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Ultimate CORE #1
Ultimate Kill
When the past collides with the present, the only way to ensure the future lies in the ultimate kill…
Naomi McCall is a woman of many secrets. Her family has been murdered and she’s been forced into hiding. No one knows her past or her real name, not even the man she loves.
Jake Tyler, former Marine and the newest recruit to the private criminal investigation agency, CORE, has been in love with a woman who never existed. When he learns about the lies Naomi has weaved, he’s ready to leave her—until an obsessed madman begins sending her explosive messages every hour on the hour.
Innocent people are dying. With their deaths, Naomi’s secrets are revealed and the truth is thrust into the open. All but one. Naomi’s not sure if Jake can handle a truth that will change their lives. But she is certain of one thing—the only way to stop the killer before he takes more lives is to make herself his next victim.
Naomi McCall is a woman of many secrets. Her family has been murdered and she’s been forced into hiding. No one knows her past or her real name, not even the man she loves.
Jake Tyler, former Marine and the newest recruit to the private criminal investigation agency, CORE, has been in love with a woman who never existed. When he learns about the lies Naomi has weaved, he’s ready to leave her—until an obsessed madman begins sending her explosive messages every hour on the hour.
Innocent people are dying. With their deaths, Naomi’s secrets are revealed and the truth is thrust into the open. All but one. Naomi’s not sure if Jake can handle a truth that will change their lives. But she is certain of one thing—the only way to stop the killer before he takes more lives is to make herself his next victim.
344 pages, Paperback
First published April 15, 2014
78 people are currently reading
834 people want to read
About the author
Kristine Mason
38 books311 followersKristine Mason is the bestselling author of the popular romantic suspense trilogies, C.O.R.E. Shadow and Ultimate C.O.R.E. She is currently working on her next series, C.O.R.E. Above the Law, along with more Psychic C.O.R.E. novels.
Although Kristine has published a few contemporary romance novels, she focuses most of her energy on her romantic suspense stories, which she loves for their blend of dark mystery/suspense and sexy romance. She is fascinated with what makes people afraid, and is famous for her depraved villains whose crimes present massive obstacles for her heroes and heroines to overcome.
Kristine has a degree in journalism from Ohio State University and lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband, four kids, and two dogs. If she’s not writing, she’s chauffeuring kids, gardening, or collecting gnomes. Oh, and she makes a mean chocolate chip cookie!
Connect with Kristine on Facebook, Twitter or Goodreads. Or sign up for her newsletter at www.kristinemason.net.
Although Kristine has published a few contemporary romance novels, she focuses most of her energy on her romantic suspense stories, which she loves for their blend of dark mystery/suspense and sexy romance. She is fascinated with what makes people afraid, and is famous for her depraved villains whose crimes present massive obstacles for her heroes and heroines to overcome.
Kristine has a degree in journalism from Ohio State University and lives in Northeast Ohio with her husband, four kids, and two dogs. If she’s not writing, she’s chauffeuring kids, gardening, or collecting gnomes. Oh, and she makes a mean chocolate chip cookie!
Connect with Kristine on Facebook, Twitter or Goodreads. Or sign up for her newsletter at www.kristinemason.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
September 12, 2018
Cami and her hubby, Ian are having a romantic getaway on the edge of the Everglades.
She had been a star in the B movie horror circuit. I wonder if I have seen her. I watch a lot of those B movies. lol Kristine Mason creates some of the most unique and fabulous characters I have ever read about. They all have their distinct strengths and weaknesses, and personalities.
Ian hadn’t fired his gun in years, but he had been an FBI agent and created CORE, a criminal investigation agency, with special and talented employees. They probably couldn’t get a job with the police, because of their background of walking a fine line of legal, but they are perfect for him.
Thanksgiving would not be turkey and pumpkin pie for them.
Kristine does not write short novels, so I am wondering how we will spend almost the entire book in the Florida Everglades. She does her research and went on an airboat ride through the Everglades, so I can understand how her descriptive writing rings true, and so easy to visualize.
We are dodging gators, snakes, sawgrass, mangrove roots, swamps, marshes…and bullets. Will someone die from a snake bite? How about getting eaten by a gator?
Kristine does a great job of using foreshadowing to give a clue here and there to what is coming, but you gotta be quick to pick up on it.
I love romantic suspense and one of the requirements is miscommunication, or no communication. Seems to be a problem in real life too, even though everyone knows, to have a successful relationship good communication is a must.
I love how Kristine develops her characters so well, they feel real, like I know them personally. I can walk with them, talk with them, suffer with them and rejoice with them.
Have you ever had a day when it felt like a lifetime? So much happens in Ultimate Prey, that the book felt like a lifetime to me just reading it. If it were to really happen to me, I can imagine I would feel that way too.
Their romance is alive in the tropics, hot and sexy without being graphic.
Uh, oh. I know their decision is wrong. They just cannot get a break.
A predator is after them and he has only one goal and nothing will stand in his way. He wants her! Not to have and to hold, but to torture her. To tear her apart, worse than any alligator could.
WOW…I read until 2:15am, unable to put the book down until I knew the outcome. Kristine Mason creates an aura of evil and suspense that makes her villains some of my favorites. I do love a good bad guy and this one has no redeeming qualities. The hunt through the Everglades is so vivid, it unwinds like a movie in my mind. Love, love, love it and I highly recommend reading Ultimate Prey before you journey through the Everglades. You may rethink your travel plans. LOL
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Ultimate Prey by Kristine Mason.
See more at fundinmental
She had been a star in the B movie horror circuit. I wonder if I have seen her. I watch a lot of those B movies. lol Kristine Mason creates some of the most unique and fabulous characters I have ever read about. They all have their distinct strengths and weaknesses, and personalities.
Ian hadn’t fired his gun in years, but he had been an FBI agent and created CORE, a criminal investigation agency, with special and talented employees. They probably couldn’t get a job with the police, because of their background of walking a fine line of legal, but they are perfect for him.
Thanksgiving would not be turkey and pumpkin pie for them.
Kristine does not write short novels, so I am wondering how we will spend almost the entire book in the Florida Everglades. She does her research and went on an airboat ride through the Everglades, so I can understand how her descriptive writing rings true, and so easy to visualize.
We are dodging gators, snakes, sawgrass, mangrove roots, swamps, marshes…and bullets. Will someone die from a snake bite? How about getting eaten by a gator?
Kristine does a great job of using foreshadowing to give a clue here and there to what is coming, but you gotta be quick to pick up on it.
I love romantic suspense and one of the requirements is miscommunication, or no communication. Seems to be a problem in real life too, even though everyone knows, to have a successful relationship good communication is a must.
I love how Kristine develops her characters so well, they feel real, like I know them personally. I can walk with them, talk with them, suffer with them and rejoice with them.
Have you ever had a day when it felt like a lifetime? So much happens in Ultimate Prey, that the book felt like a lifetime to me just reading it. If it were to really happen to me, I can imagine I would feel that way too.
Their romance is alive in the tropics, hot and sexy without being graphic.
Uh, oh. I know their decision is wrong. They just cannot get a break.
A predator is after them and he has only one goal and nothing will stand in his way. He wants her! Not to have and to hold, but to torture her. To tear her apart, worse than any alligator could.
WOW…I read until 2:15am, unable to put the book down until I knew the outcome. Kristine Mason creates an aura of evil and suspense that makes her villains some of my favorites. I do love a good bad guy and this one has no redeeming qualities. The hunt through the Everglades is so vivid, it unwinds like a movie in my mind. Love, love, love it and I highly recommend reading Ultimate Prey before you journey through the Everglades. You may rethink your travel plans. LOL
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of Ultimate Prey by Kristine Mason.
See more at fundinmental
April 27, 2014
I really loved this book. The characters had real depth and the villian was twisted. Naomi is a very strong woman, she has been stalked for eight years and had her family murdered by the stalker. And this is not just any stalker, this is rich, influential man. What he does to make her come out of hiding is unreal!!! I don't want to give out spoilers but "What the...?" Jake is with Core, an investigative agency. He and Naomi were engaged until she ran away 5 years ago, he has found her and wants to why? This book is an awesome, twists and turns, going into Naomi's back story and into the plot to bring her out of hiding. http://harpsromancebookreview.com
October 16, 2014
2.5stars
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review
Ever since Jake's fiancée walked out on him five years ago he has been wondering what exactly went wrong. He's feelings for her have not wavered and when he finally discovers where she went, he can't help confronting her and getting some closure. Naomi has been in hiding since she was nineteen years old when a billionaire with very high connections and a psychotic bent became obsessed with her. Naomi, formerly named Rose Wood, has lost her parents and brother to Christian, her murderous stalker. Christian not only has limitless means to search for her but also a trio of henchman that include a sadistic right hand man, knife wielding Colombian, and coldhearted Russian. When hired private investigator after hired private investigator fail to unearth her, Christian decides to bring his Rose to him. Kidnapping two brothers, who aren’t fully aware of what they are doing, the Colombian and Russian take them on a cross country trip setting up bombs that can be remotely set to explode at anytime. The locations all have the words rose and wood in some capacity in common; Naomi gets the message. After Naomi informs Jake of why she left him, fearing for his safety, he in turn tells her about the elite investigating group he works for, C.O.R.E. With the help of CORE's resources a plan is devised to turn Naomi over to Christian and get the evidence they need to show he is behind the domestic terrorist attacks while still keeping Naomi safe.
The beginning of this started off very slow, the first hundred pages or so could have been edited down to around forty so that the story could get to the point. It was around the 42% mark that I felt it finally started to pick up and I became more invested. This was the point where Naomi had told Jake everything and Christian had devised his plan, story arcs were being put in motion. Half, if not more, of the book focuses on Christian and how narcissistic and demented he truly is, from how he treats his wife to the little tasks he has his right hand man complete. There is also a focus on the two kidnapped brothers, with the "smart" brother getting many povs shown. I would classify this book as solidly thriller because of these focuses.
As Jake and Naomi's relationship started and developed in a past the reader doesn't get to see, their love connection isn't felt. They reunite, are hot for each other, have trust issues, and then decide any past lies told are to be forgiven. Jake is said to be a former Marine, tough, protective, and love Naomi, a very common thriller romance hero. He, unfortunately, for being set up as a main character was one of the least interesting. His thoughts, feelings, and actions revolve only around wanting the truth from Naomi, being hot for Naomi, and working to rescue Naomi; there is no real depth to him. Naomi is a more flushed out character with her pain and fear described and shown very well but gets overwhelmed by the very circumstances that are put in to make you care for her. Together, they were fairly mediocre and I never felt invested in their relationship.
There were a lot of characters highlighted in this story which did add a little something to the story at times but as it was to the detriment of what was supposed to be the main couple, I think they could have been edited out. The terrorist bombings arc brought tension and a set pace but what was supposed to be the stars of the show lacked depth, which lead to disinterested reading at times. If looking for more of a thriller read with a villain who is not shy about showing his monstrous side and a snippet of romantic relationship this could be a go to.
I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review
Ever since Jake's fiancée walked out on him five years ago he has been wondering what exactly went wrong. He's feelings for her have not wavered and when he finally discovers where she went, he can't help confronting her and getting some closure. Naomi has been in hiding since she was nineteen years old when a billionaire with very high connections and a psychotic bent became obsessed with her. Naomi, formerly named Rose Wood, has lost her parents and brother to Christian, her murderous stalker. Christian not only has limitless means to search for her but also a trio of henchman that include a sadistic right hand man, knife wielding Colombian, and coldhearted Russian. When hired private investigator after hired private investigator fail to unearth her, Christian decides to bring his Rose to him. Kidnapping two brothers, who aren’t fully aware of what they are doing, the Colombian and Russian take them on a cross country trip setting up bombs that can be remotely set to explode at anytime. The locations all have the words rose and wood in some capacity in common; Naomi gets the message. After Naomi informs Jake of why she left him, fearing for his safety, he in turn tells her about the elite investigating group he works for, C.O.R.E. With the help of CORE's resources a plan is devised to turn Naomi over to Christian and get the evidence they need to show he is behind the domestic terrorist attacks while still keeping Naomi safe.
The beginning of this started off very slow, the first hundred pages or so could have been edited down to around forty so that the story could get to the point. It was around the 42% mark that I felt it finally started to pick up and I became more invested. This was the point where Naomi had told Jake everything and Christian had devised his plan, story arcs were being put in motion. Half, if not more, of the book focuses on Christian and how narcissistic and demented he truly is, from how he treats his wife to the little tasks he has his right hand man complete. There is also a focus on the two kidnapped brothers, with the "smart" brother getting many povs shown. I would classify this book as solidly thriller because of these focuses.
As Jake and Naomi's relationship started and developed in a past the reader doesn't get to see, their love connection isn't felt. They reunite, are hot for each other, have trust issues, and then decide any past lies told are to be forgiven. Jake is said to be a former Marine, tough, protective, and love Naomi, a very common thriller romance hero. He, unfortunately, for being set up as a main character was one of the least interesting. His thoughts, feelings, and actions revolve only around wanting the truth from Naomi, being hot for Naomi, and working to rescue Naomi; there is no real depth to him. Naomi is a more flushed out character with her pain and fear described and shown very well but gets overwhelmed by the very circumstances that are put in to make you care for her. Together, they were fairly mediocre and I never felt invested in their relationship.
There were a lot of characters highlighted in this story which did add a little something to the story at times but as it was to the detriment of what was supposed to be the main couple, I think they could have been edited out. The terrorist bombings arc brought tension and a set pace but what was supposed to be the stars of the show lacked depth, which lead to disinterested reading at times. If looking for more of a thriller read with a villain who is not shy about showing his monstrous side and a snippet of romantic relationship this could be a go to.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 20, 2015
I love Ms. Mason's book, but this one is the weakest in the series.
Don't get me wrong, it's still good, but I found that just too many other characters from the previous books were crammed inside.
This sould have been Lola's book, but it was also Ian's, Dante's, Rachel's...
At the beginning Lola was like a stupid insecure chick who doesn't know anything and act rashly, but while tracking through the marsh she changes and grows.
At the end I liked her very much. I liked her sincerity and her admitting her errors and her choises. I liked her acknowledging her immaturity and her willingness to grow up.
I mostly liked the core problem: what justifies going above the law.
A very interesting and fast paced suspense, with just the right amount of romance and hotness thrown in!
Don't get me wrong, it's still good, but I found that just too many other characters from the previous books were crammed inside.
This sould have been Lola's book, but it was also Ian's, Dante's, Rachel's...
At the beginning Lola was like a stupid insecure chick who doesn't know anything and act rashly, but while tracking through the marsh she changes and grows.
At the end I liked her very much. I liked her sincerity and her admitting her errors and her choises. I liked her acknowledging her immaturity and her willingness to grow up.
I mostly liked the core problem: what justifies going above the law.
A very interesting and fast paced suspense, with just the right amount of romance and hotness thrown in!
May 8, 2014
Favorite Quotes:
“Tears welled in her eyes and slid down her cheeks. Her stomach grew nauseous and she tasted bile. Lightheaded, she closed her eyes. “He knows the only man I’ve ever loved was him.”
“And Naomi knows I love her, no matter what you did to her.”
“Right thing put Harry on row of death.” Harrison looked at Vlad, who chuckled. “Kidding. Vlad know it Death Row. Vlad also know it where Harry heads. But…” He took a long drag off the cigarette. “We do this. Vlad and Harry, we do this. Then go look at pretty women in bikinis.”
“Vlad lowered his weapon. “Honey Badger need to shut the fuck up. Vlad grow tired of Talky Tina.”
“Chatty Cathy,” Harrison said, running a hand through his hair. “Damn it, Vlad. I was supposed to—”
This was given to me I exchange for an honest review.
This is a story a woman who would do anything for the man she loves. Naomi aka Rose has been through hell and back and then some. She is a woman who love jack but cannot be with him due to her past. She is on the run and changed her name so her enemy could not find her or so she thought. When she left Jake she thought she would never see him again but he found her and wants answers. Will she tell him her secrets? Or will she destroy the second chance they have? Will her enemy finally find her? Will he take away the only person she has left that she loves?
This is a story that I loved. This story will make you angry, sad, happy, and ready to kill and cry. Lots of action, sex, love, sex, oh and hot sexy men and of course plenty of bad guys. The story flows and the way it is written it makes you feel like you are part of the story. It is a page turner; you don't want to put it down. I cannot wait til the next book in the series comes out.
“Tears welled in her eyes and slid down her cheeks. Her stomach grew nauseous and she tasted bile. Lightheaded, she closed her eyes. “He knows the only man I’ve ever loved was him.”
“And Naomi knows I love her, no matter what you did to her.”
“Right thing put Harry on row of death.” Harrison looked at Vlad, who chuckled. “Kidding. Vlad know it Death Row. Vlad also know it where Harry heads. But…” He took a long drag off the cigarette. “We do this. Vlad and Harry, we do this. Then go look at pretty women in bikinis.”
“Vlad lowered his weapon. “Honey Badger need to shut the fuck up. Vlad grow tired of Talky Tina.”
“Chatty Cathy,” Harrison said, running a hand through his hair. “Damn it, Vlad. I was supposed to—”
This was given to me I exchange for an honest review.
This is a story a woman who would do anything for the man she loves. Naomi aka Rose has been through hell and back and then some. She is a woman who love jack but cannot be with him due to her past. She is on the run and changed her name so her enemy could not find her or so she thought. When she left Jake she thought she would never see him again but he found her and wants answers. Will she tell him her secrets? Or will she destroy the second chance they have? Will her enemy finally find her? Will he take away the only person she has left that she loves?
This is a story that I loved. This story will make you angry, sad, happy, and ready to kill and cry. Lots of action, sex, love, sex, oh and hot sexy men and of course plenty of bad guys. The story flows and the way it is written it makes you feel like you are part of the story. It is a page turner; you don't want to put it down. I cannot wait til the next book in the series comes out.
August 14, 2014
If you looking for a different twist on the romantic suspense genre this author sure gives it. Yes you have the main RS couples that are in jeopardy but the killer and other characters that help the bad guy get just as much face time and you even find yourself having sympathy for them. Now the killer is always sick and twisted in a Kristine Mason book and this one is no exception.
The core of the story is about a woman who has been on the run for 8 years from a man who wiped out her family over his obsession with her. During that time she met a man and fell in love but not wanting to lose another person she loved she eventually ran from him.
Jake Tyler was a sheriff in a small town when he met and fell in love with Naomi and was heartbroken when she left without a word. He now works for CORE a private criminal investigation agency and has just gotten a lead on where Naomi is. Problem is he isn’t the only one looking for her. To draw her out her the bad guy thinks nothing of blowing people up. The killer is a vile man.
Your captivated throughout as you read to get to the conclusion with the numerous action and suspense scenes along with a great romance.
The core of the story is about a woman who has been on the run for 8 years from a man who wiped out her family over his obsession with her. During that time she met a man and fell in love but not wanting to lose another person she loved she eventually ran from him.
Jake Tyler was a sheriff in a small town when he met and fell in love with Naomi and was heartbroken when she left without a word. He now works for CORE a private criminal investigation agency and has just gotten a lead on where Naomi is. Problem is he isn’t the only one looking for her. To draw her out her the bad guy thinks nothing of blowing people up. The killer is a vile man.
Your captivated throughout as you read to get to the conclusion with the numerous action and suspense scenes along with a great romance.
January 22, 2015
Fantastic!!!!!!
I love that Lola was able to not only prove herself to Ian but the other agents as well. I can't wait for CORE ABOVE THE LAW books to come out to see how Lola runs her agency. I also love that Vlad and Harrison have major parts as well and I can't wait to see how Shane fits into these stories!!
I love that Lola was able to not only prove herself to Ian but the other agents as well. I can't wait for CORE ABOVE THE LAW books to come out to see how Lola runs her agency. I also love that Vlad and Harrison have major parts as well and I can't wait to see how Shane fits into these stories!!
May 20, 2016
Too many ideas and stereotypes rattling around in this romantic suspense to make it work for me.
2.5 stars.
2.5 stars.
August 12, 2014
OMG. WOW. Fantastic. Amazing. Sizzling and suspenseful. Need I go on? ^_^ Okay, I will.
Kristine Mason’s thrillers are gripping and intense. I put her writing up there with the very best in her field.
As I open my Kindle and begin to read, I know some of what is to come and eagerly anticipate the adventure. Exactly what will happen and how is why I am so eager to delve into another Kristine Mason novel. It started with murder, a troubled love affair, a dangerous, jilted lover and ended with……
Ultimate Kill may be her best work yet. It grabbed me from the beginning and never let me relax. The pacing makes me race through the pages. Whew, I can relax with the characters and enjoy a moment, uh oh, here we go again, racing through the pages, dying to know what is coming.
Ian, the head of CORE, had manipulated Jake into joining the company. That seemed to be one of Ian’s best skills, getting people to do things. Now, between jobs and with time on his hands, Jake is determined to find Naomi. She had vanished, but he had never forgotten her and wanted what Rachel and Owen, and the other CORE couples had. He had to know what happened before he could move on.
Naomi didn’t realize that Rachel had found her and told Jake. Surely he wasn’t still looking for her. She had given up everything to escape the evil lurking in wait for her and him. If Jake found her, so could HE. It had taken all she had to leave him. When she saw Jake, the past came rushing back and her defenses fell. She could not let him go again. But, how could she keep him safe? She was being given a second chance to really live again and it was time to end all the lies and running. It is time to go on the offensive.
HE had given her everything.
She had rejected him and for that she would pay the Ultimate price.
How far will people go to have what they desire?
HE is a narcissist and feels nothing for anyone. It is all about him and what he wants. No one was going to cross him and get away with it. He is rich and money can buy many things. Can it buy the presidency? How bad is he? How bad is a honey badger? He is vicious. We could call him the billionaire badger. Nothing wrong with a little humor along with the evil.
Kristine Mason talks about some of the weird critters in the south. I love it. They do appear to be prehistoric and if you haven’t seen them before they can be quite frightening. I know how I felt the first time I saw an armadillo and the large flying cockroaches. With the bad, comes the good. The south has lush and colorful gardens, a visual extravaganza of color. I live in the south and enjoy the gardens and fight the cockroaches on a daily basis, so it is easy to visualize and walk with the characters through the pages.
I think I know what will happen. A little love and a little murder, but there is so much more. Every time I thought the end was coming, Kristine would be off on another route and I wondered where I was going. I didn’t think it could get more intense, but she revs it up a notch, and has me hanging my by my fingertips on the edge of the cliff, saying what the hell could happen next?
I am a huge TV fanaholic. I would love to see the CORE novels as a series of TV shows, or movies. It reminds me of Leverage. Hmmmm, now who would be the cast members?
July 23, 2014
Naomi is a strong woman who was forced into hiding since her "ex-boyfriend" became a stalker, murdered her family and did other horrible stuff. She's never been able to establish herself and feel totally safe.
She met Jake a couple of years after she ran away and changed her identity. But then she got scared and ran away again. Jake was so in love with her that he didn't forget her and 5 years later, he finds her and talks to her.
Naomi thinks that since 8 years had passed and she has never heard of her stalker again, she was safe. But then, the same day Jake visits her and finds out all the ruth about the woman Naomi was, the stalker begins sending her messages by exploiting bombs and killing a bunch of innocent people per hour.
Naomi knows she has no choice but to go to him, but Jake is not willing to let her go again. And so it begins.
It's a long, heavy book, I should warn you that. The beginning is a little confusing but when you move on in your reading you begin to understand it all.
Naomi is a strong woman and Jake is a decisive strong man, they both make a cute couple and I liked them as characters, but I think they were very repetitive sometimes… maybe it was because all the situation was mortal but I heard a lot of "I love you no matter what" "We'll be together forever" "Always" "I promise" "Nothing will change my feelings for you" and they said it so much it seemed they were trying to convince themselves, not their partner. Aside from that, it was a good thriller, if a bit predictable it had some good stuff. Not as bloody as it may sound because, even though it had some creepy scenes, I expected a little bit of more… torture, I don't know. Maybe I'm a sadist.
I liked all the characters, Harrison and Vlad were awesome too. Christian, Santiago and Richard… well, I was scared from them but I liked Santiago in a way.
The story was good, original, a little too much dramatic and romantic and with a lot of action. And I'm going to repeat again, maybe not too long but very heavy, less dialogue and more descriptions that were too long for me. Maybe the author should have made the reading a bit more concise but that's my opinion.
At the very end it became really predictable (except for two seconds that really shocked me). I liked it but it was super dramatic. Anyway, it was a good book, not the best book about criminals but pretty good. I recommend it to everyone with a little sadistic vein lover of good criminal novels.
She met Jake a couple of years after she ran away and changed her identity. But then she got scared and ran away again. Jake was so in love with her that he didn't forget her and 5 years later, he finds her and talks to her.
Naomi thinks that since 8 years had passed and she has never heard of her stalker again, she was safe. But then, the same day Jake visits her and finds out all the ruth about the woman Naomi was, the stalker begins sending her messages by exploiting bombs and killing a bunch of innocent people per hour.
Naomi knows she has no choice but to go to him, but Jake is not willing to let her go again. And so it begins.
It's a long, heavy book, I should warn you that. The beginning is a little confusing but when you move on in your reading you begin to understand it all.
Naomi is a strong woman and Jake is a decisive strong man, they both make a cute couple and I liked them as characters, but I think they were very repetitive sometimes… maybe it was because all the situation was mortal but I heard a lot of "I love you no matter what" "We'll be together forever" "Always" "I promise" "Nothing will change my feelings for you" and they said it so much it seemed they were trying to convince themselves, not their partner. Aside from that, it was a good thriller, if a bit predictable it had some good stuff. Not as bloody as it may sound because, even though it had some creepy scenes, I expected a little bit of more… torture, I don't know. Maybe I'm a sadist.
I liked all the characters, Harrison and Vlad were awesome too. Christian, Santiago and Richard… well, I was scared from them but I liked Santiago in a way.
The story was good, original, a little too much dramatic and romantic and with a lot of action. And I'm going to repeat again, maybe not too long but very heavy, less dialogue and more descriptions that were too long for me. Maybe the author should have made the reading a bit more concise but that's my opinion.
At the very end it became really predictable (except for two seconds that really shocked me). I liked it but it was super dramatic. Anyway, it was a good book, not the best book about criminals but pretty good. I recommend it to everyone with a little sadistic vein lover of good criminal novels.
December 30, 2014
Great series
This was a bit of a darker twist for this series. It tends to be a bit dark anyway (which I love), but this book stepped it up a notch. I loved the quirky additions of Vlad and Barney. The levity was needed with the total depravity of the "Hunter". In this final book of the Ultimate CORE trilogy, the owner of CORE, Ian, and his fiance have been kidnapped and used as the prey for a killer bent on revenge. Not only are they prey, but they are also bait to set a trap for the rest of the CORE team. Two of CORE's investigators are unknown to the killer. They are sent as the primary recon and rescue team. Lola is one of the two. Her mother is Ian's fiance and one of the people being hunted. Since Lola is unfamiliar with the area, Ryan, a former SEAL, is enlisted to help. Unfortunately, as they begin their hunt, they unwittingly also become the hunted. The path to rid themselves of the Hunter takes CORE in a whole new direction which causes some friction and apprehension within the group. It also leads to a whole new series which will apparently feature a whole new type of CORE.
I enjoyed the book and really liked Lola and Ryan together. I also liked the realness of Ian and Cami throughout their ordeal. I thought it was a great end to the series.
This was a bit of a darker twist for this series. It tends to be a bit dark anyway (which I love), but this book stepped it up a notch. I loved the quirky additions of Vlad and Barney. The levity was needed with the total depravity of the "Hunter". In this final book of the Ultimate CORE trilogy, the owner of CORE, Ian, and his fiance have been kidnapped and used as the prey for a killer bent on revenge. Not only are they prey, but they are also bait to set a trap for the rest of the CORE team. Two of CORE's investigators are unknown to the killer. They are sent as the primary recon and rescue team. Lola is one of the two. Her mother is Ian's fiance and one of the people being hunted. Since Lola is unfamiliar with the area, Ryan, a former SEAL, is enlisted to help. Unfortunately, as they begin their hunt, they unwittingly also become the hunted. The path to rid themselves of the Hunter takes CORE in a whole new direction which causes some friction and apprehension within the group. It also leads to a whole new series which will apparently feature a whole new type of CORE.
I enjoyed the book and really liked Lola and Ryan together. I also liked the realness of Ian and Cami throughout their ordeal. I thought it was a great end to the series.
December 30, 2014
I think this is my favorite of all the Core books and I really liked the others. First off I was soo happy to see Vlad back and that he’s going to be in future books. It could be a very serious moment in the book but that man makes me laugh so hard. The author hands down writes some of the sickest killers and gruesome scenes but she also has a knack for comedy where you don’t expect it. There were plenty of harrowing moments in this book but it seemed much lighter than the others – and I don’t mean that in a bad way. Almost all the previous characters are back in this book to help in the search for CORE leader Ian Scott and his fiancé are kidnapped and taken to the middle of the Everglades to be hunted and killed by a man out for vengeance.
This was the final book in the second trilogy of the CORE series but it was also the lead in to the new CORE series coming out next year. I am very excited as to who all the main CORE characters are going be and can’t wait for the first book in that trilogy. Cudos Kristine to another great book!
This was the final book in the second trilogy of the CORE series but it was also the lead in to the new CORE series coming out next year. I am very excited as to who all the main CORE characters are going be and can’t wait for the first book in that trilogy. Cudos Kristine to another great book!
August 5, 2016
Oh my gosh, I LOVED this book and have high anticipation for the rest of the series. Everything you could want in a great mystery you can find here in these pages. Great characters, twists and turns throughout , excellent plot, murder, sex, intrigue, romance-the book has it all.
This has to be one of the most twisted and evil villains I have read in a while, who takes stalking to a whole new level. Not only is he not the standard stalker, he is rich, sadistic and powerful as well. Cannot wait to read the other books by Kristine.
I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.
This has to be one of the most twisted and evil villains I have read in a while, who takes stalking to a whole new level. Not only is he not the standard stalker, he is rich, sadistic and powerful as well. Cannot wait to read the other books by Kristine.
I received a free copy of this book/Ebook/Product to review. I was not required to write a positive review nor was I compensated in any other way. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the FTC Regulations.
March 24, 2017
I had high hopes for this book since it got such high reviews. When I saw that this was a thriller I expected to be on the edge of my seat. For me it didn't start picking up until a little more than half way through the book. The first half could be summarized in 10 - 20 pages or so. The man obsessed with Naomi is definitely a psycho and sociopath and to find out what happened to him was my main reason for finishing this book. I skim read quite a few sections to get to the real meat of the book. Overall this book had a pretty decent ending but getting to it was somewhat of a struggle.
January 25, 2015
Great suspense with several plot lines
This was another great entry in the core series. Its always fun to see characters from the previous books. The book switches thrrouh several of the chara cters view points. The suspense starts from the first chapter and buildd! The romance is also there through the main characters and the leader of Core and his fiance. A great ending and a beginning I hope for further books in the series! Loved Vlad he was great!
This was another great entry in the core series. Its always fun to see characters from the previous books. The book switches thrrouh several of the chara cters view points. The suspense starts from the first chapter and buildd! The romance is also there through the main characters and the leader of Core and his fiance. A great ending and a beginning I hope for further books in the series! Loved Vlad he was great!
January 15, 2015
OMG
I loved loved loved this story!! Plenty of suspense, mile a minute action, a super psychotic bad guy and a hot and sexy couple. What's not love? And then we find out there will be a new spin off series? Sweet! Kristine Mason is on my Must Read short list and she should be on yours.
I loved loved loved this story!! Plenty of suspense, mile a minute action, a super psychotic bad guy and a hot and sexy couple. What's not love? And then we find out there will be a new spin off series? Sweet! Kristine Mason is on my Must Read short list and she should be on yours.
January 3, 2015
Thrilling and introspective
This is the start of a new Core series and what a great start it is. Loaded with new interesting characters, this suspenseful thriller is surprisingly filled with questions involving ethical values and morality. Add romance and the introduction of great new characters to the CORE cast and the result is a fast-paced read. Truly enjoyable.
This is the start of a new Core series and what a great start it is. Loaded with new interesting characters, this suspenseful thriller is surprisingly filled with questions involving ethical values and morality. Add romance and the introduction of great new characters to the CORE cast and the result is a fast-paced read. Truly enjoyable.
October 4, 2016
Outstanding romantic suspense. Naomi's story had me on the edge of my seat, wringing my hands, heart beating - just waiting to see when the horror would fall.
Need me a Jake.
Can't wait to read Ultimate Fear!
Need me a Jake.
Can't wait to read Ultimate Fear!
August 1, 2014
Jake finally found Naomi, after five years of searching. Taking a job at CORE, a private investigation company allowed him better access to information. He liked his job and was good at it. Using his new position and his former training as a Marine, he tracked her down. Now, he only has to ask her, why? Why, when they’d planned to be married, have children, grow old together, did she run?
Naomi is shocked when she looks into the eyes of the man she loves. She knew the day could come when he’d find her, but she’s still not prepared. How does she explain leaving him, running and hiding from him? She can’t tell him the truth. About how a monster killed her parents and her brother. A man who’ll stop at nothing to possess her. Jake would have wanted to hunt the man down. And she couldn’t risk losing him to.
Jake still loved Naomi, Lisa, or whatever her name was. They’d been together for three years before she vanished. They’d planned on getting married, having children, and growing old together. Those feelings were still there, as binding as ever, but he’s disappointed. She’s still lying to him. Still trying to protect him.
Mickey has got himself and his twin brother, Harrison, into something really bad. Harrison should have broken this chain some time ago. Mickey pulls him into a job, it goes bad, they end up in prison. Only this time, it won’t be a stay behind bars. It’ll be a permanent dirt nap.
Harrison has a good idea what the devices he helped plant across the country will do, if not the reason why. Only a select few know that, and they never allow the brothers to be alone. It can end only one way. Especially after they meet the boss face to face, and recognize him.
The boss is a very influential, famous man, with an insatiable need for power and that one woman he needs to possess, if only to break her. No one defies him, not even her.
Ultimate Kill has it all. A megalomaniac sacrificing countless innocents just to get that one woman. Two brothers caught in the middle, trying to get out alive. And the woman, trying to hide, to stay alive, and the man who loves her, who’ll do whatever it takes to protect her.
Lots of action, suspense, and some steamy sex scenes will keep you riveted, as the ultimate finale rushes at you. Brace yourself for the Ultimate Kill.
I received this book for my honest review.
Naomi is shocked when she looks into the eyes of the man she loves. She knew the day could come when he’d find her, but she’s still not prepared. How does she explain leaving him, running and hiding from him? She can’t tell him the truth. About how a monster killed her parents and her brother. A man who’ll stop at nothing to possess her. Jake would have wanted to hunt the man down. And she couldn’t risk losing him to.
Jake still loved Naomi, Lisa, or whatever her name was. They’d been together for three years before she vanished. They’d planned on getting married, having children, and growing old together. Those feelings were still there, as binding as ever, but he’s disappointed. She’s still lying to him. Still trying to protect him.
Mickey has got himself and his twin brother, Harrison, into something really bad. Harrison should have broken this chain some time ago. Mickey pulls him into a job, it goes bad, they end up in prison. Only this time, it won’t be a stay behind bars. It’ll be a permanent dirt nap.
Harrison has a good idea what the devices he helped plant across the country will do, if not the reason why. Only a select few know that, and they never allow the brothers to be alone. It can end only one way. Especially after they meet the boss face to face, and recognize him.
The boss is a very influential, famous man, with an insatiable need for power and that one woman he needs to possess, if only to break her. No one defies him, not even her.
Ultimate Kill has it all. A megalomaniac sacrificing countless innocents just to get that one woman. Two brothers caught in the middle, trying to get out alive. And the woman, trying to hide, to stay alive, and the man who loves her, who’ll do whatever it takes to protect her.
Lots of action, suspense, and some steamy sex scenes will keep you riveted, as the ultimate finale rushes at you. Brace yourself for the Ultimate Kill.
I received this book for my honest review.
March 23, 2015
This is the first book in the Ultimate Core Trilogy but really the 4th book because of the 3 books in Core Shadows which follows the same investigative group. This book centers around Jack and Naomi. Naomi, walked out on Jake (the sherriff from Shadow of Vengeance) five years ago and he was never exactly sure why. He is finally able to track down where she is and goes to confront her to get closure. Naomi has been in hiding since she was nineteen years old when a psychotic billionaire, Christian, became obsessed with her. Christian spends unlimited resources looking for her but can't find her so he decides to bring her to him by sending her a message she can't refuse.
THis book had a lot of characters, not only is there Christian but he has three "henchmen" who play a fairly big role in the book. Christian also decides to kidnapp two brothers, who he previously hired to set up bombs that can be remotely set to explode at anytime (although they are unaware of exactly what they are doing.)
I loved Shadow of Vengeance but I had a really hard time getting into this book. Maybe because it kept jumping around from character to character so much. Christian, the henchmen, the two kidnapped brothers all had as much time as Jake and Naomi. So I had a hard time connecting with Jake and Naomi's romance. It just got bogged down in the details of the setup for me. Plus Christian was such an over the top evil villian I didn't buy into it. I think I the book was almost half way over before Naomi told Jake why she ran and who her stalker was. There just wasn't enough of a connection felt between Naomi and Jake. We were told they were very much in love in the past but we didn't get to experience any of that and because the book focused on so many characters we didn't see their relationship reconnect. They reunite, are still lusting after each other, have trust issues and decide to forgive each other in a very short space of time and quite frankly pages. This book had a lot of potential and it was ok but I have come to expect more from Kristine Mason then okay. This book was more thriller than romantic suspense. If you want to read about a horrendous villian then this would be a really good book for you but if you're looking for a romantic suspense it doesn't really fit the bill.
THis book had a lot of characters, not only is there Christian but he has three "henchmen" who play a fairly big role in the book. Christian also decides to kidnapp two brothers, who he previously hired to set up bombs that can be remotely set to explode at anytime (although they are unaware of exactly what they are doing.)
I loved Shadow of Vengeance but I had a really hard time getting into this book. Maybe because it kept jumping around from character to character so much. Christian, the henchmen, the two kidnapped brothers all had as much time as Jake and Naomi. So I had a hard time connecting with Jake and Naomi's romance. It just got bogged down in the details of the setup for me. Plus Christian was such an over the top evil villian I didn't buy into it. I think I the book was almost half way over before Naomi told Jake why she ran and who her stalker was. There just wasn't enough of a connection felt between Naomi and Jake. We were told they were very much in love in the past but we didn't get to experience any of that and because the book focused on so many characters we didn't see their relationship reconnect. They reunite, are still lusting after each other, have trust issues and decide to forgive each other in a very short space of time and quite frankly pages. This book had a lot of potential and it was ok but I have come to expect more from Kristine Mason then okay. This book was more thriller than romantic suspense. If you want to read about a horrendous villian then this would be a really good book for you but if you're looking for a romantic suspense it doesn't really fit the bill.
July 22, 2014
This was a Goodreads giveaway win.
This book is also subtitled as book one of a trilogy, but appears to me to be a complete story all on its own. Also, there appeared to be a few minor editing oversights. I'm not a book editor, so if I caught them, I hate to think how many more are out there.
This started out with some very steamy, erotic love scenes. Not at all what I was expecting. Then, the second half switched to some relatively good and tense action sequences.
But why does a girl admit that she is not on the pill shortly before sex, if in fact, she already knows that she is sterile and incapable of having kids anyway. How does that make for better sex?
Mason doesn't seem to be very subtle in her work. The sex was pretty graphic. It's not my typical reading material. Then it switched to a suspense story, with a villain that was just so over the top, he was not very believable. Jumping from the hot sex to the action suspense, just did not strike the correct chord for me. Mason has some good ideas, but needs to be less descriptive some times and let the reader's imagination fill in some of the details.
I won't be placing for the rest of the series very high on my to read list.
Have a Goodreads.
This book is also subtitled as book one of a trilogy, but appears to me to be a complete story all on its own. Also, there appeared to be a few minor editing oversights. I'm not a book editor, so if I caught them, I hate to think how many more are out there.
This started out with some very steamy, erotic love scenes. Not at all what I was expecting. Then, the second half switched to some relatively good and tense action sequences.
But why does a girl admit that she is not on the pill shortly before sex, if in fact, she already knows that she is sterile and incapable of having kids anyway. How does that make for better sex?
Mason doesn't seem to be very subtle in her work. The sex was pretty graphic. It's not my typical reading material. Then it switched to a suspense story, with a villain that was just so over the top, he was not very believable. Jumping from the hot sex to the action suspense, just did not strike the correct chord for me. Mason has some good ideas, but needs to be less descriptive some times and let the reader's imagination fill in some of the details.
I won't be placing for the rest of the series very high on my to read list.
Have a Goodreads.
August 3, 2015
What are your options when someone is so besotted by you he will do anything to get you back. Kill your parents, your brother and then sends a message to you by carrying out hourly bombings in a variety of places to get your attention. Naomi was at last in a happy relationship which she hoped would become permanent and lead to marriage and a family of her own. This was not to be her fate a cruel, sadistic person wants her for his own plaything, he did have her for a while but then she had had enough of his cruelty and ran. Now 8 years later he is still looking for her and will not let anything get into the way of his plans. .
Honey Bear was indescribable in his taunts and cruelty which he inflicted on anyone who questioned his authority or his means to an end. Great read, had the reader engrossed right to the last page. Very punchy in places. Kristine Mason really captures you in her writing and does not let go easily.
Honey Bear was indescribable in his taunts and cruelty which he inflicted on anyone who questioned his authority or his means to an end. Great read, had the reader engrossed right to the last page. Very punchy in places. Kristine Mason really captures you in her writing and does not let go easily.
August 11, 2016
This was an unexpectedly delicious surprise. I had done a promo post back at the end of April for Ultimate Kill and was intrigued, but at the time, I was just swamped, so I didn't pick up the review option. Well, I had some spare time (or so my deluded mind lead me to believe) and went back for a closer look. Wow!! I am sooooo very glad I made the time, or stole the time or hell, just neglected something else to have the time to read this book. Although really, even though this was a hefty chunk of suspense, it just flew by. I read it first word to last period in one sitting. This novel is positively gripping.
Entire review posted at http://ragesexandteddybears.blogspot....
Entire review posted at http://ragesexandteddybears.blogspot....
June 7, 2014
Naomi McCall is a very strong woman. She is a woman who would do anything to keep the man she loves safe. She puts his safety ahead of her own happiness knowing that they just cannot be together with her past still chasing her. Jake is her happiness, her reason for living, and her true love. There is nothing better than a strong woman, willing to put her own life on the line to put her past behind her and move on with the man of her dreams.
Ultimate Kill has everything I look for in a book. There was mystery, amazing characters, twists and turns that kept me turning page after page, sex, and romance. I am anxiously awaiting book two in the CORE series.
Ultimate Kill has everything I look for in a book. There was mystery, amazing characters, twists and turns that kept me turning page after page, sex, and romance. I am anxiously awaiting book two in the CORE series.
July 12, 2014
Naomi has many secrets.
Jake loves a woman who has only existed for a few years.
So many questions, so many lies... When an obsessed madman begins sending crazy messages, Naomi realizes that she only has one choice...
I really enjoyed this book. A twisted villain, a powerful love story, and heart pounding action. I would highly recommend this book to anyone ans everyone looking for a good book.
Jake loves a woman who has only existed for a few years.
So many questions, so many lies... When an obsessed madman begins sending crazy messages, Naomi realizes that she only has one choice...
I really enjoyed this book. A twisted villain, a powerful love story, and heart pounding action. I would highly recommend this book to anyone ans everyone looking for a good book.
January 16, 2015
DOWN THROUGH TIME WOMEN HAVE BEEN USED AS AN EXCUSE FOR MEN TO DO GOOD & BAD THINGS. POOR NAOMI WAS LIKE A MODERN DAY HELEN OF TROY AND YOU KNOW HELEN WAS THE REASON FOR A WAR. I WOULD HAVE ENJOYED THIS BOOK MORE HAD IT NOT DONE SO MUCH REHASHING-REHASHING-REHASHING IN IT. BECAUSE OF THIS IT CAUSED THE STORY LINE TO DRAG ON. I WOULD HAVE GIVEN IT 4*stars IF NOT FOR THAT. IT IS A VERY GRAPHIC BOOK (just what I like) AND NOT FOR THE FAINT-O-HEART. ;)
April 10, 2015
Well written fast paced story
I like this writer and I love books withdrawals! It is so much more enjoyable when you know there is another book connected to the one being read, always gives me more to look forward to, knowing even when I finish a good book there's a similar story to pick right up from where the first one left off. Thank you! I shall now begin the second in the trilogy!
I like this writer and I love books withdrawals! It is so much more enjoyable when you know there is another book connected to the one being read, always gives me more to look forward to, knowing even when I finish a good book there's a similar story to pick right up from where the first one left off. Thank you! I shall now begin the second in the trilogy!
January 3, 2015
4.5 stars. This is the best CORE book yet. The best mystery, villain, story line etc. I liked the Jake a lot too as well as the other characters
And also.....I hope Mason writes a book on Harrison. I really liked him as a character
And also.....I hope Mason writes a book on Harrison. I really liked him as a character
January 8, 2015
I love how Ms. mason writes!
The story is complicated and inticate and there's the right amount of mistery, gore, suspense and romance!
The story is complicated and inticate and there's the right amount of mistery, gore, suspense and romance!
January 29, 2015
good read
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