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Blood Money #2
Ripped
Attorney and political heavyweight Tobias Faraday is the Ice King, a man alone in the eye of a deadly storm. And in the wake of his sister’s torture, he’s out for blood.
The key to Tobias’s revenge is the disavowed British spy he’s kept imprisoned for weeks. Chandler McCallister can get him behind enemy lines in Russia, but the clever double-agent has a demand of her own before she puts her life on the line in the name of redemption.
Posing as Chandler’s boyfriend at an aristocratic wedding in the English countryside won’t kill Tobias. Not in theory.
As the threat of Moscow looms larger and the enemy reveals himself to be crueler than any human can imagine, Tobias reluctantly partners with his prisoner to derail the immediate threat—to their families, to Faraday Industries, and to their lives. What he finds in the process is a feverish, relentless need already melting the ice from his veins.
The key to Tobias’s revenge is the disavowed British spy he’s kept imprisoned for weeks. Chandler McCallister can get him behind enemy lines in Russia, but the clever double-agent has a demand of her own before she puts her life on the line in the name of redemption.
Posing as Chandler’s boyfriend at an aristocratic wedding in the English countryside won’t kill Tobias. Not in theory.
As the threat of Moscow looms larger and the enemy reveals himself to be crueler than any human can imagine, Tobias reluctantly partners with his prisoner to derail the immediate threat—to their families, to Faraday Industries, and to their lives. What he finds in the process is a feverish, relentless need already melting the ice from his veins.
268 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 18, 2015
3 people are currently reading
169 people want to read
About the author
Edie Harris
26 books100 followersEdie Harris is a Chicago-based author whose novels have been lauded by Publishers Weekly, Library Journal, and USA Today. Visit her website for backlist titles, contact information, and regular updates on upcoming projects. www.edieharris.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
May 22, 2015
In the second book in the Blood Money series, Tobias Faraday has been haunted by his sister Beth’s torture, and determined to avenge his sister as well as show the world you don’t mess with the Faradays, not on his watch. To do this, he must infiltrate the heart of the Polnoch’ Pulya. And to do that, he needs the help of a double agent named Chandler MacAllister. Chandler’s done some horrible, horrible things in the name of God and country, or more importantly, to protect her twin sister Pippa. If she goes back to Russia, it could very well be her last mission. But she has no choice. Tobias and Chandler must work together...after they go to Pippa’s wedding in the English countryside. And you know what happens when they do that? Romance, that’s what.
The Good, The Bad and Everything In Between
- Excellent suspense series : I was very impressed with Blamed, the first book in this series, and I would say its prologue is one of the best I’ve ever read. Truly gripping, with so many unanswered questions that I felt compelled to keep reading, it was a fantastic thrill ride and I absolutely adored the heroine, Beth Faraday. Ms. Harris has a talent for setting up an interesting spy story and her prologue here worked well. Ripped has its own tempo, and the characters are different, which I do appreciate because so often these stories can fall into their own formula and blend together. There is no danger of that here - Toby and Chandler stand on their own.
- Tobias is a great stuffed shirt type of hero : I love when a hero starts off as the proper, bespoked kind of man, portraying himself to the world one way, but when you dig a little deeper, you really see the protective, loving man they can be. Tobias, or as Chandler calls him to his great consternation, Toby, is just such a man. My impression of Tobias from the first book was very ruthless. Had I not read the first book, I probably would have wondered more at his reputation, but I loved little moments such as when he took notes on how to be a boyfriend. If my love for the romance could be based on one character alone, it would be for him. However, it takes two to tango, and in this instance….
- Chandler’s a prickly sort of heroine : My main concern going into this story was always how I would feel about Chandler. **SPOILER ALERT** She has her hands in the events of the first book, especially what happens to that heroine, Beth, so yes I’ll admit, Chandler had to work a little harder than most heroines to get in my good books. I felt that Ms. Harris really takes the time and explains the choices Chandler made, and the things she’s had to do to survive make her a strong heroine in her own right were all good, on paper. I appreciated her...but I’m not sure I liked her, or was really invested in her relationship with Tobias. I’ll admit, I definitely never connected with her the way I did with Beth.
- I wanted more tension : I had a certain expectation based on my reaction to Blamed, which took you on a roller coaster ride from the very first page. Beth’s life being in danger by person or persons unknown gave it a sense of urgency that wasn’t present in the first half of this book. And yes, I loved Beth and Vick in a way I don’t love Tobias and Chandler. Perhaps it was because I wanted to be in the thick of it in Russia that the slower pace in Wolverhampton made me a bit antsy. I found it a bit too easy to put this book down when all I really wanted was to be swept up in the thick of it. About halfway through, the action really steps up, but I would have liked more of that feeling to ratchet things up a notch.
The Bottom Line (3.5 stars)
I enjoyed it. I think this series has so much going for it, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of the Faradays and their loves navigate their spy games.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
The Good, The Bad and Everything In Between
- Excellent suspense series : I was very impressed with Blamed, the first book in this series, and I would say its prologue is one of the best I’ve ever read. Truly gripping, with so many unanswered questions that I felt compelled to keep reading, it was a fantastic thrill ride and I absolutely adored the heroine, Beth Faraday. Ms. Harris has a talent for setting up an interesting spy story and her prologue here worked well. Ripped has its own tempo, and the characters are different, which I do appreciate because so often these stories can fall into their own formula and blend together. There is no danger of that here - Toby and Chandler stand on their own.
- Tobias is a great stuffed shirt type of hero : I love when a hero starts off as the proper, bespoked kind of man, portraying himself to the world one way, but when you dig a little deeper, you really see the protective, loving man they can be. Tobias, or as Chandler calls him to his great consternation, Toby, is just such a man. My impression of Tobias from the first book was very ruthless. Had I not read the first book, I probably would have wondered more at his reputation, but I loved little moments such as when he took notes on how to be a boyfriend. If my love for the romance could be based on one character alone, it would be for him. However, it takes two to tango, and in this instance….
- Chandler’s a prickly sort of heroine : My main concern going into this story was always how I would feel about Chandler. **SPOILER ALERT** She has her hands in the events of the first book, especially what happens to that heroine, Beth, so yes I’ll admit, Chandler had to work a little harder than most heroines to get in my good books. I felt that Ms. Harris really takes the time and explains the choices Chandler made, and the things she’s had to do to survive make her a strong heroine in her own right were all good, on paper. I appreciated her...but I’m not sure I liked her, or was really invested in her relationship with Tobias. I’ll admit, I definitely never connected with her the way I did with Beth.
- I wanted more tension : I had a certain expectation based on my reaction to Blamed, which took you on a roller coaster ride from the very first page. Beth’s life being in danger by person or persons unknown gave it a sense of urgency that wasn’t present in the first half of this book. And yes, I loved Beth and Vick in a way I don’t love Tobias and Chandler. Perhaps it was because I wanted to be in the thick of it in Russia that the slower pace in Wolverhampton made me a bit antsy. I found it a bit too easy to put this book down when all I really wanted was to be swept up in the thick of it. About halfway through, the action really steps up, but I would have liked more of that feeling to ratchet things up a notch.
The Bottom Line (3.5 stars)
I enjoyed it. I think this series has so much going for it, and I’m looking forward to seeing more of the Faradays and their loves navigate their spy games.
**ARC provided by publisher via netgalley in exchange for an honest review**
May 18, 2015
Last year I read Blamed, book one in this series and I loved it. I also loved the supporting character of Tobias - cold as steel, intense, no-nonsense and deadly while wearing a three-piece suit. Gimme. We also meet his eventual heroine in book one, the imprisoned Chandler. High attitude, deadly as well, with hatred in her eyes. I couldn't wait to see how these two would fall in love. But their journey left me wanting more. Maybe I had built these two up in my head too much and had unfair expectations. But either way, I was a little disappointed.
Tobias is one of several siblings in the Faraday family, a family whose net worth is in the multiple billions. They wine and dine with the president, and are a seller of arms. But they are secretly deep into dark organizations and killing bad guys deep undercover. Tobias is the attorney of the family and a genius. He has never fit in. As a child, he couldn't handle going to public school and became mute. Switching to private tutors, he eventually found his voice again and graduated law school at twenty-one. He is the one in charge in the family, and holds a lot of responsiblity. We learned in the last book his sister Beth, was tortured by a man named Nash, and Tobias wants revenge on the person that ordered that torture. Badly. And now due to the woman he has imprisoned, he has that chance.
Chandler has been part of the secret m16 organization for a while. As part of an assignment, she was embedded with the Russian arms organization, and her partner was Nash. Tobias wants Chandler to head back into Russia, leading him to her boss so he can exact revenge. Chandler knows she is up shit creek. She wanted out of Russia badly, and trusted Nash to help her, but then got sucked into pissing off the Faraday family. She knows if she goes back to Russia, she is probably a goner, but she can't sit in an underground prison the rest of her life either. She makes a deal with Tobias - if he escorts her to her beloved sister's wedding, she will then take him to Russia. Tobias agrees.
I had a few problems with this book. First, I expected Tobias to be a lot more - cold. More damaged and ruthless. More intense. I didn't necessarily get that vibe from him. I wanted to see glimpses of the boy so troubled he was mute for years of his life. So socially awkward he had to have private tutors. So bad ass he wouldn't just agree to be a pretend boyfriend for his prisoner. He was too nice and warm damn it. How dare he.
I also had trouble with Chandler falling in love with him. More precisely, why she fell in love with him. We get into Tobias's head and know that he has an attraction to her that he knows he shouldn't have but he can't help it. But I never got that feeling with Chandler. What about him gets her going? They become quite familiar with each other fast, and I wish there had been more of a reluctant chemistry between them. More mistrust. How does the other really know they won't screw them over? The lack of sexual tension made their romance a little flat.
At one point Chandler thinks:
She hated him. She was using him, as he was using her, and she hated him. He'd taken away her freedom. His vengeance would likely get her killed. She had imagined at least one hundred varying means of murdering him in the past month.
Chandler couldn't forget that.
But I kind of thinks she does forget. I wanted that hatred and bad-ass to come out of her, but that intensity she has in her mind, doesn't hold up.
I also didn't love the suspense while at Chandler's sister's wedding. It didn't flow well for me. I liked the big action ending, but the middle suspense left me wanting more.
I really enjoy the Faraday family and I look forward to the next book as it's set-up well at the end of this one. I'm picky with my romantic suspense and this series is definitely one of the better suspense series I read. I just wasn't 100% on board with Tobias.
Grade: C
Tobias is one of several siblings in the Faraday family, a family whose net worth is in the multiple billions. They wine and dine with the president, and are a seller of arms. But they are secretly deep into dark organizations and killing bad guys deep undercover. Tobias is the attorney of the family and a genius. He has never fit in. As a child, he couldn't handle going to public school and became mute. Switching to private tutors, he eventually found his voice again and graduated law school at twenty-one. He is the one in charge in the family, and holds a lot of responsiblity. We learned in the last book his sister Beth, was tortured by a man named Nash, and Tobias wants revenge on the person that ordered that torture. Badly. And now due to the woman he has imprisoned, he has that chance.
Chandler has been part of the secret m16 organization for a while. As part of an assignment, she was embedded with the Russian arms organization, and her partner was Nash. Tobias wants Chandler to head back into Russia, leading him to her boss so he can exact revenge. Chandler knows she is up shit creek. She wanted out of Russia badly, and trusted Nash to help her, but then got sucked into pissing off the Faraday family. She knows if she goes back to Russia, she is probably a goner, but she can't sit in an underground prison the rest of her life either. She makes a deal with Tobias - if he escorts her to her beloved sister's wedding, she will then take him to Russia. Tobias agrees.
I had a few problems with this book. First, I expected Tobias to be a lot more - cold. More damaged and ruthless. More intense. I didn't necessarily get that vibe from him. I wanted to see glimpses of the boy so troubled he was mute for years of his life. So socially awkward he had to have private tutors. So bad ass he wouldn't just agree to be a pretend boyfriend for his prisoner. He was too nice and warm damn it. How dare he.
I also had trouble with Chandler falling in love with him. More precisely, why she fell in love with him. We get into Tobias's head and know that he has an attraction to her that he knows he shouldn't have but he can't help it. But I never got that feeling with Chandler. What about him gets her going? They become quite familiar with each other fast, and I wish there had been more of a reluctant chemistry between them. More mistrust. How does the other really know they won't screw them over? The lack of sexual tension made their romance a little flat.
At one point Chandler thinks:
She hated him. She was using him, as he was using her, and she hated him. He'd taken away her freedom. His vengeance would likely get her killed. She had imagined at least one hundred varying means of murdering him in the past month.
Chandler couldn't forget that.
But I kind of thinks she does forget. I wanted that hatred and bad-ass to come out of her, but that intensity she has in her mind, doesn't hold up.
I also didn't love the suspense while at Chandler's sister's wedding. It didn't flow well for me. I liked the big action ending, but the middle suspense left me wanting more.
I really enjoy the Faraday family and I look forward to the next book as it's set-up well at the end of this one. I'm picky with my romantic suspense and this series is definitely one of the better suspense series I read. I just wasn't 100% on board with Tobias.
Grade: C
April 27, 2015
A 2015 favorite! RS at its best!
Edie Harris is a wordwizard, I swear! She mesmerizes you with the words she puts on paper and holds you captive until you've read the last one. That's the only way I can describe how I felt about RIPPED. From the first pages of the prologue I was completely and utterly mesmerized.
Tobias is one cold-blooded, controlled and cool dude...He really gave me chills sometimes at how detached and unaccepting of emotions he could be. I had caught a very tiny glimpse emotions when he interacted with Beth and his family are the only ones on the receiving end when he does show feelings or compassion but I knew he had met his match in Chandler from their very first interaction in BLAMED.
Chandler is as cool and collected and cold as Tobias. Seemingly nothing fazed this british spy and she's a tough cookie. It took me a little while to warm up to her but soon I was rooting for her all the way.
Both Chandler and Tobias were fascinating characters. The way they fought against the unfamiliar feelings, the irresistable attraction and the undeniable chemistry between them was one of the things that kept me glued to the pages. And once they gave into the chemistry the Ice King and the self-serving b*tch set the pages on fire! And when the Ice King melts, he MELTS. His sexy scenes were so very very hot. And not even with explicitness It was the things he said to Chandler that completely stole my heart and made me go all weak in the knees. Because he didn't just spout romantic stuff to get her in the sack. He acknowledged the feelings with such reluctance but at the same time in such a sexy way...Oh. My!!
I love how Harris set this book up...If not for the prologue, that immediately put me at the edge of my seat, I would have just breezed along, reading about the wedding stuff and about Chandler's backstory, the plotlines on her sister and her sister's fiancé. But that prologue kept reminding me of things to come, horrifying things to come and the anticipation for the suspense plot was very high.
RIPPED is my first RS 2015 favorite and deservedly so...This book was everything! This series is everything! If you love romantic suspense and all things secret agent and spies, you MUST read this series.
Favorite Quotes:
Her memory of that particular showdown was clear: Faraday in one of his natty three-piece suits, buttoned up higher than a Victorian virgin on her wedding night and holding a gun as though he’d left the womb with it surgically attached to his hand.
“I want to touch you like I did after your bad dream. I want to taste you and feel you and die in you.” Surrendering, he leaned forward and sank his teeth into one plump cheek and was rewarded with her heartfelt moan. His tongue swept out to test the rain-cooled flesh, his lips closing in a tender kiss as he shifted to hold her hips, fierce pride slicing through him at her visceral shiver. He did that to her. Him. “I want to learn you, until I can speak you better than you can speak yourself. From a place of confidence, Chandler.” His fingertips gripped with near-bruising force. “Give me the chance.”
Chandler was kissing him, touching him, plucking and picking at the pieces of his soul with a direct connection to his dick. Until this moment, he hadn’t known his dick had anything to do with his soul, but apparently it did. Or at least, it did where Chandler was concerned. “I don’t have a condom.”
Grinning, she took the lobe of his ear between her teeth and nipped, making him shudder, and another sliver of his soul surrendered into her keeping.
“Warn me now if there’s some way I should or shouldn’t take you, Chandler. Because if you don’t, I’m simply going to do whatever the hell I want with this hot little body of yours until I find what feels best for us both. And then I’m going to fuck you until I understand each and every nuance of that word.”
Edie Harris is a wordwizard, I swear! She mesmerizes you with the words she puts on paper and holds you captive until you've read the last one. That's the only way I can describe how I felt about RIPPED. From the first pages of the prologue I was completely and utterly mesmerized.
Tobias is one cold-blooded, controlled and cool dude...He really gave me chills sometimes at how detached and unaccepting of emotions he could be. I had caught a very tiny glimpse emotions when he interacted with Beth and his family are the only ones on the receiving end when he does show feelings or compassion but I knew he had met his match in Chandler from their very first interaction in BLAMED.
Chandler is as cool and collected and cold as Tobias. Seemingly nothing fazed this british spy and she's a tough cookie. It took me a little while to warm up to her but soon I was rooting for her all the way.
Both Chandler and Tobias were fascinating characters. The way they fought against the unfamiliar feelings, the irresistable attraction and the undeniable chemistry between them was one of the things that kept me glued to the pages. And once they gave into the chemistry the Ice King and the self-serving b*tch set the pages on fire! And when the Ice King melts, he MELTS. His sexy scenes were so very very hot. And not even with explicitness It was the things he said to Chandler that completely stole my heart and made me go all weak in the knees. Because he didn't just spout romantic stuff to get her in the sack. He acknowledged the feelings with such reluctance but at the same time in such a sexy way...Oh. My!!
I love how Harris set this book up...If not for the prologue, that immediately put me at the edge of my seat, I would have just breezed along, reading about the wedding stuff and about Chandler's backstory, the plotlines on her sister and her sister's fiancé. But that prologue kept reminding me of things to come, horrifying things to come and the anticipation for the suspense plot was very high.
RIPPED is my first RS 2015 favorite and deservedly so...This book was everything! This series is everything! If you love romantic suspense and all things secret agent and spies, you MUST read this series.
Favorite Quotes:
Her memory of that particular showdown was clear: Faraday in one of his natty three-piece suits, buttoned up higher than a Victorian virgin on her wedding night and holding a gun as though he’d left the womb with it surgically attached to his hand.
“I want to touch you like I did after your bad dream. I want to taste you and feel you and die in you.” Surrendering, he leaned forward and sank his teeth into one plump cheek and was rewarded with her heartfelt moan. His tongue swept out to test the rain-cooled flesh, his lips closing in a tender kiss as he shifted to hold her hips, fierce pride slicing through him at her visceral shiver. He did that to her. Him. “I want to learn you, until I can speak you better than you can speak yourself. From a place of confidence, Chandler.” His fingertips gripped with near-bruising force. “Give me the chance.”
Chandler was kissing him, touching him, plucking and picking at the pieces of his soul with a direct connection to his dick. Until this moment, he hadn’t known his dick had anything to do with his soul, but apparently it did. Or at least, it did where Chandler was concerned. “I don’t have a condom.”
Grinning, she took the lobe of his ear between her teeth and nipped, making him shudder, and another sliver of his soul surrendered into her keeping.
“Warn me now if there’s some way I should or shouldn’t take you, Chandler. Because if you don’t, I’m simply going to do whatever the hell I want with this hot little body of yours until I find what feels best for us both. And then I’m going to fuck you until I understand each and every nuance of that word.”
April 27, 2015
When reading the first book, Blamed, I fell head over heels in love with Tobias, the hero of this story. And I was so unsure of how in the bloody hell Edie would be able to make him and Chandler work to have their own HEA.
Oh man, did she ever deliver.
I love this freaking series! The swoons are there, the twisting, intriguing plot is there, and the fantastic, lovable, complex characters are all there. If you like any romantic suspense at all, pick up this series NOW. It's so good!
I must commend Edie for how she wrote Tobias and Chandler's story. I didn't like Chandler on principle, due to circumstances that occur in the first book. But almost instantly when placed in her POV, I loved her. I loved her even more as her personality was brought to life. She's such a fantastic character. And of course Tobias is, too. Unf. <3 The way he loves Chandler is so perfect. The pride he has for her, no matter how "bad" her past and her actions are...I just love it so much.
And just as my love for Tobias was soaring through the clouds, Adam was featured a bit, and I swear I squealed when I read the epilogue, setting up for book three. I cannot WAIT to read Adam's book!
I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review
Oh man, did she ever deliver.
I love this freaking series! The swoons are there, the twisting, intriguing plot is there, and the fantastic, lovable, complex characters are all there. If you like any romantic suspense at all, pick up this series NOW. It's so good!
I must commend Edie for how she wrote Tobias and Chandler's story. I didn't like Chandler on principle, due to circumstances that occur in the first book. But almost instantly when placed in her POV, I loved her. I loved her even more as her personality was brought to life. She's such a fantastic character. And of course Tobias is, too. Unf. <3 The way he loves Chandler is so perfect. The pride he has for her, no matter how "bad" her past and her actions are...I just love it so much.
And just as my love for Tobias was soaring through the clouds, Adam was featured a bit, and I swear I squealed when I read the epilogue, setting up for book three. I cannot WAIT to read Adam's book!
I received an ARC from Netgalley for an honest review
March 2, 2017
Yaaaaasss!! Can I give this all the stars please? Uptight heroes with a weakness for their heroine make me so melty. Tobias was amazing. And Chandler, who I was prepared to hate, was fantastic too. These two overcame incredible relationship barriers and were so sweet and their banter was so great and I'm totally rambling. The story unfolded way differently than I thought too, but not in a bad way. Can't wait for the next book! I also really hope we get stories for Pippa, Keir, Freya, Dare, etc because I loved all of them.
April 13, 2015
Another wild ride with the Faraday family!
Full review to come.
Full review to come.
December 24, 2015
What a great continuation of this series! it leaves you wanting more...so much more!!
July 15, 2017
3.5 stars
June 2, 2015
Review originally posted at http://fictionvixen.com/review-ripped...
Oh, Tobias. Cold, intellectual, do what ever needs to be done Tobias. I made the mistake of reading the teaser at the end of Blamed and then wished I hadn’t because I knew I would spend the next six months on the edge of my seat waiting for this book. Granted six months isn’t that long a wait, but still, I needed me some Tobias Faraday in my life.
For those of you who haven’t read the first book in this series, let me introduce you to the Faraday clan. There’s Beth, whose story was told in Blamed, a talented sniper who very rarely misses a shot. Casey, who appears to be the brother in charge of military operations. Adam, who can hack into any computer on Earth and get any information needed. Gillian, the brilliant engineer and scientist who makes sure Faraday Industries has the best technology available. Last, but by no means least, there is Tobias. He is the leader of the family who negotiates contracts with world governments and isn’t afraid to insist that the President of the United States take his phone call when he needs to get something done. Tobias is logical, determined and will do anything to protect his family.
The abduction and torture of his sister has him determined to seek revenge on those responsible. He sees only one way into the very secret Russian mob and that’s through the woman partly responsible for his sister’s torture, Chandler McCallister. He’ll use her to get what he wants, even if it means that neither end up walking away with their lives.
Chandler knows her time is almost up, she is fully aware going back into Russia will mean certain death, but she agrees to go anyway. All she asks is to be allowed to attend her twin sister’s wedding first. Pip is the only person who means anything to her and she is bound and determined to make sure she is in a safe place and that their past secrets stay that way before she says goodbye forever. Even if it means she must pretend that the coldest man in the world is her boyfriend.
I’m not sure what I was expecting when I started reading, but in some ways I was very surprised by a few of the twists and turns this book took. I wasn’t expecting Chandler’s back story and how cruel and intense it was. I never thought I would end up sympathizing with her the way I did. I was shocked, but pleasantly surprised, when I found out my Tobias was so inexperienced sexually. Which by the way, in no way, shape or form lowers the level of sexy in his and Chandler’s encounters. If anything I think it ramped them up. Lastly, I was surprised by how romantic Tobias turned out to be, I mean for real, the man almost made me swoon a few times.
I will admit I had some doubts going in that Ms. Harris would make this couple work after the events of book one. Chandler is the enemy and one of the reasons why Beth was tortured after all. There is quite a bit of chemistry between our main characters when the book opens, but it takes a while for them to actually move to a place where it becomes believable that they might be drawn to each other. But beware, it’s not an easy trip. This book has several scenes of violence that involve both our hero and heroine, but I do believe each scenes makes sense and moves the plot forward. You can’t understand where each of these characters is coming from until you learn about what events shaped their lives.
I think what makes this series work, at least for me, is how Ms. Harris has chosen to lay out the stories. So far each book has begun with a prologue set from one character’s POV. Both scenes have been raw, and fairly gruesome, but it’s a scene taken from the middle of the book and told in a way that immediately draws you in and holds your attention. Then in the first chapter she goes back to the beginning and leads readers through all the action and romance. By the time she takes you back to that same scene, only this time told from the opposite protagonists’ POV, you are impatiently waiting to find out how it wraps up. That’s when it everything finally clicks and makes sense.
Gritty, intense and filled to the brim with suspense and intrigue, this romantic suspense series has me hooked. And damn it, I read the teaser at the end again, which means I am once more desperately looking forward to the next book in this series. Final Grade- B
Favorite Quote:
Oh, Tobias. Cold, intellectual, do what ever needs to be done Tobias. I made the mistake of reading the teaser at the end of Blamed and then wished I hadn’t because I knew I would spend the next six months on the edge of my seat waiting for this book. Granted six months isn’t that long a wait, but still, I needed me some Tobias Faraday in my life.
For those of you who haven’t read the first book in this series, let me introduce you to the Faraday clan. There’s Beth, whose story was told in Blamed, a talented sniper who very rarely misses a shot. Casey, who appears to be the brother in charge of military operations. Adam, who can hack into any computer on Earth and get any information needed. Gillian, the brilliant engineer and scientist who makes sure Faraday Industries has the best technology available. Last, but by no means least, there is Tobias. He is the leader of the family who negotiates contracts with world governments and isn’t afraid to insist that the President of the United States take his phone call when he needs to get something done. Tobias is logical, determined and will do anything to protect his family.
The abduction and torture of his sister has him determined to seek revenge on those responsible. He sees only one way into the very secret Russian mob and that’s through the woman partly responsible for his sister’s torture, Chandler McCallister. He’ll use her to get what he wants, even if it means that neither end up walking away with their lives.
Chandler knows her time is almost up, she is fully aware going back into Russia will mean certain death, but she agrees to go anyway. All she asks is to be allowed to attend her twin sister’s wedding first. Pip is the only person who means anything to her and she is bound and determined to make sure she is in a safe place and that their past secrets stay that way before she says goodbye forever. Even if it means she must pretend that the coldest man in the world is her boyfriend.
I’m not sure what I was expecting when I started reading, but in some ways I was very surprised by a few of the twists and turns this book took. I wasn’t expecting Chandler’s back story and how cruel and intense it was. I never thought I would end up sympathizing with her the way I did. I was shocked, but pleasantly surprised, when I found out my Tobias was so inexperienced sexually. Which by the way, in no way, shape or form lowers the level of sexy in his and Chandler’s encounters. If anything I think it ramped them up. Lastly, I was surprised by how romantic Tobias turned out to be, I mean for real, the man almost made me swoon a few times.
I will admit I had some doubts going in that Ms. Harris would make this couple work after the events of book one. Chandler is the enemy and one of the reasons why Beth was tortured after all. There is quite a bit of chemistry between our main characters when the book opens, but it takes a while for them to actually move to a place where it becomes believable that they might be drawn to each other. But beware, it’s not an easy trip. This book has several scenes of violence that involve both our hero and heroine, but I do believe each scenes makes sense and moves the plot forward. You can’t understand where each of these characters is coming from until you learn about what events shaped their lives.
I think what makes this series work, at least for me, is how Ms. Harris has chosen to lay out the stories. So far each book has begun with a prologue set from one character’s POV. Both scenes have been raw, and fairly gruesome, but it’s a scene taken from the middle of the book and told in a way that immediately draws you in and holds your attention. Then in the first chapter she goes back to the beginning and leads readers through all the action and romance. By the time she takes you back to that same scene, only this time told from the opposite protagonists’ POV, you are impatiently waiting to find out how it wraps up. That’s when it everything finally clicks and makes sense.
Gritty, intense and filled to the brim with suspense and intrigue, this romantic suspense series has me hooked. And damn it, I read the teaser at the end again, which means I am once more desperately looking forward to the next book in this series. Final Grade- B
Favorite Quote:
“You can run, Chandler. So long as you run back to me when you’re done.”
May 18, 2015
Received review copy in exchange for an honest review; full, original post with quotes can be found at:
http://mnonmklreviews.blogspot.com/20...
When I read BLAMED, what drew me in was the prologue. Edie does such a terrific job with her descriptions, you can't help but be drawn in. With the spy life that Vick and Beth lead, at times I felt a little lost, but I found that I still liked their story.
In BLAMED, we learned a bit about the Faraday family and how Beth felt the furthest removed from her brother, Tobias.
...we also learned why Tobias held himself apart.
Well, this is his book, so we get to learn just a little bit more.
Tobias is a protector, but his way of doing that is to keep everyone at an arm's length away. He wants nothing more than to take completely over their father's empire so his siblings can live a life away from the spy world, the world of the deceit, and the world of harm. When Beth was tortured, we saw Tobias's carefully structured world fall apart -- and because a certain British agent had a hand in Beth's torture, we learned that Tobias wasn't going to be a pushover by any means.
It was easy to leave BLAMED and feel some hatred toward Chandler, but quickly, very quickly, you get a new opinion of her in RIPPED.
Chandler has seen her fair share of dark days. She knew what she was signing on to when she took this career path, but it didn't make the torture and rape any easier to bare. She successfully keeps Tobias on his toes by being snarky, short, and labeling him with a dreaded moniker -- Toby.
He's always been Tobias, never had a nickname, and it irritates him to no end.
Chandler will do as Toby asks -- go to Moscow on a revenge plot -- even though she knows that by going back there, she will likely not come home alive. There is just one thing she asks of Tobias, then, and it's to go to her twin's home for Pippa's wedding week.
...however, to pull it off without her sister knowing what is going on in Chandler's world, she asks him to go under the disguise as her boyfriend. Tobias has never had a girlfriend -- it's that keeping people at arms' length thing again -- so he calls the one person he knows who's in a healthy relationship.
Beth.
I loved that Beth and Tobias's relationship grew in the weeks that BLAMED and RIPPED take place. I even love that we get to know another Faraday -- Adam. Where Tobias is serious and hard, Adam is very much not. Adam is the epitome of a playboy.
A playboy who can hack into computers, but he's loose and easy and all that -- which Tobias is not.
I loved watching Tobias crack when it came to Chandler. Never had he cared for a woman -- I can't even add "as much as he does her" because that's just it... there hasn't been anyone for him. He's never cared to let a woman close, but Chandler slips under his skin. He wasn't looking for it, she wasn't looking for it... it just happened. As a reader, you were certainly feeling it when he would calmly scold her for putting herself down; when he would correct Pinney in his head with 'Mary Chandler' whenever he'd refer to her as 'Mary something'; when he tried to calm her after her nightmares.
For someone who didn't have a lick of experience, he certainly did well where Chandler was concerned. Did he make his mistakes? A few, sure. But the big elephant in the room between the two of them -- Beth -- needed to be talked about, and with two individuals who's career involved evading the truth...
I learned that I enjoyed Edie's writing style in BLAMED.
I learned that I loved Edie's characters in RIPPED. I enjoyed seeing new glimpses into Vick and Beth's relationship. I loved learning about the twenty-six year old Faraday (and I'm excited to read his story next!). I want Pippa to get a HEA. I want the cousins to have HEAs, too.
But above all else, I learned how much I really loved Tobias and Chandler. I had a sense that he could be warm with the right incentive...
http://mnonmklreviews.blogspot.com/20...
When I read BLAMED, what drew me in was the prologue. Edie does such a terrific job with her descriptions, you can't help but be drawn in. With the spy life that Vick and Beth lead, at times I felt a little lost, but I found that I still liked their story.
In BLAMED, we learned a bit about the Faraday family and how Beth felt the furthest removed from her brother, Tobias.
...we also learned why Tobias held himself apart.
Well, this is his book, so we get to learn just a little bit more.
Tobias is a protector, but his way of doing that is to keep everyone at an arm's length away. He wants nothing more than to take completely over their father's empire so his siblings can live a life away from the spy world, the world of the deceit, and the world of harm. When Beth was tortured, we saw Tobias's carefully structured world fall apart -- and because a certain British agent had a hand in Beth's torture, we learned that Tobias wasn't going to be a pushover by any means.
It was easy to leave BLAMED and feel some hatred toward Chandler, but quickly, very quickly, you get a new opinion of her in RIPPED.
Chandler has seen her fair share of dark days. She knew what she was signing on to when she took this career path, but it didn't make the torture and rape any easier to bare. She successfully keeps Tobias on his toes by being snarky, short, and labeling him with a dreaded moniker -- Toby.
He's always been Tobias, never had a nickname, and it irritates him to no end.
Chandler will do as Toby asks -- go to Moscow on a revenge plot -- even though she knows that by going back there, she will likely not come home alive. There is just one thing she asks of Tobias, then, and it's to go to her twin's home for Pippa's wedding week.
...however, to pull it off without her sister knowing what is going on in Chandler's world, she asks him to go under the disguise as her boyfriend. Tobias has never had a girlfriend -- it's that keeping people at arms' length thing again -- so he calls the one person he knows who's in a healthy relationship.
Beth.
I loved that Beth and Tobias's relationship grew in the weeks that BLAMED and RIPPED take place. I even love that we get to know another Faraday -- Adam. Where Tobias is serious and hard, Adam is very much not. Adam is the epitome of a playboy.
A playboy who can hack into computers, but he's loose and easy and all that -- which Tobias is not.
I loved watching Tobias crack when it came to Chandler. Never had he cared for a woman -- I can't even add "as much as he does her" because that's just it... there hasn't been anyone for him. He's never cared to let a woman close, but Chandler slips under his skin. He wasn't looking for it, she wasn't looking for it... it just happened. As a reader, you were certainly feeling it when he would calmly scold her for putting herself down; when he would correct Pinney in his head with 'Mary Chandler' whenever he'd refer to her as 'Mary something'; when he tried to calm her after her nightmares.
For someone who didn't have a lick of experience, he certainly did well where Chandler was concerned. Did he make his mistakes? A few, sure. But the big elephant in the room between the two of them -- Beth -- needed to be talked about, and with two individuals who's career involved evading the truth...
I learned that I enjoyed Edie's writing style in BLAMED.
I learned that I loved Edie's characters in RIPPED. I enjoyed seeing new glimpses into Vick and Beth's relationship. I loved learning about the twenty-six year old Faraday (and I'm excited to read his story next!). I want Pippa to get a HEA. I want the cousins to have HEAs, too.
But above all else, I learned how much I really loved Tobias and Chandler. I had a sense that he could be warm with the right incentive...
April 14, 2015
Ripped is book two of the Blood Money starts off two months after book one where Beth Farady (Tobias younger sister) has only been home recovering from tormented at the hands of a sadistic killer. Tobias Farady runs Faraday Industries and will do anything to protect his sister and her future even if it means holding a woman in prison for a crimes he finds to be unforgivable. Chandler McCallister former British Spy is the reason his sister was tortured for days. Had she given the Faraday's the information they needed Beth wouldn't have endured the endless pain she has to be reminded of for the rest of her life. Chandler uses her sassy attitude as a way to keep everyone away from her including the only person she cares for her twin sister.
When Tobias wants to go after the man who kidnapped his sister he needs Chandlers connections in Moscow and he doesn't care if she comes homes alive or not because all he can see is red. Tobias learns he has created enemies all over the world but he uses his nickname to get what he wants without caring who gets in the way of the Ice King.
In a twist Chandler promises she will give Tobias every last person who harmed his perfect sister if she is allowed to go to her twin sisters wedding. Tobias figures it can't be that hard to be a pretend boyfriend. He relies on his sister Beth to help him figure out how to be the perfect boyfriend.
Ripped is a gritty novel giving you the darker side in the business of weapons development. Tobias Farady a is known as the Ice king because he has no problem taking what he wants without bring in his emotions until Chandler McCallister has everything he need but refuses to give it up without conditions. Not even his cold stare gives "Toby" what he wants. Nothing Scares Chandler not even Tobias Farady
Chandler has a family history she is not proud of but she uses it to her advantage getting her into a gang of murdering thugs. She is sicken by the blood on her hands but she does it to keep the one person she loves safe her twin sister.
Ripped will take the readers on a non stop pulsing pounding adventure that will have reader understand Chandler so much better and instead of hating her like they did in book one. This novel is gritty, bloody, lots of dead bodies but at the same time the heart of the story is all about family which is a great theme readers need in this day and age where we are told to always look out for ones self.
This book doesn't have just steamy moments, but moment that will have the reader needing a cold glass of water. Ripped switches things up in the romance department which was a fun change.
Ripped will have the readers hooked unable to put the book down until the very last page which will have the readers excited for book 3.
Advance Copy sent by Netgalley
When Tobias wants to go after the man who kidnapped his sister he needs Chandlers connections in Moscow and he doesn't care if she comes homes alive or not because all he can see is red. Tobias learns he has created enemies all over the world but he uses his nickname to get what he wants without caring who gets in the way of the Ice King.
In a twist Chandler promises she will give Tobias every last person who harmed his perfect sister if she is allowed to go to her twin sisters wedding. Tobias figures it can't be that hard to be a pretend boyfriend. He relies on his sister Beth to help him figure out how to be the perfect boyfriend.
Ripped is a gritty novel giving you the darker side in the business of weapons development. Tobias Farady a is known as the Ice king because he has no problem taking what he wants without bring in his emotions until Chandler McCallister has everything he need but refuses to give it up without conditions. Not even his cold stare gives "Toby" what he wants. Nothing Scares Chandler not even Tobias Farady
Chandler has a family history she is not proud of but she uses it to her advantage getting her into a gang of murdering thugs. She is sicken by the blood on her hands but she does it to keep the one person she loves safe her twin sister.
Ripped will take the readers on a non stop pulsing pounding adventure that will have reader understand Chandler so much better and instead of hating her like they did in book one. This novel is gritty, bloody, lots of dead bodies but at the same time the heart of the story is all about family which is a great theme readers need in this day and age where we are told to always look out for ones self.
This book doesn't have just steamy moments, but moment that will have the reader needing a cold glass of water. Ripped switches things up in the romance department which was a fun change.
Ripped will have the readers hooked unable to put the book down until the very last page which will have the readers excited for book 3.
Advance Copy sent by Netgalley
June 3, 2015
Review can be read at It's About The Book
Reading more like an espionage novel than a romance, this tightly woven book was a thriller from start to finish.
In the spy game, American operator Tobias Farraday was more of an operations man, the intellectual who didn’t get his hands dirty in the field. British Chandler McCallister had been an M16 operative for a long time, and her last stint in Russia had taken her too close to the edge–closer than she’d wanted to stay. At the end of the first book in the series, Chandler had been imprisoned by the Farraday’s, interrogated for information about their sister Beth’s whereabouts. Now removed from there, tarted up for show, she was now being used as a pawn to gain Tobias entrance into a Russian mob, Polnoch’ Pulya, so that he could avenge his sister’s imprisonment and almost-death.
But first, there was the matter of her payment. In order for Chandler to agree to go back to Russia–a suicide mission for her–she wants to attend her twin sister Pip’s wedding. She also wants Tobias to use all his resources to keep the fiancee from finding out about their father–a notorious serial killer. Tobias reluctantly agrees to attend as her plus-one, protecting her and controlling his asset at the same time–and also sets his hounds on the P.I.s circling the event. Unfortunately, that’s far from the worst problem Chandler discovers at the bucolic wedding estate. She uncovers secrets surrounding her sister’s fiancée–ones that link him to the mob she’s going to face in Russia. Why does he know the Russian enforcer, The Priest? And how is she going to make it out of the wedding party alive?
Fate throws these two together in a battle to survive the worst the Russian mob can throw at them…and a couple of surprises along the way.
I really hated that I hadn’t read the first in the series–it hamstringed me! I didn’t know why Chandler had been imprisoned, I didn’t understand the history, and I felt really out of the loop. It would have been so much better if I had read the first one. However, the characters were great if a little melodramatic, I loved the writing, the sexy times were awesome, and thougho I found her description of Tobias to be a little disingenuous–I really liked him. Thanks for the intriguing read! I’m off to read the first one now :)
Reading more like an espionage novel than a romance, this tightly woven book was a thriller from start to finish.
In the spy game, American operator Tobias Farraday was more of an operations man, the intellectual who didn’t get his hands dirty in the field. British Chandler McCallister had been an M16 operative for a long time, and her last stint in Russia had taken her too close to the edge–closer than she’d wanted to stay. At the end of the first book in the series, Chandler had been imprisoned by the Farraday’s, interrogated for information about their sister Beth’s whereabouts. Now removed from there, tarted up for show, she was now being used as a pawn to gain Tobias entrance into a Russian mob, Polnoch’ Pulya, so that he could avenge his sister’s imprisonment and almost-death.
But first, there was the matter of her payment. In order for Chandler to agree to go back to Russia–a suicide mission for her–she wants to attend her twin sister Pip’s wedding. She also wants Tobias to use all his resources to keep the fiancee from finding out about their father–a notorious serial killer. Tobias reluctantly agrees to attend as her plus-one, protecting her and controlling his asset at the same time–and also sets his hounds on the P.I.s circling the event. Unfortunately, that’s far from the worst problem Chandler discovers at the bucolic wedding estate. She uncovers secrets surrounding her sister’s fiancée–ones that link him to the mob she’s going to face in Russia. Why does he know the Russian enforcer, The Priest? And how is she going to make it out of the wedding party alive?
Fate throws these two together in a battle to survive the worst the Russian mob can throw at them…and a couple of surprises along the way.
I really hated that I hadn’t read the first in the series–it hamstringed me! I didn’t know why Chandler had been imprisoned, I didn’t understand the history, and I felt really out of the loop. It would have been so much better if I had read the first one. However, the characters were great if a little melodramatic, I loved the writing, the sexy times were awesome, and thougho I found her description of Tobias to be a little disingenuous–I really liked him. Thanks for the intriguing read! I’m off to read the first one now :)
January 13, 2016
The first book in this series, Blamed, I read and reviewed back in December. I was taken with the idea of a female assassin from family of spies. The book more than met any expectations that I had and left me wanting more from the Faraday family. So I was thrilled to see that Tobias, Beth's older brother, had the next book in the series.
This book continues the story line from the first book, as Tobias tracks down those who kidnapped and tortured his sister. He is willing to use anyone and everything to get the vengeance he needs for Beth. He doesn't take into account his reaction to Chandler though.
When we met Chandler in the first book, she was a very unsympathetic character. But after spending some time in her head, with her memories, I have changed my tune, and so does Tobias. I don't think it's too spoilery to say that there is a HEA. Since the story is all about them getting to that point. But there was this quote by Tobias that literally brought tears to my eyes that I have to share:
“You were never supposed to be mine. But you are. Chandler, you’re mine.” His hand lifted, hovered next to her cheek until the heat from his palm scorched her skin but never made contact. “You’re no one’s property, but my heart... it recognizes you. It knows you. It claims you. It needs you so goddamn much that it has decided it can’t go on beating without you there to shock it back to life every second of every day.” Finally he cupped her jaw, and they both visibly shuddered. “Please keep me alive, Chandler."
I mean, come on, how was I supposed to NOT shed a tear with a statement like that. Especially after spending the entire book getting to know Tobias. The placement and timing of this quote in the book, did me in. Ring the bell, stick a fork in me, I'm done.
I was hooked in this book from the beginning and had no wimpy issues with Chandler like I did with Beth. Also, although Tobias was a bit of a hard ass... okay, way more than a bit, I liked him throughout the book. We learn more about the Faraday family, as well as the Quinn cousins in this book and I can't wait to find out more that has been hinted for book 3, Crazed. I am giving this book 5 stars.
Thanks to Carina Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This book continues the story line from the first book, as Tobias tracks down those who kidnapped and tortured his sister. He is willing to use anyone and everything to get the vengeance he needs for Beth. He doesn't take into account his reaction to Chandler though.
When we met Chandler in the first book, she was a very unsympathetic character. But after spending some time in her head, with her memories, I have changed my tune, and so does Tobias. I don't think it's too spoilery to say that there is a HEA. Since the story is all about them getting to that point. But there was this quote by Tobias that literally brought tears to my eyes that I have to share:
“You were never supposed to be mine. But you are. Chandler, you’re mine.” His hand lifted, hovered next to her cheek until the heat from his palm scorched her skin but never made contact. “You’re no one’s property, but my heart... it recognizes you. It knows you. It claims you. It needs you so goddamn much that it has decided it can’t go on beating without you there to shock it back to life every second of every day.” Finally he cupped her jaw, and they both visibly shuddered. “Please keep me alive, Chandler."
I mean, come on, how was I supposed to NOT shed a tear with a statement like that. Especially after spending the entire book getting to know Tobias. The placement and timing of this quote in the book, did me in. Ring the bell, stick a fork in me, I'm done.
I was hooked in this book from the beginning and had no wimpy issues with Chandler like I did with Beth. Also, although Tobias was a bit of a hard ass... okay, way more than a bit, I liked him throughout the book. We learn more about the Faraday family, as well as the Quinn cousins in this book and I can't wait to find out more that has been hinted for book 3, Crazed. I am giving this book 5 stars.
Thanks to Carina Press and Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
May 21, 2015
**I received an ARC of this story in exchange for an honest review**
Tobias realized he was different from the rest of his family of 7. With him, family is never the enemy. He was 32. He graduated Harvard Law School at 21. Tobias felt there was a wrongness in him his siblings didn't possess. Polnoch' Pulya was a market arms organization known across the world. It's known as the most lethal of such organizations. Nash almost killed Tobias's baby sister Beth through torture. Chandler McCallister was in Tobias's way to the people who almost killed Beth. Chandler called Tobias "Toby" and he wasn't the type you gave a nickname to. Tobias worked with the movers and shakers and policy-makers on Capital Hill. Chandler was rather famous for being able to make make-shift weapons seemingly out of nothing. She herself says she's a self-serving person, but when given, she does keep her word. Chandler says she will take Tobias to Moscow and get him inside the Polnoch' Pulya. She will even try to get him back out. Nash was dead, but Beth had been tortured for 4 days before she was rescued. Nash was Chandler's long-time field partner. The Russians are demanding Beth's head for her part in the death of Polnoch' Pulya's leader.
I found Chandler to be mentally and physically tough, having no choice in her line of work, but really it started as a young girl. Chandler is smart. The only one she care's about is her twin Pip, who is all she has. She would do anything to keep her sister safe and happy. Chander's not proud of what she's done, but she is loyal and she keeps her word. She grows in this story, even learning to love outside of her sister. I found Tobias to be a man above men. He is a genius. He loves his family and will do anything to keep them safe and make sure they feel safe, but Tobias has never had times for relationships except for with family and employees. He is honorable, loyal and sticks to his word. He is also physically and mentally strong. He also is able to grow and find love.
The story was slow in some spots, but altogether a good story and plot. I would recommend it.
Tobias realized he was different from the rest of his family of 7. With him, family is never the enemy. He was 32. He graduated Harvard Law School at 21. Tobias felt there was a wrongness in him his siblings didn't possess. Polnoch' Pulya was a market arms organization known across the world. It's known as the most lethal of such organizations. Nash almost killed Tobias's baby sister Beth through torture. Chandler McCallister was in Tobias's way to the people who almost killed Beth. Chandler called Tobias "Toby" and he wasn't the type you gave a nickname to. Tobias worked with the movers and shakers and policy-makers on Capital Hill. Chandler was rather famous for being able to make make-shift weapons seemingly out of nothing. She herself says she's a self-serving person, but when given, she does keep her word. Chandler says she will take Tobias to Moscow and get him inside the Polnoch' Pulya. She will even try to get him back out. Nash was dead, but Beth had been tortured for 4 days before she was rescued. Nash was Chandler's long-time field partner. The Russians are demanding Beth's head for her part in the death of Polnoch' Pulya's leader.
I found Chandler to be mentally and physically tough, having no choice in her line of work, but really it started as a young girl. Chandler is smart. The only one she care's about is her twin Pip, who is all she has. She would do anything to keep her sister safe and happy. Chander's not proud of what she's done, but she is loyal and she keeps her word. She grows in this story, even learning to love outside of her sister. I found Tobias to be a man above men. He is a genius. He loves his family and will do anything to keep them safe and make sure they feel safe, but Tobias has never had times for relationships except for with family and employees. He is honorable, loyal and sticks to his word. He is also physically and mentally strong. He also is able to grow and find love.
The story was slow in some spots, but altogether a good story and plot. I would recommend it.
July 17, 2017
Review written: July 16, 2017
Star Rating: ★★★½☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☀☼
An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.
After the insane roller coaster that was Blamed, I expected the same of Ripped. Boy was I wrong! Ripped was more in the vein of a character study and I very much enjoyed it that way. With two extremely grey characters and with some seriously intense situations, this one is an understated thriller.
I loved Tobias. I loved the character development, the backstory, the intensity, and the love. Now that Beth is home and safe after Blamed, Tobias intends to destroy the reason she was hurt in the first place and to do that, he's going to use one of the people responsible: Chandler. If she survives, she survives.
But Tobias is thorough and before he knows it, Chandler has wormed her way into his mind and she just won't leave. Now Tobias' calm and cool demeanor, his armour, and everything he holds tightly to him is disintegrating and he can't fix it. Watching him unravel for Chandler and then revel in it is beautiful.
And watching Chandler give her heart to someone other than her twin? Priceless. She's got so much baggage and so little to hold onto she is fracturing and has been for some time. But with Tobias there to give her structure and something to hold onto, she claws her way out of the abyss. So when it comes time to make the guy behind Beth's torture pay, it's a race to see who can sacrifice first.
There's not nearly as much of the ugly violence as there was in Blamed because this book is all about the psychology of loving and being loved in return. When there is violence, it's rarely the organized violence of Blamed. And, of course, the multiple bombshells at the end, just are icing on the cake.
I will say I hope the cousins - the Quinns - are candidates for a spin off series because I am loving them too!
This review is ©July 2017 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.
Star Rating: ★★★½☆
Heat Rating: ☀☀☀☀☼
An Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book was received free via Netgalley for an honest review.
After the insane roller coaster that was Blamed, I expected the same of Ripped. Boy was I wrong! Ripped was more in the vein of a character study and I very much enjoyed it that way. With two extremely grey characters and with some seriously intense situations, this one is an understated thriller.
I loved Tobias. I loved the character development, the backstory, the intensity, and the love. Now that Beth is home and safe after Blamed, Tobias intends to destroy the reason she was hurt in the first place and to do that, he's going to use one of the people responsible: Chandler. If she survives, she survives.
But Tobias is thorough and before he knows it, Chandler has wormed her way into his mind and she just won't leave. Now Tobias' calm and cool demeanor, his armour, and everything he holds tightly to him is disintegrating and he can't fix it. Watching him unravel for Chandler and then revel in it is beautiful.
And watching Chandler give her heart to someone other than her twin? Priceless. She's got so much baggage and so little to hold onto she is fracturing and has been for some time. But with Tobias there to give her structure and something to hold onto, she claws her way out of the abyss. So when it comes time to make the guy behind Beth's torture pay, it's a race to see who can sacrifice first.
There's not nearly as much of the ugly violence as there was in Blamed because this book is all about the psychology of loving and being loved in return. When there is violence, it's rarely the organized violence of Blamed. And, of course, the multiple bombshells at the end, just are icing on the cake.
I will say I hope the cousins - the Quinns - are candidates for a spin off series because I am loving them too!
This review is ©July 2017 by Monique N. and has been posted to Netgalley.
July 10, 2016
Ripped picks up immediately after the ending of Blamed and focuses on Tobias Faraday. Tobias runs Faraday Industries and is the unofficial leader of the five Faraday siblings. He is impeccable and the boss of all things, but his iron-clad control is tested by Chandler McCallister, the MI6 spy/double agent who remains in Faraday lockdown since her role in Beth's kidnapping. Chandler isn't intimidated by Tobias, in fact she sasses him at every turn and why not, as she has little left to lose. Except her sister, which is the fear Tobias plays on, as he needs Chandler's help to exact revenge on the one who hurt Beth. As they embark on a two stage covert operation, neither trusts or really likes the other, but something built out of mutual respect begins to develop. Then something more.
I wasn't really sold on Chandler, but slowly I grew to like her better after more of her past was introduced. To say she'd lived a hard life would be an understatement. She has no one to trust or rely on except her sister, and with good reason. Tobias presents a front for everyone in his life, he trusts his inner family circle but even they don't know the real him. His icy control persona is hot, but the real him is even hotter. The author does a good job with the personal and sexual tension between these two. The suspense plot is tight, and different threads come together in a clever and satisfying way. I was pleased to have an update on Beth and Vick, as well as further character development of other Faraday family members and Chandler's sister Pippa. Hoping to see something coming with Pippa & Keir. The overall plot is far from over, and looks to continue on in the next book. 4.5 stars for this story. This is a series I definitely plan to continue reading.
4.5 stars. Still not 100% on board with Chandler, but interested to see what her role will in the future story.
I wasn't really sold on Chandler, but slowly I grew to like her better after more of her past was introduced. To say she'd lived a hard life would be an understatement. She has no one to trust or rely on except her sister, and with good reason. Tobias presents a front for everyone in his life, he trusts his inner family circle but even they don't know the real him. His icy control persona is hot, but the real him is even hotter. The author does a good job with the personal and sexual tension between these two. The suspense plot is tight, and different threads come together in a clever and satisfying way. I was pleased to have an update on Beth and Vick, as well as further character development of other Faraday family members and Chandler's sister Pippa. Hoping to see something coming with Pippa & Keir. The overall plot is far from over, and looks to continue on in the next book. 4.5 stars for this story. This is a series I definitely plan to continue reading.
4.5 stars. Still not 100% on board with Chandler, but interested to see what her role will in the future story.
August 24, 2015
As far as Tobias Faraday is concerned, his mission of vengeance can only go one way - with the disavowed British spy Chandler Mcallister - whom he holds responsible for the brutal torture of his sister in Blamed - leading the way into the Russian trafficking ring and back into her nightmare. Chandler only asks one thing in return: that she gets to attend her twin's wedding and because Tobias refuses to leave her side, he finds himself going along as her pretend significant other.
There is a ton of suspense, a lot of intrigue and some steamy scenes, but I did feel like I needed to play a little catch up the moment we plunged into the action. I definitely liked seeing Beth and Vick again but the standout gem here is the coolly enigmatic Tobias, whose whose icy but arrogant exterior and immense self-control (and self-imposed celibacy) have for many years, helped placed the world at his feet. Why exactly he found himself so affected by Chandler is still a little beyond me despite Harris's admirable effort in trying to unravel this hard and single-minded woman hell-bent on protecting the only family that she knows.
Blood Money is certainly a series I'd keep watching out for; through Beth and now Tobias, we see the cracks appearing in the burden the Faraday children have had to carry as they grew up. It is Tobias's regret that they've all taken a path they'd chosen all those years ago and it has been more than hinted that each of the Faraday children will have to somehow claw their way to their own HEA. Right now, I'm trusting Edie Harris to bring that to fruition with, hopefully, a cast of characters as memorable as Tobias, Beth and Vick.
*Thanks to the ARC given by Netgalley
There is a ton of suspense, a lot of intrigue and some steamy scenes, but I did feel like I needed to play a little catch up the moment we plunged into the action. I definitely liked seeing Beth and Vick again but the standout gem here is the coolly enigmatic Tobias, whose whose icy but arrogant exterior and immense self-control (and self-imposed celibacy) have for many years, helped placed the world at his feet. Why exactly he found himself so affected by Chandler is still a little beyond me despite Harris's admirable effort in trying to unravel this hard and single-minded woman hell-bent on protecting the only family that she knows.
Blood Money is certainly a series I'd keep watching out for; through Beth and now Tobias, we see the cracks appearing in the burden the Faraday children have had to carry as they grew up. It is Tobias's regret that they've all taken a path they'd chosen all those years ago and it has been more than hinted that each of the Faraday children will have to somehow claw their way to their own HEA. Right now, I'm trusting Edie Harris to bring that to fruition with, hopefully, a cast of characters as memorable as Tobias, Beth and Vick.
*Thanks to the ARC given by Netgalley
July 1, 2015
I was instantly taken in with Chandler McAllister’s hardened spy persona and sense of humor as she’s being held against her will by the Faradays. Caught up in her own survival, she’s cut herself off emotionally to protect herself against the big, bad Tobias Faraday, her “keeper.” I loved the fact this spy can hold her own against a major player in the business and is known throughout the industry as the “Macgyver” of spies. What I didn’t expect was her commitment to her twin sister Pippa. Despite everything she’s being asked to do and what she’s done, Chandler is determined to be at her sister’s wedding. Because her sister has no one else.
And Tobias accepts playing her boyfriend for the event. I loved the hero’s raw, primal, beast-like urges he succumbs to when it comes to our heroine. So controlled to the point she refers to him as the “Ice King”, he’s completely lost with her and doesn’t know how to handle it. I specifically admired the way he’s taken with her as she does her nitty-gritty job [killing] instead of running away or being disgusted with her. They’re a perfect match for one another.
The romance was executed with perfect timing and detail. The sensual scenes are well-thought out and teasing until both the reader and the characters just can’t take it anymore. The only qualms I had about the story were not knowing what happens to a few of the characters after they’re “dealt with,” and that the majority of the story, while building up to the climax in Russia, took place at a wedding in England.
4 stars.
And Tobias accepts playing her boyfriend for the event. I loved the hero’s raw, primal, beast-like urges he succumbs to when it comes to our heroine. So controlled to the point she refers to him as the “Ice King”, he’s completely lost with her and doesn’t know how to handle it. I specifically admired the way he’s taken with her as she does her nitty-gritty job [killing] instead of running away or being disgusted with her. They’re a perfect match for one another.
The romance was executed with perfect timing and detail. The sensual scenes are well-thought out and teasing until both the reader and the characters just can’t take it anymore. The only qualms I had about the story were not knowing what happens to a few of the characters after they’re “dealt with,” and that the majority of the story, while building up to the climax in Russia, took place at a wedding in England.
4 stars.
June 9, 2015
Full review at Smart Bitches, Trashy Books
What I really and truly loved about Ripped, was the role reversal of the hero and heroine. Normally, the hero is the tortured one. The one with baggage. The one who thinks he’s not worthy of the heroine. But it’s exactly the opposite here. Chandler has been through the wringer and she’s consumed by self-doubt, and it’s so lovely to see Tobias help banish that. There are several occasions where she talks about herself in a self-deprecating manner and Tobias refuses to go along with the joke.
Meanwhile, Tobias is a socially awkward and not in a funny, klutzy way. He barely spoke as a child and hated public speaking. In a later scene, he says that one of his motivations for going to law school was to help him gain more confidence with speech. He’s not expressive or animated in any way. Tobias is also fifteen years celibate. Fifteen years. (He’s in his early thirties.)
The plot is very involved and at times, I’ll admit to feeling confused about not remembering certain things previously. So I think I’d recommend reading them in succession or doing a refresher of the first one. But I have to really applaud the author on taking a previously unlikable character and actually making me like her.
Ripped also introduces one of the sexiest secondary characters I’ve ever read. Keir Quinn – a ginger with a manbun and a body covered in tattoos. Good god.
- Amanda
What I really and truly loved about Ripped, was the role reversal of the hero and heroine. Normally, the hero is the tortured one. The one with baggage. The one who thinks he’s not worthy of the heroine. But it’s exactly the opposite here. Chandler has been through the wringer and she’s consumed by self-doubt, and it’s so lovely to see Tobias help banish that. There are several occasions where she talks about herself in a self-deprecating manner and Tobias refuses to go along with the joke.
Meanwhile, Tobias is a socially awkward and not in a funny, klutzy way. He barely spoke as a child and hated public speaking. In a later scene, he says that one of his motivations for going to law school was to help him gain more confidence with speech. He’s not expressive or animated in any way. Tobias is also fifteen years celibate. Fifteen years. (He’s in his early thirties.)
The plot is very involved and at times, I’ll admit to feeling confused about not remembering certain things previously. So I think I’d recommend reading them in succession or doing a refresher of the first one. But I have to really applaud the author on taking a previously unlikable character and actually making me like her.
Ripped also introduces one of the sexiest secondary characters I’ve ever read. Keir Quinn – a ginger with a manbun and a body covered in tattoos. Good god.
- Amanda
July 2, 2015
Where to start? There is so much going on in this book! It has characters from the first story in this series as well. Tobias Faraday meets and interrogates Chandler about her work for the Russian Mob. She was a killer among them. His sister was kidnapped by them and tortured and he believes Chandler is one of those responsible.
Tobias aka "Toby" to Chandler is super HOT! She can barely control her tongue when she is around him. Her body wants to do all sorts of naughty things with him, but hey are enemies. That does not stop sparks from flying around every room they are in together. He is known as The Ice King, who never responds to a woman's advance - but she sees in his eyes he is not as indifferent to her as he shows.
Chandler is willing to do whatever it takes to repair her good name and status as an MI-6 agent. Toby gives her a deal that she will take him to Russia and help him infiltrate those who tortured his sister, if she can go to her sister's wedding. Only the wedding is a week long even where they have to pretend to be boyfriend and girlfriend and share a room.
Like I said earlier, so much happens in this book! There is more to this story about who comes to visit during the wedding and what happens in Russia. I do not want to spoil it but it is a great read and well worth the time to find out.
***This ARC copy was free from Netgalley.com and its publisher for review purposes only.
Tobias aka "Toby" to Chandler is super HOT! She can barely control her tongue when she is around him. Her body wants to do all sorts of naughty things with him, but hey are enemies. That does not stop sparks from flying around every room they are in together. He is known as The Ice King, who never responds to a woman's advance - but she sees in his eyes he is not as indifferent to her as he shows.
Chandler is willing to do whatever it takes to repair her good name and status as an MI-6 agent. Toby gives her a deal that she will take him to Russia and help him infiltrate those who tortured his sister, if she can go to her sister's wedding. Only the wedding is a week long even where they have to pretend to be boyfriend and girlfriend and share a room.
Like I said earlier, so much happens in this book! There is more to this story about who comes to visit during the wedding and what happens in Russia. I do not want to spoil it but it is a great read and well worth the time to find out.
***This ARC copy was free from Netgalley.com and its publisher for review purposes only.
May 17, 2015
I love this series. The family story of the Faraday family builds with each successive book. The excerpts at the end of each book, claiming to be the Faraday story, gives insight that will be further explained in the next installment. At the end of Book 1, we learn that the original Faraday left England after a 1754 fire in Wolverhampton. In Ripped, we have Tobias Faraday, Beth’s brother from Blamed and Chandler McAllister, an MI6 spy. Tobias wants revenge on the people responsible for Beth’s torture. Chandler agrees to help, but on one condition; she wants attend her sister’s wedding in Wolverhampton (I told you the stories at the end were important). They head to the estate, fall in love, and eventually go to Russia to complete their revenge. Some bloodshed was involved. And Beth’s escape in Blamed is, sort of, explained in Ripped. The excerpt at the end of Book 2 tells the story of a Faraday relative who runs off with a free man in 1864. I have to wait until October to see how this is weaved into the story-line.
A couple of favorite lines:
Oh, God, he was taking notes on how to be a good boyfriend. Beth’s heart melted a little.
“My heart …. it recognizes you. It knows you. It claims you. It needs you to so goddamn much that it has decided it can’t go on beating without you there to shock it back to life every second of every day.”
Sigh. I love Toby.
A couple of favorite lines:
Oh, God, he was taking notes on how to be a good boyfriend. Beth’s heart melted a little.
“My heart …. it recognizes you. It knows you. It claims you. It needs you to so goddamn much that it has decided it can’t go on beating without you there to shock it back to life every second of every day.”
Sigh. I love Toby.
April 24, 2015
Brilliant. I loved the first book in this series, Blamed, but going into this one I really wasn't sure if it would work for me. I thought I would warm to Tobias fairly quickly because although he appeared quite cold in the first book his love for his family seemed to be a redeeming feature. In Chandler however I thought Harris had given herself an impossible task in making her a likeable heroine. I was wrong. It was Chandler who MADE me love this book. The horrors she endured, survived and overcame made me hope desperately for her to finally get some happiness. The way in which the plot built to its conclusion (particularly with that heart stopping Prologue) had me on the edge of my seat and frantically flipping pages! It was marvellous and the Epilogue has left me salivating over the next book even though I don't really have a clue where it's going!!! Be aware though, like the first book, this is not for the faint of heart, there are scenes of torture that are disturbing so if it will make you uncomfortable then I'd give this one a miss, but if you've read Blamed then you know what to expect. Highly recommended.
* ARC provided by NetGalley in return for a honest review *
* ARC provided by NetGalley in return for a honest review *
April 9, 2015
Toby I loved him, "don’t call yourself trash,” he said harshly, the leather of his gloves creaking and stretching as he fisted the steering wheel with both hands." He's quite the forgiving man, "his hands closed around her biceps, fingers warm through the thin silk of her blouse. “Chandler, I didn’t know I wanted you to kiss me until you did.” He drew her closer, until her chest met his and his breath fanned her flushed cheeks. “Don’t you dare apologize to me." Chandler is always eager to please her man, "I can get closer, baby, promise.” She kicked off her shoes as the masculine hand at her throat fell to her waist . “Up,” she demanded, and jumped. He caught her with ease, athletic reflexes snapping to attention as her thighs clenched his narrow hips." I loved that he could be a sap, "it's always a ‘we’ now, sweetheart. I claimed you, remember?” He smiled when she blushed, bending to brand her with a brief, hard kiss. “That claim goes both ways, Chandler. I’m yours, until my heart stops beating." I enjoyed this book.
May 26, 2015
Another wonderful story of the Faraday family, who make their money offering weaponry and enhanced skills, but not to just anyone. Tobias Faraday knows all too well the slippery slope the family business of death and destruction is on. He's seen it played out with his sister's ordeal at the hands of a serial killer.
It's no wonder Tobias keeps his life as tightly buttoned and constrained as his bespoke suits and perfectly knotted ties. He's willing to do almost anything, including use rogue British agent Chandler McCallister, to get access to the men who hurt his sister.
Chandler knows her days are numbered. She's done too much, seen too much to be allowed to live. Maybe Tobias Faraday will be the one to put a bullet to her brain, but before she helps him, she's going to insist on one last favor.
This is a tense, sexy novel of two enemies drawn together by a common goal, and it was a real page turner. I can't wait until the next Blood Money novel from Ms. Harris.
It's no wonder Tobias keeps his life as tightly buttoned and constrained as his bespoke suits and perfectly knotted ties. He's willing to do almost anything, including use rogue British agent Chandler McCallister, to get access to the men who hurt his sister.
Chandler knows her days are numbered. She's done too much, seen too much to be allowed to live. Maybe Tobias Faraday will be the one to put a bullet to her brain, but before she helps him, she's going to insist on one last favor.
This is a tense, sexy novel of two enemies drawn together by a common goal, and it was a real page turner. I can't wait until the next Blood Money novel from Ms. Harris.
April 15, 2015
I love well written stiff, formal, prim and proper characters Edie Harris gave me exactly that in Tobias. I have been anticipating the release of his book since he stepped onto the page in Blamed, the first in the Blood Money series. I have to say his and Chandler's story didn't disappoint in anyway, shape or form. I loved watching them fall for each other not to mention the action and of course the sexy times. This series is definitely hands down without a doubt one of my fave romantic suspense series. I can't wait for the next book and the one after that and so on because there are so many great secondary characters whose stories need to be told. If you're a fan of romantic suspense I can't recommend this series enough, it really is very well done.
ARC provided by publisher through Net Galley
ARC provided by publisher through Net Galley
March 2, 2018
I enjoyed Ripped, not as much as Blamed but still, it was enjoyable. However I really personally dislike it when the author opens the book with a chapter from further on in the book and then takes us so many hours or days back to the beginning which is what Ripped does and it really annoys me because it's like, hold up here's a massive spoiler but then actually you can now start at the beginning again. I'm not one of those people who skips to the end first to see how it ends instead of reading at the beginning so why do authors think it's ok to do this?
Ok aside from that mini-rant, I am greatly enjoying this series and can't wait to read the next one for sure. I'm also going to read more from this author because Edie Harris's writing is just amazing and really draws you in and makes you want to read more of her work.
Ok aside from that mini-rant, I am greatly enjoying this series and can't wait to read the next one for sure. I'm also going to read more from this author because Edie Harris's writing is just amazing and really draws you in and makes you want to read more of her work.
May 5, 2015
ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Ripped was fast-paced with a bit of action, which means it was my kind of book! Tobias's relative inexperience and completely logical, level-headed approach to life made for a super sweet romance, as well. Chandler was pretty bada$$, and made for a strong female lead.
Despite not having read the first book in the series, I still appreciated the nods to characters from that book and the explanation that accompanied.
The epilogue has left me itchy for Adam's story and I can't wait to read it!
Ripped was fast-paced with a bit of action, which means it was my kind of book! Tobias's relative inexperience and completely logical, level-headed approach to life made for a super sweet romance, as well. Chandler was pretty bada$$, and made for a strong female lead.
Despite not having read the first book in the series, I still appreciated the nods to characters from that book and the explanation that accompanied.
The epilogue has left me itchy for Adam's story and I can't wait to read it!
May 20, 2015
I liked the idea of this relationship more than how it actually played out. I think I could have liked it a lot more if it hadn't been such a compressed time frame. I get why the plot required it, but believing he went from holding her partially responsible for his sister's torture to in love in about ten days, well, it was a lot. Even if she wasn't at all responsible.
I still like this series, though, and will almost certainly buy the next one too.
I still like this series, though, and will almost certainly buy the next one too.
May 6, 2015
If I told you I started off loving this book I'd be lying. The start was a bit rough for me but once it got going, it was very enjoyable. I really liked the character development more than anything. Tobias and Chan find themselves in a very tough situation and they grow as individuals and together because of it. The action is really vivid. The plot keep us on our toes. The loving was good. I mostly liked the dirty talk :-p
March 14, 2016
Loved this one. Great characters - I went into this cautiously as I hated Chandler (the heroine) based on the first book but she really redeemed herself. She was badass without falling into the alphole category most aggressive, alpha females tend to be reduced into in novels. I also liked the emotional stunted, icy male lead and the way his feeling for Chandler grew. There was less betrayal and questionable motives in this book which fit better with my personal preferences.
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