turners that demand you keep reading. I congratulate her.

***Review has been done in conjunction with Nerd Girl Official.
For more information regarding our reviews please visit our Fansite: www.facebook.com/NerdGirl.ng ***

[Monica **can't read fast enough** · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great ride! Fasten your seat-belt when you pick up Leverage, it's a fast paced complicated ride that will have you turning pages at lightening speed. Leverage starts out with a bang and doesn't slow down.I read this one as a stand alone book, but I really need to go back and read The Mistaken. I can't believe that I missed out on The Mistaken! Ty and Hannah's story must have been an amazing story because book two is fantastic. Ty is a man that you do not want to cross. He will move Heaven and Hell to protect his new family and that includes protecting his new stepson Conner after he's been targeted by Grigory in a way that made me say "No freaking way did this just happen."

Hannah is a strong woman who has apparently gone through hell and back to get to a happy but not completely comfortable place. I'm telling you, I'm kicking myself for not reading book 1. Again, let me emphasize that you don't have to read book one to enjoy Leverage, but you will definitely know that you have missed a great story between Hannah and Ty. So just do yourself a favor and grab both of these and read them back to back. That is what I wish that I had done!This is probably one of the most disjointed reviews that I have ever written because I just can not tell how good this romantic suspense book is without giving too much away.

Each of the main characters in this one is complex and richly developed. The mystery/suspense elements were excellently executed and there will be times in this book where you just don't know what to think. Yes, it's that good! One more book to add to my favorites list!

**I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.**

You can find more from me at Monlatable Book Reviews
http://www.monlatablereviews.com/

[Babus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Leverage can be read as a stand-alone novel. I have not read The Mistaken but I had no trouble jumping into this book and knowing what was going on.

Leverage is the story of Conner, a college student who's best friend is killed. Conner believes that something strange is going on, but nobody will believe him. After the devastating loss of his friend, his friend's girlfriend, Katy, consoles Conner and they get lost in sex, drugs, and alcohol for weeks. Conner decides to get clean and that's when things get really crazy.

This is a mystery/thriller with a love story mixed in. If you are looking for a lot of sex scenes, you will be disappointed. However, if you are looking for something that will keep you guessing until the last page, on the edge of your seat, then this is the book for you. It is an intense read, so be prepared. The author draws you into the character's lives so well you feel like you're in the room with them. At times I felt there was too much description, but then I realized that was what made it so real for me. This is not the type of book I would normally pick up, but I enjoyed it immensely and I will be reading more of Ms. Thompson's work!

[Katie Mettner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ms. Thompson opens Leverage up with the same kind of thrilling plot twists she closed The Mistaken with. Leverage picks up a few years after the Mistaken ends, with Hannah's son Connor, who is now a college student. Immediately we are thrown into a complex plot of death and deceit in the first chapter. It isn't long before we meet up with Hannah and Tyler again, and the surprises just keep coming from there.

It is incredibly hard to review this book without giving any spoilers because the entire book is woven together in such an intricate way that by the end, your mouth is hanging open and your mind is going, "Ohhhhhh, holy smokes!"

I loved The Mistaken, and Ms. Thompson did not disappoint with Leverage! She keeps the pace fast and thrilling, all while keeping you turning the pages to find out just how Hannah, Tyler or Connor would walk away with their lives. If you are looking for a thriller that keeps you engaged from page one to the end, Leverage is just that. I give Leverage five stars for keeping me up late and getting me up early to finish Tyler's story!

[Dana Delamar · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars. This follow-up to Thompson's "The Mistaken" is both an absorbing mystery and an excellent character study of the three leads -- Connor, Hannah, and Ty.

Ty and Hannah, the leads of "The Mistaken," think they've left the past behind them, but they're wrong. For fear of spoiling the plot, that's all I'm going to say!

Thompson skillfully weaves a complex tale with many layers and surprises for the characters and for readers of the first book. If you enjoyed "The Mistaken," you'll definitely love "Leverage."

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally published on Rach Lawrence Books.

*I was provided a copy of Leverage by the author in exchange for an honest review. I am not compensated for my honest opinion.*

Tyler Karras is ready to live his new life now that the Russian mafia, the Bratva, has been disbanded. He has a new wife, a stepson, and a baby on the way. But old demons aren’t ready to release him from their clutches. In fact, the Bratva, which Ty thought he’d left buried four years ago, now wants to pull him in deeper than before. They have the perfect leverage over Ty—his new family.

In order to save his stepson Connor and his wife Hannah, Ty will have to do exactly what he swore to never do again. He’ll have to kill. And once he allows himself to do something so despicable, he’ll never be the same man again.

Leverage is book two in The Mistaken Series, and it picks up four years after the end of The Mistaken. It can be read as a standalone, as all the pertinent history is given to the reader, but it would be easier to understand after having read book one first. It is a suspenseful thriller with tons of action, and it will keep you guessing who is on what side right up until the end.

The story picks up with Hannah and Ty happily married and expecting their first child while Hannah’s son Connor begins a downward slide in college after witnessing the death of his best friend. But not everything is as it seems, and Connor’s problems lead him into a mess of trouble, landing him on the doorstep of the Russian mafia. The whole family gets pulled back into the mafia’s world without knowing why they’re being targeted.

Once again, Ty is a standup character. He only wants to do right by his family and protect those he loves. But circumstances outside his control drag him into the very life he was trying to escape. I enjoyed reading about his internal struggle to do the right thing versus doing what had to be done to save his family. Ty recognized that deaths would be on his conscience no matter what choice he made, and he didn’t want to subject his family to the man he would become once that happened.

This book brought Hannah’s son—Ty’s stepson—into the forefront. Connor seemingly fell into trouble with the mafia, not realizing he was specifically targeted. And hiding his troubles from his mother and stepfather only made matters worse. The inclusion of Connor in this book added another layer of intricacy to the plot, twisting and turning things around until you couldn’t be sure who to trust. It kept me constantly wondering who was on which side.

Told in first person point of view, one of the drawbacks of this book was the multiple points of view. Like The Mistaken, Leverage gave us three different perspectives. While the change of perspective was clearly labeled and separated by chapter, there was no rhyme or reason to the order. Something with so many changes would have been better told in third person, as it limits the confusion of who the “I” refers to and tends to feel smoother.

This book was also heavy on violence, so be warned if that’s not your thing. It was well written though, so while the reader got gory details, it certainly fit the theme of the book. The few minor editing issues didn’t disturb my enjoyment of the action-packed story. Overall, I enjoyed this, and I would definitely read more by this author.

[Margreet Asselbergs · Rating 5 out of 5]

http://ripeforreader.blogspot.com/201...

My rating: 5 of 5 ⭐️

"Hello darkness, my old friend,
I've come to talk with you again,
Because a vision softly creeping,
Left its seeds while I was sleeping,
And the vision that was planted in my brain
Still remains
Within the sound of silence."

~The Sound Of Silence, Simon & Garfunkel

This is the song that started playing through my mind as I was reading LEVERAGE...... Appropriate? You be the judge.

THE MISTAKEN as well as LEVERAGE are absolute MUST READS!

I often recap the story line in my own words, trying, without venturing beyond the scope of what the author has outlined in their synopsis, to give a brief impression of my experience of the book before I go into some detail. I am not going to do that with LEVERAGE for two reasons: First, the synopsis as laid out by Nancy Thompson is more detailed and complete than I would even venture to go and nothing I could write would add to it. Second, there is so much to consider in this story, I frankly don't know where to start. I am still a little shell-shocked from all the developments, the twists and tangles, and the tight feelings they caused in my chest.

This book was so intense and so overwhelming at times, I needed to pull myself out of it from time to time, in order to allow my body to get rid of the tension it had built up. For most of it I felt like being forced to witness good people being put through a most horrendous set of circumstances, being able to see it coming and having no power to stop it or change its course.

The story really begins way before the setting of the book THE MISTAKEN, as will become clear in LEVERAGE, a history that has its roots deeper and more entangled than anyone (including me) could have ever envisioned. A family tree so deep-seeded and far-reaching that even years later and many miles distant, its shadow still casts.

Tyler had made his new start after his troubling involvement with the Bratva's, the Russian Mafia, collapse, and never intended to tap into that darker side of his psyche again. He and his new wife had a baby to look forward to. With the unexpected return of a Bratva heir, and his stepson, his wife and new baby are used to manipulate him, he sells his soul to the devil in order to save them. Even if it means losing all hope for himself.

The internal struggles are gut-wrenching. Not only Tyler's, but there are other highly emotionally charged moments and events that are described so vividly in terms of emotional experience, that I felt every twinge and tear. Nancy Thompson is quite amazing at drawing bone-deep responses from her readers. I will be affected by this book for a while......

GAH!!! So heavy on my heart...... But so brilliantly written and intricately woven. This is NOT a light, rainy afternoon read. Nope. Buckle up for this one, and stock up on the valium, you're gonna need it! Worth every damn twinge, though!

✨A clever, disturbing, tangled, tragic and deeply moving novel.✨

**Copy provided in return for an honest review.**

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bigger, badder and darker than book 1. I was on edge literally until the last page
I will have to start by telling you this was dark. The kind of dark that I love to read! For Tyler and the Russian Mafia, Bratva I give 2 thumbs up! I really enjoyed that. I think maybe a little more because I am Italian and I guess I just want another ethnic group to take the pain away. Personal opinion there.

This book started with Connor so I was happy. Connor has ups and downs like any college kid who has been battling his parents divorce. I think I liked him because he seemed just as fragile as I wanted him to. When you think he has lived through a divorce and his fathers cheating to get to the point where he is coping. The other part I loved was where Conner doesn't know about Tyler. He knows surface things. He does at some point question them (you know how did you and my mom hook up? and where is your family? what is this mob you speak in hushed voices about?) . That part for me was explosive. He thinks of Tyler as the stereotypical bad Step-Dad but he doesnt know how awesome Tyler is. When he finds out a few little parts of the relationship between Tyler and his mom he changes his attitude a little bit.

Now we have Hannah and Tyler married, expecting a child and seemingly happy. It dont last long! What a roller coaster. Like I said before it is dark. There is a section that had me screaming! Enter Grigory Dmitriev. Yikes The author created someone who is a loan shark and evil, but NO WAIT he is Chernov's heir. That makes him just as evil! Evil enough to create a stunning plot to hurt Tyler. OK the author created a stunning plot that used this evil character to infiltrate Tyler's home and life. The way the entire plot is set up was phenomenal. I dont know how it was done, but the end product was rocking my little world.

The other honorable mention was Roman the next door neighbor. I liked him. He made Hannah cafe and soothed her after a loud squabble with Tyler. I heard his story and was moved. Then he turned ....well...spoiler ....he was evil too. I was taken by that one big time!

There are characters from book 1 that come back. I loved how Tyler had connections in the FBI that help him again. They are all equally as good as in book 1. It added to the scenery to have them on Tyler's team.

If you love thrillers with romance then please grab this one.

[Rosemarie McKenzie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am usually not a fan of thriller, suspense books, but I must say Nancy’s the author who has changed my mind drastically and to be honest with you I am happy that it was done because I will never look back. I was introduced to her writing when I just started to be a blogger, I was hooked when I was reading “Mistaken” and then she went ahead and released a follow up to it called “Leverage.” After I was done reading “Mistaken” I would have never thought that there could be more to Tyler and Hannah’s story, because let’s face it, they had a wonderful HEA and the way how the story ended how do you follow up that, but Nancy have proven me wrong because damn if she didn’t follow it up. I guess Nancy wants her readers to ask themselves this question, how far would you go to protect to ones you love?
For “Leverage” we get to see Connor, who is Hannah’s son, all grown up and in college. He witnesses his best friend’s death and that was all she wrote. Tyler and Hannah thought that they could just let the past stay in the past, but what happens when the past doesn’t want to left forgotten. The past came back with a vengeance I tell you, I was reading this damn book and let me tell you this book needs to be turned into movie because the suspense was that gripping. The writing was perfectly executed, each and every scene were written such finesse, even the sex scenes, they were the right amount of hot without being overly done. The entire time I was reading I was biting my nails and gasping, I was so damn engrossed in it that I had to force myself to shout down my iPad at 5am and take my butt to bed. There were secrets that were revealed that I was not expecting Nancy gave me shocker after shocker, suspense after suspense. All I have to say is you will not expect any of the reveals and I loved every single minute of the suspense that Nancy made me feel while I was reading. For some unknown reason I have a feeling she’s done with us yet, I know we got an HEA but she is a woman with a twist and she is full of surprises. Thank you so much for all the hard work that you put into writing a wonderful story about the depiction of family and love of your family and what you would do to protect them.

[Heather · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow.

I don’t know what I was expecting from Leverage, but I wasn’t expecting THAT.

I wanted to read The Mistaken first, but didn’t get a chance to. I must do it now. After reading Leverage I have a good idea revolving the happenings in the first book, but I need to read it myself. Leverage is definitely a stand alone, you totally get enough information that you don’t NEED to read it to stay with this book, but I WANT to. It is was that good.

Leverage follows Conner, Tyler, Hannah, and the evil that is after all of them to get to Tyler. It is told from all 3 points of view, something I really enjoy. I love getting into the heads of all the characters.

It is dark and it is gritty from the first page. This isn’t a sweet sappy flowers and chocolates romance. It is a story of survival, of protecting those you love, how far would you go to survive? How far would you go to protect your S/O, your child, your parents? What would you do? How much do you think that you COULD survive?

There is amazing story telling going on in Leverage. Nancy S. Thompson yanks in from that first moment when Conner is rushing to his friends. She hits hard and she doesn’t let up until that last page. You do not know who is going to make it through this story and who isn’t until that last moment where you finally let the breath out that you have been holding.

You teeter back and forth trying to decide which characters you can trust? Which of these characters are going to turn and be someone you never would have expected them to be. Who can this family put their trust into? Can they even trust each other at this point?

I loved it. I want to read everything she has written now.

I must go search and put it all on my TBR shelf. I just checked, this is only her second novel. I never would have known!

Thank you so much for my copy of Leverage. What an awesome read!

[Kristen Geist · Rating 5 out of 5]

It’s not too often that a book has me at the edge of my seat, terrified of what’s to come but unable to stop reading. This book absolutely blew me away!

Conner is a student at The University of Washington, struggling to accept his mother’s marriage and his stepfather but doing okay and living the college life. That is, until his friend is murdered in front of his eyes and his life spirals out of control. Caught up in whirlwind of alcohol, drugs, and sex, he is manipulated down a very dangerous road.

Tyler believed he and his family were safe. Married, with a baby on the way, they were living the ‘happily-ever-after’ life. He finally had the life that he was robbed of so many years ago. His family is everything to him and he will stop at nothing to protect them.

“It seemed no matter how much time went by, no matter what I did, my past continued to haunt me and punish those closest to me.” “Would it never end? Would I always curse every single life I touched? Would I damn those I loved most to death.”

He will do whatever it takes to protect his wife and kids, even if it means losing himself in the process.

Each individual person in this story is a carefully constructed puzzle piece and in the end, they all come together to form this complete and shocking big picture.

A captivating and intense thrill ride full of twists and turns. I am blown away by just how amazing this book is; so beautifully well written and so full of raw emotion. It’s a dark thriller as well as a sweet and sexy romance novel! Nancy S. Thompson has definitely earned herself a spot on my list of favorite authors with this amazing novel!

Although this book can be read as a standalone, I would highly recommend that you first read “The Mistaken”.

[Maribel Rossello · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to even begin... I love when a book can take you out of yourself, out of your everyday state of being. These are the types of books I seek out, and Nancy gives them to me!

Leverage is the perfect follow-up to The Mistaken. It has its twists and turns, ups and downs, and will keep you guessing. Leverage definitely is one of the few novels I have read that makes the movie in my head action packed and riveting! The transition into Leverage is flawless, I knew exactly what was going on, what character was speaking (and no, not only because you know as each chapter begins lol), the characters are very well developed even the new ones that we meet.

Tyler Karras is as delicious as ever. Not only is he smokin' hot, he loves Hannah like mad, he would give his life for that woman, and I can't think of anything more attractive than a mad, fierce love.

Connor is all grown up and making decisions of his own.... as you will see. He makes me want to strangle, smack him and then cuddle him all at the same time. Talk about a "crash- course" in adulthood.

Hannah is still the strong smart ass we all fell in love with in The Mistaken. This woman's will is as tough as all get-out, I can't even imagine having to deal with these Russian hooligans once, but TWICE!! What the HELL! She is one amazing woman (see I'm talking about her like she's my friend!).

Nancy's characters are all so great you can't help but becoming involved, and rooting them on every step of their journey!

Don't miss Leverage!! You will not be disappointed!

[Nick Wilford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nancy S Thompson has delivered a sequel to The Mistaken that takes the tension and heart-in-mouth situations of that first book and ratchets it up several more notches. Seriously, you'll be left wondering how much more Ty, his new wife Hannah, and her son Conner can endure, but what gets them through is their love for each other. Although Conner is pretty suspicious of Ty at first, having heard whispers of how he and Hannah met. It was great to see Conner go on his own journey in this book - a naive kid who gets in way over his head with some of the same unsavoury characters who are after Ty. He tries to do the right thing, but sometimes this is misguided. The opening of the book, Conner's friend Leo falling to his death, is like a domino that sets off the whole tragic drama. From then on, you have to keep reading, and there are jawdropping twists all along the way. I felt there was quite a slow build-up in the first half of the book, but that's okay. If it was all as breakneck as the latter half it might induce a heart attack! Full marks to the author for keeping me on my toes and glued to my Kindle.

You don't have to have read The Mistaken to enjoy this sequel, as there is enough information given of what occurred, but I definitely recommend it. Apart from being a great read itself, it'll give you a grounding in the characters of Ty and Hannah that I think would make one appreciate Leverage all the more. I sincerely hope there is more to come in the series, but if not, I can't wait to see what else Thompson has in store for us!

[Anny hernandez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was provided a copy of the book by the Author for an honest review.

I just finish reading this book, and I love it, I love the characters and love how the book turn out to be. This book is full of thrill and twist, it had me seating down on the edge of my seat, I couldn't put the book down, I am gone keep this short since I don't want to give anything away.

The story begging with Conner, he is a student at the Washington University, he is dealing with trying to accept his mother, marriage and his new stepfather, he is living the collage life, everything is going good into his friend got killed in front of him, after that he just turned into drug, sex, and alcohol, and his is going down the wrong road, on the other end Tyler think that him and his new family is safe, that he finally got what he wanted, a second chance of happiness, but his past wont let him, he will do everything he can to protect his new family, while the bad guys are still after him, would he finally get his peace.

I really love and enjoy reading this book, I love the characters, their is so much going on that I wish I could keep on writing. But you will have to read the book and find out what will happened. Author Nancy S. Thompson THANK YOU for introducing me to this amazing characters and this awesome book love it.

[Suspense Magazine · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Leverage,” the sequel to Nancy S. Thompson’s stunning debut, “Mistaken,” is billed as a ‘dark romantic thriller.’ Trust me when I say, Nancy S. Thompson has written a riveting thriller that will stand up against the best in the business.
“Leverage” continues the tumultuous lives of Tyler Karras and his now wife, Hannah. We learn from the get go that their love is as fiery as their pasts. In “Leverage,” we are also introduced to Hannah’s son Conner, a young man with his own demons. Conner and Tyler’s relationship is brittle at best and begins to fracture as pieces of Tyler’s past start to surface.
When Tyler’s past is thrust into the present, he is forced to make harsh decisions in order to save his family. The past he has worked so hard to bury has resurfaced and may bury him.
Rarely does a sequel come along that lives up to the brilliance of the first book in a series. In my opinion, “Leverage” does not match the literary excellence of “Mistaken,” it shatters that already high standard. Mark my words, Nancy S. Thompson has taken a giant step into the upper echelon of romantic thriller authors!
How far would you go to save the ones you love? Are you willing to sacrifice your life to save another? “Leverage” is a must read for all thriller and romance fans!
Reviewed by J.M. LeDuc, author of “Sin,” published by Suspense Publishing, an imprint of Suspense Publishing

[EnlightenedReaders · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Review posted with blog tour**
https://Facebook.com/TheBookNuts

Let me just say that I am an admitted "cover whore" so one look at this cover and I was sold! I started reading the synopsis and saw the word "dark"... yup double sold because hey who doesn't love a dark twisted story....I'm a twisted chick what can I say?! Nancy Thompson did not disappoint at all! Since this book can be read as a stand alone I didn't read book 1 and because of that I could totally understand Conner's reluctance since neither he nor I knew Hannah and Tyler's back story. After reading this I will definitely be going back and reading book 1 because I need more of these characters!!
I was immediately engrossed in this story and although I understood him to a point Conner made me want to strangle him lmao he was soo stubborn and sometimes just plain clueless. Leverage was well written and totally twisted....loved it!! I could not put this book down...even while at dinner with the family and they made me put away my iPad I still snuck and read it on my phone...yep it was THAT good!!
If you are looking for a deliciously twisted read with great suspense this is a must read.
5 twisted stars