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Nightfall Syndicate #2
Shadowed Hearts: Frost
He keeps his world controlled, calculated, untouchable. She walked in and set it on fire… then dared him to enjoy the burn.
I don’t chase. I track, I eliminate threats, and I stay three steps ahead.
Tracking a hacker should’ve been routine. Vanessa Reyes is anything but. She found me first, met me head-on, and turned my surveillance mission into a game I wasn’t prepared to play. She’s an enigma wrapped in code, slipping through my fingers just when I think I’ve got a grip.
And when I get my hands on her… it’s a whole new kind of problem. She’s a walking disaster—reckless, impulsive, impossible to predict. But the second I pressed her up against a wall, all that chaos turned into something else. Something sharp. Something addictive.
She’s unraveling everything I thought I knew about control. And I can’t decide what’s more dangerous—letting her go or keeping her for myself.
Imagine Zero Dark Thirty but steamier, The Mindfck Series but the sniper’s the one losing control, and The Bodyguard but with rope, code, and a whole lot of obsession.
In a world where mercenaries thrive in the shadows, love is the deadliest risk of all. Boundaries blur, alliances shatter, and protection turns possessive. The men of the Nightfall Syndicate will break your heart... and make you beg for more. Don't wait, scroll up and one-click now!
Dark themes, cursing, graphic violence, bondage elements, dom/sub dynamics, possessive behavior, and a fight against trafficking. Similar triggers to Haunting Adeline and The Ritual.
I don’t chase. I track, I eliminate threats, and I stay three steps ahead.
Tracking a hacker should’ve been routine. Vanessa Reyes is anything but. She found me first, met me head-on, and turned my surveillance mission into a game I wasn’t prepared to play. She’s an enigma wrapped in code, slipping through my fingers just when I think I’ve got a grip.
And when I get my hands on her… it’s a whole new kind of problem. She’s a walking disaster—reckless, impulsive, impossible to predict. But the second I pressed her up against a wall, all that chaos turned into something else. Something sharp. Something addictive.
She’s unraveling everything I thought I knew about control. And I can’t decide what’s more dangerous—letting her go or keeping her for myself.
Imagine Zero Dark Thirty but steamier, The Mindfck Series but the sniper’s the one losing control, and The Bodyguard but with rope, code, and a whole lot of obsession.
In a world where mercenaries thrive in the shadows, love is the deadliest risk of all. Boundaries blur, alliances shatter, and protection turns possessive. The men of the Nightfall Syndicate will break your heart... and make you beg for more. Don't wait, scroll up and one-click now!
Dark themes, cursing, graphic violence, bondage elements, dom/sub dynamics, possessive behavior, and a fight against trafficking. Similar triggers to Haunting Adeline and The Ritual.
502 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 30, 2025
742 people are currently reading
801 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
July 5, 2025
What happens when the control of OCD meets the chaos of ADHD? You get sniper Asher "Frost" Cross and Vanessa Reyes. Frost is the sniper (among other things) for a special elite team called the Nightfall Syndicate. While chasing down a network of human traffickers (continued storyline from Shadowed Vows Ghost), he runs into Vanessa. It turns out she is tracking the digital footprint of the same human trafficking network. They team up, her with the forensic computer brain and him with the team and resources at his disposal. Their ways of doing things butt heads and frustrate each other until they realize that they are each others strengths and weakness. She sees things in patterns, while he sees things as controlled variables. They end up making it work. It was a great book and I can't wait to read the next one to continue the story.
July 4, 2025
I definitely liked this story more than Ghost/Alina but it wasn’t everything I ever hoped for. It was pretty repetitive throughout and not in a way that was necessary to stay on plot. Also, the story seemed to skip key parts that weren’t even attempted to be explained, which contrasted even higher when pitted against the unnecessary repetitions.
July 10, 2025
He keeps his world controlled, calculated, and untouchable. She walked in and set it on fire… then dared him to enjoy the burn.
I don’t chase. I track, I eliminate threats, and I stay three steps ahead.
Tracking a hacker should’ve been routine. Vanessa Reyes is anything but. She found me first, met me head-on, and turned my surveillance mission into a game I wasn’t prepared to play. She’s an enigma wrapped in code, slipping through my fingers just when I think I’ve got a grip.
And when I do get my hands on her… It’s a whole new kind of problem. She’s a walking disaster—reckless, impulsive, impossible to predict. But the second I pressed her up against a wall, all that chaos turned into something else. Something sharp. Something addictive.
She’s unraveling everything I thought I knew about control. And I can’t decide what’s more dangerous—letting her go or keeping her for myself.
This contemporary dark protector romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is engulfed by darkness, danger, violence, and grit, and characters that are an alpha protector male exuding power, dark, dangerous, violent, ruthless, morally grey, sassy, resilient heroines, obsessive, possessive, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling, in a world where mercenaries thrive in the shadows, love is the deadliest risk of all, boundaries blur, alliances shatter, and protection turns possessive. Themen of the Nightfall Syndicate will break readers' hearts...and leave them begging for more, with shadowed hearts: Frost, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless as well, kidnapping/abduction, a fight against trafficking, a happily ever after, drama, heartfelt emotions, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with shadowed hearts: Frost and explicit romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly lustful, dangerous, and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I don’t chase. I track, I eliminate threats, and I stay three steps ahead.
Tracking a hacker should’ve been routine. Vanessa Reyes is anything but. She found me first, met me head-on, and turned my surveillance mission into a game I wasn’t prepared to play. She’s an enigma wrapped in code, slipping through my fingers just when I think I’ve got a grip.
And when I do get my hands on her… It’s a whole new kind of problem. She’s a walking disaster—reckless, impulsive, impossible to predict. But the second I pressed her up against a wall, all that chaos turned into something else. Something sharp. Something addictive.
She’s unraveling everything I thought I knew about control. And I can’t decide what’s more dangerous—letting her go or keeping her for myself.
This contemporary dark protector romance is page-turning with exceptional world-building that is engulfed by darkness, danger, violence, and grit, and characters that are an alpha protector male exuding power, dark, dangerous, violent, ruthless, morally grey, sassy, resilient heroines, obsessive, possessive, captivating, and realistic. Their journey is enthralling, in a world where mercenaries thrive in the shadows, love is the deadliest risk of all, boundaries blur, alliances shatter, and protection turns possessive. Themen of the Nightfall Syndicate will break readers' hearts...and leave them begging for more, with shadowed hearts: Frost, explicit romance that is consumed by steamy, sizzling passion, lust, desire, and spice with all the feelings to leave readers breathless as well, kidnapping/abduction, a fight against trafficking, a happily ever after, drama, heartfelt emotions, action, adventure, and more. I recommend reading this book by an extraordinary author who knows how to captivate her readers' hearts and attention with shadowed hearts: Frost and explicit romance that is sure to transport readers into a world that is wildly lustful, dangerous, and unforgettable.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2025
Frost is calculating; everything has a purpose, a place to exact degree or measurement. Vanessa, chaos in its rawest form that comes crashing into his sterilized controlled environment sending his world spiraling and tumbling out of control.
This book is fast paced, military x computer genius romance, unexpected romance/instant attraction and so addictive. You'll experience a perfectly curated world within this story that makes you feel like you're actually an operative and just as calculating or you'll find yourself completely immersed and uncontrolled in the technology of it all like Vanessa. This story is beautiful and about breaking barriers, protecting the ones you love (especially those unexpected) and found family, family beyond blood but shared danger and damage.
Frost and Vanessa fight attraction to each other while fighting a enemy they can only catch through calculations and a girl's best friend - her computer. Their goal the same - bring down the destructive operation that has claimed lives and ruins what's left of those left behind. What wasn't planned was the way they fell hard and fast and that the objective changed from functioning alone, to being unable to operate without his anchor. Frost is the only person able to quiet her mind and she's the only person able to break his internal protocol.
If you love analytical, technology/hacker and military aspects to a spicy romance then this is for you!
Also bonus points for bringing awareness to disorders such as trauma, OCD and ADHD and making it a super power rather than something to fear or "fix".
Thank you Emery for allowing me to read this for you for an honest review. I loved it and look forward to the rest of your work.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This book is fast paced, military x computer genius romance, unexpected romance/instant attraction and so addictive. You'll experience a perfectly curated world within this story that makes you feel like you're actually an operative and just as calculating or you'll find yourself completely immersed and uncontrolled in the technology of it all like Vanessa. This story is beautiful and about breaking barriers, protecting the ones you love (especially those unexpected) and found family, family beyond blood but shared danger and damage.
Frost and Vanessa fight attraction to each other while fighting a enemy they can only catch through calculations and a girl's best friend - her computer. Their goal the same - bring down the destructive operation that has claimed lives and ruins what's left of those left behind. What wasn't planned was the way they fell hard and fast and that the objective changed from functioning alone, to being unable to operate without his anchor. Frost is the only person able to quiet her mind and she's the only person able to break his internal protocol.
If you love analytical, technology/hacker and military aspects to a spicy romance then this is for you!
Also bonus points for bringing awareness to disorders such as trauma, OCD and ADHD and making it a super power rather than something to fear or "fix".
Thank you Emery for allowing me to read this for you for an honest review. I loved it and look forward to the rest of your work.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2025
Ahh book 2 was sooo goooddd!! lol I loved the 2nd book in the series just as much as I loved book 1. So many details that were explained perfectly to the reader all the IT verbiage, and the multiple different cultures and their respected languages. But the story was exactly what I thought it would be, Vanessa melts Asher’s iron clad exterior. But I felt like the most important part of their story was remembering that not everyone and not every relationship has the same love language or the same ways to communicate … so how Vanessa learns Asher‘s love language throughout the story was also really special.
PS- please tell me Jax is book 3 lol he’s so funny!!
Favorite quote: "Is that good or terrifying?" I attempt a joke, but my voice betrays genuine concern. Alina takes a thoughtful sip, her eyes assessing me over the rim. "Both. Men like ours, they do nothing halfway. Love, protection, or obsession, the lines blur." She touches my arm gently. "Just know what you're walking into. These men don't just love. They consume."
PS- please tell me Jax is book 3 lol he’s so funny!!
Favorite quote: "Is that good or terrifying?" I attempt a joke, but my voice betrays genuine concern. Alina takes a thoughtful sip, her eyes assessing me over the rim. "Both. Men like ours, they do nothing halfway. Love, protection, or obsession, the lines blur." She touches my arm gently. "Just know what you're walking into. These men don't just love. They consume."
July 2, 2025
4 ⭐️ 3 🌶️
Huge thank you to Emery for providing me with a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!!
"Life without you is inferior to life with you, regardless of the disorder."
I really enjoyed this book!! All of the suspense and action and questions had me hooked 6% of the way into the book; I think the only issue I had was that I feel like the book ended a bit abruptly but other than that it was great 😊
Shadowed Hearts: Frost is full of action and there’s never a dull moment between Vanessa (Echo,) the ADHD driven “hactivist” with a penchant for hacking her way into places she shouldn’t be and Asher (Frost,) the emotionally stunted “security consultant” who abhors change and loves to take control!
The way these two meet isn’t exactly ideal, when Vanessa dives a little too far into her research while trying to track down a trafficking ring and ends up under the protection of Asher and is taken to his home. Things heat up as these two once they realize they’re working towards the same thing, and and Vanessa teams up with Asher and his team to work on taking down the same trafficking ring.
Huge thank you to Emery for providing me with a review copy of this book in exchange for an honest review!!
"Life without you is inferior to life with you, regardless of the disorder."
I really enjoyed this book!! All of the suspense and action and questions had me hooked 6% of the way into the book; I think the only issue I had was that I feel like the book ended a bit abruptly but other than that it was great 😊
Shadowed Hearts: Frost is full of action and there’s never a dull moment between Vanessa (Echo,) the ADHD driven “hactivist” with a penchant for hacking her way into places she shouldn’t be and Asher (Frost,) the emotionally stunted “security consultant” who abhors change and loves to take control!
The way these two meet isn’t exactly ideal, when Vanessa dives a little too far into her research while trying to track down a trafficking ring and ends up under the protection of Asher and is taken to his home. Things heat up as these two once they realize they’re working towards the same thing, and and Vanessa teams up with Asher and his team to work on taking down the same trafficking ring.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2025
It's a great second story in the series Nightfall Syndicate.
It's about 'Frost' Asher and 'Echo' Vanessa. He is part of the secret opp group where 'Ghost' is leader (his story is the first book in the series).
They are following leads from some shady bussiness.
Now there's a hacker with the name Echo and they are hacked by 'him' or so they think.
Vanessa is a big hacker named 'Echo', working as a barista. That's where they meet, at her working place. He didn't know she was luring him in.
She is all chaos and ADHD and he is the opposite, in total controll, everything has his place and don't think you can walch in and create havoc. Well she just did, and he let her...
A lot of sparks, submitting and letting go of all control just to silence all the noise!
Very, very hot scenes.
A great second story, can't wait for the next!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
It's about 'Frost' Asher and 'Echo' Vanessa. He is part of the secret opp group where 'Ghost' is leader (his story is the first book in the series).
They are following leads from some shady bussiness.
Now there's a hacker with the name Echo and they are hacked by 'him' or so they think.
Vanessa is a big hacker named 'Echo', working as a barista. That's where they meet, at her working place. He didn't know she was luring him in.
She is all chaos and ADHD and he is the opposite, in total controll, everything has his place and don't think you can walch in and create havoc. Well she just did, and he let her...
A lot of sparks, submitting and letting go of all control just to silence all the noise!
Very, very hot scenes.
A great second story, can't wait for the next!
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 8, 2025
Shadowed Hearts: Frost is the second in the Nighfall Series and it’s a great addition to the series, it brings us Asher (Frost) and Vanessa (Echo). Vanessa is a barista and Frost meets her at the cafe where she works, he is there because he is looking for a hacker and they know this hacker frequents the cafe, what he doesn’t know is that the barista Vanessa, is the hacker Echo. The chemistry between them is electric and it never should work with them being totally opposite of each other, Frost is in total control and everything in its place as opposed to Echo’s recklessness, impulsiveness and impossible to predict.
The developing of the relationship between Frost and Echo was captivating, entertaining and kept me riveted to the pages until the very end.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book via BookSprout and I am writing this review voluntarily
The developing of the relationship between Frost and Echo was captivating, entertaining and kept me riveted to the pages until the very end.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book via BookSprout and I am writing this review voluntarily
July 10, 2025
ADHD chaos meets stoic calculation in a whirlwind that reads like an episode of Criminal Minds or SVU. I was hooked almost instantly and I related to Vanessa, and loved Asher. This is book 2 of the nightfall syndicate, but can easily be read as a standalone.
The only reason I couldn’t do 5/5 was that the technical/military language was sometimes over my head, but it didn’t detract from the story.
I am an absolute sucker for a nickname trope, so this checked that box!
Favorite quote: “I’ve calculated every risk, every variable in my life. But you, you make me forget the entire equation.”
The only reason I couldn’t do 5/5 was that the technical/military language was sometimes over my head, but it didn’t detract from the story.
I am an absolute sucker for a nickname trope, so this checked that box!
Favorite quote: “I’ve calculated every risk, every variable in my life. But you, you make me forget the entire equation.”
July 3, 2025
An intriguing start to the book that had me invested right away. Echo was a skilled hacker and she just played with Asher until his company took the bait. A full on action packed tale about trafficking. I also loved the lighter moments between Asher and Vanessa when she was in his kitchen rearranging his carefully organised kitchen. Their steamy romance takes apace alongside the mission and it’s a tense operation both professionally and personally.
I felt the story covering Vanessa was well written explaining her thought patterns and how she worked with ADHD, there were a few anxious times for her and my heart was in my mouth with how Asher was coping.
An excellent and enjoyable book to read, definitely recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I felt the story covering Vanessa was well written explaining her thought patterns and how she worked with ADHD, there were a few anxious times for her and my heart was in my mouth with how Asher was coping.
An excellent and enjoyable book to read, definitely recommended.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2025
Icy Control and Brilliant Chaos
A stand-alone special ops romance with a underlying crime in the series. A sniper used to control everything around him, Asher doesn’t know what to think of the crazy barista with pink in her long, dark hair. A brilliant ADHD hacker used to losing herself in multitasking code, Vanessa is intrigued by everything Asher stands for. A cat-and-mouse game before they realize that they are both chasing the same criminals. Alternating hot and cold in his behavior towards her, the fire is always smoldering. The story is very engaging and takes the reader for a thrilling ride. Even when there are a few gaps and some loose ends. Loved it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
A stand-alone special ops romance with a underlying crime in the series. A sniper used to control everything around him, Asher doesn’t know what to think of the crazy barista with pink in her long, dark hair. A brilliant ADHD hacker used to losing herself in multitasking code, Vanessa is intrigued by everything Asher stands for. A cat-and-mouse game before they realize that they are both chasing the same criminals. Alternating hot and cold in his behavior towards her, the fire is always smoldering. The story is very engaging and takes the reader for a thrilling ride. Even when there are a few gaps and some loose ends. Loved it!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 14, 2025
Vanessa is a master hacker who finds focus when overwhelmed by symptoms of ADHD in the chaos of focusing on her computer hacking skills and learning patterns.
Asher Cross, Frost, is a former military sniper working with other former military personnel who finds peace in extreme order and precision.
Vanessa is investigating the death of her friend Jenny which is a continued story line from Shadowed Vows: Ghost when she encounters Asher and begins to use her skills to learn more about him while trying to learn more and follow the trail of the human trafficking which is the underlying story between books one and two.
I loved how Vanessa is portrayed as competent and one to contribute to the team even though she is an outsider to the organization Frost is part of. I also love how Vanessa is a strong female main character.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thank you for the arc copy.
Asher Cross, Frost, is a former military sniper working with other former military personnel who finds peace in extreme order and precision.
Vanessa is investigating the death of her friend Jenny which is a continued story line from Shadowed Vows: Ghost when she encounters Asher and begins to use her skills to learn more about him while trying to learn more and follow the trail of the human trafficking which is the underlying story between books one and two.
I loved how Vanessa is portrayed as competent and one to contribute to the team even though she is an outsider to the organization Frost is part of. I also love how Vanessa is a strong female main character.
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thank you for the arc copy.
July 15, 2025
I really loved this story with possessive mmc and an independent fmc. The story line kept me engaged and the characters were fun to meet. The family dinner scenes were probably some of my favorites! I will definitely be seeking out the rest of this series.
Here are some of my favorite quotes!
“"what exactly are your intentions with our Nessa?" Vanessa chokes on her water. "Tita! We just—" "I intend to keep her," I say simply, accepting the bowl and serving myself. "Keep her?" Mr. Reyes raises an eyebrow from the head of the table. "Yes, sir. Permanently."”
“He's holding me like he wants to pull me inside his chest where nothing can hurt me. Like he's claiming me as his to protect.”
“"I'm saying she made me better." The admission comes out without hesitation.”
Here are some of my favorite quotes!
“"what exactly are your intentions with our Nessa?" Vanessa chokes on her water. "Tita! We just—" "I intend to keep her," I say simply, accepting the bowl and serving myself. "Keep her?" Mr. Reyes raises an eyebrow from the head of the table. "Yes, sir. Permanently."”
“He's holding me like he wants to pull me inside his chest where nothing can hurt me. Like he's claiming me as his to protect.”
“"I'm saying she made me better." The admission comes out without hesitation.”
July 6, 2025
ARC review!
First off I'd love to thank the author for allowing me the opportunity to be a recipient for an ARC, I throughly enjoyed this book. The MMC & MFC are the most perfect, opposites in certain aspects, together and apart. The guessing game, getting to a part that reveals something you truly didn't expect, the list goes on, but, most importantly, you MUST add to this your TBR and calendar for release date! 20/10 recommend 😍
First off I'd love to thank the author for allowing me the opportunity to be a recipient for an ARC, I throughly enjoyed this book. The MMC & MFC are the most perfect, opposites in certain aspects, together and apart. The guessing game, getting to a part that reveals something you truly didn't expect, the list goes on, but, most importantly, you MUST add to this your TBR and calendar for release date! 20/10 recommend 😍
July 8, 2025
Such great writing! It draws you in then leaves you hanging! So happy Asher/Frost pulled his head out his butt at the end! It was definitely an emotional roller-coaster. Vanessa was definitely a trooper through the whole book between Asher being emotionally stunted and what happens to her. Seeing Asher lose his carefully crafted control was a chaotic mess that turned out beautifully. I can't wait to read Nitro's story next!
October 14, 2025
If I could give it less I would
This book was all over the place. The hacking sounded like complete nonsense. Scenes felt like they’d been written then moved around giving characters odd behaviour and then it just ended. All in all the only reason I finished it was because I don’t like to dnf.
This book was all over the place. The hacking sounded like complete nonsense. Scenes felt like they’d been written then moved around giving characters odd behaviour and then it just ended. All in all the only reason I finished it was because I don’t like to dnf.
July 2, 2025
Magnificently rich storytelling with grit.
As the second book in this series, it continues the mystery of the Team’s quest to stop a human trafficking ring while focusing on a different team member; this story follows emotionally distant Asher, call-sign Frost, and the hacking genius, Echo, who turns Asher’s tactical boundaries inside-out. The heat level and stakes rise in this sequel, and so does the pace. Fantastic characters and relationships. I highly recommend this book, and I can’t wait to see what comes next in this brilliant, intriguing series.
I received a free advanced review copy for free and leave this review voluntarily.
As the second book in this series, it continues the mystery of the Team’s quest to stop a human trafficking ring while focusing on a different team member; this story follows emotionally distant Asher, call-sign Frost, and the hacking genius, Echo, who turns Asher’s tactical boundaries inside-out. The heat level and stakes rise in this sequel, and so does the pace. Fantastic characters and relationships. I highly recommend this book, and I can’t wait to see what comes next in this brilliant, intriguing series.
I received a free advanced review copy for free and leave this review voluntarily.
July 15, 2025
OCD army man meets ADHD hacker. She lives to disturb his existence without even knowing completely, but then she picks up on his tendencies. He has trauma and she likes to take risk. Overall the book was good. I gave it four stars because of the repetitiveness at some points.
July 13, 2025
absolutely could not put this book down i was trapped within the story itself. i would die to have more of asher and vanessa
October 25, 2025
My review of the first book in this series mentioned how the author is obsessed with the word 'tactical'. Well this book takes it to another level. I don't know why this is bothering me so much, but it's enough for me not to finish this series, because it's just become laughable at this point. To the point where I had to make a list...
tactical advantage
tactical approach
tactical aspects
tactical assessment
tactical assignments
tactical attention
tactical awareness
Tactical Beauty Monthly
tactical boots
tactical boots
tactical capacity
tactical coffee mug
tactical considerations
tactical conviction
tactical decisions
tactical delay
tactical details
tactical disadvantage
tactical displays
tactical distance
tactical distance
tactical equipment
tactical failing
tactical first aid kit
tactical focus
tactical gear
Tactical Gear magazine
tactical implications
tactical information
tactical intelligence
tactical knife
tactical language
tactical liabilities
tactical maneuvering
tactical manual
tactical mask
tactical mind
tactical MREs
tactical necessity
tactical nightmare
tactical planning
tactical precision
tactical professionals
tactical reasoning
tactical room
tactical shirt
tactical shoulder rig
tactical situation
tactical solutions
tactical strike
tactical SUV
tactical tarp
tactical thinking
tactical turtleneck
tactical vest
tactical watch
tactical way
tactical weakness
Can someone please explain what a tactical coffee mug is?
Anyway, this had another trope that drives me nuts and that's when the FMC, fully aware of the MMC's trauma about losing a loved one, goes off and does something stupid that puts her life at risk. A seemingly intelligent woman doing something so stupid that she risks everything.
I did like the general storyline, and if you do decide to read this, I would definitely recommend reading Ghost first, as it would appear an overarching story will be thread through the series, but with different couples.
tactical advantage
tactical approach
tactical aspects
tactical assessment
tactical assignments
tactical attention
tactical awareness
Tactical Beauty Monthly
tactical boots
tactical boots
tactical capacity
tactical coffee mug
tactical considerations
tactical conviction
tactical decisions
tactical delay
tactical details
tactical disadvantage
tactical displays
tactical distance
tactical distance
tactical equipment
tactical failing
tactical first aid kit
tactical focus
tactical gear
Tactical Gear magazine
tactical implications
tactical information
tactical intelligence
tactical knife
tactical language
tactical liabilities
tactical maneuvering
tactical manual
tactical mask
tactical mind
tactical MREs
tactical necessity
tactical nightmare
tactical planning
tactical precision
tactical professionals
tactical reasoning
tactical room
tactical shirt
tactical shoulder rig
tactical situation
tactical solutions
tactical strike
tactical SUV
tactical tarp
tactical thinking
tactical turtleneck
tactical vest
tactical watch
tactical way
tactical weakness
Can someone please explain what a tactical coffee mug is?
Anyway, this had another trope that drives me nuts and that's when the FMC, fully aware of the MMC's trauma about losing a loved one, goes off and does something stupid that puts her life at risk. A seemingly intelligent woman doing something so stupid that she risks everything.
I did like the general storyline, and if you do decide to read this, I would definitely recommend reading Ghost first, as it would appear an overarching story will be thread through the series, but with different couples.
September 3, 2025
Every time I got hooked in, something threw me into confusion
Let's start with the pros - I really kinda love Vanessa and Asher. They're both interesting and good-hearted main characters, fitting decently well together and working their roles perfectly. I like the general premise - small setup hacktivist pulled into a large security/covert ops conglomerate. I LOVE Xander in his chaos glory and Miguel, the perfect big brother.
I hate the spicy aspect of Asher and Nessa's relationship, specifically the total left field sub acceptance. It just didn't work for me because the first instance felt incongruous, like the author picked a kink from a hat and dropped it in, and then it became their only mode.
I hate the name mishmash; we get it, they have call signs on top of their legal names but it became a bit of a shell game and got messy in complex action periods. For example, Remy goes into the gala with her (call sign saint) then somehow he's on the helicopter headed to pick her up.... From the gala he attended with her. I re-read it and still can't figure out what was going on in that mess.
I hate the fact that Maya, her best friend just drops off the face of the earth as soon as Nessa meets Kade's wife/gf, as though we cannot have more than one female side character with any value to the heroic parts of the story.
I hate Jax. His intense need to piss off Archer just makes him punchable.
I hate the masked man in a FANCY POSH CROWDED GALA. Who the hell pays charity money per plate and doesn't get a bit panicky when some dude shows up in a mask to the gala which is not a masquerade?
Let's start with the pros - I really kinda love Vanessa and Asher. They're both interesting and good-hearted main characters, fitting decently well together and working their roles perfectly. I like the general premise - small setup hacktivist pulled into a large security/covert ops conglomerate. I LOVE Xander in his chaos glory and Miguel, the perfect big brother.
I hate the spicy aspect of Asher and Nessa's relationship, specifically the total left field sub acceptance. It just didn't work for me because the first instance felt incongruous, like the author picked a kink from a hat and dropped it in, and then it became their only mode.
I hate the name mishmash; we get it, they have call signs on top of their legal names but it became a bit of a shell game and got messy in complex action periods. For example, Remy goes into the gala with her (call sign saint) then somehow he's on the helicopter headed to pick her up.... From the gala he attended with her. I re-read it and still can't figure out what was going on in that mess.
I hate the fact that Maya, her best friend just drops off the face of the earth as soon as Nessa meets Kade's wife/gf, as though we cannot have more than one female side character with any value to the heroic parts of the story.
I hate Jax. His intense need to piss off Archer just makes him punchable.
I hate the masked man in a FANCY POSH CROWDED GALA. Who the hell pays charity money per plate and doesn't get a bit panicky when some dude shows up in a mask to the gala which is not a masquerade?
July 6, 2025
Asher has always kept his world controlled, calculated, and untouchable. Then Vanessa walked into it and set everything on fire...then she dared him to enjoy the burn. Asher doesn't chase anyone or anything. He tracks, he eliminates any and all threats, and he's always three steps ahead.
Asher knows that tracking a hacker should be routine. But, Vanessa Reyes is anything but routine. Vanessa had found Asher first, ready to meet him head-on, and she turned his surveillance mission into her own little game he was never ready to play. She was an enigma who was wrapped up in code, and she would slip through Asher's fingers just when he would think he'd got a grip on her.
And when Asher finally gets his hands on her...that's an entirely new set of problems for Asher. Vanessa is a complete walking disaster – she's reckless, impulsive, and impossible to predict. Then Asher has her pressed up against a wall, and suddenly all that chaos that's been surrounding them, turns into something else. It turns into something sharp. Something very addictive.
Vanessa manages to unravel everything Asher thought he knew about control. And he can't manage to decide what's more dangerous to him – letting her go or keeping her for himself.
Imagine Zero Dark Thirty but steamier, The Mindfck Series but the sniper’s the one losing control, and The Bodyguard but with rope, code, and a whole lot of obsession.
In a world where mercenaries thrive in the shadows, love is the deadliest risk of all. Boundaries blur, alliances shatter, and protection turns possessive. The men of the Nightfall Syndicate will break your heart... and make you beg for more. Don't wait, scroll up and one-click now!
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and consider the trigger warnings and take them seriously. Some themes and triggers could be harmful to your mental health and be triggering to some readers. Please always remember that your mental health always comes first at all times.
Frost Shadowed Hearts by Emery Rowan is the 2nd book of this series. I loved this book and I enjoy reading anything and everything by Emery Rowan. This book is magnificently written with rich storytelling and has such grit. I love the way that boundaries blur at times, alliances are seen to shatter, and protection turns possessive. I just love the way this story played out and I can't wait to see how this series continues to play out.
Frost: Shadowed Hearts continues the mystery that the team has been following. They have been on a quest to shut down a human trafficking ring. This story follows our emotionally distant MMC Asher whose call sign is Frost. It also happens to focus on the hacking genius, Echo, who turns around and turns Asher's personal and tactical boundaries inside-out.
Asher (Frost) is on the hunt for a hacker and he doesn't think it should be this hard, it should just be another routine search. But, this hacker is ready to meet him head-on. He learns her call is Echo and she pulls him into her game, but he was never ready to play her game. To Asher, she is an enigma wrapped up in a code and she manages to slip through his fingers time and time again.
Asher finally catches up to Echo whose real name he learns is Vanessa and in catching her, he finds he is in a new set of problems. Vanessa is nothing but a walking disaster – he finds her to be reckless, impulsive, and completely impossible to predict. And when Asher catches her up against a wall, everything suddenly changes.
Vanessa gets into Asher's head and manages to unravel everything that Asher had thought he knew all about control. And now he can't decide what's more dangerous to him – to let her go or keep her with him for himself.
Emery has raised the stakes and the spice in this 2nd book and she upped the pacing as well. I fell in love with all of the characters that we got to meet in this book and the old character's that we got to be reunited with. And the relationships that were built, were just stunning.
I can't recommend this book enough. I can't wait to get my hands on book 3 and find out what happens next. This is such a brilliant and intriguing series that has me enthralled. I have to also recommend Emery Rowan as an author as well. She is brilliant talented and ever so creative.
Asher knows that tracking a hacker should be routine. But, Vanessa Reyes is anything but routine. Vanessa had found Asher first, ready to meet him head-on, and she turned his surveillance mission into her own little game he was never ready to play. She was an enigma who was wrapped up in code, and she would slip through Asher's fingers just when he would think he'd got a grip on her.
And when Asher finally gets his hands on her...that's an entirely new set of problems for Asher. Vanessa is a complete walking disaster – she's reckless, impulsive, and impossible to predict. Then Asher has her pressed up against a wall, and suddenly all that chaos that's been surrounding them, turns into something else. It turns into something sharp. Something very addictive.
Vanessa manages to unravel everything Asher thought he knew about control. And he can't manage to decide what's more dangerous to him – letting her go or keeping her for himself.
Imagine Zero Dark Thirty but steamier, The Mindfck Series but the sniper’s the one losing control, and The Bodyguard but with rope, code, and a whole lot of obsession.
In a world where mercenaries thrive in the shadows, love is the deadliest risk of all. Boundaries blur, alliances shatter, and protection turns possessive. The men of the Nightfall Syndicate will break your heart... and make you beg for more. Don't wait, scroll up and one-click now!
YOU'RE MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS!!! Please read and consider the trigger warnings and take them seriously. Some themes and triggers could be harmful to your mental health and be triggering to some readers. Please always remember that your mental health always comes first at all times.
Frost Shadowed Hearts by Emery Rowan is the 2nd book of this series. I loved this book and I enjoy reading anything and everything by Emery Rowan. This book is magnificently written with rich storytelling and has such grit. I love the way that boundaries blur at times, alliances are seen to shatter, and protection turns possessive. I just love the way this story played out and I can't wait to see how this series continues to play out.
Frost: Shadowed Hearts continues the mystery that the team has been following. They have been on a quest to shut down a human trafficking ring. This story follows our emotionally distant MMC Asher whose call sign is Frost. It also happens to focus on the hacking genius, Echo, who turns around and turns Asher's personal and tactical boundaries inside-out.
Asher (Frost) is on the hunt for a hacker and he doesn't think it should be this hard, it should just be another routine search. But, this hacker is ready to meet him head-on. He learns her call is Echo and she pulls him into her game, but he was never ready to play her game. To Asher, she is an enigma wrapped up in a code and she manages to slip through his fingers time and time again.
Asher finally catches up to Echo whose real name he learns is Vanessa and in catching her, he finds he is in a new set of problems. Vanessa is nothing but a walking disaster – he finds her to be reckless, impulsive, and completely impossible to predict. And when Asher catches her up against a wall, everything suddenly changes.
Vanessa gets into Asher's head and manages to unravel everything that Asher had thought he knew all about control. And now he can't decide what's more dangerous to him – to let her go or keep her with him for himself.
Emery has raised the stakes and the spice in this 2nd book and she upped the pacing as well. I fell in love with all of the characters that we got to meet in this book and the old character's that we got to be reunited with. And the relationships that were built, were just stunning.
I can't recommend this book enough. I can't wait to get my hands on book 3 and find out what happens next. This is such a brilliant and intriguing series that has me enthralled. I have to also recommend Emery Rowan as an author as well. She is brilliant talented and ever so creative.
July 25, 2025
Shadow Mercenaries with moral codes
A page-turning action packed dark romance, with suspense, danger, violence, fighting against trafficking, abduction, mercenaries, intrigue, steam, some great twists, a touch of humor and a good HEA.
Asher is part of the Nightfall Syndicate team (code name Frost) and works in the shadows with the team (as Ghost, Frost, Reaper, Shadow, Blade, Nitro, Saint, and Chaos). The team are all ex-military, each with their own skill, working with high-tech gear on high-stake missions.
Vanessa is a skilled hacker (Echo) and has been playing with Asher and his team, but always escaping capture. When he catches her though Asher realises he's got a whole new problem due to an undeniable attraction for the hacker. He's calm and controlled while she's just pure chaos and energy (she has some fun reorganising his house). But they need to find a way to work together to get to the truth about trafficking networks.
And the closer they work the more protective Asher becomes.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A page-turning action packed dark romance, with suspense, danger, violence, fighting against trafficking, abduction, mercenaries, intrigue, steam, some great twists, a touch of humor and a good HEA.
Asher is part of the Nightfall Syndicate team (code name Frost) and works in the shadows with the team (as Ghost, Frost, Reaper, Shadow, Blade, Nitro, Saint, and Chaos). The team are all ex-military, each with their own skill, working with high-tech gear on high-stake missions.
Vanessa is a skilled hacker (Echo) and has been playing with Asher and his team, but always escaping capture. When he catches her though Asher realises he's got a whole new problem due to an undeniable attraction for the hacker. He's calm and controlled while she's just pure chaos and energy (she has some fun reorganising his house). But they need to find a way to work together to get to the truth about trafficking networks.
And the closer they work the more protective Asher becomes.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 28, 2025
Vanessa and Asher meet at a coffee shop. They are both suspicious of each other because they each seem a little to trained. The way they sweep the room, how neithers back is to the door, how neither trusts each other like something is up. Neither is technically wrong. When you are on a mission, you follow protocol right?
Asher's job was supposed to be simple. Track the hacker, get the info he needs, then move on. He wasn't expecting Vanessa to be doing the same. He can't seem to look away and she is making him feeling things he wasn't prepared for. Asher is always controlled and calculated so how he finds the chaos that is Vanessa so attractive is beyond him. Vanessa can't help but feel the pull either.
This book had me hooked from the start. The way Asher and Vanessa had instant chemistry, I knew it was going to be spicy. I definitely feel this falls into the thriller category too with how the cards fall. If you like a spicy thriller with some romance, you will really enjoy this book.
Asher's job was supposed to be simple. Track the hacker, get the info he needs, then move on. He wasn't expecting Vanessa to be doing the same. He can't seem to look away and she is making him feeling things he wasn't prepared for. Asher is always controlled and calculated so how he finds the chaos that is Vanessa so attractive is beyond him. Vanessa can't help but feel the pull either.
This book had me hooked from the start. The way Asher and Vanessa had instant chemistry, I knew it was going to be spicy. I definitely feel this falls into the thriller category too with how the cards fall. If you like a spicy thriller with some romance, you will really enjoy this book.
July 5, 2025
This book had me hooked. The tactical realism, the hacking, the dark mission—it was all so smartly written. The MMC is a controlled, emotionally guarded operative, while the FMC—seemingly just a barista—is actually a brilliant underground hacker.
When they end up targeting the same elite human trafficking ring, it’s not just a case of enemies-to-allies—it’s a tense, slow-building connection formed through shared trauma, intelligence, and necessity.
I loved how their dynamic wasn’t insta-love, but full of mistrust, guarded emotion, and hard-earned teamwork. The emotional payoff hit hard.
If you’re into stories where intelligence is sexy, danger is real, and the relationship burns slow and deep, read this. And please mind the TW.
I was gifted this advance copy of this book voluntarily leaving a review.
When they end up targeting the same elite human trafficking ring, it’s not just a case of enemies-to-allies—it’s a tense, slow-building connection formed through shared trauma, intelligence, and necessity.
I loved how their dynamic wasn’t insta-love, but full of mistrust, guarded emotion, and hard-earned teamwork. The emotional payoff hit hard.
If you’re into stories where intelligence is sexy, danger is real, and the relationship burns slow and deep, read this. And please mind the TW.
I was gifted this advance copy of this book voluntarily leaving a review.
July 10, 2025
This was a very interesting read - I would say about 80% tech thriller and 20% spicy romance. The truly unique aspect was the mental health focus - the FMC has ADHD, and the depiction of the noise in her head is very relatable.
The BDSM in the spicy scenes is very well done, and again, its use to quiet the chaos for the FMC is very relatable in a unique way. While I've seen other well-done BDSM scenes that help explain what the play does for the MCs, this is the first time I've seen it specifically in the context of ADHD, and it's refreshing to see. The benefit of the play for the MMC is shown too, but his battle with regimented control muddies this a bit - I feel like it's much less unique to show an MMC who can't balance his need for control with his dominance, and I almost wish it was less of a battle for him.
Thanks to the ARC team for an advance copy of this book!
The BDSM in the spicy scenes is very well done, and again, its use to quiet the chaos for the FMC is very relatable in a unique way. While I've seen other well-done BDSM scenes that help explain what the play does for the MCs, this is the first time I've seen it specifically in the context of ADHD, and it's refreshing to see. The benefit of the play for the MMC is shown too, but his battle with regimented control muddies this a bit - I feel like it's much less unique to show an MMC who can't balance his need for control with his dominance, and I almost wish it was less of a battle for him.
Thanks to the ARC team for an advance copy of this book!
July 6, 2025
I really got into this story, the characters and the way they interacted with each other was so good, i couldnt put the book down.
One is the picture is calm and controlled, the other is chaos energy. They shouldn't work but they do.
Frost, everything to him is details and calculations, evacuation points and protecting everyone on his team.
Vanessa, is a hacker on a mission to get the truth one or another.
When the two characters collide chemistry is made and im here for it.
When Vanessa was hurt, I could feel Ashers pain through the pages. 😭😭
I can't wait to read the next story in the series.
One is the picture is calm and controlled, the other is chaos energy. They shouldn't work but they do.
Frost, everything to him is details and calculations, evacuation points and protecting everyone on his team.
Vanessa, is a hacker on a mission to get the truth one or another.
When the two characters collide chemistry is made and im here for it.
When Vanessa was hurt, I could feel Ashers pain through the pages. 😭😭
I can't wait to read the next story in the series.
August 2, 2025
This book was tougher to read than the first one. I still enjoyed the action and the romance but there was so much technical jargon and hacking systems with rabbit holes that I had to skim because it was too hard to follow. And because I couldn't follow a lot of the technical "hacking" I felt like there were holes in the story. It also made the story feel long because there was SO much "data" to parse.
What this book did really will was show how Vanessa feels and deals with her ADHD, anxiety, and trauma. The "chaos" seemed real and factual. As well as Asher's ability to quiet her mind and help her settle.
What this book did really will was show how Vanessa feels and deals with her ADHD, anxiety, and trauma. The "chaos" seemed real and factual. As well as Asher's ability to quiet her mind and help her settle.
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