What do you think?
Rate this book
Hitman #2
Last Breath
From the bestselling authors of Last Hit comes the next in the steamy series that explores the exquisite power of our darkest passions . . .
Regan : I never really knew what misery was until the day I was kidnapped and sold for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Two months later, I’m at a brothel in Rio when I meet Daniel Hays. He says he’s here to save me, but can I trust him? All I know of him are his sarcastic retorts and his tendency to solve every dispute with his gun. He’s also the only safe thing in my world, and I know it’s wrong to fall in love with him, but I can’t seem to help myself. He says he’ll protect me until his last breath, but I don’t know if I should believe him or even if I can.
For the last eighteen months, one goal has dictated every action I’ve taken. I’ve left the Army, turned paid hit man, and befriended criminals all across the globe to find my kidnapped sister. In every brothel I raid and every human trafficking truck I stop, I hope the next face I find is my sister’s. In a hidden brothel in Rio, I find Regan Porter, bruised but not broken, and still sane despite her weeks in captivity. I should leave her behind or send her home, because the last thing either of us needs right now is to get involved. But with every passing minute, I find I’m less able to let her go.
MATURE AUDIENCE
Regan : I never really knew what misery was until the day I was kidnapped and sold for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Two months later, I’m at a brothel in Rio when I meet Daniel Hays. He says he’s here to save me, but can I trust him? All I know of him are his sarcastic retorts and his tendency to solve every dispute with his gun. He’s also the only safe thing in my world, and I know it’s wrong to fall in love with him, but I can’t seem to help myself. He says he’ll protect me until his last breath, but I don’t know if I should believe him or even if I can.
For the last eighteen months, one goal has dictated every action I’ve taken. I’ve left the Army, turned paid hit man, and befriended criminals all across the globe to find my kidnapped sister. In every brothel I raid and every human trafficking truck I stop, I hope the next face I find is my sister’s. In a hidden brothel in Rio, I find Regan Porter, bruised but not broken, and still sane despite her weeks in captivity. I should leave her behind or send her home, because the last thing either of us needs right now is to get involved. But with every passing minute, I find I’m less able to let her go.
MATURE AUDIENCE
368 pages, Paperback
First published March 22, 2014
129 people are currently reading
5060 people want to read
About the author
Jessica Clare
69 books4,462 followersThis is a pen name for Jill Myles.
Jill Myles has been an incurable romantic since childhood. She reads all the 'naughty parts' of books first, looks for a dirty joke in just about everything, and thinks to this day that the Little House on the Prairie books should have been steamier.
After devouring hundreds of paperback romances, mythology books, and archaeological tomes, she decided to write a few books of her own - stories with a wild adventure, sharp banter, and lots of super-sexy situations. She prefers her heroes alpha and half-dressed, her heroines witty, and she loves nothing more than watching them overcome adversity to fall into bed together.
Jill Myles has been an incurable romantic since childhood. She reads all the 'naughty parts' of books first, looks for a dirty joke in just about everything, and thinks to this day that the Little House on the Prairie books should have been steamier.
After devouring hundreds of paperback romances, mythology books, and archaeological tomes, she decided to write a few books of her own - stories with a wild adventure, sharp banter, and lots of super-sexy situations. She prefers her heroes alpha and half-dressed, her heroines witty, and she loves nothing more than watching them overcome adversity to fall into bed together.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 536 reviews
May 22, 2015
Re-read 5/21/15
Re-read 11/24/14
Still 5 Snoop Doggy Dog Stars.
Original Review:
5 Favorite Couple Award Stars
Oh my Lordy, I loved every minute I spent with Sugar Tits and her Baby Boy.
It's a tall order to bring up a relationship in which one party has been through what Regan went through and have it come off as meaningful and believable and not trite.
The way Clare built Regan and Daniel's relationship was flawless and their connection was palpable.
The plot and story was totally decent too; however these stars all go to Regan and Daniel.
I could be a fly on their wall in perpetuity.
Re-read 11/24/14
Still 5 Snoop Doggy Dog Stars.
Original Review:
5 Favorite Couple Award Stars
Oh my Lordy, I loved every minute I spent with Sugar Tits and her Baby Boy.
It's a tall order to bring up a relationship in which one party has been through what Regan went through and have it come off as meaningful and believable and not trite.
The way Clare built Regan and Daniel's relationship was flawless and their connection was palpable.
The plot and story was totally decent too; however these stars all go to Regan and Daniel.
I could be a fly on their wall in perpetuity.
September 8, 2020
5 Stars (Orginally read on 5/10/2014)
4.5 Stars (Re-Read on 11/15/2016)
4.5 Stars (2nd Re-Read on 9/7/2020)
Overall Opinion: If you follow my reviews you know that suspenseful romances are not my favorite, so for one to be in my favorites shelf I think says a lot about how I felt about it. I did lower my rating, but I will be keeping it on my shelf because I do think that it is still one of my favorites. The reason for my lower rating is the ending. I needed more! I wanted a jump ahead epilogue where we get to see them happy and safe down the line! BUT, there were still a few aspects of the story that make it a winner for me -- First, the h being a fighter and not being broken even though she is in an environment where many do. I loved that she was so strong (even though she did cry a good bit)! And second, the humor. I loved the banter between the h and H and witty personality of the H. It made the story well balanced between romance and suspense, which is where I often struggle with in these types of stories. Would recommend this one, but it does have some intense situations and
2nd Re-Read Note: Decided to read this again because I was wanting something that was for sure good. Happy I did because I still loved it! The ending still could’ve been better, but it provides me with enough closure that I’m not too mad. Still recommend!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Reagan and Daniel's story. Reagan has been kidnapped and sold into sex slavery. Daniel has been looking for his sister who is in the same situation as Regan, and he comes across her and saves her from the brothel she is in. There is a good bit of obstacles that they have to get through to get themselves as well as Daniel's sister safely back home, and they really only have each other to rely on. They fall in love and do get a HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between Reagan and Daniel's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed, and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: Yes. They've only known each other for a short period of time, so feelings are developing really quick. It felt understandable to me, especially because of the circumstances they were in.
H rating: 5 stars. Daniel. I loved him. He was witty, sarcastic, bad a$s, hot, and sweet! I don't think the h could have asked for a better guy in this situation.
h rating: 4 stars. Reagan. I liked her. I only wish she didn't cry so much. It makes me feel kind of mean to say that though, because the girl had been through some pretty horrific things and I would've probably been a blubbering mess...
Sadness level: Low. No tissues needed.
Push/Pull: A little
Heat level: Moderate. They take a little while to become intimate, but then they have a good bit of scenes. I wouldn't say it was so much that it took away from the storyline though.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes and no.
OW/OM drama: Really mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This is my only complaint. I felt like the ending was a little too abrupt, and I wanted a HEA! I really wanted a jump ahead epilogue so we could see them as a happy and functioning couple!! I would call this one a HFN ending.
How I got it: I had gotten this originally with my scribed subscription, but it is no longer available on there. I ended up borrowing it from my local library this time.
Safety: I'd say that this one is probably Safe with exception for most readers.
4.5 Stars (Re-Read on 11/15/2016)
4.5 Stars (2nd Re-Read on 9/7/2020)
Overall Opinion: If you follow my reviews you know that suspenseful romances are not my favorite, so for one to be in my favorites shelf I think says a lot about how I felt about it. I did lower my rating, but I will be keeping it on my shelf because I do think that it is still one of my favorites. The reason for my lower rating is the ending. I needed more! I wanted a jump ahead epilogue where we get to see them happy and safe down the line! BUT, there were still a few aspects of the story that make it a winner for me -- First, the h being a fighter and not being broken even though she is in an environment where many do. I loved that she was so strong (even though she did cry a good bit)! And second, the humor. I loved the banter between the h and H and witty personality of the H. It made the story well balanced between romance and suspense, which is where I often struggle with in these types of stories. Would recommend this one, but it does have some intense situations and
2nd Re-Read Note: Decided to read this again because I was wanting something that was for sure good. Happy I did because I still loved it! The ending still could’ve been better, but it provides me with enough closure that I’m not too mad. Still recommend!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Reagan and Daniel's story. Reagan has been kidnapped and sold into sex slavery. Daniel has been looking for his sister who is in the same situation as Regan, and he comes across her and saves her from the brothel she is in. There is a good bit of obstacles that they have to get through to get themselves as well as Daniel's sister safely back home, and they really only have each other to rely on. They fall in love and do get a HFN ending.
POV: This alternated between Reagan and Daniel's POV.
Overall Pace of Story: Good. I never skimmed, and I thought it flowed well.
Instalove: Yes. They've only known each other for a short period of time, so feelings are developing really quick. It felt understandable to me, especially because of the circumstances they were in.
H rating: 5 stars. Daniel. I loved him. He was witty, sarcastic, bad a$s, hot, and sweet! I don't think the h could have asked for a better guy in this situation.
h rating: 4 stars. Reagan. I liked her. I only wish she didn't cry so much. It makes me feel kind of mean to say that though, because the girl had been through some pretty horrific things and I would've probably been a blubbering mess...
Sadness level: Low. No tissues needed.
Push/Pull: A little
Heat level: Moderate. They take a little while to become intimate, but then they have a good bit of scenes. I wouldn't say it was so much that it took away from the storyline though.
Descriptive sex: Yes
Safe sex: Yes and no.
OW/OM drama: Really mild
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This is my only complaint. I felt like the ending was a little too abrupt, and I wanted a HEA! I really wanted a jump ahead epilogue so we could see them as a happy and functioning couple!! I would call this one a HFN ending.
How I got it: I had gotten this originally with my scribed subscription, but it is no longer available on there. I ended up borrowing it from my local library this time.
Safety: I'd say that this one is probably Safe with exception for most readers.
March 27, 2014
4.5 Hitman Stars!
Last Hit, starts off brutally with a scene where Regan is servicing a john. Despite the brutality and depravity Regan is exposed to, she's strong enough to block it all out. It shows a strength in character, the way Regan was able to remove herself from her predicament.
She's sold to Daniel, who she presumes is another john, who will be as brutal to her as the man who has sold her. But when it comes to choosing which fate she would prefer, she realises Daniel would be her best option. Not that she has a choice.
Daniel, is a man on his own mission. He's looking for his sister who was kidnapped, he's been through every single brothel in Rio looking for her, a mission that seemed doomed but he's not about to give up. He's been given a tip concerning the whereabouts of his sister. This is where his fate and Regan's begins to intertwine.
Daniel's saved many girls from a life of sexual slavery but he's never connected with any of them, until Regan. She brings out his protective instincts, well that and that fact that he is deeply attracted to her.
My Thoughts
There was no insta-love here, this was two people leaning in each other in difficult circumstances, by doing this they both learned to trust each other. Especially Regan, she had absolutely every reason not to trust Daniel. Every single man who'd come into her life after being kidnapped, proved that men cannot me trusted. I know I always go on about how much I love alpha males, but Daniel was 100% alpha, but he was also the right kind of man for Regan. He was able to be sensitive to her situation but still remained a strong and assertive man in my eyes.
Regan was in no way a weak heroine, yes she was incredibly attached to Daniel but she that was a survival tactic for her, she also sensed that Daniel was sincere and therefore she could trust him. What I also appreciated about this book was the subtle humour, the banter between Daniel and Regan was endearing, and I loved that. I loved how he had cute nicknames for her, and how he new when to use the ones she didn't like to draw her out of the pain she would sometimes wallow in.
This was an absolutely stellar read, although it wasn't very dark. It was gritty, had awesomely hot sex scenes, action, suspense and two very great characters!
ARC kindly provided by author in return for an honest review
Last Hit, starts off brutally with a scene where Regan is servicing a john. Despite the brutality and depravity Regan is exposed to, she's strong enough to block it all out. It shows a strength in character, the way Regan was able to remove herself from her predicament.
She's sold to Daniel, who she presumes is another john, who will be as brutal to her as the man who has sold her. But when it comes to choosing which fate she would prefer, she realises Daniel would be her best option. Not that she has a choice.
Daniel, is a man on his own mission. He's looking for his sister who was kidnapped, he's been through every single brothel in Rio looking for her, a mission that seemed doomed but he's not about to give up. He's been given a tip concerning the whereabouts of his sister. This is where his fate and Regan's begins to intertwine.
Daniel's saved many girls from a life of sexual slavery but he's never connected with any of them, until Regan. She brings out his protective instincts, well that and that fact that he is deeply attracted to her.
My Thoughts
There was no insta-love here, this was two people leaning in each other in difficult circumstances, by doing this they both learned to trust each other. Especially Regan, she had absolutely every reason not to trust Daniel. Every single man who'd come into her life after being kidnapped, proved that men cannot me trusted. I know I always go on about how much I love alpha males, but Daniel was 100% alpha, but he was also the right kind of man for Regan. He was able to be sensitive to her situation but still remained a strong and assertive man in my eyes.
Regan was in no way a weak heroine, yes she was incredibly attached to Daniel but she that was a survival tactic for her, she also sensed that Daniel was sincere and therefore she could trust him. What I also appreciated about this book was the subtle humour, the banter between Daniel and Regan was endearing, and I loved that. I loved how he had cute nicknames for her, and how he new when to use the ones she didn't like to draw her out of the pain she would sometimes wallow in.
This was an absolutely stellar read, although it wasn't very dark. It was gritty, had awesomely hot sex scenes, action, suspense and two very great characters!
ARC kindly provided by author in return for an honest review
March 4, 2016
#5 bruised but not broken stars#
Whoa!! This book was so Hard and at the same time so HOT!!
What Regan had been through was one of the hardest things any woman can go through and I admire her straight and determination to move on with her life. She was one hell of a heroine <3
The book begins with Regan, captured in the Rio brothel. I was so surprised to learn how strong she is!! My heart went out for her! I wanted to get into my Kindle and give her a hug that will erase all of her demons.
She doesn't know exactly what happened or why it happened to her, the only thing she is sure of is that she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Over time, Regan learned how to musk her emotions and mentally shut out her mind. they can have her body - but that's the only thing they will ever get.
Enters Daniel ;)
For the last eighteen months Daniel was looking after his kidnapped sister. After Regan was kidnapped Nick asked him to find her and bring her back home safe and sound.
Damn. This guy is a sight to behold! I LOVED his personality! He was funny, patient, confident and such a badass :D
From the first moment he sees her, we all can see the impact she has on him. He was fascinated by her.
"I want to throw a blanket over her, shoot everyone and carry her away."
This two made me laugh so much! The chemistry between them was mind blowing~! I loved the banter and teasing between them .. Ohh and how can i forget their terms of endearment :D
"I bite and i don't cry and i'll vomit and pee all over you." Jesus Hermione Christ. This girl has balls of freaking steel."
LOL You get me now? ;)
After Daniel saves Regan from the brothel and things get complicated, both have to stay together until he could get her back home.
Being closed and hidden together is not easy for both parties. Regan has issues. Can you blame her after everything she went through? She is afraid of being abandoned, She doesn't expect anything from men, she lost her innocence knowing that there are people who help without exchange. She is sure that everyone who's helping her will demands sexual exchange. Daniel shows her time after time that he is different. She doesn't have to do anything. He wants to help her. He cares. As for him, Every day it's hard to maintain his attraction for her. He can't help it. He knows it can't happen, He can't let himself get distracted. He feels he does not deserve her, especially with what she had gone through, but there is nothing he can do about it.
"Fighting the urge to stare at her is more challenging that i expected. I can't fucking take my eyes off her. Maybe she's been sent to me as karmic punishment. You can look but don't touch. Or worse, you shouldn't even be looking."
"There's a storm inside of her and i dont know how long it's going to take to die down but as i cardle her in my lap i realize that the world could burn up and i wouldn't let her go. Not at this moment. Not until she doesn't need me anymore because i can't remember the last time i felt this good. Maybe i never have."
As the days pass, their feelings get stronger. They start to get to know each other better and Regan begins to trust him, something that is very hard for her.
"I'm going to have a hard time letting her go beacuse in the short time that we've known each other i realize she fits me better that any one else i know."
As for Daniel, His main priority is to keep her safe, he is no longer sees her as a mission, She had become important to him and he will do anything for her. I really LOVED to see how they went out of their shell and learned to depend on each other. Together they were a winning team.
"Regan's real danger is to that lump under my left breastbone. It's starting to beat again. I'll figure out if that's good or really fucking bad later."
After what happened to her, she is quite afraid of being intimate with men. She is afraid to go back to her time in captivity .. Daniel will help her Find herself again.
I'm not going to elaborate, I'll give you to read it for yourselves .. All i'm saying girls, it was HOT ;)
"Shh, Regan, I've got you," he tells me even as he sinks deep. "I'm here, and I've got you."
You know it when you start reading a book and occasionally you look at the mark to see how much is left until you finish the book ? And when you find out that you are close to the end you have this excitement to finish and start a new book? In this case i had the exact opposite! I was sooooooo scared! every time I looked the numbers were running too fast! I really did not want this book to end! I enjoyed those two so much!! they really accepted and complemented each other beautifully <3
"I would rend anyone from limb to limb who tried to come between Regan and I. "Can i hold you?" I whisper against her ear. "Please," she says. And my arms band around her so tight she squeaks. "Sorry." I force myself to loosen my hold, but i don't let go."
"There's a fierce possessiveness in his eyes as he pulls me close and begins to press feverish kisses to my skin. "You'r mine, Regan Porter. You don't get to decide if you die or not. Beacuse if you do, you're destroying me, too."
Overall, you could say that I loved the story lol .. It had everything that is needed for a successful story! Captivating Plot, suspense, action and an EPIC love story :D
I really liked the ending! I was so proud of Regan :)
"Fighter. Hero. Kick ass human being."
“ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review”
Whoa!! This book was so Hard and at the same time so HOT!!
What Regan had been through was one of the hardest things any woman can go through and I admire her straight and determination to move on with her life. She was one hell of a heroine <3
The book begins with Regan, captured in the Rio brothel. I was so surprised to learn how strong she is!! My heart went out for her! I wanted to get into my Kindle and give her a hug that will erase all of her demons.
She doesn't know exactly what happened or why it happened to her, the only thing she is sure of is that she was in the wrong place at the wrong time. Over time, Regan learned how to musk her emotions and mentally shut out her mind. they can have her body - but that's the only thing they will ever get.
Enters Daniel ;)
For the last eighteen months Daniel was looking after his kidnapped sister. After Regan was kidnapped Nick asked him to find her and bring her back home safe and sound.
Damn. This guy is a sight to behold! I LOVED his personality! He was funny, patient, confident and such a badass :D
From the first moment he sees her, we all can see the impact she has on him. He was fascinated by her.
"I want to throw a blanket over her, shoot everyone and carry her away."
This two made me laugh so much! The chemistry between them was mind blowing~! I loved the banter and teasing between them .. Ohh and how can i forget their terms of endearment :D
"I bite and i don't cry and i'll vomit and pee all over you." Jesus Hermione Christ. This girl has balls of freaking steel."
LOL You get me now? ;)
After Daniel saves Regan from the brothel and things get complicated, both have to stay together until he could get her back home.
Being closed and hidden together is not easy for both parties. Regan has issues. Can you blame her after everything she went through? She is afraid of being abandoned, She doesn't expect anything from men, she lost her innocence knowing that there are people who help without exchange. She is sure that everyone who's helping her will demands sexual exchange. Daniel shows her time after time that he is different. She doesn't have to do anything. He wants to help her. He cares. As for him, Every day it's hard to maintain his attraction for her. He can't help it. He knows it can't happen, He can't let himself get distracted. He feels he does not deserve her, especially with what she had gone through, but there is nothing he can do about it.
"Fighting the urge to stare at her is more challenging that i expected. I can't fucking take my eyes off her. Maybe she's been sent to me as karmic punishment. You can look but don't touch. Or worse, you shouldn't even be looking."
"There's a storm inside of her and i dont know how long it's going to take to die down but as i cardle her in my lap i realize that the world could burn up and i wouldn't let her go. Not at this moment. Not until she doesn't need me anymore because i can't remember the last time i felt this good. Maybe i never have."
As the days pass, their feelings get stronger. They start to get to know each other better and Regan begins to trust him, something that is very hard for her.
"I'm going to have a hard time letting her go beacuse in the short time that we've known each other i realize she fits me better that any one else i know."
As for Daniel, His main priority is to keep her safe, he is no longer sees her as a mission, She had become important to him and he will do anything for her. I really LOVED to see how they went out of their shell and learned to depend on each other. Together they were a winning team.
"Regan's real danger is to that lump under my left breastbone. It's starting to beat again. I'll figure out if that's good or really fucking bad later."
After what happened to her, she is quite afraid of being intimate with men. She is afraid to go back to her time in captivity .. Daniel will help her Find herself again.
I'm not going to elaborate, I'll give you to read it for yourselves .. All i'm saying girls, it was HOT ;)
"Shh, Regan, I've got you," he tells me even as he sinks deep. "I'm here, and I've got you."
You know it when you start reading a book and occasionally you look at the mark to see how much is left until you finish the book ? And when you find out that you are close to the end you have this excitement to finish and start a new book? In this case i had the exact opposite! I was sooooooo scared! every time I looked the numbers were running too fast! I really did not want this book to end! I enjoyed those two so much!! they really accepted and complemented each other beautifully <3
"I would rend anyone from limb to limb who tried to come between Regan and I. "Can i hold you?" I whisper against her ear. "Please," she says. And my arms band around her so tight she squeaks. "Sorry." I force myself to loosen my hold, but i don't let go."
"There's a fierce possessiveness in his eyes as he pulls me close and begins to press feverish kisses to my skin. "You'r mine, Regan Porter. You don't get to decide if you die or not. Beacuse if you do, you're destroying me, too."
Overall, you could say that I loved the story lol .. It had everything that is needed for a successful story! Captivating Plot, suspense, action and an EPIC love story :D
I really liked the ending! I was so proud of Regan :)
"Fighter. Hero. Kick ass human being."
“ARC provided by author in exchange for an honest review”
March 2, 2021
This book started as a 5-star read for me and then, gradually dropped to 2 stars.
I really loved the first half of the book despite its darkness and painful content but after the first time they became intimate, it went downhill for me.
Here is why:
Regan is in the wrong place at the wrong time and she is kidnapped.
First, she is sold to Russian mafia and then to the Portuguese as a sex slave and she is made to work in a brothel in Rio, with no chance of escape as her ankle is chained to the wall. She lives in awful conditions for 6 weeks and during this time, she has been brutally raped by different men who like to beat and torture her.
It was painful and heartbreaking to read those parts where she tried to be strong and not give those men the pleasure of making her cry. It is when they leave that she cries her heart out. I was in so much pain for her.
Regan is sold to a cruel men who wants her broken and in the brothel, she is being groomed and prepared for that sick man who likes torturing women till he gets all his pleasure and then passes them to his men until they die of rape and torture.
One day, a man comes and saves her and he quickly becomes her hero. Daniel has been looking for her sister who was kidnapped 18 months ago and during his search, he saves numerous girls that are being tortured and raped. He also kills many men who did these things to these women. Regan is the girl he was sent to save but as soon as he sees her, he starts to feel something strong for her and she quickly becomes more than his rescue mission.
***
Regan soon becomes co-dependant on Daniel and she is clingy all the time, never wanting to let go of Daniel even when they have to fight bad men on the way. She says she would prefer dying while fighting rather than being left behind and is sent back to that brothel again so she never lets him go and he is soon more than OK with it. I read in reviews that some readers found her clingy behavior annoying but for me, it made sense given what she has been through and I even found it cute when she held so tight to him all the time, never leaving his side. However, it was by no means love. It wasn’t Stockholm Syndrome, either, as she suspected herself because it is felt towards your kidnapper not your rescuer but it was primarily the safety Daniel made her feel rather than love that blossomed in normal conditions. Regan was a strong girl who kept her sanity in those awful conditions but of course, she was human and she was affected by what she had to endure. Therefore, her hero-worshiping Daniel was understandable.
***
Unlike some readers, I didn’t like Daniel that much. What he felt didn’t feel like love to me, it was mostly lust. He is always thinking about sex, how sexy she is and how hard she makes him etc. For his benefit, he never does anything before she asks for it but his head is always in the gutter, thinking about touching her all the time or having sex with her. I was yelling at him in my mind all the time like this: "Come on, she is a poor girl you need to protect, she is the survivor of a trauma, a girl you saved from a brothel where she was used as a sex slave; stop thinking about having sex with her for a minute for God's sake!!!!"
Where the book started to go downhill for me is after Daniel and Regan start to become intimate.
For a girl like Regan, who has been through a six-weeks of continuous rape and torture, it felt ridiculous and absurd that the first thing she wonders is if she could endure sex with another man and have an orgasm. She talks to Daniel about her ex-boyfriend who never gave her an orgasm. She initiates everything with Daniel, wondering if she could enjoy it. It all starts with a kiss first but even that was too much for me when it happened so soon. Then, a session where each of them masturbates watching one another and then they have sex. And IT ALL HAPPENS ON DAY 2 and I am out of my mind!
Hey, dear writer, what do you think you are doing???!!!
A victim of sex slavery needs to be saved and placed securely in her home first. Then, she needs therapy (even one rape requires this healing process and she endured tons of rape). And during this healing time, she needs the affection of people who loves and cares about her. What she needs is not sex with a good guy on Day 2.
I know Daniel respected her and never touched her sexually before she asked him to do it but still it left a bitter taste in my mouth when they did it so quickly. He could have been the voice of reason here but he wasn’t. He went with it and had sex with her in a dirty hotel room.
***
And as if all that wasn't enough, Daniel soon starts to talk dirty like the alpha man he is and whereas normally, I would be OK with it, probably finding it hot; here in this case, after she went through all that ugliness with disgusting men who said what they wanted to do to her in the dirtiest way possible, it seemed highly unlikely to me that Regan would like all that dirty talk. I mean, her rapists used dirty words and they are all ingrained in her memory so wouldn’t Daniel’s dirty talk bring them to the forefront of her mind and make her feel nauseous? I am talking about as a person who knows a few things about human psychology and my common sense says that hot dirty and rough sex would be improbable at this stage, given the conditions. And Daniel being really crude with his dirty talk didn’t help at all. Whatever he said sounded and felt unpleasant rather than hot.
***
The books gets more and more heavily dependent on sex. In the second part of the book, they are looking for Daniel’s sister and they are fighting with the bad guys and all but they have sex countless of times. I would never complain about it in another book but here, it was like pure porn happening out of place. A person in those conditions would normally not think about sex all the time but they did. And as soon as Regan understands that Daniel’s touches don’t make her vomit, she becomes this wanton woman who likes rough sex, asking for harder and harder all the time and that didn’t sound realistic to me either. It was too early to become normal for her – too early, indeed!
Here's how I would prefer it be written:
I would have really liked it if Daniel had rescued Regan and then, his sister and then they went back home. I would rather the writer had given Regan some time to heal with the help of her family, friends and of course, Daniel. And then, a few months later, their strong attraction and chemistry with all those hot sex scenes would have felt more normal and I would have enjoyed the book a lot more but in this case, what it made me feel was I got frustrated and annoyed and I also felt disturbed.
I mean, as a reader, I hadn’t forgotten all those rape scenes and as the victim and survivor of all those rapes, how could she? How could she feel OK and have hot sex on Day 2 with a stranger who happens to be her rescuer? I would have preferred some cuddling at that stage instead of hot and dirty sex. It was already too hard to cope with what Regan went through and I needed time to feel OK about any romance and intimacy she would experience and whatever happened between Daniel and Regan felt too early for me to enjoy.
***
This aspect of the book, (writer’s disregard of human psychology and thinking of only writing a dirty hot book) left a sour taste in my mouth and in the end, I didn’t love the book. That’s sad because it could have been such a successful book with a sensitive handling of the case.
***
2,5 stars for the first part of the book as I hated the rest! I would have preferred a more sensitive book about this very important issue.
*********************************************
You can follow my instagram page from here
December 18, 2015
*****5 "Every gang needs at least one Russian and one hellcat" stars*****
Daniel Hays
Our hero, literally.
Daniel Hays
Our hero, literally.
December 16, 2019
**** 4.5 Stars!!!!*****
I am sooo glad I decided to read this series finally! This is the second book in the Hitman series, and I loved this instalment! Daniel was the perfect hero! He was so funny too, which brought something a little different to the table regarding our hero! Considering Reagan had gone through being kidnapped and raped, she really stepped up to the plate and helped Daniel find his sister who is being held captive.
I love all the characters! They are quite unique! I am eager to read Daniel’s sisters book. She is high functioning autistic and it’s going to make for an interesting story!
I highly recommend this series for readers who enjoy a bit of dark to their romances!
I am sooo glad I decided to read this series finally! This is the second book in the Hitman series, and I loved this instalment! Daniel was the perfect hero! He was so funny too, which brought something a little different to the table regarding our hero! Considering Reagan had gone through being kidnapped and raped, she really stepped up to the plate and helped Daniel find his sister who is being held captive.
I love all the characters! They are quite unique! I am eager to read Daniel’s sisters book. She is high functioning autistic and it’s going to make for an interesting story!
I highly recommend this series for readers who enjoy a bit of dark to their romances!
dnf
July 18, 2019Chap 16 / 51 % dnf for now. I might come back or just accept the fact that book 3 in the series is as good as it gets.
March 4, 2015
4 Daniel-Save-Me-Stars
I really like this series. Last Breath is part of the Hitman series and can be read as a standalone.
It’s Regan and Daniel’s story, yay! I really wanted to read Regan’s story. I’ll just say it, I love a damsel!
In Last Hit, we know Regan is kidnapped and sold into prostitution ring. Daisy asks Nikolai to help find Regan. Nikolai asks his friend Daniel to help.
Daniel is on a mission, to find his sister. His sister was kidnapped and he thinks she is sold into a prostitution ring. He’s already on the hunt for his sister and so when Nikolai requests Daniel to find Regan, Daniel obliges.
The book starts out with a bang. Regan has been in the brothel for some weeks now and you get some insights to what she has been dealing with. It’s not gritty, so don’t worry.
Regan knows she is nothing more than a piece of meat, but they haven’t broken her.
Yet.
Daniel is in Rio looking for Regan. When he finds Regan he is a taken by her beauty, but he has no time for distractions. He’s needs to get Regan, bring her to the embassy and keep looking for his sister. Regan isn’t making it easy on Daniel.
Daniel finds Regan pretty early in the book and I like that. There isn’t any filler writing and we get to the meat of the story. Despite Regan’s situation, she still has a lot of fire and she isn’t going to go down easy. She’s cautious of Daniel and doesn’t know why he wants to buy her. She has been through so much, she doesn’t know if she wants to go with him.
I get Regan. Even though Daniel is good looking, it’s kind of scary being sold to another person who could treat you like crap. I like the banter between Regan and Daniel. Regan doesn’t trust Daniel and Daniel must pretend he wants to purchase Regan for a night, so he treats her like a lowly prostitute.
I also enjoyed reading the subplot. You get to know Daniel and understand why he does what he does. I also like the side characters, which I am assuming will be in the next book. YAY!
If you were a fan of Last Hit, you will not be disappointed with Last Breath.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZON
I really like this series. Last Breath is part of the Hitman series and can be read as a standalone.
It’s Regan and Daniel’s story, yay! I really wanted to read Regan’s story. I’ll just say it, I love a damsel!
In Last Hit, we know Regan is kidnapped and sold into prostitution ring. Daisy asks Nikolai to help find Regan. Nikolai asks his friend Daniel to help.
Daniel is on a mission, to find his sister. His sister was kidnapped and he thinks she is sold into a prostitution ring. He’s already on the hunt for his sister and so when Nikolai requests Daniel to find Regan, Daniel obliges.
The book starts out with a bang. Regan has been in the brothel for some weeks now and you get some insights to what she has been dealing with. It’s not gritty, so don’t worry.
Regan knows she is nothing more than a piece of meat, but they haven’t broken her.
Yet.
Daniel is in Rio looking for Regan. When he finds Regan he is a taken by her beauty, but he has no time for distractions. He’s needs to get Regan, bring her to the embassy and keep looking for his sister. Regan isn’t making it easy on Daniel.
Daniel finds Regan pretty early in the book and I like that. There isn’t any filler writing and we get to the meat of the story. Despite Regan’s situation, she still has a lot of fire and she isn’t going to go down easy. She’s cautious of Daniel and doesn’t know why he wants to buy her. She has been through so much, she doesn’t know if she wants to go with him.
I get Regan. Even though Daniel is good looking, it’s kind of scary being sold to another person who could treat you like crap. I like the banter between Regan and Daniel. Regan doesn’t trust Daniel and Daniel must pretend he wants to purchase Regan for a night, so he treats her like a lowly prostitute.
I also enjoyed reading the subplot. You get to know Daniel and understand why he does what he does. I also like the side characters, which I am assuming will be in the next book. YAY!
If you were a fan of Last Hit, you will not be disappointed with Last Breath.
An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
REVIEW | AMAZON
AMAZON
June 23, 2017
To be honest, I wasn’t planning on reading this book. Just when I started reading the first page, I was hooked. I got wrapped up in the characters and had a hard time putting it down. Whereas the first book in this series is dark and suspenseful, this one is action-packed and poignant. I enjoyed almost everything in this book, from intense emotions to scorching hot sex scenes and a ton of action.
Regan was kidnapped and sold from Russia to the brothel in Rio. She was repeatedly raped and abused for two months. Even though she had been through the worst nightmare of her life, she still had some strength and courage left. She would not let them break her. They could use her body but they would never get her soul.
Daniel is the ex-army sniper who gave up his career to become the mercenary in order to find his kidnapped sister. After spending 18 months going in and out of numerous brothels, he finally got some information about his little sister and Regan, the woman whom his friend, Nick sent him to retrieve.
Daniel found Regan and bought her from the brothel’s owner. This task should be easy and accomplished but then the man kept sending the killers to go after them. While they were on the run and trying to get out of the country alive, they became more and more attracted to each other. Daniel was trying so hard to stop wanting Regan because he knew what she had been through. He is a very good guy, so caring and understanding. And Regan, I admired her for her bravery when she decided to go into Hudson’s compound, the compound of the man who bought her from Russia and he was still going after her. She tried her best to be strong because she knew that she was the only hope to find Daniel’s sister. She trusted Daniel with all her heart that he would come and get her.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. The romance between Daniel and Regan was so sweet and filled with passion. The action scenes were so intense and exciting, so much so that my heart was beating fast and hard while reading.
**This book can be read as a standalone and it contains scenes of violence and rape which some sensitive readers may find disturbing.
Regan was kidnapped and sold from Russia to the brothel in Rio. She was repeatedly raped and abused for two months. Even though she had been through the worst nightmare of her life, she still had some strength and courage left. She would not let them break her. They could use her body but they would never get her soul.
“Didn’t they tell you?” I say. “I bite.” And I click my teeth. I’d bitten two men before they got the idea and started warning clients. “Your loss.”
Daniel is the ex-army sniper who gave up his career to become the mercenary in order to find his kidnapped sister. After spending 18 months going in and out of numerous brothels, he finally got some information about his little sister and Regan, the woman whom his friend, Nick sent him to retrieve.
Daniel found Regan and bought her from the brothel’s owner. This task should be easy and accomplished but then the man kept sending the killers to go after them. While they were on the run and trying to get out of the country alive, they became more and more attracted to each other. Daniel was trying so hard to stop wanting Regan because he knew what she had been through. He is a very good guy, so caring and understanding. And Regan, I admired her for her bravery when she decided to go into Hudson’s compound, the compound of the man who bought her from Russia and he was still going after her. She tried her best to be strong because she knew that she was the only hope to find Daniel’s sister. She trusted Daniel with all her heart that he would come and get her.
"You're mine, Regan Porter. You don't get to decide if you die or not. Because if you do, you're destroying me, too."
And...I smile. I'm with the right man. I might have had to go through hell to get to his side, but I'm where I need to be now.
"I am home." I'm not deliberately misunderstanding Regan. It's the truth. My home is with her. "As long as you love me, I'm complete."
Every day that I wake up and see Daniel's face next to mine in the bed, I am so thankful that he's all for me, that he never gives up on me, even when I'm at my most needy and demanding. Not every guy would take up with a damaged girl fresh out of a whorehouse. But Daniel has never made me feel dirty or used or anything but incredibly beautiful.
Overall, I really enjoyed reading this book. The romance between Daniel and Regan was so sweet and filled with passion. The action scenes were so intense and exciting, so much so that my heart was beating fast and hard while reading.
**This book can be read as a standalone and it contains scenes of violence and rape which some sensitive readers may find disturbing.
January 7, 2022
Talk about a massive book hangover this definitely delivered in that regard. I loved the first book so much but this one totally blew me away. I wasn’t expecting it to surpass Daisy and Nikolai who I absolutely adore by the way but it totally did. So you definitely need to read the first book in the series as it sets up the whole storyline for this one explaining just how Regan ends up in the situation she’s now in. This begins two months after Regan’s abduction with her working in a brothel against her will. she’s been purchased by a sadist who wants her broken in and compliant for his use.
Despite everything that’s occurred and the last two months of being subjected to endless abuse Regan still surprisingly has some spirit refusing to be broken or totally cowed by her jailers. Daniel who we have met previously has been hot on her trail for weeks he’s been sent by Nikolai and Daisy to find her and bring her home.
After liberating Regan from the brothel Daniel thinks it will now be plain sailing just drop her off at the embassy and then he can continue on with his current agenda of finding his missing sister. But Regan’s new owner has no intention of letting her go so easily so these two now find themselves thrown together for the long haul with Daniel vowing to keep Regan safe from further harm.
So obviously there’s a great deal of trauma here on Regan’s part her past experiences are definitely colouring her current perceptions and even something as simple as human touch she finds difficult. But despite her fear Regan finds herself drawn to Daniel he makes her feel safe and protected and that is something she hasn’t had in a long while.
I loved the dynamic these two shared Daniel is bloody hilarious and he definitely has all the banter. He’s a cheeky charmer with a ruthless deadly side he also uses snarky humour to deflect which Regan swiftly catches on to. I loved the way these two eventually connected and it was executed so well they certainly had plenty of chemistry and the patience and respect Daniel showed towards Regan is exactly what she needed to start to heal and find in Daniel her safe place.
This was action-packed throughout more so than the previous book and it definitely kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I was also incredibly intrigued by Daniel’s sister Naomi and I’m looking forward to giving her and Vasily’s story a go next.
Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com
July 21, 2016
"If this [were] a horror movie, you and I would both be dead, you know. [...] One of the first ones to go is always the slutty blonde. They usually die screaming and running through the woods, only to trip because they wore some ridiculous high heeled shoes. And you of course, would be the cocky, arrogant, asshole stereotype. Those die pretty fast, too."
Regan picks up after Last Hit, and opens with Regan being raped after her kidnapping and thrust into sex slavery. She mentally, nonchalantly lists movie names during the incident, remains calm, and refuses to allow her rapist to have the satisfaction of getting off on her fear during the rape. However, her character isn't unrealistically strong, and she caves when guns are involved. Regan is strong in mind and doesn't break despite her circumstances, but her strength isn't perfect and she is human and flawed. When she meets Daniel, she also becomes exceptionally clingy to him, which some readers find annoying. But I think it's understandable, because if you've finally escaped hell after being forced to suffer so much physical and emotional abuse, wouldn't you do anything to not be thrown back in?
Daniel served in the army before becoming a hit man to build connections with criminals who can provide him with information about his missing sister. He saves Regan as a favor to Nik (from Last Hit), whom he worked with in the past, and proceeds to drop Regan off at the embassy so he can resume his search for his sister, whom he believes has been sold into the sex slavery ring like Regan has.
The romance between Regan and Daniel develops gradually and deliciously over the course of the book <3 and the plot is more action-packed and fast-paced compared to Last Hit. There's no insta-love in Last Breath; in fact, Daniel wanted to be rid of Regan as quickly as possible in the beginning while Regan wanted Daniel to keep her close only because any other option - including going to the embassy - would have led to her recapture.
I wanted Last Breath to be darker because of what Regan has gone through, but Clare's writing makes Last Breath a fun and surprisingly almost-light read, despite the darker undertones to the story.
"There’s a storm inside of her, and I don’t know how long it’s going to take to die down, but as I cradle her in my lap I realize that the world could burn up and I wouldn’t let her go. Not at this moment. Not until she doesn’t need me anymore because I can’t remember the last time I felt this good. Maybe I never have."
Regan picks up after Last Hit, and opens with Regan being raped after her kidnapping and thrust into sex slavery. She mentally, nonchalantly lists movie names during the incident, remains calm, and refuses to allow her rapist to have the satisfaction of getting off on her fear during the rape. However, her character isn't unrealistically strong, and she caves when guns are involved. Regan is strong in mind and doesn't break despite her circumstances, but her strength isn't perfect and she is human and flawed. When she meets Daniel, she also becomes exceptionally clingy to him, which some readers find annoying. But I think it's understandable, because if you've finally escaped hell after being forced to suffer so much physical and emotional abuse, wouldn't you do anything to not be thrown back in?
Daniel served in the army before becoming a hit man to build connections with criminals who can provide him with information about his missing sister. He saves Regan as a favor to Nik (from Last Hit), whom he worked with in the past, and proceeds to drop Regan off at the embassy so he can resume his search for his sister, whom he believes has been sold into the sex slavery ring like Regan has.
The romance between Regan and Daniel develops gradually and deliciously over the course of the book <3 and the plot is more action-packed and fast-paced compared to Last Hit. There's no insta-love in Last Breath; in fact, Daniel wanted to be rid of Regan as quickly as possible in the beginning while Regan wanted Daniel to keep her close only because any other option - including going to the embassy - would have led to her recapture.
I wanted Last Breath to be darker because of what Regan has gone through, but Clare's writing makes Last Breath a fun and surprisingly almost-light read, despite the darker undertones to the story.
"There’s a storm inside of her, and I don’t know how long it’s going to take to die down, but as I cradle her in my lap I realize that the world could burn up and I wouldn’t let her go. Not at this moment. Not until she doesn’t need me anymore because I can’t remember the last time I felt this good. Maybe I never have."
October 31, 2024
Changing this rating to a 4 after my re-read
Wow, Wow, Wow, this book was amazing. From beginning to end I was hooked and I don't just mean yeah I want to read this book no I mean I NEED to read this book why is everyone disturbing me with life, and kids and husband wanting food, and job expecting me to come to work doesn't everyone know I am wrapped up in Last Breathe right now and I DON'T WANT TO BE DISTURBED. Thats how much I needed to read this book. I loved book one I was upset when it ended and impatiently waiting for book two, I knew this book would be good, it just had to because no book could be written so well and have such a griping story with great characters and then have book two fall flat, so when Jen Frederick asked me to read this book I was over the moon happy.
In book one Regan was kidnapped and sold into sexual slavery and Daniel was sent by Nick and Daisy to find her and bring her home. Now months later Regan has endured more than anyone should, at first she was sure she would be rescued but as time went on she wondered if she had been forgotten. Daniel has been on a mission, his sister was kidnapped and sold and he has been on her trail since then knowing that he can't give up till he finds her and brings her home. So when Nick asked him to find Regan along the way he agreed. Daniel has scene enough in the years trying to locate his sister, but when he see's Regan she surprises him, not only is she beautiful but she also is strong and though everything she has endured she's still a fighter.
When Regan is finally freed she is both happy, scared, and leery of Daniel but agrees to put her trust in him instead of go out on her own. Soon Daniel and Regan find out that the man who bought Regan isn't happy she was taken and wants he back. Now not only does Daniel have to find his sister and get them all home but he has to keep Regan and himself alive. The more time they spend together the easier it is for Regan to see Daniel isn't another man to hurt her but a man who loves her and a man she can trust, and the two begin to fall in love, but new revolutions are brought to light about the man who has Daniels sister and who she really is, and when Daniel thinks he can finally have it all they may not make it out alive.
I loved this book, I mean I really loved this book. It's one of those books you don't want to end because so many books can never be as great as this one. The beginning of this book is gut wrenching and painful and unbelievable sad (please read the warning) but it was written so well and the strength that Regan shows is just beautiful. I loved Regan she had tons to deal with and she did it all beautifully she was so strong and watching her learn to fall in love and trust Daniel after reading what she endured was even better.
I had Daniel all figured out in my mind after book one but he was so much more. The love he had for his family was amazing and that he saw Regan and not what was done to her was so awesome. Daniel was another bad boy just like Nick, I have always loved the bad/good guy thing and thats defiantly what Daniel was and it works and works well in this book. I mean who doesn't love a man who will do anything to protect those he loves, and will die before he lets anything happen to them.
I also found the storyline about sex trafficking very interesting and I think this was very well written but still gritty and real. Both Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick didn't shy away from the ugly in this book and thats what made it so good, and made the ending that much better because to sugar coat this book would have ruined it. I also think they were very brave to tackle this topic and they not only did it well but blew my mind with how well they wrote it. I can't wait for book three there are several people I hope we get to see more of as well as more of Regan and Daniel. I also love that we got more of Nick and Daisy and that the new characters we get introduced to were just as interesting as the old ones. This book was just amazing plain and simple, I loved it from beginning, middle to the end and everything in between.
*thank you Jen Frederick for so kindly giving me a copy of this book to review
Wow, Wow, Wow, this book was amazing. From beginning to end I was hooked and I don't just mean yeah I want to read this book no I mean I NEED to read this book why is everyone disturbing me with life, and kids and husband wanting food, and job expecting me to come to work doesn't everyone know I am wrapped up in Last Breathe right now and I DON'T WANT TO BE DISTURBED. Thats how much I needed to read this book. I loved book one I was upset when it ended and impatiently waiting for book two, I knew this book would be good, it just had to because no book could be written so well and have such a griping story with great characters and then have book two fall flat, so when Jen Frederick asked me to read this book I was over the moon happy.
In book one Regan was kidnapped and sold into sexual slavery and Daniel was sent by Nick and Daisy to find her and bring her home. Now months later Regan has endured more than anyone should, at first she was sure she would be rescued but as time went on she wondered if she had been forgotten. Daniel has been on a mission, his sister was kidnapped and sold and he has been on her trail since then knowing that he can't give up till he finds her and brings her home. So when Nick asked him to find Regan along the way he agreed. Daniel has scene enough in the years trying to locate his sister, but when he see's Regan she surprises him, not only is she beautiful but she also is strong and though everything she has endured she's still a fighter.
When Regan is finally freed she is both happy, scared, and leery of Daniel but agrees to put her trust in him instead of go out on her own. Soon Daniel and Regan find out that the man who bought Regan isn't happy she was taken and wants he back. Now not only does Daniel have to find his sister and get them all home but he has to keep Regan and himself alive. The more time they spend together the easier it is for Regan to see Daniel isn't another man to hurt her but a man who loves her and a man she can trust, and the two begin to fall in love, but new revolutions are brought to light about the man who has Daniels sister and who she really is, and when Daniel thinks he can finally have it all they may not make it out alive.
I loved this book, I mean I really loved this book. It's one of those books you don't want to end because so many books can never be as great as this one. The beginning of this book is gut wrenching and painful and unbelievable sad (please read the warning) but it was written so well and the strength that Regan shows is just beautiful. I loved Regan she had tons to deal with and she did it all beautifully she was so strong and watching her learn to fall in love and trust Daniel after reading what she endured was even better.
I had Daniel all figured out in my mind after book one but he was so much more. The love he had for his family was amazing and that he saw Regan and not what was done to her was so awesome. Daniel was another bad boy just like Nick, I have always loved the bad/good guy thing and thats defiantly what Daniel was and it works and works well in this book. I mean who doesn't love a man who will do anything to protect those he loves, and will die before he lets anything happen to them.
I also found the storyline about sex trafficking very interesting and I think this was very well written but still gritty and real. Both Jessica Clare and Jen Frederick didn't shy away from the ugly in this book and thats what made it so good, and made the ending that much better because to sugar coat this book would have ruined it. I also think they were very brave to tackle this topic and they not only did it well but blew my mind with how well they wrote it. I can't wait for book three there are several people I hope we get to see more of as well as more of Regan and Daniel. I also love that we got more of Nick and Daisy and that the new characters we get introduced to were just as interesting as the old ones. This book was just amazing plain and simple, I loved it from beginning, middle to the end and everything in between.
*thank you Jen Frederick for so kindly giving me a copy of this book to review
July 24, 2018
The story took me by surprise, I was expecting a cheese fest but it was very good, actually. Although it was very graphic, the love story was also very endearing.
March 24, 2014
4.5 Breathtaking Hitman stars!! LOVED IT!!!
This was a great 2nd installment to the series and a much grittier story than that first one.
We met Daniel and Regan in book one…. Regan was Daisy’s roommate and Daniel was an associate of Nik’s. I recommend reading book 1 before this one… its not absolutely necessary, but reading book 1 first is going to help the reader understand more about what is going on in this installment. In the first book, we know that Regan , Daisy’s roommate got kidnapped and was not found before the ending. Nik and Daisy’s story was wrapped up in that one… this is Regan and Daniels story.
Regan was kidnapped by the Russian mafia and ended up sold into the sex slave trade.. she ended up in Rio. The beginning of this book is harsh.. we start out with Regan being raped for what we know is not the first time. She’s been in Rio for about 6 weeks and has been used over and over again. Regan has managed to separate her body from her mind though…. We see that,although she vulnerable,sad, and nearly broken.. part of her is still very strong inside. She has not given up hope that she will eventually be found. She doesn’t want to die in this hell hole. As the men use her body, she lets her mind wonder to other things and tries to think of anything besides what is happening to her.. she wont give up. Not yet……
Regan..
Daniel is a former spec ops soldier and is currently a hitman for hire. He got into the business by accident… while searching for his sister that was kidnapped and apparently sold into slavery he needed money to keep up his search. He ended up associated with the Russian mafia and is now a killer for hire. He takes jobs that may help lead him to the whereabouts of his sister Naomi. Nik contacts Daniel to go find Regan for him.. Nik is unable to leave the country now that he is settled down with Daisy. He cannot risk drawing attention to himself…. So Daniel has 2 missions now.. find his sister and find Regan.
Daniel..
Daniel manages to track down Regan while posing as a buyer for her time… the buyers are supposed to stay on the premises with the girls and Regan is special. She’s beautiful and blonde and is supposed to be in training for another important buyer who just happens to be a really bad creepy dude. Regan should never be out of site.. but the trader is greedy and takes Daniels money letting Daniel have her for the entire night off site.
Regan is desperate to escape and although she is scared to go with this new buyer, being let out of the compound might be her only chance of escape. Once Daniel has her out of the home he manages to convince her that he’s rescuing her. They aren’t out the gate for very long before Daniel realizes it was a set up … get the gringo’s money then kill him and get Regan back in to the compound. Daniel is no ordinary gringo though.. he has skills and he’s not about to let Regan be taken back in. It’s a race to evade the baddies and the locals that will do whatever they have to do to get Regan back. If the main buyer finds out she’s gone.. there will be certain death….. so Daniel and Regan are on the run.. not only to get her back home, but for their lives…
Regan and Daniel are thrown together in the most dire of circumstances… they are both attracted to each other but Daniel feels like a pig for wanting this beautiful girl who has been raped repeatedly for weeks. Regan is beyond confused because she has been through so much.. but Daniel saved her. She feels protected by him. She knows he would never let anything happened to her. It’s perhaps a little bit of hero worship but she can’t help how she feels. She never thought she would want another man to touch her again after everything she has been through but Daniel makes her feel things. It’s not long before they give in to their feelings. Daniel is able to show Regan that although she has been broken, she is strong. She never gave up on herself , even when things were beyond horrible. She’s got a long way to go, but if Daniel can get her back to safety , he’s never going to let her go.
So, we have a lot of stuff going on ! In the middle of Daniel and Regan running for their lives, Daniel is still looking for his sister.. Regan wants to help him find her and she’ll do whatever it takes.. she loves Daniel and wants to help him the way he helped her… even if it means going back into the hell she escaped from to help rescue his sister.
I was hooked from the beginning.. it was a fast paced , sometimes gritty and emotional story. There was a lot of steam and the sexy times were way way hot… Regan and Daniels connection was so good and I loved them together… Why the 4.5 instead of 5 stars? I felt there was a break down in the story towards the end in regards to how her disappearance was explained to her parents and the boyfriend (who sucked) she left behind when she was kidnappedand the ending seemed rushed. But still, the meat of the story was awesome.. I would have just liked a little more depth for the end.
We got a 1.5 installment for more of Daisy and Nik so I’m hoping we get a 2.5 for Daniel and Regan.. I’d like to see how they have settled back into things.
Definitely looking forward to more from these authors and hopefully another book for this series....
ARC provided by authors in exchange for an honest review
February 5, 2022
2nd Reread 2/4/2022
It's been several years since I last reread Last Breath, but recently some GR friends have been reading it and I knew I needed to revisit Daniel and Regan. I'm happy to say that I love them today just as much as I loved them in 2014 when I first read their story.
1st Reread 5/15/2015
Original review 5/1/2014
I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end. Where book 1 I found boring for most of it, this was the complete opposite the excitement starts from page 1. Daniel is everything I love in a H he is dangerous, arrogant and cocky but underneath a wonderful loving man. Regan was so brave with a strong sense of survival but at times very vulnerable. This book is filled with action, danger and a steamy hot romance. I can't wait to read book 3.
It's been several years since I last reread Last Breath, but recently some GR friends have been reading it and I knew I needed to revisit Daniel and Regan. I'm happy to say that I love them today just as much as I loved them in 2014 when I first read their story.
1st Reread 5/15/2015
Original review 5/1/2014
I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end. Where book 1 I found boring for most of it, this was the complete opposite the excitement starts from page 1. Daniel is everything I love in a H he is dangerous, arrogant and cocky but underneath a wonderful loving man. Regan was so brave with a strong sense of survival but at times very vulnerable. This book is filled with action, danger and a steamy hot romance. I can't wait to read book 3.
August 14, 2022
2.5 stars rounded up to v. generous 3
Well, that was disappointing...
My biggest problem with this book was Regan.
I wasn't a fan of hers in the previous book but here she just annoyed the fuck outta me and I couldn't stand her.
Why?
Lemme explain as quickly as I can.
Regan was kidnapped in book 1 by Russian mafia and sold to a brothel where she was constantly raped and abused for several weeks.
Daniel is the guy who is sent by Nicholai to find her and bring her home.
Daniel is also looking for his sister who was also kidnapped by the russians and nobody knows what happened to her.
But back to Regan.
Daniel finds and rescues her and he's immediately struck by lust.
You know despite the fact that she is all bruised and on the verge of a mental breakdown.
So that was the first red flag for me.
And Regan isn't any better.
Because despite the horridness her situation is, she can't help but notice how handsome and sexy Daniel is.
And that very simple fact was so irrational and stupid, I srsly wanted to DNF.
What's better is that the only thing our sis is able to think about is sex and whether or not she will be able to have it in the future.
Not the fact that she has no way to get out of Russia without documents, money or clothes on her back, not the fact that there is some twisted fuck searching for her, not that she is completely on the mercy of a man she doesn't know or trust and the fact that she was raped, drugged and abused repeatedly throughout the last weeks (six or eight, don't remember tbh).
Yeah.
None of the above apparently hold any more importance over the fact that Daniel is cute, she is horny and she wants to test the waters under the sheets with Daniel.
Yup, you heard me right.
And so they jump to bed right away and sis is convinced she is in love with him.
And that's only day 2.
So we have a miraculous recovery that normally takes weeks, months or even years.
Yet, it took our heroine a few hours and a good fuck to get over the trauma that she went through.
And that was just a big fat nope from me.
On day 3 the entire situation resolves and they finally escape with the exception for Naomi, the sister, which will naturally be presented in the next book.
I can't say that I loved this book but I can't say I hated it.
It was okay.
And the idea and the plotline were actually really good.
And I liked Daniel's character despite everything.
Just the time frame sucked the big one.
And the heroine wasn't given enough time to make the story somehow realistic or believable.
Plus, throwing Iloveyous after 3 days ain't a great idea if you want the readers to believe the depth of their feelings.
They do have their HEA and good for them and I'm actually gonna read Naomi's story because Vasily is my cup of hot and fucked-up tea (just as I like it) and Naomi is on the spectrum so I'm intrigued and I hope I'll like the next one more than this.
This one was okay. Ish.
And I know I'm in minority here but that's alright.
I still love this series and this author.
Well, that was disappointing...
My biggest problem with this book was Regan.
I wasn't a fan of hers in the previous book but here she just annoyed the fuck outta me and I couldn't stand her.
Why?
Lemme explain as quickly as I can.
Regan was kidnapped in book 1 by Russian mafia and sold to a brothel where she was constantly raped and abused for several weeks.
Daniel is the guy who is sent by Nicholai to find her and bring her home.
Daniel is also looking for his sister who was also kidnapped by the russians and nobody knows what happened to her.
But back to Regan.
Daniel finds and rescues her and he's immediately struck by lust.
You know despite the fact that she is all bruised and on the verge of a mental breakdown.
So that was the first red flag for me.
And Regan isn't any better.
Because despite the horridness her situation is, she can't help but notice how handsome and sexy Daniel is.
And that very simple fact was so irrational and stupid, I srsly wanted to DNF.
What's better is that the only thing our sis is able to think about is sex and whether or not she will be able to have it in the future.
Not the fact that she has no way to get out of Russia without documents, money or clothes on her back, not the fact that there is some twisted fuck searching for her, not that she is completely on the mercy of a man she doesn't know or trust and the fact that she was raped, drugged and abused repeatedly throughout the last weeks (six or eight, don't remember tbh).
Yeah.
None of the above apparently hold any more importance over the fact that Daniel is cute, she is horny and she wants to test the waters under the sheets with Daniel.
Yup, you heard me right.
And so they jump to bed right away and sis is convinced she is in love with him.
And that's only day 2.
So we have a miraculous recovery that normally takes weeks, months or even years.
Yet, it took our heroine a few hours and a good fuck to get over the trauma that she went through.
And that was just a big fat nope from me.
On day 3 the entire situation resolves and they finally escape with the exception for Naomi, the sister, which will naturally be presented in the next book.
I can't say that I loved this book but I can't say I hated it.
It was okay.
And the idea and the plotline were actually really good.
And I liked Daniel's character despite everything.
Just the time frame sucked the big one.
And the heroine wasn't given enough time to make the story somehow realistic or believable.
Plus, throwing Iloveyous after 3 days ain't a great idea if you want the readers to believe the depth of their feelings.
They do have their HEA and good for them and I'm actually gonna read Naomi's story because Vasily is my cup of hot and fucked-up tea (just as I like it) and Naomi is on the spectrum so I'm intrigued and I hope I'll like the next one more than this.
This one was okay. Ish.
And I know I'm in minority here but that's alright.
I still love this series and this author.
May 12, 2015
**** 4 Hottie Hitman Stars ****
Rereading 5/11/15 (Audio Book) in anticipation of reading the newly released Last Kiss (book #3 in the series)....need to refresh my memory.
March 2014 Review
Daniel is a Hitman/Hired Killer on the trail of human flesh peddlers after his sister was kidnapped while on Spring Break in Cancun. It's been 18 months since her kidnapping and he's received a solid tip from a Russian mobster who owes him a favor that his sister is in Brazil.
His secondary mission while in Rio is to locate Regan (from Last Hit) who was also kidnapped and sold to a brothel. Daniel locates Regan and uses his deadly skills to get her back. Once he locates and takes her, Daniel and Regan are on the run from forces that want her back and who are also (predictably) connected to Daniel's sisters disappearance.
Regan is an amazingly strong young women, she refused to be broken even after all she suffered while being held captive. Naturally she has a huge distrust of men but eventually she learns to trust Daniel when he goes out of his way to make sure he keeps his promises to her.
Daniel is so damn charming, funny, loyal, and stone cold deadly! Regan starts out a obligation, he promised Daisy and Nick (Last Hit) he would find her and bring home, but once he has this fisty little fighter in his care he finds it harder and harder to let her go.
Rereading 5/11/15 (Audio Book) in anticipation of reading the newly released Last Kiss (book #3 in the series)....need to refresh my memory.
March 2014 Review
Daniel is a Hitman/Hired Killer on the trail of human flesh peddlers after his sister was kidnapped while on Spring Break in Cancun. It's been 18 months since her kidnapping and he's received a solid tip from a Russian mobster who owes him a favor that his sister is in Brazil.
His secondary mission while in Rio is to locate Regan (from Last Hit) who was also kidnapped and sold to a brothel. Daniel locates Regan and uses his deadly skills to get her back. Once he locates and takes her, Daniel and Regan are on the run from forces that want her back and who are also (predictably) connected to Daniel's sisters disappearance.
Regan is an amazingly strong young women, she refused to be broken even after all she suffered while being held captive. Naturally she has a huge distrust of men but eventually she learns to trust Daniel when he goes out of his way to make sure he keeps his promises to her.
Daniel is so damn charming, funny, loyal, and stone cold deadly! Regan starts out a obligation, he promised Daisy and Nick (Last Hit) he would find her and bring home, but once he has this fisty little fighter in his care he finds it harder and harder to let her go.
April 2, 2014
I loved the first book in this series, Last Hit (and not in a reasonable way, in a way that is usually attributed to a 13 year old hysterical girl stalking the outside of a hotel where her favourite member of a boy band is staying in case he makes a shirtless appearance on the balcony!), so immediately picked this one up!
And I loved it! Why had I never read this author before?
This is certainly darker than the first book, and more action packed, but once again the author has created two main characters that I loved and cared about!
Regan had been kidnapped in book 1 and then sold to a brothel, living in hell for 6 weeks, thinking she had been forgotten about. Daniel is the friend of Nick from book 1, who has been searching for his sister and agreed to go rescue Regan.
Daniel, he was a beautiful man! The way he was with Regan, helping her come to terms with what she had gone through. Always patient and giving!
And Regan, such a fighter! Not willing to let the bad guys win and break her. So brave.
And even so, there was some funny light-hearted moments! usually from Daniel, who was rather unapologetic in his humour and personality! The banter between the two characters was great, and yet given the personalties of our two characters and the situation they found themselves in, never felt too much, it came across quite real.
We even get some scenes with my little cutie pie Nick from book 1! (who cannot love a stoic Ukrainian who takes a sledgehammer to some electrical wiring when he gets a shock!)
If you have not read this series - you need to start!
I wish book 3 was out already!
And I loved it! Why had I never read this author before?
This is certainly darker than the first book, and more action packed, but once again the author has created two main characters that I loved and cared about!
Regan had been kidnapped in book 1 and then sold to a brothel, living in hell for 6 weeks, thinking she had been forgotten about. Daniel is the friend of Nick from book 1, who has been searching for his sister and agreed to go rescue Regan.
Daniel, he was a beautiful man! The way he was with Regan, helping her come to terms with what she had gone through. Always patient and giving!
And Regan, such a fighter! Not willing to let the bad guys win and break her. So brave.
And even so, there was some funny light-hearted moments! usually from Daniel, who was rather unapologetic in his humour and personality! The banter between the two characters was great, and yet given the personalties of our two characters and the situation they found themselves in, never felt too much, it came across quite real.
We even get some scenes with my little cutie pie Nick from book 1! (who cannot love a stoic Ukrainian who takes a sledgehammer to some electrical wiring when he gets a shock!)
If you have not read this series - you need to start!
I wish book 3 was out already!
February 21, 2015
4.5 Stars
This story literally has it all:
*heart-stopping action
*an sexy and caring hero who is the ultimate book boyfriend
*an strong heroine who you literally feel for the entire time.
*mafia
*very evil antagonists who you wish death upon the whole book
* kidnapping
*hot sex scenes between the hero and heroine.
*tons of emotional depth
*great writing
I'd seriously recommend this book to all of my goodreads friends. The blurb pulled me in, and after I one-clicked it, I wasn't able to put the book down until the last page. It was truly a great, great read. I can't wait to read more from these authors!
This story literally has it all:
*heart-stopping action
*an sexy and caring hero who is the ultimate book boyfriend
*an strong heroine who you literally feel for the entire time.
*mafia
*very evil antagonists who you wish death upon the whole book
* kidnapping
*hot sex scenes between the hero and heroine.
*tons of emotional depth
*great writing
I'd seriously recommend this book to all of my goodreads friends. The blurb pulled me in, and after I one-clicked it, I wasn't able to put the book down until the last page. It was truly a great, great read. I can't wait to read more from these authors!
March 27, 2014
“I’m not here to f*ck you, okay? I’m here to save your ass.”
You know when you start a new book and you straight away get that fuzzy feeling about it and you just know that you’re going to desperately fall in love with it? I was obsessed with this story from the very first line. I had read the prequel, Last Hit, and was blown away by the authors’ ability to create a hero who somehow made me uneasy and gave me heart palpitations all at the same time, but I felt that the story had lacked a fierce heroine to match. Well, in this book, the authors have not only given us one of the most incredible heroines I have ever come across, but also an engaging and multifaceted story that was an absolute thrill start to finish.
“I realized no one would be coming. No Daisy. No Mike. No one. They left me here to rot. I had vanished and no one would find me, ever.”
While each instalment in this series can be read as a standalone story, this book is a continuation of the storyline in Last Hit. Regan is the unlucky roommate who gets kidnapped by the Russian mob and sold into slavery at the end of that book, so we find her in a brothel in Rio de Janeiro, her body brutally used and abused, chained to a wall and with no hope of escape. But as doomed as her life has turned out to be, Regan remains a fighter. She disconnects her mind from what is happening to her body, and while she is deeply traumatised by it all, she never gives her captors or the many men paying to use her for sex the satisfaction of seeing her broken. Her spirit and her will to survive remain intact, but her hope that someone would be coming to her rescue fades with each passing day.
“I did everything I could to distance myself from what was happening to my body… I almost forgot that my ankle was chained to a beam in the wall and that I was a prisoner. I lived inside my head.”
Daniel is a mercenary, a former Special Forces sniper who now kills people for money, and he is the man who has been sent to retrieve Regan. While he has searched for her for two months, he has been in and out of brothels for the last year and a half rescuing girls from the sex trade, all the while looking for his sister who was abducted and sold through the same channels as Regan. When Daniel meets Regan, he is taken aback by her feistiness given the recent violence in her life, her resilience and lack of victim-like behaviour making her the most astonishing woman he has ever come across. Every aspect of her personality calls to him – her courage, her stubbornness, her vulnerability, her smart mouth – and his body reacts to her even though her sees himself as too tainted for someone as perfect as Regan.
“A guy like me would be pretty damn lucky to be permitted to touch you.”
As they navigate the slums of Rio de Janeiro trying to escape the men sent after them and searching for his sister, Daniel and Regan develop a peculiar relationship of co-dependency. Regan refuses to be abandoned again and while human touch now repulses her, Daniel is the only man who does not affect her that way, his presence comforting her, and his tenderness towards her making her crave things she thought would never appeal to her again. Daniel grows more and more protective of her with each moment they spend fighting for their lives, finding himself unable to let her go. He learns quickly what her triggers are, how to soothe her fears when panic takes over her mind, and he soon wants nothing more than to claim her as his own.
“You’re mine, Regan Porter. You don’t get to decide if you die or not. Because if you do, you’re destroying me, too.”
An unlikely romance between two people who were never meant to fall for one another, this story was the perfect blend of exhilarating suspense and breath-taking passion and I cannot recommend it enough to anyone looking for a book that truly does not fit a set mould. It made me laugh, it made me squirm, it made me pant, it made me suck my thumb on occasions and mentally rock in a corner, and it was one of the most elating stories I have ever read. And now I’m drooling for the next book in the series, Vasily and Naomi’s story, which is set to be one of the most unusual romantic scenarios I have ever heard of…
“I’d never hurt her, never break my promise to her. Not in this lifetime or the next.”
See this review on my blog! | Follow me on Facebook! | Follow me on Twitter!
January 3, 2022
*4.5* After finishing book one and reading the premise of book two, I almost skipped this one. I'm really, really glad I didn't! The author did a wonderful job and balancing the horror of human trafficking and women as sexual merchandise, but also showing one woman's path to healing and recovery. Regan's trauma wasn't glossed over. The book opens with
Regan and Daniel were such well-written characters. Hidden depth, humor, shooting bad guys, and a dash of Stockholm syndrome help Regan to begin to trust Daniel and heal.
Regan and Daniel were such well-written characters. Hidden depth, humor, shooting bad guys, and a dash of Stockholm syndrome help Regan to begin to trust Daniel and heal.
December 4, 2015
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Regan never knew the disaster that would happen to her because she became roommates with Daisy. But she finds herself kidnapped, sold. At first with the russians who used her brutally for sex and abuse. Then she was sold to a contractor who wanted her "broken" and she was sent down to Brazil to a whorehouse to be broken in. For months Regan has been hoping that someone would remember what happened to her and come find her. But as the months go by, she starts losing hope but she never stops fighting with spirit when many others become broken, Regan doesn't. Daniel Hayes is on a search to find his sister and to find Regan. When his close friend Nick asks him to go search for her, and he finds her while searching for his sister that was kidnapped. He knows he can't leave her. So he takes her, intending on sending her to the embassy. However the man who wants Regan will do anything to find her and Daniel must keep her by his side even though its dangerous. But Daniel and Regan will have to face their enemy and their fears and pasts...
Plot and Story Line
Last Breath is the second thrilling installment in the Last Hit Series. And WoW!! That is all I want to say for this book. I was completely blown away by this one. Jessica Clare joining up with Jen Frederick have written a heart pounding suspense romance that will keep its readers on their toes from the first to last page. I just couldn't get enough of this story and it captivated me from the beginning. This does contain some tough issues on sexual slavery so it's not for the faint of heart. But what a read!! Loved every single moment while listening to this one.
The story kicks off, with Regan for a while. We see her side of things, from the beginning really. Seeing what she has gone through over the months was simply heartbreaking...but what I loved about Regan is that she never stops fighting. Most women eventually would. But not Regan. She has this inner strength you have to admire. Before she was kidnapped she was just a sweet and kind woman and went with the flow. But this experience has definitely changed her to fighting for herself and those she cares about. Our hero is such a great match for her. Daniel is ex military, became a hit man, and for long eighteen months has been searching for his sister while rescuing any of the woman he can along the way. But Regan is the first that he is drawn to. In Daniel's mind, Regan is unique. Because she is a fighter, when all the other women he has rescued have become like dolls...no life anymore. Just existing. But Regan is determined, strong and courageous. The attraction between these two is very obvious and vibrant. But after Regan's experiences, they take it slowly. And I really admired that. It fit with the setting of the story and the characters. Just because you are attracted doesn't mean you just jump into bed right away. I liked that these two learn each other both emotionally and physically.
This story has alternating POV between the hero and the heroine which I really liked. I love seeing both sides of the story, from both the hero and the heroine's personal perspective. The romance is sweet at times and very emotional and I really liked that. It had its poignant moments, but some flirty and fun ones too!! The suspense is pretty intense at times and is good enough to get your heart racing. I loved these moments, seeing these two fight together and protecting each other. We also get to see Nikolai and Daisy and meet two new hitman (that are heroes in the next two books). This was a blast of a romance that rocked my world!!! Intense, gratifying, and sassy!!
Narration
I don't always like the change in narrators, but these two were just perfect!! I want more from both of them. I loved both of their voices, and they handled the story very well. Especially with all that goes on with this one, they portrayed the story in the perfect way. I hope that they do the next books too.
The Cover
I really like this cover and man that hair!!! I just want to run my hands through it. I love the intensity of the cover with the gray background and the colored titled writing.
Overall View
Last Breath is an emotionally provoking read that takes you on a wild ride of adventure, danger, and intense emotions. GUARANTEED TO LOVE!!
Summary
Regan never knew the disaster that would happen to her because she became roommates with Daisy. But she finds herself kidnapped, sold. At first with the russians who used her brutally for sex and abuse. Then she was sold to a contractor who wanted her "broken" and she was sent down to Brazil to a whorehouse to be broken in. For months Regan has been hoping that someone would remember what happened to her and come find her. But as the months go by, she starts losing hope but she never stops fighting with spirit when many others become broken, Regan doesn't. Daniel Hayes is on a search to find his sister and to find Regan. When his close friend Nick asks him to go search for her, and he finds her while searching for his sister that was kidnapped. He knows he can't leave her. So he takes her, intending on sending her to the embassy. However the man who wants Regan will do anything to find her and Daniel must keep her by his side even though its dangerous. But Daniel and Regan will have to face their enemy and their fears and pasts...
Plot and Story Line
Last Breath is the second thrilling installment in the Last Hit Series. And WoW!! That is all I want to say for this book. I was completely blown away by this one. Jessica Clare joining up with Jen Frederick have written a heart pounding suspense romance that will keep its readers on their toes from the first to last page. I just couldn't get enough of this story and it captivated me from the beginning. This does contain some tough issues on sexual slavery so it's not for the faint of heart. But what a read!! Loved every single moment while listening to this one.
The story kicks off, with Regan for a while. We see her side of things, from the beginning really. Seeing what she has gone through over the months was simply heartbreaking...but what I loved about Regan is that she never stops fighting. Most women eventually would. But not Regan. She has this inner strength you have to admire. Before she was kidnapped she was just a sweet and kind woman and went with the flow. But this experience has definitely changed her to fighting for herself and those she cares about. Our hero is such a great match for her. Daniel is ex military, became a hit man, and for long eighteen months has been searching for his sister while rescuing any of the woman he can along the way. But Regan is the first that he is drawn to. In Daniel's mind, Regan is unique. Because she is a fighter, when all the other women he has rescued have become like dolls...no life anymore. Just existing. But Regan is determined, strong and courageous. The attraction between these two is very obvious and vibrant. But after Regan's experiences, they take it slowly. And I really admired that. It fit with the setting of the story and the characters. Just because you are attracted doesn't mean you just jump into bed right away. I liked that these two learn each other both emotionally and physically.
This story has alternating POV between the hero and the heroine which I really liked. I love seeing both sides of the story, from both the hero and the heroine's personal perspective. The romance is sweet at times and very emotional and I really liked that. It had its poignant moments, but some flirty and fun ones too!! The suspense is pretty intense at times and is good enough to get your heart racing. I loved these moments, seeing these two fight together and protecting each other. We also get to see Nikolai and Daisy and meet two new hitman (that are heroes in the next two books). This was a blast of a romance that rocked my world!!! Intense, gratifying, and sassy!!
Narration
I don't always like the change in narrators, but these two were just perfect!! I want more from both of them. I loved both of their voices, and they handled the story very well. Especially with all that goes on with this one, they portrayed the story in the perfect way. I hope that they do the next books too.
The Cover
I really like this cover and man that hair!!! I just want to run my hands through it. I love the intensity of the cover with the gray background and the colored titled writing.
Overall View
Last Breath is an emotionally provoking read that takes you on a wild ride of adventure, danger, and intense emotions. GUARANTEED TO LOVE!!
June 26, 2018
i like this book. in some part daniel makes me giggle. he is such as dork. lovely good looking dork.
but i do not like how sexual assult victim is potray like a one night stand.
3 stars.
but i do not like how sexual assult victim is potray like a one night stand.
3 stars.
March 25, 2014
4.5 - "Sugar Tits" & "Big Johnson" Stars!
Daniel Hays
For months I’ve swum in a pool of blood and death and ugly deeds and to hold onto my sanity and maybe my soul, I’ve told myself that saving these doves balances the scale. For every life I take, if I save one then it’s all a wash in the end...
I am old school when it comes to writing my reviews, as such I am also not a highlighter, which means all my notes are handwritten, and let me tell you that I have hand ache from the amount of notes I took while reading Last Breath, in a good way though as there were so many great points in the book it was hard to stop myself!
Being an avid Jen Frederick fan, I am always happy to read and review her latest releases, but I am relatively new to the darker side of the romance genre (kidnapping, forced slavery etc), so I did go into the book with a little trepidation. I need not have worried because Last Breath is so well put together (please forgive me Jen and Jessica for my doubts) you do literally lose yourself in the action and the story that is being told. Although at points the graphic detail and brutal down-to-earth way the book is written made me stop and pause, it didn’t leave me feeling like anything had just been added for extra shock or drama value, this is how it is, and that is how it has been written.
Regan Porter and Daniel Hays don’t meet under usual circumstances, he buys her for the night for the use of her body as a ruse to get her away from the brothel she is imprisoned in, if you have read Last Hit you will know the circumstances that surround the reason Regan is in the situation she is in, and why she is currently chained to a wall, wearing a grubby star spangled banner bikini, in a brothel in the slums of Rio. I don’t think you actually need to read Last Hit to enjoy Last Breath as everything is explained, but you do get some of Regan and Daniel’s back-stories in Last Hit.
Last Breath is literally a rollercoaster ride of a story, from the moment Daniel and Regan leave the brothel it is pedal-to-the-metal, non-stop entertainment. From their hilarious snarky conversations and inner monologues –
I duck and cringe against Daniel, my fingers going to his waistband for comfort...
“Little more to the left sweetheart. Though I have to say your timing is terrible when it comes to foreplay.”
Oh come on. Like I’d blow him in a gunfight...”My timing’s the only thing that’s saving you from getting a fist in the dick right now.”
To the emotional, and sometimes uncomfortable but sensitive writing of how they both dealt with the aftermath of what had happened to her during her months in captivity. Regan struggles to break from the mentality that everything results in the requirement of sex, and although he wants her Daniel goes at her pace and lets her take the lead in every one of their interactions.
”I’m not going to hurt you Regan”...”And I don't want you to use me to hurt you.”
I have to say that this book takes the award for the “best Non-Sex, Sex Scene” I have ever read, and as things progress the steam factor just goes up, and up, and up (this I 100% do expect from a book that JF is involved in!) Despite her total and almost consuming fear that Daniel is going to leave her Regan, does start to trust him and his motives as the story progresses.
”I’m coming back for you Regan. I won’t leave you until you’re safe. I promise.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re too important not to save.”
As I said I have quotes and notes covering pages of my notebook, and I could happily keep adding them to this review, but I want to leave you to discover some of them for yourself... well except this one as it’s one of my favourites!
She is so achingly goddamned beautiful, and (that) I want her so much my balls might fall off.
Jen & Jessica have delivered again, Last Breath for me surpassed Last Hit, the writing, and the character development, as well as the superbly crafted storyline was so good I could quite happily go back to the beginning and start reading it again. I hate to wish my life away, but I am on pins to read Naomi and Vasily’s story, which will hopefully be with us later on in 2014.
My thanks go to Jen and Jessica for generously providing me with a copy of Last Breath in exchange for the above honest review.
Daniel Hays
For months I’ve swum in a pool of blood and death and ugly deeds and to hold onto my sanity and maybe my soul, I’ve told myself that saving these doves balances the scale. For every life I take, if I save one then it’s all a wash in the end...
I am old school when it comes to writing my reviews, as such I am also not a highlighter, which means all my notes are handwritten, and let me tell you that I have hand ache from the amount of notes I took while reading Last Breath, in a good way though as there were so many great points in the book it was hard to stop myself!
Being an avid Jen Frederick fan, I am always happy to read and review her latest releases, but I am relatively new to the darker side of the romance genre (kidnapping, forced slavery etc), so I did go into the book with a little trepidation. I need not have worried because Last Breath is so well put together (please forgive me Jen and Jessica for my doubts) you do literally lose yourself in the action and the story that is being told. Although at points the graphic detail and brutal down-to-earth way the book is written made me stop and pause, it didn’t leave me feeling like anything had just been added for extra shock or drama value, this is how it is, and that is how it has been written.
Regan Porter and Daniel Hays don’t meet under usual circumstances, he buys her for the night for the use of her body as a ruse to get her away from the brothel she is imprisoned in, if you have read Last Hit you will know the circumstances that surround the reason Regan is in the situation she is in, and why she is currently chained to a wall, wearing a grubby star spangled banner bikini, in a brothel in the slums of Rio. I don’t think you actually need to read Last Hit to enjoy Last Breath as everything is explained, but you do get some of Regan and Daniel’s back-stories in Last Hit.
Last Breath is literally a rollercoaster ride of a story, from the moment Daniel and Regan leave the brothel it is pedal-to-the-metal, non-stop entertainment. From their hilarious snarky conversations and inner monologues –
I duck and cringe against Daniel, my fingers going to his waistband for comfort...
“Little more to the left sweetheart. Though I have to say your timing is terrible when it comes to foreplay.”
Oh come on. Like I’d blow him in a gunfight...”My timing’s the only thing that’s saving you from getting a fist in the dick right now.”
To the emotional, and sometimes uncomfortable but sensitive writing of how they both dealt with the aftermath of what had happened to her during her months in captivity. Regan struggles to break from the mentality that everything results in the requirement of sex, and although he wants her Daniel goes at her pace and lets her take the lead in every one of their interactions.
”I’m not going to hurt you Regan”...”And I don't want you to use me to hurt you.”
I have to say that this book takes the award for the “best Non-Sex, Sex Scene” I have ever read, and as things progress the steam factor just goes up, and up, and up (this I 100% do expect from a book that JF is involved in!) Despite her total and almost consuming fear that Daniel is going to leave her Regan, does start to trust him and his motives as the story progresses.
”I’m coming back for you Regan. I won’t leave you until you’re safe. I promise.”
“Why?”
“Because you’re too important not to save.”
As I said I have quotes and notes covering pages of my notebook, and I could happily keep adding them to this review, but I want to leave you to discover some of them for yourself... well except this one as it’s one of my favourites!
She is so achingly goddamned beautiful, and (that) I want her so much my balls might fall off.
Jen & Jessica have delivered again, Last Breath for me surpassed Last Hit, the writing, and the character development, as well as the superbly crafted storyline was so good I could quite happily go back to the beginning and start reading it again. I hate to wish my life away, but I am on pins to read Naomi and Vasily’s story, which will hopefully be with us later on in 2014.
My thanks go to Jen and Jessica for generously providing me with a copy of Last Breath in exchange for the above honest review.
March 26, 2014
~~~ 3.5 TO 4 STARS ~~~
This was a great follow up to Last Hit. Daniel, an acquaintance to Nick and fellow assassin, is out looking for Regan, Daisy's roommate who was kidnapped along with her for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Regan isn't Daniel's only concern. He's been looking for his sister who was kidnapped while vacationing in Mexico. This was a very action-filled and tense read. I felt so bad for Regan and all the horrendous things she had to go through while waiting to be found. She was very strong and surprisingly capable of moving on from such difficult circumstances. When Daniel came on the scene she was understandably suspicious but eventually feeling safe around him gave way to other, more complex feelings.
I loved Daniel. A southern gentleman that had to become a mercenary. I loved his sarcastic attitude and how he treated Regan so beautifully. Although I found their romantic feelings a Little rushed, I was happy that they found love in each other. There was a lot of running away from the nasty bad guys, a lot of roadbumps to finally putting to rest the demons that haunted both Daniel and Regan.
The steam was pretty hot too, lots of sexual tension before anything substantial happened. This wasn't a pleasant, go-get-the-girl type read, it was violent and really showed how depraved and disgusting the world of human trafficking is. These men are animals that need to be put down.
I loved the ending, very sweet and well deserved. The biggest shocker is the next book that will concern Naomi( Daniel's sister ) and Vasily--maybe because they both like the quiet? ;-)) read the book and you'll understand the reference.
I think I liked this just the same as Last Hit, though I love Daniel more than Nick. It's a good series so far and keeps you interested, enjoyed it.
This was a great follow up to Last Hit. Daniel, an acquaintance to Nick and fellow assassin, is out looking for Regan, Daisy's roommate who was kidnapped along with her for being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Regan isn't Daniel's only concern. He's been looking for his sister who was kidnapped while vacationing in Mexico. This was a very action-filled and tense read. I felt so bad for Regan and all the horrendous things she had to go through while waiting to be found. She was very strong and surprisingly capable of moving on from such difficult circumstances. When Daniel came on the scene she was understandably suspicious but eventually feeling safe around him gave way to other, more complex feelings.
I loved Daniel. A southern gentleman that had to become a mercenary. I loved his sarcastic attitude and how he treated Regan so beautifully. Although I found their romantic feelings a Little rushed, I was happy that they found love in each other. There was a lot of running away from the nasty bad guys, a lot of roadbumps to finally putting to rest the demons that haunted both Daniel and Regan.
The steam was pretty hot too, lots of sexual tension before anything substantial happened. This wasn't a pleasant, go-get-the-girl type read, it was violent and really showed how depraved and disgusting the world of human trafficking is. These men are animals that need to be put down.
I loved the ending, very sweet and well deserved. The biggest shocker is the next book that will concern Naomi( Daniel's sister ) and Vasily--maybe because they both like the quiet? ;-)) read the book and you'll understand the reference.
I think I liked this just the same as Last Hit, though I love Daniel more than Nick. It's a good series so far and keeps you interested, enjoyed it.
February 24, 2017
ARC given to me by the authors for an honest review
This series has become a new favourite. The first book was amazing and Last Breath was just as amazing if not more. This one was definitely darker then Last Hit, we see the dredges of humanity. But Regan was like a shining light of goodness through the whole story. She was so freaking strong, I don't even know how she did it. She survived and managed not to fall apart even with all the crazy dangerous stuff happening around her. And Daniel, well how can you not love him? He is the type of man you want at your back. Loyal, and willing to go to the ends of the earth to protect to the ones he loves. And he was so sweet with Regan, he never once got annoyed with her need to stick to him like glue, he understood and even though he didn't like it, he kept him with her anyways.
I was also really freaking happy we got more Nick and Daisy, I love them and it was nice to see how they were doing.
I am looking forward to buying these books in paperback so that I can look at these beautiful covers whenever I want and enjoy these stories again and again. And I am really looking forward to the next book which is about Vasliy and Naomi, which I totally didn't see coming at all but I think it will be completely awesome. I can't wait!!
I highly recommend these books to all my Goodreads friends. They are full of protective, hot men and sassy smart women. Go get them right now! :)
This series has become a new favourite. The first book was amazing and Last Breath was just as amazing if not more. This one was definitely darker then Last Hit, we see the dredges of humanity. But Regan was like a shining light of goodness through the whole story. She was so freaking strong, I don't even know how she did it. She survived and managed not to fall apart even with all the crazy dangerous stuff happening around her. And Daniel, well how can you not love him? He is the type of man you want at your back. Loyal, and willing to go to the ends of the earth to protect to the ones he loves. And he was so sweet with Regan, he never once got annoyed with her need to stick to him like glue, he understood and even though he didn't like it, he kept him with her anyways.
I was also really freaking happy we got more Nick and Daisy, I love them and it was nice to see how they were doing.
I am looking forward to buying these books in paperback so that I can look at these beautiful covers whenever I want and enjoy these stories again and again. And I am really looking forward to the next book which is about Vasliy and Naomi, which I totally didn't see coming at all but I think it will be completely awesome. I can't wait!!
I highly recommend these books to all my Goodreads friends. They are full of protective, hot men and sassy smart women. Go get them right now! :)
March 27, 2014
1-star or 2? Let's see...
Daniel - instalust to instalove. 1-star deduction.
Daniel - missing that Russian accent I loved in book 1. Another star deduction.
Regan - irrational and annoying. 20-star deduction. Oh damn. I can't do that.
Regan - concerned about never having an orgasm again three days after being rescued from be a captive sex slave. Ummmm...no, just fcking no.
Regan - I hate being touched but I get so disappointed when Daniel won't touch me. Ooooh, maybe I should have sex with him so he'll let my crazy ass tag along with him.
Regan - she thinks she can develop Stockholm syndrome after a few days. Yes, Stockholm syndrome towards the guy who rescued her and is trying to send her home. Smart one there.
Here's how this goes - the story was okay but Regan was one of the worst heroines I've read lately. She pretty much ruined the story and thus I had to skim read the last half. The steamy scenes didn't even help. I skimmed to the end and almost stopped around 90% because I just didn't care. I had not one fck to give what happened to Regan.
Oh, and I typed up a review and GR ate it. This was the second round and I really had no desire to repeat my love and affection for Regan again so this is what you got. *hugs*
Daniel - instalust to instalove. 1-star deduction.
Daniel - missing that Russian accent I loved in book 1. Another star deduction.
Regan - irrational and annoying. 20-star deduction. Oh damn. I can't do that.
Regan - concerned about never having an orgasm again three days after being rescued from be a captive sex slave. Ummmm...no, just fcking no.
Regan - I hate being touched but I get so disappointed when Daniel won't touch me. Ooooh, maybe I should have sex with him so he'll let my crazy ass tag along with him.
Regan - she thinks she can develop Stockholm syndrome after a few days. Yes, Stockholm syndrome towards the guy who rescued her and is trying to send her home. Smart one there.
Here's how this goes - the story was okay but Regan was one of the worst heroines I've read lately. She pretty much ruined the story and thus I had to skim read the last half. The steamy scenes didn't even help. I skimmed to the end and almost stopped around 90% because I just didn't care. I had not one fck to give what happened to Regan.
Oh, and I typed up a review and GR ate it. This was the second round and I really had no desire to repeat my love and affection for Regan again so this is what you got. *hugs*
June 8, 2019
4.5 Baby Fighter
The first part of this book was hard to read, it’s darker than the last set in this series, and might be a trigger to some. Also the angst climbed up several notches for me, in this one! There were a few times I felt myself holding my breath not knowing what would come next, and my nerves were on edge!
Regan had metal & moxie for days in this story!! I empathized with her, but most of all I respected her resilience. Even when she clung to Daniel for dear life, she never gave up, and showed strength even through her tears! Their connection was powerful almost from the start, especially once she learned she was safe with him.
Daniel was something else! He was witty, and sarcastic, but could be tender, and sweet! He was also a fierce protector, solid and reliable. I liked him a whole lot! There is just something about a military man, a weakness of mine from way back, and probably why I married one;) I enjoyed hearing him talk about his home in Texas, and that his favorite beer was Shiner Bock...gotta love a cold Shiner! I enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to reading about he next couple in this series.
The first part of this book was hard to read, it’s darker than the last set in this series, and might be a trigger to some. Also the angst climbed up several notches for me, in this one! There were a few times I felt myself holding my breath not knowing what would come next, and my nerves were on edge!
Regan had metal & moxie for days in this story!! I empathized with her, but most of all I respected her resilience. Even when she clung to Daniel for dear life, she never gave up, and showed strength even through her tears! Their connection was powerful almost from the start, especially once she learned she was safe with him.
Daniel was something else! He was witty, and sarcastic, but could be tender, and sweet! He was also a fierce protector, solid and reliable. I liked him a whole lot! There is just something about a military man, a weakness of mine from way back, and probably why I married one;) I enjoyed hearing him talk about his home in Texas, and that his favorite beer was Shiner Bock...gotta love a cold Shiner! I enjoyed this book, and am looking forward to reading about he next couple in this series.
May 20, 2017
Last Breath es el segundo libro de la serie Hitman creada por Jessica Clare y Jen Frederick y tiene como protagonistas a Daniel y Regan, personajes secundarios en el primer libro ( Last Hit ).
Cuando inicie la lectura del primer libro no sabia muy bien que esperar, lei algunas reseñas pero ninguna demasiado extensa, asi que cuando lo termine lo hice bastante sorprendida, nunca me imagine que detras de la sinopsis de Last Hit, ( que era muy simple ) me encontraria una novela tan bien llevada y muy interesante, pero cuando llegue al final supe que era cuestion de dias que yo leyera la segunda parte, no solo porque la primera parte tiene un final de infarto sino tambien porque me moria de ganas de leer mas sobre Daniel, las pocas apariciones que tiene en Last Hit me supieron a poco.
Esta lectura fue todo lo que espere : agil, entretenida, llena de accion ( mucha mas que en la historia de Nick y Daisy ) y a mi modo de ver con una pareja protagonista con mas caracter, Regan y Daniel eran mas complejos y profundos que la pareja anterior.
Last Breath me gusto un poco mas que su antecesor pero lo que si tengo claro es que estos protagonistas fueron muuuy superiores.
Muy recomendable!
4 Estrellas!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 536 reviews